HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-07-01 - MINUTES - STUDY SESSION NOTES (2)City Council Study Session
July 1, 2003
Call To Order: 6:05 p.m.
Roll Call: All Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Ferry
Flag Salute: Led by Tina Haddad
ITEM REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN NEWHALL—Ken Pulskamp,CityManagergave
a brief introduction of the issue at hand, and introduced Mike Haviland, Economic
Development Manager who commented on the issue. Duane Harte, Chair of the
Redevelopment Committee gave the report on the revitalization of Downtown Newhall. Mr.
Harte's report included: expectations of the community; goals of the Freedman Plan; parking
situation; and housing. Andree Walper, Economic Development Assistant commented and
introduced the group from Main Street Architects that made a presentation which included
confirming the vision; budgetary responsibilities and modifying zoning rules. Jeff Lambert,
Director of Planning and Building Services commented on the possibility of special zoning
for Newhall, and streetscape.
Council questions, concerns and comments included: Comments and concerns included
types of businesses in the area; redevelopment; parking; no incentives to invest; day laborers;
lack of funding; absentee land owners; density issues; and cooperation of primary business
owners.
Public Participation included Jude Coffee regarding attrition; Barbara Sumner in support of
the revitalization of Newhall.
Mayor Smyth recessed the session at 7:15 p.m. and reconvened at 7:30 p.m
ITEM 2 CODE ENFORCEMENT — Ken Pulskamp, City Manager introduced the City's Code
Enforcement Officers and Ruben Barrera, Building Official. Ruben gave a brief presentation
illustrating the time allocation to Code Enforcement functions; the focus on property
maintenance; landscape maintenance; use violations; illegal signage and illegal additions.
Current issues include the reactionary response of Code Enforcement; slowness in achieving
compliance; uncooperative or unavailable owners. Options include becoming more proactive;
create comprehensive fine schedule; develop specific changes to the code; abate certain
substandard conditions; and greater use of prosecutor.
Council questions, concerns and comments included: Concerns included the handling of
neighbor disputes; proactivity - not wanting to create a problem where none exist; slum
lording areas; health and safety issues; and the concern that the Code Enforcement Officers do
not have all the tools required to successfully enforce. Staff will review the current policy and
return to Council with recommendations.
Public Participation included: Berta Harper -Gonzalez regarding affordable housing, pre-
existing conditions, reasonable fine structure, lien issue and hearing process; Larry Bird
regarding Lyons Avenue clean-up; Old Town Newhall street vendors and trash pick-up; Allan
Cameron regarding taking a look at inequality in code enforcement; amnesty program.
Mayor Smyth adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
S n Coffman, InterimIlYeputy City Clerk