May 2009 Minutes

AVILA VALLEY ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, May 11, 2009

The meeting was called to order by Vice-chair Boyd Horne in the absence of Bob Pusanik, chair. A quorum was established with the attendance of: Boyd Horne, Anne M. Brown, Lisa Newton, Jan Taylor, Sherri Danoff, Ken Thompson, Lynn Walter, Sandy Keller, Bill Tickell, Steve Johnson, Barbara Sances, Karin Argano.

Absent: Bob Pusanik, John Schug, John Salisbury.

Public Comment: Karin mentioned that the website has not been updated with the current Agenda. Due to John Schug’s illness, a webmaster is being sought to fill-in.

The Minutes of the April 13^th meeting are now in draft form…Sherri took the minutes, filling in for Secretary Anne Brown. She will e.mail the completed minutes to members.

The draft as sent was approved by voice vote.

Treasurer’s Report from Jan Taylor is the same as before with no expenditures. It was decided that the Council would not ask for a Grant from our Supervisor at this time, due to the financial situation of the County (and State!).

2.1. Sheriff’s Department: Cmdr. Hall. Reports typical calls (101) with 21 reports. Several law enforcement personnel were sent to Santa Barbara during the current fire. Major areas of reports coming from Bob Jones trailhead and Port (Poly) beach area. Be sure to lock vehicles and hide “interesting” items.

2.2 Vacation Rental Ordinance: John Busselle, County Planner staff reviewing the present Residential Vacation Rental Ordinance 23.08.165 presented the current issues re: Avila and its inclusion in the Ordinance, and the Coastal zone requirements. Anne Brown, representing the AVAC Avila sub-committee, read the proposed change “C” in the Ordinance and made a motion to accept the language presented by the sub-committee. 2^nd by Barbara Sances. Discussion involved Supr. Hill stating that previous communications from AVAC indicated no interest in such an amendment, but that he sees that there IS interest and will convey that to the other Supervisors at their June 23^rd meeting. The vote on the motion was: Yes-10; No-2; Abstain: 1. The motion reads: AVAC recommends to Planning that “Within the Avila Beach Community Service District boundaries, in all residential/recreational land use categories, no two (2) contiguous parcels (APN #s) shall have vacation rentals, and no two (2) contiguous or adjacent units in a parcel (one APN#) shall have vacation rentals. This location standard may be modified through a Minor Use Permit approval when a Development Plan is not otherwise required.”

2.3. County Supervisor Adam Hill. Because the County is an “arm” of the State, all the budget problems are reflected to us. The State will undoubtedly take more money from the County. Re: the Promenade issue, contract negotiations with Compass Health (The Custom House & Mr. Rick’s) continues. Meetings continue re Strategic Planning and Management, use of County property for a homeless “campus” (working with EVC and Community Development Dept.), SB811 (upfront payment for solar panels on homes).

2.4. Public Works: no report.

2.5. LAFCO. David Church. Explained the Commission (7members from cities and county government) and its mission. States that Pismo Beach has started study on “Price Canyon Master Plan” which could impact Indian Knob and Squire Canyon due to its request for water from that area. (This area is in AVAC’s purview.) In addition, there are concerns re: mandate to reduce urban sprawl, traffic, open space, orderly development of cities, preservation of ag lands, etc. Pismo Beach will consider the matter at their June 16^th City Council meeting.

2.6. Planning. Ryan Hostetter. Study sessions are continuing on the Conservation Element of the General Plan. The Resource Management Survey is being conducted by James Caruso, planner. There is a re-submittal plan for the Schoolhouse property (SUB04-00259-Tract 2667). This project (“Avila Cottages”) will be considered at a Sub-committee meeting on Wednesday, May 20^th at 9:00 a.m. (closed until 9:30) at the Community Center conference room.

3.0. Old Business.

3.1. Wild Cherry Canyon Acquisition: Boyd Horne. The Regional Water Quality Review Board has left in their budget the $950,000.00 earmarked for purchase. Boyd had called the Board (due to short notice time) and expressed AVAC’s support of that action.

4.0. Community Liaisons.

4.1 ABA: Karin reported attending a Port San Luis meeting re: parking lot in Avila. They want to rework fee schedule. ABA lease of the Promenade expired May 1^st; looking for other funding for activities. Trash on the Promenade continues to be an issue. Lease costs are a concern to Fish&Farmers Market activity. Working on a Survey of Avila residents re: what’s important to them.

4.2. ABCA: Anne reports a Pancake Breakfast on July 4^th from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Community Center..All are welcome!!! Interest in the collaborative effort among Avila non-profits to share the work is continuing.

4.3. ABCF. Rick Cohen reports their strategic planning workshop will be next week. Also involved in non-profit collaboration mentioned by ABCA.

4.4 Port San Luis. No report.

4.5 Diablo. Pat Wilmore (PG&E). Introduced Mike Ginn the emergency management coordinator at the plant. He confirmed the regional efforts for safety responses.

5.0. New Business.

5.1. San Miguel Court Project. Anne Brown explained the project and moved that the project be recommended to Planning for approval; 2^nd by Lynn Walter. Passed 9/0.

5.2. MUP for an alpaca barn submitted by the Ritters. Moved by Boyd Horne, 2^nd by Bill Tickell that “DRC2008-00134 MUP be approved and submitted to Planning for action”. 10 yes; 1 abstain.

6.0. Executive Session. No report

7.0 AVAC committees.

7.1. Land Use: no report.

7.2. Diablo: no report.

7.3. Port : no report.

7.4. Avila Beach: Request for 8 vacation rentals in 4 lots along the Mid-block Passage in Avila Beach. Discussion re: how the Vacation Rental Ordinance would effect this project. Explained the use of the Ordinance would note noise, signs, parking. Moved by Anne Brown, 2^nd by Sherri that “AVAC recommend to Planning that DRC2008-00129 MIDBLOCK PASSAGE MUP be approved with the conditions of Ordinance 23.08.165 related to g.(signage), i.(on-site parking), j.(noise), k. (local contact person).” Vote: Pass (8); No (3); Abstain: (1).