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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 2004-06-21 6-21-04 Seal Beach, California June 21, 2004 I The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular adjourned session at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Yost calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Yost Councilmembers'Antos, Larson, Ybaben None One Absent: Vacancy: Also present: Mr. Bahorski, City Manager Mr. Barrow, City Attorney Chief Sellers, Police Department Mrs. Devine, City Clerk ORAL COMMUNICTIONS There were no public comments. I INTERVIEWS AND DELIBERATION - CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES - DISTRICT FIVE Mayor Yost thanked all of the candidates for submitting their letter of interest for the vacant Council seat of District Five. The Mayor explained that each candidate would have an opportunity for a two-minute opening statement, approximately twenty minutes of questions from the Council, followed by a two minute closing statement, and in the interest of fairness those candidates not being interviewed will wait in the City Manager's conference room. The order of interviews was selected by a random drawing, Ms. Anne Seifert, Mr. Phil Ladner, Mr. Mike Levitt, and Mr. Edmund Loritz. Mayor Yost said upon completion of the interviews the Council will deliberate and possibly reach a consensus as to who will fill the remaining two year term for the Council seat in District Five, all to take place in open session. Mayor Yost offered that it would be good to have the same candidate interest when this Council seat comes up for election in 2006. I MS. ANNE SEIFERT OpeninG Statement - Has a PHD in Epidemiology from the University of California School of Public Health at Berkeley and a Masters Degree in Experimental Psychology at Smith College. Worked in research at Harvard University in Public Health, Data Manager for the San Francisco Bay area Comprehensive Health Planning Council, Evaluation Analysis for the County of Marin. From 1996 to 1999 was elected to the National Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild with a budget of $50 million a year and membership of 20,000 nationwide. Ms. Seifert believes she can bring a wealth of experience in working with others and can contribute to those in District Five. Ouestion - How long have you lived in Seal Beach? Answer - Bought in Leisure World in 1997, seven years, have two homes, lives in Leisure World and weekends in the City of Del Mar. Ouestion - How have you been involved in activities in Leisure World in relationship to the City? Answer - Active in the theater club, presently involved as a mini-farmer, active in the open forum. Her husband, mother, 6-21-04 and aunt also live in Leisure World and are very active. Attended several mutual meetings but have not been active .politically, just recreationally. Ouestion - Have you been a registered voter for a period of time? Answer - Yes, when she bought a home in Leisure World. Worked in Los Angeles and went to Del Mar on the weekends for 5 years, then moved to Seal Beach, in 2002 bought in the Cove's and use it for an office and entertaining. I Ouestion What are the three biggest challenges facing Seal Beach in the next year? Answer - Budget, budget, budget. If the City could figure out it's budget and revenue so it does not have the concern about income then most of the problems would have solutions. Other concerns are the decaying infrastructure, streets and sidewalks. With her experience in environmental health science, is concerned about the environmental water quality and a clean beach. Ouestion - What organizations have you been a part of where you were involved in a leadership role, dealing with budgets, etc., a decision-making role? Answer - Most hands-on experience was a co-investigator at the Institute for' Health Research, Screen Actors Guild had much larger budget, and in charge of the National Institute for Health grants to study 2jOOO people, budget of $750,000. Leadership, very successful with the Smith College clubs, president of two clubs and now appointed Southern California Regional coordinator for those clubs to make sure alumni are getting together organizationally and stay in touch with the college. Generally have risen to vice-president or president of organizations. Provided an addendum to her resume. I Ouestion - What do you see for the future of Seal Beach, ten to fifteen years from now? Answer - Would like to see a clean beach, the City is so spectacular and has charm and beauty, would like to see a beautiful clean ocean, underground utilities or an alternative of using lasers for the future. Would like to see a healthy budget where enough revenue is coming in to not worry about maintenance and expenses, would like to see a very active and happy residential population where the people are pleased with the way the City conducts business, and happy with how they get their permits for whatever construction they have to do, and feel this is a welcome, happy place to be. Ouest ion - Have you held a public elected office and what is your understanding of financial disclosure as a public official? Answer - Had the experience of being on the board for SCAG, the closest to being a public official was being a representative on the Torrey pines Planning Council which was a suburb of the City of San Diego,job was to convey what the people from her neighborhood wanted during development in the Del Mar area. I Ouest ion - Do you have a problem revealing your income and personal financial detail? Have you been in a position where people yell at you and how do you fit in where people are not getting along? Answer - No problem revealing income, wish there was more to disclose. Have been fortunate where people have not been ."';"~~" ~ " ;:~~' .- ."',~!"Ot-. -11 ,~. 6-21-04 furious but have been in situations where people have been vitriolic and the way to deal with that is to be very quiet, you can not argue with people who are out of control, prides self of being a good listener, believes this is very important for someone on the Council. will try very best to listen. I Ouestion - What are your thoughts about the parking meter issue? Answer - Can see both sides, but in the, same token the part of Seal Beach that attracts the people there are no parking meters and you can park and not be penalized while you shop. Realize that Council needs ways to raise money. Ouestion - Why would you be the best choice in this selection process? Answer - Am a very good person, capable, honest, and the research background will be very helpful. Have learned to be objective, weigh the pros and cons, do the research, get the background, get the information, and hope there is some logical outcome. Ouestion - If you felt there are things the Council was doing wrong, how would you go about correcting them? Answer - Approach would be to try and support own view point, if did not agree with another member would study the issue and find a way to work with the other individual by building a case, present the case, make the argument, then let the chips fall where they may. I ClosinG Statement - Ms. Seifert asked the Council to take a chance and appoint her, she stated she is a capable person with a demonstrated record, the minus would be that she is not known in previous political activities in Seal Beach but this is also a plus because she comes with no political baggage. She stated her strongest suit is her ability to work with a person regardless of political stance and is someone who thoroughly studies the issues. She said in her consulting business she dealt with difficult people, is an excellent problem solver, an idea person, is known to follow through, and asks a lot of questions. Ms. Seifert mentioned she has worked with government agencies, has the ability to listen, learn quickly, and bring new ideas. I MR. PHIL LADNER OpeninG Statement - Thanked the Council for this opportunity, qualifications include being a successful business owner dealing with budgets, meeting payroll, and handling personnel problems. This experience has prepared him to serve on,the City Council. Mr. Ladner pointed out that he has negotiating skills, budgetary skills, and people skills. He understands budgets and is committed to a balanced budget, attended the City's budget workshops and understands what the City is facing. The experience as a Seal Beach Planning Commissioner has prepared him to be a Councilman, understands the land use issues and consistently votes to maintain the quality life in Seal Beach. Being on the Planning Commission he has learned to work with his peers, deal with staff, and has been involved in public hearings where he has had to deal with the community, knowing that you can not please all the people all of the time but that you have to make decisions based on all the valid testimony. His record proves his ability to do the job on the City Council as well as understanding all of Seal Beach. Mr. Ladner stated that he has lived in Leisure World for seven years, is involved in clubs, he understands his 6-21-04 community, their needs, and will be a good representative for District Five. Ouestion - How long have you lived in Seal Beach and where did you live before that? Answer - Lived in Seal Beach seven years and before that in Placentia in Orange County. I Ouestion - How have you enjoyed being appointed to the position of Planning Commissioner? Answer - The three years has given him a lot of information about the City and he has gained knowledge and understanding of the needs of the whole City. Ouestion - In general, how do you see the relationship between Leisure World and the rest of Seal Beach? Answer - The population in Leisure World only has to pay a monthly fee and everything is taken care of for the residents. More money should be spent for the needs of the rest of Seal Beach for things like infrastructure. Ouestion - What goals would you set for yourself as a City Councilman and for the City? Answer - For the City the goal would be to balance the budget. For the City and for himself would be to improve the streets and still maintain a balanced budget. Ouestion - What are your leadership skills and financial abilities and experiences? Answer - Worked in sales and management for a pharmaceutical firm for twenty years, after that owned a printing company in Brea for ten years, managed ten people, was responsible for most of the sales and a budget of about $450,000 annually. Was totally responsible for all of the duties of a small business owner. I Ouestion - Have you ever held any other elected or appointed office? Answer - In Leisure World he is a member of several clubs. While in Brea was actively involved with the Chamber of Commerce and was in charge of several committees. Ouest ion - How do you view the relationship between the local businesses and the City? How can the Chamber help? Answer - The Chamber in the City of Brea is larger and more active. Seal Beach Chamber needs to get a director that would be more involved, work with the City and businesses more. The Chamber needs to be more active in helping new business owners. Ouestion - What did you get out of the City's budget hearings? Answer - Could see that in some areas the money could be spent more wisely. Over all it was educational, appears there is definitely a need for more money for streets. I Question - What would you change about the City Council meetings? Answer - Currently nothing, only have experience with Planning Commission meetings. The Council meetings appear to run the same, just want to do what is best for the community. Ouestion - What would be your vision for Seal Beach some ten or fifteen years from now?, Answer - First, if he is still here he would like to have a .....i<'>-r.~'''". -".1~~.~'~ 6-21-04 balanced budget and have streets repaired. I Ouestion - If you felt there are things that the City Council was doing wrong, how would you go about correcting them? Answer - Not being on the Council, stated he does not know what would need to be fixed, really has no answer to the question. ClosinG Statement - Feels he is uniquely qualified for the replacement of Councilman Doane. With his experience as a Planning Commissioner has worked with the staff and has worked well with the other Commissioners. Stated that by appointing Phil Ladner the City will get experience, honesty, and dedication. Further qualifications~ been active in Seal Beach for the last three years and has lived in Leisure World for the past seven years, proud of the community and committed to its betterment. Qualified because professional life has given him the managerial and people skills needed to be a good Councilman representing District Five and the entire City. Also stated he believes in Seal Beach and its future while maintaining the quality of life for a small beach community and a balanced budget. I MR. MIKE LEVITT OpeninG Statement - Is the appointee to the DWP Advisory Committee as the representative for Bill Doane, may not always agree with Mr. Doane but admire his dedication to the City and is prepared to provide the same degree of dedication. President of his Leisure World mutual and Director for several years, dealt with the concerns of those constituents, the same type of issues the Council deals with but on a smaller scale. Currently is the Operations ' Coordinator for Leisure World Emergency Operation Center, is the liaison contact person, if there is a need. Recently retired from the City of Los Angeles after a thirty-year career in Public and Government Relations working closely with elected officia1s from City Council to Congress, was a Director for several Chambers of Commerce dealing with budgets, was an editor of a newspaper, a law enforcement officer, a substitute teacher in Long Beach, and is a writer/photographer. Has lived in Seal Beach since the seventies, his three children attended Los Alamitos schools where he and his wife were very active. Stated he has the desire, background, and qualification to be a City Councilman. Ouestion - How long have you lived in Seal Beach? Answer - Have lived in Leisure World for seven years and prior to that about twenty-five years in College Park West. I Ouestion - How do you view the relationship between Leisure World and the rest of Seal Beach? Answer - Leisure World makes up about a third of the population and more than half of the voting population with definite opinions, needs are different from the rest of the City but should not require more than the rest of the City, an int~gral part, not a separate part, of Seal Beach. Ouestion - What are the three things that are most important to Seal Beach in the next three to five years? Answer - The financial shortage, need to broker the right deal with Boeing, infrastructure is old and needs attention. Seal Beach is a small town and needs to be careful that it not become like other beach cities. Need to find a balance between growth that is necessary and the needed income 6-21-04 without creating tax supported services to accommodate the growth. Ouestion - Describe your responsibilities and work experiences for the City of Los Angeles. Answer - Started out young working way up the ladder. Worked for the Harbor department most of the time where he managed several employees and a budget of about $650,000. I Ouestion - What are your views about Seal Beach having their own Police Department? Answer - Spoke to a lot of people about the financial problems, one proposal was to contract for police services to the County Sheriffs, stated that he is against that, you need the police department that knows the City and community. Ouestion - How do you think the City can grow? Answer - Seal Beach is a small city and the Hellman project is the last area to build, for tax revenue you need more businesses. It will take teamwork to come up with ideas, ask again a year from now. Ouestion - How would you deal with angry people demanding their right to public speech? Answer - You sit down with them to find out what is the real problem and come up with a compromise. Have had experience in Leisure World, being on the DWP committee one could not make everyone happy. Ouestion - Do you have any problems with personal financial disclosure or the Brown Act requirements? Answer - Have absolutely no problems with financial disclosure and currently deals with the Brown Act, open meetings. I Ouestion - If you felt there are things that the Council was doing wrong, how would you go about correcting them? Answer - It does not appear there is anything wrong. Everyone represents different areas, they should not feel the same otherwise they do not belong up there, the City needs different viewpoints. Ouestion - What other qualities make you the best candidate for this office? Answer - Have worked with governments large and small, background experience, good education, and have done same kind of work on a smaller scale in Leisure World. Ouestion - How do you view the relationship between the Chamber of Commerce and the City? Answer - The Chamber is there to support and benefit the business community, not tourism, a special events chairman can provide that service. The Chamber needs to concentrate on serving the needs of the businesses and bring in new businesses that will help the City. I Ouestion - With your thirty years experience in the City of Los Angeles could you bring yourself to discipline or fire someone working for the City of Seal Beach or would your sympathy be with the employee, although there are valid reasons for the action, and would you deal with the hiring freeze? Answer - The answer would be yes, if the person is hurting the department, division, 'or City they have no reason to be there, yet you cannot fire someone without following the ......'t...",.".'.;} ~~";......~, 6-21-04 proper channels. With a hiring freeze you have to keep the people and cut the hours or keep the hours and cut back on people, if you cannot make payroll you have no choice. I ClosinG Statement - Seal Beach is unique, peopl~ are raised here then raise their families here, they care about how well the City is governed and what direction it is taking. Progress is important but growth can be a two-edged sword, tax support is necessary but increases in tax-supported services if uncontrolled can be devastating. Mr. Levitt reiterated that his qualifications, background, and experiences will make him a valuable team member of the Council. MR. EDMUND LORITZ OpeninG Statement - Has been a resident of Leisure World for approximately fifteen years before that he lived in Long Beach. Employed at Alamitos Bay, is familiar with this area and frequents the shops and restaurants, is an avid sailor and enjoys the area. Activities involve helping people who live in Leisure World, an old Chinese saying aFirst third of your life"is learning, the second third is applying it, and the last third is giving back,a he is in the last third of his life, giving back. On the Golden Rain Board to help residents understand how Leisure World works, this is a unique place to live with two layers of government. Being a volunteer he has made a lot of contacts with the residents and has learned what they want and need. He is also a docent in Los Alamitos. I Ouestion - What do you see is the relationship between Leisure World, as an organization, and the City? Answer - There are 6,600 units with 9,000 people who are isolated from the City. Not just the walls and fence, it is because the residents just do not come to the City, need to promote and encourage them to visit Old Town and enjoy the activities. Ouestion - What are the top three issues facing Seal Beach in the next five years? Answer - The major issues are taxes, parking, and funding for the retirement of current employees. Ouestion - Do you have any concerns about the Police Department's budgetary issues? Answer - The concern is, do we have enough funds to pay for their retirement. Ouestion - Tell us more about your work background and experiences with management, budget, etc. Answer - Sales manager/marketing director for a small hardware manufacturer. Had to deal with budgets, also had a different experience with the Golden Rain budget. I Ouestion - Do you have any problems with the financial disclosure requirements as an elected official? Answer - Fortunate enough not to have any concern about inquiries about his past or background. Ouestion - How would you deal with constituents' freedom of speech rights? Answer - Being on the Golden Rain Board have had experience dealing with difficult people, if you have reasonable people, having reasonable ideas, you can work out a solution. 6-21-04 Ouestion - What would be your vision for Seal Beach in the next ten to fifteen years? Answer - Would like to keep it the same as it is now but rejuvenate some areas. Mr. Loritz stated he has seen the budget and realizes the streets need attention, there is a, need to make Seal Beach inviting, and to preserve the history. I Ouestion - Why should you'be selected for this position? Answer - with his training in sales, his ability to communicate, understanding people, has the energy and enthusiasm, and will research issues. Ouestion - If you felt there are things that the Council was doing wrong, how would you go about correcting them? Answer - It would have to be discussed it in open meeting, you can come up with a solution if you are willing to analyze the problem. ClosinG Statement - Mr. Loritz stated that he has the time and energy to work with the Council and for the people, he would represent the individuals, find out their needs, and how best to address those needs, we are here to serve the people. The one problem is the process of learning all the new things that are brought before you with little time to deliberate the issue. Would be an asset. Mayor Yost thanked all the applicants for submitting their letters of interest. Would be happy to have any of them represent him, and expressed his hope that they would all stay involved. Mayor Yost stated at this time each Councilmember would have the opportunity to make comments, after deliberation a motion maybe made to fill the District Five vacancy, the motion does not need a second, the nominee with the majority of votes will be appointed. I Councilman Larson stated that past tradition has been that about fifty percent of the Planning Commissioners become City Councilmembers, the Planning Commission is a training ground to experience planning, zoning, etc. The choice is difficult, Ms. Seifert has a good background and inquisitive mind, Mr. Levitt has considerable government experience, and Mr. Loritz is very active in Leisure world, and invited comments from the other Councilmembers. Councilman Antos said he was impressed with all of the candidates and their wealth of experience and knowledge, they all came well prepared, it will be very difficult to make a choice. Councilman Ybaben stated it was interesting listening to all of them, they all come with different backgrounds. He said that he sorted Mr. Levitt out as his top choice with his previous experiences in the City of Los Angeles and his involvement in large organizations. Mr. Levitt also has the knowledge as to how governmental agencies work and will make an easy transition. I Mayor Yost agreed that the Planning Commission is a great training ground to help with the understanding of how the Council works and to maintain the quality of life. He was impressed with Ms. Seifert as it appears she has the same views as he does about the community in a lot of areas yet needs to understand more about budget needs, Mr. Loritz understands Leisure World with his heart and soul, he was I I I 6-21-04 I 6-28-04 comfortable with the style and openness of Mr. Levitt and his understanding of the community. The Mayor said he would be happy to work with any of them, they all have strong points. At this time Mayor Yost asked for a nomination. Larson moved, to appoint Mr. Phil Ladner to the District Five Council vacant seat. AYES: NOES: VACANCY: Larson, Yost Antos, Ybaben One Motion failed Ybaben moved, to appoint Mike Levitt to fill the vacant District Five Council seat. AYES: NOES: VACANCY: Antos, Larson, Ybaben, Yost None One Motion carried Larson moved, second by Antos, to adopt amended Resolution 5251 entitled UA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPOINTING MICHAEL LEVITT TO FILL THE VACANT COUNCIL SEAT IN DISTRICT FIVEu. AYES: NOES: VACANCY: Antos, Larson, Ybaben, Yost None One Motion carried Mayor Yost announced that the swearing in of Mr. Levitt would be on Monday, June 28, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. He also requested to have a team building session scheduled. ADJOURNMENT It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to adjourn the meeting until June 28, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. for the swearing of Mr. Levitt and to meet in Closed Session if deemed necessary. By unanimous consent the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m. clerk Approved: ~ Mayor Attest: ~.~ hdA '/U~I ' Ci ty lerk -, Seal Beach, California June 28, 2004 The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular adjourned session at 5:02 p.m. with Mayor Yost calling the meeting to order.