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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/16/1993 Minutes - Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL �. ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR JUNE 16, 1993 1. CALL TO ORDER: M/Miller called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Miller. ROLL CALL: Mayor Miller, Mayor Pro Tem Papen, Councilmen Forbing, Werner, and MacBride. Also present were Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager; James DeStefano, Community Development Director and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk. 2. CONTINUED PUBLIC NEARING: CM/Belanger stated that the .intent of this Public Hearing is to receive testimony on any issue associated with the General Plan. CDD/DeStefano introduced the members of the consultant team, retained by the City in March 1993 to further develop the draft General Plan: Michael Jenkins, special legal counsel from the law firm of Richards, Watson. and Gershon, not present; Daniel Iacofano, of Moore, Iacofano and Goltsman, to facilitate the public workshop process; Terry Austin, of Austin/Faust, to assist in the Circulation Element, not present; and Dale Beland, of Cotton/Beland Associates, for development of General Plan policy issues. This is the fifth Public Hearing in a series to introduce and consider the adoption of the 1993 General Plan. Staff reviewed a variety of workshop and Public Hearing, comments to develop the specific policy recommendations framed in the 1993 draft General Plan, which has been distributed to a wide variety of people and available for public review at City Hall and the library, which can be either purchased or borrowed. Dale Beland stated that the 1993 General Plan is still in draft form and subject to revisions. The revisions to the Master Environmental Assessment (MEA), which is part of the General Plan, containing descriptive data, has not yet been submitted because most of the data remain current and any time dependent changes can be made easily. He then reviewed the following proposed substantial areas of change which reflect a significant difference from the 1992 General Plan: 1. The need to increase and amplify policy definition with respect to retention of existing deed -restricted open space throughout the community; 2. To address how the City deals with the regional circu- lation system and reduce circulation impacts on local streets; 3. A goal to try to retain, revitalize, and promote viable commercial activity in the community; 4. Provision for well-maintained, attractive housing; 5. Creation of a community environment which nurtures social, cultural and recreational opportunities; JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE 2 6. Describes the partnership implied between members of the community and their elected representatives in working together to attain the vision in the future; 7. A description of the community participation program in revising the 1992 General Plan; S. A proposed substantial reduction in buildout intensity throughout much of the developed single family area by reflecting the land use policy map to allow only that development that currently exists in most of the single family area; 9. Change of the land use designation for the Tres Hermanos Ranch Property from Specific Plan to Agricultural; 10. A graphic illustrating the corporate boundaries of the City, the Sphere of Influence, and the Firestone Boy Scout reservation to help provide the basis for understanding of the significant regional factors that affect the City's future, its circulation system and its land use options; 11. The location and extent of SEA #15; 12. The intent of the City to use proactive and creative tools to acquire any land for open space; 13. Changing the Land Use Map reflecting the reclassification of substantial existing single family neighborhoods, the adjustment and density classifications, the change of the maximum intensity of -the RLM category, and the physical changes in terms of the Tres Hermanos property; and 14. A draft addendum allowing -minor modifications of non - substantive issues to the EIR and MEA. He recommended that the Council review the changes made beginning with the Land Use Element. MPT/Papen, referring to I-11 in the Land Use Element, item 1.1.1.d, in which Medium Density Residential is designated as 16DU/AC, stated that it was agreed upon that vacant land, in that category, would have a density of 12 DU/AC thereby distinguishing between vacant land and developed land. Also, the Tres Hermanos property should also be listed on page I-12, item 1.1.9, Agricultural Designation. She then noted the discrepancies between the tables, in the Land Use and Housing Element, determining the number of units in the City. Dale Beland stated that the consultant team will adjust those changes accordingly. Staff will also go through and confirm the existing land use data, then factor in the changes discussed to date, enabling us to modify the Housing Element and the Land Use Element, appropriately. Those changes will be shown to the Council before the final document is published. Dale Beland, in response to C/MacBride, explained that the proposed language on page 1-7, to determine which land must be defined as open space, and page I-16, strategy 1.5.3, which incorporates the significant operative legal statement based' upon the testimony received, are policy issues that will have to be defined by the Council because it involves precluding', ,�-.. v... "R, _AIR M,..R ... � JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE 3 development which implies necessity to purchase so as not to deprive property owners of their rights. M/Miller opened the Continued Public Hearing. Oscar Law indicated that he will need further time to digest the document presented. Wilbur Smith, 21630 Fair Wind Lane, referring to page I-6, inquired what regional circulation studies were sponsored by the County of L.A. that included a proposed transportation corridor. Upon hearing that Terry Austin, who is not present, would need to respond, he suggested that the public should be given an opportunity to review those documents before any final decision is made. Eileen Ansari, 1823 S. Cliffbranch, referring to page I-11, suggested that the slope density be changed from 25% to 15% because of slope slippage occurring throughout the City. There should also be a strict Hillside Ordinance in place. Referring to page I-12, she inquired if parcels can be subdivided and then further subdivided. .She also suggested that property restrictions should include a map restriction besides the deed and the CCR's. ME MPT/Papen pointed out that page I-16 refers to deed and/or map - restrictions, and page I-13, strategy 1.2.8, refers to..bonus densities. Don Schad stated that the document needs to address preservation of the City's natural resources by including a provision that no development will occur until a tree ordinance, other than that of the County's, is in place, as well as mention the preservation of Sandstone Canyon, Sycamore Canyon or Tonner Canyon. Any mention of a roadway or development of Tonner Canyon should be removed from the document. Bill Tinsman, 1014 Capen Ave., noting that there are two page I-12 in his copy of the document, requested that everyone be given the same copy of the document so all errors and revisions are exactly the same. Dale Beland stated that, for the record, the correct page I- 12, is the one which contains redline and strikeout. Greg Hummel, 23239 Iron Horse Canyon Rd., referring to page I- 17, strategy 1.5.6, suggested that the language be changed by striking the word "and", replacing it with a comma, replacing the period with a comma, and adding "bond issue, donation, will bequeath, conservancy purchase, and subsequent donation to the City, etc." thereby expanding the scope of that strategy. He also stated that he concurs with Mr. Schad's request for wording in the General Plan regarding tree preservation in the City. JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE A Barbara Beach-Courchesne, 2021 Peaceful Hills Rd., referring to page I-7 and page I-16, expressed_ concern that since it has been stated that map restrictions can be lifted, the document should be amended to indicate,both deed and map restriction. Max Maxwell requested a more defined statement of the maximum number of homes that can be built in the City, other than just indicating "3,000 homes less." He expressed concern that the General Plan does not adequately address the issues discussed during the workshops. There also needs to be more definitive language on preservation and on SEA #15. Eric Stone, 24401 Darrin Drive, concerned with down zoning, indicated that the General Plan'is_being changed because of a select few that may or may not have the best interests of the City in mind. Barbara Beach-Courchesne stated that she does not appreciate people questioning her motives. William Gross, 21637 High Bluff, stated that the General Plan is not reflective of the interest that supported the referendum. Though the Council has indicated that an Agricultural designation for Tonner Canyon will protect it, it is- actually merely a flexible designation for some future ideas, which is evident in the Tres Hermanos Ranch property, which is also designated Agricultural, yet planned to be developed commercial and residential. Furthermore, the exact homes planned to be developed need to be identified so that it can be debated in the Land Use Element. The General Plan referendum process was to put the thrust of the General Plan toward preservation of open space and the quality of life. Yet the documentation and provisions in this General Plan provide for easy development of- any of the City's open resources. The changes made to the 1992 General Plan have been minimal to create the appearance of change, and those changes cannot be considered to be substantial, and the end result of the General Plan will remain the same. Furthermore, though the purpose of the EIR is to evaluate the potential results, the City's consultants have indicated that there is no substantive difference between this 1993 General Plan document and the 1992 document; the one the EIR was based on. Therefore, by definition, the 1993 General Plan is substantially the same. Clair Harmony, referring to page I-16, strategy 1.5.6, inquired what is meant by the concept of "density transfer" in relationship to open space. Dale,,.,Beland explained that the purpose of strategy 1.5.6 is to indicate policy intent by the City to explore "creative ways" of acquiring land other than through direct purchase. "Density transfer" refers to the process of taking a total area, using the planned permitted''total buildout for that total area, and then by deliberate effort, identify portions to., K " ARM ..F_ ,., M,� �,. � , JUNE 16, 1993 E 5 r - which are best suited for nondevelopment, and then, by negotiation, transfer the allowable units for the total area to those portions of the site most suited for development and least suited for open space. Bill Tinsman, referring to I-11, requesting clarification between the strikeout (c), allowing 6DU/AC, and highlighted (c), allowing 5DU/AC, stated that he was under the impression that there is not an actual downzoning of the property rights, but more of a recognition of the differences within our community. Dale Beland stated that the intent of the strategy is to establish policy that shows designation based upon existing use. Max Maxwell inquired if the parcels with an Open Space designation, such as the area generally south of Pathfinder, have a 1DU/AC designation and if it can be subdivided in the future. Perhaps those areas should be acquired by the City so that they remain as open space, which is the desire of the community. _ MPT/Papen stated that the land use map does designate the land - use description described in the Land Use Element. Those parcels designated Open Space equal the definition of open �- space, which is vacant land, deed restricted. Eric Stone stated that his property is unique because its frontages include residential and commercial, a freeway, is being considered for use as an access to the new high school, and was purchased for its future use. The downzoning verbiage should take into consideration unique properties, perhaps based on size and taxes paid. C/Werner pointed out that the intent in the City's initial General Plan was to establish a basic foundation that is reasonable and practical given the level of resources available today. The General Plan is a policy document that is supposed to be dynamic and reflective of the community as time proceeds. Since some properties have been zoned without looking at all opportunities for future development, such as the Tres Hermanos Ranch property and perhaps Mr. Stone's property, then there is a need to do an analysis of every vacant piece of land to identify the financial resources and other financial opportunities in order to make commitments to acquire them for open space, or to be considered for commercial use, low density residential, and higher intensity commercial use. Furthermore, a lot of good thoughts expressed at the workshops have not yet been explored or analyzed at this forum, and it is important to review those issues so that �s the Council becomes a part of the workshop process and gives it due consideration. MPT/Papen stated that such a suggestion is more appropriate as JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE 6 a followup strategy after the adoption of the General Plan.;+.;ryd M/Miller directed the discussion to the Circulation Element. Terry Austin reviewed the following revisions to the Circulation Element: change in semantics involving maximum volume; a need to define TDM; change in basic formatting; a clean up in functional - classifications; define an "environmentally -sensitive transportation corridor" in order to address the Tonner Canyon' roadway, without a line on the map, the roadway figure map B-1 notes a potential corridor connection up in the northern part of the City and in the south area in the Sphere of Influence, pointing out that these points would need connection whatever might happen in this corridor; the same approach taken for Tonner Canyon is taken for the high school site, recognizing that there are several ways to provide access to the site; and page V-5, strategy 1.1.4, has an explicit statement of policy by the City to proactively work with adjacent jurisdictions. MPT/Papen, referring to page V-14, stated that her requested word change regarding the Metrolink station still needs to be inserted. CM/:Belanger stated that the language "regional transportation linkage", on page V-5, strategy item 1.1.4, is inconsistent with the Issue Analysis #4 on page V-3. If strategy 1.1.4 was adopted, then Issue Analysis #4 would have to be amended to reflect that change and emphasis because Tonner Canyon is not expressly designated as a regionally sensitive corridor. Tom Van Winkle, in support of the definition section on page V-11, suggested that perhaps this should be done in the other Elements as well. Don Gravdahl expressed concern that the entire length of Sunset Crossing has been designated as a collector street and is described to be 80 feet wide, even though a portion of it services 660 homes, a condominium project and some commercial and is probably more like 45 feet long. Furthermore, though, page V-4; item 7, does add language describing Sunset Crossing in length, if the suggestion made to cul-de-sac the street does not happen, then there will need to be further provisions because the traffic created will be horrendous. CDD/DeStefano suggested that table V-1, on page V-13, should be clarified to illustrate Sunset Crossing, both east and west of the freeway, because there are -significant differences in the width and the intended use'of those streets. Figure V-1, on page V-14, should also be adjusted to clarify the specific line weights. C/Werner asked if collectors are shown in this document because they are to be treated in a different manner than non - collector streets. AIR M_ IUM, JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE 7 Terry Austin explained that collectors or local streets are shown because there are often some funding capabilities available for a roadway that is in a Circulation Element versus one that is not. Another reason for putting it in the General Plan Circulation Element is if there is an interest in doing something, such as closing of a street that significantly changes travel patterns, then it would require a General Plan amendment to make such a change. Consulting staff will take a critical look at this section, in light of the environmental documentation, and clarify the map and the language for all roadways. Greg Hummel stated that GPAC had recommended cul-de-sacing Sunset Crossing to avoid traffic problems from the City of Industry and Cal Poly. He then expressed concern that there is an implied weight of importance given by the order of the seven primary issues listed, relative to the Circulation Element. He suggested that the first priority should be to increase the attractiveness of State routes 57 and 60 for through traffic use, and the last priority should be the development of Tonner Canyon as an alternative travel corridor. Referring to the definition of an environmentally - sensitive transportation corridor indicated on page V-11, he k-, suggested that the number one issue should read, "A corridor ;i should be designed to non -adversely impact the ecological diversity, population and overall ecologic balance of.-. -the area." He then suggested that there be one more Public Hearing for additional input because many people of .the community did not have adequate time to review the draft. M/Miller stated that another Public Hearing is scheduled for July 6, 1993 for an opportunity for the community to provide input; however, since there have been some people requesting more time, another meeting will be scheduled for June 23, 1993. Norman Beach-Courchesne, 2021 Peaceful Hills Rd., stated that the specifications from L.A. County, as indicated on the chart on page V-13, is outdated, particularly Pathfinder Rd. He then stated that Chino Hills Parkway should be the road keep- ing traffic out of Diamond Bar. Also, if a Tonner Canyon Rd. must go in, then the developers should have to pay for it. Max Maxwell suggested that there be further discussion on the appropriateness of having another meeting on June 23, 1993, without giving sufficient notice to the public. He further suggested that the graphic, on page V-13, be more detailed to include the San Bernardino border and the Orange County line. He then concurred with the suggestion made by Greg Hummel. Wilbur Smith also concurred with Greg Hummel that the 57/60 I nterchange should be the primary emphasis in solving the City's traffic problem. If there are solid, technical reasons why improvements cannot be made at that interchange, then it should be so indicated in the document. Referring to page V- JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE S 11, Mr. Smith suggested that there be more consideration madeil��''a to the process of building a Tanner Canyon corridor because that is how damage to the canyon will occur. Don Schad inquired when C/Werner's suggestion, to convert the issues discussed at the workshops into a punch list, will be done. He recommended that a committee be formed to plan a trails configuration that will be: compatible to the City's existing wilderness areas, yet be reasonably safe for hiking. He then stated that impact to wildlife and ecological damage, just from association of a road through Tanner Canyon, no matter how environmentally perfectly designed, will nonetheless occur. Barbara Beach-Courchesne, referring to the statement "an environmentally safe road" on page V-11, inquired what is meant by having a "positive drainage control" since oil from vehicles does build up and seep into the ground. There is a need to seriously consider the ramifications of a road through Tanner Canyon. Max Maxwell suggested that the City confer with So. Calif. Edison to discuss possible limitations when doing something "environmentally sensitive." He then inquired what happen to the funds to pay for a study in Tanner Canyon, from the JCC developers, for the project the City approved in SEA #15. There should also be some recognition of the study done by Dr. Paul Beiers regarding cougars. Bill Tinsman, referring to figure V-1 on page V-13, stated that there seems to be inconsistencies in the definitions of the terms "major," "minor," and "secondary" roadways. Furthermore, Brea Canyon is shown to have four lanes; however, the bulk of the road only has -two lanes and it shouldn't be considered to be a "secondary" or a "minor" road, especially if there is a proposal for a future development in that area. CDD/DeStefano conveyed the following comments made by Audrey Hamiltons the term "corridor" in the phrase It environmentally sensitive corridor°° should be replaced by the word "roadway;" the definition for the "corridor" could be too environmentally sensitively written by discouraging single occupant vehicles; and the roadway should be on the east side of the Sphere of Influence thus taking it out of Tanner Canyon and out of the Significant Ecological Area. C/MacBride, referring to the suggestion made by Greg Hummel to put the improvement of the 57/60 interchange first on the list of issues on page V-4, inquired of staff if the goals, strategies and objectives are all prioritized in order of .; immediacy and urgency. If not, would a caveat stating that f the structure is not prioritized be appropriate. CM/Belanger stated that there is not, nor is it intended, that any priority, as it relates to these issue statements, be F- JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE 9 taken from the order by which they are listed. There are a variety of means available to the Council for stating policy in terms of priority. There is no implicit or implied prioritization in any element of the General Plan. Dale Beland stated that there was never any intention to establish directly or indirectly any prioritization of issue statements. By doing so, it would defeat one of the major functional aspects of the General Plan and restrict flexibility in future decisions unnecessarily. The concern can be responded to by a caveat that explicitly says that there is no prioriity. MPT/Papen suggested that the word "proposed" be deleted from strategy 2.1.4, on page V-6. Another issue that needs resolving is the inconsistency between Issue Analysis #4 on page V-3, and strategy 1.1.5 on page V-5, as pointed out by CM/Belanger. CM/Belanger explained that, since it is the intent to remove reference to Tonner Canyon for the purpose of constructing an alternative environmentally sensitive regional transportation corridor around the City of Diamond Bar, in accordance with the statement now on strategy 1.1.4 on page V-5, then there will be internal inconsistency through the balance of,.,,;: -the General Plan and the Circulation Element as it relates: to specific references to Tonner Canyon. C/Werner requested that figure V-1 extend Grand Ave. and Chino Hills Parkway to their intersection. RECESS: M/Miller recessed the meeting at 9:55 p.m. RECONVENE: M/Miller reconvened the meeting at 10:00 p.m. M/Miller directed the discussion to the Resource Management Element. Dale Beland, in response to a comment made by Mr. Gross, clarified that because the certified EIR describes a series of impacts or worst case analyses, which is a much larger impact than what this particular draft would involve, then that EIR document can suffice with the addition of the addendum document. Dale Beland stated that the issues in the 1992 General Plan Resource Management Element are still relevant, with the exception of one added on page III -12, which is now identified as strategy 1.3.9 and is consistent with what was added to the Land Use Element regarding discussion with neighboring jurisdictions regarding the location of the recreational water facility. Don Schad stated that there are still blueline streams, ridge - lines, hills, slopes and other such natural features in the JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE 10 City that need to be preserved. Barbara Beach-Courchesne stated that if the City complies with the statement on page III -1, bullet one, referring to the creation and retention of open space system which will conserve natural resources, the majority of the residents will be appreciative. CM/Belanger stated that the goals and strategies in the Resource Management Element deal with a significant number of concerns expressed related to open space, preservation and conservation. It is important to remember that it is essential that all the Elements are read together, not as separate elements that do not relate to each other. C/MacBride pointed out that Objective 1.2, on page III -10, also encourages the maintenance, protection and preservation of biologically significant areas, including SEA #15., riparian areas, oak and walnut woodlands and other areas of natural significance. MPT/Papen, referring to page III -3, last paragraph, requested staff to check with Caltrans to verify that route 57 is actually a State scenic highway. If the legislation was not passed, then_the.City should consider implementing, as one of our goals, to achieve the freeway section from the County line up to the interchange as a scenic corridor. M/Miller directed the discussion to the Public Health & Safety Element. Dale Beland stated that the Public health & Safety Element addresses geology, seismicity, flooding, fire protection service, crime protection, emergency services, hazardous materials, air quality and noise. The MEA is an integral part of this Element because it contains substantive background material which identifies resources relevant to this portion of the Plan. There are not substantial changes to the document. Dale Beland, in response to C/Werner, stated that the noise contour map was adopted as part of the General Plan last year, and staff will make sure that it is included as part of this document. He pointed out that on page IV - 4, under Noise, there is also a description of noise impact area as measured from the freeway centerlines, etc., which is a textural way of achieving the same objective. M/Miller directed the discussion to the Public Services & Facilities Element. Dale Beland stated that the Public Services and Facilities' Element deals with issues of planning construction. There is no change necessary to achieve internal consistency with the rest of the draft status. R JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE 11 At the request of CM/Belanger, Mr. Beland explained that there is an overlap of issues and strategies between the Elements to assure coverage of those issues that receive public scrutiny, and to facilitate consistency, even to the point of risking redundancy. This document, with the adjustments made, responds adequately to the legal mandate of the code, in terms of format and substance. Barbara Beach-Courchesne stressed the need for more time to read and study the document, even though it is the same document in the 1992 General Plan. MPT/Papen suggested that there be another Public Hearing held on June 29, 1993 rather than June 23, 1993, as indicated earlier in the meetinc. The Council concurred. Norman Beach-Courchesne, referring to item C, Public Services & Facilities, on page IV -3, inquired if the City is intending to construct a new City Hall at a future date. CM/Belanger stated that in all likelihood, there would be other uses in a civic center besides a City Hall. C/MacBride, referring to page VI=4, strategy 1.1.5.a., inquired if there has been any change in status in the plans to locate a reservoir in upper Tonner Canyon. MPT/Papen pointed out =hat the RTD bus system, as referred on page VI -2, last paragraph, is now the Metropolitan Transportation Author_ty (MTA), and that Foothill Transit serves the San Gabriel Valley and D.B. C/Werner requested that strategy 1.3.1, on page VI -5, be updated regarding the Pomona Unified School District High School. CM/Belanger requested that subparagraph (b) be added to strategy 1.1.5, on pace VI -4, to deal with working with the City of Industry on locating a reclaimed water reservoir in the Tres Hermanos area. C/MacBride suggested subparagraph (c) also be added to strategy 1.1.5, on page VI -4, regarding the City of Industry°s proposed MRF, b?cause it impacts D.B. tremendously. There should,, at. least )pe a map included that alerts us to the factors impacting -the City. C/Forbing pointed out that the Introduction on page I-2, last paragraph,. indicates that the General Plan must be a comprehensive planning document covering not only the geographic area within the City boundaries, but also the areas adjacent to the City that bear a reasonable relationship to City planning. MPT/Papen suggested that a more general statement monitoring JUNE 16, 1993 PAGE 12 applications regarding waste facilities about be added to strategy 1.1.5, on page VI -4. The Council concurred. M/Miller directed the discussion to the Housing Element. Dale Beland stated that the changes proposed are dependent on the resolution of land use detail, to be determined. However, page II -4 was revised to give a summary of housing stock as it exists today. An update on the numbers will be submitted for the Council's review by the next meeting. There is no need for any basic policy change in the document as a result of the discussion to date. Staff is currently working on the concerns expressed by ECD regarding the status of the draft. C/Forbing questioned that there are 9 million people living in the unincorporated areas of L.A. County, as indicated in the document. MPT/Papen, referring to page II -12, stated that low medium density residential should be 3.1 to 5.0 to be consistent with the Land Use Element. C/Forbing noted that the land use designation for Tres Hermanos, as indicated on page II -12, needs to be changed to Agricultural. MPT/Papen stated that table II -5, cost estimate for a new single housing unit in Diamond Bar, on page II -17, is obsolete .and should be updated. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS: M/Miller directed staff to contact those individuals whose names and addresses are on the sheet passed around at an earlier meeting to notify them of the meeting scheduled for June 29, 1993. He then reported that the draft General Plan is being referred to the Planning Commission for its review and recommendation to the City Council no later than June 29, 1993. 4. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, M/Miller adjourned the meetinq,,at 7:45 p.m. to June 29, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. 4La Bu);gPi�s , .C)..tv- Clerk ATTEST: Mayor i n f.. � ,. .. t� ;, d re_Gu P. r T•i r., "� " 7-fi ^&dG. `.�.... I:�;I