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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-15; City Council; Minutes (2)MINUTES MEETING OF: CITY OF CARLSBAD CITY COUNCIL (Regular Meeting) DATE OF MEETING: October 15, 2013 TIME OF MEETING: 9:00 a.m. PLACE OF MEETING: 1635 Faraday Avenue, Room 173A, Carlsbad, CA 92008 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Hall called the Meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. Present: Council Members Hall, Packard, Wood, Blackburn, Douglas. Absent: None. REGIONAL REPORTS: None DEPARTMENTAL AND CITY MANAGER REPORTS: 1. AB #21.397 - CARLSBAD COASTAL CORRIDOR PROJECT STATUS REPORT. Gary Barberio, Assistant City Manager, and Peter Norby, Peter Norby Consulting, provided a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office ofthe City Clerk) and recommended that Council direct staff to change the direction and strategic approach to the Coastal Corridor project. Mr. Barberio reviewed the major outreach programs that precipitated the launch ofthe Coastal Corridor project. The outreach resulted in awareness ofthe public's desire to activate Carlsbad's beach community and to enhance services, e.g. beach area restrooms, showers, beach concessions, improved access, family safety, bicycle and walking trails, places to gather and blufftop parks. Council's direction also provided the guiding principles for the project. He provided examples of similar desirable enhancements observed in Laguna Beach, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas Moonlight Beach areas. He also noted that oceanfront dining provides citizens and visitors close proximity to the beach and the opportunity to enjoy the reflective nature ofthe environment. Mr. Barberio explained that staff felt that it might be an appropriate time to re-evaluate how best to achieve the goals ofthe project. He added that staff had determined that the geographic focus should be expanded along Carlsbad Boulevard. Mr. Barberio also provided a review ofthe current projects underway in the northern part of Carlsbad, including Livable Streets and the State Street roundabout, and the benefits that these projects would provide. He added that staff continues to work with the State in the city's effort to exchange and expand land access at Highway 101/Cannon Road/Palomar Airport Road intersections. October 15, 2013 Carlsbad City Council Meeting Page 2 Mr. Norby discussed the changes in community needs since Highway 101 was first constructed in 1918 and the growth Carlsbad has realized, from being a small sparsely populated city in the 1920's and 1930's, to a city of about 108,000 citizens today. The land development that has occurred has been predominantly east of Highway 101. Mr. Norb/s presentation included photographs of potential community improvements, both small and large, which could provide citizens a more peaceful environment, additional parking, safer crosswalks, seating areas, pet friendly and pedestrian friendly options, public art and small, well-appointed park areas along downtown streets, and gathering opportunities. He also provided a glimpse of several enhancements he envisions for Carlsbad Boulevard, from Cannon Road to Tamarack Avenue. Mayor Hall commended City Manager, John Coates, and staff for re-evaluating this project and offering a greater vision in terms of both improvements and increasing the span ofthe corridor. ACTION: On a minute motion by Mayor Pro Tem Packard, Council directed staff to proceed with further research to achieve both elements ofthe Coastal Corridor Plan. AYES: Hall, Packard, Wood, Blackburn, Douglas. NOES: None. ACTION: On a minute motion by Mayor Pro Tem Packard, Council directed staff to proceed with negotiations with the State Parks to enhance/exchange land opportunities along Highway 101. AYES: Hall, Packard, Wood, Blackburn, Douglas. NOES: None. 2. AB #21.398 - ENVISION CARLSBAD GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PROGRAM STATUS. PROGRESS. AND SCHEDULE PRESENTATION. David de Cordova, Principal City Planner, provided a Powerpoint presentation (on file in the Office ofthe City Clerk) which reviewed the status ofthe General Plan Update. Mr. de Cordova reviewed both familiar and new elements of Carlsbad's General Plan. Some ofthe new elements contain the expansion ofthe arts element to include historic resources and enhancements to library services, the mobility element which introduced "Livable Streets" and the housing element, reflecting changes in state requirements forthe years 2013 to 2021. He added that some land use changes came about as a result ofthe development ofthe "preferred plan" including - October 15, 2013 Carlsbad City Council Meeting Page 3 • Quarry Creek and barrio housing elements. • Village use - Master Plan includes economic vitality and increased density. • Maintain and enhance a sense of community in the barrio area. • Encina Power Plant - some changes to include citizen/visitor use and open space. • Northeast Quadrant and professional developments along College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road. Mr. de Cordova continued stating that the city has added a "Climate Action Plan" in accordance with the State's legislative act as stated in AB32, which establishes goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and changes to the Environmental Quality Act. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will also be prepared for the General Plan. Mayor Hall commended staff and the Council for its work to date and stated that the last General Plan update was conducted in 1994, and stressed the importance ofthis document. Bob Ladwick came forward and addressed Council regarding the La Costa Town Square project. He suggested the element presently designated as office space be changed to high density residential (90 unit/multi-family) use. Discussion ensued regarding the number of units left in the city's excess dwelling bank, how potential changes would affect the dwelling bank, and the zoning and status ofthe vacant land that was once considered to be developed as a Walmart store. City Attorney, Celia Brewer, suggested that a list of potential changes to the plan be created and placed on an agenda for public participation at a future regular meeting. Mr. de Cordova also reviewed some ofthe housing elements and housing site inventory changes that have been proposed for Council incorporation into the General Plan update. Discussion continued concerning the benefit to the city of re-evaluating and including the proposed changes in the draft ofthe Plan verses approving the current draft ofthe Plan as is and proceeding with the review process when, and if, individual applications for land development changes are received. Kathy Dodson, Community and Economic Development Director, suggested that staff be directed to proceed with comprising a list ofthe best possible land use options as are known today. Mr. Barberio added that making additional changes to the plan will also provide the Council with more information which may be beneficial in terms of time and expense. October 15, 2013 Carlsbad City Council Meeting Page 4 In response to an inquiry from Mayor Pro Tem Packard, Mr. Barberio stated that staff will provide the Council with a list of projects at the November 5, 2013 City Council meeting. He added that at that time, the public wiil have an opportunity to offer suggestions for changes or additions to the land use plan. ACTION: On a minute motion by Mayor Pro Tem Packard, Council requested this matter be placed on the November 5, 2013 agenda. AYES: NOES: Hall, Packard, Wood, Blackburn, Douglas. None. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS: None. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS: None. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of October 15, 2013 was adjourned at 11:56 a.m. BARBARA ENGLESON City Clerk