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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-22 - MINUTES - REGCITY OF SANTA CLARITA City Council Regular Meeting Joint Meeting with Board of Library Trustees Hereinafter the titles Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk may be used also to indicate Mayor/Chair/President, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair/Vice President, City Manager/Executive Director, City Attorney/Counsel, and City ClerklSecretary —Minutes— Tuesday, October 22, 2024 6:00 PM City Council Chambers INVOCATION Councilmember Weste delivered the invocation. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Smyth called to order the Joint Regular meeting of the City Council and Board of Library Trustees at 6:03 p.m. ROLL CALL All Councilmembers were present. FLAG SALUTE Mayor Pro Tern Miranda led the flag salute. EXECUTIVE MEETING This time has been set aside for Councilmembers to review the agenda and obtain any further information that may be needed. Council will also discuss each individual item during the course of the meeting with the exception of the Consent Calendar, which may be approved in its entirety by one motion, unless there is a request to pull an item for discussion. No action will be taken on public agenda items during the Executive Meeting. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Addressing the City Council were Alex Avlas regarding speed humps on Arcadia Street and Firestone auto shop; Dillon Negrete regarding speed humps on Arcadia Street, developer fees and City fees; Charlie Osegueda regarding speed humps on Arcadia Street and Firestone auto shop; John Franklin regarding the Hope Theatre Arts grant and City support; Douglas Fraser regarding recognition of Manufactured Home Communities; and Glenda Yakel regarding the Canyon Country battery storage project and the upcoming election. STAFF COMMENTS Councilwoman McLean commented that the accident on Arcadia Street was a work accident and unrelated to speeding. Councilmember Weste asked the City Manager if staff has spoken to the Arcadia Street community regarding speed humps. City Manager Ken Striplin responded that staff did meet with one of the public speakers, and will reach out to the Arcadia Street community. Mr. Striplin mentioned that the installation of speed humps on Arcadia Street would require the Council to change current policy; would make speed humps available to other streets within the City; and confirmed that currently Arcadia Street does not meet the specifications for installing speed humps. Mayor Smyth inquired on whether there could be Sheriffs Department enforcement for mitigation, and Mr. Striplin responded that staff would meet with the Sheriffs Department. COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Councilmember Weste commented on the October 29 groundbreaking of the City of Santa Clarita's 39th park, the Pioneer Oil Refinery, in partnership with Trammel Crow Company; and remarked that the future park will be located off of Needham Ranch Parkway, allowing residents and visitors the opportunity to learn more about the oldest existing refinery in the world. Mayor Pro Tern Miranda provided a review of the 2024 State of the City event; noted that cricket ^ would be making its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games; and requested staff to look into the possibility of the City becoming a host of the sporting event. Councilmember Gibbs thanked Councilmember Weste for mentioning the Pioneer Oil Refinery and remarked on the 2024 State of the City event. Councilwoman Mclean commented that the North Los Angeles County Transportation Coalition JPA held a meeting on October 21, where they discussed the rescheduled State Route 14 safety improvements scoping meetings. Councilwoman McLean provided the new dates of the scoping meetings and stressed the importance of having public participation during the comment period. She noted the potential alternatives given in the report for the project and stated that if no advocating is done to make the route safe for all the residents who commute on State Route 14, then she was afraid that all the work done over the years to have a study finally completed would be lost forever. She also mentioned that Metrolink was listed as alternative method of transportation instead of State Route 14; however, any potential improvements to Metrolink would not commence until 2030. Councilwoman McLean mentioned that the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee for the North County/San Fernando Valley Sector held a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, October 9, commented that the City of Los Angeles' Mayor Karen Bass and Supervisor Kathryn Barger were in attendance and discussed the Homeless situation, the impacts of residents donating millions of dollars towards Measure H, the contributing sales tax in hopes of solving the homeless problem, and strongly urged the public to review the legislative analyst statements for each ballot measure in the general election booklet. Page 2 PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM 1 CONTINUATION OF THE APPEAL OF THE PROMENADE FLATS MIXED -USE PROJECT (MASTER CASE 21-086) Public hearing for Appeal 24-003, regarding the Planning Commission's decision to deny the prior appeal and affirm the Hearing Officer's decision for the Promenade Flats Mixed -Use Project (Master Case 21-086). RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Conduct the public hearing; 2. Determine that the project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines § 15332, as a Class 32 categorical exemption consisting of an in -fill development project; 3. Adopt a resolution, denying Appeal 24-003 and affirming the Planning Commission's denial of Appeal 24-001 and affirmation of the Hearing Officer's decision to approve a request by Harvard 826 Property, LLC, to construct and operate the Promenade Flats Mixed -Use Project (Master Case 21-086); and 4. Take other action as determined by the City Council. Mayor Smyth opened the Public Hearing. City Clerk Mary Cusick stated that all notices required by law have been provided. Associate Planner Andy Olson provided the presentation. Hunt Braly and Karen Halik provided the applicant presentation. Addressing the Council in support were Carrie Ventrella of Las Flores Apartments; Judah Bateman regarding parking and addressing the housing crisis; Ashe Mahoney regarding mixed use, in -fill development, and community benefit; and Randy Cupe regarding the occupancy status and property owner's investment in center. Addressing the Council in opposition were Ryan House regarding the parking studies and parking requirements; Donna Gladbach regarding safety concerns, the location of parking for residential, and overflow of parking in nearby Cinema Park; Reena Newhall regarding parking concerns; and Jill Cox, representing Jill's Cake Creations, regarding parking concerns. Addressing the Council in a neutral position was Oscar R. Canales. Hunt Braly exercised his time for rebuttal to the public comments noting that the parking Page 3 provided meets the City of Santa Clarita's code, and there is no requirement to have convenient parking. He stated the appellant is concerned that parking would overflow to their center, and the applicant had requested a study to show parking concerns; however, no study had been provided to the applicant. The Parking Management Plan (PMP) is assurance to provide parking for tenants and clients of the project's center. Mayor Smyth closed the public comment portion of the public hearing. Councilmember Weste commented that this site was extremely compromised as it was not a clean site and not considered a mixed -use project, but rather a remodel. She mentioned that she did not object to an apartment building, but preferred the project be put together in a way that worked for everyone, including the existing tenants; noted that the restaurant lease is up in 20 months and after the proposed project is completed, there will be no parking; and due to safety concerns and lack of lighting, patrons would not walk to the back lot by themselves. Councilmember Weste addressed her concerns on retail businesses having to relocate and her desire to not see them fail; mentioned that the state is pushing for more affordable housing units; however, believed that the state does not intend to take away existing businesses. Councilmember Weste finally stated that the applicant has a right to improve property, but she will not harm people and face the community with retail businesses closing. Councilmember Gibbs requested clarification on the Planning Conditions of Approval with a revision by the Planning Commission, specific to PL5, on whether the condition gives the Director of Community Development the ability to just review or if it also gives them the ability to provide direction and revise. Andy Olson responded that at the Council's will, the condition could be altered and clarified. Councilmember Gibbs requested that the condition be clarified. Councilmember Gibbs asked about the number of units and of those units, how many would be market rate. Andy Olson responded that there were 30 units total, and all are market rate. Councilmember Gibbs noted that the project did not qualify as an affordable project although it was an in -fill project. Councilmember Gibbs remarked on the parking study comments received by the appealing group and inquired on whether the numbers that they came up with were imposed based on current parking standards that City has on the entire project including what already exists, and Andy Olson confirmed that the numbers the appellant group came up with were imposed based on current City parking standards for the entire project which included what already exists. Councilmember Gibbs appreciated Councilmember Weste's comments on the state's interest in housing and in -fill development but noted that City was losing subjective abilities, and objective standards would need to be set to meet City standards. He appreciated the PMP proposed and other comments made by the applicant. Councilwoman McLean commented that she was in favor of mixed -use development and in -fill projects when it is the right project and in the right location, but this project did not meet that criteria. She mentioned that Senate Bill 330 (SB 330) states that a project cannot be denied unless it is putting the public's health and safety at risk. She noted that this project is putting health and safety at risk for the businesses there now, due to lack of parking for customers which potentially would put them out of business. Councilwoman Mclean remarked that she was elected to protect existing business and ensure that outside elements do not come in and take that so% business away. Councilwoman McLean stated that she is not obligated to approve the project and Page 4 would not, also indicating they need to stand up to the state for businesses and residents to protect existing businesses. Councilmember Gibbs inquired on how parking is determined by business use, and Patrick Leclair, Planning Manager, responded providing clarification of Los Angeles County -approved standards and City -approved standards. Councilwoman McLean noted that there would be no affordable housing units, all units would be market rate, young families would not be able to afford to live there, and that the intent of SB 330 was to provide affordable housing units. Councilmember Weste commented that one -bedroom apartments do not generally have only one person with one car, but that is how parking is calculated, and mentioned that if the restaurant were to be removed and additional apartments were provided, more parking would be available due to high parking demand for the existing restaurant, especially at peak -hour times. She also noted that trouble is invited when a parking lot is placed in a dark place, even with lighting. Councilmember Weste stated that she was proud to say no to this project. Mayor Smyth commented on the state consistently restricting land use and shared his concerns on what would happen if this project is paused. Councilmember Gibbs made the motion to move the staff recommended action. Mayor Pro Tern Miranda seconded the motion. City Manager Striplin asked Councilmember Gibbs to clarify if his intention is to have the language of Planning Conditions of Approval, PL5, include the words "review and approval" of the Parking Management Plan, and Councilmember Gibbs confirmed that this is his intended motion. Adopted Resolution No. 24-68 RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 21 MOVER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember SECONDER: Bill Miranda, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Cameron Smyth, Bill Miranda, Jason Gibbs NAYS: Marsha McLean, Laurene Weste ITEM 2 CONFORMANCE REVIEW OF THE RIVERVIEW PROJECT - MASTER CASE 21-205 Conformance Review of the Riverview Project (Master Case 21-205), including 318 residential units and 127,000 square feet of commercial space located at the current Saugus Speedway property. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Conduct the public hearing; Page 5 2. Provide direction to staff on project -related issues; and 3. Continue the meeting to a date certain. Mayor Smyth opened the Public Hearing. City Clerk Mary Cusick stated that all notices required by law have been provided. Associate Planner Justin Sauder provided the presentation. John Musella and Peter Vanek (Integral Communities) provided the applicant presentation. Addressing the Council in support were Ralph Veladon representing the Laborers International Union of North America, Local 300; G Rick regarding housing and the swap meet; and Manny Santana requesting a new location for the swap meet. Addressing the Council in opposition were Ashe Mahoney regarding project zoning, floor area ratio, limited developer pool, and Housing Element; Nicholas Azarian regarding the light industrial compatibility, lack of affordable housing, and an alternative location for swap meet; and Lucretius McIlvaine questioning how a "no significant impact" is determined and how the value of the oak tree is quantified. Addressing the Council with no position provided was Ramiro Martinez requesting facilitation for new swap meet space and representation for the Spanish speaking community. Addressing the Council in a neutral position were David Panarate regarding the speedway and community amenities for non -athletic activities, and Douglas (no last name provided) who commented on Spanish translation and Community Development staff. Three written comment cards were received in opposition; one written comment card was received without a position. Mayor Smyth closed the public comment portion of the public hearing. Councilwoman McLean read aloud what would happen if cities do not meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) obligations and commented that this project does not meet RHNA. She mentioned that the City could make fairgrounds similar to County of Ventura and commented further on throwing away an economic development opportunity that could be a true transit project having a conference center, hotel, and affordable housing. Councilwoman McLean remarked on why the heritage oak tree could not be replanted; addressed the concern on the number of affordable housing units; and commented on builder's remedy project, as the project does not meet the minimum density of 20 percent for affordable housing and would be a good project for density to meet regional housing needs. .._ Councilmember Gibbs commented that staff and City go through allocations for a Certified Page 6 Housing Element and spoke of the City having planned for density and a certain number of Affordable Housing units, but the project does not meet the RHNA numbers; however, does meet the requirements to be considered a mixed use housing project. Councilmember Gibbs asked City Attorney Joe Montes to clarify the conflict of the two state laws, and Mr. Montes responded that the Housing Accountability Act states if a project meets the City's objective standards, it cannot be denied except for a health and safety issue as identified by existing, written standards and then only if the issue cannot be mitigated. With regard to density, the City has identified sites that are suitable for certain types of housing to be built at a specific density in the Housing Element. If a project is proposed with less housing than in the Housing Element, it triggers the No Net Loss statute, which states the City cannot approve a project that is at a lower density than what is in the Housing Element if it prohibits the City from meeting the RHNA numbers, unless the City identifies other sites that would allow the City to meet its RHNA obligation. Mr. Montes mentioned that the obligation is on the City, and due to available alternative sites in the Housing Element, the City would not be able to deny the project based on the No Net Loss statute. Councilmember Gibbs remarked that cities will run out of reasonable backfill of suitable sites; and asked the applicant what are the hinderances to bringing in more density. Peter Vanek responded that units are more expensive to insure due to fire requirements, and remarked that he found the City's density standards odd as they are applied to the entire property and not the individual parcels, however the residential component of the project met the minimum density under the zoning code for the residential parcels. Councilmember Gibbs requested more information on the heritage oak tree transplant, Mr.Vanek responded that transplanting the tree would be a challenge due to the health of the tree and slope of the property. Mayor Pro Tern Miranda inquired on whether the City was going to meet the assigned RHNA numbers by 2029, and City Manager Striplin responded that City was not going to meet them. Mayor Pro Tern mentioned that he is very much in favor of the project. Councilmember Weste remarked that it was the first project she had seen in which the public was upset that there were not enough units, and stated that the state will continue to put on more and more pressure for housing. She mentioned that the Bonelli family want and need to sell the property and it is the perfect place to build lots of units, for young families to own property, have pride of ownership and pride in their community, and will grant them access to amenities; and remarked that the applicant did a good job with space and applauded the efforts of the union representatives in attendance. Councilmember Weste spoke on the pluses and minuses, as there are more legislative pieces regarding housing; however, with this project there is blank site and the opportunity to make something nice. Councilmember Weste requested that the applicant's project put in $250,000 for the design and engineering of trail improvements from the project site to Reuther Avenue, $100,000 to the City for the Affordable Housing Fund, and $150,000 for the completion of the museum at the history center in the Pardee House located at Hart Park. Councilmember Weste inquired as to whether the Conditions of Approval are written, and Patrick Leclair, Planning Manager, responded that staff have been working on the project internally and a draft of the conditions can be brought back to the City Council with the added amendments. Peter Vanek of the applicant team responded that Councilmember Weste's amendments were acceptable. Page 7 Councilmember Weste made the motion to approve the item with the added conditions. Mayor Pro Tern Miranda seconded the motion. Mayor Smyth commented on the issue of density; spoke on the speedway as being a fabric for Santa Clarita, and his childhood. He remarked that it was sad to see the transition of what was once a key part of Santa Clarita move into a new phase, and remarked on the Bonelli family as being a large part of community for decades. Mayor Smyth confirmed the date certain of November 12, 2024, to present the resolution with all findings and Conditions of Approval. Councilwoman McLean commented on the aging community looking to downsize to single - story, the decrease in RHNA numbers, and requested the applicant to consider some retail and a restaurant. After the vote, Councilmember Weste commented that while the state mandates more housing, they are also making it harder to build that housing. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember SECONDER: Bill Miranda, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Smyth, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste CONSENT CALENDAR RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember SECONDER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember AYES: Smyth, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste ITEM 3 APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the October 8, 2024, Regular Meeting ITEM 4 CHECK REGISTER NO. 21 Check Register No. 21 for Period 09/06/24 through 09/19/24 and 09/26/24. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 09/09/24 through 09/20/24. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 21. Page 8 ITEM 5 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AS A CLEAN CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY The California Department of Transportation's Clean California Community designation is intended to establish, recognize, and reward communities that demonstrate pride in keeping their environment clean, beautiful, and litter -free. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council adopt a resolution supporting the designation of the City of Santa Clarita as a Clean California Community. Adopted Resolution No. 24-69 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II There were no additional requests to speak received. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Smyth adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:02 p.m. ATTEST: CITY CLERK MAYOR Page 9