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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-15; City Council; MinutesCITY OF CARLSBAD CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP SPECIAL MEETING Faraday Administration Offices 1635 Faraday Avenue Room173A Carlsbad, CA 92008 Wednesday, April 15, 2009 11 a.m. to conclusion of business at approximately 2 p.m. MINUTES 11:07 a.m. Call to Order: Welcome/Purpose Roll Call: Lewis, Kulchin, Hall, Packard, Blackburn 1. Council discussion on Council Member reports on regional roles and assignments, as necessary, including: Blackburn Packard Hall Kulchin Lewis Buena Vista Lagoon JPA Chamber of Commerce Liaison City/School Committee Encina Joint Powers (JAC) Encina Wastewater Authority North County Dispatch Joint Powers Authority (alternate) Buena Vista Lagoon JPA City/School Committee North County Transit District Board of Directors *North County Transit District Planning Committee League of California Cities - SD Division North County Dispatch Joint Powers Authority Chamber of Commerce Liaison SANDAG Board of Directors SANDAG Executive Committee SANDAG Transportation Committee CalCoast Board of Directors Carlsbad ConVis (alternate) Encina Joint Powers (JAC) Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA) North County Transit District (alternate) *San Diego Authority for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE) SANDAG Board of Directors (2 alternate) *SANDAG Shoreline Preservation Committee LAFCO Cities Advisory Committee North County Mayors and Managers SANDAG (1st alternate) CITY OF CARLSBAD Workshop April 15, 2009 San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors There was no discussion on item #1. Requests to Speak: Comments/speakers for business organizations/associations are limited to seven (7) minutes each and four (4) minutes for individuals. Should you wish not to speak you may leave a comment card with any staff member. 2. Business forum including discussions with the business community on actions that could be taken to stimulate the economy in Carlsbad and other topics of concern in the current economy (break for lunch at approximately 12:15 p.m.) City Manager Lisa Hildabrand introduced the item and detailed the process to be followed by participants. Lou Storrow, Chair of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, noted four areas that the City could support the business community: promotion of tourism, support of development by extension of current permits and approvals, support of the Downtown area and suspension of Business License Fees for one year. Borre Winckel, Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego Building Industry Association, spoke about measures that the City can initiate to stimulate the economy. Mr. Winckel outlined these measures in his two handouts: "Jumpstart Our Industry Now", April 2009 and a letter to the Mayor dated April 14, 2009. (Both handouts are on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Robin Young, Executive Director of the Carlsbad Village Business Association, asked that the Council review the Village Strategic Plan (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). She noted that the plan promotes tourism, community support and partnerships with the City. She spoke regarding the Village vision after Redevelopment. Reint Reiners, Tourism Consultant for the Carlsbad Tourism Business Improvement District, spoke about a tourism stimulus package. He noted that there will be a 90-day Carlsbad tourism campaign in May, June and July of 2009. He stated that the more tourists brought to Carlsbad the more Transient Occupancy Tax paid to the City and more business for the Village merchants. He asked the City's consideration of 100,000 dollars for the campaign. Bob Wojick, Senior Engineer at Hofman Planning, asked that the following be implemented: extensions on current approvals, permits and maps; elimination or reduction of the number of engineering studies; accelerated review and turnaround times by staff and a streamlining of the level of details required in submissions. (Mr. Wojick submitted a handout of suggestions on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Farrah Douglas, owner of CDS Printing, summarized a letter she has written to the President of the United States. (This letter is on file in the Office of the City Clerk). She stated that there is no stimulus package for small business. Her plan includes reform or change in the areas of credit, 2|Page CITY OF CARLSBAD Workshop April 15, 2009 employer taxes, foreclosures in malls and business centers and the formation of S corporations. Ms. Douglas summarized, noting that the US Government is not in touch with small businesses. Kirk Whisler spoke regarding the percentages of the unemployed. He asked for programs that create jobs in sectors that are growing. Mark Winkler, Realtor, asked for support of non-profit businesses, noting that these businesses are very effective in their delivery of services. Tod Odem, representing the Carlsbad CleanVenture Business Incubator, gave some background on this non-profit business and cited the success of the City of San Jose and their Environmental Business Incubator. He proposed the following to Council: to use 6000 feet of the Former Farmer's Insurance building for 24 months beginning June 30, 2009 for the start up of Clean Technology businesses. Jay Corralles, Realtor, spoke about the development of energy efficient housing that costs less and saves more in energy bills. He described a housing project in Davis, California that was sponsored by Pacific Gas and Electric. He suggested that the City partner with business associations to share information regarding these sustainable, cost effective projects with the community. Gary Nessim asked that redevelopment in the Village area be extended for ten years. He also asked that the City invest funds in construction loans for the next two years. Mike Howes of Howes, Weiler and Associates, asked that Council review changes to the development application process. Mr. Howes distributed a handout entitled "Improving the Processing Times for Administrative and Discretionary Permits in Carlsbad". (A copy of this handout is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Belynn Gonzales, owner of Garcia's Restaurant, noted that she had gathered Village enhancement suggestions from a group of local merchants. Ms. Gonzales stated that more street lighting and festive lighting is needed. She also suggested that special seasonal events and special Village marketing would attract visitors. Ms. Gonzales emphasized the need for more police presence, public restrooms and public parking. She stressed that enhanced ambiance in the Village such as beautiful plants, lighting and decorations would encourage more foot traffic in the Village. (A copy of Ms. Gonzales handout is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.) Tim Stripe of Grand Pacific Resorts emphasized that tourism is Carlsbad's largest business. Mr. Stripe described how Legoland, golf, restaurants and shops are all affected by tourism. He urged the City to study Mr. Reiner's proposal for marketing Carlsbad tourism. Alex Scollin representing New Village Arts stated that strong presence of arts in the Community supports businesses. Bill Canepa, member of the Carlsbad Tourism Business Improvement District Board urged Council to support Reint Reiner's marketing campaign, "Endless Summer". He reported that hotel occupancy is down by 15-20% and could use some "one time" assistance. Mr. Canepa also asked that Council 3 | Page CITY OF CARLSBAD Workshop April 15,2009 streamline the development approval process and suggested a dialog forum between developers and the City. Roger William Algee stated that much of the current economic ills could be cured by cutting excess such as overwatering landscaping in industrial parks. Mayor Lewis declared a recess at 12:15 p.m. The Mayor and all four Council Members reconvened at 12:38 p.m. Jim Farley, President of the Leichtag Family Foundation, noted that non-profit organizations are an important part of the community and the business community. He asked that the City organize a Citizens' Academy Alumni Association. He emphasized that such an association would create a robust environment for civic engagement. Dan Downing stated that the Council needs to consider the business community when evaluating water cuts and restrictions. He also asked for a re-evaluation of the Encina Water Authority regulation enforcements. Socorro Anderson stated that she is in business to help the poorest of the poor. She commented that during this rough economic climate there is very little in wages or housing for the poor. Ms. Anderson urged the City to meet with residents and property owners and review the lighting and clean-up activities in the downtown area. Barbara Hamilton, Chair of the Chamber's Sustainability Committee, supported attracting green businesses, promoting green business practices and initiating eco-tourism in Carlsbad. Bruce Henderson, owner of Palomar Technology, a business that exports 50% of its products world- wide, asked that Council entertain an accelerated permit approval process. He noted that he must balance costs vs. business benefits and needs to remain competitive internationally. Kathy Kinane, owner of a sports events business, spoke about sports events in Carlsbad. She asked for more traffic control officers. Tony Cross, owner of the Ireland Shop on Grand, stated that parking is his business' number one issue. He asked for diagonal parking on Grand. Stephanie of Beach Glass and Bead Shop stated that there needs to be more advertising regarding downtown and she asked that resorts and hotels partner with the village businesses. Ralph Muncaster, Executive Director of the Lynn Forbes School of Sculpture, stated that he would like to see more signage for businesses and more events downtown. Kelly Dodman of Sign-A-Rama requested that the City allow more banners, flags and advertising for various events. 4 | Page CITY OF CARLSBAD Workshop April 15, 2009 Gina McBride, Financial Advisor, described an arts event composed of crafts, visual arts, and drama, all under one umbrella event. Ms. McBride stated that arts and arts events can grow tourism. Julie Baker of the Carlsbad Village Improvement Organization stated that May 1, 2009 there would be arts events in the Village from 5 to 8 p.m. She encouraged City staff to promote these grass roots events. She also stated that she supported the use of the former Farmer's Building as a Clean Venture Incubator. Cindy Green, owner of an antique store, stated that the Village could use more lighting and cleaner streets. She also stated that the Village needs to attract local residents to their shops. She noted that she is worried regarding the number of vacant shops. Ms. Green suggested that the Council membership increase to seven because two of the current five members cannot vote on Village issues due to ownership of Village property. Justin Jessaro, local business owner, stated that parking and signage directing customers to parking is needed in the Village. He also asked that the City consider special lighting at Christmas. Mark Hughes, a developer, noted that there is 30% vacancy in industrial parks. He asked that Carlsbad become more flexible with businesses and perhaps cut fees. 3. Discussion of Council efficiency and effectiveness including impact of regional assignments with regard to contact with other Council members, decision and policymaking, serving the community and effective methods of feedback. No discussion on this item. 4. City Manager review of goal and major project tracking report and update discussion of Council goal setting process and discussion of capacity and effectiveness in the delivery of City processes and services. No discussion on this item. 5. Discussion of feedback, communications or correspondence on issues for the good of the community, including directions to the City Manager or City Attorney, as appropriate, for the scheduling of items for future agendas, workshops or study sessions. No discussion on this item. Council Members thanked the attendees for their solution oriented thoughts and ideas. Mayor Lewis noted that on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 Council will hold a Special Meeting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to discuss the ideas and input presented at this meeting. Staff noted that the meeting location is still to be determined. 5| Page CITY OF CARLSBAD Workshop April 15, 2009 ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Lewis adjourned the Special Meeting at 1:35 p.m. Lorraine M. Wood, Certified Municipal Clerk 6 | Page 3, Suggestions for City Council Consideration rv\ At Business Forum April 1 5 \ Allow tentative parcel maps and tracts maps to have an initial approval of three years instead of two years as allowed per Subdivision Map Act Section66452.6.(a)(l). The cost to prepare and process a tentative map costs the property owner tens of thousands of dollars. This will also reduce the amount of staff time needed to process some of the map extensions. Allow tentative parcel maps and tracts maps to receive extensions of two years or more, as allowed per Subdivision Map Act Section66452.6.(e), instead of one year. The cost to prepare and process a tentative map extension can exceed $10,000 and take 3-9 months or more of additional carrying cost on the property. This will also reduce the amount of staff time needed to process some of the map extensions. Allow other discretionary approvals to have two to three years to obtain building permits prior to discretionary approvals expiring instead of the current practice of 12-18 months. The cost to prepare and process new discretionary approvals can exceed $10,000 and take 3-9 months or more of additional carrying cost on the property. This will also reduce the amount of staff time needed to process some of the discretionary permits. When discretionary permit applications are made, certain engineering studies for drainage and storm water requirements must be prepared and submitted. When extensions of those permits are applied for, city staff is currently requiring that those studies be re- done at considerable expense ($5,000-$ 10,000+). Those same studies must be done again with the submittal of a grading permit application and may also be required again prior to building permit issuance. The State pollution control requirements can be complied with without these studies being required and updated that many times. Direct staff to eliminate as many of these redundant requirements (and expenses) as possible. This will also reduce staff time needed for these multiple reviews of the studies. The Development Services departments have an unwritten policy of responding to application resubmittals within 30 days. Many applications take that full 30 days and some take longer. Direct the staff to strive for responses within 20 days and in no case greater than 30 days. A significant amount of detailed design work is required with the submittal of discretionary permit applications. Much of this is useful for the decision makers. However, some of the details do not add information that is significant. Direct the Development Services staff to work with the business community to streamline the level of details being required. This can eliminate thousands of dollars and months of processing time. This will also allow the staff to reduce the amount of time they need to process the applications. 9201 Spectrum Center Blvd., Suite 110 San Diego, CA 92123-1407 P 858.450.1221 F 858.552.1445 Co www.biasandiego.org PRESIDENT Andrew Murphy American Property Enterprises VICE PRESIDENT Bob Cummings Barratt American TREASURER / SECRETARY Russ Haley CityMark Development IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Sherman D. Harmer, Jr. Urban Housing Partners, Inc. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Borre Winckel AFFILIATES California Building Industry Association National Association of Home Builders April 14, 2009 Honorable Claude "Bud" Lewis Mayor City of Carlsbad 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 RE: Economic Stimulus Measures for Carlsbad Dear Mayor Lewis and members of the City Council: Thank you for this opportunity to provide input on how the city can stimulate local businesses and economic growth in the city. We applaud the city council's efforts to initiate economic recovery in the city. A recovery of our national economy will be through the collective efforts of individual cities and states taking the initiative to stimulate economic growth locally. The construction industry employment base has been decimated by plummeting home values and a loss of financial liquidity in the banking sector. Since the downturn began, over 25,000 construction workers have lost their job in San Diego County alone. More than 300,000 construction industry jobs have been lost in California and millions have been lost nationwide. Many companies in our industry have reduced their workforce by 70% or more and many more, including businesses that have been around for decades, have disappeared. Unfortunately, Carlsbad has not been spared from this economic downturn. On an annualized basis, residential building permit activity in Carlsbad is down more 73%. Commercial and industrial building permit activity is down by more than 76% with no new commercial or industrial square footage permitted in the last four months. The total building permit activity for the month of March amounted to only a single residential building permit being issued. "As housing goes, so goes the economy." As our industry has continued to shed jobs, every other sector of the economy from the manufacturing sector to the service sector has been forced to do the same. The impact to the state and national economy from the deterioration of our industry has been absolutely devastating and now the tax base of local cities is under siege. Therefore, local recovery must and will only begin with the recovery of the construction industry. BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY There are several straightforward measures the city can implement now to help foster this recovery. There are also measures the city can take over the longer term to help create a more stable, predictable regulatory environment for our industry that will also benefit the city's efforts in meeting economic and housing objectives. We have included a list of short and long-term measures we implore the city implement to aid our industry in jumpstarting a local recovery in Carlsbad. Very truly yours, executive Officer Attachment: City of Carlsbad Economic Stimulus Measures Cc: BIA Board of Directors BIA North County Legislative Committee Lisa Hildabrand, City Manager DIGITALLY CERTIFIED CDS PRINTING CARLSBAD DIGITAL SERVICES OPY President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, I know you ran on the platform of uprooting the lobbyists from Washington, but please allow me to lobby you on behalf of all small businesses in this country. And Mr. President, I mean small businesses, those who have 50 or fewer employees. We work hard, we volunteer in our communities, and we pay our taxes, AND WE ARE IN TROUBLE, WE NEED YOUR ATTENTION TODAY!! I've listened to your speeches. I've heard how concerned you and your team are for our teachers, nurses, construction workers, police and fire employees, in short, public employees. What I haven't heard is concern for the fate of thousands and thousands of small businesses in our country. I humbly want to bring to your attention the situation small business owners are facing and suggest some relatively inexpensive solutions to help us stay in business, keep our employees and survive this historic economical down turn. • Problem: Credit card companies have reduced small business owners' credit limits, increased their interest rates, which in turn has increased the monthly minimum payments all during this time that the businesses' income has plummeted. • Solution: a) Persuade the credit card companies to reduce all interest rates to a more realistic rate and in line with today's economic situation, b) forgive all late fees if the payments are received within 30 days from the due date, c) return all credit limits to their original level before the reduction so small business owners have the purchasing power to buy material they need to stay in business. • Problem: Employment taxes (payroll taxes) and business property taxes (unsecured property form 571-L) are taking a big chunk of small business owners' income. 760)438-1442 Fax (760) 438-2512 www.cdsprinting.com inTo@caspnntinq.conn A div/sioi uouaas uara Carlsbad, CA 92009 CDS PRINTING CARLSBAD DIGITAL SERVICES • Solution: Freeze these taxes as an emergency measure to help small business owners while the recession lasts. These taxes then will be reinstated after the economy reaches a stable level. • Problem: A great number of small business owners and their employees have lost their health and life insurance because of late payments. • Solution: Require insurance companies to reinstate these revoked policies as long as business owners and their employees can make payment arrangements and that their payments are received within 30 days from the due date. Remove all late fees and reinstating charges. • Problem: While you're helping homeowners facing foreclosures, the owners of commercial shopping centers and business malls are evicting small business owners (and/or charging them late fees) and increasing their rents. With evictions businesses close, jobs are lost and the economy sinks even deeper into recession. • Solution: Create incentives for the commercial owners (reducing their taxes or other options) to work with their existing tenants by reducing rents to an affordable level, removing late fees and extending payment terms to address past due rents. • Problem: Many of small businesses have formed S Corporations and have to pay a minimum of $800 corporate license fee. • Solutions: Defer corporate tax payments for companies with an annual gross income of $1 mil or less until economic recovery. • Problem: Your Blackberry and your team are not hi touch with the real small businesses, their issues and their problems. According to the media you wanted to keep your Blackberry to be in touch with ordinary people, yet the media reports that even some of your cabinet members don't have your Blackberry address. The security risks and issues are obvious and easy to understand. DIGITALLY CERTIFIED CDS PRINTING CARLSBAD DIGITAL SERVICES • Solution: Form an advisory committee of small business owners with 50 employees or fewer from various regions of the country; have them report to you, or someone you absolutely trust, who will give you the committee members' unrevised and uncensored reports. The goal is to keep you in touch with the problems small businesses face. Keeping it real. Not a think tank in DC, not large and powerful unions, just small independent business owners, who operate their businesses and wrestle everyday with the ups and downs of the market. Let them tell you about their problems and the solutions they come up with. They are the best barometers of the economy, kind of your canaries in the coal mine. Just a thought, Mr. President. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Farrah Douglas Owner, CDS Printing 6971 El Camino Real, Ste. 203 Carlsbad, CA 92009 Tel: 760-438-1442 Cell: 760-809-3702 Email: farrah.douglas@gmail.com Website: www.cdsprinting.com cc: Vice-President Joe Biden, Congressman Brian Bilbray, Senator Mark Wyland, Assemblymember Martin Garrick, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger DIGITALLY CERTIFIED Todd CARLSBAD CLEANVENTURE BUSINESS INCUBATOR Accelerating the Green Industry Revolution 87% of businesses that incubate are still in business 5 years later 84% of incubated businesses remain in the community Create jobs at a cost of $1,100 each (other job creators cost $20, 000) *CLEANVENTURE Is a non-profit corporation CARLSBAD CLEANVENTURE Value to Carlsbad Economic Stimulus Create high-paying green collar jobs and a nationally- recognized CleanTech Business Cluster ^--— Industrial Diversification Clean Technology is projected to be a multi- trillion dollar market CLEANVENTURE) Measurable Benefits 1% equity stake in each startup. Establish Carlsbad as a Green Leader Climate Change Mitigation - CleanTech and Renewable Energy are required to decrease GHG & increase energy security CARLSBAD CLEANVENTURE Long Term Financial Projection Projected growth of 1% equity stake in each startup $80,000,000 570,000.000 S60.000.000 550,000.000 540.000.000 S30.000.0OO 520,000,000 510,000.000 50 oooooooooooooooooooo Plus approximately 2500 new jobs within ten years CARLSBAD CLEANVENTURE Replicate Success Thanks to its Environmental Business Incubator, the City of San Jose has, over ten years, realized: • 145 new cleantech companies • 4000 green collar jobs • $12M in tax revenue Proposal to Carlsbad • Use the 6000 sq ft Farmer's Insurance building • For 24 months, beginning June 30, 2009 • CleanVenture raises funds for tenant improvements CARLSBAD CLEANVENTURE Improving the Processing Times for Administrative and Discretionary Permits in Carlsbad None of the following suggestions will adversely impact the quality of development in Carlsbad, require the hiring of new staff and can be implemented immediately. General 1. Staff needs to be more receptive to working with members of the development community to resolve issues with other agencies such as the Coastal Commission and realize that they do not have all of the answers. 2. Staff needs to be more receptive towards working with an applicant to find solutions and not problems and be open to new ideas and concepts. Focus on being planners and not regulators. Initial Submittal 3. Take 30 days or less for the initial review. Simple projects can be reviewed and issues determined hi less man 30 days. If staff has any questions or issues with the submittal, they should contact the applicant and discuss the question, rather than making it an incomplete item or issue. Often these things can be resolved with a short discussion. The initial review process should not be looked at as way to stall the project for 30 days. Many people feel that no matter how hard they try to put together a complete application, staff will find someway to determine it is incomplete, even if every item on the application form is provided. This discourages some applicants from spending the time to attempt to make a perfect application when they know that it will most likely be deemed incomplete. They will submit a less man complete application to get the process started and then let staff determine what they need. When an applicant resubmits the application, staff should not take another 30 days to re- review and look for new issues. When a project is resubmitted, staff should just check to see if the issues raised in the initial review have been addressed. Applicants should also do their part by submitting a detailed letter with the resubmittal explaining how all of the issues or incomplete items were addressed and which exhibit staff should review to see how the incomplete items and issues were addressed. This review of a resubmittal could be done in a matter of hours. If all incomplete items and issues are addressed and the project can be approved administratively, staff should start to write the conditions of approval. If it is a discretionary project that has to go to a Planning Commission hearing and the resubmittal addresses aU incomplete items and issues, then the project should be scheduled for the next available Planning Commission hearing. 5. Often staff requires several resubmittals for minor issues that can be resolved as a part of the plan check process for the grading and building plans, such as minor discrepancy in the height of a retaining wall on the engineering and landscape plans. This can be taken care of as a condition of approval. Planning Commission Staff Reports 6. Once all issues are resolved for projects that must go to a Planning Commission hearing, it takes two months for staff to prepare and process the staff report. This process can be significantly shortened. Other jurisdictions do not have a two month process to prepare a Planning Commission staff report The City should look at shortening the Planning Commission staff reports; there is a lot of duplication in the staff reports and information that is not really needed for the Commission to make a decision. Environmental Impact Report Process 7. The City's existing Environmental Impact Report processing is very inefficient and makes it difficult to process an EIR in less man two years. There are a number of changes mat could be made to make this process more efficient while still ensuring that an EIR meets all of the requirements of CEQA. a. When a project is submitted staff should make a determination within the 30 day review period if an EIR will be required. If so, the applicant should be made aware immediately mat they will need to provide a letter agreeing to cover the costs of the EIR. This process should not take months. If the applicant wants to argue the need for an EIR, then they need to realize that they are holding up the process if they can not convince staff an EIR is not needed. (If the applicant submits a Preliminary Review and staff determines mat an EIR will be required upon a formal submittal, men staff should include mis determination as a part of the Preliminary Review process and suggest that the applicant submit a letter with the formal application agreeing to cover the cost of the preparation of an EIR.) b. Once the City receives a letter from the applicant agreeing to cover the cost of the preparation of the EIR, staff should prepare the RFP. This should be done hi a week. Most of an RFP is boiler plate material. Most of the work in preparing an RFP for an EIR is writing the project description. Staff should have the applicant prepare the project description and men staff can modify as they see fit Both city staff and the applicant should be in total agreement regarding the project description prior to the RFP being sent The RFP should be sent out to a pre- selected list of consultants. This could be done in a couple of weeks, while normally this process takes months. c. While the consultants are preparing then- proposals for the preparation of an EIR, staff should be preparing the City Council Agenda bill for Council approval of the EIR contract, since most EIRs are costly enough to require City Council approval of the contract Again, most of the Agenda Bill is boiler plate; staff already has the project description and can fill in the blanks once a consultant has been selected. The proposal should men be scheduled for the first available City Council meeting. Staff and the EIR consultant need to stick to the schedule in the proposal provided by the chosen EIR consultant. It seems that the schedule is ignored when it comes to actions, such as review of the screen check EIR or reviewing response to comments. This often adds considerable delay to the EIR process. CARLSBAD VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT SUGGESTIONS APRIL 15, 2009 LIGHTING: Lighting in the central village area. Almost every merchant mentioned the need to create a more festive, inviting atmosphere in the central village area. They all thought that part of creating this image would be to have more lighting. One merchant was more specific and recommended that the village light the trees in order to create a more festive holiday lighting. [Palm Springs is doing something similar to this.] Several merchants recommended that banners and flags could also add to this feeling. All of the merchant want the central village to look open and inviting in the evening and after dark. SPECIAL SEASONAL EVENTS: Theme events in the central village area. Events with council support of advertising, extra police and streets designated for "pedestrian only" traffic. MARKETING: All of the merchants felt that the village is truly the unique feature of Carlsbad. Yet much of the marketing is focused on the surrounding areas. An example: buses pick up tourists in the village to take them to the flower fields. It would seem a better plan for buses to pick up tourists at the flower fields [where there is more public parking] and bring them to the village. MORE POLICE PRESENCE: Many merchants complained of incidents of people urinating in public. It is understood that more lights and pedestrian traffic in these areas may reduce this problem. PUBLIC RESTROOMS: This would probably alleviate part of the situation presented above. It would also encourage the public to stay longer in the central village area. PUBLIC PARKING: Parking is a continuing problem for the central village area. The closing of the parking area on the comer of Carlsbad Village Drive and State Street has worsened this situation. ENHANCED AMBIENCE: The merchants would like to see more and nicer plants, lighting and decorated areas in the central village area. They need help to create an inviting, friendly environment that welcomes the public to come in, be comfortable and shop at their leisure. Merchants who contributed comments for this survey: Sunglass Lounge Angels Are From Heaven Ohana Creations Kobo Cotton' n' Stuff Poached Pear Sairden Dell The Jewelry Store Classical Consigned Village Market Place Vigilucci's Mulloy's Jewelry Guy's Stuff Beach Glass Le Passage The Paradise Cottage Mystical Dragon [Employees comments] Garcia's Mexican Restaurant UX cc 'JUMPSTART OUR INDUSTRY NOW CITY OF CARLSBAD ECONOMIC STIMULUS MEASURES National Recovery Starts with Local Initiative PREPARED BY BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION Of SAN D«CO COUNTY APRIL 2009 COPY INTRODUCTION The country's building industry is mired in a deep recession. Locally, statewide and nationally, construction activity is at historic lows and continues to recede in the face of a severely depressed economy and uncertainty in the housing market. The major challenge facing the country's economy is a combination of rising unemployment and decreasing property values leading to sagging consumer demand for goods and services, a loss of financial liquidity to fund investment and growth, and a dramatic decline in economic output. The best mitigation strategy against foreclosures is job creation. The federal government and many state governments, including California, have begun to take unprecedented steps toward addressing the economic crisis the country is facing. However, many of these steps are aimed at providing economic stimulus through transportation and infrastructure projects only. Ultimately, for the national stimulus measures to work, recovery will need to begin locally. Local governments must take steps now to stem rising unemployment and declining economic activity. The building industry is a major component of that local recovery as the recovery of other sectors of the economy will rely on the recovery of the building industry first. Namely, local government can implement measures to stimulate economic activity and to facilitate a auicker recovery of the building industry locally through the following actions: > Implement fee deferrals and regulatory reform that facilitate recovery; > Protect and extend existing entitlements and development approvals; > Implement planning principles and standards that facilitate infill and smart growth development; > Allow development to proceed through the use of water demand offsets during water meter restrictions; > Reduce the burden of inclusionary housing fees and requirements; and > Utilize federal stimulus dollars to fund infrastructure, create private-sector jobs, and stabilize home values. These actions will allow our industry to recover sooner by protecting the investments already made in permitting and by reducing the time and cost of construction, making projects feasible sooner. Conversely, increasing fees and regulatory requirements simply delays our recovery, leading to further job loss and economic harm. In the current climate of depressed home values, it is no longer economically feasible to build new housing. In much of San Diego, it costs significantly more to build a house today than it is worth, leading to a shutdown in construction and a phenomenon known as "negative residual land values" (see attachment A). If we do not take actions now to facilitate a faster recovery of the construction industry, this phenomenon will linger for years after housing prices stabilize. Fee revenues and economic investment in cities will continue to lag even as economies begin to rebound elsewhere. To prevent this outcome, it is imperative that local governments take action to jumpstart the construction industry, to jumpstart job growth, to Jumpstart Our Industry Now. CITY OF CARLSBAD ECONOMIC STIMULUS MEASURES We have identified the following short long-term economic stimulus measures for the City of Carlsbad. Many of these issues are not new and should be easily implemented while others will require some time to develop and implement. We welcome the opportunity to sit down with city leaders to identify when and how these measures can be implemented as expeditiously as possible. SHORT-TERM SUPPORT STIMULUS FUNDING FOR THE SAN DIEGO REGION • Support initiatives at the local, state, and federal level to assist the revitalization of the housing industry and the creation of jobs in the San Diego Region. This should include the necessary efforts to ensure that Carlsbad receives its fair share of stimulus funding for housing and infrastructure. IMPLEMENT FEE REFORM • Implement an ordinance to defer Development Impact Fees for all development projects to Close of Escrow or Certificate of Occupancy. • Implement "Option C" of the Traffic Impact Fee Program and reduce the cost estimates of the TIP Project List based on reductions in construction cost indexes. • Implement a minimum three-year moratorium on fee increases. • Do not create or adopt new fee programs. IMPLEMENT REGULATORY REFORM • Expedite all projects in the permit system. • Establish, record and report cycle times and performance metrics for permit processing and CEQA review to identify Permit Process Reform Measures to reduce processing timelines. • Limit plan checks to a maximum of three reviews and establish a goal of two reviews. Ensure a complete review on the first plan check. • Extend approved building permits for a minimum of two years and waive fees on permit extensions. • Support state legislation to automatically extend approved tentative maps for five years and extend tentative maps, land use entitlements and improvement agreements for a minimum of five years. • Implement an ordinance to automatically toll the life of all land use entitlements for projects that are subject to legal challenges. WATER SUPPLY & DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS • In the event of Level 3 Drought Restrictions, allow projects to proceed with construction and protect project entitlements by implementing the following water demand offset policy for new development: • Exempt projects that are consistent with an approved Urban Water Management Plan; • Waive water capacity fees for projects which offset their water demand as these projects do not create a net increase for water or capacity for water; and • Toll entitled projects that do not proceed with construction and water demand offsets. LONG-TERM REDUCE CEQA TIMELINES • Create a Master EIR with the General Plan Update that individual projects can tier off of to reduce the need for expensive, time-consuming and redundant environmental documentation. • Shorten CEQA determination timelines. IMPLEMENT REGULATORY REFORM • Implement Permit Process Reform Measures that reduce permit process cycle times. FACILITATE INFILL AND SMART GROWTH DEVELOPMENT • Increase planned densities with the General Plan Update and adopt or amend development standards that enable projects to achieve the upper end of General Plan densities. Ensure land is zoned for long-term future growth needs. • In accordance with smart growth principles, maintain and increase planned urban densities and building heights in areas planned for infill and smart growth development (Carlsbad Village Area). • Pursue community-wide parking reform measures in parking-impacted communities including the creation of parking districts, shared parking and offsite public parking alternatives. • Implement more flexible parking standards for infill and smart growth development to drive demand for transit and alternative transportation modes and waive parking requirements for onsite affordable housing units. • Allow private tandem car garage parking with multi-family residential units and reduce guest/visitor parking requirements for mixed-use and transit-oriented development projects. EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUBSIDIES AND INCENTIVES Support the establishment of a permanent statewide funding source for affordable and workforce housing. Provide city-owned land for affordable housing sites. Allow for offsite construction of affordable housing units and allow different market-rate projects to consolidate their affordable units into one affordable housing project. UILLAC Strategic Plan Outline Grow & Sustain Membership 1) Convey Valne to Membership a) Present Strategic Plan -Web -Print b) Input Surveys - Residents - Businesses - Consumers c) Interactive Web site - Regular updates on web traffic 2) BnfM Attendance at General MeeMnni A Mfawri a) Board Presence b) Informational c) Educational S) Uncnfte A Inppert Bn*hie**et a) Offer Educational gatherings - PR Training - Small Business Workshops - Leadership Training b) Personal Visits to Business c) Create Educational Programs - Window Shopper Program - How to "Go Green" Advocate for the Village 1) Re-ignite ••development a) Involve Existing Groups -CVIP - CVB/DMO - Chamber of Commerce - Redevelopment - Imagine/Envision Carlsbad - City Council b) Attract & Retain New Businesses - Cultural Arts Center - Entertainment Venues - Wider selection of Restaurants - Grocery/Pharmacy 3) FexHKate VWon for the Village a) Develop Concept & Forums to present and gather ideas - Quality Character Historical Diverse Casual b) Develop 1O year plan - Keep City Hall & Library at current Location - Walk, Bite, Transit Friendly c) Promote Council Meeting Attendance - Educate on Importance - Promote council agendas 3) Engaa* CKy, Regional, Coanty and State Entities a) Grant Applications b) Lobbying Promote the Village a) Monthly /Quarterly Newsletter b) Build a message of Sustainability - Buy Local Campaign - Twice Weekly Farmers' Markets - Promote "Green" Projects & Building c) Improve Public Relations - Frequent Press releases Local Regional State - Build Village Brand Retain Slogan - Village by the Sea Determine & Promote key differentiators - Publicize Successes {d) Regular email updates e) Btog - Friends of the Village 0 Social networking (Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc) 2) Promote ValM to Itabeholdert a) Marketing Collateral for Public Consumption - Strategic Plan - Media Kit 3)1 a) Produce Village Walking Map * b) Manage Visitors Center Operations c) Historic Walking Tour of Village d) Coordinate with Hotels 4) a) Support Other Events in Village b) Continually Improve Events Art in the Village Farmers' Market Flavors of the Village Holidays in the Village c) Create New Events ARTSPARK/PARK SPARK (Semi-Monthly events) Village Wine & Window Mural Art Walk Gain Community Support (Within & Beyond the Village) o * a) Board Development - Extend Reach of Association - Develop Community Leadership - Engage Volunteers hi Committees b) Envision/Imagine Carlsbad, Redevelopment, CVIP/CVB Partner Plan, City of Carlsbad, County of San Diego 2) a) Open Process - Open Strategic Plan - Extend Invites to all to participate b) Organizational Excellence - Update By-laws to Broaden Scope of Organization - Efficient Use of Funds CITY OF CARLSBAD Name: Business: Street address: City, State, ZIP Phone: E-mail: Comments: Business Forum Comment Card 3017 my.li //you cfo not ivfe/? to speak/please write your comments on this form and return to a city staff member. sSfg^ •>->.., '.~'.-":rf£$ $?Mit^&^--,<^4^fe'^™"-" FV.Tf v - -1 "fi-t.*$s'is»* =*{0J^V\'Si'Vc>:;!'''~" 'irlMS-:;,v:-ti'-?."-;':"»;-^ --A--!'»••?* ;-I:-'S-,i,3-.>J-,1.-.•»-/;••<.;-',.,->'- - ; ,-.-•• - .t-.'^;^«V|««jr«2%S^^;?SSAife5;Xv.j^ ". :4F^\V- •"' i>f-iMSt*rm^^;;:• -::• ---.^W--/ .'v "^$$$$jg$$^^$& * ' *' ~,-*'•• - "-'.--' 3':.:^'-'"f.''>:*-'^"r'v *.' ^"* !" 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CITY OF CARLSBAD Business Forum Comment Card Name: Business: Street address: City, State, ZIP Phone: E-mail: cg\Y2.\ s-A 4 * ""! -i >? *-4f,s-,^% M Comments: \s V-ocevV-ed //you do not w/s/j to speak, please write your comments on this form and return to a city staff member. ^ CITY OF CARLSBAD V f ^ fSh Business Forum Comment Card Name: ' , - • - Business:1 r if : Street address: Phone: tff- ~f« -"I^V*. ^ ~2£r\ gtMlV\'6nj1 ? j -' t',.' . '*>,* N -' V*.,' - <?' <"- \4A- r ^( 3 r C&JwZrz^&ZJt l-1*^^," % V*^* ic'' X^J** "."I'w' ^ii.'V] ,'a^ T^^^5^onS.^c|^^., _,, , ,Qfe^,; • ^^;., UL^ Us 'W^t^W.V^^'^^00 'SD) P^^ lh*^ ;'_JL-Y^22p vV*':-3 ^^ J sT uF^» V" I 1 J " ^ -s *" >?"'/•' «i , //you ofo not wish to speak, please write your comments on this form and return to a city staff member. "•4; ITY OF CARLSBAD Name: Business: Street address: City, State,,ZIP r Phone: e > E-mail: , '*., " y rJr * v Gomments: Business Forum Comment Card ' X? 3 ^ r*J I *> Jty ^"M fM' Vj r, ^ J i o rzf^3" i* *rJi ^f ^? s ^S<-^JLJ" 0jt / '^^•^2^^ ^ ** », < * •>! » rt 2V ! r - •> * ' - «,' -/ ^ 4r ': <f?v:4^-13 tf* >4^^^^ j 7? .. } * , ^ .T , ? ( f 1 , °.,/: <• ^'i?•v* V!L. ' r <^ f ~?^; "Jrv-, 'fi' / ,^- //you c/o not w/s/7 to speofc p/eose write your comments on this form and return to a city staff member. Business Forum Comment Card CARLSBAD Name: .Business: J f a * Street address: 'Comments: // you do not wish to speak, please write your comments on this form and return to a city staff member. , CITY OF CARLSBAD I '-!, Name: , Business: ', Street address: * * <= r"1 *1 j " City/State,;^ -Comments: Business Forum Comment Card •511 -n J. . , . ^ J 7 ^ ? f i^AVr^)t. ifA> !#>• ,3. Ill5A*SV •>5;1 //you do not w/s/? to speak, please write your comments orfthisforrrt and return to a city staff member- CITY OF CARLSBAD Business Forum Comment Card Name: Business: Street address: City, State, ZIP Phone: Comments:I// l»<-> :-¥.&%rt'/$7'<^ /^^c/fTor/6/*- * - » , i 1 \ v', s~] //you do not tvfe/i to speofe, p/eose wr/te your comments on th/>rorm one/ return to o c/ty staff member.~ CITY O F CARLSBAD .fe ^ijij? /, .j, * . ^iBusiness Forum Comment Card Name: j- * Business: j1 la- Street address: ^ City, State, ZIP' ? jy&rt-w. jf» t, ^ ^ j. ^ Phone: / ~* ^"E-mail:.,; (^- 2-7:--»- *«& Comments:* £ ?/ -S lfe» ';?/ .. -a; J> t -,xr r-, JJL-~,2*/~3& >/_, ,^^*/ * f/9g§_S£E^r^ 1? K-e c ' ,>?" j: s —^ i 0 ^Tnr^^ jut I ' fa, 1 i < I ^ If you do not w/s/j to speo/r, p/eose ivr/te your comments on tft/5/om? one/ return to o c/tj/ staff member. <..* cITy CARLSBAD Busi ness " -CorinmentGard''';' wrJ^^/ffi^ye%!&!»ytf.] ^£>#»r;>'.''/ ?'V"'-T''•?•/ i ,. ,., ••; i :2(?£$$?;^^ '^|pi^W|)i^ >lj''/fet??tfVlJ^^ ' r£r ' <iv-: '•"'' ' ' ^ ^ ' '•' 1'"'' l\ " "" ' ' '*~L. ^^\ ' I ' • ' ' "' '•'"'• "" .' . ..'•• •'• ''• /\!y: ""•'•'; "" *i'-"""'"> "-'' : '•• ' '"?•''' ">' ' | y *7b dlA LLUZQu rf.^\)&Q^ - I ::>.'V:'^:-.:;v<--''?y^V/<-'^55^!Vi5^^ > ^';:^:^ : -, . ! r C|TY OF CARLSBAD Business Forum Comment Card rj! M , Name: * / Business: r v Street address: City. State, ZIP >;•' * ^'' Phone: LA'^i^^r^L-- f^IJ/EiOTX ''fife0i?p V //you do not wfe/i to speofr, p/eose wr/te your comments on this form ar\d return to a city staff member. , CITY !OF CARLSBAD Name: Business: Street address: City,,State,.Z!p, Phone: E^mai!: , Business Forum Comment Card 707-7 Or. Comments: CD ' ''" / J~ ' ^e ^(tr&^M^r If you do not wish to speak, please write your comments on this form and return to a city staff member.