Minutes 2000/04/10
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Posting
Agenda
Roll Call
Special Meeting
April 10, 2000
Gilroy, California
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The City Clerk noted that the Agenda had been posted on April 4, 2000
at 4:35 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers: Guadalupe Arellano, Peter D. Arellano, Charles S.
Morales, Al Pinheiro, Anthony C. Sudol III, Roland Velasco, and Thomas W.
Springer - 7:05 p.m.
The Mayor stated that this meeting is specifically related to the General Plan, and
no other topics, including the RDO applications, will be discussed tonight.
Pub. Hearing
GPA 99-01
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Councilmember G. Arellano noted that the Clerk should number the speaker cards
so that they are allowed to speak in the order that they turn in their cards.
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 City Administrator noted the process for the meeting tonight, noting that
Councilman Sudol will be casting his votes for the meetings that he was unable to
attend, with final Council direction to be given to staff to go forward, noting potential
actions to prepare the two studies (flooding and traffic) and then proceed to prepare
the EIR, or prepare the two studies simultaneously with the EIR preparation process.
Councilmember G. Arellano stated that she did not receive the Milt Mintz letter of
April 5, 2000 until tonight and requested time to study it when that issue comes up.
Councilman Sudol noted the following straw votes:
. Hecker Pass-land use densities - Accept the Planning Commission modification;
"suggested target" of 0.4 du/ac.
. Burchell Road municipal golf area - KEEP this area designated on the City's
General Plan Land Use Map.
. Maintain the Downtown land use boundaries as proposed - In favor.
. Remove from the General Plan text the Downtown strategy titled "Facilitate the
Relocation of Auto-Oriented Business - In favor.
. Seismic Hazards Map/Asbestos-bearing rock policy/Source material reference -
In favor.
. Neighborhood school and re-use of school property policies - Keep Policy 17.06
in the General Plan - In favor; Remove Policy 17.11 - In favor; No change on
Policy 17.08 - In favor.
. Glen-Loma Group request for No changes to the proposed General Plan, keep the
Land Use Map as is - In favor.
. James Gailey request for two lots to be changed to Low Density Residential- In
favor.
. Coats Consulting request to change property at the southeast corner of Highways
101 & 152 to Commercial- In favor, but send to the Planning Commission for
recommendation.
. Al Pinheiro request for property at the southeast and southwest corners of First
and Church Streets to be changed to Commercial - In favor.
. Designate entire parcel at the NW corner of Farrell and Monterey to Commercial
- In favor.
Councilman Velasco stated that he had received a letter from the FPPC on
whether he has a conflict of interest regarding the Hecker Pass issue, and stated that
he does have a financial conflict of interest due to the proximity of his primary
residence and will recuse himself regarding voting on this issue.
Planning Division Manager Faus reviewed the items to be discussed at this Public
Hearing. In answer to a question, he stated it could be $86,000 to $120,000 to
prepare and recirculate the EIR.
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City Attorney Callon noted that the property owners that have requested the 660
acres be included in the General Plan can be assessed the cost of the EIR.
(At 7:50 p.m. Councilman Morales left the Council Chambers, and returned at
7:51 p.m.).
The Mayor opened the Public Hearing.
Becky Boyd Lorenzet requested to include property north of Leavesley Avenue
and bounded by the Llagas Creek to the east, Cohansey Avenue to the north, and
Highway 101 to the west, into the General Plan, which includes 20 acres that she
owns, plus additional acres.
At 8:03 p.m., the Mayor called for a five minute recess, after which he recalled the
meeting to order.
Milt Mintz clarified his current request that what the City Council recommended
for the corner of Farrell and Monterey, he would like the same to proceed north to
the future Cohansey Avenue. He distributed an amended map request to have one
entrance/exit from this commercial area to Monterey Road.
Suellen Rowlison stated that she served on the GPUC and noted her concern with
pushing out the 20 year General Plan line into the prime agricultural land. She
requested the City Council act now on the Plan, and not include the 660 acres. She
noted the flood area to the east of the outlets, which is a floodplain, and the padding
up of the property that would be required for construction. She also noted her
concern with the seismic activity in the area.
Celia McCormack noted concerns regarding open space and encouraged open
space be retained for the southwest area of Santa Teresa Blvd. and Miller Avenue.
Mr. Faus noted that the area Ms. McCormack referred to is primarily designated
RH (Residential Hillside), and housing has been approved on this site.
Lae1 McCormack noted that the area southwest of Santa Teresa Boulevard and
Miller Avenue is truly a jewel for Gilroy, and requested that it stay as it is as open
space.
Len Pugh, at the request of several members of the GPUC, questioned why the
City Council is tearing apart the work of the 42 members of the GPUc. He noted
that their time has been wasted, and now citizens question why they should volunteer.
Janet Espinosa stated that she lives on Marcella Avenue, adjacent to the 660
acres, and noted that many residents in the area of Marcella Avenue do not want an
industrial park in the area. She asked the City Council to reconsider and look at the
General Plan and not include the additional acreage since there is no significant reason
or need. She noted the Committee looked at what was needed. She stated that a plan
should be based on need. She requested the City Council not include the land east of
the outlets in the General Plan.
Sharon Albert, former City Councilmember and former chairperson ofthe GPUC,
read a letter signed by 24 previous members of the GPUC, noting that they are
strongly opposed to the amendment of 660 acres to the General Plan. She noted the
GPUC feels they have been betrayed. She noted the City Council has shown
disregard for the vision statement of the draft General Plan, and violated the spirit in
which the vision was created. She noted the GPUC members respectfully request that
the City Council reverse their previous action and accept the GPUC
recommendations.
(At 8:47 p.m. Councilman Morales left the Council Chambers and returned at
8:48 p.m.)
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Tim Filice, regarding the Glen Loma Ranch community, stated that there are a
range of interpretations of the statements in the neighborhood zone and are too
specific and should be more general. He noted amended wording for 12-15
statements in the General Plan which should be amended that are too specific in the
neighborhood zone. He requested an opportunity to review the handout distributed
tonight by Mr. Faus and provide feedback on them regarding the Neighborhood
District. He stated he would like to serve on the implementation task force. He gave
the City Clerk copies of his comments on the Neighborhood District.
Bill Lindsteadt spoke regarding recirculation of the EIR and the traffic study
specifically recommending changing the level of service from "C" to "D" for all areas
east of Highway 101, for Highway 152 west and Monterey Street, and Tenth Street
from Highway 1 0 1 to Monterey Street.
Traffic Engineer Abrams noted that from LOS C to D, the average time delay will
be 15 seconds, and 4-5 miles per hour of travel speed. She noted that an automobile
could wait through two signal light changes at level of service D. She explained the
difference between a local, collector, arterial, and freeway designation.
John Donahoe provided some input on the Eagle Ridge development. He noted
the southern part of Eagle Ridge does have the salamander habitat and a large
percentage of the project will remain in open space (85%). He stated there are a
number of residential units on the southern portion of the property.
Cathy Monahan, representing a majority ofthe owners east of the outlets, noted
the inadequacy of the other locations for the campus industrial areas. She stated that
this is the time to include this in the 20 year General Plan. She stated that by
including these properties would be good planning.
Lee Wieder, Access Land Development, noted that there are five major property
owners that are interested in long term planning that want to bring the area east of the
outlets into the 20 year boundary. He noted a Specific Plan or Area Plan will be done
in the future to more specifically review the area for annexation and Urban Service
Area inclusion. He noted the Greenbelt Alliance letter requesting the EIR be inclusive
for review of this document. He stated that the hydrology and traffic studies will be
needed, and everyone would have the ability to evaluate as to whether this property
should be brought into the 20 year area.
Craig Gartman stated that he feels sorry for those members of the GPUC that are
unhappy with the City Council. He stated that he is proud of the process and the
outcome. He noted that it was explained to the GPUC how the adoption of the
General Plan would be accomplished. He noted the need for additional industrial jobs
for people in Gilroy.
Geary Coats requested that his project be allowed to proceed on during the
General Plan process, and to be reviewed in the EIR and traffic analysis. He stated
that his clients would pay their portion of the EIR.
Arti O'Connor stated that she talked to the San Jose Planning Department and
they are allowing parcels in the Coyote Valley to be split into five acre parcels. She
questioned why we need to have large acre parcels.
The Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
At 9:31 p.m. the Mayor called for a ten minute recess, after which he recalled the
meeting to order.
The following straw votes were taken:
. Request by Becky Lorenzet to include 20 acres north of Leavesley Avenue into
the General Plan - Councilmembers G. Arellano, P. Arellano, Pinheiro, Sudol,
and Springer voting no and Councilmembers Morales and Velasco to add the 20
acres to the area for the Planning Commission to make a recommendation.
. Request by Milt Mintz to change 200' x 800' from Farrell Avenue to Cohansey
Avenue on the west side of Monterey Street to General Services Commercial-
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Councilmembers G. Arellano, Morales, Pinheiro, Sudol, Velasco, and Springer
voting yes and Councilmember P. Arellano voting no.
· Request by Geary Coats to change the area southeast of Highways 101 and 152
to commercial - Councilmembers Sudol, Pinheiro, Velasco, and Springer to
include this in the EIR and Councilmembers G. Arellano, P. Arellano, and
Morales to send to the Planning Commission to make a recommendation.
· A revote on the above request by Geary Coats - Councilmembers Sudol,
Pinheiro, Velasco, and Springer to include this in the EIR and deal with it at the
Council level; Councilmember G. Arellano to send it to the Planning Commission
for a recommendation or to deny it; Councilman P. Arellano to deny it; and
Councilman Morales to send it to the Planning Commission for a
recommendation.
Councilman Velasco recused himself and left the dais.
· Hecker Pass - Councilmembers P. Arellano, Morales, Pinheiro, Sudol, and
Springer voting to accept the Planning Commission modification "suggested
target" of 0.4 du/ac; Councilmember G. Arellano to maintain the GPUC
recommendations of maximum 0.4 du/ac; and Councilman Velasco absent.
Councilman Velasco returned to his seat at the dais.
Councilmember G. Arellano noted for the record that 1,060 acres of industrial
land is enough for 60 years and enough for the City of Gilroy.
· Motion was made by Councilman Pinheiro, seconded by Councilman Velasco and
carried (Councilmembers Sudol and Springer voting no) to request Lee Weider,
Geary Coats, and the other property owners be asked to pay for the hydrology
and traffic studies and the fee study.
Cathy Monahan and Lee Weider stated the need to know the costs for these
studies and noted their concern with the amount of money needed.
Planning Division Manager Faus eXplained the hydrology and traffic studies could
be between $45,000 to $55,000 and a few thousand dollars for the fee study.
· The consensus of the Council was that the studies be done before the EIR is
prepared.
· Regarding whether the Planning Commission should review the studies on the
660 acres or should the issue go directly to the City Council -
Councilmembers G. Arellano, Pinheiro, Sudol, Velasco, and Springer voted
that the City Council should hear the issue; Councilman Morales voted to
have the Planning Commission make a recommendation; and Councilman P.
Arellano voted no (not to include the 660 acres).
· Motion was made by Councilman Pinheiro, seconded by Councilman Velasco
and carried (Councilmen P. Arellano and Sudol voting no) to reagendize to
May 15,2000 the issue of having the property owners pay for the studies.
. Motion was made by Councilmember G. Arellano, seconded by Councilman
P. Arellano and the motion did not carry (Councilmen Morales, Pinheiro,
Sudol, Velasco, and Springer voting no) to place as an advisory vote on the
November ballot to extend the urban growth boundary.
Councilmember G. Arellano noted for the record that the people of Gilroy
have lost their voice this evening.
At 11 :25 p.m. the Mayor called for a five minute recess, after which he
recalled the meeting to order.
. Motion was made by Councilman Pinheiro, seconded by Councilman Sudol
and carried (Councilmen P. Arellano and Morales voting no) to leave the
Shapell area as it is vs. changing it to open space.
. Motion was made by Councilman Pinheiro, seconded by Councilman Sudol
and carried to refer back to staff the issue of proposed wording changes to the
neighborhood district and refer back to the Council in the future.
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Adjournment
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The Mayor noted the following meetings/events:
*Meeting will be televised on Channel 34
APRIL 2000
10*Special Meeting - General Plan Public Hearing - 7:00 p.m., City Council
Chambers
11 SCRWAMeeting -7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy
11 Study Session - CDBG Priorities - 7:30 p.m., Gilroy Senior Center Meeting
Room
17 Commission Interviews - 6:30 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers
17*Regular City Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers
19 Study Session - Downtown Streetscape Proiects -7:00 p.m., Temporary
Environmental Education Center (TEEC) building at the Ranch Site Christmas
Hill Park, 7049 Miller Avenue, Gilroy
24 Study Session - Sidewalks - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy Senior Center Meeting Room
25 SCRW A Meeting - 7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy
MAY 2000
1 * Regular City Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers
8* Study Session - Financial Plan - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers
9 SCRW A Meeting - 7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy
15*Regular City Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers
22*Study Session - Financial Plan - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers
23 SCRWA Meeting - 7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy
31 Quarterly Workshop with GUSD Board -7:00 p.m., Gilroy Unified School
District Board Room, 7810 Arroyo Circle, Gilroy
JUNE 2000
5*Regular City Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers
13 SCRWAMeeting -7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy
19*Regular City Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Gilroy City Council Chambers
27 SCRW A Meeting - 7:30 a.m., 1500 Southside Drive, Gilroy
At 11:44 p.m. the Mayor adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
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/s/ RHONDA PELLIN
City Clerk