CITY OF POWAY
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
April 2, 2024
City Council Chambers
13325 Civic Center Drive, Poway, California
(Per Government Code 54953)
(Meeting Called to Order as City Council/City of Poway Planning Commission/Poway Housing Authority/Public Financing Authority and Successor Agency to the Poway Redevelopment Agency) CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Vaus called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Brian Pepin, Peter De Hoff, Anita Edmondson, Caylin Frank, Steve Vaus STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
City Manager Chris Hazeltine; Assistant City Manager Wendy Kaserman; City Attorney Alan Fenstermacher; City Clerk Carrie Gallagher; Director of Development Services Bob Manis; Interim Director of Finance Brad Rosen; Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Jodene Dunphy; Director of Public Works Eric Heidemann; Fire Chief Jeff Chumbley; Commander Nancy Blanco, Sheriff's Department.
(Note: Hereinafter the titles Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councilmember, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk and Director of Finance shall be used to indicate Mayor/Chair, Deputy Mayor/Vice Chair, Councilmember/Director, City Manager/Executive Director, Assistant City Manager/Assistant Executive Director, City Attorney/Counsel, City Clerk/Secretary and Director of Finance/Finance Officer.)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Deputy Mayor Frank led the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOMENT OF SILENCE:
Mayor Vaus led a moment of silence.
PRESENTATIONS:
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Peter Neild encouraged Council to consider the varying perspectives of Poway residents. 1 of 8
City of Poway — Minutes — April 2, 2024
Eric Weller spoke regarding safety concerns at The Farm in Poway.
Arthur Blain spoke regarding City Council term limits.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember De Hoff to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 through 7. Motion carried 5/0 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes:
Pepin, De Hoff, Edmondson, Frank, Vaus
Noes:
None
Abstained:
None
Absent:
None
Disqualified:
None
1. Approval of Reading by Title Only and Waiver of Reading in Full of Ordinances on this Agenda
2. Approval of the January 16, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
3. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 865 entitled "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Amending Chapters 2.21, 13.12, 16.10, 17.40, 17.46,
17.47, 17.48 and 17.50 of the Poway Municipal Code to Eliminate the Rehearing Procedure and Amending Chapter 17.02 to Require Cost Recovery for Public Noticing of Private Development Projects"
Eric Weller spoke in opposition to Item #3 and requested Council consider pulling the item for further discussion at a later date.
The following submitted comment cards in opposition to item #3:
Neil Schneider
Deborah Schneider
4. Authorization to Purchase Technology Hardware Utilizing NASPO ValuePoint Purchasing Program Contract #7-15-70-34-002 from Nth Generation Computing, Inc
5. Authorization to Purchase One (1) Cab and Chassis Utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program Contract #091521-NAF, One (1) Portable Screening Plant Utilizing Omnia Cooperative Purchasing Program Contract #159469 and Appropriation of Funds
6. Approval of Consultant Agreement with Frontier Energy, Inc., for the Zero Emission Vehicle Transition Assessment; RFP No. 24-012
7. Approval of Consultant Agreement with Matrix Consulting Group, LTD to Prepare a Cost Allocation Plan and Citywide User Fee Study
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION:
None.
2 of 8
City of Poway — Minutes — April 2, 2024
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
8. General Plan Amendment (GPA) 24-0001, Amendment to GPA 21-001 and 21-002; a Request to Adopt the City of Poway 2020-2029 Housing Element Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:12 p.m.
Director of Development Services Robert Manis presented the item. He stated the Housing Element is a required element of the Poway General Plan. He added, state law requires local governments to update their Housing Elements every eight years which require certification by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), following determine of compliance with state law.
Mr. Manis explained a Housing Element as addressing housing laws and identifying how a jurisdiction will provide opportunities for housing development including programs and goals for the jurisdiction and ways to achieve their Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation. He noted the update for the current Housing Element cycle began in 2020, with an online survey, two community meetings, and one City Council workshop.
On August 3, 2021, the Council adopted the 2020-2029 Housing Element. Following an early submittal to HCD, the City received a letter dated July 9, 2021 with requested revisions. City staff worked with HCD staff to address the issues raised and negotiated language for the document appropriate for Poway. In addition to many phone calls and the submission of informal letters, on October 30, 2022 and again on January 22, 2024, the City submitted formal letters to HCD.
On March 13, 2024, the City received a letter from HCD confirming the Poway Housing Element met the statutory requirements of Housing Element law and will be in full compliance with state law after adoption and submittal to HCD for final approval. Mr. Manis noted approval of the item is covered by the negative declaration, which was adopted by Council at the August 3, 2021 City Council meeting, with no further CEQA review requirement.
Public Comment:
Joe St. Lucas spoke neutrally on Item #8 and suggested raising inclusionary in lieu fees as a means to induce development of more low-income housing.
Yuri Bohlen spoke in opposition to Item #8 and state -imposed housing quotas.
The following submitted comment cards in opposition to Item #8:
Zack Vanslager
Leslie Vanslager
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 7:20 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Council thanked City staff for their work with HCD and for presenting a compliant Housing Element. Changes in state law that impact local control were discussed including laws related to low-income housing and density law bonuses, and 3of8
City of Poway — Minutes — April 2, 2024
creating affordable housing was also discussed. Council noted concerns over the lack of state funding available for affordable housing development projects.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Deputy Mayor Frank to adopt Resolution No. 24-010 entitled "An Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Approving General Plan Amendment (GPA) 24-0001 (Amendment to GPA 21-001 and GPA 21-002) for the Adoption of City of Poway 2020-2029 Housing Element." Motion carried unanimously.
Specific Plan (SP) 22-0001, Environmental assessment (EA) 23-0001, General Plan Amendment (GPA) 22-0001, Zone Change (ZC) 22-0001, Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) 24-0001, Tentative Tract Map (TTM) 22-0001 and Development Review (DR) 23- 0003; a request to adopt a specific plan, subdivide 11.5 acres of land and construct 63 new single-family residences, preserve one locally designated historic home and certify the associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Mayor Vaus opened the Public Hearing at 7:32 p.m.
Senior Planner Hector Salgado presented the item along with a PowerPoint presentation. Mr.
Salgado identified the project site location within the Residential Single Families (RS-7) zone and the surrounding land uses within the Poway Road Specific Plan (PRSP). He described the project site, which includes four existing single-family residences. One of the residences is a locally designated historic building known as the Harmon House and will be retained in place.
Mr. Salgado explained the proposed zoning is consistent with the General Plan (GP) land use and zoning designation of Planned Community (PC) and provided general information on Specific Plan Amendments (SPAs). The Harmon Ranch Specific Plan (HRSP) includes 63 new single family detached homes plus one existing historic home on site for a total of 64 lots within the project boundary and a public right-of-way on Oak Knoll Road.
As part of the HRSP, modifications from the RS-7 zone are proposed for density, setbacks, minimum lot size, maximum allowable lot coverage and number of floor plans for a subdivision. The proposed density provides an appropriate transition between the neighboring apartments and lower density single family residences.
Mr. Salgado provided a site plan of the project illustrating a passive open space area and eight -foot -wide segment of community trail, discussed proposed landscaping, parking and garage requirements and with the use of elevation drawings, he noted variable floor plans configurations, sizes, and color schemes.
Mr. Salgado noted a November 7, 2023 neighborhood meeting held at the Mickey Cafagna Community Center to discuss the Harmon Ranch project with approximately 40 people in attendance. Topics covered were density, consistency with the GP, access and traffic.
Additionally, the applicant held meetings with the residents from Roca Grande to discuss their concerns and spoke individually with residents adjacent to the project.
Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Senior Vice President Alex Plishner of Lennar discussed the initial stages of the project and neighborhood outreach efforts. Mr. Plishner noted pre - development meetings between Lennar and the City. Based on resident and Council input, 4of8
City of Poway — Minutes — April 2, 2024
Lennar addressed privacy concerns, vehicular and pedestrian access to adjoining neighborhoods, drainage, density, configuration and building style.
Public Comment:
The following spoke in support of Item #9:
Alyssa Roscoe
Don Urena
David Farmer
Adrienne Wilson
Jennifer Urena
Phil Rath
Kevan Koskie
Blake Darling
The following submitted a comment card in support of Item #9:
Arlene Tendick
The following spoke in opposition to Item #9:
Ellen Pilsecker
Ron Chapman
Ann Tipps
Jana Johnson
Joe St. Lucas
Lisa Higbee
Eric Weller
Tim Palmer
Dirk Funk
Barbara Diederichs
The following submitted comment cards in opposition to Item #9:
Deborah Schneider
Kathleen Wright
Neil Schneider
Anna
Esta Browning
Juliet Vasel-Phillips
Torrey Powers
Carl Browning
Amy Bettinger
Matt Egan
Eric Labonte
Zack Vanslager
Janet Lettang
Karen Podvin
Gary Jalaty
Nancy Jalaty
Bonita Palmer
Brian Palmer
Leslie Vanslager
5of8
City of Poway - Minutes - April 2, 2024
End of Public Comment.
Mayor Vaus closed the Public Hearing at 8:35 p.m.
Council discussion ensued. Mayor Vaus addressed misconceptions about the use of Specific Plan Amendments (SPAs), noting the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) strongly encourages the use of SPAs to meet housing needs. Council responded positively to the applicant's project amendments, including removing one residential unit, widening driveways, increasing setbacks, adequate parking, and dialoguing with neighbors. Council clarified density bonuses and total units allowable, and the proposed trail connection on Oak Knoll Road. Council shared concerns over privacy, traffic and density.
Council discussed the implication of rejecting the SPA, noting new developers would have the ability to add more units than the current proposal using affordable housing and density bonus laws.
Responding to Council questions, City staff noted the use of Specific Plan Amendments is not uncommon and has been used for other City project developments.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pepin to 1) adopt Resolution No. 24-011 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Certifying an Environmental Impact Report (EA) 23-0001 and Adopting Findings Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act for the Harmon Ranch Specific Plan (SP) 22-0001 Including the Subdivision of 11.5 Acres of Land and the Construction of 63 Homes and the Preservation of a Locally Designated Historic Home; Assessor's Parcel Numbers; 317-500-14-00, 317-500-13-00, 317-500-12-00, 317-500-11-00, 317-500- 09-00, 317-500-10-00, 317-500-03-00, 317-500-02-00, 317-501-02-00 AND 317-501-01-00:" 2) adopt Resolution No. 24-012 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Amending the City's General Plan for the Harmon Ranch Specific Plan (SP) 22-0001 (General Plan Amendment (GPA) 22-0001); Assessor's Parcel Numbers; 317-500-14-00, 317-500-13-00, 317-500-12-00, 317-500-11-00, 317-500-09-00, 317-500-10-00, 317-500-03-00, 317-500-02-00, 317-501-02-00 and 317-501-01-00;" and 3) adopt Resolution No. 24-013 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Approving Tentative Tract Map (TTM) 22-0001 and Development Review (DR) 22-0003 for the Harmon Ranch Specific Plan SP 22-0001; Assessor's Parcel Numbers; 317-500-14-00, 317-500-13-00, 317-500-12-00, 317-500-11-00, 317-500- 09-00, 317-500-10-00, 317-500-03-00, 317-500-02-00, 317-501-02-00 and 317-501-01-00." Motion carried 4/1 (No: Frank).
As requested by the Mayor, City Clerk Gallagher titled the Ordinances.
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pepin to introduce Ordinance No. 866, entitled "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Approving the Harmon Ranch Specific Plan (SP) 22-0001; Assessor's Parcel Numbers 317-500-14-00, 317-500-13-00, 317-500-12-00, 317-500-11-00, 317-500-09-00, 317-500-10- 00, 317-500-03-00, 317-500-02-00, 317-501-02-00 and 317-501-01-00." Motion carried 4/1 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes: De Hoff, Edmondson, Pepin, Vaus
Noes: Frank
Abstained: None
Absent: None
Disqualified: None
6of8
City of Poway — Minutes — April 2, 2024
Motioned by Mayor Vaus, seconded by Councilmember Pepin to introduce Ordinance No. 867 entitled "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Poway, California, Amending the City's Zoning and General Plan Land Use Map, Changing the Zoning and General Plan Land Use Designations from Residential Single Family 7 (RS-7) to the Harmon Ranch Planned Community (PC-10) with Related Amendments to the Poway Municipal Code for the Harmon Ranch Specific Plan (SP) 22-0001 (Zone Change 22- 0001, Zoning Ordinance Amendment 24-0001); Assessor's Parcel Numbers 317-500-14- 00, 317-500-13-00, 317-500-12-00, 317-500-11-00, 317-500-09-00, 317-500-10-00, 317-500- 03-00, 317-500-02-00, 317-501-02-00 and 317-501-01-00." Motion carried 4/1 by the following roll -call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstained:
Absent:
Disqualified:
STAFF REPORTS:
None.
WORKSHOPS:
None.
De Hoff, Edmondson, Pepin, Vaus
Frank
None
None
None
COUNCIL -INITIATED ITEMS:
None.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS: Pursuant to AB1234 - (G.C. 53232(d))
Mayor Vaus provided an update on the San Diego Board Association of Governments (SANDAG), discussing pending investigations related to tolling procedures.
CITY MANAGER ITEMS:
(• •C7'iL�
CITY ATTORNEY ITEMS: (Including any public report of any action taken in closed session) None.
CLOSED SESSION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
7of8
City of Poway — Minutes — April 2, 2024
Carrie Gallagher, CMC
City Clerk
City of Poway, California
8of8