CITY OF ELK GROVE Incorporated. July 1, 2000  MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, March 27, 2013  CALLTO ORDER/ROLL CALL  Mayor Davis called the regular City Council meeting of March 27, 2013 to order at  6:03 p.m. Present: Absent:  Mayor Davis, Vice Mayor Detrick, and Council Members Cooper, Hume  and Trigg. None.  Boy Scout Troop 007 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Davis asked that a moment of silence be observed.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA  Motion: M/S Hume/Cooper to approve the agenda as presented. The motion  passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5 Noes: 0.  CLOSED SESSION None.  PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS  4.1 David Herburger, Publisher of the Elk Grove Citizen newspaper, presented the 2012 Eagle Awards to Woman of the Year to Marie Mertz, Man of the Year to Mayor Gary Davis, and Business of the Year to Louie Pappas of Pappas  Investments. Committee.  4.2 Tom Russell provided a presentation and update on the Historic Preservation With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Mr. Russell noted accomplishments of the Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) during 2012 including completion of the Historic Context Statement and the survey of 80 historical properties. The surveys provided awareness and the ability to provide ongoing preservation planning for historic resources in the City. The HPC reviewed various Certificates of Appropriateness over the course of the year, and received training from the State Office of Historic Preservation as well as training in filling out the historic survey forms. The HPC sought to continue updating the historic survey to include more properties, noting another 100 properties were scattered throughout the City that would need to be surveyed, and in  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27, 2013 Page 1of16    the upcoming year the HPC would be working on historical site criteria for nominating historical properties and updating historic preservation documents. Mr. Russell introduced Jonathan Lammers of Page & Turnbull, the contracted firm that assisted with With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Mr. Lammers provided a synopsis of the findings of the Historic Context Statement. He noted the document provided the history of the City focused on buildings and trends in development. The Historic Context Statement was divided into six historic periods of significance: 1) Native American, Spanish & Mexican periods (to 1845), 2) the Early American Period (1846-1867), 3)ANew Site for Elk Grove (1868-1892), 4) Elk Grove Comes of Age (1893-1926), 5)AQuiet Interlude (1927-1945), and 6) The Beginnings of Suburbanization (1946- 1967). He relayed these periods of significance in context to historical events and provided images of historic buildings and period documents; emphasizing the importance of agricultural production in the City's history such as Elk Grove's history as awine making center, and detailing a long history of the community's support for public  development of the Historic Context Statement.  schools, libraries, and parks. PUBLIC COMMENT  Anthony Cooper invited the City Council to attend Easter Sunday services at his church, and encouraged the community to take part in church services offered in the Lynn Wheat expressed her opinion that pursuing outward expansion of development would lead to inward neglect of land uses within the City, citing examples of the negative effects of suburban sprawl on Southern California communities and the Florin Shopping Center in South Sacramento. She believed the Sphere of Influence (SOI) application would generate suburban sprawl, and encouraged the community to review and comment on the re-circulated draft Environmental Impact Report of the SOI  community.  Application.  GENERAL ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION  City Manager Laura Gill reviewed the March 27, 2013 Administrative Report (filed).  COUNCIL COMMENTS/REPOREPORTS/FUTURE AGENDAI ITEMS  Council Member Trigg attended the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board meeting Council Member Hume attended the Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) Board meeting which adopted its Capital Improvement Program and authorized the contract award for the South Line Phase Two project. He attended the State of RT breakfast hosted by the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. The Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority Board adopted a draft plan of finance and the design  which discussed personnel items.  guidelines draft policy with respect to exceptions to the guidelines.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 2of16    Vice Mayor Detrick attended the Sacramento Area Commerce & Trade Organization (SACTO) Salute to New Industry event, and spoke at a Laguna Youth Baseball event. Mr. Detrick requested, and received consensus from the City Council, to consider endorsing a letter of support for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reform as Council Member Cooper attended the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation Board of Directors meeting discussing reclaimed water and placement of pipeline infrastructure. He noted medians and areas in Elk Grove and Laguna Ridge had such pipe Mayor Davis thanked the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce for hosting the State of the City address. He reported meeting with Congressman Ami Bera, invited the public to participate in the Running of the Elk half marathon event to be held April 2, 2013, attended the opening of the City's transitional home, and attended the Youth Commission events of the Game ofLife event and the distracted driving exercise.  recommended by the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.  infrastructure in place, but were not connected to the system.  CONSENT CALENDARI ITEMS PUBLIC COMMENT None.  Council Member Trigg noted he would abstain from voting on Item 8.2 regarding past Motion: M/S Cooper/Detrick to approve the Consent Calendar as presented (noting Council Member Trigg's abstention on Item 8.2). The motion passed by the following  minute sets for meetings he had not attended as a Council Member.  vote: Ayes: 5 Noes: 0.  Agenda Item No. 8.1: Received January 2013 Treasurer's Report  Agenda Item No. 8.2: Approved City Council Meeting Minutes for: 1) May 23, 2012 regular meeting; 2) June 13, 2012 regular meeting; 3) June 27, 2012 regular meeting, Agenda Item No. 8.3: Received report on City Manager approved purchases and contracts authorized by Elk Grove Municipal Code Chapter 3.42 Contracts and Agenda Item No. 8.4: Received report on Requests for Proposals, Qualifications, and Agenda Item No. 8.5: Resolution No. 2013-47 adopted dispensing with the formal solicitation procedure per Elk Grove Municipal Code Section 3.42.180(B)(4) and authorizing the City Manager to execute a purchase requisition with Absolute Surveillance for the purchase of a portable video surveillance system in an amount not  4)July 11, 2012 regular meeting, and 5) July 25, 2012 regular meeting  Purchasing, filed through March 20, 2013  Bids  toe exceed $94,000  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 30f16    Agenda Item No. 8.6: Resolution No. 2013-48 adopted authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice and to execute all documents necessary to receive $140,680 in grant funding for a Domestic Violence Agenda Item No. 8.7: Resolution No. 2013-49 adopted accepting the Laguna Creek Trail Connection at Camada Court Improvement Project (WTL002) as complete and authorizing the City Engineer to prepare and the City Clerk to file the Notice of Agenda Item No. 8.8: Resolution No. 2013-50 adopted accepting the Rooftop Water Heater Replacement Project (WFAC01) as complete and authorizing the City Engineer to prepare and the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the Sacramento Agenda Item No. 8.9: Resolution No. 2013-51 adopted accepting the Future Civic Center Site Demolition Project (WCC001) as complete and authorizing the City Engineer to prepare and the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the Agenda Item No. 8.10: Resolution No. 2013-52 adopted authorizing the City Manager to execute a construction contract with 3D Data Com for the Emergency Operations Center - Traffic, CCTV Traffic Monitoring Camera Installation Project (EOC002) in the amount of $16,700, and authorizing the City Engineer to approve change orders not-to- exceed $2,500, and authorizing the City Manager to execute a construction contract with the second lowest responsible bidder if 3D Data Com does not meet contract Agenda Item No. 8.11: Resolution No. 2013-53 adopted adjusting the 2010 Census- Agenda Item No. 8.12: Received the 2012 General Plan Annual Progress Report and authorized staff to file the report with the Governor's Office of Planning and Research and the California Department of Housing and Community Development Agenda Item No. 8.13: Authorized recruitment to fill a vaçancy on the Multicultural Committee, for a May 8, 2013 appointment to be made by Mayor Davis  Response Team  Completion with the Sacramento County Recorder  County Recorder  Sacramento County Recorder  execution requirements  designated urban boundaries for transportation purposes  PUBLIC HEARINGS  Agenda Item No. 9.1: A public hearing to consider the 2013-14 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Community Service Grant funding  recommendations and provide direction on 2013-18 priorities Staff recommends the City Council hold a public hearing to:  RECOMMENDATION:  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 4 of16    1) Provide preliminary approval or direction regarding the allocation of FY 2013-14 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Community Service Grant funds;  and  2) Provide direction on 2013-18 priorities.  With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Sarah Bontrager, Housing Program Manager, presented an overview of the staff report and recommendation. The item covered the distribution of CDBG funds for FY 2013-14 and included an update of the Consolidated Plan, a five year plan required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development establishing strategies and plans for projects. Program needs were identified through community outreach and included affordable housing focused on very low and low income needs, homeless housing, increased transit services, food assistance, job training, business development, disabled accessibility, youth programs, senior services, and desire to create a singular center to house the groups and agencies providing services. The anticipated CDBG allocation was $698,000, which included $52,000 prior year funds from projects that were under budget, and $310,000 was recommended in funding for Community Service Grants. Limitations on the expenditure of CDBG funds for eligible activities included that only 15% could be used for public services, 20% for planning and administration, and the remainder for capital projects. The CDBG program received 35 applications, from those the COBG capital project recommendations totaled $511,523 and the CDBG service recommendations totaled $96,932. A new service activity proposed for this year was through South County Services providing rent and utility assistance. Upon receiving direction on priorities and funding allocations the item would be made available for public review and comment and return for consideration on May 8 for adoption. The Community Service Grant allocations would be adopted as part of the annual budget process. Mayor Davis inquired if the services provided by South County Services to Elk Grove residents could be handled by the Elk Grove Food Bank instead. Ms. Bontrager noted South County Services currently received funding from the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA), and of the funds received certain monies covered Elk Grove residents. The amount of funding from SETA had declined but South County Services continued to receive service calls from Elk Grove residents. She noted Elk Grove Food Bank Services could apply for SETA funding in  the future.  Mayor Davis declared the public hearing open.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  Wayne Evans, representing the Elk Grove Food Bank Services, presented information (filed) detailing statistics on clients served and program results. He requested the same level of grant funding support continue for Elk Grove Food Bank Services. Pat Beal, representing the Senior Center, thanked the City for its support. She noted the Senior Center's increased role as a resource to link seniors to services in the  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 5of16    community, and expressed gratitude to the volunteers who assisted in operations of Stephanie Anthony, representing the Elk Grove Food Bank Services, shared information that the Food Bank served local zip codes, and when receiving clients that were not local, would direct those clients to their local community food bank. She hoped that other food banks would refer Elk Grove clients to the Elk Grove Food Bank. Ms. Anthony shared her experience in assisting a local senior citizen, noting the importance of the support the Elk Grove Food Bank Services provided to low income Robert Cosgrove shared his experience being homeless and voiced appreciation for the services and assistance provided by the Elk Grove Food Bank Services. Renee West, a case manager at Elk Grove Food Bank Services, shared her experience Judy Sala, a case manager at Elk Grove Food Bank Services, detailed statistics on clients served and programs offered including education and job training support. Jim Cline, speaking on behalf of the Teen Center, thanked the City for its support. Filomena Cross shared her experience in receiving assistance from Elk Grove Food Bank Services. She observed during her efforts to donate back to the food bank that more proteins were needed, and refrigeration units would assist the capacity of the Elk Grove Food Bank Services to receive and maintain a greater variety of food donations. John Foley, representing Sacramento Self Help Housing, thanked the City for its support. He commended the opening of the transitional house, and encouraged a second transitional house be considered that would focus on serving families. Marylou Powers, representing South County Services located in Galt, noted funding had been received from Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) since 2006 that covered clients in Elk Grove. She noted in Fiscal Year 2010-11 of the $89,000 of rental and utility assistance supported, $50,000 went to residents in the City of Elk Grove, and the previous year overall funding was down to $36,000, $20,000 going to Elk Grove residents. Ms. Powers noted that South County Services used to have a contact with an Elk Grove church to assist with client referrals, but that support had not  programs and facilities of the Senior Center.  residents.  and breadth of clients served.  been sustained.  Mayor Davis declared the public hearing closed.  Note. Per the request of Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Alves, individual Council Members recused themselves from discussion and consideration of funding to the Sacramento Regional Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission as indicated below. Note: Vice Mayor Detrick and Council Member Cooper left at 7:38 p.m.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27, 2013 Page 6of16    Motion: M/S Hume/Davis to approve the funding for Sacramento Regional Human Rights / Fair Housing Commission as presented by staff. The motion passed by the Council Member Hume noted that in the previous year he had recused himself from consideration of funding for the Senior Center Board, and though he was listed as an alternate on the Senior Center Board he had never attended any meetings, and held an understanding that the City of Elk Grove representative was a nonvoting member. Assistant City Attorney Alves added that no stipend was received by Council Member Hume for serving in the alternate capacity on the Senior Center Board. Note: Vice Mayor Detrick and Council Member Cooperreturned at 7:39 p.m. Mayor Davis and Council Member Hume encouraged South County Services and Elk Grove Food Bank Services to consider coordinating their programs and service delivery. Motion: M/S Hume/Davis providing preliminary approval regarding the allocation of FY 2013-14 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Community Service Grant funds as presented in the staff recommendation. The motion passed by the following Agenda Item No. 9.2: A public hearing to consider adoption of Affordable Housing  following vote: Ayes: 3 Noes: 0; Absent: 2 (Detrick, Cooper).  vote: Ayes: 5 Noes: 0.  Fees for residential and nonresidential development impacts  RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Counci!:  1) Introduce and waive the full reading, by substitution of title only, an ordinance amending Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 16 related to the Affordable Housing Fee 2) Introduce and waive the full reading, by substitution of title only, an ordinance amending Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 16 related to the Affordable Housing Fee 3) Adopt resolution adopting the Affordable Housing Nexus Study and establishing the 4) Adopt resolution adopting the Affordable Housing Nexus Study and establishing the With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Sarah Bontrager, Housing Program Manager, presented an overview of the staff report and recommendation. The City currently had two funds for affordable housing, the Affordable Housing Fund generated by fees on new residential development that supported housing for low income households up to 80% of the area median, and the Very Low Income Housing Trust Fund generated by fees on new nonresidential development (depending on land use), limited to serving housing for people earning up to 50% of the area median income or very low income households. The non-residential fee had been collected since incorporation, and the residential fee had been collected since 2002. To date over $62  for New Residential Development; and for New Nonresidential Development; and amount of the residential fee; and amount of the nonresidential fee.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 7of16    million had been collected and invested from the funds in 11 projects providing over 1,500 affordable housing units. The funds were used by the City to provide gap financing to privately financed projects leveraging federal and state tax credits. The firm David Rosen & Associates was commissioned to provide a new affordable housing nexus study, establishing a nexus between new development, both residential and nonresidential development, and the need for affordable housing. The maximum supportable fees were identified under the nexus study and the City could charge any amount up to that maximum. The maximum potential residential fees were $7,000 for single-family and $4,200 for multi-family uses. Staff presented fee options for the residential fees and recommended Option 3 setting $3,500 for single-family and $2,100 for multi-family uses (a rate lower than the currently charged fees). The nonresidential fee maximums were displayed by use type (five categories of nonresidential uses of Office, Commercial/Retail, Hotel, Manufacturing, and Warehouse) charged at a per square foot rate, and shown in comparison with current fees. Staff presented fee options for the nonresidential fees and recommended Option 2 pegging the current Office use rate to be kept at the same rate as the current fee, and updating rates for the other uses proportionally based on the percentage change comparing the maximum Office fee in relation to each individual maximum rate for each use. She noted the Commercial fee was split under the nexus and covered under both the residential and nonresidential fees. The Office fee was recommended to remain the same as it was found to be at a reasonable rate compared with current rates of other jurisdictions. Ms. Bontrager stated the fees would continue to be utilized for loans or grants for new affordable housing development, acquire/rehabitate market-rate housing as affordable housing units, provide homebuyer assistance programs, and provide for administration Council Member Hume observed that if a different calculation methodology was utilized when pegging a use and rate it made a subtle difference in the final numbers, which could prove significant since nonresidential fees were established on a per square foot  costs of the City's affordable housing program.  basis.  Mayor Davis declared the public hearing open.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  Jim Cline, representing the Elk Grove Economic Development Corporation (EGEDC), acknowledged that affordable housing requirements were mandated by the state, but noted any increase to current fees would negatively affect the City's ability to compete for economic development opportunities. He noted the range of possible fees was expansive, and establishing fees would create certainty for investors. Mr. Cline stated the EGEDC encouraged the City to maintain its current success in delivering affordable housing projects to serve workforce needs, but seek ways to decrease development Lynn Wheat appreciated public meetings held on the matter, but noted meetings held during morning hours were not convenient for public participation. She believed fees on business should be kept low, but believed residential fees should be set at the maximum, noting the report referenced that the maximum fee rate would be reflected by  cost impacts.  Eik Grove City Counçil Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 8of 16    builders in home prices. Ms. Wheat asked the City Council to consider additional inclusionary housing projects, citing the example of the recently opened transitional John Costa asked that fees be established to provide consistency for the development community, and to approve low fees to encourage development projects moving forward and to keep costs to new homeowners low. Mr. Costa noted state law did not require inclusionary housing policies or an affordable housing fee, the law only required communities to plan for existing and projected housing needs, identify sites, analyze local policies that have potential to constrain development or provide improvement on housing of all income levels, and provide regulatory concessions and incentives for John Foley, representing the Sacramento Housing Alliance (SHA), referençed a submitted letter (fled) from the SHA supporting higher fees to continue funding for affordable housing. He noted that many low income clients he worked with needed housing with lower rents, suggesting consideration of rooming houses or residential  home.  affordable housing.  hotels.  Mayor Davis declared the public hearing closed.  Council Member Cooper believed the City had been a regional leader in providing affordable housing, but at this time the City needed to slow the building pace and evaluate the program and condition of units built to date. He believed future projects should prioritize senior housing. Mr. Cooper supported adopting lower fees suggesting Options 2 for both the residential and commercial, and to evaluate the fees annually. Mayor Davis believed the City's program had success in getting affordable housing units built, and if fees were set too low the program would no longer generate adequate revenue to continue production of additional units. Mr. Davis believed the current operators of affordable housing facilities were highly reputable and maintained their Vice Mayor Detrick agreed with Mr. Cooper to evaluate the program and conditions of affordable housing units built to date, and to evaluate the need to build future projects in context of facilities currently available. He noted a large volume of affordable housing was in proximity to the City on the Sacramento City and County borders, and though not within the City limits, additional affordable housing options were available in the vicinity Assistant City Manager Rebecca Craig noted fee programs were established to be automatically adjusted annually, often based on a price index. Any fee program could The City Council discussed establishing the fee rates, noting the rates established could be evaluated and retumed for discussion in a year's time, and took action on the item as  facilities well.  of the City.  be returned for City Council consideration to establish a new base fee.  follows:  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page9of16    Motion #1: M/S Hume/Detrick to introduce and waive the full reading, by substitution of title only, Ordinance No. 5-2013 amending Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 16 related to the Affordable Housing Fee for New Residential Development. The motion passed Motion #2: M/S Hume/Detrick to introduce and waive the full reading, by substitution of title only, Ordinance No. 6-2013 amending Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 16 related to the Affordable Housing Fee for New Nonresidential Development as amended by the supplemental staff memo. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Motion #3: M/S Hume/Detrick to adopt Resolution No. 2013-54 adopting the Affordable Housing Nexus Study and establishing the amount of the residential fee as amended at 40% of the maximum rate ($2,800 for Single-Family Residential and $1,680 for MullFamlyresdenta), The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Motion #4: M/S Hume/Detrick to adopt Resolution No. 2013-55 adopting the Affordable Housing Nexus Study and establishing the amount of the nonresidential fee as amended utilizing the staff recommendation of Option 2 with the exception of setting the Office fee at zero. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0. Agenda Item No. 9.3: A public hearing to consider introduction of an ordinance amending portions of Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 23 (Zoning) related to Business  by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  Noes: 0.  Noes: 0.  Center Signs RECOMMENDATION:  The Planning Commission recommends (5-0):  1) Adopt a resolution finding the amendments to Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 23 relative to establishment of a Business Center Sign Overlay District exempt from 2) Introduce and waive the fuil reading, by substitution of title only, an ordinance amending Elk Grove Municipal Code Title 23 relative to establishment of a Business With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Christopher Jordan, Planning Manager, presented an overview of the staff report and recommendation. In January 2013 direction was provided to consider for signs allowed / existing under current signage regulation the ability to include messaging on a freeway adjacent sign for other businesses within a larger business center district. Parameters given were to not create any additional signage beyond what regulations currently allowed, to set the Business Center Sign Overlay District boundaries at a one mile radius around major freeway interchanges, and only allow freeway fronting, free standing signs to contain district wide identification. The modifications proposed held no separation distance requirement from the off ramp, but did include a minimum spacing requirement between any freestanding signs of 100 feet. Current regulations based the number of freestanding signs allowed upon a commercial property based on the number of driveways. Height alternatives were considered by the Planning Commission which  Califomia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and  Center Sign Overlay District.  Elk Grove City Counçil Regular Meeting, March: 27, 2013 Page 100f16    recommended 20 foot tall signs be allowed by right, and that signs could be allowed to go up to a higher level to be determined on a case by case basis analyzed through a  Visual Impact Analysis.  Mr. Jordan responded to questions of the City Council as follows:  The qualifying factors to allow a sign to take advantage of additional height would include identifying businesses that are not just on the immediate property that the sign was located (i.e. to include businesses within the Business Center Sign Existing regulations required a property have a driveway in order to construct a sign. Today, a user could buy a piece of land, put in a driveway, and build a sign (even if there was no business use on the property); but they would be limited as to what message they could identify as currently only businesses on said property of a sign could be advertised (they could opt to place noncommercial messages). With the allowance of the Business Center Sign Overlay District, there was potential for a user to erect only a sign and then advertise off-site businesses, as long the user could acquire an encroachment permit through the Public Works department to construct the required driveway (an encroachment fora a driveway would require the parcel to have some use on the parcel).  Overlay District), and the sign had to be along the freeway;  Mayor Davis declared the public hearing open.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  Bruce Bishop, representing Monument Partners, requested consideration of business sign overlay districts at major freeway intersections, and establishing a specific number of freeway addressing signs. He believed that with the districts established and a determination made on how many signs would be at each intersection, the planning process would review any proposed multi-tenant sign for appropnateness. He noted his company's experience in constructing such multi-tenant signs referencing a letter he had submitted (filed), and noted benefits of freeway signage for increasing retail sales, mitigating freeway interchange traffic, and providing directions to visitors. He noted his company took an approach to consider such multi-tenant signs with the potential of being public art, creating signs with design and branding identifying the community. Mr. Bishop responded to questions as to how an independent operator would lease land, build a multi-tenant sign (at a cost of approximately $250,000 to $300,000 per sign), and how space on the sign was offered to tenants in the surrounding Business Center Sign Overlay District. He noted that even for businesses that did not make the decision to advertise on the sign, they often still benefitted from the additional traffic generated with the presence of freeway signage. Mr. Bishop noted that brand name, recognizable logos tended to be the clients that generated sufficient revenues to make Gil Moore did not believe the proposed regulations adequately addressed sign proliferation or issues faced by his property that was not adjacent to the freeway. He supported creation of a visible, multi-tenant sign at each major freeway intersection,  the advertising investment rental profitable.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 11of16    such as those displayed by Mr. Bishop, which he believed would increase gross sales of businesses in vicinity of the sign, and keep spending and tax revenues of freeway travelers in Elk Grove. He did not believe current regulations provided for adequate freeway signage for businesses, and displayed visual aids (filed) of current monument signage in the City. He noted how existing freeway signs had low to no visibility from the freeway, and that several of the interchange retail centers in the City lacked activity. Mr. Moore noted he had contacted neighboring parcels with freeway frontage if businesses on his property could be included on their signage, and he stated that to George Carpenter, Vice President of Winn Communities, opposed any regulations forcing or compelling private parties to share their signage. He addressed comments by Mr. Moore regarding the request for sharing of signage, stating the inquiry was made prior to the Planning Commission making its last recommendation, and the current proposed allowances recommended for increased sign height did provide incentive to consider the request. He asked that the issue of sharing signage be a business arrangement between private parties, and not regulated by government. He submitted a request (filed) to include in the definition of business center sign the phrase "on- premise" signs to remove the scenario of additional signage by a user purchasing a small piece of land, installing a driveway, and building a noncommercial sign then converted into a business center sign. Mr. Winn stated his company had purchased freeway frontage property and wanted to ensure regulations did not permit another party Efrain Corona, Area Construction Manager for the McDonald's Corporation, voiced support for freeway signage along both Interstate 5 and State Route 99, but opposed the currently proposed regulations which he did not believe assisted businesses on the Interstate 5 corridor. He lauded the benefits of contributions from McDonald's Corporation businesses and their returns to community in wages, donations, and taxes. He requested consideration to expand the properties eligible to have business center signs. He believed that increased signage would assist in revitalizing business centers around freeway interchanges, and that businesses saw increased sales of 15 to 20% with signage. Mr. Efrain noted the McDonald's Corporation would invest between $2- $3 million at each site with the intent to be as competitive as possible, and freeway Mayor Davis believed several current restaurants were successful without signage, and though signage had the benefit to increase revenues, such signage was not a necessity. He felt the McDonald's Corporation should reconsider their agreement with Mr. Moore on requiring signage, as he believed the store location would be enough for a Mark Strauch, owner of the Arco AM / PM at Elk Grove Boulevard and Interstate 5, stated of the businesses he operated the freeway sites did much better, and the signage was a main component. He noted current regulations provided the ability to have a sign, but the restrictions on signs made them unfeasible. He requested the proposed changes allow for securing property away from a business center to then  date they had declined.  to place a sign obstructing their property's freeway visibility.  signage was a means to increase sales.  successful business.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 12of16    consider a multi-tenant sign to serve businesses in the surrounding Business Center Matthew Keasling, representing Tskapolous Investments, voiced support for the staff recommendation, and supported the inclusion of the additional language suggested by  Sign Overlay District.  Mr. Carpenter of Winn Communities.  Mayor Davis declared the public hearing closed.  Vice Mayor Detrick stated he had originally envisioned one business center sign at each freeway off-ramp approach, integrated with Wayfinding Signage Program and City branding, and believed having independent operators of such business center signs would be ideal to decide which businesses in each district were advertised. He did not support the current proposal which he saw as permitting multiple signs along freeway frontage parcels, and though existing property owners would have rights to expand their signs, there was nothing to compel them to include other businesses in the overlay zone. Mr. Detrick believed existing signage rights should remain as they are, and this item should be reconsidered as a freeway location sign addition to provide and evaluate options for an expanded scope of locations for placement of a single business center sign at each freeway off-ramp approach to serve businesses in the overlay district. Council Member Hume did not believe the proposal addressed the concerns of all interested property owners, he voiced a desire to maintain current signage rights of all property owners, and felt a goal of this program was to provide signage for multiple businesses more than one property deep off the freeway. Mr. Hume supported consideration to allow for an independent operator to create a multi-tenant business center sign at each freeway off-ramp approach, and to not include an on-premise advertising requirement to open the possibilities of a third party vendor establishing a Council Member Cooper noted the benefit of freeway signage to orient travelers, as well as assisting local business sales. He agreed that a sign program permitting signs of reasonable size, amount, and including off-site signage would better assist businesses, and the City would retain approval authority to provide the check and balance to Mayor Davis did not support an increase in allowed signage, and believed the current proposal to expand rights to advertise off-premise businesses for any freeway adjacent property created the opportunity to increase the total amount of signage. He voiced support for allowing existing freeway adjacent businesses to increase their site sign height when incorporating off-site advertising, but not allow installation of new signs Mr. Jordan summarized City Council direction that staff would evaluate third party sign operator options to provide a signage program providing a district wide benefit utilizing any freeway adjacent property, to not limit current property owner sign rights but provide limits for the total amount of signage, and provide for signage of a reasonable height.  sign location.  address the issue of sign proliferation.  solely on remnant parcels that did not contain any business uses.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 13of16    Mr. Jordan requested return of the item for consideration be moved to a date uncertain, By City Council consensus, direction was given for staff to return with a revised Agenda Item No. 9.4: A public hearing to consider adoption of the Sustainability  but would target a return of the item in 60 days.  ordinance.  Element and Climate Action Plan RECOMMENDATION:  The Planning Commission recommends (3-1; Maita No, Villanueva absent): 1) Adopt resolution certifying a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the Sustainability Element and Climate Action Plan, adopting Findings of Fact; and 2) Adopt resolution amending the City of Elk Grove 2003 General Plan to add the 3) Adopt resolution adopting the City of Elk Grove 2012 Climate Action Plan. With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Christopher Jordan, Planning Manager, presented an overview of the staff report and recommendation. The Sustainability Element would create a new element to the General Plan addressing long-term policies and goals related to environmental sustainability, and the Climate Action Plan was an accompanying document laying out a near-term plan projecting 10-15 years laying out strategies and implementing policies to achieve Green House Gas (GHG) reductions directed by the state legislation. There was no specific mandate to have a Climate Action Plan, but state legislation to reduce GHG emissions had become linked through California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review as well as a prioritization consideration for transportation funding through the Sustainable Communities Strategies (SCS). The Climate Action Plan identified a GHG reduction target of 15% providing a strategy to achieve this goal by 2030, and established measures to determine current and targeted reduced levels, quantified the impact of reductions, and methods to measure progress towards reduction goals. Benefits of having a Climate Action Plan included ensuring compliance with state mandates, maintaining eligibility for transportation funding, potential for additional state funding, and reducing time and cost of plans consistent with the General Plan for those projects requiring additional analysis. The draft reviewed in November 2012 identified reductions of 15.43% by 2020, and 14.62% by 2025. The proposed changes bring the reductions to exactly 15%, the minimum level to have a qualifying plan. Direction was given to staff at the November 2012 meeting to meet with stakeholders, identify concerns, and adjust the proposed plan with potential revisions. Stakeholder meetings were convened in February 2013 where discussion clarified requirements (prioritizing voluntary versus mandatory policies for different developments), placed focus to minimize costs for implementation, and reached agreement to retain Cal Green Tier 1 requirements as that mandate was being implemented by other jurisdictions in the region. A series of six changes were identified in the errata sheet of the staff report addressing stakeholder's concerns.  Sustainability Element; and  Mayor Davis declared the public hearing open.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 14of16    PUBLIC COMMENT:  Paul Eblen supported adoption of the Sustainability Element and Climate Action Plan and appreciated City outreach on the process to include the building development John Costa supported the staff recommendation believing it provided a balance meeting state mandates but remained an effective program for the business community. Larry Greene, Executive Director of the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District, voiced support of the staff recommendation on behalf of the  community.  district.  Mayor Davis declared the public hearing closed.  Council Member Hume stated he would support the item as his prior concerns regarding mandates versus voluntary requirements had been addressed, but noted he would watch implementation of Sustainability Element Policy 9 Action 1 that the City not overextend its obligations "to meet and (as determined feasible by the City) exceed Motion: M/S Cooper/Detrick to adopt Resolution No. 2013-56 certifying a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the Sustainability Element and Climate Action Plan, adopting Findings of Fact, and adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0. Motion: M/S Cooper/Detrick to adopt Resolution No. 2013-57 amending the City of Elk Grove 2003 General Plan to add the Sustainability Element. The motion passed Motion: M/S Cooper/Detrick to adopt Resolution No. 2013-58 adopting the City of Elk Grove 2012 Climate Action Plan as amended by the supplemental staff memo. The  state Title 24 Energy Efficiency Building Standards".  by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0. REGULAR AGENDA ACTION TENS/RECOAMENDATONS  Agenda Item No. 10.1: Consider appointment of City representative to the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization (SACTO)  RECOMMENDATION:  Receive information from Mayor Davis regarding appointment of a representative to the Board of Directors of the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization  (SACTO), and consider appointment to the SACTO Board  The verbal staff report was waived. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27, 2013 Page 15 of16    Motion: M/S Davis/Detrick to adopt Resolution No. 2013-59 appointing and designating that the director-at-large seat and alternate run concurrently with the mayor and vice mayor positions for representation on the board of the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization (SACTO). The motion passed by the following  vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0. ADJOURNMENT  With no additional business to conduct, the March 27, 2013 regular City Council  meeting was adjourned at 10:01 p.m.   fens  JASON LINDGRENNQPY CLERK  ATTEST:  2  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 27,2013 Page 16of16