Minutes 2001/12/10
T
Posting
Agenda
Roll Call
Bonfante
Gardens
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Special Meeting of
December 10,2001
Gilroy, California
The Mayor led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The City Clerk noted that the agenda had been posted on December 6, 2001
at 11:40 a.m.
Present: Councilmembers: Peter D. Arellano, Robert T. Dillon, Craig
Gartman, Charles S. Morales, Al Pinheiro, Roland Velasco, and Thomas W.
Springer - 7:36 p.m.
The Mayor noted a continued request of Michael Bonfante to discuss possible
business concepts for Bonfante Gardens Theme Park.
The staff report was noted and further explained by the City Administrator
regarding a loan guarantee or an RDO special exception to Zoning Ordinance
Section 50.63(c).
The City Attorney explained the ramifications of going forward with a loan
guarantee without a court validation.
Michael Bonfante explained that his wife does not have $100 million hidden as
stated in the newspaper. He stated that all of their assets are pledged. He
explained that they have developers interested in purchasing the 50 acres, but
stated that 108 units need to be guaranteed to the developers. He noted that they
will need to declare bankruptcy at the end of the year if the financing is not
obtained.
The consensus of the City Council was not to approve a loan guarantee for
Bonfante Gardens (Councilman Arellano was in favor of the loan guarantee).
The consensus of the City Council was not to approve an outright purchase of
the 50 acres proposed for development (Councilman Arellano was in favor of the
outright purchase).
(At 8:20 p.m. Councilman Dillon left the Council Chambers, and returned at
8:22 p.m.)
Joe Neander stated that he was present to support Mr. Bonfante and to remind
the City Council that the whole world is watching to see what is going to happen.
He noted that the jobs that Mr. Bonfante is providing is significant.
7828
LAFCO
(At 8:22 p.m. Councilman Morales left the Council Chambers, and returned at
8:25 p.m.)
Joel Goldsmith expressed his undivided support for Bonfante Gardens, noting
that it is a tremendous asset to the community and country. He addressed the
subject of the Hecker Pass Specific Plan and asked that the City Council take into
account the vision ofthe Hecker Pass Specific Plan. He noted that the impact on
the Plan is up to the City Council.
(At 8:35 p.m. Councilman Arellano left the Council Chambers and returned at
8:37 p.m.)
Sandra Wood stated that the Bonfante's are here for the community. She
emphasized that they would not harm our environment, and that she trusted that
they would do the best for us. She asked that the City Council give them what
they need to succeed.
Kirsten Carr reviewed specifics from the Visitors Bureau, noting that there has
been a decrease of 25-3 5% in lodging overall. She commented that of the
motel/hotel guests, Yz of the guests on weekends and 1;4 of the guests on weekdays
were Bonfante Gardens guests while it was open. She noted that Bonfante
Gardens provided significant financial support for the Visitors Bureau tourism
advertising. She stated that there were 1,900 telephone or walk-in inquiries
regarding Bonfante Gardens since the beginning of 200 1.
(At 9: 15 p.m. Councilman Dillon left the Council Chambers and returned at
9: 17 p.m.)
Motion was made by Mayor Springer, seconded by Councilman Gartman and
the motion did not carry (Councilmembers Arellano, Morales, Pinheiro, and
Velasco voting no) to direct staff to begin the process to grant to Michael &
Claudia Bonfante up to 108 residential units on property adjacent to Bonfante
Gardens with conditions that 1) Michael Bonfante be a partner in the project, 2)
that it be compatible with the Hecker Pass Specific Plan, 3) that landscaping be
maximized so that no homes are visible from Hecker Pass, 4) that a development
agreement be completed within 18 months or the units are forfeited,S) that
Architectural and Site approval be required so that the Planning Commission and
City Council will see all housing styles, 6) that the development share in the
infrastructure costs of the Hecker Pass Specific Plan, and 7) that the development
shall construct the westernmost road called for in the Hecker Pass Specific Plan as
the primary entry into this project, if and when it is built.
Motion was made by Councilman Arellano and the motion died for lack of a
second to take the 108 units out of the 3400.
The City Attorney requested wording be added to the agreement that upon sale
of the land encompassing the 108 units, $7.5 million will be provided to Bonfante
Gardens
At 9:34 p.m. The Mayor called for a recess, after which he recalled the meeting
to order.
Motion was made by Councilman Arellano, seconded by Mayor Springer and
the motion did not carry (Councilmembers Dillon, Morales, Pinheiro, and Velasco
voting no) to reconsider the request.
The Mayor noted a discussion of the LAFCO meeting of December 12,2001.
The staff report was noted and further explained by the City Administrator.
Motion was made by Councilman Pinheiro, seconded by Councilman Velasco
and carried (Councilman Arellano voting no) that the City Administrator attend the
LAFCo meeting to present the City's position on LAFCo commenting on the
City's General Plan amendment and 20-year planning boundary.
7829
Village Green The Mayor noted discussion regarding an Impact Fee Rider for Village Green
Affordable Senior Housing Project.
Councilman Velasco recused himself from discussion and vote on this issue
due to a possible conflict of interest due to the proximity of his residence to this
project.
The staff report was noted and further explained by the City Administrator and
the City Attorney.
Motion was made by Councilman Pinheiro, seconded by Councilman Morales
and carried (Councilman Velasco absent) to enter into an Impact Fee Rider for the
Village Green Affordable Senior Housing Project.
Councilman Velasco returned to his seat at the dais.
Adjournment
At 10:24 p.m. the Mayor adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
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Is/'-- RHONDA PELLIN
City Clerk