CITY OF ELK GROVE Incorporated July 1, 2000  MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL Wednesday, August 10, 2011  SPECIAL MEETING  CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL  Mayor Detrick called the special City Council meeting of August 10, 2011 to order at  6:06 p.m. Present: Absent:  Mayor Detrick, Vice Mayor Cooper, Council Members Davis, Hume and  Scherman. None.  Art Zimmerman led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mayor Detrick asked that a moment of silence be observed.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA  Motion: M/S Hume/Davis to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed  by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  CLOSED SESSION  There were no public requests to speak on the Closed Session items.  The City Clerk announced the following closed session items prior to Council adjourning  to closed session at 6:09 p.m.:  A) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS  Pursuant to Government Code S 54956.8  Property Descriptions: City Negotiators: Negotiating parties: Under negotiation:  9228 Survey Road APN: 134-0220-075-0000 Laura Gill, City Manager representatives) Price and Terms  Syar Industries (Jim Syar and Mike Corrigan  B) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE APPOINTMENT  Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957  Title: Interim City Attomey  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting, August 10,2011 Page 1of15    The City Council reconvened the open session at 6:28 p.m. with all members present. Motion: M/S Detrick/Hume to appoint Jonathan Hobbs as Interim City Attorney pursuant to the existing legal services contract between the City and Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard (KMTG). The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5;  Mayor Detrick reported in regards to Closed Session Item B:  Noes: 0.  PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS  4.1 Presentation on the status of the City's Sphere of Influence application by the Peter Brundage, LAFCO Executive Officer, provided a status update noting the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was being pursued, with the administrative draft completed July 20 and currently under internal agency review, seeking comments back by August 15. The consultant heading the EIR would incorporate comments into the Draft EIR for a targeted issuance date of September 5 for the 45-day public review comment period. October 5 was the scheduled public hearing of LAFCO on the Draft EIR prior to the close of the public review period for any comments, and October 19 would be the close of the 45-day public review period. The consultant would then address the letters and comments received and return with an administrative Draft Final EIR for LAFCO review. The target date to issue the Final EIR was December 19, and to Vice Mayor Cooper stated there were past expectations that the Draft EIR would be available November of last year, but noted that under the current timeframes, the market study completed by the City could be integrated into the process to finalize the Mr. Brundage noted the market study was helpful in development of the project description of the EIR. He noted LAFCO could keep the City aware of project progress, Don Lockhart, LAFCo Assistant Executive Officer, responded to Council Member Hume that the timeframe covered by a Sphere of Influence application, and associated EIR, approximately covered a 10 to 20 year horizon for development. He noted LAFCO would revisit spheres of influence for agencies on a five-year cycle basis.  Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)  continue public hearings through LAFCO in the initial months of 2012.  project.  release of documents, and any changes to the scheduled timeframe.  PUBLIC COMMENT  Tom Higgins raised concern over marijuana plants being grown in a residential neighborhood. He discovered a fenced-in growing operation in an empty lot, cultivating 12 marijuana plants on August 1, and to date now more than 55 plants were at the site. He submitted photographs (filed) believing there were several code violations occurring at the site, and noted the area had no security. Mr. Higgins noted the police had been  contacted regarding the matter.  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting. August 10, 2011 Page2of15    Police Chief Robert Lehner noted officers had visited the site of the growing operation, and currently there were no criminal or dispensary related violations as the site appeared to meet qualfications under the Compassionate Use Act. He noted the Code Enforcement division would make determinations if building or zoning violations existed. Police Chief Lehner noted the policy related issue regarding regulation of medicinal marijuana cultivation would return for City Council consideration at a future date. Lisa Stanton opposed medical marijuana cultivation in her neighborhood, and did not want the site only brought up to code, but wanted the use banned. She did not believe the site was secured properly as required under the State Attorey General's guidelines for the security and non-diversion of marijuana grown for medical use. Ms. Stanton believed the site posed safety hazards with unsafe utility connections, posed a high fire Police Chief Lehner stated that initial indications showed the site was a rental property, it was unclear if anyone was residing at the site, and it was yet to be confirmed if the property owner or operator of the growing operation were residents of Elk Grove. He noted the site would be monitored, and that the code and safety violations would be evaluated, but noted that such code violation problems could be easily corrected to bring the site into compliance. Police Chief Lehner noted that for growing operations that qualified as small farming operations, security requirements could be placed on certain crops, along with setback requirements, and there existed the potential to Lynn Wheat appreciated the update on the Sphere of Influence, as the last information she had received regarding the matter was April 6. She noted she had not seen meetings posted for the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) either, and she stated she was not permitted to attend the last meeting for the HCP as she was not affiliated with an organization and there was not enough room for additional attendees Todd Sperber believed the permitting process and fees of the City were cost prohibitive for businesses locating in Elk Grove. He detailed that a recent, potential business client, the Police Activities League, decided to locate in Sacramento as the fees and permit requirements to locate in Mr. Sperber's facility in Elk Grove were cost prohibitive. Mr. Sperber believed that fixed fees would help the situation, as he believed the current hourly billing process was encouraging prolonged processing, equating to increased Kathy Kokkos expressed concern for her safety and the safety of her clients as she lived and operated a care home for disabled adults adjacent to the property referenced earlier containing the medical marijuana growing operation. She wanted the operation closed, noted speaking with the property owners whom she indicated were not aware of the use on the site, and requested additional monitoring for criminal activity be provided  risk, and was an attractive nuisance to the community.  prohibit outdoor growing entirely on residentially zoned sites.  at that particular meeting.  rates.  for the safety of the community and her care home clients.  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting, August 10, 2011 Page3of15    COUNCIL COMMENTS /REPORTS/FUTURE AGENDAITEMS  Mayor Detrick highlighted the recent announcement that the California Correctional Healthcare Services (CCHS) agency headquarters would be locating in Elk Grove at the Laguna Springs Corporate Center. The arrival of the agency would bring 1,500 jobs to the City, and was expected to generate additional economic and quality of life benefits. He noted final negotiations were underway with a target to occupy the facility in 2012. He thanked the City Council, staff, and community partners involved in bringing the project to fruition. He attended a ceremony presenting funding for the Strauss Festival, and accompanied the Police Chief to six neighborhood events held during the National Night Out event. Mr. Detrick recognized Jonathan Stein who organized, hosted, and dedicated in memory of his mother a 24-hour soccer game event fundraiser benefitting  the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization. Vice Mayor Cooper stated he had no items to report.  Council Member Hume noted the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation Board of Directors was canceled, and that he did not attend the Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) Board meeting. The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) Board meeting received public comment on service restoration pending revenue improvements. He noted that, based on regulatory requirements, if steps were finalized prior to the end of August the earliest service reinstatement could occur by January 2012, but he believed any action should be delayed until April 2012 to have a better understanding of actual revenue improvements. Mr. Hume noted the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority Board would meet August 12 to consider the final Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) document, which was review to certify the environmental study only, and would not consist of any decision making on a Council Member Scherman attended the Senior Center Board Meeting which discussed the agency budget, approved an audit proposal, approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Elk Grove Adult Community Training (EGACT) to continue to offer computer classes at the Senior Center, and reçeived confirmation from City staff that the Senior Center could be included on the list of non-profit organizations that City employees could direct payroll donations. She attended the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board meeting which adopted its operating budget. She attended the Sacramento Public Library Authority Board noting a new Finance Director was hired, facilities were equipped with new equipment (including repairs from a burst water main), that the North Natomas Library earned a 2011 Merit Award in Sustainability by the Concrete Masonry Association, and that the Summer Reading Program was underway. She noted the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library were able to donate 400 books for a juvenile hall reading program. She attended National Night Out events, held a meeting with Mark Madison, the new General Manager for the Elk Grove Water District, and attended the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Ms. Scherman requested a future agenda item to consider developing a Multicultural Fair, with a target event timeframe of spring, noting she had been contacted by City Manager Laura Gill noted a future agenda item would return to the City Council to consider forming a Multicultural Committee that would address such an event.  preferred alignment scenario.  interested members of the community to assist with such an event.  Elk Grove Cily Council Special Meeting, August 10, 2011 Page 40 of15    Council Member Davis commended participants in bringing the California Correctional Healthcare Services agency headquarters to Elk Grove. He noted this process was the first meeting the City had with the State of California Department of General Services, and expressed hope other opportunities would present themselves to locate additional state agencies in Elk Grove. He praised the Strauss Festival event, encouraging the community to take part in the festivities. Mr. Davis noted opportunities remained to volunteer in finalizing construction of the Cosumnes Community Services District's BMX  bike park at Elk Grove Regional Park. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS PUBLIC COMMENT None.  In reply to Council Member Scherman, Human Resources Director Laura Brunson noted under Item 6.3 that workers' compensation insurance companies only provided one-year term quotes, and would not provide multiple year pricing contract options. Motion: M/S Scherman/Davis to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. The  motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  Agenda Item No. 6.1: Minutes  Approved October 13, 2010 Regular City Council Meeting  Agenda Item No.6.2: Authorized the City Manager to execute a letter consenting to the law firm of Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard's representation of the City of Elk Grove in relation to the Vintage at Laguna II affordable housing project consistent  with the California Rules of Professional Conduct governing attorneys  Agenda Item No. .6.3:  Resolution No. 2011-155 adopted authorizing the City  Manager to execute the necessary documents with Travelers Property Casualty Company of America to renew the City's workers' compensation insurance coverage Request for Proposal procedures per Elk Grove Municipal Code Section 3.42.140(B)(6) and authorizing the City Manager to enter into a master services contract with the Cosumnes Community Services District for project delivery services in an amount not-  Agenda Item No.6.4:  Resolution No. 2011-156 adopted waiving the formal  to-exceed $200,000 as executed by task order  REGULAR AGENDA ACTION TEMS/RECOMMENDATONS  Agenda Item No. 7.1: Adopt resolution rejecting all bids for the Elk Grove Creek Trail Improvements Project (Falcon Meadow to Markofer School) (Project PT0123) and refer the project to the Elk Grove Trails Committee to identify appropriate compatibility measures and alternative plans to meet the goals of the Trails Master Plan  RECOMMENDATION:  Adopt resolution rejecting all bids for Elk Grove Creek Trail Improvements Project (Falcon Meadow to Markofer School) (Project PT0123) and refer the project back to the  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting, August 10,2011 Page 5of15    Elk Grove Trails Committee, directing the Trails Committee to work collaboratively with the neighborhood to identify appropriate compatibility measures and alternative plans to With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Rick Carter, Capital Program Manager, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. He noted the current recommendation was to reject all bids, and refer the project back to the Trails Committee to evaluate project alternatives. The original project was intended to implement a portion of the Trails Master Plan to provide trail connectivity. He provided aerial views of the project site, noting corridor widths, adjacent land uses, and current states of access points, fencing, and the existing pathway and culvert. He noted fencing was installed around particular areas of the culvert near the school and park for safety concerns as there was an incident where a child fell in the creek necessitating a rescue response. He noted community outreach had not been conducted on the project prior to consideration of the item at the July 27 meeting, and subsequently a public outreach meeting was held August 4. The outreach meeting received feedback from 25 attendees, and additional feedback through letters, emails, and phone calls, which Mr. Carter summarized comments as follows: 1) the vast majority were in opposition to the project, 2) respondents believed the project was incompatible with the existing homes and proposed a change in use that could decrease home values (detailing that homeowners that bought homes adjacent to the project site understood the adjacent use as a creek and not a public trail), 3) general safety concerns were raised related to loss of privacy, noise pollution, fire hazards, loitering, graffiti, littering, creek I water hazard safety, and increased crime due to the secluded nature of the area, and 4)re respondents expressed fiscal concerns in that funding could be better utilized elsewhere, and that this site would have increased maintenance and liability costs. He noted three letters of support were received, highlighting quality of life benefits in terms of increased connectivity of the neighborhood and general recreational amenities. Mr. Carter did not believe there were feasible options to construct a project at the proposed site that would address concerns raised by residents, and posed the option to consider alternate routes around the site to still provide trail system connectivity. He noted, as the project was primarily funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) capital improvement funds, that there was time sensitivity to utilize the CDBG funds, and if not used for this project the funds would need to be reprogrammed for an Council Member Hume suggested use of alternate routes for the project, still within the area of the project site, to which Mr. Carter noted there would likely be access and right- of-way issues with the school site, which were unlikely to be resolved prior to the CDBG funding use deadlines for this fiscal year, but those options could be evaluated for future  meet the goals of the Trails Master Plan.  alternate capital improvement project.  consideration. PUBLIC COMMENT:  Mayor Detrick noted an email was received from Robert Presley, a resident of the Mary Thorpe opposed the project, and believed that statements made at the August 4 community meeting regarding the project incorrectly assumed that the Elk Grove Unified  project area, in opposition to the project.  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting. August 10, 2011 Page 60 of15    School District (EGUSD) had no position regarding the proposed project. She stated discussion on the use of the bridge and canal originated in 1980, that in 1986 the EGUSD Board approved the construction of the bridge (though opposed by the Parent Teacher Association and administration staff) to provide only student access to the school, creating the need for a private lot access road. Ms. Thorpe requested verification from the EGUSD that the current access point would not close as a result of the proposed public access project, and recommended the project be discontinued. Bruce Thorpe opposed the project. He believed the current level of maintenance of the drainage ditch was inadequate, and requested that a maintenance plan for the current system be prioritized prior to implementing new projects of the Trail Master Plan. Al Lucero opposed the project, stating that when he bought his home his expectation was that his property would back up to the creek, and not a public access area. He expressed safety concerns regarding theft and vandalism of personal property of adjacent owners and the welfare of children who would utilize the proposed walkway. Roger Patching appreciated the City's response in addressing the community opposition to the project, but believed the initial outreach process for the project was mishandled, and should be evaluated and improved upon. He believed this proposed project site was inappropnate, as it was dead-end infill, and faced too many implementation obstacles to be considered at the current time. Mr. Patching offered his assistance in reviewing future uses of the site and any contemplated changes to the Leslie Haynes opposed the project, and noted she was unaware of the community meeting held August 4 regarding the project. She expressed concern over the secluded nature of the project area, citing trespass and loitering issues with teens, safety concerns regarding the general attractive nuisance of the creek area, and the limited access for safety responders to reach the area in the event of an emergency. Steve Hansen opposed the project. He felt the project was only being pursued in order to expend the time sensitive, allocated CDBG funds. Mr. Hansen believed the isolated  Trails Master Plan.  nature of the site would persist as a nuisance area, no matter its use. John Garcia agreed with speaker comments opposing the project.  Monty Stanley, recipient of the contract award for the project and former resident of the project site, believed the project area was an attractive asset that would benefit the community as a trail amenity. He noted circulating a petition in the area and receiving over 250 signatures supporting a trail project at the site. He cited the example of trails adjacent to private properties and water features in the Camden area, noting that trail Mike Camp addressed that a petition asking for general support of additional bike or walking paths was likely to be well received, but in this particular area the secluded nature of the proposed trail section raised safety concerns. Mr. Camp believed the streets in the surrounding area were wide and well laid out and provided a safe  system was considered an asset by neighboring residents.  alternative for children to get to school.  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting, August 10,2011 Page7of15    Jack Covert supported expansion of trails in the City. He believed the safety concerns raised by residents should be evaluated for merit, utilizing crime statistics from neighborhoods that have similar trail systems that were adjacent to private residences. Mr. Covert believed that increasing public access to a previously secluded area would Police Chief Lehner noted reports were conducted to evaluate if public paths adjacent to private residences contributed to crime, and from a statistical data basis there was no indication that the addition of such a trail system contributed to, or decreased, crime Inr reply to Council Member Scherman, City Manager Gill noted the Trails Commission was in support of this particular segment to provide trail system connectivity, but stated revisiting the Trails Master Plan and its relation to the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Element of the General Plan would be beneficial to review and gauge feasibility of Mayor Detrick voiced his support of the trail system, but he was opposed to in-fill projects that introduced a change of use. He felt the proposed change of use from a closed drainage ditch to a public access trail, without public outreach to the neighboring residents, was inappropriate. Mayor Detrick requested that future projects take change of use issues into consideration and incorporate appropriate public outreach. Council Member Hume voiced support to reject the project at this time due to infringements on private property rights, the lack of public outreach to both neighbors and the school district, and issues securing access rights for the project or possible alternatives to improve trail connectivity. He disagreed with comments that public access trails were detrimental to a community, and espoused trails as an amenity, not attractors to nuisance activity. He believed creek maintenance citywide needed to be addressed. Mr. Hume believed the area in question of this particular project may not be appropriate given all of the site conditions, but recommended the connection segment planned through this project be reconsidered by the Trails Committee for project Council Member Davis agreed that bike and walk paths served as amenities, even around drainage areas, but believed the outreach process required improvement, as well as evaluation of the Trails Master Plan and the integration of projects into the community. Mr. Davis received confirmation that if the project were rejected, staff would return with potential activities to utilize the funding, targeting approval for an altemate Motion: M/S CooperScherman to adopt Resolution No. 2011-157 rejecting all bids for Elk Grove Creek Trail Improvements Project (Falcon Meadow to Markofer School) (Project PT0123) and refer the project back to the Elk Grove Trails Committee, directing the Trails Committee to work collaboratively with the neighborhood to identify appropriate compatibility measures and alternative plans to meet the goals of the Trails Master Plan. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  reduce instances of nuisance currently attributed to the isolated site.  rates.  proposed trail connections and future projects.  alternatives.  project by September.  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting. August 10,2011 Page 8of15    Agenda Item No. 7.2: Receive project update and adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Agreement for continued funding of the South  Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan  RECOMMENDATION: Conservation Plan.  Adopt resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the participating agencies in the preparation of the South Sacramento Habitat Stacy McKinley, Project Manager for the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), provided a status update on the HCP. She started as the Project Manager in April 2011 and pursued three immediate goals: 1) to determine the status of the HCP and move it forward in a manner that was predictable, 2) to lead the process to a point to engage federal and state agencies, and 3) to provide environmental benefits to the community. She provided a timeline overview of next steps including that by September 2011 she planned to have the land use authority stakeholders enter negotiations with the related federal and state agencies of the project, and if the negotiations established validity of the submitted HCP plan, to commence raising funds to complete the Environmental Impact Report targeting a completion date in Fiscal Year 2012-13. She noted the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) would continue to engage the City of Elk Grove not only as a plan participant, but also as a fiscal partner. She noted the project budget was reduced and aligned with the stated timeline to prioritize reaching the decision-making processes. Ms. McKinley emphasized the importance of the HCP to regional agencies and the community, both in moving forward with public and private development projects, and providing environmental benefits over the Planning Director Echiburû noted a staff submitted memo (filed), which modified the MOA to add a provision that, as the City was a participant in the plan, the City could halt  suggested plan timeframe of 50 years  work if there was not sufficient funding to proceed.  PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Motion: M/S Cooper/Davis to adopt Resolution No. 2011-158 authorizing the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Agreement with the participating agencies in the preparation of the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan as amended by the submitted staff memo. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0. Agenda Item No. 7.3: Civic Center Design Guidelines and Economic Impact Analysis  for a Proposed Sports Park and Aquatic Facility Staff recommends that the City Council:  RECOMMENDATION:  1) Confirm previous City Council design-related direction to date;  2) Provide additional design input and direction on specific site and building design issues to be incorporated into the Design Guidelines for the Civic Center Request for  Proposals (RFP); and  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting, August 10,2 2011 Page 90 of15    3) Receive a report on an Economic Impact Analysis for a proposed Sports Park and Aquatic Facility within the Civic Center and provide direction as appropriate. Planning Director Taro Echiburu provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. The item was a continuation of discussions from March 2011 on the Civic Center site to consider design guidelines for specific building and site design issues, to confirm direction on the Civic Center to date, and to present an economic impact analysis on the Sports Complex and Aquatic Facility elements. Mr. Echiburu provided background on the Civic Center project, noting in March 2010 the Council selected program components for the Civic Center and authorized Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to provide a site layout plan and commence public outreach. The ZHA contract concluded after the March 23, 2011 meeting, as the Council selected the preferred site layout scenario, and gave direction to create a design manual to guide companies that would submit proposals for the design and build of the project. He reviewed program components of a main library, a community center that could accommodate 500 participants, a children's discovery center, government offices, a veteran's hall with flexible meeting space, a performance arts center, attractive outdoor use areas, a commercial development complex comprised of a hotel, conference center, and additional commercial areas and restaurants, and sufficient adjacent land Inr reply to Mayor Detrick, Bill Lee, project consultant, noted the primary difference between the community center versus the conference center was scale, with a smaller community center to meet the needs of local events, and the conference center intended as a private development unified with a hotel, proposed to be at or under Mr. Echiburu summarized direction to date. He noted general distribution of the program elements would be concentrated on the north parcel, with limited structures and parking on the south parcel, and connection of the north and south parcels to combine the uses of the two sites. The north parcel site would implement open views throughout, incorporating a centralized courtyard with large canopy, developing outdoor spaces to further define public space, and mass buildings along Elk Grove Boulevard, maintaining a lower height building profile along the perimeter, increasing the height of buildings towards the center recognizing increased density would equate to higher buildings. He noted the architectural renderings presented by ZHA were viewed as too futuristic, and summarized comments that architecture concepts implemented needed to be financially feasible, building structures required design to be utilized in a physically conscious manner, and design needed to recognize heritage but not necessarily direct Pam Johns, Special Projects Manager, stated the next phase was to establish the general framework of the design guidelines to get the project released for design and build proposals. Ms. Johns introduced architect Bob Yakas, who would assist in translating feedback to date and aid in finalizing additional design guidelines to convey the City's objectives into the parlance of the architectural community to guide the Request for Proposals (RFP) to be released for the project. Design guidelines were intended to be a focused, brief document to communicate the expectations of the City to designers, and establish a tramework as a suggested design direction without being  ford outdoor activities and sports facilities.  16,000 square feet.  use of historic architecture.  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting. August 10, 2011 Page 10of15    specifically prescriptive. The goal was to encourage a creative approach while With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Bob Yakas, noted the design guidelines sought an approach to design a series of buildings at the site. The work establishing distribution of program elements completed by ZHA placed the project in the interest of the architectural community, and engaged conversation regarding the site within the Elk Grove community. Site planning and site organization addressed elements of street presence (building height and interface with adjacent roadways), arrangement of the buildings on the site, arrangement of open spaces (clear sight lines throughout area, and creation of usable outdoor spaces in the overall area and between building sites). The Civic Center was envisioned to be a meeting place for the community, containing numerous venues that would be easily navigated, with a main plaza as a significant feature. The design guidelines would address building design, encouraging creativity from architects to respond to the context of the neighboring uses to site, as well as the desired program of goals and expectations of the community, and would address materials used in the treatment of buildings, including creation of distinctive, landmark buildings. The guidelines would assist in discouraging unacceptable architectural themes, as the Civic Center area was not intended to appear as an office park, shopping center or mall, historic district such as Old Town, or implement residential or industrial construction elements. Comments to date had reflected fostering a forward looking, progressive community, and similar statements and additional comments about site planning would assist in finalizing the design guidelines. Once the design guidelines were finalized, the guidelines would be returned for Council approval prior to Assistant City Manager Rebecca Craig provided an overview of the RFP process, stating that the design guidelines would both aid submitters to the RFP, as well as provide a checklist for an evaluation committee to gauge and grade submittals. The evaluations would return for Council consideration for the ultimate bid award.  protecting the interests, values, and aspirations of the community.  release of an RFP.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  Barbara Lemar noted the importance in wording any guidelines or checklists appropriately, and to use language to convey meaning, not to dictate an answer. She believed the site was too small to accommodate the Sports Complex facilities, suggesting those be located elsewhere in the City, and agreed there was a lack of venues for aquatic events. She suggested murals be incorporated on building walls. Ms. Lemar expressed her displeasure with the work product of ZHA, and believed the architecture should be respective of the City's heritage, voicing preference for an Inr reply to Ms. Lemar, City Manager Laura Gill stated she envisioned inviting some members of the community to be a part of the panel evaluating the responses for the Planning Director Echiburu noted comments could be provided tonight by the City Council, and requested comments be submitted no later than the next ten days in order to continue the process to finalize the design guidelines to formulate and release the  architect from California.  RFP.  RFP.  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting, August 10, 2011 Page 11of15    Council Member Davis viewed the Civic Center site as the downtown, urban center for Elk Grove. He cited civic center designs he preferred such as the cities of Irvine and Commerce, and areas of San Diego, and use of glass as materials in design to ensure any government building felt accessible to the public. He noted the existing walking I jogging path on Elk Grove Boulevard and believed trail connectivity should be incorporated throughout the site. He believed site design should incorporate future light rail, and that zoned retail in vicinity of the site should be encouraged to follow a high density, urban center vision. Open space at the site needed to accommodate use for festivais and events, and the government center should not be restricted only to City offices, but to gauge other local agency interest in locating at the site. He believed a prequalitication program should be incorporated into the RFP to ensure submitters were financially solvent. Mr. Davis supported prompt release of the RFP to benefit from * current, low construction costs, and voiced preference of a lease / lease-back Council Member Hume addressed neighboring use context, and believed priority should be given to have the site make its own statement, and relate more to itself and the Laguna Ridge area to the south, as opposed to the roadway of Elk Grove Boulevard and the passive pedestrian paths and residential areas to the north of the site. He expressed frustration that the investment in utilizing ZHA did not come to fruition, but believed the process engaged the community to voice what it sought from the Civic Center site. He voiced preference for site design similar to government buildings in Washington D.C. that project a sense of timelessness and longevity, mortar and stone solid materials projecting strength and stability. He appreciated creation of iconic, landmark buildings within the plaza. In referencing the process with ZHA, he believed entering another process for a design RFP could lead the community to selecting an architect that provides a final design not aligned with the community vision. Mr. Hume suggested holding an initial design competition prior to the RFP in order to generate visually interpretative submittals, accompanied with cost estimates, as an initial step in Mr. Yakas believed architects would be willing to take part in such a competition, but the RFP process itself was essentially a competition, the guarantee or prize was that the winner gets the commission to do the building. He believed interest would be generated by the RFP, that an initial competition would prolong the process and delay design and build of the site, and the expected responses to the RFP would not be vague design themes, but would have substantive designs, drawings, plans and schematics providing Vice Mayor Cooper noted a goal has been to make the Civic Center project a world- class, destination facility, and the process to date had created interest in the project which he believed would result in a wide spectrum of firms participating in the RFP. He advocated pursuing Public /F Private Partnerships at the site, incorporating light rail, and encouraged placing local government agencies as well as state and federal agencies at Mayor Detrick agreed with creating a downtown center incorporating a public transit hub, with design themes that were practical, portraying a simple yet elegant appearance. He appreciated portraying a sense of timelessness and strength with  agreement for site facilities.  honing the design guidelines.  clear visual depictions of submittals, along with cost estimates.  the site.  buildings of granite, citing examples of traditional judicial buildings.  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting. August 10,2011 Page 120f15    Council Member Scherman believed there should be less emphasis in creating a seat of government, and that the Civic Center should be highlighted as an open and active destination amenity to attract families and visitors, providing a lively area both day and Mayor Detrick confirmed City Council consensus to have any additional feedback on the Heather Ross, Economic Development Coordinator, provided an economic impact analysis of a proposed Sports Park as discussed at the May 4 special meeting. The facility would encompass two to three team sport fields, practice areas, and include vendor space. Fundamental assumptions included an initial construction cost of $12 million and ongoing operation and maintenance costs of $1.6 million annually. Initial economic benefits from the construction of the park would generate 69 jobs, $9.9 million in output of overall goods and services and $4.1 million in employee compensation. The return to the City of the initial benefits from the $9.9 million output was highly variable depending on what were taxable goods, and how much was purchased within the City, and assuming as much as 20% would equate to a one-time benefit of $18,000 in sales tax revenue. Continuing benefits would be realized from the operation of the park, creating 53 new jobs, $2.2 million in output, and almost $1 million in employee compensation annually. The direct revenue to the City would be $4,000 annually in sales tax revenue. At the May 4 special meeting, the company Sportsplex USA, an operator of similar facilities in the San Diego area, was in attendance and provided an estimate examining visitor spending, primarily tournament attendees. City staff felt the assumptions were too aggressive, and countered with an estimate that $6 million would be produced in new spending, yielding approximately $250,000 annually to the city in sales tax and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) revenue. Ms. Ross noted the facility could generate additional revenue for the City with a lease option or profit sharing contract with the operator of the facility. Less information was available in operating a potential aquatic center, staff estimated a construction output of $2 million, generating 14 construction jobs, and less than 10 new jobs from the annual In reply to Council Member Davis, City Manager Gill addressed demand by adult leagues for facilities in Elk Grove, and the effect of creating competition for use of facilities with the Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD). Utilizing data provided by the CCSD the demand of adult leagues in Elk Grove was greater than what was at either of the two facilities operated by Sportsplex USA, where they saw around 250 teams on an average for a season, and the CCSD was in the magnitude of 325 teams (and the CCSD currently had waiting lists). Ms. Gill noted the CCSD saw a profit of approximately $100,000 a year from the operation of adult softball leagues, and moving forward the City, any proposed vendor, and the CCSD would have to coordinate activities in accommodating adult leagues to ensure the expected revenues of the Council Member Davis believed that bringing external youth tournament events would drive use of the facility, but cautioned for existing adult team league play to not compete with those services already provided by the CCSD. He encouraged the CCSD to  night.  design guidelines to be submitted to staff no later than August 24.  operation of the aquatic center.  CCSD were not adversely affected.  respond to the RFP to be the potential operator.  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting, August 10,2011 Page 13of15    City Manager Gill compared the differences between utilizing a private firm and the CCSD as an operator, noting a private firm potentially could bring additional networking of national competitive sports organizations to attract tournaments, would likely invest more in marketing opportunities, and as a private operator would have the ability to sell alcoholic beverages. She noted private sector operators would also cite a cost avoidance savings of $400,000 for taking on maintenance of the facility, which was less of an issue for the City as there was no existing site with current maintenance costs. Council Member Davis supported starting the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the sports complex and the aquatic center, and to encourage the CCSD to respond to Council Member Hume supported releasing the RFPS for responses, but cautioned that the current proposal had the City investing costs in land dedication and construction costs, and should give further consideration to see a return on investment in utilizing a private contractor as the operator of the facility - where currently it appeared the private operator would benefit from the majority of profits. He felt soccer fields were a land intensive use and suggested a tournament facility for soccer be located elsewhere in the City. He supported an aquatic center, but noted it should provide facilities beyond what currently exist in the community, noting an Olympic-sized training facility would be ideal. Mr. Hume agreed with coordinating with the CCSD to evaluate community needs In reply to Council Member Scherman, Ms. Ross noted the presented economic assumptions would have the project see a profit in 43 years. She clarified that the assumptions only relied on tax revenue, and noted return on investment would be realized much sooner if the operator agreement was structured with lease payment or City Manager Gill noted the Sportsplex USA facilities had a 7% profit sharing provision with their partner cities. She clarified that construction estimates were based on the actual construction costs for existing facilities built in the last few years, and current reduced construction market prices would likely see a lower initial construction Mayor Detrick appreciated examining the feasibility of the aquatic center, but noted current aquatic facilities in Elk Grove were antiquated. He posed an option that cost savings may be seen in working with the CCSD to rehabilitate a currently existing aquatic center, than duplicate such a use at the Civic Center site. Mr. Detrick suggested opening a dialogue with the CCSD and the Elk Grove Unified School District to evaluate facilities of the three agencies, and consider a joint powers agreement to coordinate use, planning, and maintenance of facilities amongst the agencies to better Agenda Item No. 7.4: Receive Annual Report on Development Agreement for Lent  the RFP.  that could be met through such facilities.  profit sharing provisions.  investment cost.  serve the community.  Ranch-Elk Grove Town Center L.P. RECOMMENDATION:  Receive the annual report from the Planning Director on the Development Agreement  for the Lent Ranch-Elk Grove Town Center L.P. project.  EIK Grove City Council Special Meeting, August 10,2011 Page 14of15    The verbal staff report was waived. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Motion: M/S Davis/Scherman to receive and accept annual report from the Planning Director on the Development Agreement for the Lent Ranch-Elk Grove Town Center L.P. project. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  ADJOURNMENT  With no additional business to conduct, the August 10, 2011 special City Council  meeting was adjourned at 10:02 p.m. in memory of Bob Batey.  (   JASON LINDGRENeTTY CLERK  ATTEST: a M.  -  STEVEN M. DETRICK, MAYOR  Elk Grove City Council Special Meeting, August 10, 2011 Page 15of15