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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/03/02 - Minutes - SpecialMarch 2, 2009 CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA CITY COUNCIL MINUTES FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT MINUTES REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING E1. CALL TO ORDER' A special meeting of the Rancho Cucamonga City Council, Fire Protection District and Redevelopment Agency was held on Monday, March 2, 2009, in the City Council Chambers located at 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Mayor/Chairman/ President Donald J. Kurth called the meeting to order at 12:05 p. m. Present were Councilmembers/Boardmembers/Agencymembers: Rex Gutierrez, Sam Spagnolo, Mayor Pro TemNice ChairmanNice President L. Dennis Michael and Mayor/PresidenUChairman Donald J. Kurth. Councilmember/Boardmember/Agency Member Williams arrived at 12:39 p.m. Also present were: Jack Lam, City Manager; Pamela Easter, Assistant City Manager; John Gillison, Deputy City Manager/Administrative Services; Mahdi Aluzri, Deputy City Manager/Community Development; James Troyer, Planning Director; Debra McKay, Records Manager/Assistant City Clerk and Kathy Scott, Assistant City Clerk. Tim Johnson, District Director for Supervisor Paul Biane; Julie Rynerson Rock, Land Use Services Director for San Bernardino County and Mark Dowling, Economic Development Administrator far San Bernardino County were also present. B.. puBLic CoNiMUNICaTIOIVS " John Lyons stated that when Los Osos High School was constructed, it was determined that the debris basin was undersized. On December 23, 2003 there was a major rainstorm which filled the entire debris basin. Mr. Lyons noted that the Council needed to look at the appropriate type of development that could be placed in that location as homes and condos would be washed away. Regarding the other site, he indicated that the water traveling under the 210 Freeway has not been permanently handled and stated that additional work might be necessary in that area as well. C: ITEM(S) OF BUSINESS 1. Consideration of Responses to the Request for Qualification (RFQ) for 1,200 acres, San Bernardino County Property, Located North of the City Boundary and in the City's Sphere of Influence (the Property is located north of Banyan Street and approximately Between Milliken Ave. and Day Creek Flood Control Channel), Including Presentations by and Interviews of Applicants Mahdi Aluzri, Deputy City Manager/Community Development presented the staff report. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, Tim Johnson addressed the separation of the two parcels. He indicated that Area B is an isolated parcel with the only access being from a private gated community. In response to Mayor Kurth, Mr. Johnson stressed that a project is not being considered at this time but noted that the City Council should evaluate the qualifications of each of the applicants. He stated that the San Bernardino County Flood Control District (District) currently owns the property. Mr. Johnson indicated that the County of San Bernardino (County) and the District agreed last week for the County to work with the City and a developer to entitle the land. It is envisioned that the District would declare the property surplus; the County would buy the property and then negotiations would occur with a developer. Mr. Johnson addressed Mayor Pro Tem Michael and stated that all proposed surplus properties must be evaluated and a decision must be made that the property is no longer required or necessary for flood control purposes. This recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for their determination. Special City Council/Fire Board/Redevelopment Agency Meeting March 2, 2009 Page 2 of 5 In response to Councilmember Spagnolo, a map was shown which shows the areas set aside for habitat conservation. Mr. Johnson addressed Mayor Kurth and stated that the County has offered to include the City in this process. The City Council will review all of the applicants and make a recommendation to the County. The County Board of Supervisors will decide. Two members of the City Council will be involved with a subcommittee to negotiate with the selected developer and eventually the goal is to annex the property into the City. Once development occurs, at a minimum it will meet City standards. David Lewis, representing .Rancho Alliance Investors, introduced the team and the Rancho Bella concept. Rancho Alliance includes the Lewis Group of Companies, Lennar, Diversified Pacific, SheaHomes, Young Homes, Architerra Design Group, Borders Golf Group, California Strategies, EDAW/AECOM, Fazio Golf Course Designers, Land Matters, Madole & Associates, Nicklaus Design, O'Reilly Public Relations, Pitassi Architects, RMA Group and TCM Group. Randal Lewis spoke about the vision of Rancho Bella, including building a sustainable development with many innovative housing types, ahigh-end neighborhood center, small retail development in the community core, various housing options, a major sports park, the incorporation of Healthy Rancho ideals into the land planning and programming and the inclusion of recreation, trees, paths and trails. He proposed utilizing the quarry site to create an oasis lake park and establishing an eco-golf course and indicated that neighborhood crafting would be done in order to create a community with lasting value. Also discussed was promotion of Healthy Rancho Cucamonga principals, creating a low carbon/low water sustainable community and concepts for a village activity center as well as a neighborhood retail center. A green infrastructure network was envisioned. Creation of Rancho Bella would be a collaborative effort with the community. Lastly, Mr. Lewis addressed past projects and the strengths that each team member brought to the project. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, Mr. Lewis addressed how the team was chosen. He indicated that there would be various types of homes and different home builders would be involved in the project. Also discussed was the need to communicate to the stakeholders early on and throughout the entire process so that environmental concerns can be identifed and resolved. In response to Councilmember Gutierrez, Mr. Lewis identified other projects that could compare with these areas physical and environmental .challenges. Each company's diversity of products and locations gives Rancho Alliance the financial ability to succeed. Mr. Lewis stated that the changes in the economy have not impeded Rancho Alliance's ability to successfully complete the project. In response to Councilmember Williams, Mr. Lewis stated that the company would be sensitive to the needs of the community and would get a consensus of how the project should look. Similarly, he confirmed to Mayor Pro Tem Michael that the sports park would take into account community needs and would be designed by the community for the community. Mayor Kurth inquired about the impact of the retail center. Mr. Lewis indicated that the neighborhood center would not compete with Victoria Gardens. In response to Mayor Kurth, Mr. Lewis noted that the team's strength was that they currently live and work in the City. Recess: Mayor Kurth recessed the meeting at 1:36 p.m. Reconvene: Mayor Kurth reconvened the meeting at 1:55 p.m. Steve Cameron, representing Foremost Communities, Inc., introduced the team. The Stanwood Team consists of Stanwood Capital Group, LLC, Foremost Communities, Inc. and T86 Planning. Stanwood Capital Group is one of the nation's most active and successful real estate investment firms. Foremost has entered into a joint venture with Stanwood Capital as its financial partner. Mr. Cameron is the President and Founder of Foremost Communities and has more than 20 years experience in Southern California real estate development arid fnancing. T&B Planning has 35 years of experience in the planning industry. Mr. Cameron addressed past projects, including Talega (City of San Clemente), The Crosby (Rancho Santa Fe area) and Sycamore Creek (South Corona). He indicated that the team possessed the expertise and ability to make this project successful. Also discussed were the goals of the project as set forth in the Request for Proposals. Additional goals are to design a community that blends in with the surrounding communities, create a Special City Council/Fire Board/Redevelopment Agency Meeting March 2, 2009 Page 3 of 5 market driven plan, implement sustainable design principals, establish a village center for the greater vicinity, provide a trail system, phase in the development and ensure a fnancially feasible project. Michael Canfield, Sr. Vice President of Land Acquisitions for Foremost Communities addressed the project challenges and opportunities. He also presented a proposed land use plan which consisted of low density land use (1/2 acre lots) in Area B. The golf course is oriented north-south in Area A and a village center could be located in the southwest corner. The golf course would act as a drainage facility and would be planned to maximize the view corridors. Mr. Canfeld noted that there are opportunities for a hotel to be constructed on the site and discussed the village center (which could include the high school, a retail center, the existing fire station, varied locally serving office uses, village green, future police station, a day care facility or a library, a live/work component and the 25-acre required community park). There could be higher density land uses in the northeast section of Area A. Mr. Canfield also discussed the 600-foot easement to the east side of Area A and indicated that community gardens could be planted. Also discussed was the design concept for the residential community. Sustainability would be ensured throughout the entire process. Mr. Canfeld discussed the need for stakeholder meetings and three community outreach meetings. He stated that the team is the most financially qualified to do this project. They possess the experience, reputation and commitment to do an outstanding job. In response to Councilmember Spagnolo, Mr. Cameron addressed Starwood Capital Group's financial stability. Mr. Cameron responded to Mayor Pro Tem Michael by indicating that there was a core of team members from Foremast Communities and T8B Planning. Consultants would be retained to provide more specific expertise. Mr. Cameron referred Councilmember Gutierrez to the Talega project in the City of San Clemente as being a good example of a master planned community with a golf course, homes and a village center. Also, he referred the Council to Sycamore Creek in Corona. In response to Councilmember Gutierrez, Mr. Cameron reported that Stanvood Capital Group would provide capital for the venture. Foremost Communities was formed in January 2007 and does not own properties or have liabilities. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, Mr. Canfield confirmed that he had worked on the Oak Valley project in the cities of Beaumont and Calimesa. In response to Councilmember Williams, it was noted that while a market study had not been done on the viability of a hotel or resort, if it turned out that they were viable, the Stanwood Team had the expertise to build them. In response to Mayor Kurth, Mr. Canfield addressed possible solutions to the drainage in Area A. He noted that the water could be channeled into the golf course. He expected that the team would consult with an engineering frm to evaluate the flows and find a solution. Mr. Cameron indicated to Mayor Kurth that the project would not be totally f Wanted with cash and expected that they would be able to borrow money. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, Mr. Canfeld confirmed that an aquatics center was a possibility in the village center. He expected that entitlements could be obtained in 2 years. Recess: Mayor Kurth recessed the meeting at 2:48 p.m Reconvene: Mayor Kurth reconvened the meeting at 3:14 p.m Leonard Glickman, the lead principal for the K & K Development team, spoke about this privately held family- based real estate development and management group. K & K Developers believes in a team approach to project management and Mr. Glickman stated that everything would be handled in-house. Land planner, Peter Templeton of Templeton Planning Group and engineer Bob Stockton of Rick Engineering will serve as advisors of the day-to-day operation of the project. Mr. Templeton addressed the preliminary concept plan for Area A, which could include a well contained championship golf course that would take advance of the natural views, a series of lakes with drainage systems anchored by a hotel/spa facility with California friendly landscaping. The conceptual plan included a sports park adjacent to the high school with access from Wilson Avenue. Mr. Templeton stated that there would be a diverse array of housing options surrounding the golf course, an equestrian facility in the upper corner of Area A, which would have a trail head leading into the mountain [rails. He expected that this concept would create 486 new jobs. A preliminary village center concept plan was discussed, which included a luxury hotel, wedding center, conference facility, hotel estate homes available for rent, full service spa, luxury condos, golf clubhouse with putting course, professional and medical offices, retail, etc. Also discussed was the bridge and tunnel entry & Special City Council/Fire Board/Redevelopment Agency Meeting March 2, 2009 Page 4 of 5 village approach, which consisted of only right hand turns into the community loop road. It is envisioned that this would be a walkable community. Mr. Glickman discussed past projects including the Coyote Hills East in the City of Fullerton and Querencia in Cabo San Lucas. He presented an illustrative site plan for Eagle Valley East, which is located in the City of Corona. He indicated that the team principals attended every meeting and stated the goal to build a sustainable, livable, walkable community. Challenges and constraints were discussed as well as the desire to involve the community in a transparent process. Mr. Glickman indicated to Mayor Pro Tem Michael that the environmental analysis would take 3-4 years and stated that the team would retain consultants to help with this process. He anticipated that K 8 K Development would retain ownership of the hotel. Mayor Pro Tem Michael inquired who would build the homes and while this hasn't been determined yet, Mr. Glickman was confident that quality companies could be retained. While K 8 K Development has not yet provided financial information, they intended to do so. Mayor Pro Tem Michael encouraged them to provide this information to the County. Mr. Glickman indicated to Councilmember Spagnolo that his company had created several major master planned developments in New Jersey. Templeton Planning Group has developed Eagle Valley East in the City of Corona. In response to Councilmember Gutierrez, he confirmed that the team was financially sound. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, Mr. Glickman expected that the rock from the quarry would be used as a road base and incorporated into the project. The remainder would be buried. Mayor Kurth inquired on flood control issues and Mr. Glickman indicated that water use could be reduced by 50% but that additional study was needed. Also, he spoke about the benefits of a fresh approach to development. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, Mr. Templeton discussed the concept of an equestrian facility in Area A. He discussed the placement of a small amphitheater in the village center in response to Councilmember Williams. Mr. Templeton indicated that the establishment of a Homeowners Association and/or gated communities is possible. Also discussed was the placement of an aesthetically pleasing hotel in the area. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, the bridge and tunnel entry & village approach was discussed. Recess: Mayor Kurth recessed the meeting at 4:15 p.m. Reconvene: Mayor Kurth reconvened the meeting at 4:35 p.m. Mahdi Aluzri, Deputy City Manager/Community Development noted that a letter was received today from Toll Brothers stating that they are withdrawing their application and will be joining the Richland team. Stephen Thurtle, representing Richland Communities, confirmed that Toll Brothers has joined the team. He noted that Richland currently owns 440 acres to the north of Area A. He addressed past projects including Highland Reserve/Highland Park -Master Planned Communities in Roseville; Arrowood Golf Course Community in Oceanside and River Park in Wesf Sacramento. James Boyd, Chief Operating Officer of the California Division of Toll Brothers, indicated that Toll Brothers Inc. is a Fortune 500 full service residential real estate development company and has been developing land and building luxury residential communities since 1967. The company has been named America's Best Builder and is the only national homebuilder focused on the luxury market. Toll Brothers is a leading golf course developer and offers high-end private, equity, non-equity, semi-private and public golf courses throughout the county. Mr. Boyd noted relevant local project experience including The Heights at Haven View, The Estates at Rancho Cucamonga, The Enclave I and The Enclave II. Stanley Morse from MDS Consulting introduced the company and the projects that he has worked on. Michael Schrock, Urban Arena, LLC, spoke about the vision of Cuverra, which would bring back Rancho Cucamonga's legacy by planting over 400 acres of vineyards throughout the project. This project would be the gateway to the Etiwanda Natural Preserve and an Etiwanda Nature Center is envisioned. A championship golf course would weave the front nine holes lhru rolling vineyards and take advantage of Richland's property to the north by challenging the players with rugged topography al the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The community's commercial core will provide easy access by electric vehicle for neighborhood shopping, wine tasting and outdoor dining. It will also contain office space and provide shared parking for sports park tournaments. Cuverra plans to use the grading operator to carve the land to form a natural amphitheatre for the Special City Council/Fire Board/Redevelopment Agency Meeting March 2, 2009 Page 5 of 5 fnishing holes. Recreation would be provided around the existing high school to develop a shared use 40 acre destination facility. A dog park is located in the middle of the community core as the gateway to the sports park. Cuverra utilizes the irrigated vineyards and golf course to create a 300' safe zone which combined with a brush thinning area will provide a 600' fre buffer zone. James Moose, from the firm of Remy, Thomas, Moose and Manley, LLP, indicated his experience in environmental law. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Michael, Mr. Boyd indicated that Toll Brothers would build some of the homes and would establish the quality of the neighborhood. Other builders would be selected based upon their reputation, financial situation and their general philosophy. Mr. Boyd suggested that Councilmember Gutierrez tour Vista Del Verde in Yorba Linda or Arrowood Golf Course Community in Oceanside. Also discussed was the reason that Toll Brothers joined the team. Mr. Boyd addressed Mayor Pro Tem Michael and stated that the amphitheater could be maintained by the golf course or by the hotel. He did not expect that f nding a manager far the vineyards would be difficult. It is envisioned that the vineyards would be the responsibility of the Homeowner's Association. Mr. Thurtle indicated that the golf course would not disrupt the public's use of the mitigation area. In response to Councilmember Williams, discussion was held on how the assessments would be set up. It was noted that all of the areas would be open to the public. It was envisioned that the golf course would be private. In response to Mayor Kurth, it was noted that more study needs to be done on the flood control issues. The Richland team expected that the combination of irrigated grapes and golf course would provide an adequate fire break. D. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p. m. to March 3, 2009 at 1:30 p. m. for a meeting in the City Council Chambers al City Hall, located at 10500 Civic Center Drive. Re ~ectfully submitted, ~z ~ ~-. Deb a L. McKay, MMC Assistant City Clerk/Records Manager Approved: March 18, 2009