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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - December 2, 1998 - CCCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2,1998 -6:30 P.M. I The City Council of the City of Azusa met in Special session at the above date and time in the Civic Auditorium. Mayor Madrid called the meeting to order. Invocation was given by Inez Gutierrez. ROLL CALL 6 PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ' HARDISON, STANFORD, ROCHA, BEEBE, Cc MADRID ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE d ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Cole, City Attorney Carvalho, Chief of Police Broderick, Community Development Director Bruckner, Rosedale Project Manager Brownfield, Deputy City Clerk Toscano. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - on General Plan Amendment GPA 96-1, Zone � Change Z-96-1, Rosedale Specific Plan, Vesting Tentative Tract Map TTM 52263, Environmental Impact Report, and Development Agreement, for property located at 18331 East Foothill Boulevard, Azusa. Ms. Alissa Acosta addressed the Hearing regarding negative comments made at last night's meeting relating to schools in Azusa; stating they are excellent, provided comments about the quality education she obtained while attending the schools and she praised Principal Christine Dennis. Ms. Pat Johansen addressed the Hearing expressing her concerns regarding soil testing at the proposed school and park site and that sufficient mitigation measures be included and enforced. She also expressed concerns regarding truck traffic, financial responsibility for damage to the street, trucks carrying contaminated materials, and safety for children walking by the project. She responded to question by Councilmember Beebe stating that studies being done to soil are not sufficient and that she is not qualified to answer questions posed by Councilmember Stanford regarding permits issued from Glendora. Ms. Nancy Moore of Azusa Unified School District, expressing appreciation to City staff, and community for the commitment in work and plans for Rosedale project. She identified four District goals as follows: adequate housing for students generated by the development, 1— adequate mitigation of health and safety issues, adequate funding for student housing, and t continuity of programs. She detailed the four points and expressed appreciation for the partnerships, new opportunities and advantages. She then answered questions posed by Councilmembers. Ms. Donna Fraijo-Juarez addressed the hearing stating she thought the project would be single family homes, expressed concerns regarding density, would like to maintain community, the project can help improve property values in Azusa and that Rosedale is in a prime location. She answered questions posed by Councilmembers that there is a need for more single family detached housing and lot sizes should be no smaller than 5,000 sq. ft. Call to Order Roll Call Also Present Cont. Pub Hrg Rosedale Project A. Acosta comments P. Johansen comments N. Moore comments D. Juarez comments 413 Mrs. Inez Gutierrez addressed the Hearing stating expressing her support of presentation by staff and Rod Gaeta, the responsibility and vote is up to the Council and requested Council consideration to approve the project. She stated the project will bring buying power that hopefully will change the image and quality of life for the residents of Azusa. Although there will be inconveniences, but that is progress. She requested that Council seriously consider approval of the project. She answered question posed by Councilmember Hardison stating that excluding the health and safety of the residents, she 'believes the other problems, such as density, can be worked out. Mr. Don Jordan addressed the Hearing expressing his view in favor of Rosedale, stating that he represents ten businesses in the west end of town. He stated that he supports traditional housing development, not the proposed clusters. He answered question posed by Council stating that he supports cottage/bungalow, if additions or room for growth is included. Ms. Peggy Martinez addressed the Hearing stating that the economic growth of Azusa depends on the project. She voiced concerns regarding the pesticide issue, and possible use while the project is going on and is opposed to fencing around a public park. She then answered questions posed by Council, stating that she doesn't like the buffer of condos CD around the schools, the density is still inadequate, would like to see larger homes and give families opportunity to grow, and small clusters have a potential to be rentals. Ca I. Gutierrez comments D. Jordan comments P. Martinez comments Mr. Barry Alperin addressed the Hearing stating that he appraised a portion of the project B. Alperin for the Dhammakaya Meditation Center, for possible expansion. He stated that he is a comments neutral third parry. He detailed answers that he would have to questions regarding a formula for housing, payback, lot size, etc. He then answered questions posed by Council. Ms. Toni Stevens addressed the Hearing stating that she is opposed to high density, T. Stevens decrease in value of property, and traffic stating that her kids have been hit by vehicles. comments She stated that she is against small homes around her becoming rentals. She answered question posed stating that she would like to see property size in planning area 11, no less than 7,500 sq. ft. and room for parking. Mr. Anthony Fernandez addressed the Hearing with concerns regarding Lewis Homes and A. Fernandez that their main concern is making money. He stated that Lewis Homes should have aback comments up plan, with less profit stating that the last plan they have would be the best plan for the project. He stated that he is a realtor and has sold Lewis Homes and value has always come down, and they have become rentals. He stated that larger homes are preferred, and he expressed concerns regarding total usage in homes above Sierra Madre Avenue, on slope. He stated that the project if homes were built to more conformity. He then answered questions posed by Council regarding developer back up plan, developments' value go down in time, conformity should be in any area, and questions regarding Lewis Homes projects in general. Ms. Ghuda Mowzzev addressed the Hearing expressing concerns regarding the possibility G. Mowzzev of apartments behind her home and the density of the Rosedale Project. She stated that she comments is looking for stable families and when she moved to Glendora, she was looking for a very nice community and value in her property. Dr. Sam Mowzzev addressed the Hearing expressing concerns regarding density and S. Mowzzev requested that modifications be made to the plan so houses can conform to houses that are comments on Foxglove Court. He also expressed concern regarding congestion in the area. He then P answered questions posed, stating that his home is 4,300 sq. ft. and that it is custom built. 12/02/98 PAGE TWO Mr. Frank Calfias addressed the Hearing stating that he thinks that the project is very good, F. Calfias but that the City should grow by moving up the foothills and you can expand the house comment and expand the price of the house. He stated that Lewis Home's purpose is to make money. He stated that the City should push back the amount of homes that will go in Azusa, there is a need to know what the limit is, and asked if they can they replace four homes with ten homes in the same amount of space. He stated that Azusa needs to have a variety of homes and people with no cramming houses in. He stated that Lewis Homes is only interested in selling more homes for the profit. He then answered questions posed by Council regarding number of homes, costs of homes, etc. It was consensus to recess at 8:35 P.M. and it reconvened at 8:49 P.M. Recess City Manager Cole read letters into the record from President of Citrus College, Louis City Mgr Zellers, who expressed concerns regarding traffic impacts and impact the Rosedale read letters Development may have on Citrus College facilities and programs; from Azusa Management Association, Kyle Bunker, in support of the development; he stated that Azusa is geared for kids, there is easy access to schools and businesses, housing for Managers, it will affect the demographics and a new group of residents will come to the City; a letter from Lisa Harrington, member of the School Board, noting that a meeting had taken place with residents of El Dorado Heights, and that two new conditions of approval were imposed: 1) vehicular access to planning area 1 shall be from Sierra Madre Avenue, and 2) an open public process involving all affected neighbors "may" be initiated to examine additional access through View Crest Drive, whether vehicular or strictly bicycle or pedestrian. She suggested that "will" replace "may", and requested that they "never" allow the opening of View Crest Drive for vehicular access to the Rosedale Development. (All letters were summarized). Mr. Pat Loy of Lewis Home addressed the Hearing to clarify certain items, 1) the definition of density: gross density, total acreage, net acreage, and net net acreage; he passed out handouts detailing his comments as an information item to show how Rosedale relates in density. 12/02/98 PAGE THREE into record P. Loy Lewis Homes comments/ clarifications City Manager Cole responded to comments made by Mr. Calfias regarding Lewis Homes Cole being in business to make the most possible money. He stated when in negotiations with comments Monrovia Nursery and Lewis Homes, they are concerned about making a profit as they are avery successful business, and committed, they demonstrated concern with making a quality project and have and are paying twice as much for the school, than required by law. He expressed concern with the tone of the last speaker, as it is not in keeping with the tone of negotiations with Lewis Homes and the School District and the City. Mayor Madrid stated 0 that the property owners are paying for school. UMr. Greg Parham addressed Council expressing his concerns regarding maintenance costs Greg Parham and special assessments that may be imposed to cover needed home improvements. He comments stated that this may lead to foreclosure, etc. He also addressed the issue of municipal liability for faulty maintenance of the property that is open to the public. He asked if the property owner is aware of the potential liability they will assume under the plan or if the City will be willing to indemnify the homeowner, resolve disputes, etc. He then addressed economics and, density, stating that the area is currently rural and uncrowded. He asked the Council to consider what was not shown in the applicant's presentation, the slides that show the relative density of the units proposed for Rosedale. He provided other comments relating to project and stated that he would like a feathered density to blend in with surrounding structures. He then answered questions posed by Council regarding the Homeowner Association Fees. Mr. Al Prado, resident of the City and member of the Planning Commission, addressed the A. Prado issue stating that he is in favor of the project, it is a sound project and it will benefit the City comments of Azusa. It was consensus to recess at 8:35 P.M. and it reconvened at 8:49 P.M. Recess City Manager Cole read letters into the record from President of Citrus College, Louis City Mgr Zellers, who expressed concerns regarding traffic impacts and impact the Rosedale read letters Development may have on Citrus College facilities and programs; from Azusa Management Association, Kyle Bunker, in support of the development; he stated that Azusa is geared for kids, there is easy access to schools and businesses, housing for Managers, it will affect the demographics and a new group of residents will come to the City; a letter from Lisa Harrington, member of the School Board, noting that a meeting had taken place with residents of El Dorado Heights, and that two new conditions of approval were imposed: 1) vehicular access to planning area 1 shall be from Sierra Madre Avenue, and 2) an open public process involving all affected neighbors "may" be initiated to examine additional access through View Crest Drive, whether vehicular or strictly bicycle or pedestrian. She suggested that "will" replace "may", and requested that they "never" allow the opening of View Crest Drive for vehicular access to the Rosedale Development. (All letters were summarized). Mr. Pat Loy of Lewis Home addressed the Hearing to clarify certain items, 1) the definition of density: gross density, total acreage, net acreage, and net net acreage; he passed out handouts detailing his comments as an information item to show how Rosedale relates in density. 12/02/98 PAGE THREE into record P. Loy Lewis Homes comments/ clarifications 2) staff is recommending that D street be eliminated, which is the road just north of Citrus P. Loy Avenue, above the commercial area. He asked reconsideration of the this condition and to cont. allow D Street to stand for the following reasons: it would be an access to the Fairmont Cemetery, it's a natural extension of Citrus Avenue, ideal utility extension, water line, a sensible route to put an underground line, dry utilities, it would also serve as an emergency road for police and fire from a safety standpoint. 3) In regards to Foxglove Court, B Street will capture drainage concerns, the road will provide a buffer for homes that back up to the nursery, and view concerns should be physically looked at to determine whether there is a problem. 4) Regarding financial aspects, infrastructure cost, etc., he stated that all costs will be allocated in the cost of the home and be included in the sale, ongoing maintenance costs are all factored in by the new home buyer and there is an equation that as the developer tries to put assessments on the home buyer, they can sell the home for slightly less, there is a tradeoff and may mean that the developer will get less on the revenue side. Mr. David Linden of Monrovia Nursery Company, addressed the Hearing and spoke about D. Linden paying fair share, comparing the price of property purchased in Azusa in 1966, to a home Monrovia that would be purchased in the Rosedale Development and found that Rosedale residents Nursery m will be paying three times as much in property tax along with payments for street Company maintenance and parks. With regard to the Fiscal Impact Report, he detailed the scenario of the basis for the report, stating that he could prove why the City should be paying the developers instead of vice versa. He included the Keyser Marston study, property taxes, projected police, administration, accounting services costs, etc. He then stated that he thinks the Rosedale Project will make Azusa a better place, with many benefits, and respectfully requested approval of the project. He then answered questions posed by Councilmember Beebe regarding the current budget versus the 1995-96 budget and the Fiscal Impact Report. Moved by Councilmember Beebe, seconded by Councilmember Hardison and unanimously Pub Hrg Closed carried to close the Public Hearing. It was consensus of Councilmembers to adjourn. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 9:45 P.M. DEPUTY CITY CLERK NEXT RESOLUTION NO.98-C195 NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 98-016. 12/02/98 PAGE FOUR Adjourn 11