HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-05 - MINUTES - STUDY SESSION NOTES (2)City Council Study Session
December 6, 2000
Call To Order: 6:33 p.m.
Roll Call: All Councilmembers were present with the exception of
Councilmember Ferry
Flag Salute: Was led by Councilmember Smyth
ITEM 1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING TIME FORMAT OPTIONS - George
Caravalho, City Manager, gave an overview of the direction provided by
Council and the research completed by staff. Tashia Marsh, Special
Assistant to the City Manager, gave highlights of the report and options
indicating staff looked at approximately 20 cities of similar size.
Council comments and concerns included: the availability of the
attorney should additional meetings be scheduled; not wanting to limit or
impede the public's attendance at meetings; providing time for the public
to speak to the Council; keeping awards as part of the meeting; meetings
during the day would be difficult; needing more time for Closed Sessions;
moving Council comments to a point earlier in the meeting; starting the
meetings earlier; needing to be concise and respectful of others;
designating chairs for the next speakers; having a 1/2 hour period each
month perhaps during a study session for general discussion.
Carl Newton, City Attorney, cautioned the Council on the Brown Act and
reminded that the agenda must contain a list of topics to be discussed.
He also noted that Council would need to adopt either an ordinance or
resolution to change the time of regular meetings.
George Caravalho, City Manager, reviewed the policy that any items
remaining to be heard be reviewed at 10 p.m. to determine if any would
need to be continued to a future meeting and that no new item should be
started after 11 p.m. Council concurred with the existing policy and
retaining the 30 -minute time limit for public participation.
Council consensus to modify Option 2, Proposed Format Order,
on Page 4 with regular meetings to begin at 6 pm. Council
Comments and Committee Reports would precede Awards and
Recognitions, followed by Presentations to the City, Public
Participation, Staff Comments, then the Executive Meeting.
ITEM 2 DOWNTOWN NEWHALL UPDATE — STRATEGIC PLAN — Ken
Pulskamp, Assistant City Manager, gave a brief introduction to the
Strategic Planning session that staff conducted with the Newhall
Redevelopment committee. A five-year plan was developed that
considered issues such as financing, parking, streetscape, and new
business recruitment. Ken Pulskamp then introduced Alex Vasquez, who
gave a Newhall Revitalization Update with the assistance of Larry Bird,
Chairperson of the Redevelopment Committee. The update included
major fagade improvements; sign/minor fagade upgrades; events coming
up during the holiday season; Newhall Street Faire.
Mr. Bird then presented an update of the Old Town Newhall Association
including an update of Kent Burnes projects such as: active
subcommittees; holiday media advertising; formalization stage of the
committee; membership drive.
Mr. Pulskamp explained the process for the Strategic Planning Workshop
that was held, explaining some of the identified issues, such as
established five-year planning period; best and worst case scenarios;
assessed strengths and improvements. The mission statement for the
Redevelopment Committee is:
"To promote, enhance, revitalize and spur investment in the Newhall
Redevelopment Project Area. To make recommendations to the Santa
Clarita Redevelopment Agency on issues affecting the project area".
The prioritized top 8 issues include:
1) Downtown Association/Business Improvement District/Mesh the City
and Committee;
2) Bring new businesses and services/arts;
8) Ownership of San Fernando Road;
4) Streetscape/Aesthetics;
8) Safety/Pride/Perception;
6) Promotion of Available Programs/Publicity/Arta;
7) Interim Financing Strategy/Bonds;
8) Code Enforcement.
Mr. Pulskamp then went into detail about developing an action plan and
the process for the future, with target dates.
Council comments and concerns included: ownership of San
Fernando Road; not lessening City standards; absentee owners of
property in the area; history of San Fernando Road issue; involvement
with Chamber of Commerce; clean-up of Railroad Avenue; vacant land
availability and checking with the Gugliemeno Family regarding the
purchase or leasing of land; getting merchants involved in the Kent
Burnes training; trash accumulation in area; CDBG funds; MTA monies;
funding for mitigations and enhancements; day laborers issue; lack of
senior housing in the area.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION — Alan Cameron stated that A-1 Party Rental has
acquired property with a very nice fagade and that the Agency should consider
expanding the redevelopment area. Mr. Cameron also asked Council to consider two
public participation times on Council agendas. One at the beginning and one at the end.
ADJOUPJOMiT — Mayor Darcy adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.
Sharon L. Dawson
City Clerk
min/OODec5ss