CITY OF ELK GROVE Incorporated July 1, 2000  MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL  REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, April 13, 2011  CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL  Mayor Detrick called the regular City Council meeting of April 13, 2011 to order at  6:11 p.m. Present: Absent:  Mayor Detrick, Council Members Davis, Hume and Scherman.  Vice Mayor Cooper (arrived at 6:15 p.m.)  Council Member Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Detrick asked that a moment of silence be observed.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA  Motion: M/S Scherman/Hume to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 4; Noes: 0; Absent: 1 (Cooper).  CLOSED SESSION None.  NOTE: Vice Mayor Cooper arrived at 6:15 p.m. PRESENTATIONSIANNOUNCEMENTS  4.1 Police Chief Robert Lehner introduced new police officers.  4.2 Mayor Detrick presented a proclamation to Amar Shergill declaring April 13, 2011 4.3 Council Member Scherman presented a proclamation recognizing April 11 to 15, 2011 as "National Volunteer Week" with special recognition to Elk Grove  as Solidarity Day.  Volunteers In Police Services.  4.4 Council Member Davis recognized Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Marshal George Apple (Note: Fire Marshal. Apple was absent due to a scheduling conflict) elected as the Northern California Fire Prevention Officers President, and City of Elk Grove Chief Building Official Richard Renfro elected as the  California Building Officials President.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, April 13,2011 Page 1of13    4.5 With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Integrated Waste Program Manager Cedar Kehoe gave a presentation regarding Earth Week 2011  Activities.  Ms. Kehoe reported that in conjunction with Allied Waste, the 4th annual Nike Reuse-A- Shoe collection drive would be held throughout the month of April. A Media Day event would be held April 18 at Foulks Ranch Elementary School which would include an assembly held by Radio Disney. On April 16 eight locations would participate in Creek Clean-Up events around the City, and April 22 would be an electronic waste collection  day at the McDonald's restaurant at 8710 Elk Grove Boulevard.  PUBLIC COMMENT  Bob Gray noted his continuing request, over the past eight years, to enable bicycles to trigger left turn lanes at signalized intersections. Mr. Gray requested bicycle racks be given greater consideration in development of destination locations, as existing bicycle racks were improperly located, and additional, future bike racks needed to be offered  throughout the City.  GENERAL ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION  City Manager Laura Gill reviewed the April 13, 2011 Administrative Report (filed). COUNCIL COMMENTIREPORBIRNTURE AGENDAI ITEMS  Council Member Hume noted a joint Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) and Paratransit meeting would be held to establish a new contract between RT and Paratransit. Mr. Hume stated the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority Board would meet next month, and that he did not attend the Sacramento Vice Mayor Cooper attended the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation Board of Council Member Scherman attended the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Board meeting, noting the majority of the meeting was spent in closed session addressing six items of existing litigation. She attended the American Sabor: Latinos in US Popular Music traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. She attended the Sacramento Public Library Authority (SPLA) Board meeting which conducted a performance evaluation of the Library Director, discussed budget issues in light of regional agencies' respective budget cuts, renewed the contract for unarmed security at library sites, and she attended two SPLA ad hoc meetings to discuss the Sacramento Public Library Foundation. She attended a Senior Center of Elk Grove special board meeting which placed Pat Beal as the Executive Director for the upcoming year, though recruitment would continue to find a permanent placement for the position. She spoke at the Solidarity Day - American Sikhs Day event held at the California State Capitol building. Ms. Scherman requested participants in the Teen Idol singing competition, held by the Elk Grove Teen Center, be recognized at a future meeting, that City employees be offered the opportunity to make  Transportation Authority Board meeting.  Directors meeting.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting. April 13,2011 Page2of13    donations to non-profit organizations through direct payroll deductions, and inquired In reply to Council Member Scherman, Assistant City Manager Rebecca Craig stated payroll deductions to non-profit organizations were currently offered to employees, but stated the program would be evaluated to offer a comprehensive, organized offering of agencies to contribute towards. In regards to the online City community calendar, Ms. Craig noted requests were currently received from the public, and were verified and Council Member Davis participated in the Arlene Hien Elementary School Read-A-Thon, and attended a Charity Casino Night fundraiser event benefitting Elk Grove Food Bank Services. He requested a future recognition at a regular meeting to invite all individuals involved in the Charity Casino Night fundraiser event to acknowledge the work, dedication, and collaborative effort of the community in raising funds for the non-profit Mayor Detrick stated a presentation would be held at the Food Bank to celebrate the success of the event, and felt that was the appropriate venue to present such Council Member Hume agreed the display of collaboration for the event was a testament to the community spirit of Elk Grove, but believed targeting such a singular, fundraising event for a presentation would diminish the various, other non-profit events numerous individuals have all been involved with over the years. He believed, in light that the Food Bank competed for Community Service Grants offered through the City, that recognizing particular non-profit organizations may appear unfair to other organizations that put forth proposals under the program. Mr. Hume imparted his congratulations on the success of the event, but agreed the focus of such a recognition Council Member Davis believed the City needed to celebrate successes in the community, and in this case the collaborative activity between the non-profit and business community. He felt the City had conducted a breadth of recognitions in the Council Member Scherman suggested an appreciation week to celebrate all organizers and participants of community, non-profit fundraising efforts be considered. The City Council took no further action in consideration of Council Member Davis's Mayor Detrick spoke at the State of the City luncheon, and served as one of the judges for the Teen Idol competition. He attended the Charity Casino Night fundraiser event, and participated in the last meeting of a three-part series regarding bullying, cyber- bullying, and internet sexual crimes co-hosted with the Youth Commission, himself and Vice Mayor Cooper. Mayor Detrick noted the Fittest of Elk Grove fundraiser / competition would commence with the first of a five-part series of competitions, which  what access the community had to the City event calendar.  accepted through the City Public Information Officer.  organization.  recognition.  should be conducted at the Food Bank.  past, and this request was not out of the ordinary, nor problematic.  request for the recognition.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, April 13,2011 Page: 30f13    had expanded to include competitors outside of the limits of Elk Grove, and stated the proceeds from the event would go to support the Elk Grove Youth Sports Foundation.  CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS  Motion: M/S Hume/Scherman to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. The  motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  Agenda Item No. 8.1:  Received Automatic Clearing House Nos. 3098 through  3256 dated March 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011, General Warrant Nos. 58159 through 58587, and Electronic Fund Transfer Nos. 2011133 through 2011144  Agenda Item No. 8.2: Agenda Item No. 8.3: Minutes Agenda Item No. 8.4:  Received February 2011 Treasurer's Report  Approved March 23, 2011 Special City Council Meeting Received report on City Manager approved purchases and  contracts authorized by Elk Grove Municipal Code Chapter 3.42 Contracts and  Purchasing, filed through April 6, 2011  Agenda Item No. 8.5: and Bids Agenda Item No. 8.6:  Received report on Requests for Proposals, Qualifications, Resolution No. 2011-54 adopted authorizing the City  Manager to submit a grant application to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) for a Local Government Household Hazardous Waste 19th Cycle  Grant  Agenda Item No. 8.7:  Resolution No. 2011-55 adopted authorizing the Public  Works Director / City Engineer to execute a contract time extension to December 31, 2011 with the State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the  Intercity Rail Passenger Facility contract  Agenda Item No. 8.8:  Resolution No. 2011-56 adopted authorizing the City  Manager to execute the necessary documents to amend the current Internship Services contract with University Enterprises, Inc., in the amount of $10,000 [for a total  compensation amount not-to-exceed $59,500]  Agenda Item No. 8.9:  Resolution No. 2011-57 adopted authorizing the City  Manager to execute a construction contract with S.W. Allen Construction, Inc. for the Corporation Yard Warehouse Improvements Project in an amount not-to-exceed $612,595 and authorizing the City Engineer to approve change orders in an amount not- Agenda Item No. 8.10: Resolution No. 2011-58 adopted approving the Memorandum of Understanding for Phase H and Phase 111 of the Universal Fare System and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documentation necessary through  to-exceed $150,000  implementation  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, April 13, 2011 Page4of13    Agenda Item No. 8.11: Authorized recruitment to fill one vacancy on the Historic  Preservation Committee PUBLIC HEARINGS Agenda Item No. 9.1:  A continued public hearing (from March 23, 2011) to  consider approving a nexus study and establishing the amount of fees relative to the  Laguna Ridge Supplemental Park Fee  RECOMMENDATION Park Fee.  Adopt resolution adopting the Laguna Ridge Supplemental Park Fee Program Nexus Study and establishing the amount of fees relative to the Laguna Ridge Supplemental Heather Ross, Economic Development Coordinator, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. She noted a continuance to June 8, 2011 was requested as information had been received that effectively rendered the nexus study incorrect, requiring additional time to revise the nexus study and re-circulate it amongst the Council Member Hume expressed his frustration that over a three year period additional information was still being submitted into the process, delaying decision making on the fee, and that this information, in particular, would likely lead to an increase in the fee City Attorney Susan Cochran noted the City would be required to continue to accept comments up until the close of the public hearing. The comments recently submitted caused a change that was expected to increase the potential maximum fee amount, which would require re-noticing the public hearing to provide notice of the potential new  stakeholders group for comment.  structure.  maximum amount under consideration to adopt as the fee. Mayor Detrick declared the public hearing open.  PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Motion: M/S Hume/Davis to re-notice and continue the public hearing to June 8, 2011.  The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  Agenda Item No. 9.2:  A public hearing to consider the appeal by J. L. Szabo of  the Planning Commission decision on February 17, 2011 to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Old Town Liquor to sell alcohol from a relocated liquor store located at 9670 Elk Grove-Florin Road (Project No. EG-10-065; APN: 125-0112-019)  RECOMMENDATION  Adopt resolution to affirm the decision of the Planning Commission approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Old Town Liquor located at 9670 Elk Grove-Florin  Road.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, April 13,2011 Page 5of13    Council Member Hume stated his recusal from discussion of Items 9.2 and 9.3, as his employer held a property interest within the limit of state law to the project under  consideration for these agenda items. Note: Council Member Hume left at 7:16 p.m.  With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Adam Peterson, Associate Planner, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. On February 17 the Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Old Town Liquor, and Mr. Larry Szabo filed an appeal of that decision. The proposed project was to move the liquor store to a new location directly west of the previous location across Elk Grove-Florin Road. The zoning designation of Limited Commercial (LC) of the proposed new location required a Conditional Use Permit to sell alcohol. Mr. Peterson reviewed the location and floor plan of the proposed new site, noting 11 security cameras were proposed to be part of the store, liquor would be stored behind the cashier limiting customer access, additional lighting on the premises around the store would be provided, and the store would install an alarm system and implement signage Mr. Peterson noted the project on its own merit did not increase the number of establishments in the area selling alcohol, but it did relocate the sale of alcohol from one side of the street to the other. The appeal filed cited three reasons for denial including: 1) the project limited the viability of a liquor store being established at the previous location, 2) the project was on the same side of the street and in close proximity to schools and residential properties, and 3) the project would impact future decisions of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and the City to not allow two liquor stores in such close proximity. Mr. Peterson noted the previous location site was zoned Shopping Center (SC) and alcohol sales, at this time, were permitted by right, sO that a second liquor store would be eligible to move into the previous location (though proposed changes to the City's Zoning Code would be presented at the April 27 meeting which would then require a Conditional Use Permit for the sales of alcohol in any SC zone, such changes, if adopted, would become effective by the end of June 2011). Regarding the proximity issues to schools and residential properties, the security measures proposed under the project store were marked improvements compared to the previous location, and it was expected that the same clientele would be served. Regarding the appeal statement of having two liquor stores in close proximity, staff could not speculate on future uses of the previous location when evaluating the current proposed project, and future proposed uses at the previous location would be analyzed when a proposal was made. He noted two phone calls were received regarding alcohol sales at this new location, expressing concerns regarding crime, graffiti, loitering, and trash accumulation behind the property in the alley way. He noted the next, separate agenda item addressed Old Town Liquor obtaining a Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity, and under this process ABC would impose licensing requirements. Mr. Peterson clarified that if the City Council wanted to impose any conditions for the project, it would need to be conducted at this time through the CUP  toy prohibit loitering on the business premises.  appeal process.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting. April 13.2011 Page 6of13    Council Member Davis received confirmation that the owner of the previous location would have an immediate opportunity to bring in a liquor store tenant, which administratively could receive approval upon meeting all application requirements (from both the City and ABC), resulting in the area having two liquor stores in close proximity. In reply to Council Member Davis, Police Chief Lehner noted the project applicant had a positive history as an operator with the City and also with ABC, working cooperatively Planning Director Taro Echiburu noted three previous actions had been taken by ABC with the project applicant in the last 27 years, and all had been closed with no pending Brian Cooley, representing the appellant Larry Szabo, opposed approval of the CUP. He noted that pending changes to the Zoning Code, and proximity of a second liquor store in the area, would create adverse conditions in decision makers' review (both ABC and the City) of proposed uses of future tenants at the previous location site. He wished to protect the integrity of the SC zoning at the previous location site, maintaining ar relationship of neighboring commercial uses around any proposed liquor store site. Larry Szabo, the appellant, felt he had received late notice from both his prior tenant, the applicant Mr. Dhillon, and the Planning Commission, regarding the proposed project to move the liquor store location across the street. He noted he had potential tenants ready to move a liquor store into the previous location space, as Mr. Dhillon's lease expired; but that was predicated on the decision tonight, as the existence of a second liquor store in the area would have an effect on a new tenant's application. Mr. Szabo noted he had no concern of the applicant offering grocery, beer, wine, deli and sundry offerings, but was opposed to allowing liquor sales at the new proposed location.  with agencies to maintain compliance.  actions on the operator.  Mayor Detrick declared the public hearing open.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  Aman Dhillon, the project applicant, noted Old Town Liquor no longer had a lease with Mr. Szabo at the previous location. She stated the proposed location would expand their service offerings of grocery, deli, and sundry use items. The clientele targeted for service were those neighboring residents who did not have the opportunity to travel to other shopping centers outside of walking distance. She noted Old Town Liquor had operated in the same location for the past 27 years, and over that time there had been instances where a second store existed offering liquor sales, and there was no resulting increase or decrease in crime. In regards to ABC violations, she noted all citations were Monica Medoza, property manager, spoke in support of the Dhillon family noting they were excellent tenants, and supported enabling the expansion of local businesses. Larkin Morse Penrose opposed relocating Old Town Liquor. She believed several public safety conçerns existed as the operator held a history with three misdemeanor violations for selling alcohol to persons under the age of 21, with the last misdemeanor occurring February 4, 2008. She believed the new location would increase exposure of  addressed and remedied to the satisfaction of both ABC and the City.  Elk Grove City Counçil Regular Meeting, April 13,2011 Page 7of13    liquor store offerings to students, citing that Driving Under the Influence (DUI) violations had increased in Elk Grove between 2009 and 2010. Ms. Penrose observed ABC reports already noted an over concentration of liquor licenses in the area, and felt no Sue Mikles expressed her disapproval of the proposed, larger liquor store in such close proximity to a residential area and neighboring schools. She believed such a store Richard Vargas believed the liquor store should remain where it was currently located, and raised concern that additional liquor stores in the area would lead to the erosion of the neighborhood. He felt the previous location on a commercial aisle was an appropriate use, but moving such an operation adjacent to neighboring residences was problematic. He inquired as to how associated trash, landscaping, and loitering issues Steve Zender, principal property owner of the proposed location site, believed there were misconceptions about the operation of the proposed new store. He saw that the store expansion was not of liquor, but other grocery and sundry items. The improved video surveillance and layout would increase security of the site to the benefit of the neighborhood. He noted the applicants were Elk Grove residents that owned and operated their own store, took pride in the operation and maintenance of their store, and had operated an established business for years, taking the opportunity to expand and Chris Schulz noted neighboring residents on Melrose Avenue had remained in the desirable location, building a strong community. She requested consideration of maintaining such a neighborhood when considering changes to adjacent uses to such Brian Cooley reiterated the appellant's opposition to the CUP. He believed local residents also opposed the project, and the purpose of the LC zoning designation was  additional licenses should be permitted.  would invite vandalism and burglary.  would be addressed at the proposed new location.  better serve the community.  an established community.  to buffer residential and commercial uses appropriately. Mayor Detrick declared the public hearing closed.  Inr reply to Mayor Detrick, Ms. Dhillon noted the store would increase from 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet at the proposed location, and that increase was of groceries and other items, not liquor. The new location offered increased security, both with camera surveillance and limited access to liquor products by nature of the new floor plan layout. Ms. Dhillon believed the square footage offering liquor would remain the In reply to Council Member Davis, Ms. Dhillon noted their business model for the proposed location would not succeed without liquor sales, consideration of beer and wine sales only was not an option for the operation of the proposed store.  same, if not slightly decreasing, due to space constraints.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, April 13, 2011 Page 8of13    Vice Mayor Cooper disapproved of the potential of having two liquor stores in such close proximity. In a commercial area it could be feasible, but the location with neighboring residential uses and schools created significant public safety concerns. Council Member Scherman believed students had current exposure to the liquor store, and the new proposed layout would be an improvement in securing liquor sales away from children. She believed this matter resulted from poor negotiations between tenant and owner, and the tenant explored an opportunity to expand their business. She believed operators held a responsibility to maintain facilities, either in this instance or any other commercial site, and did not believe the proposed project would be subject to neglect considering the operators long standing, positive history. She confirmed a prior grocery store had sold liquor in proximity Old Town Liquor in the past. Ms. Scherman Council Member Davis believed sale of beer and wine only was a decent compromise to move the project forward, allowing the operators to expand their store and offerings of non-liquor products, while preventing the area from becoming over-concentrated with Motion: M/ Davis to adopt a resolution to affirm the decision of the Planning Commission approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Old Town Liquor located at 9670 Elk Grove-Florin Road as amended to limit sales to beer and wine only, with no Council Member Scherman believed nothing forced the owner of the previous location site to bring a new tenant that would only offer a liquor store. She believed the possibility of filing an application to utilize the previous location, if vacated, should not create a hindrance to the expansion plans currently applied for by Old Town Liquor. In reply to Mayor Detrick, City Attorney Cochran noted the current project decision was not related to future uses. But, whenever dealing with a CUP the Council can look at neighboring conditions, creating some relation to a proposed future use of what currently would be a permitted by-right use to locate a second liquor store in the area under current SC zoning. Ms. Cochran was not aware of any application existing for the Motion: M/S Scherman/Davis to adopt a resolution to affirm the decision of the Planning Commission approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Old Town Liquor located at 9670 Elk Grove-Florin Road. The motion FAILED by the following vote: NOTE: Council recessed at 8:23 p.m. The regular City Council meeting reconvened at City Attorney Cochran noted that when hearing an appeal of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), the Council takes new evidence and makes its own determination separate from the decision of the Planning Commission. In order for a CUP to be granted, and with only four Council Members taking part in the matter, three affirmative votes would be required to approve the CUP, a tie vote would deny the CUP. In the event that the CUP  supported the project.  liquor sales.  alcohol sales. The motion FAILED for a lack of a second.  building that would be vacated if the CUP were granted.  Ayes: 1; Noes: 3 (Detrick, Cooper, Davis); Abstain: 1 (Hume).  8:40p.m. with Council Member Hume absent.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, April 13,2011 Page 9of13    is denied, the next public hearing under Item 9.3 would not occur as there wouldn't be a need to consider a Letter of Public Convenience and Necessity if the CUP was not Inr reply to Mayor Detrick, Mr. Szabo noted that though a notice to vacate was served on the tenant, if the CUP was denied tonight, he was open to re-initiating negotiations with Motion: M/ Davis to adopt a resolution to affirm the decision of the Planning Commission approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Old Town Liquor located at 9670 Elk Grove-Florin Road as amended to limit sales to beer and wine only, with no Motion: M/S Davis/Cooper to adopt Resolution No. 2011-59 to reverse the decision of the Planning Commission denying a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Old Town Liquor located at 9670 Elk Grove-Florin Road. The motion passed by the following Note: Agenda Item 9.3 was not heard as the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was denied  granted.  the Dhillons.  alcohol sales. The motion FAILED for a lack of a second.  vote: Ayes: 3; Noes: 1 (Scherman); Abstain: 1 (Hume).  under Item 9.2. Agendalm-No.9.:  A public haaang-1p.-consider adepting areselution  ppoNyslardtP.N.ACw: 21(O#-Sale Generaly-akcohol-lice-orOla-Town.Lgver-localesat98/0EK-Grove-Flerin-Read  PrejeGt-NO-EG-10-966:APNE125-0112-019) Note: Council Member Hume returned at 8:53 p.m.  REGULAR AGENDA ACTION TEMS/RECOWMENDATONS  Agenda Item No. 10.1: Consider resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a professional services contract with Willdan Engineering to perform the department's  professional planning services RECOMMENDATION:  Adopt resolution granting the City Manager the authority to execute a professional With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Rebecca Craig, Assistant City Manager, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. The Request for Proposals (RFP) received four responses which were weighed by an evaluation team, ranked, reviewed, and the top three firms were invited to interview. After the interviews, the evaluation team made a recommendation for Willdan Engineering, the current contract service provider for Public Works services for the City, and the contract presented provided for further coordination with Public Works in the delivery of services. Staff requested under this proposal that Pacific Municipal Consultants (PMC) be retained for the delivery of certain special projects, such as the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan. Alternatives for consideration were to select PMC for the  services contract with Willdan Engineering for Planning Services.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting. April 13,2011 Page 10of13    entire contract, or retain PMC for special projects and divide the work between the two  firms.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  Phil Carter, President of PMC, voiced support to continue provision of City Planning services with PMC. PMC had provided comprehensive services to the City since incorporation, demonstrating a commitment to implementing the policy direction of the City Council. PMC had provided professional support in the development of the City's General Plan, ensured preservation of rural portions of the City, provided for affordable housing, and sustained involvement in study areas to protect the long-term vision of the City through the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan and current Sphere of Influence application. He observed the staff report indicated implementing different allocations of staffing, of which PMC was amenable, and noted the price differential between the two proposals was less 0.5% in total difference. Mr. Carter agreed the strongest proposal should be awarded the contact, and noted that out of the five ratings, PMC ranked first in three categories, and second in two categories, indicative of a Daniel Chow, representing Willdan Engineering, supported staff's recommendation to select his firm. He noted the team proposed had extensive experience from both the private and public realms of development to façilitate project development while protecting the interests of the City. He believed the Willdan Engineering proposal brought premier environmental planning expertise. Mr. Chow felt the combination of Willdan Engineering providing both Public Works and Planning Services would bring additional benefits in collaboration and provision of comprehensive services for Inr reply to Council Member Davis, Mr. Chow affirmed that sub-contractors were utilized in the proposal in order for Willdan Engineering to offer premier experts in the field to Dennis Rogers, representing the North State Building Industry Association (BIA), spoke in support of the staff recommendation to select Willdan Engineering. He believed institutional knowledge would be maintained as the current Planning Director had been with PMC for nearly 6 years prior to becoming a City employee. He noted the BIA representative on the RFP review panel came away with same recommendation as Lynn Wheat believed a new firm should be selected. She felt a Planning Department should bring forth information, knowledge, and ideas to lead and guide decision making. She believed that to date the City had been limited because the Planning Department Council Member Hume believed the current planning team had taken a share of criticism and public outcry, but in many instances the firm was following direction from the prior City Council and prior administrators. He noted that several former employees of PMC had become City employees, reflecting their strong presence representing the City. He raised concern with having one provider serving both the Public Works and  stronger showing than other firms' overall proposals.  development in the City.  work for the City.  staff.  under PMC developed no vision for the City.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting. April 13,2011 Page 11of13    Planning functions of the City, and did not believe any of the proposing firms were interested in dividing the work under the proposed staff alternative options. Mr. Hume favored retaining the institutional knowledge of PMC, to which the City Council concurred with Mr. Hume's statements, and Council Member Davis noted a preference City Attorney Cochran noted a contract with Pacific Municipal Consultants (PMC) was not prepared, and the motion would be to direct staff to negotiate and return with an Motion: M/S Scherman/Hume to direct staff to negotiate an agreement with Pacific Municipal Consultants (PMC) for Planning Services to return at a future meeting date for approval. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0. Agenda Item No. 10.2: Receive Annual Report on Development Agreement for Lent  tor retain firms that provided in-house staff over sub-contract staff.  agreement for planning services with PMC.  Ranch  RECOMMENDATION:  Staff recommends that the City Council receive the annual report on the Development Taro Echiburu, Planning Director, provided an overview of the staff report and  Agreement for the Lent Ranch project.  recommendation. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  The City Council received and filed the annual report on the Development Agreement Agenda Item No. 10.3: Report and receive possible direction on a Comprehensive  for the Lent Ranch project. Update to the City's General Plan RECOMMENDATION: deemed appropriate. recommendation. PUBLIC COMMENT:  Staff recommends that the City Council receive this report and provide direction as Taro Echiburu, Planning Director, provided an overview of the staff report and  Lynn Wheat believed the General Plan needed updating, and submitted three letters (filed) of her comments from March 23, her response to the item tonight, and an e-mail communication received from the Planning Director responding to questions she had sent. She believed from the report and e-mail response that the historical knowledge presented was limited on initial development of the General Plan, and the current General Plan was outdated due to population growth, changes in the economy, and an nadequate level of regional agency and public participation in the initial formulation process. Since the staff report cited costs were prohibitive in initiating a General Plan update, she suggested reducing funding from other projects currently considered as priorities in the City. Ms. Wheat believed the staff report did not address developer  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting. April 13,2011 Page 12of13    initiated amendments to the General Plan and requested an update be initiated with Jim Gillum believed a General Plan update would be needed in the future, but believed the City should wait until a clear indication was provided in regards to current projects addressing the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan and the City's Sphere of Influence application, and how those projects would interact with an update to the Council Member Davis believed a General Plan update was needed, but the current lack of financing prohibited initiating such a project. Mr. Davis suggested the City continue to accumulate funds for a General Plan update, and as an immediate action could commence outreach to the Cosumnes Community Services District, the Elk Grove Unified School District, and the community to begin the process of public outreach and Council Member Hume stated he served on the General Plan advisory work group, as well as on the Planning Commission, and believed extensive work on the General Plan was conducted with the community for over two years. He believed much of General Plan, designed as a 20-year document, remained relevant today, and amendments to date maintained regional compliance requirements. He believed that in a comparison of the land use map, from the original General Plan to today, that the map remained more or less the same. Mr. Hume believed Council Member Davis was referencing more of a visioning process, of which similar processes had been conducted in the past, to gauge current public interests, and to possibly incorporate such input for consideration of a Mayor Detrick believed that with the recent release of the Market Study, and continuing work toward the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan and the Sphere of Influence application, that a General Plan update was not appropriate at this time. He requested information from past visioning workshops be compiled and reviewed to  extensive outreach to regional agencies and the public.  General Plan.  gather input to transition into an actual General Plan update process.  future General Plan update.  evaluate conducting outreach through a visioning workshop.  ADJOURNMENT  With no additional business to conduct, the April 13, 2011 City Council meeting was  adjourned in memory of Annie Fales at 9:41 p.m.  MD  ATTEST:  Hh M.  STEVEN M. DETRICK, MAYOR  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting. April 13,2011 Page 13of13