99-0629_CC_Minutes_Adjourned Regular MeetingIRV
JUNE 29, 1999
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA
The Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of San Juan Capistrano, California,
held jointly with the Planning Commission, was called to order by Mayor Greiner at 7:05 p.m. in
the Community Center, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: John Greiner, Mayor
Collett Campbell, Mayor pro tem
Gil Jones, Council Member
Wyatt Hart, Council Member
David M. Swerdlin, Council Member
Ed Johnson, Chairman
Diane Bathgate, Commissioner
Sheldon Cohen, Commissioner
Michael Eggers, Commissioner
Timothy Neely, Commissioner
William Pichler, Commissioner
Bill Sonka, Commissioner
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: George Scarborough, City Manager; Omar Sandoval, Legal Counsel; Dawn
Schanderl, Deputy City Clerk; Thomas Tomlinson, Planning Director; William M. Huber,
Engineering and Building Director; and Bonnie Sanchez, Recording Secretary.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
EXTENSION OF AVENIDA LA PATA TO SAN CLEMENTE (440.25)
Jeff Harris of San Clemente, suggested that the City consider making improvements to
Avenida La Pata as a way to alleviate congestion on the I-5 freeway, to preserve open space,
to save the environment, and to provide a possible alternative to the Toll Road. He
presented maps showing the southern leg of the Toll road. Mr. Harris asked that the City of
San Juan Capistrano cooperate with the City of San Clemente in this endeavor.
Mayor Greiner stated his understanding that discussions had taken place with the City of San
Clemente, who had no interest in extending Avenida La Pata into San Clemente.
2. DELETION OF SAN JUAN CREEK ROAD EXTENSION (440.25
_ Greg Weiler, 31060 Corte Aurora, stated that he was speaking on behalf of 1,332 residents
who opposed the extension of San Juan Creek Road to La Pata. He requested amendment
ofthe Transportation Element of the General Plan Update to reflect deletion ofthat extension
and requested that the signatures be lodged with the City Clerk.
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ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
PLANNING DIRECTOR
JOINT MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND CITY COUNCIL
TO REVIEW LAND USE AND CIRCULATION ALTERNATIVES FOR
FURTHER STUDY (440.25)
Proposal:
Work session held jointly with the Planning Commission to discuss the land use alternatives
for various parcels in the City, as well as circulation alternatives ranging from review of
changes to the current master plan to modified levels of service methods.
Written Communications:
1. Report dated June 29, 1999, from the Planning Director, forwarding the Land Use
and Circulation Recommendations Report. The Report advised that several land use
categories had been incorporated to address issues relating to Affordable Family/
Senior Housing; Office/Research Park; and, Assisted Care Facilities. Changes had
also been proposed to control the intensity of development within the City. The
Report advised that following the joint meeting, the financial consultants would
complete an evaluation of the General Plan to determine its long-term sustainability.
The Report also described the Circulation system, listing the future average daily
trips of the major arterial network, service levels, and roadway classifications. Upon
completion of the joint meeting, the consultant would prepare a further traffic
analysis, using the land use alternatives and any changes to service levels, modified
roadway classification and modifications to circulation linkages.
2. Memorandum dated June 29, 1999, from the City Manager, forwarding letters
received for the Joint Planning Commission/City Council Meeting on Land Use and
Circulation Alternatives from the following:
a. Rancho Capistrano, 29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano,
discussing clarifications and allocations of land uses.
b. Henry Hsaio, Taiwan Farms, 26661 Stetson Place, Laguna Hills, requesting
consideration of medium low density residential.
C. Dale McAtee of Weseloh Honda, 32881 Camino Capistrano, San Juan
Capistrano, stating support of Quasi -Industrial designation for lower Rosan
property.
d. Frank L. Haselton of LSA Associates, Inc., stating support of Quasi -
Industrial designation for property located north of Stonehill Drive.
e. Letter dated June 22, 1999, from Cecelia Harrison, Harrison Family Trust,
stating support of Quasi -Industrial designation for lower Rosan property.
Adjourned City Council Minutes -2- 6/29/99
183
_ The Planning Director advised that John Bridges of Cotton-Beland Associates would review
the Land Use Alternatives and recommendations; and, Terry Austin of Austin -Foust
Associates would review the traffic and circulation issues that had been raised as part of the
General Plan update. He further indicated that traffic volumes shown in the Land Use and
Circulation report were the most recent and reflected changes to the regional circulation
master plan by the deletion of Alipaz south to the Dana Point area; however, the charts
included in the Agenda Item did not reflect the most recent analysis.
Colored renderings of Land Use Recommendations Maps One through Four, were on
display.
Planning Consultant Presentation:
John Bridges, Planning Consultant with Cotton-Beland Associates reviewed each Map
individually regarding the land use recommendations for each site specific to each of the four
Maps. Mr. Bridges indicated that vacant lots, as well as areas that were under-utilized, had
been reviewed.
The Maps were reviewed separately with particular public comments made regarding sites
on each Map.
Public Comments:
_ Man One:
1. Ethel Tregarten, 27625 Summerfield, stated that she was pleased with the proposed
increase in affordable housing areas and stated that the 250 units mentioned in the
five-year plan ending in 2002 would not fit in the designated 30%. Ms. Tregarten
stated that more space needed to be allocated for affordable housing and suggested
other areas of the City be considered to prevent overcrowding in older areas of the
City.
2. Samuel Chen, 1805 Sherington Drive, No. 204, Newport Beach, stated that he was
speaking on behalf of his cousin, Henry Hsaio, owner of Taiwan Farms. He read
from the submitted letter reiterating Mr. Hsaio's desire for a Medium Low Density
designation of their property located on Map One, Site C.
Philip Schwartze, 31682 El Camino Real, stated that he was developing Site E
located on Map One and an application had been filed with the City. He stated that
they were reviewing the site potentially for a high school or for senior housing.
Map Four:
4. Marie Midyett, 27782 Camino Santo Domingo, expressed concern about ingress and
egress of the recommended sites on Map Four, the Whispering Hills area, and asked
what roads were going to be used. Ms. Midyett requested that the City maintain open
space and keep the rural feel particular to the City.
5. Eva Crabbs, 31491 Via Santa Maria, requested that the density for the Whispering
Hills area remain at one house per five acres stating that this was in keeping with the
Adjourned City Council Minutes -3- 6/29/99
184
rural feel of the City. Ms. Crabbs stated that building 356 homes in that area would
be taxing to the City.
6. Barbara Melville, 27992 Calle San Remo, indicated that Ambuehl Elementary
School was not factored into this Map and stated that the proposed extension of San
Juan Creek Road would have a major impact on that area with safety of children and
security of residents becoming issues.
Jack Campbell, 27792 Camino Santo Domingo, expressed concern about the
proposed extension of San Juan Creek Road to Avenida La Pata.
Kim Herkewitz, 27892 Calle San Remo, stated that the number of houses built would
dictate the volume of traffic and requested that density be kept to a minimum.
The Maps were reviewed separately with Council comments made particular to sites named on each
Map.
Council Comments:
Map One:
Council Member Swerdlin asked for a description of uses for Site F under the General
Commercial designation and Mr. Tomlinson responded that although they had not defined
specific land uses, an office business park or a hotel were possible uses.
Commissioner Eggers asked if it would be down zoning from Agri -Business to Open Space
Recreation on Site C and Mr. Tomlinson responded in the negative stating that the Agri -
Business designation was the most restrictive.
Commissioner Bathgate expressed concern about intensity issues regarding Site A.
Commissioner Bathgate stated that access was needed for Site C and requested that with the
overall amount of Public & Institutional designations, further information be given regarding
the need and fiscal impact.
Map Two:
Chairman Johnson stated that the designation for Site E, a significant parcel, was helpful for
this underdeveloped and under utilized area.
Map Four:
Council Member Swerdlin asked what the allowable number of houses would be and Mr.
Tomlinson responded a little less than 142 houses with allowance for the slope.
Traffic Study Presentation:
Terry Austin of Austin -Foust Associates, the transportation consultant, made a presentation
reviewing each exhibit individually. Mr. Austin stated that Alipaz south had been deleted
from the Maps but Alipaz north, San Juan Creek Road to Avenida La Pata, Camino De Las
Ramblas, Camino De Los Mares and Camino De Los Padres were all indicated. Mr. Austin
reviewed the projected roadway volumes with and without the projected road extensions and
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185
stated Exhibit 9 showed that Ortega Highway would take the volume if San Juan Creek Road
was not extended. Mr. Austin reviewed the levels of service.
RECESS AND RECONVENE:
Council and the Planning Commission recessed at 8:43 p.m. and reconvened at 8:53 p.m.
Mr. Tomlinson stated that the General Plan Advisory Committee had reviewed the four
major arterials. He clarified the deletion process and indicated that further studies would
need to be performed before any arterials could be deleted. Mr. Tomlinson stated that public
comments would be received for each individual proposed roadway extension.
Public Comments:
San Juan Creek Road:
1. Beverly Starr, 27927 Calle San Remo, requested a stop sign.
2. Jack Campbell, 27792 Calle Santo Domingo, stated that San Juan Creek Road was
a residential area already overflowing in traffic and the only way to properly open it
would be with four lanes and traffic signals, however, the residents would not benefit
from this but the commuters would.
3. James Coccara, 28561 Via Primavera, stated that there were three primary issues
consisting of the tax base with respect to growth, children's safety, and the bottleneck
that would be created at the end of the road.
4. Marie Midyett, 27782 Camino Santo Domingo, stated that if San Juan Creek Road
were extended and if it took the overflow traffic from Ortega Highway, then the
residents, children, horses and elderly would all be greatly impacted. Ms. Midyett
requested deletion of the extension.
5. Joseph Fisher, 27772 Calle Santo Domingo, stated that San Juan Capistrano was not
a faceless community and that if there was an increase in traffic, the residents would
lose the quality of life for which they moved to the City. He stated that he had
grandchildren at Ambuehl School and their safety, as well as other children's safety
was at stake.
6. Lupe Green, 27092 A, Paseo Burladero, stated that rather than opening up San Juan
Creek Road, another alternative was needed. She noted, however, that when she
purchased her home, this road was listed as an arterial highway.
7. Stefan Herkewitz, 27892 Calle San Remo, stated that he was against extending San
Juan Creek Road.
8. Jeff Rigsby, 31571 Via Dulcinia, expressed concern about the localized impact
versus the macro impact and stated that San Juan Creek Road would realize a 200%
increase in traffic. Mr. Rigsby stated that the environmental impact would
dramatically increase.
Adjoumed City Council Minutes -5- 6/29/99
186
9. Kim Herkewitz, 27892 Calle San Remo, stated that the extension of San Juan Creek
Road would devastatingly impact their neighborhood and that the exhibits did not
project the real increase in traffic volume.
10. Margie Meyers, 31587 Via Cruzada, stated that she was against the extension of San
Juan Creek Road. Ms. Meyers indicated that when the free bussing was removed
from Ambuehl School, traffic had increased four -fold and asked that the money
allocated to the extension be put towards bussing of the children. Ms. Meyers asked
that the number of houses allowed in the Whispering Hills project be kept low
because the schools were already overcrowded.
11. Leo Petrini, 28257 Paseo Andante, asked if the City had a guiding principle or a
mission statement. Mr. Petrini asked if the objective was for quality of life or for the
free flow of traffic. Mr. Petrini stated that the community needed to establish its own
goals and stated that if the road was built, people would come. Mr. Petrini stated that
the stables and horses would disappear and the area would look like Ortega Highway
at the I-5.
12. Jim Kaffen, 28352 Avenida La Mancha, felt that with the road extension would there
be an increase in crime and accidents.
13. Colonel Charles Heffner, 28332 Via Fernando, stated that he was against the
extension of San Juan Creek Road and stated that part of the problem with traffic was
that people did not stop at stop signs. Mr. Heffner suggested that a four -lane
highway be built through San Juan Creek itself with the use of Federal funds.
14. Eva Crabbs, 31491 Via Santa Maria, stated that people all over town considered
safety an issue and not just the people that would be impacted by the extension of
San Juan Creek Road. Ms. Crabbs stated that traffic from the freeway to the dump
needed to be factored in and Mr. Austin indicated that it had been.
15. Ted Winot, 27942 Camino Santo Domingo, stated that there would be an engineering
problem regarding the southbound freeway on-ramp and that an on ramp would be
needed to go north.
16. Jim Riveras, 31496 Paseo Christina, stated that if San Juan Creek Road was not
extended, there would only be a minor increase on Ortega Highway which was
equipped for an increase in traffic flow. He stated that the quality of life was at issue
and the children going to Ambuehl School would have to cross a busy street if the
extension was approved.
Council Comments:
Council Member Campbell stated that she was not in favor of extending San Juan Creek
Road. Mayor Greiner and Council Member Jones concurred. Mayor Greiner reiterated that
it was not the City Council's intent to approve the extension of San Juan Creek Road.
Adjourned City Council Minutes -6- 6/29/99
187
Camino Las Ramblas:
17. Cesar Scolari, 28132 Las Brisas Del Mar, stated opposition to the extension of
Camino Las Ramblas due to its negative impact on the neighborhood.
18. Bruce Cleeremans, 33821 Montanas Del Mar, stated that Camino Las Ramblas
traveled through a very narrow canyon and the sound impact in that area was great.
Mr. Cleeremans stated that the only people who would benefit from this road's
extension would be those from San Clemente and since they were not willing to do
their part to see that the toll road went through, he did not feel that it was right to
extend this road for their benefit. Mr. Cleeremans stated that if the road was
extended, the environmental impact would also be great.
Council Comments:
Mayor Greiner stated that it was the consensus of the City Council not to extend Camino Las
Ramblas and he recommended it's deletion from the master plan. Council Member Campbell
stated that public involvement was necessary to get the toll road extended south.
Alit/ :
19. Maria Gino stated that she was opposed to the extension of Alipaz and as a new
homeowner had been told that this road was unlikely to be extended. Ms. Gino
stated that this extension would not benefit the handicapped children at the Fran
Joswick Riding Center.
Mayor Greiner informed Ms. Gino that the City Council had taken action earlier this year to
extend Alipaz and the new homeowners would have received disclosure information from
the builder and developer.
20. Angela Duzich-Rohde, 31372 Don Juan Avenue, advised that she owned two units
on Oso Road and the Alipaz extension was necessary in order to access the north part
of the City.
21. Samuel Chen, 1805 Sheraton Drive, stated that he was speaking on behalf of his
cousin, Henry Hsaio, owner of Taiwan Farms at the northern end of Alipaz. Mr.
Chen requested that if Alipaz was extended the City provide access to their farm,
since their current access was through the Rancho Capistrano property.
Council Comments:
Council Member Jones stated that if Alipaz was extended a bottleneck would occur at
Trabuco Creek which needed further review. Council Member Jones asked that the railroad,
driveways and commercial center entry ways be reviewed in the circulation alternatives. He
stated that it was important to review widening of the bridge, especially with the proposed
extension of Alipaz.
Mr. Huber stated that specific areas would be identified as hot spots and these would be
included in the circulation alternatives. Mr. Huber stated that areas would be reviewed for
levels of service and for improvement of traffic flow.
Adjourned City Council Minutes -7- 6/29/99
188
Mr. Tomlinson stated that there would be no changes made to Camino Los Padres with Mr.
Scarborough clarifying that deletion of this arterial would be very costly and difficult.
Council Member Campbell requested further information regarding traffic flow increase
since the opening of San Antonio Parkway.
Commissioner Bathgate requested that a preliminary report be generated that compared the
previous plan to the current General Plan.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Council and the Planning Commission, the meeting was
adjourned at 10:25 p.m. to the next regular meeting date of Tuesday, July 6, 1999, at 5:30 p.m. in
the City Council Chambers.
Respectfully submitted,
CHERYL JOHNSON, CITY CLERK
By DAWN SCHANDERL, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
GREINER, MA
Adjourned City Council Minutes -8- 6/29/99