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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 08 07 CC MIN SS MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AND SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 7, 2017, 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Mayor Lozano. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Council Member Cruz Baca Council Member Monica Garcia Council Member Ricardo Pacheco Mayor Pro Tem Susan Rubio Mayor Manuel Lozano PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications at 6:12 p.m. Christina Lucero, Baldwin Park Unified School District, stated that she wanted to clarify that rumors that the School Board approved the use of the triangle parcel are false and the School Board did not approve such use; stated that the Board was considering allowing the use contingent upon agreement to put up a sign but City Ordinance prohibits the sign, therefore there is no Board approval on the use of the triangle parcel owned by the School District. Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, voiced objection to the proposed extension of the ENA.with Walbern; stated that he has a document signed by property owners surrounding the proposed site that documents their objection to the project; opined that the consultant proposing to develop an energy consortium on behalf of the city has a poor business performance history. Tracy Aguirre, Baldwin Park business owner and resident, voiced objection to the proposal of building apartments across from City Hall; opined that constructing apartments at this location is not conducive to a strong business presence in the downtown area. Jeremy Basino, Baldwin Park business owner and resident, echoed the comments of Ms. Aguirre, pointing out that revitalization in the downtown area is needed and that the property should be used for commercial rather than residential development. Danny Damien, Baldwin Park resident, expressed support for development of affordable housing in the community but noted that this is not the right location; pointed out that the downtown area needs revitalization and this property would be better suited for a business/commercial development. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Public Communications closed at 6:18 p.m. Special Meeting of 8/7/17 Page 1 of 4 OPEN SESSION 1. PRESENTATION REGARDING LOS ANGELES (COUNTY) COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY JOINT POWERS OF AUTHORITY Presentation by Bill Carnahan, Interim Executive Director of Los Angeles Community Choice Energy, and Matt Skolnik, Chief Sustainability Officer, County of Los Angeles, regarding the Los Angeles Community Choice Energy Joint Powers of Authority Mr. Carnahan narrated a PowerPoint presentation, explaining the proposed administration and structure of the agency; noted that Rolling Hills Estate and South Pasadena have already joined and that West Hollywood, Calabasas and Claremont currently considering joining as well; also noted that L.A. Council of Governments (COG) • recently endorsed the concept; explained that those agencies joining within the first six months of the inception will not have any fees associated with entering the JPA. Council members made several inquiries including but not limited to how administrative staffing and salaries would be addressed; how voting of members would be weighted and addressing the interests of smaller or larger agencies represented at the table; how the financial structure of the JPA will be determined and what obligations members wishing to exit the JPA would have. 2. PRESENTATION REGARDING CALIFORNIA CHOICE ENERGY AUTHORITY Presentation by Michael Chapin, representative of Connor Energy, regarding the California Choice Energy Authority Michael Chapin introduced Barbara Boswell, Executive Director of the California Choice Energy Authority (CCEA), who provided her biography and explained that the CCEA would provide contracted support services such as back office operations but that each entity would create its own governing board and would set energy rates accordingly; • noted that the CCEA currently has Lancaster, Pico Rivera and San Jacinto as member communities. Council members made similar inquiries of Ms. Boswell, noting that administrative work would be performed by consultants and/or contracted staff; there would be no voting structure since each agency is its own governing body; and that the only obligation of exiting the CCEA would be that all contracts for services and energy would have to be . taken with and be the full responsibility of the exiting agency. 3. PROJECT UPDATE PRESENTATION BY WALBERN DEVELOPMENT, INC. Presentation by Matt Waken, of Walbern Development, Inc., to provide a status on the proposed development projects at Badillo Street and Ramona Boulevard, and at Maine Avenue and Pacific Avenue. Matt Waken, representing Walbern Development, began by narrating a PowerPoint presentation to exhibit the due diligence performed by Walbern thus far; noted that the • due diligence work for the Badillo site is moving forward with relatively few issues, however the Maine Street site continues to present challenges; reviewed the original • design proposed for the site and then illustrated some of the issues that have arisen during the course of preparing a site plan and design. Mr. Waken went on to explain that, given the difficulties associated with acquisition • and/or use of property surrounding the proposed site, the project has been redesigned to utilize only the property for which there is complete title control and no easement Special Meeting of 8/7/17 Page 2 of 4 negotiations are necessary. The redesign resulted in two new proposed site plans; one would have 26 units market-rate rental units rather than "for sale" units; the other plan would provide for 14 "for sale" units. Alex Hernandez, representing Brandywine Homes, a partner in the project, provided a brief summary of the new layout and noted that there will be no encroachment onto property of the adjacent businesses. • Mayor Pro Tern Rubio opined that the plan being provided appears to be a new project and is not representative of what was originally proposed to Council; noted that the drastic changes between the original project and what is being presented now would not be conducive to creating a "transit oriented district" (TOD) environment that would revitalize the downtown businesses and beautify the area; opined that the project is being adjusted to benefit the developer rather than to benefit the community. Council member Baca stated that she had never seen any of the property appraisals; opined that Walbern has been representing that due diligence work has been done; voiced objection to assertions by Walbern that community outreach has been conducted yet she has heard information from community members that are to the contrary; concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Rubio's feeling that what is being presented is a new project; expressed feelings of being deceived. Council member Garcia stated that she is a past Planning Commissioner and, even at that time, the intent was to work towards a TOD to encourage mixed-use, create pedestrian friendly areas and revitalize the downtown business district; noted that she had previously identified the potential for developing this underutilized site; opined that • the intent of the project is to fulfill that vision and that the plan for 14 "for sale" units would be a more appropriate application given the constraints of this site. Mayor Pro Tern Rubio asserted that the "underutilized" space had originally been considered for creating a public plaza where people could enjoy open space, experience cultural and community events, and would create a draw for visitors; pointed out that the proposed plaza would differ from Morgan Park in that it would be more pedestrian • friendly and would be a place where seniors could enjoy the outdoors; opined that the additional pedestrian traffic would activate local businesses would. Council member Pacheco commended the developers for the work they have done thus far; opined that building a plaza so close to Morgan Park does not make sense; asserted that the downtown area along Ramona and Maine has been a better focal point for community and cultural events; noted that surrounding communities have shown that mixed-use can benefit the local economy; suggested that the residential development could be build and a small civic plaza could be build adjacent to city hall. Council member Pacheco made a motion, seconded by Council member Garcia, to move forward with the proposed 14-unit"for sale" residential development. Council member Baca opined that parking and traffic would quickly become an issue and businesses will not necessarily flourish with apartments being located there; stated that density is not the answer. . Mayor Pro Tern Rubio noted that, contrary to earlier discussion, a recent grant,bestowed by the state would provide funding for a park plaza at this location. Special Meeting of 8/7/17 Page 3 of 4 Council member Garcia pointed out that this project is in alignment with the downtown specific plan and asked that the motion move forward. Mayor Pro Tern Rubio countered that a more recent study of the area identified the site as being suited for the park plaza given its proximity to the MetroLink and the downtown area. Council member Baca reasserted concern regarding the location and asked that the appraisal for this property be provided prior to any decision being made. Mayor Lozano requested that the current motion on the table be clarified by Council member Pacheco so that a vote could be taken. Council member Pacheco made motion to give direction to staff to renegotiate the DDA with Walbern Development for a proposed 14 "for sale" units. The motion was seconded by Council member Garcia. Mayor Lozano directed the City Clerk to conduct a roll call vote resulting in the following: Ayes: Garcia, Pacheco, Lozano • Noes: Baca, Rubio • Absent: None Abstain: None Motion carried (3 2; Baca and Rubio voting no) to renegotiate the DDA with Walbern Development for a proposed 14 "for sale" units. The motion was seconded by Council member Garcia. ADJOURNMENT • There being no further business, motion was made by Lozano, econded b Pacheco, to adjourn the meeting at 8:49 p.m. 41111M // Mayor ATTEST: ji City er APPROVED: 9/20 /./7 Special Meeting of 8/7/17 Page 4 of 4