HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - 2004-04-22 - Special Meeting
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City Council, Special Meeting
Civic Center Council Chambers
777 Cypress Avenue
Redding, California 96001
April 22, 2004, 10:00 a.m.
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The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pohlmeyer with the following Council.Members
present: Cibula, Kight, Mathena and Stegall.
Also present were City Manager Warren, Assistant City Manager Perry, Deputy City
Manager Starman, City Attorney Fuller, Administrative Services Director Bachman, Electric
Utility Director Feider, Development Services Director Hamilton, Administrative Services
Director Bachman, Police Chief Moty, City Treasurer Clark, Support Services Director
Kersten, Municipal Utilities Manager Duryee, Information Systems Manager Zempel, and
Assistant City Clerk Sherman.
CITY PRIORITIES
(A-050-080 & A-050-060)
Mayor Pohlmeyer explained that periodically, the City Council reviews current and future
City projects and services to determine or rearrange priorities, make modifications and
provide direction to staff. He said the focus of today's meeting is to review
accomplishments, modify or reaffirm projects and their priority status, and the City's
direction for the future.
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City Manager Warren recalled that during the priorities meeting of2003, the City Council
directed staffto follow up on several proposed projects such as an auto mall, an equestrian
center (The California Horse Park), the Costco relocation project, open space needs, property
acquisition, and to incorporate street maintenance into the Master Plan, and conduct an
impact fee review. Mr. Warren reviewed the past year's projects which have been completed
or are nearing completion such as the Aquatic Center, acquisition of the library grant,
Development Impact Fee adjustments, the Redding Hotel, and the Veterans Home. He also
summarized projects and events for the coming year such as the dedication of the Sundial
Bridge which should bring increased revenue to the Turtle Bay Museum, the Big League
Dreams Sports Complex completion and grand opening, the opening of the refurbished
Cascade Theater in Downtown, the Clover Creek Preserve project (opening
OctoberlNovember 2004), Shasta View Drive extension, opening of the new Fire Station
No.8 in 2005, and high density multi-family residences in the Parkview Neighborhood. Mr.
Warren indicated that these projects are moving forward because the City Council placed a
high priority on them.
Compared to other cities, Mr. Warren related that Redding is moving ahead while other City
Councils are concentrating on maintaining the status quo. Many cities have been forced to
layoff employees, but through careful planning by the Redding City Council such as a strict
adherence to the Ten Year Plan, a balanced approach to investments and expenditures, an
analytical approach to capital projects through partnerships, leveraging funds, and planning
for the future, and having a staff which is dedicated, smart and hard working, those drastic
measures have been unnecessary.
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PROJECTS/PROGRAMS - 2004
City Manager Warren related that ofthe 62 projects on the list, 11 have been completed, 5
are nearing completion and 9 are ongoing. The funding sources are Redding Redevelopment
Agency (RRA) funds, Enterprise Funds, General Funds and grants. He reviewed the
wastewater treatment plant, Airport Road widening, North Market Street landscaping, the
Cypress Street Bridge widening and the "number one" top priority project, the Stillwater
Business Park. He advised that projects other than those listed, would be brought to Council
should a worthwhile opportunity present itself. Mr. Warren assured the City Council that
staff will take direction from the City Council today and come back at future Council
Meetings with the priorities when it becomes necessary to take action. He added that staff
shares Council's desire to do all the projects that will benefit the community, but limited
resources place limits on what can be accomplished.
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Mayor Pohlmeyer complimented staff for its hard work and paid credit to past Coupcils for
their foresight which cont~butedto th~ su.ccess Red~ing enjoys today. He emphasized th.at
the purpose of today' s meeting is to provide an opportUnity for the community to observe the
process and provide input, but he added that Coulfcil will be discussing priorities only today
without allocating funding.
City Manager W 3!fen requested that CQuncil Me~byrs [("j.te each of th~ proposed projects in
order of priority with a Priority # I ranking being the highest, or those projects which the City
Council would like staff to actively pursue and aC(fQmplish, a Priority #2 ranking should be
applied to those projects that staff is not aggressively working on "!lnks~ an unanticipated
source of money or staff time becomes available, and a Priority #3 ranking for those projects I
that are not priorities at this time.
City Mal).ager W~rren then r~viewed the following projects asking that the City Council
determine their priority status as Priority #1, #2, or #3.
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By consensus, the City Counpil adopted or reaffirmed the project priority rankings as
follows:
PRIORITY #1 PROJECTS
Churn Creek Road Widening and Realignment
(S-070-100) , ' ,
This project is inclu~ed in the Redding Re<:l;evelop'ment Agency's (RRA's) next Capital
Improvement Program (CIP), which will be cpnsidered on M~y 4,2004. The project would
widen and realign Ch~m Creek Road from Denton Way to the 1-5/South Bonnyview
Interchange. This is Phase II of a proje~t originally started in the 1990's and repr,esents a
safety issue. The cost should reach $4.5 million.
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Because this was considered to be a ~afety issue, the City Co:uncil modified the ranking of
this project from Priority #2 to Priority # 1.
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Council Memb~r Cibula comment~d that ~~chelli Lane is :not included on the list, but he
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believed it should receive a Priority #2 ranking.
Dana Drive Streetscape
(S-070-100)
This project would install landscaped medians ~d other improvements on Dana Drive from
Chum Creek Road to Bradfor.d W ay w~ich will improve safety. The project will cost
$750,000 and this project is also included in th~ Re<iding Redeyelopment Agency's Capital
Improvement Program. ," ,.
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Because the City Council determined that all safety related issues should receive a Priority
#1 ranking. This project was moved from a Priority #2 to a Priority #1.
Downtown Mall Roof
(M-OIO-200) ,
The roof over the common area in the Downtown Mall i~ in very poor condition. A sectiop
of the roof will be removed this ~alendar year in conjunction with the new Shasta College
Health Sciences Center. fi:owever, Council may want to remove or repair the rest of the roof
in a more timely manner also. The cost will be $2 million or more.
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The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project as a Priority # 1.
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Downtown 300 Initi~tive
(R-030-200) , I
The City is currently working with LINC housing and others to develop at least 300 new
housing units in the Dpwntown ar~l;l. ~If'JC hollsinghas identified the Union Pacific property
adjacent to Yuba Street as a po.tential site for a housing project. Other parcels have also been
identified as potential sites. The City and the Redevelopment Agency h,we already allocated
some resources toward this effort, but more could be done. Approximat~ cost is $5 m~llion.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking ofthis project as a Priority #1.
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Hilltop Drive Business Improvement District
(S-070-100 & A-170)
Some of the business and property owners in the Hilltop Drive area would like to create a
business improvement district (BID) and use the annual proceeds from the BID to partner
with the City to improve the Hilltop Drive corridor from Highway 44 to Maraglia Street. The
cost would be $5 million or more.
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Steve Gaines ofC.R. Gibbs Restaurant related that 40 business owners in the Hilltop Drive
area have met over the last five months regarding the future of this area. He complimented
City Manager Warren and City staff regarding the many improvements in the City over the
last few years and commented that the business owners on Hilltop Drive believe that this area
could also benefit from needed improvements accomplished through an assessment district.
Mr. Gaines stated that Redding Electric Utility is committed to under-grounding utilities and
business owners would like to partner with the City to rehabilitate this very important City
corridor. He added that it would be worthwhile to explore the possibility of a convention
center on Hilltop Drive.
In response to Council Member Stegall, Mr. Gaines said that no specific piece of property
has been identified for a convention center but they are exploring sites at this time.
Council Member Cibula asked what role the City would play in the proposed BID. Mr.
Gaines responded that, if allowed to move forward, the business owners would want to
partner with the City on a 50/50 basis in order to demonstrate a commitment on both sides.
Mr. Gaines said that the business owners are spending $10,000 to $20,000 on a study for the
area and would like the City to share in the cost.
Due to the willingness and enthusiasm of the business and property owners to work in
cooperation with the City to rehabilitate this area, the City Council moved this project from
a Priority #2 to a Priority #1.
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Martin Luther King. Jr. Neighborhood - Phase II
(R-030-145-350)
The City and the Redding Redevelopment Agency (RRA) adopted the Martin Luther King,
Jr. Neighborhood Revitalization Plan in January 2003. A significant amount of work is
planned or currently underway such as a project to add more trail along Linden Creek to
encourage business owners along Railroad Avenue to improve the appearance of their
buildings, and buying property immediately to the west of the Neighborhood to encourage
new, single-family residential development. Possible cost is $5 million
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project as a Priority # 1.
Police Headquarters Building
(A-050-270)
The City has contemplated constructing a new Police Headquarters Building for
approximately 14 years. Currently, the entire Investigations Division and its operations are
in a separate facility. This is a priority and it is anticipated to cost $21 million.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project asa Priority #1.
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Street Maintenance
(S-070-200)
The City has increased its street maintenance budget over the past few years, but more work
should be done. The cost could reach $30 million.
Carl Amess spoke in support of street maintenance and suggested that a portion of any sales
tax increase be dedicated to street maintenance. He remarked that Redding residents are not
the only people using City streets and everyone who uses the streets should share in the cost.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking ofthis project as a Priority #1.
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PRIORITY #2 PROJECTS
The California Horse Park
(E-050)
Mr. Warren related that The M~Connt;:ll F oun~atiQn has proposed the development of a large,
premier equestrian facility (The California Hors~ Park) on Clear Creek Road n~ar Highway
273 and has asked the City to ent~r into a part1;1ersl}ip agreement to share half of the
anticipated cost of the facility (approxim'ately; $30 million) aQ.d an equal share ofthe revenue
stream the facility is projected to generate. Th~ proposed facility would encompass 1,400
acres of land (formerly the Gore Ran~h) al).d includes !Diles of trails, several show arenas
(including a main exhibition pavili,on capa~le of accommodatipg 19,000 spectators),
livestock bams, a hunt course, veterinary ho~pital, farri~r, a r~creational vehicle (R.V.) park
and a retail center. Mr. Warren explaiq.ed that the project has a substantial pqtential for
return on investment, would serve as an enormous draw to the area, and could also'provide
a new location for the Redding Rodeo Association.
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Mike Van Bockern expressed concern that the McConnell Fou~dation has thus far been
unwilling to, address a,rea resiqe:p.ts' concerns regarding the lack of a buffer between the retail
area of the proposed Horse Park and nearby homes.
Shannon Phillips of the tv1cConnell Foundation coun~ered that the Foundation fully intends
to cooperate with area residents, but she e,xplained that a meeting with hollle owners at this
time, would be pr~mature, until the City h~s made ,a d~cision regarding partnering on this
project. Should the City qecline to partner, o~her revenue sources will have to be developed
and this could be time consuming. As soon as the funding issue is overcome and the Horse
Park is on track, Ms. Phillips said that McConnell representatives will meet with area
residents to address and mitigate concerns.
The following individuals spoke in favor of the proposed Califo~ia Horse Park citing the
lack of equestrian facilititts in,the area, a ~igh revenue potential, educational opportunities,
a draw for spectators and participants, v~rsatility ofus~ for a factlity of this size, a wonderful
City amenity and an excellent recreational area: Bruce Alexander, Fran Jenkins, Chris
Kutras on behalf of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board, Pam Bingham
representing the Arabian Horse Association, and Gary Fife.
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Dave Scott, representing the Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), also urged support for the
Horse Park provided resources 8;re not diverted from the Stillwater Business Park. He added
that the Chamber would like the City to perform due diligence and authori~e a feasibility
study for the project, conducte~ by c:t third party, anq that a f\1nding source be identified for
cost overruns,. He said the Charn,ber is 1;1ot, however, in favor of relocating the Convention
Center to that area as suggested.
John Kenny urged caution reg<l!ding the terms of t4e proposed partnership agree~ent
between the McConnell Foundation and ~he City with regard to the Horse Park. He npted
that the City is being invited to beco~e eptrepreneurial or financial partners in a for profit
business which is counter to the City's respon$ibility to ~he community. He believed that if
the project can go forward without City assistance, then the City should decline the
partnership.
Council Member Stegall was pleased to see so many citizens in attendance today showing
support for the Horse park. However, she questi.oned that should the City find away to come
up with $30 million for this PI:oj~ct, why have other worthwhile projects been denied by the
City because of purported funding constraints. She was skeptical about the projected cost
and revenue amounts contained in the fa,cility study prepared by Chico State University
believing them to be inaccurate, and she did not support moving the Convention Center to
that area.
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Council Member Cibul~ believed the Horse Park to be an exciting project and a good
opportunity for the Rodeo Association to relocate f!qm the Posse Grounqs; however, he also
doubted the validity of the figures presented in th~ study. He favored placing the Horse Park
as a Priority #1 with the caveat that additional studies be perfQrm~d regarding costs, that a
more affordable contribution for the City be ,developed, ~d that plans for the day-to-day
operation of the facility be determined.
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Council Member Kight also questioned the projected revenue and expenditure figures
contained in the study citing past studies prepared for other capital projects which fell short
of representing the City's true funding responsibilities, and which continue to be a drain on
the General Fund (i.e., the Turtle Bay Exploration Park). He also favored an independent
study, but believed the City should decline to participate in the operation of the Horse Park
or share in any revenue stream that may be realized. In his view, the City's participation
should be more appropriately limited to providing assistance with roads and other
infrastructure. He also believed that a study should present the ''whole package," so that the
City Council could make a well-informed decision. Mr. Kight was emphatic that no project
should come before or jeopardize the Stillwater Business Park.
Mayor Pohlmeyer reiterated that the Stillwater Business Park is the number one priority
because if Redding can offer quality jobs, the economic effect will make many other projects
possible. He concurred that the Horse Park is a very interesting project, and while he hoped
that it would be successful, he suggested that other private entities be sought to invest in the
project to bring it to fruition. He agreed that the City's contribution to the project should be
in the form of infrastructure and information to the public. He related that if convention
centers are built in concert with the Horse Park, then the City should participate in the
process of determining what specifically will be housed there. He supported a limited
partnership and limited support for the project.
Council Member Stegall clarified her position stating her belief that the City should be
willing to participate in the Horse Park, but in some way that is appropriate for the City - not
as a project partner. She suggested the City could assist with streets and moving the
Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District (ACID) Canal, etc., but with a cap on the amount
of money spent. She emphasized that the City should not say, "no" to a $30 million
partnership and, "yes" to $60 million in infrastructure.
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Mayor Pohlmeyer and Council Member Mathena agreed that the City should cap its
contribution or make it performance based (a direct link between income received and
expenditures made). Mr. Mathena noted that CalTrans reviewed the project and placed the
cost estimate at $120 million.
While Council Members Kight and Cibula believed the California Horse Park could receive
a Priority # I ranking, Mayor Pohlmeyer and Council Members Mathena and Stegall did not
support further studies. However, because Council agreed that numerous restrictions must
be placed on the project prior to moving forward, it was the consensus ofthe City Council
to decline the City's participation in the project as proposed.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project as a Priority #2.
Convention Center Expansion and Hotel
(C-050-050)
The Redding Rodeo Association is planning to relocate the Rodeo Grounds within the next
four years and this may provide an opportunity to expand the existing Convention Center.
One option would be to construct a high-quality hotel with large meeting rooms located
adjacent to the existing Convention Center.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking ofthis projects as a Priority #2.
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Downtown Improvements
(R-030-145-350)
The Redding Redevelopment Agency is planning to allocate approximately $3 million for
Downtown capital improvements over the next five years and it is likely that the City and
Agency will allocate at least another $5 million over this time to produce additional housing
in the Downtown area.
Earl Huyck supported a theater district for the Downtown area with a focus toward the
performing arts.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project as a Priority #2.
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Lake Boulev~rd R.evitalization
(A-050-080/ A-050-060)
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The City established three target neighborhoods for rehabilitation. The Downtown, and the
Parkview and Martin Luther King Jr neighborhqods. The Lake Boulevard corridor is also
blighted in certain areas and is in need of attention. The approximate cost is $10 million or
more.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project as a Priority #2.
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Open Space
(G-030/P-050/P-050-460) I
The new P~rks, Trails & Open Space Mast~r Plap includes a tentative financing plan to
acquire and preserve additional open space. It is anticipated that the Redding Redevelopment
Agency will allocate approximately $500,000 for this purpose over the next five years.
However, the City Council may want to allocate additional resources to this effort. The
approximate cost is $5 million or more.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project as a Priority #2.
Park Marina Drive
(C-070-01O)
The City has been working on this issue for some time now, but little progress has been made
to date. The City Council may want to allocate additional resources to this issue - potentially
$5 million or more.
John Kenny, representing the Kutras Family, stated that his clients are willing to work with
the City regarding development of the P~rk Marina Drive area.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project as a Priority #2.
Soccer Fields
(P-050-690)
The City intends to construct four new, high-quality soccer fields at the Sports Complex.
This issue will also be discussed as part of the new Parks, Trails, & Open Space Master Plan.
The cost is estimated to be $3.5 million.
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The City Council reaffirmeq the ranking of this project as a Priority #2, with the potential to
move it to a Priority # 1 pending adoption of the Parks, Trails & Open Space Master Plan and
funding.
Theater District
(A-050-060)
A theater district in the vicinjty of the Cascade Theater would be a nice amenity for tlw
Downtown area. Discussions with Riverfront Playhouse represel1tatives indicate they would
be receptive to relocating to that area. A coordinated effort would be necessary between the
City, potential property owners in the vicin~ty apd the Riverfrop.t Playhouse.
Mary Forbes of the Riverfront Playhouse expressed appreciation for the City Council's
interest in the Playhouse. She advised that they are actively working to find a suitable
location and developing a fund-raising campaign. According to Ms. Forbes, the Playhouse
has a great deal of support in the community.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project as a Priority #2, with the potential to
move it to a Priority #1 should a site become available.
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PRIORITY #3 PROJECTS
Minor League Baseball Stadium and Team
(A-050-060 & P-050-600) . .
Some individuals and organizations in the commul1ity would like to locate a minor league
baseball team in Redding. However, in order to accomplish this, a new or renovated stadium
will be needed. Approximate cost is $3 million or more.
The City Council reaffirmed the ranking of this project as a Priority #3.
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PROJECT REMOVED FROM PRIORITY LIST
Redding Medical Center
(A-050-060)
Tenet Healthcare has sold Redding Medical Center and the City has not been directly
involved in this issue to date. The question is should the City get involved?
It was the consensus of the City Council to not get involved.
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The City Council reaffirmed that any proj ect which now, or in the future, represents a safety-
related issue should be placed on the Priority #ll.ist.
PUBLIC COMMENT
(G-030-llO/A-050-080/A-050-060)
Virgil Weld and Carla Bloxham expressed frustration concerning the five-year delay of the
long-awaited Oasis Road Specific Plan. They urged the City Council to rate the project as
a top priority and ensure that infrastructure is in place before development occurs.
Marj Cantrell, commented on several projects urging Council to delay support of The
California Horse Park and the Park Marina Drive area issues for a year or more. She urged
support for City parks and expressed concern regarding loss of parking in the Downtown
area. She suggested that parking be given a high priority and that Market Street be opened
so that people will be able to move freely through that area, and that improvements to side
streets such as Sacramento Street be included to provide outdoor eating areas.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, at the hour of 12:09 p.m., Mayor Pohlmeyer declared the
meeting adjourned.
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APPROVED:
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ATTEST:
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4/22/2004