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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/15/1998CITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 j CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Room CC -8, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. 2. CITY COUNCIL ROLL CALL: Council Members Huff and O'Connor and Mayor Herrera. Council Member Ansari and Mayor Pro Tem Chang were absent. PLANNING COMMISSION ROLL CALL: Commissioners Kuo and Nelson, Vice Chairman Tye and Chairman McManus. Commissioner Ruzicka was absent. Also present were: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Deputy Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Mike Nelson, Communications & Marketing Director; Linda Magnuson, Assistant Finance Director; Lynda Burgess, City Clerk; Ann Lungu, Associate Planner; Kellee Fritzal, Assistant to the City Manager; Anne Haraksin, Administrative Assistant. Mayor Pro Tem Chang arrived at 4:12 p.m. Proposed Discussion Items: Vision for the future and Redevelopment and 2. Redevelopment Project Area activities. CM/Belanger pointed out the Redevelopment Project Area using the map. He stated that 4 programs were approved: Commercial Rehabilitation, Business Assistance and Retention, Infrastructure and Parking Mitigation. In response to C/Huff, Chair/McManus stated that the Planning Commission was asking about the current status of the Redevelopment Agency and whether the Agency -ascertained a specific starting point and overall vision. C/Huff explained that the Redevelopment Agency is driven by funding. In the meantime, the Agency is proceeding with efforts that r—, involve monies on loan from the City that will be repaid. Depending on the outcome of the pending lawsuit, the Agency will proceed to implement its goals. Conceptual drawings were prepared for 5 commercial areas in order to give the Agency tools to engage in discussions with the centers' owners and managers. SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 PAGE 2 COUNCIUPLNG_ COMM. STUDY DCM/DeStefano stated that two conceptual drawings show possibilities for rehabilitation and expansion at the Country Hills Towne Center and the KmarWons area. With respect to the Country Hills Towne Center, the Agency is identifying ways to make the center more attractive to retail tenants and attempting to deal with the loss of the Ralphs Market. One of the concepts shows how the Ralphs facility could be increased in size to about 45,000' from the current 25,000'. The plan has been shared verbally only with the property owner. In response to Chair/McManus, DCM/DeStefano reported that Ralphs has a time period that they can continue to maintain their lease and the store before the property owner has an opportunity to buy it back. CM/Belanger stated that the store was vacated in May and that Ralphs has 120 days from vacation. DCM/DeStefano further stated that the plan has been shared with the Vons and Savon area property owners as well as the property owner of Ken's Hardware. The plan shows how the retail businesses on Golden Springs Rd. and D.B. Blvd. could be linked with Kmart and, through a streetscape pattern, could be linked with Vons and Savon. The plan shows on the Vons and Savon side, a potential expar sion of Vons and some in-line stores between Vons and Savon, upper deck parking above the Vons store. The plan further shows an expansion of the Kmart Store on the northerly side (garden center) with a potential for 2 additional pads on either_side of McDonelds. Moving south, there is proposed to be a direct connection between Kmart and the Paretta property (East-West Bank/The Jolly Bagel, etc.) The Kmart Center has about 5 different owners for McDonald's, the utility company, Kmart, Ken's Hardware to the Video Box, and the gas station. The East' -West ,Bank center from D.B.. Blvd. to Prospectors Rd. is owned by 1 family trust. In response to C/Nelson regarding Agency proceedings until) the lawsuit is resolved, C/Huff stated that the Agency has assumed a back -burner posture. Some things can and have been done; however, the expensive items are on hold. CM/Belanger explained that the philosophy of the Redevelopment Agency has been, from the very beginning, that in the early years of the private area, increment would begin to grow; that the City would advance to the Redevelopment Agency because it would need to engage in redevelopment activities. This is a philosophy that the Agency continues to embrace with a caveat. There are certain areas that have been avoided because if the Redevelopment Project Area were to go away, there is some question as to whether or not the SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 PAGE 3 COUNCII_/PLNG. COMM. STUDY advance of monies to the Redevelopment Agency would be 4 considered "prudent." Whereas, an Agency can engage in a myriad of activities in relationship to properties, cities generally cannot. Therefore, the Agency has engaged in activities related to infrastructure. At worst, if the infrastructure programs were dismantled as a result of the finding of non -validity for the Project Area, the City encumbers itself for the design of those projects. Four designs are currently underway: Brea Canyon Rd. from the southerly City limits to Pathfinder Rd.; Golden Springs Rd. from Grand Ave. to Torito Ln.; Brea Canyon Rd. from Pathfinder to Golden Springs; and Golden Springs to the westerly City limits. Approximately 15 traffic signal projects are undergoing warrant review under the Redevelopment Agency. One proposed redevelopment project is Gateway Center #2 (Ranch Festival location). A request was entered for a commercial real estate appraisal and retention of a real estate advisor. This proposal is for a major fixed commercial tenant (Fortune 500) to come into the location on a 15 -year lease basis. The project continues to move forward to the extent possible in order to bring the project to the Planning Commission for development review. This project is expected to return a net increment flow of -, $3,000,000 to the Redevelopment Agency over time. As a result of this project, there is a possibility of a second equally recognizable tenant proposed to come in to the same facility which will give a certain prestige to the Gateway Center. This project would not have been possible without the Redevelopment Agency. CM/Belanger explained who the Redevelopment Agency staff members are in response to Chair/McManus' request. CM/Belanger responded to VC/Tye that recent cases have resulted in decisions for and against the plaintiffs. RECESS: 4:32 p.m. RECONVENE: 4:47 p.m. Council Member Ansari arrived at 4:47 p.m. 3. Expectations of the Planning Commission. C/Huff voiced his expectation that his Planning Commission F appointee will make independent decisions without input from him. Other Council Members may have other expectations. M/Herrera said that, like Council Member Huff, she expected that her appointee would work independently to reach his/her own informed SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 PAGE 4 conclusion. COUNCIUPLNG. COMM. STUDY C/O'Connor stated that although she would never tell her appointee how to vote, she does keep in touch to see how things are developing. She has contacted her appointee to determine the reason for his vote after the fact. VC/Tye indicated that, during the time that he spent on the'Parks & Recreation Commission, his Council Member never told him how to vote. C/Ansari stated that she has never told her appointee how to vote. 4. Regional transportation planning and impact mitigation. 5. Regional traffic impacts and solutions 6. Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority activities update C/Huff explained that the Four Corners Transportation Committee is currently involved in a study with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). OCTA is acting as the lead agency. The committee is studying the impact of traffic and projecting the growth of the dairy preserve from the 15 fwy. to the east to SR57 on the west, SR60 on the north and the 91 fwy. on the south. Within that area, 3 alignments are being considered: Bypass to SR57 via Tonner Canyon, Soquel Canyon and Carbon Canyon. Subsequently, Soquel Canyon has been eliminated from the General Plan for the 2 cities involved. A possible regional bypass road has been narrowly defined in D.B.'s General Plan. WCCA is attempting to purchase property from The Boy Scouts. D.B.'s position is to include an easement for a road within that sale. The study will determine whether a regional bypass road or some other regional solution is feasible. C/Nelson asked if the study focuses on how large the arterial should be and where it should be located as opposed to whether it is needed. He believed the need is a foregone conclusion. C/Huff stated that Chino Hills and D.B. recognize the need for a bypass corridor. Chino Hills does not believe their traffic presents a problem to D.B., they believe the traffic initiates further east and presents traffic problems for both cities. Therefore, the committee, felt it was necessary to first quantify the problem. C/Ansari stated that Gwenn Norton Perry suggested that the Four Corners Committee be disbanded. She fought to get the money for the Four Comers Committee study. Gwenn Norton Perry thought that F - - SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 PAGE 5 COUNCIUPLNG. COMM. STUDY the 71 fwy. solved the problem. M/Herrera said that Council is attempting to provide legitimacy to the recommendations that emerge from the study, at which point agreements can be formed because the alternative roadway will go through several cities and counties. The question of alignment, width and funding sources will be a consideration. C/Huff indicated that consideration of the bypass roadway will include the hours of operation. In response to C/Huff, CM/Belanger stated that the study is anticipated to be completed by the end of 1999 and will encompass traffic volumes, alternatives, cities' General Plans, landfills, easements, etc. Using the map, he explained the options under consideration. He stated that M/Herrera single-handedly, along with C/Huff, made certain that D.B. has a right to consideration of an easement within the negotiations. M/Herrera explained that negotiations between WCCA and the Boy Scouts continue. Not only is there a difference in price, there are major differences, ie: the Scouts wish to retain an area where they can maintain the Scout Camp and no agreement has been reached with respect to this location nor is there agreement between the Scouts and WCCA about the location of the primary roadway leading to the Scout Camp and a secondary roadway location. There has not been a Wildlife Corridor meeting since June. VC4ye asked what options are being considered to mitigate traffic on the City's streets. He does not believe additional traffic signals are the answer. CM/Belanger responded that traffic signals allow residents to gain access to major boulevards. In response to Chair/McManus, C/Huff indicated that the main concern for mitigating regional traffic is finding a funding source. In the meantime, measures can be taken to impede the flow of regional traffic while assisting the residents. C/Ansari asked about the status of the SR57160 interchange study. CM/Belanger responded that it is funded to include land acquisition �y and CalTrans expects construction to begin in the year 2001. As a result of the City of Industry's eastern industrial complex, D.B. will receive $1.9 million in mitigation measures based on their traffic impacts to Grand Ave. and D.B. Blvd. and Grand Ave. and Golden SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 PAGE 6 COUNCIL/PLNG. COMM. STUDY Springs Rd. The City of Industry recently sent out a notice of preparation of an Environmental Impact Report for two tiltup buildings ;L with 100 truck docks on the south side of Grand Ave. D.B. will work to get a MOU in terms of potential traffic related to the facilities. City of Industry is the owner of the Tres Hermanos Ranch, which is located in D.B. and Chino Hills. A proposed joint powers agreement (Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority) could be a vehicle for insuring that there is mitigation of the impacts to D.B. In terms of traffic mitigation, the City is looking at the global picture and the fact that cities on the easterly and westerly borders that are creating t�affic impacts to the City. Council continues to work to find resources to mitigate those impacts. I In this regard, the City of Industry has been very cooperative. MPT/Chang did not believe that Council Members have the solution. However, the Mayor has scheduled a study session on October 6 to begin to study what can be done to resolve the City's traffic problems. He believed the solution will come as a result of hiring a professional consultant to study the potential long-term solutions. The study group will establish the goals and objectives for the consultant. CM/Belanger stated that recently, WCCA has received funding from the State for purchase of a 31 acre site at Coal Canyon and the 91 fwy. From WCCA's point of view, that is the key site for maintenance of the wildlife corridor. He reiterated that the other aspect of this corridor is the purchase of the Boy Scout Reservation which is proposed to facilitate this particular corridor. WCCA has access to $10,000,000 in Prop A (1996) funds. WCCA can use this money for purchase of property east of Colima Rd. to Puente Hills, which includes the Shell Oil property. Supervisor Knabe has asked that the money not be released until the affected parties mutually agree on the sale and other issues. C/Nelson appreciated the Council's position in its participation with this program. He did not understand the narrowfocus on mountain lions and why WCCA would wish to bring a 180 Ib. predator through neighborhoods. He believed WCCA is an organization that serves the very narrow self-interest of a relative few persons. M/Herrera stated that she has pointed out C/Nelson's concers to WCCA. Since the inception of her participation in the organization, m the group focused on the corridor starting in Whittier and leading to the Cleveland National Forest. Now the organization is veering to,the left and attempting to include Tonner Canyon for which they have no adequate explanation. 4 SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 PAGE 7 COUNCIL/PLNG. COMM. STUDY i~ C/Nelson also did not understand the inclusion of Tonner Canyon. 7. Proposed Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority status. CM/Belanger stated that Council approved a draft Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority JPA in concept but that the Chino Hills City Council has not yet approved the JPA. The purpose of the two committees getting together. is to work out whatever language is deemed appropriate. In order to move forward, it makes sense to have all three cities involved in the process. However, D.B. and Chino Hills can move forward with the JPA to jointly plan the area without the participation of the City of Industry. C/Huff stated that it did- not make sense to move forward without the collaborative effort of the three involved cities. 8. Larkstone Park land transfer status. M/Herrera stated that the City has entered into discussions with the Walnut Valley Unified School District about land they might contribute - for Larkstone Park. An agreement has been reached between the City and the School District subcommittee that the land would be part i1 of the South Point Canyon bottom. CM/Belanger indicated that the purpose of the park would be for an interpretive area. In order for the area to be a more meaningful .Ideation, it would probably require the School District to add some land to increase the size beyond 3 acres. The proposed location is the canyon area immediately south of Diamond Crest Rd. M/Herrera indicated that the School District is meeting with their advisors and consultants and measuring the canyon bottom. They will advise what size area will be declared to be included in the park facility. In response to C/Nelson, C/Huff explained that the Walnut School District is concerned about making a good faith effort. M/Herrera said that before she exits her office as Mayor, she is committed to working out an agreement for Larkstone Park. 9. Other matters of mutual interest. C/Huff spoke about the Arciero project and whether it is what the City envisions. He encouraged Commissioners to look at the area and the mass of the houses on the lots. He pointed out that the Snow Creek area of Walnut is a beautiful area in that the houses have large lots. r SEPTEMBER 15, 1998 PAGE 8 COUNCIUPLNG. COMM. STUDY He believes the City needs to be moving toward the inclusion of language in its Development Code that encourages that type of development. He also expressed concern with the mass of the structure being constructed within The Country Estates on the border of Grand Ave. north of Shotgun Ln. VC/Tye thanked Council for their diligence and vision for the City. C/Ansari explained that all Council Members sit on regional committees that address concerns that involve the City of D.B. C/Huff stated that D.B. has an excellent reputation for being involved in regional issues. M/Herrera thanked the Planning Commissioners for their participation. 4. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Herrera adjourned the Study Session to Closed Session at 5:36 p.m.. Chairman McManus adjourned the Planning Commission meeting to September 22, 1998. ATTEST: MAYOR ATTEST�. COMMISSION CHAIRMAN LYMDA BURGESq, City Clerk J ES DeSTEF\ANO, Planning Commission Secretary