Month 1999.09 September.


Day 1999.09.30CC Special Exec Housing



CITY OF VACAVILLE
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
September 30, 1999

A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Vacaville was held at the City Council Chambers, 650 Merchant Street, September 30, 1999.  Mayor Fleming called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.


1.    ROLL CALL

Present:    Council members Augustine, Clancy, Slade, Vice Mayor Wood, and Mayor Fleming

Absent:    City Attorney Charles Lamoree

Others Present:    City Manager John Thompson, Deputy City Attorney Melinda Stewart, and City Clerk Kathy Andronico


2.    The INVOCATION was dispensed with and Council member Augustine led the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE


3.    APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Mayor Fleming asked if there were any additions or deletions necessary for the agenda.  Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council member Slade, made a motion “ to approve the agenda as written.”   Motion unanimously approved.


4.    BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR  - None


5.    BUSINESS


A.    REVIEW AND SELECTION OF PREFERRED LOCATIONS FOR EXECUTIVE HOUSING

The City Manager outlined the process for this meeting.  He noted that the Council’ s Strategic Plan identified executive housing as a priority.  An Executive Housing Committee (consisting of about 25 members) was appointed by the Council earlier this year to define executive housing, amenities, etc. and make recommendations to the City Council.  He stated that staff is asking the City Council to consider initiating further analysis on one or more sites at this time; however the Council is not being asked to approve a particular location and/or project.  He noted that staff recommends two sites for further study – Lower Lagoon Valley and the Vaca/Valley Rogers Lane area.  The question for the Council to consider is whether the planning process should begin on one or more sites.  He noted that at least two years of study would be involved and advised that staff will explain the benefits and constraints for each site.


Director Rowland showed slides depicting typical executive housing projects throughout California and talked about the benefits this type of project may have for the City of Vacaville.  He advised that, in planning for executive housing, certain principles should be considered like enhancing the City’ s image with quality design, provide Citywide benefit, define the City’ s edge with permanent open space, maintain or improve public services, and be compatible with the adjacent land uses, whether residential or agricultural.


Senior Planner Maureen Traut explained the criteria used by staff to evaluate each site, such as location (size of parcels, setting, secluded areas, physical site constraints, environmental issues and feasibility of a project).  She noted that staff also reviewed utility, infrastructure and service issues like roadway improvements and what facilities are in place at this time in terms of water, sewer and schools.  Each site was also evaluated for long-term growth issues like water entitlements in place and compatibility with the adjoining, existing and planned land uses, as well as Williamson Act contracts.  Senior Planner Traut then reviewed in detail the opportunities and constraints associated with each of the six geographic locations for which letters of interest were received:


Director Rowland suggested that, in Council’ s consideration, one of the sites selected should be purely on the basis of the setting, regardless of the number of regulatory hurdles, infrastructure requirements or physical constraints that need to be addressed.  He stated that the objective is to select the site that is best suited for the highest quality project, even if such a site may be a longer-term project.  He advised that a second site would be one that is in a suitable setting for executive housing and the shortest potential time frame for development.  He then explained why staff selected Areas C and E for further study.


The City Council briefly discussed staff’ s presentation and asked questions concerning whether the selected sites were ranked; if Council, through consensus, selected site C what would happen to site E, marketability of executive housing, and the inclusion of production homes and condominiums within an executive housing project.  Director Rowland stated that staff had not ranked Areas C and E.  He advised that part of staff’ s recommendation is to report back to the Council in 90 days about needed adjustments to the general plan, infrastructure requirements, annexation needs, etc.  He stated that after the potential developers begin to move forward with more concrete plans, staff would keep the Council apprised of the status of each area.  If one fails to move forward, then Council would be in a position to add another property in its place to fulfill the goal of an executive housing project in Vacaville.  The City Manager added that marketing feasibility studies will most likely be conducted by potential developers to ascertain a market for this type project, but at this point, the City is attempting to create an opportunity for executive housing.  While the Council generally supported an executive housing project, some concern was expressed about integrating “ high-end production homes”  with executive housing and suggested that minimums be developed.  Director Rowland advised that developing the highest quality product would be a goal of the process, but in order to provide an amenity like a golf course, high-end production homes would be included.


Mayor Fleming explained the procedure for the public hearing.  He asked that each Area be discussed by the appropriate developer/landowner/representative and then entertainment of any general audience questions and/or comments.  Mayor Fleming then opened the public hearing.


The City Council heard public testimony from developers and representatives from each of the geographic areas under consideration, as well as citizens opposed and in favor of staff-recommended sites.  The testimony in favor of executive housing in Vacaville cited the lack of and need for executive housing.  It was stated that the homebuyers would bring additional revenues to the City by way of increased buying power, more involvement in community and charitable events, enhancement of shopping and restaurant choices, increased property tax revenue, enhancements to some portions of the City with regard to watershed improvements and an opportunity for an upper zone water system, etc.  Area E met with the greatest amount of opposition and testimony from area homeowners.  Concerns were raised about the mitigation of traffic impacts, school overcrowding, the loss of agricultural lands, and visual and compatibility problems with existing subdivisions.  Specific questions were asked about current streets (Florence and Gonzales) which are now stubbed at the Rogers property, and whether the golf course would be public or private.  The potential developer, Centrex Homes and Lamar Communities, responded that Florence and Gonzales would not be made through-streets to the proposed project and that the golf course would be public.  The developer also stated that building another school in the area may be feasible, however some speakers talked about the amount of students, and thus the amount of new homes, that would be required to warrant another school.  The Council was encouraged to obtain these types of commitments in writing prior to proceeding with any development in Area E.


There being no further public comment, the hearing was closed at 11:05 p.m. by Mayor Fleming.


Mayor Fleming reviewed the pros and cons of sites A-F.  He stated that, in his opinion, Area C (Lower Lagoon Valley) stands out in terms of planning because the lands are already annexed, water to service the area is already in place, and development in that area could begin much more quickly and would be less costly.


Vice Mayor Wood expressed a preference for development in the northwest area (Area E) and stated his second choice would be Lagoon Valley.  He felt that it might be beneficial to provide a priority ranking for City staff.  However, if the two areas selected by Council at this meeting do not come to fruition, he then supported re-contacting the other properties for consideration.  Vice Mayor Wood talked about the beauty of the northwest portion of the City, the benefits to existing residents with regard to flood control and another water system, and an opportunity to complete the northwest border of the City.


Council member Augustine expressed concern about executive housing becoming watered down by adding too many production homes in order to provide amenities like golf courses, equestrian trails, etc.  He stated he was not interested in just adding more homes.  He felt that the addition of executive housing should add value and benefit to the community at large and perhaps resolve some of the problems that currently exist in Vacaville.  He expressed his support for Areas C and E.


Council member Slade stated she was apprehensive about including a large number of production homes. She stated her reasons for favoring Area C as her number one choice.  She noted that she was willing to consider Area E, however was cognizant about the concerns expressed by the residents in Area E.  She encourage the City Council to keep other areas in mind should Areas C and E not move forward.


Council member Clancy stated she would support staff’ s recommendation, but had serious reservations about Area C.  She noted strong support for Vice Mayor Wood’ s comments about Area E, but felt the Council should consider a third area to make sure there is another alternative should Area C or E not move forward.  She recommended including Area B, which offers a different type of land because of its topography.


Vice Mayor Wood, seconded by Council member Slade made a motion “ that the City Council initiate General Plan Amendments for a “ Golf Course Residential”  designation for Lower Lagoon Valley and the Vaca Valley/Rogers Lane Area, as shown on the exhibits, initiate related general plan and policy plan amendments associated with the Lower Lagoon Valley and the Vaca Valley/Rogers Lane Areas, direct staff to work with property owners in defining the boundaries of the two areas, preparation of draft land use plans and submittal of planning applications; and direct staff to provide a status report to the City Council within 90 days.”


Mayor Fleming asked the motion maker to consider restating the motion with regard to initiating the general plan amendments, separating the two areas for separate a vote.  Vice Mayor Wood and Council member Slade agreed.


On the motion to initiate a General Plan Amendment for a “ Golf Course Residential”  designation for Lower Lagoon Valley, motion unanimously approved.  On the motion to initiate a General Plan Amendment for a “ Golf Course Residential”  designation for the Vaca Valley/Rogers Lane area, motion approved (4-1 Fleming no).


Council member Clancy asked the motion maker (Vice Mayor Wood) to entertain a friendly amendment “ to consider a third area as an alternative should Lower Lagoon Valley or Vaca Valley/Rogers Lane area fall out of the process.  She suggested that Area B (east of Leisure Town) be considered as an alternate.“ Friendly amendment died for lack of second.


Council member Augustine asked for a clarification regarding Council member Clancy’ s friendly amendment.  Council member Clancy stated she was offering an “ alternate”  should Area C or E not go forward, an additional area for study.


Mayor Fleming restated the remainder of the original motion (“ initiate related general plan and policy plan amendments associated with the Lower Lagoon Valley and the Vaca Valley/Rogers Lane Areas, direct staff to work with property owners in defining the boundaries of the two areas, preparation of draft land use plans and submittal of planning applications; and direct staff to provide a status report to the City Council within 90 days.” ).  Motion unanimously approved.


6.    ADJOURNMENT –  There being no further business before the City Council, Mayor Fleming adjourned the Special Meeting of September 30, 1999, at 11:30 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,



Kathleen M. Andronico

City Clerk