CITY OF ELK GROVE Incorporated July 1, 2000  MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, March 23, 2011  CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL  Mayor Detrick called the regular City Council meeting of March 23, 2011 to order at  6:02 p.m. Present: Absent:  Mayor Detrick, Vice Mayor Cooper, Council Members Davis, Hume and  Scherman. None.  Council Member Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Mayor Detrick asked that a moment of silence be observed, mindful of victims of the earthquake and tsunami disaster events which struck Japan on March 11, 2011.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA  Motion: M/S Davis/Scherman to approve the agenda as presented. The motion  passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  CLOSED SESSION None.  PRESENTATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS  4.1 Vice Mayor Cooper presented a Proclamation to Shaun Colvin, Greenprint Relations Director of the Sacramento Tree Foundation, declaring April 9, 2011 as  Arbor Day in the City of Elk Grove.  4.2 Roy Herburger, President of the Elk Grove Citizen newspaper, presented the 4.3 With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Vice Chair Sharon Anderson gave a presentation and provided an update on the Trails Committee. Ms. Anderson stated the Trails Committee mission was to provide infrastructure and connectivity for non-vehicular mobility, and to implement the City Trails Master Plan. The Trails Committee provided input and recommendations on development projects, and she noted the Camden Neighborhood was used as a model for providing strategies sought by the Trails Committee such as intra-neighborhood connectivity, development of a community highway, provision of safe routes to school, fostering a destination mentality, and offering multiple modes of transport. She stated Geographic Information  Citizen of the Year award to City Manager Laura Gill.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23, 2011 Page 1of20    Systems (GIS) maps were being utilized to identify and prioritize projects for Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) of current infrastructure, and the GIS system was being explored for creation of maps of residential routes, pathways to City destinations, and to establish 10- to 20-mile exercise and fitness loops. The Trails Committee was exploring external funding sources to assist programs such as providing trail system signage. Ms. Anderson noted that 2011 goals included continuing efforts to identify funding, advocating for trails by promoting addition of trail system improvements on development and CIP projects, and conducting outreach to the community on trail, outdoor, and open Council Member Scherman suggested the Trails Committee generate a list of needs for Council Member Davis noted a number of web sites and/or mobile phone application software programs offered GIS routes for exercise and fitness routes, and suggested Council Member Hume suggested connections for implementation of the Trails Master Plan be prioritized, SO when projects come forward there is a mechanism to bring  space amenities, and activities to promote trail system use.  trails related projects.  such resources be linked to the City's trails web site.  awareness of trail system needs during development of a project.  PUBLIC COMMENT  Sean Edgar raised concern over the current operation of the local bowling alley business, Strikes and Coach's Classic Bar & Grill, located at 3443 Laguna Boulevard. He believed that the business had created an increasing level of problems for the neighborhood over the past year and a half, citing recent media accounts and instances of a shooting in the neighborhood. Mr. Edgar requested a meeting be held with the tenants, neighbors, property owners and City representatives, and believed the City Council should conduct a study session to determine changes to enhance the quality of Police Chief Robert Lehner acknowledged the situation with the facility had deteriorated recently, and believed a neighborhood meeting as suggested by Mr. Edgar was Mayor Detrick noted he would contact the general managers and owner of the property to address code issues, increasing lighting, and to discuss the possibility of installing Vice Mayor Cooper believed issues at the facility had gotten out of control, especially during the late night, weekend hours of operation. He suggested hiring off-duty police officers, but believed that the incidences that had occurred to date could warrant enforcement on the alcohol permit of the facility. Mr. Cooper believed a meeting should be held, and that the operator should be held accountable to address neighborhood Council Member Scherman stated she had opposed the original Strikes application, as a previous bowling alley in the City had caused similar problems and eventually was  the facility.  reasonable.  video surveillance at the facility.  concerns and to change the security practices of the facility.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23, 2011 Page2of20    closed. She felt the management team of the facility was non-responsive in meeting Police Chief Lehner confirmed the City had been billing the facility for police response services, that the City had received payment on initial bills, and continued to seek payment of recent bills. In regards to the recent incident which required the Police Department to invoke a mutual aid response, significant costs were involved and the department intended to pursue those costs as well. He noted a distinction that such cost recovery cannot be done prospectively, and required response to an actual incident. Police Chief Lehner believed something had changed in the facility's security plan, and noted a meeting of stakeholders could assist in formulating a plan to bring the facility back into compliance. A functioning security plan for the operators of the facility was preferred as a preventative measure, rather than allowing issues to escalate to the Lynn Wheat requested citizens patronize the local business Jamba Juice, which was holding a fundraiser where 10% of the proceeds of a purchase would go toward an instrument fund for music therapy to help children with special needs. She noted a musical therapist, Ann Howard, used music therapy to assist clients, but that recently a bag of instruments and materials she utilized for the therapy sessions had been stolen. Al Ortega agreed that conditions at Strikes bowling alley had become problematic in the last few months concerning noise, fighting, and loitering. Mr. Ortega appreciated Patrick Simpkins believed the continued operation of the Strikes bowling alley was detrimental to the neighborhood. He recounted his experience during the recent emergency response call, and noted problems of increased traffic, littering, theft, and vandalism. He noted bus stops in the vicinity had been destroyed and never replaced. Mr. Simpkins did not agree that increased lighting would help matters, as the facility property owners had cut down most of the surrounding trees, and such increased lighting would only project additional unwanted light into the surrounding neighborhood.  with the City to address concerns to date.  degree that they require alternate forms of enforcement.  scheduling a public meeting to discuss the situation.  GENERAL ADMINISTRATION INFORMATION  City Manager Laura Gill reviewed the March 23, 2011 Administrative Report (filed). Ms. Gill introduced Rick Carter, newly hired Capital Program Manager in the Public  Works Department from El Dorado County. COUNCIL COMMENTSFUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  Council Member Scherman attended the 25th anniversary of the Elk Grove Friends of the Library, the Gold Pacific Bank grand opening, the Strauss Festival tea fundraiser, the Chamber of Commerce mixer at the BMW Dealership, the Elk Grove Optimist Crab and Shrimp Feed fundraiser, and the dedication of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access ramp at the Rhoads School House. She noted her boards did not meet  during this time period.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page3of20    Council Member Davis attended the Elk Grove Food Bank's Empty Bowis fundraiser. He noted the City sponsored Assembly Bill 324 had progressed through its first committee in the review process, and the bill was related to requiring the state to conduct analysis of greenhouse gas emissions when locating state agencies. He stated the non-profit organization Elk Grove Together held its first event of a park beautification project in February, and on April 2 would hold another beautification project at Mix Park. Mr. Davis noted conducting outreach, along with Mayor Detrick, City staff, and citizens, toc companies regarding construction and management of a sports center facility. Council Member Hume noted the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority Board reviewed draft environmental documents in preparation of a workshop to be held April 14. Mr. Hume served as a guest judge for the Elk Grove Teen Center Teen Idol Vice Mayor Cooper attended the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation Board of Directors meeting which discussed the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, and noted the Board was conducting outreach to get other local water boards involved to present a case for review of the issue by the state legislature. Mayor Detrick threw out the first pitch at opening day for the local youth sports Cal Ripken baseball league. He attended the candlelight vigil for Surrinder Singh, a victim in the shooting that occurred March 4, and attended a gathering of the Sikh community  competition, stating the finals would occur April 8 at Kerr Middle School.  at the Sikh Temple of Sacramento. CONSENT CALENDARI ITEMS  Lynn Wheat, speaking in regards to Item 8.7 (filed), believed funds should be allocated to update the City's General Plan. She believed the current General Plan was outdated, as previous growth assumptions were obsolete, and numerous amendments conducted over the years to the Land Use Element necessitated comprehensive, review of remaining City land uses. She believed the General Plan needed to incorporate the Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Elements, consider a Quality of Life Element, and expand on the Open Space Element and land acquisition policies. She felt greater architectural design and revised economic development policies were needed, and that the Land Use Element be reevaluated under current housing, retail and employment trends to implement increased density through Transit Oriented Development. She believed a citizen advisory committee should be formed, and the project should coordinate with the Cosumnes Community Services District and the Elk Grove Unified School District. Ms. Wheat believed a Public Safety Element should be used to develop ar measurable emergency response time policy that would guide assessing needs to Council Member Davis agreed that the General Plan, as adopted in 2003, was a dated document for the amount of change that had occurred in the community. Mr. Davis inquired what funding was available to consider initiating a General Plan update. City Manager Gill noted a report would be returned at the regular meeting of April 13 on  hire additional police officers.  what would be required to update the City's General Plan.  Elk Grove City Courcil Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page 4of20    Motion: M/S Hume/Cooper to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. The  motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  Agenda Item No.8.1: Minutes Agenda Item No. 8.2:  Approved March 9, 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 March 16, 2011  Agenda Item No. 8.3: and Bids Agenda Item No. 8.4:  Received report on Requests for Proposals, Qualifications, Resolution No. 2011-47 adopted declaring intention to  annex territory to Community Facilities District No. 2006-1 Maintenance Services) and to levy a special tax to pay for certain landscaping and maintenance services (Annexation No. 18); Resolution No. 2011-48 adopted declaring intention to annex territory to Community Facilities District No. 2003-2 (Police Services) and to levy a special tax to pay for infrastructure and police services (Annexation No. 18); Resolution No. 2011-49 adopted declaring intention to levy Street Maintenance District No. 1, Zone 3-C (Annexation No. 14); and Resolution No. 2011-50 adopted amending the Fiscal Year 2010-11 Budget to recognize additional revenue and expenditures from  annexation fees Agenda Item No. 8.5:  Resolution No. 2011-51 accepting the East Stockton  Boulevard /S Sheldon Road Park and Ride Lot Landscaping Project construction contract as complete and authorizing the City Engineer to prepare, and the City Clerk to file, the  Notice of Completion with the Sacramento County Recorder  Agenda Item No.8.6:  Resolution No. 2011-52 adopted waiving the formal request  for proposal requirements and authorizing the City Manager to execute the first amendment to the Real Property Management Services contract with Interwest Consulting Group, Inc., in an amount of $71,000 [for a total compensation amount not-  to-exceed $120,000] Agenda Item No. 8.7: PUBLIC HEARINGS Agenda Item No. 9.1: RECOMMENDATION Park Fee.  Received General Plan Annual Status Report  A public hearing to consider approving a nexus study and  establishing the amount of fees relative to the Laguna Ridge Supplemental 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  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page 50 of20    Note: Due to a medical emergency of a member of the audience in attendance at the Mayor Detrick noted that, due to a medical emergency, one of the active participants in the discussion of the Laguna Ridge Supplemental Park Fee Program would not be available to speak tonight. After conferring with other parties in attendance to hear consideration of the item, it was agreed by all parties in attendance that they were willing to continue the public hearing to the regular meeting of April 13, 2011.  regular meeting, the item was briefly delayed for consideration.  Mayor Detrick declared the public hearing open.  PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Motion: M/S Hume/Scherman to continue the public hearing to the regular City Council meeting of April 13, 2011. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes:  5; Noes: 0. Agenda Item No. 9.2:  A public hearing to consider the Fiscal Year 2011-2012  Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan Public Review Draft and the  2011-2012 City of Elk Grove Community Service Grants Requests  RECOMMENDATION  Staff recommends the City Council: 1) provide preliminary approval for the allocation of Fiscal Year 2011-12 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and authorize the attached 2011-12 Action Plan to be released for public review; and 2) consider the With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Sarah Bontrager, Grants Specialist, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the City had received funds through the program on an annual basis since 2003. For the current year the City expected to receive $500,000 in CDBG funds. Limitations on the expenditure of CDBG funds for eligible activities include that only 15% could be used for public services, and 20% for planning and administration. The estimated amount of CDBG funds represented a 10% reduction from last year, but approximately $150,000 was available from previous years to reprogram. The City Community Services Grant application process, for locally funded grants to local and regional nonprofits to carry out activities that benefit the community, had run concurrent with the CDBG application process. She noted 14 CDBG applications and 18 Community Services Grant applications were received, and staff recommendations took into account the rule against using CDBG funds to supplant local government funding. Ms. Bontrager reviewed the staff recommendations for public Inr response to Council Member Davis, Ms. Bontrager noted that HUD preferred the maximum funds for administration be initially allocated, and if savings were realized to then reallocate those funds for programming. In relation to the WALKSacramento  2011-12 City of Elk Grove Community Service Grants requests.  services and public facility recommendations.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page6of20    request, the request would have to come from planning and administration funds as the proposed work was for a study / planning activity, rather than providing a public service  orf facility.  Mayor Detrick declared the public hearing open.  PUBLIC COMMENT:  Pamela Bradley supported programming for the Elk Grove Food Bank Services and to Mary Ann Chappelle requested additional funding for Support Works, a social service organization for low and moderate income residents providing job readiness training through skills assessment, personality testing, resume writing, and mock interviews, as well as addressing underlying issues of stress, depression, grief and anger that can accompany unemployment. She noted the staff recommendation reduced funding by 60%, and though partnering with PATH and Sacramento Self Help Housing (SSHH) to capitalize resources, and securing grant funding for a caseworker, the need for services Debbie Schoeneshoerer shared a story about a homeless family she had been aiding, expressing how it felt to be homeless. She noted the efforts of PATH and SSHH assisted in moving that client and her family into a home. Ms. Schoeneshoefer requested full funding be considered to PATH under the joint Support Works Mike Retzlaff, member of the Elk Grove Food Bank Services Board of Directors, believed full support of the services programs through the Food Bank, SSHH, PATH, and Support Works was important for overall program success to address the need of the growing Elk Grove homeless population. In regards to the Food Bank, Mr. Retzlaff noted their food outgo had increased, and continued funding supplemented direct delivery for those who could not reach services at the Food Bank facility. Renee West, a part time caseworker assisting clients at the Food Bank, shared her experiences of assisting clients in need. She noted the benefit of continued funding to Jan Rau, Vice President of the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center, requested rental assistance for the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center located in Old Town as the nonprofit organization was experiencing a decline in membership. She expressed that the center was a cultural asset for all ages, provided inspiration and enjoyment, a venue to display art, workshops, and raised awareness of the fine art expertise and talent of Elk Grove. Dee Tschida spoke in support of Elk Grove Artists, Inc. request to conduct its seventh high school art contest, the exhibit of which was held in conjunction with the Wester Festival. The program includes teaching students to frame their art pieces, and she noted several teachers have included participation in the program as part of the teaching curriculum. Ms. Tschida noted program costs were reduced through a  People Assisting the Homeless (PATH).  provided by Support Works had increased in the current economy.  application.  maintain consolidated resource offerings of various agencies.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page7of20    partnership with Choice Framing, and the group sought alternate grant funding Kathryn Nobriga shared her experiences utilizing services from the Support Works program, and expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the program. Kathy La Point-Collup, pastor of the Elk Grove Methodist Church, encouraged support of services and programs offered through the Food Bank. She believed the programs provided by the Food Bank did not just meet immediate needs, but offered effective strategies to address causes of homelessness in assisting clients. Pastor La Point- Collup invited the community to attend the Saturday morning breakfast offered by the Council Member Davis commended efforts pursued amongst regional congregations to assist families in need. He presented a charge to the faith based communities of Elk Grove to seek means to work collaboratively and coordinate use of resources to increase the effectiveness of such outreach and support to those in need in the Barbara Lehman, executive director of the Sacramento Regional Human Rights / Fair Housing Commission, voiced support of the staff recommendation. She submitted a data sheet (filed) on Elk Grove clients served in 2010, noting 49 homeowners were assisted in avoiding foreclosure on their homes, and 40 assisted in avoiding eviction. She noted that due to restrictions on federal funding, such assistance programs were limited in the ability to provide call-back services to repeat callers. The funding provided by the City enabled the counseling services function to fund making those follow-up Ken Beunett, with Sacramento Self Help Housing (SSHH), noted housing counseling services requests from Elk Grove residents had increased over the years, with over 60 clients assisted since last September. Mr. Beunett noted methods in which services were provided to clients, and noted that office operations provided in Elk Grove had Freda Walker, a Housing Counselor with SSHH, shared her experiences in helping clients find housing and employment. Ms. Walker noted that her clients who faced foreclosure or homelessness all expressed a desire to find the means to remain in Elk Russ Croco, Executive Director of Teen Center USA, noted that over the past five years the Teen Center had seen a shift in its population served, as now 75% of the youth were from low income families. He observed that the Teen Center was the only teen service provider in the community providing all services and programs for free to the teens in the community. Mr. Croco reviewed current programs offered highlighting the John Foley, Director of SSHH, noted the strong working relationship established with PATH. He recognized that with a growing population, often the need for homelessness and similar support services increase, coupled with deteriorating economic conditions  opportunities as well.  Elk Grove Methodist Church.  community.  calls and improve reaching the program goals of clients served.  been moved to the Food Bank.  Grove.  Breakfast Club and Teen Idol competition.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page 8of20    for several households. He proposed Elk Grove establish a transitional house to provide a critical component on the path to rehabilitating clients to get them off the Ronald Montez, representing the California Gang Violence Prevention Service agency, supported the staff recommendation for the Community Service Grant allocation.  streets and directed toward permanent housing.  Bill Perkins spoke in support of funding for the Teen Center.  Pat Beal spoke in support of funding for the Senior Center. Ms. Beal noted that beyond the direct service programs, such as congregate meals and dial-a-ride transport services, the Senior Center fostered an inviting atmosphere for local seniors, and often staff at the Senior Center took on a role as a referral service to link clients to other  resources in the community to meet their needs. Mayor Detrick declared the public hearing closed.  Council Member Hume requested that the sound wall improvement project, which often had been suggested in previous years for CDBG funding, be considered and allocated under as a line item in the City Budget, separately from CDBG, to which Council Inr reply to Vice Mayor Cooper, Assistant City Manager Rebecca Craig noted that audits were conducted for any programmed funds over a specific threshold, and for those under the threshold a requirement was submittal of financial statements as part of the application review process. Audits required for programmed funds over the threshold Inr reply to Council Member Scherman, Ms. Schoeneshoefer responded that PATH and SSHH provided services to a similar group of clients, but were providing services for different needs. In particular, PATH services often served those who were currently homeless, whereas SSHH assisted those facing hardships that could lead to homelessness. She noted that their collaboration to date, including coordination with the Food Bank, was integrating program offerings at different levels, addressing the varied City Manager Gill noted the means to allocate funding different from the staff recommendation was to either shift line item funding amounts for the CDBG and Community Services Grant programs, or identify alternate, additional funds from the City budget to fund additional programs. She stated that though human services related programs were generally County responsibiities, it would be unlikely that the County would have funding to support programs the City declined through the CDBG and Community grant programs. In reply to Mayor Detrick, Ms. Gill noted the City had provided training to local non-profits in accessing eCivis, the City's grant management software, but to date only the City Police Department had utilized the resources of the  Member Scherman agreed.  would be provided by the applicant through an independent audit.  needs of the clients served.  program.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2 2011 Page 9of20    Council Member Scherman requested $30,000 in additional funding be provided through the budget to fully fund the CDBG request of the Support Works and PATH Council Member Davis believed $14,000 of public service CDBG funding should be shifted to PATH from SSHH, as he believed SSHH would have greater access to alternate, regional funding sources to supplement program funding. Mr. Davis believed the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center should be funded through the Community Services Grant program, suggesting $5,000 be shifted from each of the Teen Center and Project RIDE programs to provide $10,000 in funding for the Elk Grove Fine Art Center. Council Member Hume expressed reticence to allocate additional budget funds beyond the amounts identified in the staff recommendation. He believed all programs had merit creating a difficulty in prioritizing one program over another, and supported allocated Motion: M/S Cooper/Hume to provide preliminary approval for the allocation of Fiscal Year 2011-12 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and authorize the staff recommended 2011-12 Action Plan to be released for public review. The motion Motion: M/S Cooper/Hume to provide preliminary approval as recommended by staff for the 2011-12 City of Elk Grove Community Service Grants requests. The motion  programs.  funding as presented by staff.  passed by the following vote: Ayes: 4; Noes: 1 (Davis).  passed by the following vote: Ayes: 4; Noes: 1 (Davis). REGULAR AGENDA ACTION TEMS/RECOMMENDATIONS  Agenda Item No. 10.1: Provide direction regarding continuation of a pilot program offering limited regional service to Sacramento for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  certified e-van passengers RECOMMENDATION: certified e-van passengers.  Provide direction on continuation of limited regional service to Sacramento for ADA With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Tiffani Fink, Transit System Manager, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. In October 2010 council directed staff to implement a pilot program to offer deviated fixed route service to targeted regional employment centers to ADA certified passengers, as general e-van regional service was removed. Two service routes, the red and blue line, were developed based on ridership data to regional employment centers. After a preliminary run of the program for four months, each line had one passenger ride in the morning, and one passenger ride in the evening. In conducting outreach as to why the routes were underutilized, feedback received was that transfers to other regional services were now being utilized, and that deviated route service was not as consistent as fixed route service, making scheduling difficult. Ms. Fink stated the Disability Advisory Committee noted, if the pilot program did continue, that consideration be given to collapse the two  routes into one.  Elk Grove City Councii Regular Meeting. March 23. 2011 Page 10of20    PUBLIC COMMENT:  Ted Clark noted there was not general awareness of the pilot program routes, and riders were unlikely to use such an unknown service. He believed several of the stops on the routes were not needed, and the program should target stops at transfer points or areas central to employment centers. He suggested improving advertising of the route path, using larger buses to encourage additional passengers, consider earlier Karen Grussenmeyer observed that the routes were underutilized as the routes did not pass enough fixed route service stops to make use of transfers, and transfers to other systems required purchasing passes for two systems. She noted the only instances in which there were additional riders was for use as back-up for missed e-van trips. Ms. Grussenmeyer believed collapsing the two routes into one would be most efficient. Ms. Fink noted that as these routes were considered a compliment to fixed route service outside of the City, changes to the service required negotiation with regional agencies to identify and pay for alternate stop locations for the system. She noted data collected to date was used to determine initial stops for the routes, sO stops at locations where there were no riders was likely due to altered patterns or use, or were due to the restricted The City Council provided direction to combine the two routes into one, to conduct increased advertising and outreach of the route, to note the program was for ADA passengers but could accommodate additional, non-ADA certified passengers, to continue the pilot program for two months, and return with a budget projection in June NOTE: Council recessed at 9:08 p.m. The regular City Council meeting reconvened at Agenda Item No. 10.2: Civic Center Update and Selection of Preferred Site Plan  route times, and offering more attractive downtown stops.  timeframes the routes operated.  for operation of the route and a report on its use. 9:15p.m. with all Council Members present.  Design Concept RECOMMENDATION:  Consider the information in this report and the report from Zaha-Hadid Architects and, if 1) Approve a preferred site plan design for the Civic Center based on the alternatives 2) Give direction to staff and Zaha-Hadid Architects for the creation of a different preferred site plan design of the Civic Center (to be approved at a subsequent City 3) Provide direction and request that additional options for the design of the Civic Center site plan be returned to the Council for further review and discussion at a Staff also recommends that the City Council confirm the program" of public and private facilities to be included in the Civic Center and direct staff and the City's consultants to  appropriate, take the following actions: presented at tonight's meeting; or  Council meeting); or subsequent meeting.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page 11 of20    begin preparing the Public Financing Plan for the Center. A draft of the Public Financing Plan will be returned to the City Council for review and approval at a future public Taro Echiburu, Planning Director, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. He noted the Civic Center Project was currently in the phase two of five phases, and the current phase included examination of Overall site design and how program elements generated from the financial analysis study would be distributed throughout the Civic Center property. Mr. Echiburu introduced Bozana Komljenovic, Associate Architect of Zaha Hadid Architects, to review the site design process and With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Ms. Komljenovic provided an overview of the public outreach conducted to develop the design scheme options for the Civic Center Project. She noted that at the start of the outreach process three primary scenarios were proposed of conçentrated density (presenting two options of concentrated density), dispersed density, and density spread across the site. Two options were selected to move forward for review of the concentrated density scenario, and a spread-out density scenario. Those two scenarios were analyzed and the The concentrated density scenario focused building design on the northern parcel, keeping the south parcel free to dedicate fully to recreational purposes, and addressing parking through a parking plinth that would traverse Civic Center Drive connecting the northern and southern parcels. A main plaza canopy was identified as the influential iconic design for the overall project on the northern parcel, and design of the elements focused on the interaction of shapes and uses amongst one another. The center main plaza would be the heart of the Civic Center, with building frontages and entrances facing the central plaza. Pedestrian traffic flow would be influenced to radiate from the central plaza, creating a dispersed pattern of pedestrian usage at the site. She demonstrated renderings of a projected skyline, noting project height was focused at the center of the plaza, and edges of the project would blend to match lower height uses Ms. Komljenovic reviewed placement of program elements under the concentrated density scenario, designed to create a dynamic public realm fostering interaction of elements and people, emphasizing the central design and mix of elements targeted keeping the site lively under a 24-hour service concept. The placement of program elements was based on creating interplay between uses of facilities, fostering unique gathering spaces between such use combinations, using proximity of like facilities to minimize costs for maintenance and maximize use of resources, and providing flexibility for spaces to be utilized for different activities. The design approach also considered that the facilities of each program element would offer uses under three considerations: a public use of open access, a quasi-public use of commercial or meeting / display space, and a private use for work environments. These variations in use of facilities provided another dimension of program element interplay in creating unique public  meeting.  current design alternatives.  resulting designs were presented for consideration tonight.  surrounding the site.  realm spaces.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2 2011 Page 12of20    The design considered access to the site and orientation to streets, with the ground floor level providing three access points servicing those public, quasi-public, and private uses of the Civic Center site. She described the parking plinth, noting its design was to maximize parking without consuming excessive land by incorporating subterranean levels, and creating a connection between the northern and southern parcels, implementing a mild slope plank to connect the two sites offering possibilities of additional element interplay over Civic Center Drive. In terms of project phasing, it was recommended that the cultural and civic activities be developed first, in conjunction with providing the parking structure. The second phase would be ideal for developing sports activities, though those could be developed separately at any stage. Phase three was identified for elements related to public use such as the performance and community centers, and the final phase would be development of the commercial element to Ms. Komijenovic reviewed the spread-out density scenario which occupied more of the northern and southern parcels, providing for four primary volumes running north-south over the length of both parcels, and implemented more landscape aspects with greater dispersion of public spaces and program elements. The main canopy was not centralized as before, but rather styled over the length of the central structure crossing Civic Center Drive. The design of the elements continued to focus on similar tenets of interplay, offering more opportunity for additional commercial areas between public and quasi-public elements on the lower floors. With the design volumes much larger and spread out, the design created greater scale, free flowing outdoor spaces. The suggested phasing for the spread-out density scenario was to build out the middle volume first which would contain the majority of civic activities. Phase two would implement the sports facilities, followed by development of commercial, retail, and the In reply to Council Member Scherman, Mr. Echiburu noted that for the current design phase particular buildings, such as a Veteran's Hall or government buildings, were not specifically identified, but rather were conceived to be contained within the greater elements envisioned through the designs. Such buildings could be part of any of the elements of the current designs, but such detail would not be identified until the next phase of financial analysis provided detail of the facilities that would comprise individual  provide time to develop the hotel/retail relationship.  performance center.  elements. PUBLIC COMMENT:  Jeremiah Schaffer believed the designs were limited in foresight, stating ultra-high density buildings should be planned to develop an urban core for the City. He felt a greater context could be used to envision planning for the next few decades, considering a larger scale of needs for light rail, traffic flow, and parking. Mr. Schaffer felt the Civic Center site should be utilized to offer amenities, creating accommodations for larger scale projects to locate in proximity of the Civic Center, such as a stadium or Sharon Lynes felt the designs presented in the staff report were illegible, and believed the graphic reports and presentation, without design detail, were too futuristic in appearance and too difficult to envision practical application and use. She raised  large scale commercial enterprise.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page 13of20    concerns of how such a project would be financed, and what process was involved in authorizing final approval. Ms. Lynes believed local, California architects should have been hired for the project, and expressed her opinion that the current designs were Council Member Davis agreed the Civic Center required a high density to serve as the City's downtown, and as an economic driver, needed to incorporate future light rail and adjacent commercially zoned lands. He voiced preference for the concentrated density scenario to maximize park space to accommodate competitive sports facilities. He believed such sports facilities should be prioritized to phase one implementation. He noted currently the design work was more abstract, but as the process becomes more concrete, to generate details oft the design of the project that best exemplifies the City. Motion: M/S Hume/Scherman to waive rule of procedure not to consider new business after 10:00 p.m. and to proceed with the remainder of the agenda. The Council Member Scherman preferred the concentrated density scenario, and believed the performance center and sports facilities should be prioritized in the phasing. Ms. Scherman believed phasing should be identified for government buildings and the Vice Mayor Cooper believed the concentrated density scenario, combined with implementation of competition-style sports facilities, would make the Civic Center a destination amenity. He believed financing would be achieved through public-private partnerships. Mr. Cooper appreciated the different approach of the design for the Civic Center, noting as the site goes into the more specific design phase to not mimic styles inother areas of the City, such as the heritage feel of Old Town, but rather that the Civic Council Member Hume agreed with the density of building use to the north to maximize building and park uses of the parcels, and to centralize connection with vehicular and light rail / transit access points. He voiced preference for the preliminary massing depictions of scenario two from the original public outreach drawings, which offered a professional stadium component and representations of the shapes of buildings and features. He appreciated the current rendition bringing an organic element to the design, but felt the designs were too futuristic and produced a stark contrast with surrounding uses; the designs did not "fit," and correspondingly were not representative of Elk Grove. He believed from the standpoint of construction and use, large atriums and aesthetic elements of sloping canopies would not be cost effective. As design elements come to the forefront, Mr. Hume advocated for use of classical architecture, such as that seen in Washington D.C. or downtown Sacramento, and to be mindful of Mayor Detrick agreed that overall design should remain simple but elegant. He agreed with Council Member Hume that the designs were aesthetically pleasing, but from a construction standpoint would be overly expensive to build. He agreed with Council comments to follow the concentrated design, to implement earlier phasing of the sports  incomprehensible, and were not representative of the City.  motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  Veteran's Hall as distinct program elements.  Center maintain a distinction of its own.  construction and implementation costs on the final products.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23, 2011 Page 14of20    complex component, and to utilize public-private partnerships in financing and Mr. Echiburu confirmed that in selecting the conçentrated density scenario tonight, the Civic Center project would begin the third phase of design through the public financing plan. As the financing plan moves forward then the actual building design phase will commence which will initiate a new process of public input and Council direction. Agenda Item No. 10.3: Consider resolution approving a funding commitment up to the amount of nine million seven hundred thousand dollars ($9,700,000) for the Laguna Ridge Apartments affordable housing development by Ridge Elk Grove, LP  developing elements of the project.  RECOMMENDATION:  Adopt resolution approving a funding commitment up to the amount of nine million seven hundred thousand dollars ($9,700,000) from the City's Affordable Housing Fund ("AHF") and Very Low Income Housing Trust Fund ("VLIHTF") and authorizing the City Manager to execute the implementing loan documents for the Laguna Ridge  Apartments affordable housing development by Ridge Elk Grove, LP.  Council waived the verbal presentation.  PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Motion: M/S Hume/Scherman to adopt Resolution No. 2011-53 approving a funding commitment up to the amount of nine million seven hundred thousand dollars ($9,700,000) from the City's Affordable Housing Fund ("AHF") and Very Low Income Housing Trust Fund ("VLIHTF") and authorizing the City Manager to execute the implementing loan documents for the Laguna Ridge Apartments affordable housing development by Ridge Elk Grove, LP. The motion passed by the following vote: Agenda Item No. 10.4: Receive report on status of Rail Service to Elk Grove and the  Ayes: 5; Noes:0 0.  Multi-Modal Station Master Plan RECOMMENDATION: Station Master Plan.  Receive the report on the status of Rail Service to Elk Grove and the Multi-Modal With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Tiffani Fink, Transit System Manager, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. Ms. Fink noted the City had commenced exploration of a multi-modal station in 2005 after receipt of a Caltrans grant, with a focus on provision of commuter rail. In 2007 the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) provided a feasibility study of commuter rail systems to the Sacramento region. In 2008 California voters passed the High Speed Rail Initiative which began exploration of a preferred high speed rail corridor. In 2009, the SJRRC and the High Speed Rail Authority partnered for joint development of a corridor, and in 2010 the City entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the SJRRC and other agencies for the planning of that corridor. Ms. Fink provided an overview of the High  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page 15 of20    Speed Rail Project, noting its current planning phase was evaluating alignment alternatives with a current preferred alignment primarily along the Union Pacific line near Highway 99, consideration of the Central California Traction Company railroad line east of Highway 99, and some consideration of the Union Pacific line near the Interstate 5c corridor. High Speed Rail Station locations were proposed in Merced, Modesto, Stockton, and Sacramento, and the line would incorporate multi-modal regional station locations along its route, which would include Elk Grove. The alternatives analysis process sought to maximize ridership and connectivity at lowest cost, along with being consistent with existing regional transit master plans. The City's partnership with SJRRC provided an opportunity to plan in conjunction with such analysis. The City had continued planning for the Elk Grove rail station when the High Speed Rail Project commenced, and in 2010 the City Council adopted the Multi-Modal Station Master Plan. Ms. Fink summarized public comment on the Master Plan and current plan amenities including an 800-foot long passenger platform, system for storm water detention, minimum parking of 100 spaces, landscaping, and vehicular and pedestrian access and crossings. Currently the High Speed Rail alternative analysis continues, and staff would continue to monitor the corridor selection process and potential impacts on site  selection on the future Elk Grove Multi-Modal station.  PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Council Member Hume did not believe Elk Grove would be considered for a high speed rail stop and believed the City should prioritize locating commuter rail along the Highway 99 corridor, moving High Speed Rail away from the central part of town to an alternative Ms. Fink noted the preliminary plans identify a joint corridor, collocating commuter rail and high speed rail, and exploring the relationship of passenger rail with freight service. Since the site selection analysis continued, staff recommended monitoring the process tov wait and see which alignment develops before the City moves further with site development of the Multi-Modal Station to ensure that such a future station was in the best location to interface with the regional service that was implemented. Council Member Davis believed active planning and advocacy were needed to bring commuter rail to the City, and voiced concern that placing the Multi-Modal Station plan on hold to await a preferred alignment for regional needs could diminish the City's priorities. He noted conversations he had with current rail operators who were willing to bring routes to Elk Grove with the proper investment. Mr Davis believed the current designated site for the Multi-Modal Station was suitable, but that the preferred location for a rail stop in Elk Grove would be in Old Town, which would require further planning  track, such as along the Interstate 5 corridor.  and investment.  The City Council received and filed the report.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page 16of20    Agenda Item No. 10.5: Consider Business Compliance Program payment options for  Certificate of Occupancy RECOMMENDATION:  Consider various payment options for the Certificate of Occupancy to promote the Business Compliance Program, and direct staff to implement the chosen option. With the aid of an overhead presentation (filed), Angela Frost, Management Analyst, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. The item presented payment options for addressing the cost for permit fees for non-compliant businesses to be issued a Certificate of Occupancy. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, in the amount of $50,000, was authorized for the Business Compliance Program. The cost for a Certificate of Occupancy was $261, which included the application, the plan review of the site and floor plan, building inspection and processing of the certificate of authenticity. An Educational Work Experience Program was offered through Cosumnes River College to provide applicants an option to have a student in the Architectural Design Technology Department draft site and floor plans for use in the application. Ms. Frost noted approximately 130 non-compliant businesses were located in Old Town, and reviewed the payment options as follows: A) use the CDBG funding to pay the entire fee with no matching requirement, B) reduce the Certificate of Occupancy fee to a set amount, such as $50, and pay the difference with CDBG funds, C) authorize payment plans to pay the fee in installments over the course of one year, or D) maintain  the current fee at $261. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Inr reply to Council Member Hume, Assistant City Manager Rebecca Craig noted the program was initiated as concerns had been expressed by the Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Marshal to the City Chief Building Official of non-compliant businesses. Old Town was selected as a first policy area to address such non- compliance as it had an organized group of property owners to facilitate outreach, and Old Town was identified as an eligible area to receive CDBG funding. In addition, the timing and circumstances of what records were transferred by Sacramento County to the City had the greatest impact to the established businesses of Old Town, whereas the majority of properties developed since incorporation created and filed requisite Council Member Hume disagreed with the requirement to force re-application for such permits for established businesses legally approved by the County, believing the process was burdensome and unnecessary. He felt that if fire inspectors had issues with businesses, they had the independent means to enforce what was not up to code, and did not need to create a requirement for the City to have business owners pay fees and proceed through an entire application, inspection, and permitting process. Chief Building Official Rick Renfro noted the permits were requirements under the state building and fire codes. The focus of the program was to assist businesses in being  records with the City.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23,2011 Page 17of20    compliant with state law and to establish the necessary records as an operational Council Member Scherman believed any current businesses that were under the auspices of the County would have been required to have compliant permits. The matter involved misplaced records during the transition from the County to the City. She believed placing such costs on Old Town business owners would be burdensome. Motion: M/S Scherman/Davis to implement Option A to allocate Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG) to pay the cost of the Certificate of Occupancy, with no minimum or matching requirement. The motion passed by the  baseline for the City to ease compliance checks for future uses.  following vote: Ayes: 4; Noes: 1 (Hume). Agenda Item No. 10.6: Sober Grad Night Sponsorship  RECOMMENDATION:  Provide direction regarding sponsoring sober grad night activities for seven local high schools that would each receive $500 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $3,500. Laura Gill, City Manager, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation.  PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Motion: M/S Scherman/Davis to confirm City sponsorship of sober grad night activities for seven local high schools that would each receive $500 for a total not-to- exceed amount of $3,500. The motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5;  Noes: 0.  Agenda Item No. 10.7: Receive update on Redistricting Services  RECOMMENDATION:  Receive an update on the responses to the Request for Proposals for Redistricting Staff recommends proceeding with contract negotiations with National Demographics Corporation (NDC) under the approval authority of the City Manager, and not activating an optional task order of providing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) public district Jason Lindgren, City Clerk, provided an overview of the staff report and recommendation. Mr. Lindgren noted two responses to the Request for Proposals (RFP) were received, and staff recommended the firm National Demographics Corporation. He noted that in regards to the RFP option to provide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools, both proposals offered a similar model that effectively doubled the price. The staff recommendation was to not offer online accessible GIS tools for public submittal, as both vendors could provide data in formats to work with  Services and provide direction as deemed appropriate.  drawing tools at the scale proposed in the responsive proposals.  citizens without the need to offer such elaborate, online systems.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting. March 23,2011 Page 18of20    PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Motion: M/S Hume/Scherman to proceed with contract negotiations with National Demographics Corporation (NDC) under the approval authority of the City Manager, and not activating an optional task order of providing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) public district drawing tools at the scale proposed in the responsive proposals. Council Member Davis stated that the firm National Demographics Corporation (NDC) was denied by the State Redistricting Commission as they would not disclose their financial partners or their conflicts of interest, and he believed NDC had partisan affiliations. Mr. Davis favored the firm Redistricting Partners as they were from the Sacramento area (as opposed to NDC being a Los Angeles area firm), and Redistricting Council Member Scherman noted a disclosure statement made in the Redistricting Partners proposal noted Meridian Pacific representatives had run her 2008 political City Attorney Susan Cochran noted no conflict would exist if no current business relationship existed, and if it had been more than 12 months since last contact with the firm, to which Ms. Scherman confirmed she had not held a business relationship with Substitute Motion: M/S Davis/Scherman to proceed with contract negotiations with Redistricting Partners under the approval authority of the City Manager, and not activating an optional task order of providing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) public district drawing tools at the scale proposed in the responsive proposals. The  Partners had a reputation as a bipartisan consultant.  campaign.  Meridian Pacific representatives in over a year.  motion passed by the following vote: Ayes: 5; Noes: 0.  Agenda Item No. 10.8: Appointment of one member to the Youth Commission  RECOMMENDATION: Youth Commission. recommendation. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.  Receive information from Council Member Scherman regarding her appointment to the Jason Lindgren, City Clerk, provided an overview of the staff report and  Council Member Scherman announced her appointment of Sadie Davenport to the  Youth Commission.  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting, March 23, 2011 Page 190 of20    ADJOURNMENT  With no additional business to conduct, the March 23, 2011 regular City Council  meeting was adjourned at 11:03 p.m.  h  JASONL LINDGREN,ÇHY CLERK  ATTEST: Hi  M.  A  STEVEN M. DETRICK, MAYOR  Elk Grove City Council Regular Meeting. March 23,2011 Page 20 of20