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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4.1 Approve Min 02-05-2013 & 02-19-2013 STAFF REPORT CITY CLERK File # 610-10 CITY COUNCIL DATE:March 5, 2013 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Joni Pattillo, City Manager SUBJECT: Minutes of the Special City Council Meetings of February 5, 2013, and February 19, 2013 Prepared by Caroline P. Soto, City Clerk EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will consider the approval of the minutes of the Special City Council meetings of February 5, 2013, and February 19, 2013. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the minutes of the Special City Council meetings of February 5, 2013, and February 19, 2013. Submitted By Reviewed By City Clerk Assistant City Manager DESCRIPTION: The City Council will consider the approval of the minutes of the Special City Council meetings of February 5, 2013, and February 19, 2013. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: None. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Draft Minutes of the February 5, 2013 Special City Council Meeting 2. Draft Minutes of the February 19, 2013 Special City Council Meeting ITEM NO. 4.1 Page 1 of 1 DRAFT MINUTES OF A JOINT CITY COUNCIL/ PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING – February 5, 2013 A special joint meeting of the Dublin City Council and Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, in the City of Dublin Library, Community Room. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Sbranti. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mayor Sbranti, Councilmembers Biddle, Hart, and Haubert. Planning Commission Chair O’Keefe and Commissioners Bhuthimethee, Do, Goel and Kohli. Staff members: Joni Pattillo, City Manager; Chris Foss, Assistant City Manager; Luke Sims, Community Development Director; Linda Smith, Economic Development Director/Public Information Officer; John Bakker, City Attorney; Jeff Baker, Assistant Community Development Director; Kristi Bascom, Principal Planner; Debra LeClair, Recording Secretary. ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge of allegiance to the flag was recited by the City Council, Planning Commission, Staff and those present. STUDY SESSION Joint City Council/Planning Commission Study Session to review the Kingsmill Group/Eden ( Housing Site Development Review proposalPLPA-2012-00060) Kristi Bascom, Principal Planner, stated that she would give an overview of the Staff Report, then the Applicant and the various team members will give a brief talk regarding the project. The bulk of the meeting will be for the City Council and Planning Commission to ask questions DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 1 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT and provide feedback. Those comments will be taken into consideration and then the project will move forward through the City’s approval process. Mayor Sbranti asked that the attendees hold their questions until the end of the presentation. Ms. Bascom pointed out the location of the two projects on the site plan. She stated that this project is the first residential/commercial project proposed under the Downtown Dublin Specific Plan (DDSP). The DDSP, approved in 2011, contains development standards and design guidelines for new development. She mentioned the new projects underway or constructed since the DDSP was adopted, i.e., REI, Sports Authority, Joanne’s/Sprouts, the Essex project and the Golden Gate Drive streetscape improvements. Ms. Bascom stated that the proposed project is on two sites; the Kingsmill site with 314 market rate apartments, plus 17,000sf of ground-floor commercial space facing Dublin Blvd.; and the Eden Housing site with 72 affordable apartments with preference for military veterans and their families. She added that there is a Development Agreement between the City of Dublin and Kingsmill/Eden Housing for this project which was approved by the City Council in December 2012. Ms. Bascom stated that the Staff Report outlines the project with these four components: 1) Overall site plan and circulation; 2) Building architecture and materials; 3) Landscape design and public spaces; and 4) Compliance with the DDSP. Ms. Bascom highlighted the Kingsmill Site plan, which includes a 5 story parking garage on the east side of the property, commercial spaces located on the first floor on Dublin Blvd., and 4 stories of residential units above the commercial spaces. She stated that there are pedestrian and vehicular access points off each of the streets serving the two sites. Primary access to the residential parking for both sites will be from St Patrick Way. Access to commercial parking will be from Dublin Blvd. and Golden Gate Drive. Ms. Bascom pointed out the materials board for the project, showing colors and different materials. Ms. Bascom described the Eden Housing site plan. She stated that there is a separate, stand- alone, parking garage for the Eden project, which is on St Patrick Way and Golden Gate Drive. This project will also include a plaza located on the corner of St Patrick Way and Golden Gate Drive. She stated that there will be public art in both the Kingsmill Plaza and Eden Plaza with sequential art pieces along Golden Gate Drive. Ms. Bascom stated that the landscape plans for both projects comply with the Streetscape Master Plan and will use the same street trees and plant palette. She added that there is a recreation pool/courtyard on the Kingsmill site and a rooftop courtyard. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 2 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT Keith Fichtner, Applicant and co-owner of the Kingsmill Group, spoke regarding the project. He felt that this project is the heart of the downtown area and stated that they reviewed the DDSP and used it as a resource and guideline throughout the design process. He stated that they talked with staff numerous times to ensure compliance with the DDSP. He stated that he is very proud of the project and one of the reasons is because he is a resident of Dublin. Linda Mandolini, President of Eden Housing, stated that she is very excited to be working with Dublin and the project for veterans. She felt that this is a group that has substantial needs, and that the proposed project allows Eden Housing to do something innovative and different in addressing the unique housing needs for veterans. She further stated how the partnership between the City and Eden has been positive and extremely successful. R. C. Alley, Architects Orange, spoke regarding the project. He described how the site works with the street system, and what was done to address the massing at the location. He stated that there is 17,000 sf of ground-floor retail on Dublin Blvd. that will be highly visible, contribute to the pedestrian experience downtown and work well with the current traffic flow. He added that there will be a large amount of glass to promote interaction between retailers and the street traffic. There are two entrances into the retail area: one along Dublin Blvd. and one on Golden Gate Drive. He pointed out the entrances and the leasing office on the site plan. He stated that they were careful about the appearance and scale of the project along the street and how it works along Golden Gate Drive. He described the “wrapped” garage on St. Patrick Way and how it provides access for residents of the project and allows the garage to be screened to the maximum extent possible. Mr. Alley described the courtyards along St. Patrick Way and stated that the units face the courtyards. He also described the central courtyard with a pool and a club facility. He stated that all the units are located around one large master courtyard to provide a space for functions and activities. Mr. Alley pointed out the pedestrian entrances for both housing developments along Golden Gate Drive. He stated that each courtyard has pedestrian entrances so the residents are encouraged to walk to nearby retail, restaurants and the BART station. He also pointed out the loading and trash areas for the retail area. Kurt Culver, Guzzardo Partnership, Landscape Architect, spoke regarding the landscaping in the corner plaza area. He also stated that there is enough room to provide private significant open space for residents, and different modes of gathering in three distinct courtyards in both developments. He pointed out the main courtyard at the corner of Golden Gate Drive and Dublin Blvd. which is an anchoring element where the art element begins and continues down Golden Gate Drive. Mr. Alley felt that the corner plaza is a gateway to the project, and also to the BART station. He added that they were aware of the scale of the project and talked about the ground-floor retail DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 3 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT on Dublin Blvd. with 15-foot high space which is considered true retail. He stated that they anchored the building with brick accent material, with a combination of brick siding and exterior plaster. He felt the large courtyard helps with the scale of the building and will be an area that will be a very active space. He added that they stepped back the fourth floor to help with the scale of the building. He felt that this project is approximately 1 ½ stories lower than the nearby Essex project. He mentioned that there are private patio entrances from the courtyards to the ground-floor units, as well as metal awnings and balcony rails with enhanced materials. Mr. Alley pointed out the retail area and the parking structure which is tied to the building architecturally with colors and textures. He showed a slide of the area, looking from I-680, showing the project and how it fits into the surrounding area. Questions : Cm. Hart stated that he liked the look of the project and felt it had a “Santana Row” feel. He asked if there was something that could be done to the parking structure so it doesn’t look like a parking structure. Mr. Alley answered that they usually include metal trellises and additional plant material on the side of the garage to hide the parking garage. He agreed to review those and other elements. He felt that there were other things that could be done with the parking structure but they need to maintain adequate ventilation which requires openings on the east side of the garage. He stated that they had worked with staff a lot on the parking structure, but that they were not entirely satisfied with the final design. Ms. Bascom responded that staff had conversations with the project team about what could be done on the side, such as planters with plants either growing up or trailing down, but there were concerns about irrigation. She agreed that there were some additional things that could be done. Cm. Hart understood that there are not a lot of things to be done for a parking structure because it will still be a parking structure but wanted to see if there was something else to do to soften the look. He asked about the parking spaces for the retail and if the loading area can be used for parking spaces when not being used as a loading area. Mr. Alley responded that it is specifically designated as a loading area, not for parking. Cm. Hart asked how many parking stalls are designated for retail and if the customers can park in the parking structure if the designated retail spaces are full. Mr. Alley answered that they can park in the 24 stalls designated in the parking structure for the retail area. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 4 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT Ms. Bascom added that there are 57 spaces required for the retail space and stated that half would be in the surface lot and the other half in the garage. Mr. Alley added that those parking spaces in the garage would be outside the security enclosure. Cm. Hart asked if there were different entrances for residents and guests. Mr. Alley responded that the residents would go past the retail area and through the security gates to their residences. Cm. Hart asked if there was anything to prevent a resident from parking in the retail parking area. Mr. Alley responded that technically there would be nothing to prohibit the residents from parking there, but the owner will likely need to enforce time limitations. Cm. Hart asked for a general idea of the traffic impact of the project on Dublin Blvd. Ms. Bascom responded that a traffic analysis was done with the DDSP and the corresponding EIR which analyzed build-out of all the residential units permitted under the specific plan, and this project falls under that cap, therefore, no additional traffic analysis was needed. Cm. Hart asked what the procedure would be if there were not enough veterans to fill the units in the Eden project. Ms. Mandolini answered that 100% of the project is designated as affordable housing, with a preference for veterans. She added that there is a point scoring system where the applicants with the most preference points rise to top of the list. She stated that after that they would look to the general population list and those applicants would need to be income qualified and meet the requirements. She stated that there is a large demand for both and there is a different category of requirements for special needs units. She stated that they would open the list if there were not enough veterans to fill the units. Cm. Hart asked if there was a gym planned for the special needs residents in the Eden project. Woody Karp, Eden Housing, responded regarding the programming for the affordable housing project – he stated that there is a large community room which can be used by the entire community; there will be a service coordinator’s office and a separate office for a veteran coordinator. He stated that they are in the process of executing an MOU with the Sentinels of Freedom group who work with disabled veterans. They are also working with a fair housing attorney with the goal to have Sentinels of Freedom provide their clientele to the project. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 5 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT Ms. Mandolini added that the architect has indicated there is space for a gym but they would need to determine the location and suitability. She noted that there is plenty of room for a workout facility and felt they could evaluate the suggestion and talk with the program operators. Cm. Hart felt it would be nice for both projects to have a gym. He asked if both sides will be partners or separate. Ms. Mandolini answered that the ownership is currently separate, but, as they have done with Emerald Vista, they provide joint programming that would include the entire neighborhood. She felt that there would be enough space to accommodate the entire community. Cm. Hart asked if the pedestrian entrances off Dublin Blvd. will be secured by a gate so that non-residents would not be free to walk into the courtyard. Mr. Alley answered that every entrance will be gated and secure. Cm. Haubert was concerned about the viability of the retail space. He mentioned the BART station and Tralee where there is retail under residential units and wondered if this project would be successful and asked what would make this project different. He was also concerned about parking in relation to the front door of the stores and asked if the front doors are on Dublin Blvd. or along the courtyard area or both. Mr. Alley answered that they designed the retail to be entered from both front and back of the store. Cm. Haubert asked if all the units will have a front and back door. Mr. Alley answered that each single commercial unit will have a front and back door. He added that, during the tenant improvement phase, restaurants may place their kitchen in the back of the unit and that is why they made sure there well designed pedestrian access so that customers can park in the parking area and walk around to the Dublin Blvd. entrances. He stated that retail is situated in a manner similar to the Waterford development with parking in close proximity to the store fronts, except that this project has the benefits of some rear entrances adjacent to the parking. He added that they have programed the space to be a successful retail space. Cm. Haubert stated that Waterford has a lot of other retail and is anchored by Safeway and felt it is completely different than the proposed project. He shared his concern that this project reminded him of the vacant retail space at the Eastern Dublin BART Station. He asked Mr. Alley to explain the difference between the two projects and their potential for success. Mr. Fichtner felt that this project will be a true downtown that will allow residents to walk to nearby restaurants and retail and felt that was the difference because that is not possible at the DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 6 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT BART station. He stated that a market study showed that 17,000 sf is viable and that they spoke with several retailers who felt the same. He stated that he did not want to have a retail area that was an afterthought but wanted it to be full of life as a downtown area should be. He stated that they tested the market and 3 national banks and a coffee shop have already sent letters of intent to them so they feel confident that they will fill the space. Linda Smith, Economic Development Director/Public Information Officer, addressed Cm. Haubert’s question regarding the BART station. She stated that the difference between the projects is the retail spaces at Avalon have no meaningful traffic exposure, but the proposed project gets 30,000 cars per day driving by the storefronts. She stated that, even though there is no capacity for angled parking in front, the surface parking is arranged to make the project viable. Cm. Haubert stated that, when he thought of special needs and veterans, he thought of the Wounded Warriors group and felt they could connect with that organization. He asked Ms. Mandolini to state the mix of affordable levels; i.e., very-low, low and moderate and what percentage of the units will be assigned to which level. Mr. Karp responded all of the units are designated for families at 50% or below of the area median income level which is considered very low and that there is a mix of units at the 20%, 30% and 40% levels. Ms. Mandolini stated that the preference is for veterans and their families; veterans are not just single men any longer; a lot of single women with children are in need and felt this project can serve a broader array of veterans. Vm. Biddle asked if the units are apartments or condos. He asked if they had a breakdown of the size of the units and the number of studios, 1-bedrooms, etc. Mr. Alley responded that, in the Kingsmill building, market rate units are divided into 20 studios, 172 1-bedrooms, and 122 2-bedrooms for 314 units. He stated that the unit sizes range from a studio at 600sf up to 1,000sf for a 2 bedroom unit. Vm. Biddle asked if there will be larger units for veterans with families. Mr. Karp responded that, after conversations with Sentinels of Freedom, the original number of 2 bedroom units was increased to meet the needs of the veterans and their families. Vm. Biddle asked if they would submit a condo map with their application. Mr. Alley answered no. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 7 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT Vm. Biddle asked if Mr. Alley felt that the residents would primarily use the St. Patrick Way entrance, even though there are three options. Mr. Alley felt they would primarily use the St. Patrick Way entrance. Vm. Biddle asked if he was concerned with possible BART parking at their project and if he had a plan to deal with that issue. Mr. Alley responded that the parking structure will be gated, and the residents must enter with a key fob to enter. He stated that the only unsecured parking area will be the retail parking area with some type of constraint, as well as policing the parking area. Vm. Biddle asked if the proposed project would include improvements to St. Patrick Way. Mr. Alley responded that they will be improving the rights of way on the project but deferred the question to the Civil Engineer. Ryan Hansen, CBG Engineering, answered that there will be some sidewalk improvements on both sides and there will likely be a median installed, subject to further discussions with the City engineers. Vm. Biddle asked if they have a project schedule to start construction. Mr. Alley answered they would like to start as soon as possible. Ms. Mandolini responded that the Eden Housing project would have to apply for low-income tax credits that are awarded by the State of California and once they are awarded they have a certain number of days to begin construction. She stated that they anticipate beginning their construction in spring 2014. Mr. Alley responded that the two projects will have slightly different timelines. Cmr. Kohli asked what type of reaction they have gotten from nearby retailers regarding the impact of the proposed project on them and what type of outreach has he done. Mr. Fichtner answered that he spoke with some of the retailers at Tralee and along Dublin Blvd. and most were interested in the construction timing and what the project would look like. He stated that the feedback was mostly positive, as long as the project would not be in direct competition. He responded to them that there were no end-users as yet so he couldn’t answer their concern. Cmr. Kohli asked if they were concerned with residents and/or guests parking in the nearby businesses and causing a parking issue. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 8 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT Mr. Fichtner responded that they will need to review parking, speak with staff and discuss the parking and how it will work. Cmr. Goel was concerned about a possible traffic issue at the right turn lane and asked what the approximate distance is from Golden Gate Drive to the entrance. Mr. Hansen responded that the entrance to the retail parking lot is 60-75 feet away from the intersection. Cmr. Goel asked if they had reviewed any impact from the blind view or the surge as a result of the signal configuration. Mr. Hansen responded that Ms. Bascom had indicated the traffic study did not provide the timing for the turning movements at the intersection. Ms. Bascom stated that the City is under construction with improvements on Golden Gate Drive which was contemplated with or without this project. The City engineering staff reviewed the circulation around the site to ensure its safety. Cmr. Goel was concerned with fast moving vehicles going east-bound on Dublin Blvd. and another vehicle trying to make a left turn into the project on a yellow light. He wanted to make sure they were not creating an unsafe situation. Ms. Bascom responded that the City Engineer carefully reviewed all the access points. She felt that, as the vision for the downtown is realized, it will develop into a more intense downtown, and there will be an expectation of more vehicles on Dublin Blvd. Cmr. Goel was concerned with traffic congestion in the morning commute and asked if the peak commute hours were analyzed in the traffic report. Ms. Bascom answered there was not a site-specific analysis of patterns done but felt that residents will find the easiest way in and out of the project is the parking garage on St Patrick Way. Cmr. Goel asked if there was bike parking and where it is located in the project. Mr. Alley answered yes; on-site bike parking is located in the corners of the garage on each level. Cmr. Goel asked if there was bike parking on the street side of the project. Mr. Alley answered no; not in front of the retail area. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 9 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT Ms. Bascom added that there is a requirement for bicycle parking for commercial uses and agreed to verify that there is bike parking in the commercial area. Cmr. Do was concerned with the safety of the plazas on the corner of Dublin Blvd. and Golden Gate Drive and drivers making the right turn. Mr. Alley pointed out the plaza seating area is set back from the street with a full 8 ft. sidewalk that wraps the corner, as well as low walls and planters. Cmr. Do suggested having a dedicated “right-turn only” and “no right turn on red” sign at that corner. Mr. Alley responded that there is a turn lane being installed on Golden Gate Drive to Dublin Blvd. which will help congestion and the plaza is buffered with landscaping and walls. Cmr. Do was concerned with the safety of traffic going from the BART station, onto Golden Gate Drive and turning right onto Dublin Blvd. Ms. Bascom stated that she will review the configuration of the streetscape improvements being done on Golden Gate Drive. Cmr. Do asked if there will be a dedicated building manager or security manager for the project. Mr. Alley responded that it will depend on the operators of the project. He felt that there will be some staff that lives at the project. Ms. Mandolini responded that California law requires that every property with over 16 units must have at least one live-in manager. Cmr. Bhuthimethee stated that she was excited about the project for the downtown area. She felt that the project is located at a sensitive area and will be a prominent building on Dublin Blvd. She added that this project will create two gateways, one on St Patrick Way and one on Dublin Blvd. She felt that this is the beginning of a new era for Dublin and the downtown that the City has wanted. She was concerned and asked if this project could be changed so that the project “screams Dublin.” She wanted the project to be a point of pride for the residents of Dublin. She stated that she wished that 100 years ago a downtown had been created and asked what residents will feel about this project in another 100 years. She asked if there was a way for the developers to help build a project that would identify Dublin and use historical photos as their guide. Mr. Fichtner offered to review her suggestion with his team and City staff. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 10 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT Mr. Alley stated that the DDSP is a great framework for the downtown and not just this project but the entirety of what’s going on will be great. He stated that he will study her suggestion. Cmr. Bhuthimethee stated that she was aware of his work in Long Beach and asked if he could incorporate some of those designs in this project. Mr. Alley felt that this project is similar to the downtown Long Beach project. He stated that the projects are identical in terms of the retail face and the depth, but the Long Beach project has a more Art Deco design and felt that would not be appropriate along Dublin Blvd. Cmr. Bhuthimethee felt that the sign of a successful downtown would be if someone said “have you seen what Dublin did with their downtown.” She stated that she would love to have the residents feel proud of the building. Mr. Alley agreed. PC Chair O’Keefe asked to see a slide of the project and stated that he liked the interior. He felt that the building did not give him a sense of pride for the downtown. He felt it looks new, better than what is at the site currently, but it doesn’t look upscale, but looks boxy. He stated that he would like to see more articulation, more brick and not just flat across but have some variance as to where the brick is placed along the elevation. He felt the project does not scream character and identity. He felt it looks new and nice, but also bland. Mr. Alley responded that this is clearly a new project with no historical references; it is a more contemporary project in a contemporary neighborhood and was designed as such. He stated that they tried hard to anchor the building with brick and stated that they could study adding more. He stated that they worked hard on the scale of the building because they did not want a building that was a single mass along Dublin Blvd. which would not be the right solution for this location. PC Chair O’Keefe stated that he is not a designer and did not have any suggestions for him but would like to see something with more character. Mr. Alley asked if he meant historical character. PC Chair O’Keefe answered no, but would like to see better materials, and felt the brick is such a small percentage of the look of it. Mr. Fichtner agreed to review his suggestions. PC Chair O’Keefe suggested more detail and more upscale materials in more of the massing. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 11 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT Cmr. Bhuthimethee asked if they could install a plaza on both corners of St Patrick Way and Golden Gate Drive; two plazas “speaking” to each other. She felt it will activate the street more. Mr. Alley felt that it could be confusing because the plaza is the ceremonial entrance to the project and that was why they placed it there. He understood her idea in terms of balance. Cmr. Bhuthimethee felt that Dublin Blvd. has a different feel than what is on St Patrick Way. Mr. Alley agreed to review her suggestion. Mayor Sbranti asked if there is a nearby bus stop. Ms. Bascom answered that there is a bus stop directly in front of the project. Mayor Sbranti was concerned with traffic coming off of I-680 into a pedestrian orientated area and suggested installing some type of pavement treatments at the eastern end of St Patrick Way. He felt it could work as a calming device and slow traffic coming off I-680. Ms. Bascom answered that they did not look at pavement treatment on St Patrick Way, but, as part of the City’s improvements on Golden Gate Drive, they will be installing enhanced crosswalks on St Patrick Way and Golden Gate Drive. She felt that with the addition of the residential projects there will be more pedestrian activity on St Patrick Way. She stated that most of the pedestrian amenities are on Golden Gate Drive, but felt they could review his suggestion. She was concerned that pavement treatments might be mistaken for a crosswalk because there are a lot of driveways in the project and there will be more traffic in the area. Cm. Hart asked what would separate the veterans housing near the courtyard from the parking lot. Ms. Bascom answered there would be a common wall or something that would add privacy and security to the courtyard from the adjacent property. Mayor Sbranti opened up questions to the public. A member of the public asked if there will be any play areas for children. Ms. Bascom answered that there is a tot lot area on the Eden site but no specific play structure and on the Kingsmill site there are open areas for play. Doreen Wehrenberg asked how the delivery trucks would enter and exit the retail area. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 12 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT Mr. Alley answered that there is a reserved area for loading and unloading for the retail area and the exit would be on Dublin Blvd. Ms. Wehrenberg felt that could cause a traffic issue. PC Chair O’Keefe had no further comments. Cmr. Bhuthimethee stated that she is looking forward to reviewing the revisions. Cmr. Do stated that she is looking forward to the project. Cmr. Goel stated that he likes the project and felt it adds value to the area, and that with all the comments from tonight’s meeting it will add more value. Cmr. Kohli stated that he is excited and felt that if the project is done correctly it will enhance the downtown. Cm. Hart felt that the Applicant is aware that this project is the first, visible step into the DDSP area. He felt the project is a very important and critical project and will be the beginning of the new downtown Dublin. He also appreciated that a Dublin resident is spearheading the project. He felt it is a good project for the downtown area and is looking forward to the additional updates derived from the comments from tonight’s meeting. Vm. Biddle felt that this is a good project, and a good addition to downtown, and appreciates the good work. Mayor Sbranti thanked the Kingsmill Group for their presentation. He felt that there is exciting potential for the project, was happy about the level of services being offered to veterans, and appreciated the City’s longstanding partnership with Eden Housing and Kingsmill’s commitment to doing something special. He felt all the comments were excellent and thanked the City Council and Planning Commission for their comments. He felt that moving forward to the final stages there are key thoughts regarding: safety, circulation and traffic patterns; and the mix of businesses. He felt that there is no comparison between the Avalon retail and this project because Avalon is in a stand-alone area with nothing around it and this project is surrounded by vibrancy including Dublin Blvd. Mayor Sbranti went on to say that the drawings don’t do the articulation justice because, when he first looked at the drawings, he shared PC Chair O’Keefe’s concerns about the articulation. He felt the courtyards will help, but anything else that can be done to dress up the articulation on Dublin Blvd. is important. He felt that it is important to make a statement on the corner of Dublin Blvd. and Golden Gate Drive. He had concerns with the massing of the two buildings together and the tunnel effect, but felt the courtyards will help. He felt that there should be additional signals to show that vehicles are entering a pedestrian oriented area and liked the DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 13 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 DRAFT enhanced opportunities for bikes and felt bike racks should be placed in an active visible area, so it is clear that this is a bicycle destination. Ms. Bascom listed the items that were suggested for review: take a closer look at the garage façade; and include historical elements, possibly in public art. She stated that she will speak with the Applicant group regarding the potential modifications to the project and then move forward to the Planning Commission for review. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm. Minutes prepared by Debra LeClair, Secretary. ____________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ City Clerk DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL/PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 14 VOLUME XX SPECIAL MEETING February 5, 2013 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN SPECIAL MEETING – February 19, 2013 A special meeting of the Dublin City Council was held on February 19, 2013, in the City Council Chambers of the Dublin Civic Center. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m., by Mayor Sbranti. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Biddle, Hart, Haubert and Mayor Sbranti ABSENT: None. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The pledge of allegiance to the flag was recited by the City Council, Staff and those present. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS City Council Vacancy 5:32 p.m. 3.1 Greg Tomlinson, Dublin resident, provided public comment on this item. Jing Firmeza, Dublin resident, provided public comment on this item. Janet Lockhart, Dublin resident, provided public comment on this item. Alan Brown, Dublin resident, provided public comment on this item. Dayna Tutino, Heritage and Cultural Arts Commissioner, provided public comment on this item. Joan Ernst provided public comment on this item. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1 VOLUME 32 SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 2013 Per random drawing, the candidates provided comments for three minutes each in the following order: Morgan Dean King Anita B. Carr Elpi Abulencia Abe Gupta Philip Tucker Lisa Trujillo Shawn Costello Doreen Wehrenberg Rameet Kohli Tara Bhuthimethee The City Councilmembers each selected two candidates to further question. Vm. Biddle selected Doreen Wehrenberg and Abe Gupta; Mayor Sbranti selected Abe Gupta and Morgan King; Cm. Hart selected Doreen Wehrenberg and Abe Gupta; and Cm. Haubert selected Abe Gupta and Phil Tucker. By random drawing, the four remaining candidates were questioned by the City Council in the following order: Abe Gupta Doreen Wehrenberg Phil Tucker Morgan King On motion of Cm. Biddle, seconded by Mayor Sbranti and by majority vote (Cm. Hart voting no), the City Council appointed Abe Gupta to serve the remainder of the term of the vacated City Council seat, term ending in December 2014. City Sponsorship of Dublin Integrity In Action’s 4th Annual Dublin Bowl-A-Rama 8:58:59 p.m. 3.2 On motion of Cm. Hart, seconded by Mayor Sbranti and by unanimous vote, the City Council th approved the event sponsorship of the Dublin Integrity In Action’s 4 Annual Dublin Bowl-A- Rama to be funded through the City Council’s Community Outreach fund. Public Comments 9:00:09 p.m. 3.3 DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2 VOLUME 32 SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 2013 No comments were provided by the City Council at this time. CONSENT CALENDAR 9:01 p.m. Item 4.1 through 4.7 Cm. Hart pulled Item 4.4 for further discussion. On motion of Cm. Hart, seconded by Cm. Haubert and by unanimous vote, the City Council took the following actions: Approved 4.1 Minutes of February 5, 2013; Received (4.2) the Check Issuance report; Accepted 4.3 the improvements under Contract No. 11-05 Alamo Canal Trail I-580 Undercrossing Project, with Proven Management Inc., and authorize the release of retention after 35 days if there are no subcontractor claims. Adopted 4.5 RESOLUTION NO. 14 - 13 AWARDING THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX DEMOLITION PROJECT, CONTRACT NO. 13-02 TO CENTRAL VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP, INC. (“CVE GROUP”). Authorized 4.6 Staff to advertise Contract No. 13-03, Passatempo Park. Adopted 4.7 RESOLUTION NO. 15 – 13 APPROVING FINAL MAP AND TRACT IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRACT 8093, BRANNIGAN STREET RESOLUTION NO. 16 – 13 APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR LONG-TERM ENCROACHMENT FOR LANDSCAPE FEATURES WITH TRACT 8093 RESOLUTION NO. 17 – 13 APPROVING STORMWATER TREATMENT MEASURES MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH BRANNIGAN STREET-TRACT 8093 DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 3 VOLUME 32 SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 2013 RESOLUTION NO. 18 – 13 ACCEPTING PARK LAND IN-LIEU FEES FOR PARK LAND DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TRACT 8093. Approved 4.8 the Subcommittee’s recommendation to fund the programs and service agencies identified below; directed Staff to submit applications to the Alameda County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for $62,542 in CDBG funding for Fiscal Year 2013-2014; and, should there be a further decrease in the CDBG allocation that the percentage of the decrease be distributed evenly across all of the programs (with the allowance for rounding and compliance with program guidelines in coordination with HCD): Axis Community Health – Medical Enrollment Assistance, $10,000; Bay Area Community Services Valley Creative Living Center, $ 3,500; CALICO – Child Abuse Intervention,$ 5,000; Open Heart Kitchen – Lunch and Hot Meals Program, $10,000; Senior Support Program – Case Management, $10,209; Spectrum Community Services – Meals on Wheels, $6,475; Housing Rehabilitation (administered by the County), $10,758; Program Administration, $6,600; TOTAL:$62,542. Cm. Hart pulled Item 4.4, Amendment of City Policies Prohibiting City Councilmembers from Engaging in Political Activities during City Council Meetings, at the Civic Center and while representing the City in an Official Capacity, for further discussion. On motion of Cm. Hart, seconded by Cm. Haubert and by unanimous vote, the City Council adopted Item 4.4 RESOLUTION NO. 12- 13 AMENDING AND RESTATING THE RULES FOR CONDUCT OF MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL and RESOLUTION NO. 13 - 13 AMENDING AND RESTATING THE POLICY PROHIBITING CITY COUNCILMEMBERS FROM ENGAGING IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AT THE CIVIC CENTER AND WHILE REPRESENTING THE CITY IN AN OFFICIAL CAPACITY WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS – None. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 4 VOLUME 32 SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 2013 PUBLIC HEARINGS – None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration and Approve Preliminary Engineering Plans for the Dougherty Road Improvements Project 9:10 p.m. 7.1 On motion of Vm. Biddle, seconded by Cm. Hart and by unanimous vote, the City Council adopted RESOLUTION NO. 19 - 13 ADOPTING THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING PLANS FOR THE DOUGHERTY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NEW BUSINESS Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance Report for Apartment Housing 9:38:38 p.m. 8.1 By consensus, the City Council directed Staff to continue the requirement for apartment complexes to submit an annual compliance report. “Live Healthy Dublin: 10 Week Wellness Challenge” 9:47:57 p.m. 8.2 By consensus, the City Council received the report. DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 5 VOLUME 32 SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 2013 OTHER BUSINESS 10:01:26 p.m. Brief information only reports were provided by the City Council and/or Staff, including Committee reports and reports related to meetings attended at City expense (AB1234). ADJOURNMENT 10.1 There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 10:18:20 p.m. in memory of Staff Sgt. Sean Diamond and our fallen troops. Minutes prepared by Caroline P. Soto, City Clerk. _________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ City Clerk DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6 VOLUME 32 SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 2013