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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-05; City Council; MinutesCITY OF CARLSBAD CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SPECIAL MEETING City Council Chambers 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Wednesday, April 5, 2006 CALL TO ORDER: 8:34 a.m. ROLL CALL: Lewis, Hall, Kulchin, Packard, Sigafoose were present. Agenda Item #1: Council discussion on Council Member reports on regional roles and assignments, as necessary. There was no discussion on this item. Agenda Item #2: Discussion of the proposed initiatives, consideration of proposed ballot measure and direction to City Attorney and staff to begin drafting and processing as appropriate. Mayor Lewis began a discussion regarding a handout and presentation on a proposed Citywide ballot measure. (Both of these documents are on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Sandra Holder, Director of Community Development and Michael Holzmiller, Planning Consultant, made a presentation to Council regarding the terms of the proposed measure and a discussion of the areas under consideration. Mayor Pro Tem Hall noted that he was not in favor of the City providing farming subsidies. Mr. Holzmiller explained how Agricultural Mitigation funds are allocated for the flower fields. Council Member Kulchin asked that the wording of the measure be kept simple. Mr. Holzmiller noted that the term "coastal agricultural" needed to be defined. City Attorney Ron Ball advised Council that the definition can not be inconsistent with the General Plan. In response to Council, Mr. Holzmiller stated that examples of activities in the area that could not be allowed were packing sheds, various buildings and grazing of cattle. City Council Workshop April 5, 2006 Page 1 Ms. Holder and Mr. Holzmiller explained to Council why trails may not be compatible with an area designated as "coastal agricultural". They noted that use of pesticides and equipment may create safety factors for those on the trails. Ms. Holder confirmed for Council that trails in a coastal agricultural area can not be ruled out. Attorney Ball noted that the particular agricultural property under discussion is not owned by the City and City trails must be under the control of the City. Mayor Pro Tern Hall noted that key to the workshop's discussion are farmers. Mr. Hall stated that we need the input of farmers to elucidate the state of farming today and farming in the future. Mayor Lewis stated that Eric Larsen, head of the Farm Bureau, will come to speak to Council within the next two weeks. Council Member Packard voiced concerns regarding the economic viability of farming this property. He asked if the City will be subsidizing the farmer. Mr. Holzmiller stated that the designation "open space" allows for agricultural uses as well as other uses. However, he noted that the "coastal agricultural" term encourages and promotes agriculture on the open space properties under discussion. Mr. Packard asked if "Civic Center" could be added to the PROPOSED BALLOT MEASUSRE bullet "Permit only the following uses". Mayor Lewis explained his reasons for having a proposed civic center go to a vote of the people of Carlsbad and not be on the list of permitted items. Mr. Holzmiller discussed the hardline HMP areas on the map legends A and B. He noted that the HMP preserved areas are marked in dark green. (These maps are on file in the Office of the City Clerk). Discussion ensued regarding establishment of City trails on these properties. Ray Patchett, City Manager, outlined the process for establishment of trails. Agenda Item #3: Public Comment: Mayor Lewis asked that the public come forward to speak on agenda item #2. Chris Calkins, President of the Flower Fields® came forward to address Council. Mr. Calkins stated that he is puzzled by the present activities. He stated that approximately six years of planning went into the Carlsbad Ranch properties. He urged great caution in the creation of a "coastal agricultural" zone designation. Mr. Calkins noted that Area E can not be used for agriculture because of the possibilities of winds disbursing farming chemicals. Mr. Calkins stated that cut flowers are an important part of his business and because of the Floral Trade Center move he needs a way to distribute his flowers. Mr. City Council Workshop April 5, 2006 Page 2 Calkins stated that trails that are adjacent to agriculture are not compatible and he encouraged Council to create a balance in the area. In response to Council, Mr. Calkins gave a brief history of the Flower Fields® and the planning of the area. Ed Lopez, representing SDG&E, owner of some of the property affected by the proposed measure, came forward to speak. He stated that the proposed measure does not fit into long term business needs for SDG&E. Mr. Lopez stated his concerns regarding the Concerned Citizens initiative. He noted that their initiative restricts public access and could cost the taxpayers of Carlsbad money. Mr. Lopez stated that he supports the City's Community, Place and Spirit program; the Carlsbad Citizens for Usable Public Places position on access to public lands; and the initiative time out suggested by the Mayor. Mr. Lopez asked that he be a part of the deliberative process regarding the City's ballot measure. In response to Council, Ruth Love, representing SDG&E, stated that the option on SDG&E's property with Lennar was a multi-year option. Ron Alvarez, representing the Concerned Citizens of Carlsbad, spoke about his initiative and the prevention of development on the lands under discussion. Mr. Alvarez and Council discussed whether Council was involved in meetings with the developer, Lennar. Council members stated, for the record, the meetings they had attended with Lennar representatives and with Concerned Citizens representatives. In response to Council Mr. Alvarez spoke regarding the zoning terms "coastal agricultural" and "open space" in relation to his initiative. He stated that the terms are "coastal agricultural/open space". He stated that trails are allowed in the areas under discussion. In response to Council, Mr. Ball stated that when a report on the initiative is directed by Council the question of the zoning designations and their implications will be answered. In response Council, Mr. Alvarez stated that he had met with Coastal Commission representative Lee J. Eckard. Mr. Alvarez and Council discussed whether Council was involved in meetings with staff, the developer, Lennar and others. Council members stated, again, for the record, the meetings they had attended with Lennar representatives and with Concerned Citizens representatives. Ramona Finnila, representing the Carlsbad Citizens for Usable Public Places, stated that she was not in support of the plan being presented by the Mayor. She noted that the area of the Carlsbad Ranch is a balanced plan. Ms. Finnila stated that the Community, Place and Spirit program offered many amenities wanted by the citizens of Carlsbad: civic, City Council Workshop April 5, 2006 Page 3 cultural, usable open space and urban agriculture. She stated that residential use and commercial use pay for these amenities. She asked Council to speak with the Farm Bureau before the measure is launched. Ms. Finnila noted that agricultural operations are moving to the east and south and even to Israel. Ms. Finnila also discussed the economics of the initiatives and ballot measure, the City's preparation of an EIR and possible challenges by the Coastal Commission. John Strayer, proponent of the Carlsbad Gateway Parkland and Open Space Initiative of 2006, stated that Carlsbad will not be in the agricultural business in the future. He noted that the Save the Strawberry and Growing Fields initiative will allow little flexibility in the future. Mr. Strayer described his vision of a sports facility and amphitheater in the area. Mr. Strayer stated that this location can bring the City together. Mario Monroy, proponent of the Carlsbad Gateway Parkland and Open Space Initiative of 2006, came forward to address Council regarding the economic impact of the Save the Strawberry and Growing Fields initiative. He predicted that the present owners will pursue legal action if the Save the Strawberry and Growing Fields initiative prevails. Mr. Monroy noted, that,as a taxpayer, he will not support subsidies. Dustin Johnston spoke in favor of the Save the Strawberry and Growing Fields initiative. He stated that he would not support a City measure. He stated that zoning can be flexible in area A. He suggested that the City have a workshop to discuss the location of a future Civic Center. Mr. Johnston confirmed for Council the zoning designations used in the discussion of Growth Plan of 1985. Mayor Pro Tem Hall confirmed with Mr. Johnston that they had met at least 4 times. In response to Council, Mr. Johnston could not say why the Concerned Citizens group was unwilling to meet with other groups about the initiatives. In response to Council, Mr. Johnson stated that Concerned Citizens have no plans for industrial, commercial or residential building in this area. Gary Hill introduced himself to Council and described his involvement in the Carlsbad community. Speaking as the son of a farmer, he urged Council to use caution when changing land use designations. He gave an example of "unintended consequences" of re- zoning. Mr. Hill also cautioned the Council regarding some of the wording in the initiatives. Mr. Hill stated that the City is in its "teen" years and urged that Council and citizens envision where we will be in 10 to 20 years. Mark Winkler, representing himself as a citizen at large, stated he has no problems with the Mayor's ballot measure. He commended the Mayor's leadership in this matter and stated that the community should have more education regarding the City processes. City Council Workshop April 5, 2006 Page 4 Mike Kennedy, representing Lennar, stated that the land in question is owned by SDG&E and Carltas. He stated that his firm entered into options in 2005 and Lennar can extend these options to 2010. Mayor Lewis discussed why he has proposed the ballot measure entitled "The Flower Fields, Strawberry Fields, Open Space and Public Trails Protection Act of 2006". Council Member Sigafoose noted that reports are needed on the initiatives so that they can be analyzed. In response to Council Member Packard, Mr. Holzmiller explained that the current zoning designation on area A is "Travel-Recreation" (TR). Noting that Carlsbad's citizens need to know about the effects of the initiatives, Council Member Packard asked that the City turn its focus to education. Council Members Kulchin, Lewis and Hall directed staff to study a council-sponsored measure. For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Hall noted that he has not met with Mr. Monroy, Mr. Strayer or Ms. Finnila. In addition, Mayor Pro Tem Hall stated that our citizens should be able to study the current initiatives and he indicated that the Mayor's ballot measure could be used as a placeholder for the outcomes of a citizen's committee. In response to the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem Hall suggested a citizen's committee of 25 members who would study and make a report to Council on the initiatives. He noted that these citizens should not be affiliated with either initiative group. He stated that they should represent the greater City at large. City Attorney Ball clarified that the Council can direct staff to create a draft ballot measure for future Council consideration. He also clarified that today, Council is not voting on putting a measure on the ballot. He noted that the measure would need to go through environmental review. In response to Council, Mr. Ball stated that the draft measure could be given to the citizens committee for review. In response to Council, Mr. Ball stated that, under the law, reports can be requested by Council during the circulation of the petition. He also noted that the report can be presented to the Council no later than 30 days after the Clerk certifies the sufficiency of the petition to the Council. Discussion ensued regarding the make-up of the citizerts committee. Council concurred to replace the wording in the proposed measure's zoning designation of "coastal agricultural" with "open space". City Council Workshop April 5,2006 Page 5 The meeting was adjourned at 11:02 a.m. ^orraine M. Wood City CleVk. City Council Workshop April 5, 2006 Page 6 PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURE The Flower Fields, Strawberry Fields, Open Space and Public Trails Protection Act of 2006 Preamble: • Create a Sustainable Community with social and environmental balance • Provide a continuous public trail to and along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda connecting to The Flower Fields • Preserve The Flower Fields forever • Provide opportunities for public access and community gathering places • Allow farming, including strawberry and flower production, to continue Terms of Measure: • Prohibit residential development • Require utilization of all existing programs, land use protections and other possible new mechanisms to keep the Flower Fields in permanent production . Redesignate areas A, B, and C to CA (Coastal Agriculture) Option -Redesignate to Open Space • Retain OS (Open Space) zoning on areas D and E • Permit only the following uses in the Open Space areas: 1. Farming, including strawberry and flower production 2. Passive Park and Recreational Facilities (except on the existing Flower Fields) 3. Public Trails • A Civic Center if specifically approved by a majority vote at an election for such purpose fexcenton the existing Flower Fields) purpose jexcept . Do not allow the placement or encroachment of any permitted uses into the sensitive habitat area, identified in the Habitat Management Plan «toitat areas . Authorize the City Council to spend $1M on public trail(s) that would provide a continuous publicaccess to and along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda lagoon connecting to The Flower Fields • Gives Council the authority to redesignate land use if implementation of the measure is construed to be a taking of private property Advantages of Measure • Enhances existing protection of the Flower Fields, Strawberry Fields, and public accessibility to the Fields • Permanently protects all existing open space areas • Enhances the provision for public trails and pedestrian accessibility • Ensures compliance with the Habitat Management Plan Exhibit showing area subject to Measure CO- u of Measure ,,,, Jt residential development Hire utilization of all existing programs, land use Sections and other possible new mechanisms to keep ,6 Flower Fields in permanent production ^designate areas A, B and C to CA (Coastal Agriculture) Retain OS (Open Space) zoning on areas D and E Permit only the following uses in the Open Space areas: - Farming, including strawberry and flower production - Passive Park and Recreational Facilities (except on the existing Flower Fields) - Public Trails of Measure ic Center if specifically approved by a majority vote jh election for such purpose (except on the existing wer Fields) ii not allow the placement or encroachment of any •rmitted uses into the sensitive habitat areas identified Iff the Habitat Management Plan Authorize the City Council to spend $1 million on public trail(s) that would provide a continuous public access to and along the south shore pf the Agua Hedionda Lagoon connecting to The Flower Fields Gives City Council the authority to redesignate land use if implementation of the measure is construed to be a taking of private property IN I T I A T I V E S u_o 2 OCOtt CL 2 Oo CDoo(N *rO 0)_> +5re <? |E Ca r l s b a d G a t e w a y P a r k l a n d a n d O p e n S p a c e COooes >4-o1^v CO-a Sa v e t h e S t r a w b e r r y a n d F l o w e r G r o w i n g F i e l tpiv/c .O C/3 '>2CL to 'ro1 ^ § c o m »c? s is ^ 3"• ^ ^-* -^-i _ §0 §. c g c: "D c ,« C C -s 2 T3 co co 5 3 "5O _*: c o t: o^ -± o o c oas co o o 0 _ §°- TJ ^ E§ -= / C 3 0) S" !c•— o c ^ 22- I IISS2: S I'lHI o ?— > rt^ ^ Am e n d s t h e G e n e r a l P l a n b y d e s i g n a t i n g a S t u d y a r e a a n d a P l a n n i n i ea s t o f 1 - 5 a s a c o m b i n a t i o n l a n d u s e d i s t r i c t c o n s i s t i n g p r i m a r i l y < Sp a c e u s e s Su p p o r t s t h e c r e a t i o n o f a C a r l s b a d C e n t r a l P a r k in t h e S t u d y a r e a w t pa r k , r e c r e a t i o n , t r a i l s , c u l t u r a l a n d o t h e r o p e n s p a c e u s e s Re q u i r e s a c o m p r e h e n s i v e m a s t e r p l a n t o b e p r e p a r e d b e f o r e a n y d e Pl a n n i n g A r e a a n d c o n t a i n s s p e c i a l s t a n d a r d s t o b e a p p l i e d t o t h < Pr o v i d e s t h e o p p o r t u n i t y f o r a m i x e d - u s e , c i v i c v i l l a g e i n t h e P l a n n i n g ci v i c c e n t e r , c o m m e r c i a l a n d r e s i d e n t i a l u s e s o ^ ECL fc; 3CL 9J ±i3 -0 3"O CO 5 Ogo 2 -5, to Q> co E < I^Ji £|03*" -a m<" .9 o g § 'f^1 L_ O >*o o>-£ c?° Am e n d s t h e G e n e r a l P l a n t o i n c l u d e n e w a n d a m e n d e d g o a l s , pr o g r a m s i n c l u d i n g a n e w l a n d u s e d e s i g n a t i o n o f C o a s t a l f i co n t i n u e d a g r i c u l t u r a l u s e i n t h e a r e a s i n c l u d i n g a n d a d j a c e an d F l o w e r F i e l d s Re q u i r e s t h e C i t y t o c o n s e r v e b y w h a t e v e r m e a n s p r a c t i c a b l e Ch a n g e s ( r e - d e s i g n a t e ) t h e 4 5 + a c r e p a r c e l a t 1 - 5 a n d C a n n o n Tr a v e l / R e c r e a t i o n ( T R ) c o m m e r c i a l u s e t o O p e n S p a c e a n d Al l o w a b l e L a n d U s e s Al l o w a b l e L a n d U s e s .C1c O CD.C 0 co '.4-I £ 1 Re s i d e n t i a l p e r m i t t e d a s l o n g a s i t i s c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h e d w e l l i n g u n i t Ma n a g e m e n t P l a n Re s i d e n t i a l u s e n o t a l l o w e d CD 0•o'to 0a: 8L_COd CO "ECD £ 0u C£ CO *m Co m m e r c i a l u s e s a l l o w e d a s p a r t o f t h e m a s t e r p l a n n i n g p r o c e s s , r e t < de s i g n a t i o n OL1 — CO de s i g n a t e i <Di_i Co m m e r c i a l u s e ( o t h e r t h a n a g r i c u l t u r a l p r o d u c t i o n ) n o t a l l o w e d co m m e r c i a l p a r c e l t o O p e n S p a c e / C o a s t a l / A g r i c u l t u r e co'o 0 £oO T3 0 | ^073 0.a 5 g m «S D-22 —« §0) c.E g £ 05c COCD c CL CO 0 ^ £T5 T5g xP CD I^XCD _CO CO >?£o§•£0 £a: £ ^05 0 CO g11II£ ">CD 0is 1 22co "0 22 g CD CO CO <J>0 <«CO 3 3 0 8»CD CL Q. w C^a»0 ° 0 4—1 ^'10occo r~tL^ Do e s n o t s p e c i f i c a l l y a d d r e s s o t h e r O p e n S p a c e u s e s i n c l u d i n g Ci t y ' s H a b i t a t M a n a g e m e n t P l a n 8CDQ. 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Tot— 0o •oCDJDO) CDO ^ (/)0>(A— \ To b e d e t e r m i n e d - p o t e n t i a l i m p a c t s i n c l u d e c o s t s t o p r o v i d e p u b l i c i im p l e m e n t a t i o n a n d l e g a l c o s t s 7>n ^™ IH »§.« 2? •BSo c rn O2*^=.£ CO>x *.;m C To b e d e t e r m i n e d - p o t e n t i a l i m p a c t s in c l u d e l o s s o f r e v e n u e , h ri g h t s a n d C i t y c o s t s t o p r o m o t e c o n t i n u e d a g r i c u l t u r e , i m p l e m e co s t s | A r e a A f f e c t e d Ar e a A f f e c t e d Ap p r o x i m a t e l y 1 1 9 0 a c r e s ( s t u d y a r e a ) a n d 3 3 0 a c r e s ( p l a n n i n g a r e a Ap p r o x i m a t e l y 3 9 0 - 4 3 0 a c r e s PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURE The Flower Fields, Strawberry Fields, Open Space and Public Trails Protection Act of 2006 Preamble; • Create a Sustainable Community with social and environmental balance • Provide a continuous public trail to and along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon connecting to The Flower Fields • Preserve The Flower Fields forever • Provide opportunities for public access and community gathering places • Allow farming, including strawberry and flower production, to continue Terms of Measure; • Prohibit residential development • Require utilization of all existing programs, land use protections and other possible new mechanisms to keep the Flower Fields in permanent production • Redesignate areas A, B, and C to CA (Coastal Agriculture) Option -Redesignate to Open Space • Retain OS (Open Space) zoning on areas D and £ • Permit only the following uses in the Open Space areas: 1. Farming, including strawberry and flower production 2. Passive Park and Recreational Faculties (except on the existing Flower Fields) 3. Public Trails • A Civic Center if specifically approved by a majority vote at an election for such purpose (except on the existing Flower Fields) • Do not allow the placement or encroachment of any permitted uses into the sensitive habitat areas identified in the Habitat Management Plan • Authorize the City Council to spend SIM on public trail(s) that would provide a continuous public access to and along the south shore of the Agua Hedionda lagoon connecting to The Flower Fields • Gives Council the authority to redesignate land use if implementation of the measure is construed to be a taking of private property Advantages of Measure • Enhances existing protection of the Flower Fields, Strawberry Fields, and public accessibility to the Fields • Permanently protects all existing open space areas • Enhances the provision for public trails and pedestrian accessibility • Ensures compliance with the Habitat Management Plan Exhibit showing area subject to Measure