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09/08/2005 CITY OF GRAND TERRACE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING- SEPTEMBER 8, 2005 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 8, 2005, at 6:00 p.m. PRESENT: Maryetta Ferr6,Mayor Bea Cortes,Mayor Pro Tem Herman Hilkey, Councilmember Lee Ann Garcia, Councilmember Jim Miller, Councilmember Tom Schwab, City Manager Brenda Stanfill, City Clerk Steve Berry, Assistant City Manager Larry Ronnow, Finance Director Jerry Glander, Building& Safety Director Gary Koontz, Community.Development Director Colin Burns, City Attorney Lt. Hector Guerra, Sheriffs Department ABSENT: John Harper, City Attorney The City Council meeting was opened with Invocation by Pastor Rick Doucette,Calvary,The Brook Church followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Pro Tem Bea Cortes. ITEMS TO DELETE -None SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 2A. Grand Terrace Partners - Outdoor Adventure Center Project Allan McKenzie, stated that the development team is comprised of four separate entities, each of the companies have separate areas of expertise. He introduced each company and how they are involved in the project. He gave the mission statement "A state of the art outdoor themed master planned community but reflecting what the community itself is looking for. They have to marry the needs of the tenants of the retail users with what the concerns of the community are and what comes out of their work is a project that hopefully meets both those needs and is viable. They think that this will enhance the gateway to the City, maximize the long term income for the City through tax increment and other means, redevelop underutilized urban land using private funding sources, functual uses, retail restaurant services, fitness, hotel, etc. The amenities are critical, they believe landscaping, Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 2 walking trails are what is expected in a project of this nature and what a community like Grand Terrace will require. There are obviously a lot of new infrastructure, freeway ramps, roadways and utilities, etc. They are an out-of-town developer, however, they believe that they bring to this area a sensitivity as to quality and listening to the community and look forward to meeting with the community and hearing their feedback. As part of the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement they were required to prepare the following list of documents,all of which they have done, and although through the Agreement they were only required to do those documents they did additional work and delivered that information as well: Market Demand Study Preliminary Site Plans Development Budgets Operating Budgets Financing Plans He gave the highlights of the market demand study and the project itself. He indicated that this project will be heard many times and they are basically here just to let everyone know where they are at this time and to get input and answer questions. Councilmember Miller, questioned what happened with the off-ramp at De Berry. Allan McKenzie,responded that they retained land engineering who are design engineers for SANBAG looking at the whole freeway main line. They have concluded that until the UP railroad bridge is widened and the freeway under the bridge is sunk, that bridge is too close to that off-ramp location and there are not sufficient site lines to meet the standards of the Federal Government and they strongly advised that the configuration would not be acceptable. They could not do that design. Councilmember Miller,suggested that Mr.McKenzie report the amount of money and time that they have already put into the project. Allan McKenzie,indicated that it is in the excess of 6 figure range. They feel that they have to do it right and they are complicated processes and they feel that they have a very strong consulting team. Councilmember Miller, indicated that it has been said that SANBAG is going try to do a diamond interchange and that will affect some of the businesses and some of the school property as well. Allan McKenzie, described the interchange issue. Community Development Director Koontz, indicated that the Caltrans plan has not been Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 3 approved yet and they have a long process to go through before they say that it what is going to be built. Councilmember Garcia, stated that public participation is very important to Grand Terrace. She questioned if they could prepare a public participation plan. The residents want to know at what point they can give their input into the process. Allan McKenzie, responded in the affirmative. They want the input from the community. Councilmember Garcia, stated that there are some existing groups that she feels should be included as well possibly doing an objective survey of a sampling of the resident. She stated that transportation is very important to her and she wants to make sure that we don't allow the state and federal agencies to dictate to the City what we would like to see in our town. She questioned if it would be possible to have a grounds up process in terms of what we would like to see as far as circulation within our parameter. Allan McKenzie, responded that they would anticipate working very closely with staff. Councilmember Garcia, stated that she doesn't want to see staff going out there and doing things and coming back and saying this is our only choice. She would like to start discussions now on what they want to do with that interchange. Community Develo_ment Director Koontz, indicated that discussions have already been started. Councilmember Garcia, stated that the Council has not been involved in those discussions. Community Development Director Koontz, indicated that the discussions have been preliminary so far and if Council would like to be directly involved they most certainly can. Councilmember Garcia. stated that she would like to be involved in those discussions. Councilmember Hilkev, indicated that he has some concerns with the financing of the off ramp and the rearranging of the Barton Road exit. He is also concerned about the change in the traffic flow with the new design especially along Michigan. He questioned if the peaker plant will help the project or not. Allan McKenzie. stated that there are options for financing. He indicated that there will be studies done having a Peaker Plant near the project. Councilmember Hilkev, questioned if it is premature to talk to the community about what type of stores they want. Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 4 Allan McKenzie,responded that it is not too early. They would like to hear what they want or don't want. Councilmember Hilkev, is very impressed with the project that they have done. Mavor Pro Tern Cortes, asked for a comparison with the challenges of Grand Terrace compared to other projects they have done. Allan McKenzie, responded that every project has it's unique challenges when they are of this scale. He feels that the most challenging aspect of this project is the freeway route. Councilmember Hilkev, stated that there were some time lines that were not met,however, the first one was approved by staff and the second one was just a week late. Allan McKenzie, stated that per the ENA there were certain deliverables that they were required to make during certain time frames. One of the items was feedback to the City on conversations with key tenants. They requested of the City and was approved by the City to delay that until after the International Counsel of Shopping Centers Convention in Las Vegas. The second deliverable that was due to come in on June 29,2005,they took the long holiday weekend to polish it up. Apart from that he believes that they have met all of their deadlines. John Haa-v, 1194 Mohave Drive,Colton,indicated that he is a Real Estate Broker. He urged the Council and staff that they consider other ideas for that area and have open discussion with local developers. Gree Goatcher. 12011 Honey Hill Drive,stated that he understands the need for order during a meeting,however,he feels that they don't need to be talked to like children. He stated that the proposed off-ramp will have an affect on two of his businesses and he feels that it could be better thought out. Kacv Carlsen. 22080 Commerce Way, stated that she has asked numerous times if this proj ect was going to affect her business. She would like to know where her business stands with regards to this project. Patricia Farlev. 12513 Michigan Street, stated that she is glad that there have been changes to the initial plans. She expressed her concern with wiping out current businesses,how this plan will affect the new high school and how many houses will be taken out to make up for it. She is concerned with businesses being built before the infrastructure is done. She recommended that the City come up with a better name for the center. Citv Manger Schwab,stated that the plan that is being looked at is a potential design that was Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 5 put together by LAN Engineering that works with SANBAG. If that project were to be installed, they are projecting that it would be done in 2015. If we want to wait for the ultimate development it will be in fifteen years, there are some interim improvements that they are negotiating with Caltrans that will not affect Mr. Goatcher's property or Cal Skate. They won't realign any of the other streets except for on La Crosse. This is something that the freeway program is going to do whether we do this project or not. Allan McKenzie,stated that it would specifically improve and somewhat realign the existing Barton Road off-ramp,it would widen the bridge,it would move the La Cross roadway away from the freeway. There would be some widening on Barton Road,however he doesn't think that it will affect any of the businesses referred to earlier. Councilmember Garcia,feels that the traffic and circulation is very important and that there are ways to plan it. She stated that Council was not involved in the interim solution and feels that it is important that the residents know that because the circulation is critical to this proj ect. Councilmember Hilkev,stated that the ultimate build out will be a part of the 215 widening from Orange Show to the big intersection in Riverside County. As Caltrans widens the freeway there will be public hearings. It will affect everyone on both sides of the freeway, the school district, all of the businesses down on Washington. CONSENT CALENDAR CC-2005-91 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY,SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 3-0-1-1 (MAYOR FERRE WAS ABSENT AND COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY ABSTAINED),,to approve the following Consent Calendar Items with the removal of Item 3C. Approval of 08-25-2005 Minutes: 3A. Approve Check Register Dated September 8, 2005 3B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda ITEM REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR 3C. Approval of 08-25-2005 Minutes Councilmember Miller, stated that his wife has her own business,Miller Associates,which is not owned by Terra Loma Real Estate nor does she work for Terra Loma Real Estate. She works in concert with Terrace Loma doing loans. She had nothing to do with the transactions that was done on DeBerry Street. At a previous meeting he had abstained from the vote of the first check for the purchase of the De Berry Street property. At the last meeting he voted on the second check for the purchase of the De Berry Street property when Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 6 he had intended on abstaining from the vote. He would like to change the vote to abstain. Citv Manager Schwab. stated that in order to change the vote the item would have to be reagendized. He suggested that Council table the minutes and staff will bring back this one item before the Council at which time they can re-vote. CC-2005-92 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 4-0-1-0 (MAYOR FERRE WAS ABSENT), to table the approve of the August 25, 2005 Minutes. PUBLIC COMMENT Patricia Farlev. 12513 Michigan Street,stated that there are a lot of people looking into what is going on around in the City. She stated that the Notice of Determination was filed on the Manhole Builders project by Gary Koontz on June 23, 2005 before the project was even heard. She stated that the 30 day deadline has passed and feels that it is invalid. She feels that staff has no right to file this document especiallywhen theyknow all of the concerns and all the complaints about the environment that were not addressed. Charles Homsbv,22656 Brentwood Street,feels that the City Council are held captive by the Redevelopment people. He feels that the Council is told what to do by the Redevelopment. He feels that the City Council needs to examine their own consciences and decide whether they are going to be held captive by the people of Redevelopment as opposed to trying to do what is best for the citizens. Citv Manager Schwab.stated that he will look into the filing of the Notice of Determination of the Manhole Builders project and determine if there was anything improper in the filing. He stated that redevelopment has been very important to the community and it will remain so. It has been a good financing tool and remains to be so and until the time the Council decides to let the Agency expire it will continue to exists. ORAL REPORTS 5A. Committee Reports 1. Crime Prevention Committee a. Minutes of 07-11-2005 CC-2005-93 MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER MILLER,SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA,CARRIED 4-0-1-0(MAYORFERRE WAS ABSENT),to accept the July 11, 2005 Minutes of the Crime Prevention Committee. Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 7 COUNCIL REPORTS Councilmember Miller, stated that he has heard complaints along the entry ways to the City and that they need to be picked up and maintained. He stated that he is noticing graffiti in different areas throughout Grand Terrace and feels that we need to be on top of it. He questioned when political signs can be posted. Citv Manager Schwab, responded that signs are allowed to be posted 30 days prior to the election. Staff sent out notices to all of the candidates for Colton School Board informing them on our rules regarding political signs. Any signs placed in the public right of way will be removed and returned to the candidate. Councilmember Miller, reported that the Chamber Golf Tournament was a great success. The Chamber made approximately $12,000.00. He thanked all of the sponsors and volunteers that helped. Councilmember Hilkev,questioned how current the City's emergency response is. He would like to look at it and possibly change it. He requested that staff change the title of"ORAL REPORTS". He questioned what the status is of the signal at Barton and Grand Terrace Road and the synchronize. Jerry Glander. Building & Safety Director, responded that plans have been submitted for checking at the traffic engineers office and are expecting them back shortly. They will then go back to the engineers that prepared the plans an then proceed to the next step. Councilmember Hilkev. questioned if there is a time frame. Buildiniz&Safety Director Glander.responded that it was scheduled to be installed toward the end of this year. Councilmember Hilkev, requested that he check into a more specific date. He stated that Honeywell promised a report on the filter changes and requested that staff look into it. Assistant Citv Manager Berrv, stated that staff has requested the report. Councilmember Garcia, questioned if the current SSS Officer gets involved at the schools with regards to graffiti. Lt.Hector Guerra,stated that the assignments of the SSS Officer has been refocused to allow for the deputies to be freed up. They have brought in the Clean Sweep Program which has regular meetings with the school officials and students. They are doing the best that they can with the level of experience that they have. Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 8 Councilmember Garcia, questioned if there are gangs in Grand Terrace. Lt. Guerra, responded that he would like to say absolutely not but he would probably be incorrect if he said so. There is not a formalized street gang movement,however,there are some associates of gang members in Grand Terrace. The Department formed two gang units to address the gang problem countywide. There is no need to bring the team into Grand Terrace. Councilmember Garcia, stated that when looking at the Street Cut Ordinance we need to make sure that when a utility company comes in and marks the streets and sidewalks when they are done it needs to look as if they were never there. She thanked the Housing Department for the tour of the Arliss house, they did a great job. She reported that the Concert in the Park will be held on September 16, 2005 and encouraged everyone to come out. Assistant Citv Manager Berm gave an overview of the events that will be taking place at the concert in the park. Councilmember Garcia,thanked the residents for coming to the meeting and for all of their comments. Mavor Pro Tem Cortes,requested that the Sheriff s Dispatch number be placed in the Blue Mountain Outlook. She questioned what date the graffiti removal paint day will be held. Assistant Citv Manager Berrv, responded that they are trying to get a group of people together and then they will set a date. Mavor Pro Tem Cortes,thanked the Grand Terrace Partners. She reported that the Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament was very successful. She referred to a welcome home sign that she saw at the top of the hill on Mt.Vernon for US Marine Corporal Sommer Snowden and welcomed her home. PUBLIC HEARING 6A. GPA-05-01, SP-05-01, SA-05-15, E-05-16 - a proposal to Develop 120 Units of Multi-family Senior Housing, a 6,500 Community Senior Center, and a Four Acre Passive Park An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace Approving SP-05-01 (Blue Mountain Senior Villas Specific Plan)and Environmental Assessment E-05-16 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Grand Terrace, State of California, Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 9 Approving General Plan Amendment Case No GP-05-01 for an Amendment to the City General Plan - Community Development Element to Add a New Land Use Designation of Medium High Density Residential Gary Koontz.Community Development Director,reported that on August 11,2005, the City Council held a public hearing regarding the proposed Blue Mountain Senior Villas project. After receiving public testimony,the Council continued the hearing to September 8, 2005 to address the following issues: 1. Consider alternative designs that incorporated a reduction of the building height along the south wing from three to two stories. 2. Consider alternatives to individual air conditioning units for the residences. 3. Consider alternative fencing along the south property line. 4. Consider different landscape treatments along the south property line. 5. Add trash chutes within the building to reduce the walking distance for residents. 6. Evaluate exterior lighting to reduce glare into the backyards of adjacent residences along Brentwood Street. In addition, the Council requested that an informal public meeting be held between the developer and the local residents to discuss these issues and possible design alternatives to respond to the concerns of the residents. This meeting was held on August 25, 2005. He stated that based on the August 11,2005 public hearing and the informal meeting of August 25, 2005, the applicant has made certain changes to the project that is presented tonight. Mary Silverstein. Corporation for Better Housing, reported that she met with local residents last week. She was also invited to one of the homes of the residents on Brentwood. They are presenting both the plan that was presented at the informal meeting as well as the new plan. She gave an overview of the changes. John Cotton.Architect,gave an explanation of the air conditioning units that will be used and the number of units that will be installed. He stated that the units will be quiet and efficient. Mary Silverstein. stated that the proposed masonry wall will also create a sound buffer. She thanked the neighbors for opening their homes and including them in the process. Community Development Director Koontz, stated that staff has reviewed the alternative designs and are comfortable with them.. It is staff s recommendation to Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 10 approve an Ordinance to amend the City General Plan as requested under GP-05-01, and adopt an Ordinance approving the Blue Mountain Villas Specific Plan under SP- 05-01. Councilmember Hilkev, requested clarification on the changes on option 3. Mary Silverstein, responded that option 3 has 13 less three story units and 13 more ground floor units and less parking spaces and parking reconfiguration. Councilmember Miller, questioned with the change in the configuration of parking will the fire department have a problem turning the trucks around. Mary Silverstein,responded that they will not have a problem. Councilmember Miller, questioned what the grade level will be on the south side. John Cotton,responded by showing him the grading levels and heights on a diagram. Councilmember Miller,questioned what rating will be on the air conditioners on the south side. John Cotton,responded that he doesn't have the decibel level of the units. Mary Silverstein, stated that the units are very small and the sound emitted will be much less than an air conditioner on a two story house. Councilmember Miller,questioned if Grand Terrace Road will be marked for parking along the fence line where the park is going to be or will it be no parking. Communitv Development Director Koontz, stated that they haven't considered that at this point, however, if Council would like to make it no parking zone along that is an action that Council can take. Currently the road allows for parking on both sides. Mavor Pro Tem Cortes, questioned if the revised option was discussed with the residents on Brentwood. Mary Silverstein,responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Garcia, questioned if there will be adequate parking for a major event at the park. Communitv Development Director Koontz,stated that number of events that will be Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 11 held at this park will be low. Councilmember Garcia, confirmed that there will be adequate lighting for safety issues. She questioned where the monument sign and flag pole will be located. Communitv Development Director, stated that the monument sign will probably be placed somewhere in the front at the entrance and the flag pole will be located in the veteran's area. Councilmember Hilkev,stated that the lighting on the south side should be different than the lights on the east side. Mary Silverstein, concurred. Mayor Ferr6 opened discussion to the public. Robert Stewart, 11677 Mt. Vernon, questioned if there are two bedroom units. Mary Silverstein,responded that there are 17. Robert Stewart, expressed his concern with the number of parking spaces. Dan & Barbara Berliner, 22624 Brentwood, thanked Mary Silverstein. Their experience was very positive. There was a lot of interaction and discussion and they agree that the two story re-alignment is much better. He stated that they are still basically against the project because they are losing their view from downstairs, however, they feel the process has been positive. Charles Hornsbv.22656 Brentwood,stated that he is opposed to the project. He feels that the project has been mishandled from the start and referred to the General Plan. He requested that the Council send the project back to the Planning Commission because he feels that the citizens were not given time or advance notice so that they could speak to the Planning Commission. He feels that the City is being deceptive. He feels"that the Council needs to be truthful to the residents with regards to the proj ect. Patricia Farlev, 12513 Michigan Street, feels that the City has not presented to the public and got public input and approval on a general zoning ordinance. She feels that the City needs to get rid of the Redevelopment Agency because it is causing problems. She feels that staff is misleading the residents and that the Council does not have the right to pass the project. Barnev KarRer, 11668 Bernardo Way, feels that the City is not following their own Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 12 rules. Vicki Dovle, 12035 Westwood Lane, thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak. Stated that the citizens feel that they have no voice. She stated that there are many for sale signs on Brentwood. She stated that most of the employees don't live in Grand Terrace or in San Bernardino County. They made the choice to live in Grand Terrace because it is one of the small bedroom communities left. She was told that the landmark school will not be left in 5 years. She feels that the re-zoning and building is getting out of hand and that the location does not seem feasible. She questioned what happened to the senior complex on Barton Road. She questioned how the seniors will walk to the stores,bank, or restaurants. She questioned if they have been on Grand Terrace Road when school is starting or letting out and feels that it is not a safe place for seniors to walk. She questioned of they see how this process is splitting the community. She questioned if this project is supporting the seniors of Grand Terrace. She feels that residents need honesty and support. She requested that the City post procedures for the citizens so they have a choice. Phvllis Purcell, 6038 Riverside Avenue, stated that she was a former California Senior Legislator that wrote proposals for the legislature. She was especially interested in housing. There is a wave of seniors that are on fixed incomes and need affordable housing. Gwenn Karver, 11668 Bernardo Way,stated that she is opposed to the re-zoning for the prof ect. She questioned how the property owners in Grand Terrace benefit from Redevelopment money. She feels that residents pay taxes yet can't be heard as to what can and can't be passed. She feels that low income housing lowers property values. She questioned why the Council has dismissed the original plan to place the senior housing project on Barton Road. She questioned how the Council would feel if this project were being built in their neighborhood. Tonv Petta, 11875 Eton Drive, stated that he is a senior citizen and that when it is time to downsize the Blue Mountain Senior Villas is where he will choose to live. He supports this project. Kim Hathawav, 22988 Vista Grande Way, expressed her concern with the senior housing project. She would like to see responsible planning. She questioned why the city is not looking at local developers. She feels that if the project was going to impact the properties of the Council it would be a different story. She sympathizes with the residents on Brentwood. She feels that there is a harmonious way for this to be taken care of a way to work this out where the majority will benefit from the project not the select few. Mike Houle,22594 Brentwood,questioned if anyone has contacted the utilities with Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 13 regards to the overhead utilities. He would like to see the small section undergrounded. He feels that it would reduce Edisons' need to access the area. He feels that it would make for a better overall project. He is trying to find out information on funding. Cvnthia Bidnev, 12219 Pascal,asked the following questions: Why weren't the new plan changes made available for the public to see prior to the meeting and questioned why the project doesn't have to go back to the Planning Commission. Evan Dahlke. 22586 Brentwood, thanked Council members and the Mayor for continuing this item from last month. The continuation allowed the residents to sit down with the developer and discuss all of the issues. He feels that the last option is the best. He thanked the developer for their patience. He feels that the Brentwood residents did have an opportunity to voice their opinions and that a lot of their concerns have been addressed. He feels that this is a great community and it would be great to welcome seniors to the community. He stated that he is in support of the proj ect. Ravnell Enalish. 22600 Brentwood Street, stated that her air conditioner and pool equipment are loud and she doesn't feel that the units on the housing project will be a problem. She spends a lot of money each year getting weeds out of her pool from the vacant lot and is glad that there will be a park there. If the senior housing project does not go through that property will be sold and they will be developed into something that they will not like. She feels that this is the best of all evils. She gave an explanation for all of the for sale signs in her neighborhood. She feels that Mary Silverstein was very helpful. She is in support of the project and encouraged the Council to for in favor of the project. JoAnn Johnson. 12723 Mt. Vernon, stated that she sympathizes with those that live on Brentwood that are opposed to the project and even with those that are objecting for general reasons, however, she knows for a fact that this is a very much needed project. She stated that this was not a concept of the seniors,they came to them. She feels that it is a marvelous project and that the seniors will benefit from it. Jeffrev McConnell, 21758 Walnut, questioned if a recycling program can be implemented. He thanked everyone for their comments. He thanked the Council and the Developers for listening. Mayor Ferr6 closed the public hearing and returned discussion to the Council. Citv Manager Schwab. responded to the questions that were asked. He stated that there was an apartment project that was proposed on De Berry. The neighbors from Reed and La Paix area basically protested the project even though it was quite nice Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 14 and it was denied. It did go back to the Planning Commission later as a condominium complex which was approved. He stated that the Senior Housing Project went to the Planning Commission initially on August 4, 2005. It was properly noticed according to the law. He attended that meeting and many of the people spoke this evening also spoke at the Planning Commission meeting as well as the Council Meeting that was held on August 11, 2005. Councilmember Garcia. questioned why the plan to place this type of project on Barton Road was dismissed. Citv Manager Schwab, responded that there was an initial thought to build senior housing on Barton Road because the lots were deep and they talked about building the Senior Housing in the back and building a shopping center on the front portion of the property. The landowner wants to use the entire portion of the property. When the Webster parcel became available, being right next to the senior, it was key to making this project possible at that location as well as having a way to leverage housing money into a new senior center and park. Councilmember Garcia,stated that when it was brought before the seniors they were very supportive of the project and the proposed area. Citv Manager Schwab, stated that the seniors were positive about the project when they were told about it. Councilmember Garcia, stated that redevelopment is very confusing and requested that City Manager Schwab answer how property owners benefit from redevelopment funds. Citv Manager Schwab,stated that redevelopment is simply a financing tool. He feels that in the 25 years that Grand Terrace has been a City redevelopment has been a key to providing a financial base for the Community. The entire City has been designated as a Redevelopment area,which allowed the City to freeze the entire tax base at that point and any incremental tax growth after that point went to the Redevelopment Agency and by-passed other taxing agencies that would have gotten those taxes otherwise. It creates a situation where we are getting revenue that is coming to the City of Grand Terrace that would have gone to the County,the School District,Flood Control and other areas where we would not benefit from that money. Many of the things that this community has, were made possible by Redevelopment funds; air conditioners were installed at all the schools in the community,the pool at the Junior High School was re-done,the Fire Station was built,the Civic Center was built,the center where Food Connection and the Child Care is also a redevelopment project, the recent renovation of Richard Rollins Park as well as Pico Park, road projects, construction projects,etc. The money for this project is 20%of the funds by law the Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 15 Redevelopment Agency must use from tax increment for low and moderate income projects. To this date we have used the funds for single family rehabs, which included single family loans for roofs, fences, and so forth. The City has rehabilitated 44 homes. The City has not yet done a senior housing project this is utilizing about 8.4 million of the housing money. This will use up a bulk of housing money that is in the bank and also several years of housing money that will be available in the future. That is the only reason that we are able to fund this project. If this money is not used,there is a section in the Redevelopment Law that says if you do not use this money within 5 years of receipt of the funds to do a housing project you will lose it to the County. Councilmember Garcia,stated that we have limited land and she always tries to think of what is the best use of the land when making decision. She questioned if Grand Terrace seniors will have first choice for the villas. City Manager Schwab, stated that the marketing study says that before this project will be built it will 100 % leased. Councilmember Garcia, questioned if they will primarily be from Grand Terrace. City Manager Schwab, responded that he can't guarantee that it will be primarily Grand Terrace residents. They will allow for a period of time,preference to Grand Terrace residents,then friends and family of residents. After that point they will have to be qualified seniors that meet the income requirements. Councilmember Garcia, questioned if there is any way to do the undergrounding of the utilities. Citv Manager Schwab, stated that it is a good suggestion and that staff will contact Edison and see if it is feasible. Councilmember Garcia, stated that she feels that this project will compliment the neighborhood. She can't think of a better use of the property. Councilmember Miller, questioned if there was ever a plan done that didn't include a park that was all at ground level. Citv Manager Schwab,responded that they never had a proposal that didn't include a park. There was a proposal of a 2 story project. Councilmember Miller, he feels that the park is not going to be used by other members of the community. He feels as though it will be used by the seniors that live there and the families that come and visit. He feels that it is great to have a park, Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 16 but he also feels it wouldn't be bad if they were to spread the center out and make it a single story building and make it smaller. He doesn't see people from the community driving to park. Mavor Pro Tern Cortes, stated that it is a passive park and questioned if there can be barbeque pits at passive parks. She suggested giving Grand Terrace residents longer than 60 days to have an opportunity to get into the villas. Citv Manager Schwab,stated that the park was never thought of to be anything more than a passive park. If it were going to be something other than a passive park we would have to add some amenities. Communitv Development Director Koontz, stated that there have been some discussion about the General Plan and there is a section in the General Plan called the Open Space Element that identifies the need for park land. This site is identified for one of the areas for a park. If we don't build a park there will have to find another piece of land to replace that acreage. Councilmember Hilkev, clarified that Grand Terrace will retain ownership of the property. Citv Manaaer Schwab, responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Hilkev, clarified that we are still looking at 120 units. 120 units makes sense financially it is a mathematical number. He understands that there is no change to the type of air conditioning units. He questioned how many legal pieces of property there are. Citv Manager Schwab, responded that are two. One piece of property is two acres and one piece of property is approximately four acres. Councilmember Hilkev. stated that we are putting 120 units on 2 acres. City Manager Schwab,stated that it actually straddles the property line and the senior center will sit on the same property that it is on now. Councilmember Hilkev_ .questioned if there is any interest in making it one lot instead of two. City Manas-er Schwab,responded that it will more than likely be a legal requirement to merge the two lots. Councilmember Hilkev.he feels that the proposed location is a better location than Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 17 on Barton Road. He questioned what the existing parking capacity at the Senior Center. Community Development Director Koontz, responded that it is around 60. The parking lot was originally laid out to have a child care center next to it. Councilmember Hilkev, questioned if there is a chance of a problem having the Senior Center sharing a parking lot. Communitv Development Director Koontz,responded that they don't envision one. He said the need to take into consideration that some of the seniors that use the center will live in the villas. Councilmember Hilkev, questioned if garages and storage units are required under the current code for apartments in Grand Terrace. Community Development Director Koontz, responded in the affirmative. Councilmember Hilkev, questioned why it is not being applied to ourselves. Communitv Development Director Koontz, stated that through the specific plan process they have the ability to adjust any requirement under the zone. There are storage�units in this plan. Councilmember Hilkev,stated that he has come concerns about the access of the park and questioned if there was some way of addressing that issue. Community Development Director Koontz,stated that a gate can be placed on Grand Terrace Road so there is direct access from the sidewalk. Councilmember Hilkev, stated that he is hearing that the problem that people are having are not necessarily with the project but with the process. He stated that the current process of not being able to respond to questions is not a function of the entire Council. He feels that people need immediate response. He stated that this is the third public meeting that he has attended on this project and there was a Planning Commission Meeting before that and feels that it is a bit disconcerting to hear people saying that they have just heard about this project. He feels that the Developer has done all of their PR work and has worked with the community. Mavor Ferr6, stated that the rule that she uses to run the meetings is not her rule, it is the law and it is at the advice of the City Attorney. Colin Burns.Citv Attomev,stated that it is completely appropriate under the Brown Council Minutes September 8,2005 Page 18 Act to limit Public Comment to three minutes and the Mayor is acting appropriately. CC-2005-94 MOTION BY MAYOR FERRE, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER GARCIA, CARRIED 5-0, to waive the full reading of the Ordinances with the provision that the full Ordinances are available for review following the meeting. CC-2005-95 MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM CORTES, SECOND BY COUNCILMEMBER HILKEY, CARRIED 5-0,to approve Environmental Assessment E-05-16, General Plan Amendment GPA-05-01, and Specific Plan SP-05-01 as recommended by the Planning Commission and to approve the latest design change dated September 8, 2005. UNFINISHED BUSINESS -None NEW BUSINESS -None CLOSED SESSION-None Mayor Pro Tern Cortes adjourned the meeting at 9:42 p.m.until the next CRA/City Council Meeting which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, September 22, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. _ f CITY CLERK of the City Grand Terrace MAYO�df the City of Grand Terrace