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09/09/2004 CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING- SEPTEMBER 9,2004 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace was called to order in the Council Chambers, Grand Terrace Civic Center, 22795 Barton Road, Grand Terrace, California, on September 9, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. PRESENT: Herman Hilkey, Mayor Maryetta Ferre, Mayor Pro Tern Lee Ann Garcia, Councilmember Don Larkin, Councilmember Bea Cortes, Councilmember Tom Schwab, City Manager Brenda Stanfill, City Clerk Steve Berry, Assistant City Manager Jerry Glander, Building& Safety Director Gary Koontz, Community Development Director Lt. Hector Guerra, Sheriff's Department Colin Burns, Attorney Ralph Megna, Economic Development Director ABSENT: Larry Ronnow, Finance Director John Harper, City Attorney The City Council meeting was opened with invocation by Pastor John Brunt,Azure Hills Seventh- Day Adventist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -None CONSENT CALENDAR CC-2004-92 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, SECOND BY MAYOR PRO TEM FERRE, CARRIED 5-0, to approve the following consent calendar items: 3A. Approval of Check Registers Dated September 9, 2004 3B. Ratify 09-09-2004 CRA Action 3C. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda 3D. Approval of 08-26-2004 Minutes 3E. Notice of Completion- Combined Roadway Project (EGN) 3F. Request for Temporary Street Closure for Block Party- Tanager Street 3G. Resolution to Participate in the Federal Surplus Property Program Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENT Debbv Welch,22720 De Berry Street, expressed her concern with the increased number of cars and speeding traffic that go up and down DeBerry. She is interested in having the City put in speed humps to slow down the traffic. She provided a list of residents that are interested as well as a map of where they would like the humps. Beverlv Powell. Region Manager for Southern California Edison, 287 Tennessee Street, indicated that she spoke to the Council two weeks ago regarding the Devers Palo Verde Transmission Project and reported that they held the open house in Loma Linda and that a few residents from Grand Terrace came. She stated that the Mayor had asked her at the last meeting if Edison will be working on the towers across from Terrace View Elementary School and the answer is no. She stated that Councilwoman Garcia questioned if Edison will be doing anything about creating a landscaping buffer at the Vista Substation and the answer to that is no. The engineer that is designing the project expects to have six towers removed, however, he doesn't know which ones at this time. Another Councilmember asked about having this information available on the City's website, the project manager stated that the City can put any information that they have published on the website. She stated that the Mayor had questioned the use of Edison right-of-way for trails, she stated that all the City will have to do is submit plans for review. Bill Hays.22114 DeBerry Street,expressed his dissatisfaction of the continual attacks of the Guzmans. He indicated that the Grand Terrace Community awareness Group is having a meet the candidates evening on September 13, 2004. He stated that the Blue Mountain Outlook media committee refused to publish the advertisement of this forum. He feels that the City should find another vehicle to spend tax dollars to inform the citizens of when there are going to be meetings than in the Blue Mountain Outlook until something can be done. Patricia Farlev. 12513 Michigan Street,stated that she is apart ofthe Community Awareness Group and feels that there is a great need for the public to be better informed and involved in what is. going on in the City. Many people feel that they don't have a say in the community and stated that the Community Awareness Group was started to fill the need of those people. She knows a resident that she found to be knowledgeable and that cares a great deal about the City, who is Sharon Abbott. It was her idea and inspiration that got the Community Awareness Group going and she supports this important effort and is trying to help. This important effort should be supported by the leadership in this City. She reported that on Monday,September 13,2004 the Community Awareness Group is having a question and answer meet the candidate meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center on Barton Road. She encouraged everyone to attend. She stated that she was told that Mr.McConnell would not help the Community Awareness Group in any way if the Guzman's were involved in their group in anyway including placing announcements in the Blue Mountain Outlook, which was stated to her and Sharon Abbott. Although she feels that Mrs.Guzman's personal Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 3 which was stated to her and Sharon Abbott. Although she feels that Mrs.Guzman's personal attacks on Mr. McConnell were unfortunate, she feels that no one should be allowed to use the Blue Mountain Outlook for their own agenda nor should they be allowed to withhold information from the community,which the public has the right to know. She feels that Mr. McConnell has mis-used the Blue Mountain Outlook. She feels that Mrs. Guzman's concerns were validated by what Mr.McConnell wrote and supported by a court of law. She feels that City Leaders should stop and contemplate why citizens are frustrated and angry, they have the right to express their views and if they don't want them to say negative things then don't violate their rights. She feels that people should not make personal attacks against others. She feels that no court would support the use of tax payers money on a local paper for someone to use to fulfill their personal agenda at the expense of the rights of the residents of Grand Terrace. It is her personal view that the City can not and that the Chamber of Commerce should not support Mr. McConnell continuing to have anything with the Blue Mountain Outlook. She encourages everyone to hold Mrs.Guzman responsible alone for her actions. Jeff McConnell, 21758 Walnut Avenue, indicated that approximately the first week of August the Editor of the'Blue Mountain Outlook blocked him out of the Editor webmail the first week of August and until the paper came out he was unaware of anything coming in or any conversations that he had with any of those people who just stood up and complained. He apologized from the Chamber. The Editor will receive a letter of reprimand from the Chamber for all of the damage that has been created. He originally requested to speak to apologize for the OAC announcement not making it into the September BMO. He indicated that he has been working with the Community Awareness Group as well as the Chamber of Commerce unfortunately the Editor has created a lot of damage and he was unaware of how much damage until this meeting. He stated that as a Chamber Board Member he apologizes for the damage. ORAL REPORTS 5A. Committee Reports -None COUNCIL REPORTS Mavor Hilkev. reported that the construction in Highgrove has started and the staff has negotiated very well with the builders and that there is some money coming through for traffic mitigation. He indicated that he will bring to council on a later agenda that if an issue of traffic calming is requesting byresidents on Van Buren,Pico or DeBerry that the City fund that calming if it is designed by the City Engineer. He reported that the sprinklers at Rollins Park are broken and staff is fixing it as quickly as possible. He reported that he received a request that the City get a new Flag for City Hall and requested staff to look into it. Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 4 PUBLIC HEARING 6A. Specific Plan SP-04-01 and E-04-03 to Develop Approximately 123 Acres as Mixed Use Commercial and Open Space Uses Gary Koontz Community Development Director, indicated that the City of Grand Terrace Redevelopment Agency is proposing the development of a master planned outdoor recreation-oriented commercial project on approximately 123 acres of property lying generally south of Barton Road, west of Michigan Street, north of Pico Street, and east of Interstate 215. In order to implement the proposed project, the Redevelopment Agency, through the Community Development Department,has prepared a Specific Plan of Land Use (SP-04-01) the Outdoor Adventures Center (OAC) Specific Plan. Based on the OAC Specific Plan, an Environmental Impact Report (E-04-04) was prepared per CEQA guidelines. He gave an overview of the project and how it will effect the area around it. Ralph McRna, gave a presentation of the project and showed what that area would look like if developed under the existing zoning code as opposed to the proposed master planned outdoor recreational-oriented commercial project. Community Development Director Koontz, stated that the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council certify E-04-03,an Environmental Impact Report for the Outdoor Adventures Center Specific Plan and approve SP-04-01, the Outdoor Adventures Center Specific Plan. Councilmember Larkin, wanted clarification on how the individual buildings will be approved. Communitv Development Director Koontz,responded that the developer may come in with a series of projects at one time to review as one package so they can see if there are any impacts. Any project or structure would have to go through the Planning Commission review,CEQA review,compare what the project is,how it is laid out,what the activities are to the environmental impact report that was part of this project to ensure that they are addressing the impacts and mitigation measures associated with it. There would be a formal public hearing before the Planning Commission and if there were any issues from the general public that the Planning Commission did not address it could be appealed by the City Council. Councilmember Larkin, questioned if that would be when traffic mitigation fees would be paid or would the fees be paid by the developer up front. Communitv Development Director Koontz, responded that they are expected to see the overall backbone infrastructure built up front by the developer. The project is designed to Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 5 support itself. Councilmember Larkin, stated that the area that they are defining the zoning to include the Outdoor Adventure Use is the only area that allows Adult Entertainment and questioned if it will still be an allowed use. CommunitvDevelopment Director Koontz,responded that they specifically excluded Adult Entertainment,however,if it is the desire of the Council it can be written into this document. He indicated that there is another area that will be left in town that will allow adult entertainment just east of La Cadena. Mayor Hilkey opened the Public Hearing. Patricia Farlev. 12513 Michigan Street,indicated that her statements are not a formal opinion or statements for the Community Awareness Group,however, what she has to say tonight is not only her personal opinion but it includes the concerns and opinions of many other people in Grand Terrace of whom she has discussed this project with. The majority of the people in the City do not want the proposed project misrepresented as the Outdoor Adventure Center to be built in the City. She feels that the people that live here should decide what is best for the City and not just City Officials and staff, some of which don't even live here. She feels that the City needs quality development and a positive tax base for the City, however, it can not be done at the expense of the people who live here by destroying the quality of their lives and the property that they have worked for years to build. She feels that the City Officials and Staff were so sure of themselves on this project that they have already spent so much money on reports, including preliminary, engineering, preparation of the specific plan and the master development attraction. These companies are still being paid large vouchers almost every month as they have been in the past few years. Approximately 1.8 million has already been spent as of June 2003 in land acquisition for this project. Almost all of this expense is usually done by the developers,but not in this case. They have estimated that the City has already spent over a million paying some of the private consulting companies that Mr. Koontz and Mr. Megna work for. She feels that it is unbelievable that we have to go to Mr. Koontz and Mr. Megna to get information because not only are they paid part-time by the City as consultants but they also work for the private contract companies that plan the Outdoor Adventure Center. She stated that she did not receive any updated pages for the environmental impact report. She expressed her concern with freeway access. She also expressed her concerns with the impact that the High School may have along with the project. She questioned emergency vehicle access. She feels that we don't need six boat businesses in Grand Terrace. She expressed her frustration with getting the financial impact analysis so late,which, she feels is incomplete in many ways. She resents being told that somehow if this isn't approved we could have a Walmart with 12,000 vehicle trips per day. They don't even want a Walmart. She feels that we should have 1 police officer per 1,000 people so she feels that by the time you pay for everything it is going to Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 6 clear out any of the profits. She questioned what tax incentives businesses are being given. She stated that the EIR stated that the Outdoor Adventure Center would operate its own uniform security services, which she feels is unacceptable. She stated that there was an armed robbery in Grand Terrace and that it took 45 minutes for deputies to arrive. An attractive entrance to the City could be done without going to such an extreme as the plans as the Outdoor Adventures Center has. The entrance is merely to attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts from anywhere and everywhere to the City of Grand Terrace. She doesn't feel that it is appropriate to threaten residents that if they don't want the Outdoor Adventure Center then they will get a Walmart. She feels that Grand Terrace doesn't need a lake with the threat of the West Nile Virus. She stated that she loves lakes and waterfalls. It would be beautiful,however the crowds,west rile problems,and code enforcement needs to be considered. She feels that it is a shame that some of the main people promoting this project did not think it was important to make time to review the reports that could drastically impact all of the lives in Grand Terrace. She stated that they have collected over 400 signatures on a petition of people who are opposed to the project and presented it to the Council. She feels that there are so many holes in this environmental report that do not comply with the Environmental law that you need time to look at them and take care of them. Dorothv Farlev. 12513 Michigan Street, asked Mr. Koontz what he is planning to do with Van Buren Street. She questioned why the trucks have to come down Michigan and feels that there can be some restrictions of certain areas where trucks of only a certain weight can use. She stated that Mr. Megna and Mr. Koontz are in Grand Terrace for one purpose only and that is to make money for themselves. They do not live in Grand Terrace therefore they don't need to worry about what they do to Grand Terrace. They have sold their bill of goods to City Hall because City Hall has not been smart enough to send them on their way. She sincerely wishes that City Hall would wake up before it is too late. She feels that the City should never have tried to become a City it is much too small. Mr.Megna and Mr.Koontz, when they have gotten all the money that they can from Grand Terrace,will be on their way leaving whatever mess they have created for us to clean up with no money left to do it. Bill Hays, 22114 DeBerry Street, concurred with what Patricia Farley said. Donald Farlev. 12251 Michigan, questioned whether there were going to be concrete curbs and gutters. He stated that he feels that it is important to note that this is not an entertainment center,it is a retail center. It is not intended for entertainment of any sort. He indicated that he has expressed many concerns regarding the proposed OAC since he first became aware of the project. He expressed his concern with the approval process of the EIR, essentially all of the concerns expressed by individuals were ignored. The Grand Terrace Planning Commission seems to have no accountability to the residents of Grand Terrace. He feels that the City needs real vision to take a look at this area and come up with a plan that really makes sense for the community. He stated that the Grand Terrace City Council has the responsibility to review the proposed Outdoor Adventures Center from the perspective Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 7 of the big picture and approve as submitted, approve as modified or to disapprove the proposed Outdoor Adventure Center. He feels that Council needs to review the project EIR objectively before making a final decision as well as address the outpouring of concerns of residents and property owners that have already been documented. He is disappointed and disillusioned by the approval process for the EIR. The Grand Terrace Planning Commission approved the EIR,which he felt is flawed and incomplete. He referred to a Notice of Public Hearing he received. He feels that a group of promoters has taken advantage of a small and unsophisticated City Government to sell a project that is clearly not compatible with the residential nature of the community. Grand Terrace seems to have financial issues and appears that the promoters of the proposed OAC have played on the basic instincts of greed and City Management to advance the project at the expense of the community as a whole. Lee Swertfe2er. 12438 Michigan&22002 Van Buren, owns the trailer repair business and parts sales. He indicated that he is not opposed to the project, however he has a lot of concerns. He is concerned that the proposed project will keep his business from growing. He feels that the property owners in the area are in limbo and has concerns with the amount of time that it may take for the project to be completed. Dan Buchanan. 22975 Wren Street, is happy to see the large turnout of residents that came out to express their concerns. He feels that it is important to know that not everyone is supporting the project as well as not everyone is opposing the project. He feels that as important as it is for individuals to plan for their future he feels that it even more important for those intrusted with the public trust to plan for the future. This is a prof ect,from his point of view, that is well design, well mitigated and vital to the economic success of the community. He knows first hand how serious the damage to local government finances has been over the past several years withe the State raids on local government funds. He knows how difficult it is to support a bare bones law enforcement presence in this community.With a high school on the horizon the necessity of having better police presence in the community is going to be increased. We know what is happening outside of our city limits in Higrove, which will also require an increased police presence and we don't have the money to pay for it. So the question is how are we going to continue to support ourselves as a community. He is not one of those in favor of giving up on the existence of Grand Terrace and asking Colton to please annex us. He feels that the City of Grand Terrace was a great idea and he feels that it is a viable and remarkable community and feels that it is important the we keep its future in mind. The project will generate significant revenue, it will require an expenditure of revenue to add law enforcement support and other things,but it is also going to generate additional revenue that will allow us to have a safe community, a safe new high school, and to maintain the safety of our other schools in this community. It will also provide us with some tools and funds to deal with the traffic and the impact from the development that we have no control over around the community. He feels that it is particularly important to take note of what happens if we say alright let's leave things the way they are. All you have to do is take a look at Highgrove to see what type of development Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 8 that takes place on its own in the area,which is massive distribution centers. Personally he would like to have a lot of vehicle traffic coming into the community for people that are here to spend money rather than large trucks dropping off and picking up loads and idling for hours and creating diesel fuel pollution. He indicated that what is before the Council tonight is approving a specific plan that allows for a developer to come in and do this. This is giving someone the opportunity to build this in a very controlled organized and well planned process. He feels that it is critical that we do this. A lot of people are going to express concerns with the project and their concerns should not be ignored. Every person in this community deserves their voice to be heard. Those people that live near this and the most significant impact would be opposed to this or at least some concerns and feels that those concerns need to be addressed. As councilmembers of this community you have a fiduciary obligation to the whole City and to the entire public to find the appropriate balance between the future financial security,the benefits to the City,and the efforts to mitigate the individual impacts that this may cause. I would like to go on record on his own behalf as well as those who choose not to come out when they are for something,that this really is a good idea and applaud the effort of the City to look towards its future. Barbara Wetzel, 12355 Vivienda Avenue, concurred with what Patricia Farley had to say. She expressed her concern with the lake and west nile virus. She pleaded that if they are going to put something in that area not to put a lake. She indicated that she received a letter from the Council with regards to questions she has of the proposed project and that her questions still weren't answered. She questioned if we are going to keep the Barton Road exit going northbound,are we going to have two exists. She also questioned if the California Department of Transportation given approval to the City to make this new on and off-ramp off Commerce Way. She pleaded to reconsider this project. She is not against doing something in that area. Donna Coolev,22285 Mavis Street,expressed her support of the OAC and commended staff for seeking these opportunities for the residents in an effort to make a better life for everyone and feels that it is encouraging to see that they have solved a lot of the problems of traffic and congestion and maybe less pollution. She feels that Mr.Buchanan said it very well and she says Amen to that. Jeff Allen,22549 Brentwood Street, indicated that he has spent the last two months talking to countless people in the City regarding the OAC. Although those that are in favor of the project do not come to the meetings just those opposed, there are quite a few that are for the project. When he moved to Grand Terrace he was looking for Mayberry, however, this is Southern California and we need to look to the future. He thanked the Council for their foresightedness and planning. Matt Addington, 23058 Peacock Court, indicated that he has been a resident of Grand Terrace for over twenty years and has served on the Planning Commission for over nine Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 9 years. In addition he is a professional engineer in the field of land development and feels that this provides a unique perspective to share with the development of the Outdoor Adventure Center and that for the record he did vote on it as a Panning Commissioner. His perspective is that he understands both sides of the table. The developer would want something with a low construction cost with a fast return on their investment. In addition they would not want to overdevelop the property with a lake and 1400 trees where the construction costs could exceed the expected resale value of the project. If the City denies the specific plan, the assumption that this land would never develop is wrong. The property for the OAC is currently zoned in the general plan and the current property owners can either sell their property to a developer or build the property themselves. They have a legal right to improve the property within the current zoning codes as staff has shown. Any of the alternatives would bring additional traffic to the residents on Michigan Avenue. Through his career of almost thirty years as a engineer he has seen this played out many times before, even when he has been on the developers side negotiating with the City. The City Council has directed staff to investigate and prepare preliminary studies for a much nicer project to fit the image of this fine town we and I call home. The specific plan that is presented tonight and approved by the Planning Commission, has unique perspective in that the City is now the author of the plan not an outside developer. Instead of a bare bones project with minimal improvements constructed around the existing constraints,the specific plan is proposing to reroute these constraints for the development of the land. In addition to ease traffic along Michigan Road Commerce Way would be extended through the project initially with new off-ramps and signals being constructed. This project would achieve an image for the City with fine restaurants along the lake,outdoor retail type stores,visibility for the City to attract new businesses for the current Barton Road Specific Plan. All of this would and could increase the City's sales tax income to help us overcome those future financial lean years as all cities are currently experiencing at this time. As a resident of Grand Terrace,he strongly urged the Council to approve the specific plan before them tonight for the betterment of the community. Jeffrev McConnell. 21758 Walnut Avenue, stated that he lives behind the Stater Bros. Warehouse and that residents do not want to have big rigs idling and dieseling anywhere near your neighborhood. He feels that every community should have a community awareness group in concept. Asa licensed contractor developer he believes in master planning,whether it is the Outdoor Adventure Center or not, he is glad that it is being master planned. He suggested that they may want to call it the Outdoor Adventure Retail Center. He had heard that they are planning on removing the northbound off-ramp to Barton Road and feels that it would be a mistake to do that. As a local real estate agent he is glad that this is a upscale development because that means upscale retail values which is what most homeowners want. As a member of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce he doesn't want to see anything go into town that will create a sudden vacuum and void of some of the local business owners to go to other buildings and leave vacancies up and down Barton Road. He thanked GFE for providing free coffee. Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 10 Tom Comstock. 123 9 5 Vivienda Avenue,indicated that he lives a block up off of Michigan and is also one of the City Planning Commissioners and has served in that capacity for the better part of a year. This plan has been looked at for a long time. He feels that a lot of good judgement has been used along the way. He feels that what is being seen tonight is a result of good judgement being used for developing very difficult parcels of land. He feels that City Staff has done a marvelous job of researching this. He indicated that he voted in favor of the specific plan. He had questioned if there had been any market studies done about developers and businesses that are willing to come into this area. The answer was in the affirmative and that there were several developers that were in the region that had expressed interest even before the plan. He said that there is a high school going in that is projected to put in somewhere around 2700 high school students. The school already has a contingency plan to put modular units down up to 3000 students, that is a lot of kids, busses and cars. There will be a lot of people coming in and out of the community based solely on that high school,no retail sales revenue or anything and as a resident that lives there he is not looking forward to coming and going from his home and if something isn't done to reroute that traffic Michigan will become a parking lot. He is in favor of the project. Janelle Marks.22670 Main Street,feels that the community is largely misrepresented. Most people that she has spoken to are in favor of the project. She feels that it is a great idea and that many issues have been addressed. Hank Ramev,21845 Grand Terrace Road,#23,indicated that he doesn't feel that the EIR or any of the Environmental documents cover enough of the proposed alternatives to the project. He feels that this whole project has not been properly reviewed from the beginning. He feels that the reviewing process should start over. He doesn't object to have other revenue sources built there,however,he feels that this project will bring in too much traffic. He questioned when the ordinance will be available for review. He is opposed to the project. Mayor Hilkey closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the Council. Councilmember Cortes,questioned the statement that the cityhas spent over a million dollars on the project. Citv Manaizer Schwab,indicated that the Citybought approximately 70 acres from Southern California Edison for approximately .70 cents per square foot on average. Currently a portion of that land is being purchased by the school district for the high school and the balance may be included in this project by either sale or lease,it hasn't been determined yet. The price of land was in excess of 1 million dollars, however that land has a present value of over 4 million dollars. He indicated that approximately$200,000 has been spent on the EIR, Specific Plan and any other studies that were completed. Councilmember Garcia,requested an answer for the question of Van Buren becoming four Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 11 lanes and restricting trucks from using roadways based on weight. Community and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded that the only improvement would be within the project area. He stated that at any given time the Council can elect to establish weight limits on any road. Councilmember Garcia. questioned what would have to be done in order to have weight restrictions. Communitv and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded that you would probably first ask the City's Traffic Engineer to evaluate it and get his recommendation. He would present it to the Council and if it seemed like a logical thing to do the Council would adopt an ordinance that restricted weight limits and from that point on it would be posting signs. Assistant Citv Manager Berm stated that he has spoken to the Traffic Engineer and they couldn't restrict trash trucks and any trucks that are delivering in the city. We can restrict trucks taking a short cut through our community. Councilmember Garcia, questioned the Notice of Public Hearing that stated that there was a categorical exemption. Communitv and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded that was an error on his part and accepts responsibility for it. It is not a categorical exemption. Councilmember Garcia, questioned if Caltrans has given approval for the new off-ramps. Community and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded that they have not given their final approval. SANBAG is responsible for the widening of that segment of the freeway and the City has presented the proposal to them and at this point they have accepted these as logical improvements to make. Councilmember Garcia, questioned if we get the new off-ramp will the existing one be closed. Communitv and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded that Caltrans and SANBAG have said if the new one goes in the existing one has to go. Councilmember Garcia,questioned if by approving the Specific Plan we are setting in stone the off-ramp issue. Community and Economic Development Director Koontz,responded in the negative. Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 12 Mavor Pro Tern Ferr6, questioned if Mr. Swertfeger wanted to expand his business would he be able to. Communitv and Economic Development Director Koontz. responded that if he wanted to move into the Specific Plan area that would not be appropriate, however if he wanted to move further to the north,that is industrial zoned property similar to what he is currently in. Mavor Pro Tern Ferr6, questioned if there was some way that he could expand if he desired other than into the OAC. Communitv and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded in the affirmative. Mavor Pro Tern Ferr6, requested clarification of the time frame for the completion of the project if the Specific Plan is approved. Ralph Meena.responded that if the specific plan is approved and the certification of the EIR were to take place tonight it will probably be between 12 to 15 months before the first dirt could be moved. The earliest that you would see any operational activity in this center would be mid to late fall of 2006. Mavor Pro Tern Ferr6, asked for reassurance with regards to the West Nile Virus with the lake,the wet lands and the pond. Community and Economic Development Director Koontz,responded that all the appropriate organizations will be involved in the process to create a safe environment. Mavor Pro Tern Ferr6, indicated that she wants to make it very clear that the Council is considering the approval of a Specific Plan not the infrastructure. Councilmember Larkin, requested clarification that Michigan had been designated as a secondary highway prior to incorporation. Community and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Larkin, stated that it is his understanding that the zoning for this particular area was also zoned this use prior to the incorporation. Communitv and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Larkin, clarified that the Notice that was sent out stated that there was an EIR noted on the notice not a negative declaration. He questioned if we wanted to limit the weights on the streets,we still will have to allow trucks to deliver in town. Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 13 Communitv and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Larkin, clarified that currently there are marsh lands in the area of the Specific Plan and that the Department of Fish and Game are stating that if we are going to develop there we will have to move them. Communitv and Economic Development Director Koontz, responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Larkin, questioned when the Specific Plan for Barton Road was approved. City Manager Schwab,responded that he believes that the original Barton Road Specific Plan probably goes back 13 years. Councilmember Larkin, feels that it is difficult to make a decision between balancing the rights of a property to have use of his property and what is the overall good of the community. He believes that the property owners rights should take emphasis over the community unless there is a good reason to take that property away. In this case the City had the foresight to purchase the property when Edison had to sell it. It is a situation where staff should be commended for making a recommendation to purchase this property,because what we could not do as a City through zoning now we are partially the property owner and it can be zoned for a warehouse but if we are the property owner we can say we are not going to sell it to you. In this case what we are trying to do is say lets develop a specific plan so that we have better control of what is being developed there. We have one of two ways that we can go. We can let it be developed how it is currently zoned and all those individuals that are going to be impacted by the Outdoor Adventures Center will be far more negatively impacted by that type of development. This specific plan is something that improves the guidelines and what is going to end up happening there. This is a specific plan it doesn't guarantee anything. Mavor Hilkev, stated that when he and Assistant City Manager Berry were out looking for stagnant water,the issue of the wetlands came up. What is in the wetlands,he understands that it is a huge mosquito generator. Assistant Citv Manager Berrv, responded in the affirmative. Mavor Hilkev, stated that Virginia Harford had a very important question,does this type of center exists someplace else. The answer was yes. CC-2004-93 MOTION BY MAYOR HILKEY, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER CORTES, CARRIED 5-0 , to accept the Planning Commission's recommendation approving E-04-03 Environmental Impact Report for the Outdoor Adventures Center Specific Plan and approve the SP-04-01 Outdoor Adventure Specific Plan and adopt the first . Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 14. reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace approving SP-04-01 Outdoor Adventure Center Specific Plan and E-04-03 Environmental Impact Report with the following conditions: 1. All vehicles boats,watercrafts,toys or other powered items demonstrated or powered-up within the Grand Terrace Outdoor Adventure Center will have complete exhaust and sound retardation equipment in place and functional. 2. The Outdoor Trail will not be used for powered motorcycles. 3. The small lakes included in the Grand Terrace Outdoor Adventure Center will contain fish that reduce mosquito production. 4. The public will have access to the lake and outdoor areas of the Grand Terrace Adventure Center just like any public mall. Councilmember Garcia.stated that her two main issues are traffic and noise. For the record she stated that when it comes to circulation and noise the greatest level of documentation and outreach to our public will be made to make sure that the concerns of the public are met. Councilmember Larkin.stated that he feels everyone is concerned with the noise and traffic congestion and he would like to address the issue that if there is a factor about circulation and noise that a negative declaration can not be issued and that it would have to be studied. He questioned if they are being too specific with regards to the conditions especially number 1. Mavor Pro Tem.Ferre. indicated that she has spent a lot of time reviewing the OAC and it really is important to her to hear the pros and cons and she appreciates the people that are in attendance this evening and at the Planning Commission meetings. Councilmember Garcia. thanked all of the residents that came out today. She knows how much each of them care about the community. She thanked them for their time and comments. She feels deeply for those who live close to this area and knows that there will be impacts and she will do everything possible that she can to make sure that as the process moves forward issues will be mitigated to the full possible way that it can. She thanked the staff for the time that they spent responding to each concern. Councilmember Cortes. concurred with Councilmember Garcia and Mayor Pro Tem Ferre. She thanked all of the residents for expressing their opinions. Council wants to do what is best for the City. She thanked staff for doing an outstanding job and appreciated Dan Buchanan for speaking on our behalf. Mavor Hilkev, thanked staff and Patricia and Dorothy Farley. Councilmember Larkin. appreciates all of the comments from the residents. He hopes that everyone understands that the Council could do nothing and we could end up with the worst Council Minutes September 9,2004 Page 15 development out there. What staff and council are trying to do is protect the interest of the City. Mayor Hilkey adjourned the meeting at 9:35 p.m. until the next CRA/City Council Meeting-which ' is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 23, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. i/ / ,p CITY CLERK of the City o Grand Terrace MAYOR o�`theity oWrand Terrace