07-0130_CC_Minutes_Adjourned Regular Meeting1-30-2007 1
MINUTES
JANUARY 30, 2007
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
Mayor Allevato called the Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
San Juan Capistrano to order at 7:02 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. Council
Member Hribar led the Pledge of Allegiance and Mayor pro tem Soto gave the
invocation.
ROLL CALL
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Tom Hribar, Mark Nielsen, Dr. Londres Uso,
Mayor pro tem Joe Soto, and Mayor Sam Allevato
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Dave Adams, City Manager; Bill Huber, Assistant City Manager;
John Shaw, City Attorney; Meg Monahan, City Clerk; Cynthia L. Russell, Administrative
Services Director; Nasser Abbaszadeh, Engineering & Building Director; John Elwell,
Interim Public Works Director; Karen Crocker, Community Services Director; Bill
Cunningham, Interim Planning Director; Lt. Mike Betzler, Chief of Police Services;
Douglas Dumhart, Economic Development Manager; and Eileen White, Recording
Secretary
INTRODUCTION: Dave Adams, City Manager, introduced Steve Apple, recently hired
as Planning Director, beginning February 21, 2007.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS - None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Lennie DeCaro, City resident, requested Council’s formal opposition to the widening of
Ortega Highway to Calle Entradero as there was an error in how the portion in San Juan
Capistrano was added to the project.
Ilse Byrnes, City resident, announced the acceptance of the City-owned Swanner house
on the National Register of Historic Places as of January 10, 2007, cumulating a two
year effort. She asked Council to consider reinstating a former City policy that prohibits
the relocation of historic structures by developers.
Mary Eidvold, City resident, Friends of the Library, requested continued Council support
for the proposed library expansion.
1-30-2007 2
Russell G. Welsh, City resident, felt traffic was the most important issue; opposed the
widening of Ortega Highway and/or sound walls; suggested major freeway access at
Stonehill; and suggested the City retain ownership of the Lower Rosan property instead
of leasing it to auto dealerships.
Trevor Dale, City resident, felt traffic and open space should be the Council’s top
priorities. The City should focus on developing strategies to divert traffic generated by
the Rancho Mission Viejo development away from the City.
Bob Slater, City resident, Friends of the Library, encouraged continued support for the
library expansion.
Heather Lindquist, City resident, expressed the need for more cellular service in the
Marbella area. She asked Council to explore alternative locations in the event the
proposed cell tower at the Sports Park is denied.
Tom Lunnin, City resident, asked Council to go on record as opposed to the widening of
Ortega Highway, actively resist Caltrans in their efforts to complete the project, and look
for alternative routes.
Osman Castillo, City resident, opposed the Ortega widening and suggested
consideration of alternative traffic routes.
Stan Wylazlowski, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, announced the
Mayor’s State of the City address is sold out; encouraged building of a Visitor’s Center
downtown; and suggested improved way-finding signage for the auto dealers.
Monica Mukai, City resident, encouraged the establishment of a Visitor’s Center to
welcome visitors to the unique charm that is San Juan Capistrano.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
1. CONSIDERATION OF WORKLOAD AND BUDGETARY PRIORITIES FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 CONTINUED TO A FUTURE MEETING. (330.20)
Description: The Council Priorities List prioritizes projects in a structured,
programmatic manner. The list provides direction so that staff can focus their
time and resources on the identified priority projects in a systematic manner
without interruption. Staff recommended Council review the adopted 2006-07
Council Priorities and consider a list of potential priorities; add or delete priorities
as desired; and direct staff to return with a final priority list for Council’s approval.
Written Communications: Report dated January 30, 2007, by Bill Huber,
Assistant City Manager.
1-30-2007 3
Presentation: Bill Huber, Assistant City Manager, summarized the staff report. He
reviewed the priority list and deleted those projects already completed or
scheduled to be completed within the next few months. He agreed to provide an
updated staff report with more specific information.
Public Comments:
Shelly Barker, City resident, encouraged work on the trail system including
linkage to trails within and adjacent to the City; a current trail map, signage and
mile markers; and a user-friendly website.
Cheryl Stavana, City resident, felt City shopping opportunities needed to be
expanded and revitalized. Douglas Dumhart, Economic Development Manager,
discussed efforts to attract destination businesses.
Julie Ryan Johnson, City resident, San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition,
asked the City to address the multi-use trail system due to concerns with safety,
lack of trail markers, need for mapping and website information. She indicated
coalition support to donate funds for mile markers and trail identification.
Erin Kutnick, City resident, supported improved shopping in town and more
Council direction concerning priority of traffic improvements.
Angel Duzich, City resident, did not support re-routing Ortega Highway to provide
pedestrian plaza at the Mission and supported a traffic signal at Fire Station 7, a
reclaimed water system, services for older teens, and increased law enforcement
to ensure the safety of residents.
Laura Freese, City resident, representing the Chamber of Commerce Economic
Development Committee, asked Council to use the results of the Blue Ribbon
Committee and the Tourist Summit as a global guide to make the City a more
pedestrian friendly tourist destination.
Mike Johnson, City resident, supported an ordinance restricting open space zone
changes contingent on voter approval with the property owner to bear the costs
associated with ballot placement.
Trevor Dale, City resident, urged Council to make traffic congestion solutions the
City’s number one priority; and work with Caltrans and the State to protect the
residents’ interests.
Council Comments:
Council Member Nielsen requested priorities include: a strategic planning
process; developing a pedestrian friendly downtown; improving communication
with the community; developing future economic strategies; a trail mapping and
1-30-2007 4
marker program; attracting a destination resort; pro-active code enforcement;
diverting traffic from town including traffic related to the landfill; and strategic
transportation planning that includes readdressing the Council’s stance on
projects. He also supported studying development of a pedestrian plaza in front
of the Mission; and removal of City Hall relocation from the list.
Council Member Hribar prioritized addressing traffic impacts to west side
residents including revisiting installation of a traffic lane from Del Obispo Street to
the I-5 Freeway ramp; City beautification, such as planted medians; addressing
impacts private schools have on traffic and recreational facilities; developing a
Visitor Center; trail mapping; considering development of local shopping
resources on the north side of town and on Rancho Viejo Road; and working
toward abandonment of septic tanks. He was opposed to realignment of Ortega
Highway in front of the Mission and suggested an alternative. He supported
removal of City Hall relocation from the list.
Council Member Uso prioritized long term fiscal planning and development
planning; studying of realignment of Ortega Highway to Verdugo Street;
improving the trail system; the involvement of regional agencies in addressing
local traffic concerns and encouraging diversion of traffic around the City;
providing wi-fi to the downtown area; and opposed the widening of Ortega
Highway. He supported removal of City Hall relocation from the list.
Mayor pro tem Soto prioritized limiting residential allocations to 150 units per
year and legislation that would require voter approval of open space re-zoning;
coordination of proposed Ortega Highway projects including defining City’s
stance through solicitation of resident input; outreach and assistance to the
Ortega Equestrian Center, Capistrano Terrace Mobile Home Park, and teen
center expansion of the Boys and Girls Club; developing a strategic and financial
plan; and continued beautification of City streets, including planted median
islands.
Mayor Allevato prioritized addressing traffic congestion relief and encouraging
the community to be involved with solutions; trail system improvements; a
quarterly resident newsletter; strategic and financial planning; funding a school
resource police officer for the new high school; resolution for use of the City
parcel at San Juan Creek Road and La Novia; retention of the Ortega Equestrian
Center; updated media facilities in the Council Chamber; voter approval of open
space re-zoning; codifying the 150 unit annual residential units allocation; and
the recycled water master plan.
Council Action: No action taken. Staff will return to Council with a list of
recommended Council priorities based on the information received. Council will
consider the list at that time.
1-30-2007 5
2. STATUS REPORT CONCERNING ROAD WIDENING GRADING WORK ON
VALLE ROAD RECEIVED AND FILED. (PACIFICA SAN JUAN)(SJD
PARTNERS)(420.40)(600.30)
Description: Widening of Valle Road is underway as part of the Pacifica San
Juan project. Staff provided an oral report on the status of the project.
Presentation: Nasser Abbaszadeh, Engineering & Building Director, provided
information concerning the project’s traffic impacts, grading plans, proposed
intersection realignment, and future lighting plans. He agreed to notify Council
Members when significant improvements are started. Public Comments:
Don Tryon, City resident, supported the widening of Valle Road to improve traffic
conditions.
Council Comments: Council expressed concern with the impact of grading
operations on traffic and traffic safety and concern for appearance of the final
hillside. Council Member Nielsen requested a policy brought back to the Council
to ensure this type of significant visual change to a hillside be fully discussed
prior to approvals in the future.
Council Action: Council concurred, report received and filed.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Allevato adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m. to
Tuesday, February 6, 2007, at 5:30 p.m. for Closed Session, and 7:00 p.m. for the
Public Business Session, in the City Council Chamber.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________
MARGARET R. MONAHAN, CITY CLERK
Approved: February 20, 2007
ATTEST:
_______________________________
SAM ALLEVATO, MAYOR