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