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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - City Council - unsigned - 1991-10-08 - Adjourned Regular Meeting1 10/08/91 City Council, Adjourned Regular Meeting Redding City Hall, 760 Parkview Avenue Redding, California October 8, 1991 5:15 p.m. The Joint Meeting of the Redding City Council and the Riverfront Properties Master Plan Committee was called to order by Mayor Dahl with the following Council Members present: Arness, Buffum, Fulton, Moss, and Dahl. Also present were Jim Elkins, Larry Hopson, Jacqueline Jabs, Lee Salter and Richard Johnson of the Riverfront Properties Master Plan Committee; and Steven Hammond and Barbara Maloney from the consulting firm of Wallace, Roberts & Todd. Staff members present were Assistant City Manager McMurry, Assistant City Attorney Calkins, Director of Planning and Community Development Perry, Director of Finance Downing, Director of Recreation and Parks Riley, Community Services Director Gorman, Director of Information Systems Kelley, Science Museum Manager Howe, Assistant City Clerk Strohmayer, and Secretary to the City Council Moscatello. Also present were Karen Bennet from the McConnell Foundation, Barry Hawkins and Rocky Main from the National Logging and Timber Products Museum, Leon Harroun from the Redding School District, Gary Matson from the Arboretum Committee, Steve Gaines from the Tourism and Convention Commission, Barbara Condon from the Community Gardens, Vance Montgomery from the People of Progress, Harold Meister from the Redding Rodeo Association, and Mike Martin from the Record Searchlight. RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN (C-070-220) Planning and Community Development Director Perry stated that the Riverfront Master Plan Committee would like direction from City Council during the preparation of the Riverfront Properties Master Plan. Steven Hammond, Wallace, Roberts & Todd, outlined Alternative A, Alternative B, Alternative C, and the Preferred Alternative for the Riverfront Properties Master Plan. The Preferred Alternative is as follows: the Museum Complex and an open public space area are located on Turtle Bay. An arena in the Turtle Bay Area was excluded because the site is too small. An exhibit hall/banquet facility, hotel, and parking structure are located next to the Convention Center. River access is provided, and a road is located on the west side of the Convention Center to accommodate park access. The east side of Turtle Bay would be maintained in its current state with minor improvements, and a pedestrian bridge across the Sacramento River to Benton Ranch is proposed. The Benton Ranch area is depicted as open space and arboretum. The oak-land meadow on the east side of Sulphur Creek would be preserved in its natural state for the time being. Formal display gardens, a lake, and an arboretum structure are depicted on the west side of Sulphur Creek. Mr. Hammond explained that Caldwell Park would remain the same except for improved River access, additional picnic areas, swim center expansion, and landscaping improvements. Sports fields, a picnic area, and a footbridge across the ACID Dam are proposed for the pasture area south of Caldwell Park, and the community gardens are eliminated. The eastern area of the park south of the highway would become a neighborhood park with boat access. The area north of the highway would be left in its natural state with exhibit walks. Mr. Perry stated that the Committee agreed on many areas of the plan; however, there are six major issues where the Committee is looking for direction. A summary of the issues, the related proposals, problems, and pros and cons were submitted to Council. The issues are: (1) Should an arena/multipurpose facility be located in Turtle Bay; (2) What is the appropriate location for the Museum Complex; (3) Should the City reserve land in Turtle Bay for the future reconstruction of the interchange; (4) Should a school site be located on Benton Ranch; (5) Should the entire Benton Ranch be used as an arboretum; and (6) How much development should occur on Benton Ranch. 2 10/08/91 Committee Member Jim Elkins (Recreation and Parks Commissioner) conveyed that the Recreation and Parks Commission recommended not to place an arena/multipurpose facility at Turtle Bay because there is not enough room for all of the proposed facilities unless high-rise structures are built. Committee Member Jacqueline Jabs (Tourism and Convention Commissioner) expressed her support to locate an arena/multipurpose facility at Turtle Bay. Mrs. Jabs opined that the Convention Center should be expanded and the museums placed as in Alternative B. Committee Member Richard Johnson (River and Waterways Commissioner) recommended that the museums be located on Benton Ranch, and Turtle Bay be retained for high intensity/commercial type uses. He pointed out that without a commitment to build a parking structure, an arena/multipurpose facility on Turtle Bay is not feasible. Mr. Johnson prefered Alternative B for intensity of use and the Preferred Alternative for traffic circulation. Committee Member Lee Salter recommended the Preferred Alternative Plan. He stated that an arena/multipurpose facility at Turtle Bay is not appropriate because of traffic circulation. He added that there will probably be enough surface parking to serve the banquet hall/exhibit area and museums if a hotel is not located on Turtle Bay. Committee Member Larry Hopson (Alliance of Redding Museums) recalled that Council voted to locate the museums on Turtle Bay, and ARM acted on that decision. He noted that locating the museums at Turtle Bay does not preclude expansion of the Convention Center--the problem with expanding the Convention Center is parking. He suggested that Community Services Director Gorman be allowed to prepare a feasibility study on Convention Center expansion. Mr. Hopson recommended the Preferred Alternative Plan. City Council Members conveyed their position on the six stated issues as follows. 1. Should an Arena/Multipurpose Facility be Located at Turtle Bay? Council Member Arness recalled that Council encouraged ARM to use the Turtle Bay property for the museum complex. He stated that Community Services Director Gorman should study what can be "shoehorned" into the area and what it will cost. Council Member Arness conveyed that an arena/multipurpose facility is not appropriate at Turtle Bay. Council Member Fulton supported the Preferred Alternative Plan with the elimination of the hotel and parking structure from the Turtle Bay area. Council Member Buffum stated that the Preferred Alternative Plan is good. She does not support an arena/multipurpose facility at Turtle Bay because it would be too crowded. Council Member Buffum said she would consider a feasibility study for the Convention Center area to determine if the Preferred Alternative Plan's proposals would work. Council Member Moss stated that there is not enough room to build an arena or enough money to build a parking structure at Turtle Bay. He does not want to squeeze buildings into the area, and the museums will eventually look for more space to expand. Mayor Dahl agreed with Council Member Moss. It was the consensus of City Council not to locate an arena/multipurpose facility at Turtle Bay. 2. What is the Appropriate Location for the Museum Complex? Mayor Dahl recalled that City Council gave the Alliance of Redding Museums permission to locate the museum complex at Turtle Bay. He stated that Council basically needs to reaffirm that position. Council Members Moss and Buffum stated that Turtle Bay is the appropriate location for the museum complex. 3 10/08/91 Mr. Perry conveyed that the exact layout of the museums at Turtle Bay will be determined at a future time. Mr. Hopson expressed support for the "arts mall" concept. Mr. Salter suggested that the consultant working with ARM and the consulting firm of Wallace, Roberts & Todd work together on the museum complex layout. It was the consensus of Council to locate the museum complex at Turtle Bay. 3. Should the City Reserve Land in Turtle Bay for the Reconstruction of the Interchange? Planning Director Perry opined that the City does not have a choice--land must be preserved for the interchange. It is the consensus of Council to reserve land at Turtle Bay to facilitate construction of the highway interchange. 4. Should a School Site be Located on Benton Ranch? Mayor Dahl stated that it was logical to site an elementary school at Benton Ranch when a major subdivision was planned for the site. He recalled that Council agreed to the possibility of siting the school at Benton Ranch as a "last resort," and he suggested that Council maintain the posture. Mr. Perry conveyed that the site is also considered a "last resort" by the Redding School District. The School District desires a site on the north side of the river, and there are not too many sites available. Council Member Buffum noted that all school children would have to be bussed onto the site. She said it is a poor site, and the City should help the school district find another site. Council Members Fulton and Moss concurred with Council Member Buffum. 5. Should the Entire Benton Ranch be Used as an Arboretum? In response to Council Member Arness' question, Mr. Perry opined that ARM's proposal to develop a fourth museum on Benton Ranch, the Indian Museum, will be dependent on State funding. Mr. Hopson noted that ARM has assumed in the lease that a 20-acre section of Benton Ranch would be reserved for the museum complex. Mr. Johnson expressed a preference for Alternative B, without the road. He noted that locating some buildings on the east side of Sulphur Creek would not be inconsistent with the surrounding area. With that exception, Mr. Johnson suggested that the area east of Sulphur Creek be left in its natural state, and the area west of Sulphur Creek have more intensive uses, such as arboretum buildings. He supported protection of the Native American Indian archaeological area. Mr. Elkins stated that an arboretum the size of Benton Ranch is not needed. He conveyed that the Recreation and Parks Commission believes that Benton Ranch would be suitable for a ball park. Ms. Jabs opined that Benton Ranch should include an arboretum, amphitheater, some commercial uses along Market Street, and ball parks or other recreational uses. She said the archaeological area should be protected, and the arboretum should be expanded to the Turtle Bay area. Mr. Salter stated that if the central theme of a large, open park and arboretum is broken up, its significance will be lost. The area should be preserved and planned for 100 years into the future. Mr. Salter supported the Preferred Alternative Plan. 4 10/08/91 Mr. Hopson expressed support for the Preferred Alternative Plan for Benton Ranch. He pointed out that if Benton Ranch is developed as an arboretum with compatible uses, it will not preclude that land from being used for some other purpose at a later date. Council Member Buffum stated that east of Sulphur Creek should become an arboretum, at least in this decade. She noted that a lake could be placed there; but other than that, it should be left alone. She supported protecting the Indian site and conveyed that the drive-in theater property should be acquired. Council Member Buffum explained that Council should not commit to a Plan with a "bullet hole" in the middle of it. Council Member Fulton concurred with Mr. Salter and Council Member Buffum. Because he is focusing on the cost of developing and maintaining the arboretum, Council Member Arness questioned whether the arboretum would be developed by the City or a private party. Council Member Arness stated that the area east of Sulphur Creek should be left in reserve, and the area west of Sulphur Creek should be preserved--but more intensive uses be included. He is opposed to a lighted ballpark at Benton Ranch. He recalled that he voted against acquisition of the drive-in theater because the community has so many other needs, and he pointed out that the private sector may be a good neighbor. Council Member Arness stated that the Preferred Alternative Plan is good. Council Member Moss stated that there is not enough room for a multipurpose facility/arena and parking at Turtle Bay; however, he believes there is room for that facility somewhere in the plan area. He stated that the area east of Sulphur Creek and the adjacent riparian area can easily be developed as an arboretum, and that project should be turned over to an arboretum committee. Council Member Moss pointed out that there is room for future development west of Sulphur Creek. An arena should be considered here, even though it would not materialize for many years. He added that subsequent City Councils should make those plans. Council Member Moss pointed out that unless there is a continual flow of fresh and cold water into a lake, it would become a problem. He said he is opposed to lighted ball fields on Benton Ranch. Council Member Buffum pointed out that an arena would generate a large amount of traffic. She questioned whether an efficient circulation element would place a project that is traffic intensive in the heart of the City or out of town. Mayor Dahl stated that he likes the Preferred Alternative Plan. He opined that Council should direct how the west side of Sulphur Creek will be utilized, and he conveyed that this area should be preserved and maintained. He stated that the area should be limited to low-intensity uses. Council Members Arness and Fulton agreed with Mayor Dahl. Noting that Council supports an arboretum and open space on the east side of Sulphur Creek, Mr. Johnson questioned if the botanical gardens, headquarters, and related uses would be located on the east side of Sulphur Creek or could they be located on the west side. It is the consensus of City Council to preserve Benton Ranch, maintain its natural assets, and keep development low-intensity. Mayor Dahl suggested that the arboretum proposals be brought forward and Council can fine tune them. At the hour of 7:04 p.m., Council Member Fulton left. Mr. Johnson clarified that they are not looking to the City to fund the arboretum, swim complex, and museum projects. He explained that if a group feels strongly about these projects being developed, they have a responsibility to come forward with the funding. Mr. Salter asked whether Council does not care for the water feature or if Council is concerned about the logistics of it. He explained that, if possible, the Committee wants to utilize the River resource, and there are different approaches and possibilities to explore. Council Member Moss conveyed that if some type of wetlands habitat was created to enhance the arboretum and used as a trade-off for a City project, that 5 10/08/91 would be feasible. He reiterated that a mirror or reflecting lake would be impractical. City Council members agreed with Council Member Moss. 6. How Much Development Should Occur on Benton Ranch? Mayor Dahl noted that Council addressed the issue about how much development should occur on Benton Ranch by answering Issue No. 5. Mr. Hammond stated that the Committee assumed that all uses in the area were to be public park-oriented type uses and that private development was not a function of the park. He questioned if that was also Council's assumption. Council Member Buffum stated that nonprofit groups may be considered. Mayor Dahl stated that low-intensity uses may be considered in the future. Mr. Hammond clarified that Council supports an arboretum on the east side of Sulphur Creek and an arboretum on the west side of Sulphur Creek with other potential low-intensity uses. He noted that the North Market Street area has been identified for redevelopment, and there is the related issue of acquiring the drive-in theater and the mobile home park. Mr. Hammond conveyed that the back of the retail buildings on Market Street face the park and are unattractive. He explained that the redevelopment area could be wrapped around the back of these buildings and park-oriented private development could be utilized to enhance the area. Mr. Hammond asked Council to consider this idea. City Council concurred with this concept. Mr. Perry conveyed that he will meet with the consultants to modify the plan and bring it back to the Committee before going any further. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, at the hour of 7:13 p.m., Mayor Dahl declared the meeting adjourned. APPROVED: ___________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________________ Assistant City Clerk