HomeMy WebLinkAboutNOVEMBER 13,1996
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CITY COUNClL PROCEEDlNGS ARE AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN
THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
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ROLL CALL
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MINUTES
CITY COUNClL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING (STUDY SESSION)
NOVEMBER 13,1996
The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in an Adjourned Regular Meeting
(Study Session) at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 13, 1996, in the Conference Room of the
City Council Chambers to consider Citywide economic development.
PRESENT: Council! Agency Members Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young, and Kuhn
ABSENT: None
Others in attendance: William Kelly, City Manager; Michael Miller, City Attorney; June Alford,
City Clerk; Peter Kinnahan, Economic Development Administrator; Dale Connors,
Redevelopment Project Manager; Donna Butler, Community Development Manager; Cindy
Rowe, Community Relations Officer.
Planning Commissioners: Paul Kalemkiarian and Richard Bruckner
Chamber of Commerce: Jana Costuma, Executive Director; Michael Costuma; Don Fraser,
Barbara Yack; Al Little; Dianne Chapman; Richard Giorf; and George Ferted; Warner Penn
Dorothy Denne, Arcadia Weeklv; Gil Slromsoe, Arcadia Business Association
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None.
PRESENTATION
ECONOMIC The primary purpose of the study session centered on the presentation and discussion of Citywide
DEVELOPMENT economic development issues; current and completed redevelopment projects; potential projects
ISSUES AFFECT- and opportunity sites; marketing and business assistance programs; zoning and financial
ING TIlE CITY considerations aIfecting development; and, potential business assistance goals, A summary of the
& REDEV. presentation and discussion follows:
AGENCY.
CITY BUSINESS
ASST. PRO-
GRAMS &
OPPORTUNITY
SITES IN CITY
& PROJ. AREA
O!i.?ll-.' r.
0,; 1",..0
Peter Kinnahan, Economic Development Administrator, gave a slide presentation of completed
redevelopment projects within the project area, Also, slides showing projects currently in
progress; a proposed hotel at the northwest corner of Huntington Drive and Second Avenue; the
joint project with the City of Monrovia and Gateway & Associates on Fifth Avenue; a potential
mass-transit facility on St. Joseph Street at First Avenue; the proposed Extended Stay Hotel on
Santa Clara Street; the Home Savings and Loan Association lots on Alta Street; and the
Commercial Facade Rehabilitation Program in the Downtown 2000 project area.
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Mr, Kinnahan also presented slides of potential projects andlor opportunity sites in various areas I
of the City, The Arcadia Redevelopment Agency, he noted, controlled some properties within the
project area, other projeet sites in the area are privately owned... slides were shown of some of
these sites: the vaeated Arcadia Lumber site on Santa Clara Avenue; Angel's Diner at the
northwest comer of Santa Clara and Huntington Drive; the Foulger Ford site at the northeast
comer of Santa Clara and Huntington Drive; the restaurant building at 100 north Santa Anita;
office buildings on Rolyn Place, etcetera.
Other sites within the City considered to be potential projects/opportunities for economic
development included the Santa Anita Race Track area; an unoccupied market on east Duarte
Road; the former Ace Hardware building on east Live Oak; an unoccupied industrial site on Live
Oak; the vacant Wells Fargo building on Duarte Road; the vacant land on Lower Azusa Road
(Rodeffer property); and several other undeveloped sites within the City, privately owned.
Following the conclusion of Mr. Kinnahan's presentation, the Community Relations Officer,
Cindy Rowe, presented the various programs in place to welcome and encourage new business
establishments in the City, such as the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency Business Incentive
Program; business retention/expansion program; business signage; special events; the City fact
book; service questionnaire; visits to new businesses; City staff serve on the Chamber of
Commerce Board and are involved in the Chamber's "Business Expo" and other activities
offering opportunities to market the City. Ms. Rowe explained other programs designed to
promote successful business in the City as part of the pro-business efforts of City staff,
The staff presentation then touched on the zoning, market and financial considerations affecting
economic development. The Community Development Administrator, Donna Butler, explained
these issues. The importance of the General Plan to developers and the development of the City
was stressed, Ms. Butler further explained the Conditional Use Permit process, in particular, the
time period, which is considerably less than that of other cities.
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Mr, Kinnahan briefly discussed state and national economic conditions, the decrease of property
and sales tax revenues to the City and the effect on local government and economic development
within the City; the strength and weaknesses of the City; the limited market area; undeveloped
and vacant land privately owned; limitation of types of business to attract; the lack of large areas
within the City for super stores such as a Wal-Mart or an Office Depot. Mr. Kinnahan also
pointed out the strengths of the City and actions taken to maintain and enhance those strengths
and capitalize on them, He commented on recent issues affecting development of the Santa
Anita property and the newer internal problems of ownership... this matter has affected other
potential economic development within the City. Further, viability of the various business
districts in the City was discussed.., strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and programs available
to encourage and aid existing businesses. It was generally agreed that the City has very little
influence over development or improvements on privately owned properties. Considerable
discussion followed the conclusion of the staff presentation and the staff request for direction
from the Council as to which way to proceed in order to stimulate economic development.
Council considered those businesses which they would like to come into the City... and
businesses that would generate the most revenue. Mayor Kuhn felt that private/public
partnerships need to be established in order to move forward with business development andlor
improvement. Council member Kovacic commented that achievable goals need to be set, in
particular, to increase business development and retain existing business. Mayor Pro tem
Harbicht felt the City's role in business development legislatively and administratively would be I
to create an atmosphere which is conducive to development. This will take place through the
private sector since very few of the properties viewed are owned by the Redevelopment Agency.
He noted also that there was very little cooperation between businesses and City government in
the revitalization of downtown Arcadia. Very few businesses did any kind of improvement to
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their establishments concurrent with the streetscape improvements on Huntington Drive and First
Avenue for the grand-reopening of the area. Businesses that expect to benefit from City
improvements in their area should be involved in the process to help themselves. In response to
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht, Mr. Kinnahan advised that neither the Foulger Ford site on Huntington
Drive nor the Ace Hardware site on Live Oak Avenue are large enough for a "big box" business.
Approximately four to ten acres would be necessary, A smaller box type business could fit on the
Fifth Avenue project site... staff and Gateway & Associates are currently working to bring one in.
With the exception of the Santa Anita Race Track property, there are no other large commercial
sites in town. City Manager Kelly felt that the City should try to capture theaters, large food
stores and hotels. These are the iypes of businesses interested in locating in the City and they
would bring in greater revenues.
Councilmember Chang suggested that an Economic Development Committee be formed. The
committee members could be City staff, Councilmembers, representatives from the business
associates, Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from other associations in the City. This
committee would focus on economic development for the City's business districts.
Councilmember Chang felt that the formation of such a committee would send a signal that
Council is very serious to establish a pro-active business atmosphere in the City, The committee
could approach business owners and get them involved in the decision making process regarding
business development within their areas, Council generally agreed that community organizations
and commissions currently in place and staff were sufficient to deal with economic development
issues within the City.
The following discussion centered on the section of the staff report - FUTURE BUSINESS
ASSISTANCE TOOLS, No.2 Business Retention! Assistance Program.
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Mayor Pro tern Harbicht commented that the efforts of staff are good, although he is not sure that
business inspections conducted by the Fire Department are a positive contact... he has some
concerns about this program.
3 - WAIVER OF BUSINESS LICENSElPERMIT FEES,
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht is not interested in waiving any business license fees. There should be
some flexibility in the building permit fees, plan checks and inspections fees... He would like
these fees handled on a case by case basis. Mayor Pro tern Harbicht referred to cities which
sometimes rebate 50% of sales tax revenue back to automobile dealers who locate in their City,
for example. This concept would return a long term revenue gain with an initial loss at the onset
of new business or a major rehabilitation. Council was in general agreement to consider such a
program, Staff will present these situations to the Council for consideration on a case by case
basis in order to attract new development to the City.
4 - RELAXING OF SIDEWALK DISPLAYS AND SIGN ORDINANCES,
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Staff eX']llained current regulations, noting the City has loosened up somewhat on the use of
banners, balloons and signage, although still very restrictive on what is allowed. Council
suggested input from merchants be solicited regarding these matters... is Arcadia perceived to be
overly restrictive, for example. Staff was asked to prepare some specific proposals as to changes
in signage, balloons and banners in the commercial areas, with the exception of sandwich boards
which Council did not want to see. Most of the current restrictions are good regulations which
should not be changed... the character of the City should be maintained. The Chamber of
Commerce could help with this issue by seeking suggestions from retailers as to what they would
like the Council to consider.
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5/6 - PROFESSIONAL MARKETING BROCHURESIFL YERSIINfERNET.
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In reference to this item Council generally agreed that City marketing brochures are too
expensive and not effective. Council also generally agreed that a type of fact book binder be
prepared which can be updated when required or a simple folder type of marketing book with
flyer insertS. Staff said also that advertising on the Internet "Home Page" is relatively free,
although keeping tpe "Home Page" current is a real problem.
7 - APPRECIATION MEETINGIVISITS.
In reference to personal visits to potential business entities, staff noted that appreciation meetings
and visits are very effective and inexpensive. Council agreed that staff should pursue this idea.
Also, hosting appreciation breakfasts and luncheon meetings would be appropriate. Council
suggested that the Chamber of Commerce should be involved.., this is a partnership and should
not be perceived as a competitive process between the City and the Chamber. The School
District should be represented also.
8 - ADS IN REGIONAL TRADE PUBLlCATIONSINEWSPAPERS.
In consideration of ads in regional trade publications/newspapers Council did not think this
vehicle should be expanded until the City has something specific to offer, Mayor Kuhn suggested
staff keep in close contact with the San Gabriel Valley Consortium which is constantly exposed
to the current market... and the City should use this source more often. The City Manager said
staff will provide more information to Council regarding Consortium activities.
9/10 - DEVELOP BUSINESS PREPAREDNESS TEAMlMERCHANT ASSOCIATIONS.
City staff works with the Chamber and the Consortium and will continue to participate in their I
functions.
" - PARCEL BASED IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT OR BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT.
The owners/merchants should initiate suc~ a program with the City assisting only if
owners/merchants are interested, Councilmember Kovacic noted that PBID and BID's are
assessment districts.
12 - STREET FAIRSIEVENTS IN ALL BUSINESS DISTRICTS.
These events should also originate with the merchants/owners. The City's role is to help educate
and facilitate such events. The concerts at First Avenue Middle School and the Community
Center this past summer could be continued, and possibly moved to the downtown area.
Council member Kovacic felt that the Recreation Commission could handle the concerts... if well
planned the concerts could be an asset. Council discussed closing off streets such as First
Avenue, etcetera, for community events such as those in Old Town Pasadena and Monrovia, and
encouraging merchants to become involved.
13 - ADOPT A BENCHfTREE OR POT PROGRAM.
The City Manager noted staff had tried to get a program going and failed because people are not
interested, The program is not cost effective.
14 - AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO REVISE REQUIREMENTS FOR
CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND MODIFICATIONS.
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The City Manager referred to the permit process for CUP's and Modifications - the frequency of
approvals, in particular, and the process for applications, which appears to be too lengthy with
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too many requirements. He noted if so many CUP's and Modifications are approved, so often...
then the Code should be changed, Staff will prepare suggestions as to changes in the procedures
and ways to simplifY the process. Discussion developed of the prohibited uses in the CPD-I
zone... the ARA resolution should be reviewed... should the resolution list permitted uses? What
is an antique? This in reference to antique shops in the CPD-I zone. Council also discussed in-
store catalog sales... could this be a source ofrevenue to the City if such a business located here?
OPPORTUNITY SITES
I - Agency controlled Sites - Northeast corner of Santa Clara and Second Avenue, and the
Emkay one acre site. 2 - Project Area Sites - Arcadia Lumber on north Santa Anita Avenue.
In the discussion of potential development of various sites "ithin the City such as the Foulger
Ford site (Huntington Drive at Santa Clara) and Arcadia Lumber, the City Manager remarked
that from a tactical marketing point of view the City is in a kind of limbo until it is known what
will happen at the Race Track, What happens there will have a significant impact on the City,
That is reality for the City's financial future - land use and fiscal. If nothing happens at Santa
Anita then there will be changes at the Foulger Ford site and the Arcadia Lumber site.
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Referring to the Downtown 2000 project area, Mayor Pro tcm Harbicht felt that it is now time to
shift emphasis to other business areas in the City rather than continue to plow money into the
downtown area. Council member Chang felt Council should try to make the downtown area
successful without spending too much money. And, if that area could be made to be successful,
those same strategies could be applied to other business areas in the City. The City Manager
noted the downtown area may take as much as ten years to show growth, if the merchants and
landowners see the vision and do something about their businesses.
Referring to Redevelopment Agency controlled properties, Mayor Pro tem Harbicht felt that
Council should consider hotels and restaurants on those sites and possibly a fast food restaurant
on the one acre site on east Santa Clara (Emkay site). Recreational use and entertainment
oriented businesses in the Live Oak business area would be great.
Considerable discussion ensued of possible land uses and means of attracting businesses such as
Trader Joe's and certain theme type restaurants, the Cracker Barrel, for example. Low income
housing on east Santa Clara was considered. Mayor Kuhn suggested an additional meeting be
scheduled to continue the discussion on land uses.
The Mayor then opened the meeting to comments from representatives of the Chamber of
Commerce, Al Little suggested that property owners, merchants and City staff get together to
talk about economic development in business areas, There is apathy in the business districts...
the merchants need to be energized, Also, there is a need to get the word out to
merchantslbusiness owners that the Council is seriously talking about closing off streets for
special events. The City Manager suggested the City absorb the cost for police, etcetera, for these
events,
Dorothy Denne, Arcadia Weekly Newspaper, noted the City has a serious image problem. People
perceive the Council as a "do nothing" Council. There is a question of "who is in charge"? The
community wants action, not just talk... pick a goal and accomplish something. The City
Manager responded that the Council needs to market the City,
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Warner Penn, First Avenue merchant, commented that City merchants blame the reconstruction
in the downtown area as the reason business is down. In the discussion, the City Manager noted
that the City needs to inform the public of its fiscal condition... there is unbelief in the
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ADJOURN-
MENT
(Nov. 19, 1996,
6:30 p,m.)
38:0336
community that the City has a fiscal problem. Referring to the success of Monrovia to market I
that community, Mr. Penn noted the perception is that Monrovia is very aggressive in getting
development and business in that community. Councilmember Kovacic commented that
Monrovia is not afraid to use eminent domain. A brief discussion of the differences between
Arcadia and Monrovia development ensued. Councilmembers noted that Monrovia has
redeveloped a lot of its land and still has a lot left to develop. Mike Costuma commented that
rumor in the City has it that the City Council turns down businesses interested in locating in the
City... such as Applebee's, for example. Mayor Kuhn said this never happened, She also hears
these rumors and tries to correct this perception. Dorothy Denne commented she would publicize
the City's Redevelopment projects past, present and future in the Arcadia Weekly to inform the
public of the many projects in the redevelopment project area, especially on Huntington Drive
east of the railroad trestle, Councilmember Kovacic said maybe we should have a "Shop
Arcadia" campaign and emphasize how important local business is to the City. Mrs. Denne
believes Council needs to inform the public of what Council has accomplished and also future
plans. Mayor Pro tern Harbicht did not agree this was necessary.
Council agreed to schedule another study session at a future date to finish the discussion of the
opportunity sites in the City for economic development; land uses; a specific strategy; and, to
consider the General Plan document; restaurants and so forth. The City Manager remarked that
staff needs a clear written vision of what the Council wants and when,
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht suggested staff prepare a summary of this meeting and a list of questions
they would like Council to answer. He also suggested that Council tour the City with staff to
view the sites under consideration, perhaps some Saturday morning, Council expressed their
appreciation to staff for tonight's excellent presentation. Councilmember Kovacic said he would
like the Planning Commission included in the tour of the City, Further, he suggested that Mr. I
Kinnahan present a brief summary at a Council meeting, on television, of the past and present
redevelopment projects in the City,
At 10:10 p.m. the meeting ADJOURNED to Tuesday, November 19, 1996 at 6:30 p,m, in
the Conference Room of the Council Chambers for a Closed Executive Session.
/cdL~
~ayor
Barbara D. Kuhn, Mayor of the City of Arcadia
Pro tempore
ATTEST:
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