Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-10-07 - MINUTES - STUDY SESSION (2)City Council Study Session October 7, 1997 Call To Order: 6:00 p.m. Roll Call: All Councilmembers were present. Pledge of Allegiance: Led by Mayor Smyth Item 1 PROPOSED CENTRAL CITY PLANNING EFFORT City Manager Caravalho introduced Planning Manager Jeff Lambert who described the Central City Planning Effort, proposed to conduct planning for a 1,325 acre irregularly shaped site fronting on the north side of Soledad Canyon Road and the easterly side of Bouquet Canyon Road, and explained the project would enable coordination between the property owners for the joint planning of parks, roads, and land use as well as the protection of the Santa Clara River, Public Participation: Paula Perez read a prepared statement objecting to moving the park and urged Council not to go back on their word; Bob Lathrop asked questions about the alternative diagrams and use of Castaic Lake Water Authority land; a man asked questions about Proposition A money; a woman expressed her desire for the park; a woman outlined what she envisions for open field space; a man expressed concern for City liability for parkland in the floodplain, especially with the potential for El Nino this year; a woman stated that the City should give the residents their park and stop this plan; Dave Blazey-expressed concern for areas that could possibly be under water and indicated that he didn't understand why the City would be planning this development; Bob Sagehorn indicated CLWA had no immediate plans for development and was invited into the process by the City; Laurene Weste requested clarification on CLWA's intention for use of their property; Jim Gates outlined the origin and potential use of the CLWA land; Dave Enns expressed the opinion that there was plenty of land for parks and development; Effie Bird questioned why the City would change their plans; Richard Green indicated the park should be left as is for the children; and a man expressed concerns with the cost to make areas of potential liquefaction usable and stated the park was needed right away. Council discussion and concerns: the park should be an amenity for current residents and not for use by new development; not wanting to see more housing and traffic on Bouquet Canyon; wanting to see the park as the City planned it; some interest in not wanting to see Santa Clarita Parkway built; not seeing a problem with joint effort; possibly condemning CLWA property for public use; liking the original plans and not the alternatives; some willingness to delay if result would be a significantly better plan; and noting the rights of property owners. Council direction to maintain the program for the existing park, continue joint planning and thanking the professional staff and vigilant citizens for their efforts. RECESS Mayor Smyth called a recess at 7:25 and reconvened the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Item 2 NORTH VALENCIA SPECIFIC PLAN/ANNEXATION City Manager Caravalho introduced Planning Manager Jeff Lambert who provided a briefing on the six planning areas of the Specific Plan. Within the planning areas, the applicant is proposing a mix of residential, commercial/retail, industrial/business park, elementary school, park, open space and trail uses. Council discussion and concerns: the source of water and who would be responsible for the lake; having a balance between roads and protecting habitat; strengthening the wording for a rail corridor; the alignment for Magic Mountain Parkway; fiscal impact of the annexation; and the city maintaining and having programs in the parks and recreational areas. Public Participation: Bob Lathrop had questions regarding the river; and a woman expressed concern that Bruce Henderson in the Ventura Office of the Army Corps of Engineers did not have any information on the project. Item 3 RISK MANAGEMENTMIABILITY City Manager Caravalho introduced Management Analyst Paul Zaengle who outlined the City's risk management program via a computer generated slide presentation. Elizabeth Feffer and Brian Pierik of Burke Williams and Sorensen distributed and discussed an outline of pre -incident and post -incident considerations utilized once a claim has been filed. Council discussion and concerns: a judge's involvement in the disposition of a case; and acknowledging staff and the attorneys for their hard work in this area. Public Participation: There was none. Item 4 TRANSIT MAINTENANCE FACILITY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND SITING STUDY - PHASE I City Manager Caravalho introduced Transportation Manager Ron Kilcoyne who outlined the Transit Maintenance Facility (TMF) Plan and Siting Study. Andy Freitas of Gannett Fleming Engineers and Planners distributed a handout and provided a project update. Council discussion and concerns: that the location be served by a busline; any vandalism at the current off-site bus parking location; considering a site near the middle of town; not excluding sites outside the current City boundary or any potential location at this point; finding 12 affordable acres. Public Participation: There was none. Mayor Smyth called for general Public Participation; there was none. Mayor Smyth adjourned the meeting at 9:26 p.m. Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk