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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/04/01 - Minutes - Special / Joint (CC, PC) April 1, 2015 CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA CITY COUNCIL JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES A. CALL TO ORDER A special joint meeting of the Rancho Cucamonga City Council and Planning Commission was held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, in the Tri-Communities Room at City Hall located at 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California. Mayor L. Dennis Michael called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present were Councilmembers: Bill Alexander, Lynne Kennedy, Diane Williams, Mayor Pro Tem Sam Spagnolo and Mayor L. Dennis Michael. Present were Commissioners: Fletcher, Howdyshell, Munoz, Vice Chairman Oaxaca and Chairman Wimberly Also present were: John Gillison, City Manager; Candyce Burnett, Planning Director; Mayuko Nakajima, Assistant Planner; Jason Welday, Traffic Engineer; Michael Parmer, Management Aide; and Marie Macias, Interim City Clerk Services Director. I B. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS No communication was made from the public. I C. ITEM(S) OF DISCUSSION I Cl. Presentation and Discussion on the Circulation Master Plan for Bicyclists and Pedestrians (CMP) John Gillison, City Manager, provided a history of the City's Circulation Master Plan for Bicyclists and Pedestrians (CMP) and introduced Candyce Burnett, Planning Director, who provided an overview of the report, the purpose of the joint workshop, and spoke about the City's application for the grant. Michael Parmer, Management Aide, spoke about the Circulation Master Plan and how it relates to Healthy Rancho Cucamonga — a community where all generations lead vibrant, healthy, happy lives. He discussed the community's health priorities, noting that active living and healthy eating had been identified as the number one issue, and that community members had identified Southwest Cucamonga as a priority neighborhood, an area with fewer healthy resources and greater needs. He discussed the California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation that promotes community engagement and empowerment to improve health. He discussed the process for the grant application through the California Endowment, noting that the award was for the development of a circulation master plan for bicyclists and pedestrians. Mayuko Nakajima, Assistant Planner, informed that the project was consistent with several General Plan goals, and that the project involved collaboration between the Planning Department, City Manager's Office, Engineering, the community and stakeholders. April 1, 2015 I City Council & Planning Commission Joint Special Meeting Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 1 of 3 Leah Stender, Planning Associate, Alta Planning + Design, advised that the General Plan was very well integrated into all the planning documents. She discussed the planning process, pedestrian and bicyclist needs; multi-modal connections, such as the Metrolink and Omnitrans; the generators and attractors; as well as opportunities and constraints. She reported on a community survey that had been developed to determine the needs of the community. She noted that it had been a very comprehensive process and that staff was still collecting information. She informed that as of March 31, 2015, 723 responses had been received. Council Member Alexander asked and City Manager Gillison responded that bicyclists were primarily on concrete, but were not limited to the concrete only. Discussion ensued with respect to where the bicyclists should ride. Jason Welday, Traffic Engineer, noted that the City would be following State standards and guidelines to encourage the safest situation possible, and offer more educational components through Healthy RC. Discussion ensued with regard to example street views, how to change the mindset of the bicyclists and make people understand that the City is focused on trying to increase the safety of bicyclists; the importance of creating "a desire to be there" and the need for landscaping and trees along the trails. Commissioner Howdyshell stated that paths had to be safe, comfortable and inviting. She liked the idea of green painted lanes and expressed the need for additional signage. She expressed concern with the challenge in trying to cross wide streets, and was encouraged by the presentation and proposed changes. Commissioner Wimberly thanked staff and the consultant for the presentation. He agreed with his fellow commissioners and inquired on the plans to educate the public. City Manager Gillison replied that a concerted effort would be required through social media and various community groups, including Police. He discussed training for the next generation, and stated that more changes in the community would also foster more education. He said that the people's perceptions would change along with the physical changes in the community. It was noted that grants were also available for funding education. Council Member Williams stated that the success of the Plan was in the hands of the Planners and the Planning Commission, noting that they had to be selective with new projects coming in. Her comments were well received by the Planning Commissioners. There was discussion regarding Victoria Gardens being the best destination place in Rancho Cucamonga and if the traffic at Victoria Gardens dissuades people from walking or bicycling in that area. Council Member Kennedy thanked the consultant and staff for the comprehensive report and said she was glad to be able to work with the Planning Commission. She stated that she would like to see how the modifications would be phased in, the time line, and how to ensure equity with Southwest Cucamonga. She stated that models were excellent, but asked about the type of look that Rancho Cucamonga wanted to accomplish. She requested samples of how this would all come together and what it would look like. She inquired on the City's ultimate goal, and how the goal would be incorporated into the Economic Development Plan. April 1, 2015 I City Council & Planning Commission Joint Special Meeting Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 2 of 3 Mayor Pro Tern Spagnolo echoed all comments and stated it would be interesting to see how this will all come together. He commended staff and encouraged everyone to go online and take the survey. Council Member Williams stressed the importance for staff to work with Victoria Gardens with respect to making bicyclists feel welcomed in the area, by adding bike lockers and benches. Mayor Michael thanked the consultant and staff, and stressed the need for education, to tackle the areas where people will be more active, and the need for safety. D. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marie Macias, MMC / Interim City Clerk Services Director Approved: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 April 1, 2015 I City Council & Planning Commission Joint Special Meeting Minutes City of Rancho Cucamonga I Page 3 of 3