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Minutes 2000/01/24 7470 Posting Agenda Roll Call Pub. Hearing GPA 99-01 Special Meeting January 24,2000 Gilroy, California The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The City Clerk noted that the Agenda had been posted on January 21,2000 at 9: 52 a.m. Present: Councilmembers: Guadalupe Arellano (arrived 7:07 p.m.), Peter D. Arellano, Charles S. Morales, Al Pinheiro, Roland Velasco (arrived 7:07 p.m.), and Thomas W. Springer; Absent: Councilmember Anthony C. Sudol III - 7:03 p.m. The Mayor stated it was the time and place scheduled for a continued Public Hearing on a General Plan Update and Amendment request. The proposed 1999 Update of the City of Gilroy's General Plan document is the first comprehensive update of the General Plan since its initial adoption in November, 1979. The proposed 1999 General Plan Update provides a guide for the physical development of the City, and brings the Plan into conformance with changes in State law and other legal requirements; reflects changes in the local population and economy since 1979; incorporates the most recent projections and assumptions regarding future growth; and responds to the issues, challenges and opportunities created by recent trends and developments. The proposed 1999 General Plan includes goals, policies and programs regarding State-mandated General Plan elements (Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Open Space, Conservation, Safety, and Noise), and "optional elements" (Agriculture, Air Quality, Cultural Facilities, Economic Development, Growth Management, Historic Preservation, Parks and Recreation, Scenic Highways, Schools, and Water Supply and Quality) to the year 2020. City of Gilroy, applicant, GPA 99-01. The Mayor explained the procedure to be taken on this Public Hearing, which will be to focus on specific issues for the four scheduled meetings. The staff report was noted and further explained by Planning Division Manager Faus. He reviewed the Planning Commission recommended amendments, including the Hecker Pass issue and Specific Plan development densities. Councilman Velasco stated that he may have a conflict of interest because of his residential property on Hecker Pass Highway. He noted that he has requested information from the FPPC, that he will hear testimony tonight, but will not participate in any straw vote at this meeting. He stated that he will have an answer prior to the final vote on the Hecker Pass issue. The Mayor opened the Public Hearing. Tony Lupina stated that he supports the property owners for the potential rezoning of Las Animas Avenue off Murray Avenue for campus industrial zoning. He recommended the City Council give him guidelines as to what campus industrial is. He requested the Council not be as restrictive as other cities in the area. Chris Vanni, landowner in the Hecker Pass area, noted that a Specific Plan will be prepared over the next year. He requested to let the Specific Plan do its job, noting that the Council can't determine density at this time. He stated that he wants the Specific Plan to reflect the rural characteristics of the area. Suellen Rowlison, 795 Williamsburg Way, stated that to truly protect the land, the underlying density zoning is needed. She questioned the liquefaction of the land and how far south this would go. She questioned the clustering on the south end of the 196 acres. 747; Sharon Albert stated that the General Plan Update Committee voted 2-1 to allow .4 units per acre and to encourage clustering with a 25% density bonus. She urged the City Council to tie the transfer of densities to other property owned in Gilroy. Joe Giacalone, 7660 Crews Road, stated that he met with staff and obtained documents from the City. He questioned the 1993 report and why staff would distribute this if the City has not adopted it. Bob Miller, Michelle Court, stated that he is a geologist and noted that there may be land near the creek that is undevelopable due to movement, and therefore there is a need to cluster the homes. Connie Rogers stated that she remembers accepting the 1993 report and not endorsing any recommendations. She stated that the City Council needs to set the vision for the City, but it is not their job to make projects economically feasible. She stated that she supports what Sharon Albert said regarding the overwhelming support for densities for the Hecker Pass area. She noted there is an opportunity for tourism. Steve Mitchell, Hecker Pass & Whitehurst Road, stated his concern and opposition that 98 units can be built in the Hecker Pass area. Susan Bassey, 1733 Hecker Pass, stated that she appreciates the effort that has gone into the General Plan, but that she enjoys the views on Hecker Pass. She commented that she is stunned at the growth and Eagle Ridge, concerned that we have lost our sense of community, and that we need to think about the impact of what is being approved. Jim Hoey, 2480 Hecker Pass, recalled that the City requested DBO Development to prepare the 1993 report in conjunction with their application. He noted that the previous General Plan showed no commercial west of Santa Teresa Boulevard, but stated that times and visions change. He commented that if the Specific Plan was allowed to do its job, the General Plan would not be compromised. He stated this is a great opportunity to create an economically viable area. He asked that densities not be tied to an exact number at this time. Jane Olcott, EI Matador, stated that she likes Hecker Pass as it is, including the densities. She stated her concerns regarding traffic and being used as a commute route. At 9:04 p.m., the Mayor called a recess, after which he recalled the meeting to order. Carolyn Tognetti, 820 Carignane Drive and member of the GPUC, commented on the conceptual plan prepared by the homeowners and noted that she agrees with it if it follows the planned densities. She stated that the vision looks good, but doesn't know ifthat is what will be until it is determined through the Specific Plan. She noted that agritourism was added to allow the land to be economically viable. (At 9:38 p.m. Councilwoman G. Arellano left the Council Chambers, and returned at 9:39 p.m.) Mark Zappa, 6381 Raspberry Court, stated his concerns about government control of private property. He commented that the owners should be allowed a fair return on their property. David Collier, Hillview Court, noted there has been much discussion on the Hecker Pass uses. He stated that a clear direction needs to be given to the Specific Plan committee. -/ '") 741 (- Joel Goldsmith stated that this is a unique situation and that he is in the middle of everything going on. He noted that he shares the scenic vision and that he has an on-going business that he plans to keep there. He stated that his overriding concern is to try to keep it as close to what it is today, explaining that it can be ruined with housing and/or agritourism. He stated that trust needs to be built, understanding the needs of the organization and community. Bill O'Connor stated that as a citizen he would like to see the General Plan as a contract for the City of Gilroy. He commented that the General Plan has to define the areas so the City Council can be held accountable to follow the visions. Todd Perkins, Peterson Drive, explained that the GPUC was chosen with a wide range of interests. He noted that a certain percent of the land being discussed is undevelopable. He asked that the City Council preserve the spirit of the GPUC, noting that they created the vision to provide a legacy for Gilroy. The Mayor closed the public comment period. Councilman Velasco recused himself and left the dais. After discussion, Councilmembers G. Arellano, P. Arellano, and Morales agreed with the densities in the General Plan for the Hecker Pass area, and Councilmembers Pinheiro and Springer agreed with the Planning Commission recommendation to wait until the Specific Plan is completed to set final numbers. Councilman Velasco returned to his seat at the dais. The Mayor asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak on any item not on the agenda. There was no comment from anyone in the audience. The Mayor noted the following meetings/events: *Meeting will be televised on Channel 34 JANUARY 2000 24 Special Meeting - Joint with Gilroy Unified School District Board of Education - Middle School Location/Siting - 6:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers (rescheduled for January 31, 2000) 24*Special Meeting - General Plan Public Hearing -7:00 p.m., Council Chambers 25 SCR W A Meeting - 7: 30 a. m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy 31 * Special Meeting - General Plan Public Hearing -7:00 p.m., Council Chambers FEBRUARY 2000 7* Regular City Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers 8 SCRW A Meeting - 7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy 9 Annual Retreat - 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (including dinner off-site-Harvest Time Restaurant), Temporary Environmental Education Center (TEEC) building at the Ranch Site, Christmas Hill Park, 7049 Miller Avenue, Gilroy, California 10 Annual Retreat - 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Temporary Environmental Education Center(TEEC) building at the Ranch Site, Christmas Hill Park, 7049 Miller Avenue, Gilroy, California 22 SCRW A Meeting - 7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy 22*Regular City Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers 28*Joint Study Session with Planning Commission - cm -7:00 p.m., Council Chambers MARCH 2000 6* Regular City Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers 8 Ouarterly Meeting with School Board - 7:00 p.m., Temporary Environmental Education Center (TEEC) building at the Ranch Site Christmas Hill Park, 7049 Miller Avenue, Gilroy 13 * Special Meeting - General Plan Public Hearing - 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers 14 SCRWA Meeting - 7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy Adjournment """"':~'?"''''''.''''.';:;;,::,.:;,'').".i<;!.;.;.,,;;<,'~:);'4';. __._~ _ 7 ~, "" .... 'i/J 20*Regular City Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers 27*Special Meeting - General Plan Public Hearing - 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers 28 SCRW A Meeting - 7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy At 11 :00 p.m. the Mayor adjourned the meeting. Respectfully submitted, (~~ /s/ RHONDA PELLIN City Clerk