HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 2002-06-24
6-24-02
Seal Beach, California
June 24, 2002
The City Council regular adjourned meeting scheduled for 6:30
p.m. this date was canceled due to the lack of Closed Session
items in need of consideration.
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Seal Beach, California
June 24, 2002
The city Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Larson calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Larson
Councilmembers Antos, Campbell, Doane, Yost
Absent:
None
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Also present: Mr. Bahorshi, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Danes, Director of Public Works/City
Engineer
Captain Schaefer, Police Department
Chief Cushman, Lifeguard Department
Mr. Vukojevic, Deputy City Engineer
Mr. Cummins, Associate Planner
Ms. Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Ms. Yeo, City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Campbell requested that Item "Q" be removed
from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration, a
member of the audience requested Item "M" removed, and
Councilman Antos requested that the record reflect his
abstention from voting on the minutes of February 11th,
February 25th, and March 11th. Yost moved, second by
Campbell, to approve the order of the agenda as revised.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
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PRESENTATION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY
This item was postponed pending the arrival of the presenter.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilman Doane requested that this meeting be dedicated to
the memory of former member of the Planning Commission, Mr.
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Tom Lyon, and that the City Clerk send a condolence letter to
his family on behalf of the Council. Councilmember Campbell
announced that on July 4th the College Park East Neighborhood
Association will be holding its twelfth annual bike parade
and fourth annual chili cookoff, described the~bike parade
categories, the judges will observe the parade from the
antique fire engine, a Police Department motor officer will
be judging chili samples, and invited all to attend. Mayor
Larson noted that there was a wonderful parade and festival
in recognition of the Leisure World fortieth anniversary,
there were old and new fire trucks, emergency vehicles,
antique cars, a chili cookoff, many peoplei lots of .
grandchildren, it was very well done.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Larson declared Public Comments.to be open. Mr. Bill
Ayres, Seal Beach, said he wished to talk about Hennessey's.
Mr. Ayres stated that on the previous Thursday evening
Hennessey's Grill held a seventeenth birthday party, had a
live band, the band was loud, could be heard from his home
and from the house across the street from his, a neighbor
reported that the doors and windows were open, and that they
had an entertainment permit. Mr. Ayres said his
understanding was that when they received their Conditional
Use Permit it was said that if they had entertainment the
windows and doors would be kept closed, that should be done
no matter if it is summer weather, Hennessey's argument is
that O'Malleys had entertainment, to that he has been
informed that another Main Street business owner went to
O'Malleys on an occasion when they did have entertainment yet
it could not be heard from the street because the windows and
doors were closed. Mr. Ayres claimed that time and again
Hennessey's has appeared before the Council and the.Planning
Commission, promised whatever necessary to obtain their CUP
and then they renege, that is known. He stated that the
provisions of the CUP provide that it can be rejected at any
time because of anti-social behavior, on Thursday there was
anti-social behavior, there was car racing in the parking
lot, a neighbor thought it was time trials or a police
pursuit, squealing of tires, racing around the block, there
were patrons inebriated and yelling, a neighbor that told him
that after midnight there were near fights outside of their
home, all of this is anti-social behavior. Mr. Ayres said he
understands that Hennessey's has been granted twelve
entertainment nights, that is one per month, it was thought
there was a limit of six. Mr. Ayres recalled that when the
original management of Hennessey's came before either the
Planning Commission or the Council they brought in someone in
a chef's hat and a menu, stating that this was going to be
top scale restaurant, but what they have, which is posted, is
a two for One night on Thursdays, two for one hamburger
night, it is not necessary to have two for one nights for an
upscale restaurant. Mr. Ayres expressed his belief that a
police officer should be present any time Hennessey's has
entertainment and charged time and a half plus benefits for
his services. He noted that someone asked why he did not
call the police, his response was that he should not have to
call the police, it is Hennessey's that should do that, and
they are making an extreme amount of profit. Mayor Larson
said he was certain that there will be a report forthcoming
from the City Manager with regard to the conditions of the
entertainment permits and a.report from the Police Chief as
well. Councilman Yost asked if this issue could be included
on the Planning Commission agenda from the City Council. The
City Manager noted that it would not be necessary to go
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before the Planning Commission, the Manager has the power to
revoke the permits under the provisions of public health,
safety and welfare, the permit that was issued was for
unamplified music, it does not sound as if that were the
case, this can be dealt with on an administrative level.
Question was then posed if the Conditional Use Permit for
alcohol sales could be agendized for review by the
Commission, the response was that that could be done, however
if allowed the discretion all of the issues could be grouped
together and addressed at once, to the issue of the windows
being open, it is understood that is not allowed pursuant to
a condition of the CUP. Councilman Yost noted that generally
until something is agendized before the Commission there is
not much,cooperation, his preference would. be that the CUP be
reviewed based upon the testimony given. The Manager offered
to take care of the issue. Ms. Gail Ayres, ,Seal Beach, said
she wished to collaborate that all of the windows and doors
were 'open, she observed them as she was driving down Main
street on her way home, the drums were loud, the music could
be heard outside as well as inside even though windows of her
residence were closed. Ms. Ayres provided a copy of a news
article in an Orange County paper on this date citing Seal
Beach as stingray beach, suggesting that.if the beach is not
posted possibly it should be. with regard to the Hennessey
issue, Councilman Antos noted that the City Code has a
provision to allow the Planning Commission to call a public
hearing in the event of violations of a Conditional Use
Permit as well as determine whether or not to revoke the
permit, and recall and that in years past there had been a
similar situation involving another business operator on Main
Street where the City was able to get it resolved, so the
Planning Commission does have that power.
Mr. Gilbert Moore, Seal Beach, stated he was present on
behalf of the Alzheimer Association, Orange County Chapter,
and Ms. Katherine O'Brien, Seal Beach, a member of the
Alzheimer Association staff. Mr. Moore stated.there are more
than fifty thousand residents of Orange County who are
afflicted with this disease, it is thought that by the year
2050 that number will triple, there will be one out of every
ten persons over the age of sixty-five and over half of those
over eighty-five may be afflicted with this disease, however
this is not necessarily a seniors disease, it can strike
people as young as thirty, the fact that it does strike
people of these various ages impacts all generations, seven
out of ten people having Alzheimer's disease live at home,
family and friends provide the care, not only is there a
tremendous emotional cost there is a large financial cost,
the national average lifetime cost for a person with
Alzheimer's is $170,000, the national average annual cost
across the national is at least one hundred billion dollars.
Mr. Moore said the National Association and the local
Chapter, which he represents as a volunteer, is dedicated to
providing services, education, advocacy for individuals,
families, and communities that are afflicted .with this
disease, there. are a variety of programs incl.uding Helpline,
patient and family services, educational programs, all of the
programs and services are.free to the residents of Seal
Beach, the Helpline is open twenty-four hours a day, seven
days a week and provides emotional support for .the caller as
well as information about the disease and related disorders,
Association services, and services that are available in the
co~unities such as home care, adult day health care,
. ass~sted living, skilled nursing facilities, elder care
lawyers, financial planners, transportation, etc. Mr. Moore
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said understanding and caring for persons with Alzheimer's
can be bewildering and frightening for the caregiver, the
only antidote is knowledge, the more one knows and
understands about the disease the more effectively one can
improve the quality of care that is needed~other information
that is available deals with communication techniques, safety
techniques, choosing the right kind of residential facility,
etc., and this information is available in a variety of
languages. .Ms.' O'Brien said in addition to serving the
families in Orange County by providing comfort and education,
the Alzheimer's Association can assist city residents by
directing them to a number of support groups that meet in the
area, Safe Return is a nationwide program that assists in
identification and safe, timely return of individuals with
this disease and related memory disorders who wander and
become lost, the program provides identification products
such as an engraved bracelet or necklace, clothing labels,
and a wallet identification card as well as registration in
Safe Return's national database. Ms. O'Brien stated it is
the goal of the Orange County Association to train all law
enforcement emergency response personnel in this County so
that they are familiar with the Safe Return program and are
able to identify and assist individuals they may encounter
who suffer from a memory impairment, and said she was pleased
to announce that the members of the Seal Beach Police
Department completed training in this program in February of
this year, and in August she will be conducting training for
members of the volunteer group. Ms. O'Brien extended an
invitation to the Council and any residents of the Seal Beach
community to serve as volunteers for the Alzheimer's
Association, there are volunteer positions of all kinds, the
help of everyone is needed to make a difference for the
families in Orange County, and expressed appreciation for the
opportunity to introduce the programs and services available
to serve the residents of Seal Beach.
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Ms. Seretta Fielding, Seal Beach Boulevard; requested that
the City continue with the residential overlay of Seal Beach
Boulevard, that the Council redirect the staff to expedite
completion of the overlay that has been promised for so long,
she presented a packet from the residents of Seal Beach,
business owners and property owners, and information relating
to financial institutions that no longer loan on LCP land.
As to the status of the LCP issue, the Director of
Development Services explained that this issue has not been
in the process for some time in that staff has been dealing
with a number of other issues, Bixby and Hellman are coming
upon conclusion, Boeing and the LCP matter will likely be the
primary focus for the next six months to a year. Mr. Ross
Delhay, First Team Realty, stated he represents a property
owner on Seal Beach Boulevard. First, in reference to the
prior speakers, Mr. Delhay expressed appreciation, he
emphasized the importance of having ones legal documents in
order while there is still capacity because under elder law
once Alzheimer's is diagnosed a person is classified as not
having capacity then documents are not deemed to be legal.
Mr. Delhay stated that two years ago he took a listing on
Seal Beach Bbulevard, the prior veterinary building, about a
year ago he addressed the Council relating to the R-1 zoning
overlay, he was in escrow with a local builder and at that
time it was felt the R-1 was forthcoming, however the
investors would not provide a bridge loan for the period of
time to get the R-l approved, the builder then dropped out of
the agreement because of the inability to get funding. In
reference to the packet of information, Mr. Delhay said for a
6-24-02
financial institution to lend on a LC property they want a
minimum of thirty percent down, for an R-l they want five
percent, the reason is that if they have to foreclose on a
house they think they can resell it, if they foreclose on a
commercial building they feel they need thir,ty percent to
cover the costs. Mr. Delhay said recently two other persons I
were looking at the property for a helicopter service office,
they could not find funding, currently he has two to five
calls a day on the property, each time he needs to explain to
the interested parties about the LC zoning, .he has a long
list of people interested in R-l, the lenders will loan on R-
1, the buyers are interested in R-l, but will not touch LC.
Mr. Delhay stated that his client, Dr. Roulf, almost gave up
on R-l,' then was going to go LC and construct a dental
building, yet with the demographics of his dental clients he
could not move his practice to Seal Beach, if he did build a
dental building it would be hard to move someone in because
of the demographics of Seal Beach Boulevard for vehicle or
foot traffic to support a new dental practice, therefore Dr.
Roulf decided he could not do that., Mr. Delhay noted that
that land is sitting fallow, asked how long that will be, his
clients are interested in R-l, and his feeling is that R-l
would do more for the City. Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, said
with regard to bringing money in from business licenses, she
suggested that the law be changed to add maybe $100 as an
investigation fee when people are found that are not in
compliance, plus a higher fine, the investigation fee could
then go to the department for use, if an individual business
is not willing to pay the local business license yet the City
is going out, of its way to help them, that is not right. Ms. I
Corbin referred to a recent news article where it was said
the City of La Palma uses caution with its spending for
attendance at meetings, travel, training, etc., by the end of
the year Seal Beach may have a terrible time staying within
any kind of budget, it may mean jobs, said she is against
free lunches, the building department people should not have
been brought in, and since they were, the number of them
should have been, reduced to reflect the amount of work,' some
of the engineers need to go, they are not needed, the Council
needs to take care of the City, the Manager~vidently does
not like to manage people. Ms. Rita Brenner, Trailer Park,
made reference to the last Agency meeting at which Mr. Alan
Gouch, President of the Trailer Park organization, which she
said he represents eighty-seven percent of the Park
residents, asked a specific question pertaining to an
agreement, the wording of which was 'will you endorse and
support specific wording of the cooperative amendment' which
was sent to the City and Hunter Johnson. Ms. Brenner
requested an answer, and said if there is no answer does that
mean the City is ignoring the request of the majority of the
residents, if ignored they would then request that this
matter be placed on the agenda for the next Agency meeting.
Another issue, she would like to see open communication at
the end of the Council meeting, that would make for better I
communication. She suggested also that when the Cquncil goes
to Closed Session that those meetings be recorded, that might
be necessary for future referral as some matters may come up
for discussion where actions and votes may be requested. Ms.
Brenner asked again that the cooperation agreement language
be placed on the next Agency agenda. Ms. Joyce parque, 6th
Street, thanked staff for teaching her how to read the
budget. Sh~ said she sees the role of the touncil as that of
a train that is about to wreck, then come to the taxpayers in
about two years and ask for more money, she can see no
surplus for this year rather a deficit, the water and sewer
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6-24-02
deficits have not been taken care of, she would ask for a
directive calling for a reduction in each department of ten
percent for next year, she would also like to have the City
A~torney elected like in Huntington Beach, the attorney bill
w~ll be a half million for this year, that does not include
the Agency or lawsuits, legal issues should not be just one
firm, she would like the voters to decide if they want a
police department or go with the Sheriffs Department, next
year the Police Department will cost six million dollars, she
could not find the insurance and maintenance costs for all of
the cars, the gas is $54,000, Recreation needs to pay for
itself, the City is supposed to have a lot of money but where
is it going, it is time that the budget be understood. The
notice of the budget hearing was on a back page of the paper,
if she took each department and put them on page three of the
paper does one think it would get attention, people do not
know what is being spent, the budget says in 2003 there may
be $250,000 for alleys and curbs, it does not make sense to
spend the money on everything but what is needed, there will
soon be holes in the street, grass is growing from the
cracks. Ms.Parque again asked that the position of City
Attorney and the question relating to Polic~ Department
versus Sheriffs Department be put on the ba~lot, she would be
willing to get the votes. Ms. patricia Clark, Trailer Park,
noted that at the May 13th meeting one of the Park residents
addressed the Council and said the residents of the Park were
scared, especially the older residents, in that the rental
assistance would only last for three years and then what do
they do. To that Ms. Clark said she wanted to set the record
straight for the low income park residents, the Park
residents, all residents and taxpayers should know the truth,
first, there are two Agency rental assistance programs for
the Trailer Park, the first is for all of the eligible
residents except for those who are subletting their homes, it
is to help with the first three years of rent increases, no
one had to apply for the first program, the second program is
for very lo~ income residents that would not be able to pay
the higher rent, available to only those who qualify as low
income residents, this was one of the most crucial parts of
the transaction, the Agency did not want anyone to lose their
homes that could not pay the higher rent, this information is
from one of the revenue bond documents, and read the language
from page thirteen, first paragraph, under Rental Assistance,
'pursuant to the Grant Agreement the Agency has agreed to
provide at the date of delivery of the Series A bonds and
annually thereafter as rental assistance, initally $273,358
will be deposited in a rental assistance fund 'and will be
available to bridge the initial rent increases, beginning in
the second year the Agency will provide rental assistance to
a total of $120,000 for the next twelve years, although these
funds are not pledged directly to the Series A bonds it is
likely that the borrower will have to raise rental rates
beyond the expectation of the current tenants if there is no
such rental assurance.' Ms. Clerk reiterated that that is
low income rental assistance for a minimum of twelve years
and the Agency may .look at that again at the end of those
twelve years, that is what the Agency money is for, to help
the less fortunate residents of the City which includes the
low income residents of the Park. Ms. Clark thanked the City
and the Agency for putting these two programs in place. Ms.
Seretta Fielding, Seal Beach Boulevard, stated she would have
liked to have pulled Item "V" from the Consent Calendar, the
revision of the General Plan, as that might help expedite
Seal Beach Boulevard.. There being no further comments, Mayor
Larson declared Public Comments to be closed.
6-24-02
ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS and COMMISSIONS
Archaeoloqical Advisorv Committee
Reappointments were made of Mr. William Hoy, District Two,
Mr. Richard Coles, District Three, Mr. Bruce Fitzpatrick,
District Four, and Mr. Robert "Gene" Vesely, District Five,
for the one year terms ending July, 2003.
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Citizens Participation Committee CHousinq/Communitv
Development Proiects)
Reappointments were made of Mr. Don Smoot, District Three,
and Mr. Ted Harris, District Five, for the four year terms
expiring July, 2006. Councilmember Campbell noted that the
vacant bistrict Four appointment for the unexpired term
ending July, 2004 would be made at a future meeting.
Environmental Oualitv Control Board
Reappointments were made of Mr. Mario Voce, District Three,
and Mr. William Hurley, District Five, for the four year
terms expiring July, 2006. .
Parks and Recreation Commission
Reappointment was made of Ms. Lisa Chattler, District Two,
for the three year term expiring July, 2005..
proiect Area Committee
Reappointments were, made of Ms. Carla watson, District Three
Resident Member, and Mr. Joe Kalmick, District Three Business
Member, Ms. Laura Alioto, Seal Beach Historical Society
appointee, and Mr. Terry Barton, Friends of the Library I
appointee, all for the two year terms ending July, 2004. The
San Gabriel Park Society appointment had not been made
therefore held over.
Seal Beach Cable Communications Foundation
Reappointments were made of Ms. Betty Martin, District Two,
Mr. Peter Anninos, District Three, Mr., Fred Furman, District
Four, and Mr. Richard Davies, District Five, for the two year
terms expiring July, 2004.
Campbell moved, second by Yost, to approve the reappointments
as stated.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
Councilman Antos stated he would hold his appointments until
the next meeting.
BOARDS and COMMISSIONS - DISTRICT ONE
Councilman Antos requested that the District One position on
the Board of Appeals, civil Service Board, Department of
Water and Power Advisory Committee, Environmental Quality
Control Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, Local Coastal I
Program Committee, the two positions on the Citizens
:Participation Committee and the Project Area Committee, and
one position on the Ad Hoc Parking Committee be declared
vacant, Mr. Ayres to remain on the Parking Committee, and
-stated that appointments would be made at the next meeting.
Antos moved, second by Campbell, to declare the vacancies as
stated.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
6-24-02
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "D" thru "W"
Yost moved, second by Antos, to approve the recommended
action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except
for items "M and Q", removed for separate consideration, and
noted for the record that Councilman Antos would abstain from
voting on Item "W", the Council minutes.
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D. Approved the waiver of reading in full of
all ordinances and resolutions and that
consent to the waiver of reading shall be
deemed to be given by all Councilmembers
after reading of the title unless specific
request is made at that time for the
reading of such ordinance or resolution.
E. Approved regular demands numbered 37651
through 37886 in the amount of $707,318.80,
payroll demands numbered 16100 through 16246
in the amount of $173,244.04, and authorized
warrants to be drawn on the Treasury for same.
F.
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G.
Adopted Resolution Number 5025 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING THE
McGAUGH POOL HEATER PROJECT TO BE OF URGENT
NECESSITY FOR THE PRESERVATION OF HEALTH,
SAFETY AND PROPERTY." By unanimous consent,
full reading of Resolution Number 5025 was
wai ved .
Adopted Resolution Number 5026 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING A
BUDGET AMENDMENT, NO. 02-27, FOR TRANSFERRING
TRAFFIC CONGESTION FUNDS TO THE SEAL BEACH
REGIONAL TRAIL CAPITAL PROJECT." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number
5026 was waived. .
H. Adopted Resolution Number 5027 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH CONCERNING THE STATUS OF THE
CIRCULATION ELEMENT FOR THE CITY OF SEAL
BEACH," (Measure M eligibility). By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number
5027 was waived.
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I. Adopted a seven year Capital Improvement
Program as required by the Orange County
Transportation Authority for funding under
the Measure M program.
J.
Adopted Resolution Number 5028 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR
GRANT FUNDS FOR THE SAN GABRIEL WATERSHED,
SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS AND LOWER LOS ANGELES
RIVER GRANT PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE..
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, CLEANWATER, CLEAN AIR, AND
COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2000." By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution
Number 5028 was waived.
K. Approved the plans and specifications for the
Seal Beach Boulevard Bike Lane project, South
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of Westminster Avenue, Project Number 50025,
and authorized staff to initiate the bidding
process.
L. Bids were received until June 19, 2002 at
lO:30 a.m. for two Hybrid Gas/Electric vehicles
. at which time they were publicly opened by the
City Clerk as follows: .
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Cabe Toyota
Toyota of Huntington Beach
Elmore Toyota
Toyota of Long Beach
$42,480.74
$42,867.26
$43,196.74
$44,035.03
Awarded the bid to Cabe Toyota in the amount of
$42,480.74, funding source AB2766, .Air Quality
Improvement Program Fund from the 2001/2002
fiscal year budget.
N. Approved the Amendment and Restatement of the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination system
Stormwater Permit Implementation Agreement with
the County of orange, and authorized the Mayor
to execute same on behalf of the City.
O. Approved, a water service connection to the Bolsa
Storage Facility located at 13070 Old Bolsa Chica
Road in the City of Westminster.
P.
Approved the San Gabriel to Newport Bay (Surfside
Colony) Feasibility Study Cost Sharing Agreement
between the Department of the Army and the City
of Seal Beach, and authorized the Director of
Public Works to execute said Agreement on behalf
of the city.
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R. Adopted Resolution Number 5029 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH AMENDING THE POSITION CLASSIFICATION
PLAN TO INCLUDE THE POSITION OF UTILITY
MAINTENANCE WORKER AND REVISIONS TO ASSISTANT
CITY MANAGER POSTION." By unanimous consent,
full reading of Resolution Number 5029 was
waived.
S. Received and filed the Monthly Investment Report
for April, 2002.
T.
Adopted Resolution Number 5033 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF' THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING A BUDGET
AMENDMENT, NO. 02-31, TO TRANSFER BUDGETED
FUNDS FROM ANIMAL CONTROL,TO POLICE SUPPORT."
By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution
Number 5033 was waived.
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U. Adopted Resolution Number 5030 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH APPROVING THE CITY's PARTICIPATION
IN THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT PROGRAM WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE
(FY'S 2003/2004 THROUGH 2005/2006}." By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution
Number 5030 was waived.
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V.
Approved the selection of the Environmental Impact
Analysis Consultant, Culbertson Adams &
Associates, to provide the General Plan revision,
Local Coastal plan preparation and environmental
services 'related thereto, and authorized the City
Manager to execute said consultant agreement on
behalf of the City.
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W.
Approved the minutes of the February 11th, 2002
regular adjourned and regular meetings, the
February 25th regular adjourned and regular
meetings, and the March 11th, 2002 regular
adjourned and regular meetings.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM "M" - AWARD OF BID - CITY VEHICLE
A member of the audience noted that her question had been
answered.
Bids were received for one Medium Duty Cab and Chassis until
June 19, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at which time they were publicly
opened by the City Clerk as follows:
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Ford West
Burch Ford
Fairway Ford
Kearny Ford
Barber Ford
$21,939.04
$22,213.99
$23,376.36
$23,422.72
$24,771.00
It was noted that the apparent low bidder, Ford West, did not
meet specifications thus was deemed to be non-responsive.
Larson moved, second by Campbell, to award the bid to Burch
Ford in the amount of $22,213.99.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
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SENIOR BUS PROGRAM - CONTRACT and AGREEMENT
Councilmember Campbell mentioned that she had been approached
by several people inquiring about the senior bus service, and
this item is the contract with the Orange County Transit
Authority and Western Transit Systems to provide that
service. The Deputy City Engineer presented the staff
report, explained that this is a program that OCTA piloted
about two to three years ago, they are commencing full
implementation with several cities, also providing a certain
amount of money and asking the cities for a match of twenty
percent, they will provide a refurbished seventeen passenger
bus, require the City to maintain the existing congregate
senior meal program, the bus will operate from about 9:00
a.m. until noon, and in the afternoons, and dependent upon
the amount of available money the program will be able to
provide senior transportation for doctor appointments and
shopping opportunities, there may be a group busing program
established as well to maximize the bus usage, there will be
some limitations in that there will only be one bus, after
the service is in place possibly donated monies could be
sought to add more hours or a second bus, this will be a good
program for Leisure World residents and other seniors in the
community. He noted that upon execution of the agreement,
and finalizing of the program, a press release will be issued
6-24-02
for public notification, and a special telephone number
established for public information purposes, this should
occur.within two to three weeks. Mayor Larson said his
understanding is that the general call-in for bus service
will depend on the experience of how many hours a day there
is available time, at present there are two afternoons per I
week anticipated. Councilman Doane noted that Mr. Narang and
the President of the Golden Rain Board were brought into the
previous discussions relating to this program.
Doane moved, second by Larson, to award the contract for the
Senior Mobility Program for bus transportation of seniors to
Western Transit Systems in the amount of $75,191.00 for
fiscal year 2002/2003, and authorized the City Manager to
execute the agreement with the contractor and with the Orange
County Transportation Authority.
AYES:'
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
PRESENTATION I RESOLUTION NUMBER 5034 - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Ms. Peggy Ducey introduced herself as the Chief Executive
Officer of the Southern California Regional Airport
Authority, a Joint Powers Authority that is made up of
Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles counties
as well as the City of Los Angeles. Ms. Ducey stated she was
present as a result of Measure W, with the passage of Measure
W in Orange County and the resulting inability to move
forward with a commercial airport in Orange County, the I
Southern California Regional Airport Authority is looking at
ways to resolve the air traffic demand in the region. The
Southern California Association of Governments in their 2001
Regional Transportation Plan adopted a decentralized aviation
system that would begin to try to move aviation service to
the Inland Empire where there is excess capacity, however
that will not happen by osmosis, there has to be an effort to
make a decentralized aviation system work which is what the
Southern California Regional Airport Authority is doing. She
noted that the Authority is focusing on cargo and passengers,
there are three airports in the Inland Empire that want to be
able to serve cargo needs, San Bernardino International,
March, and Victorville have tried to attract air cargo
carriers for many years but have not been successful,
therefore the first focus is an action. plan, start talking to
air and cargo carriers to find out why they do not want to
move into the Inland Empire where there is the excess
capacity, it is known from an aviation perspective that the
market for air passenger and cargo is in Los Angeles and
Orange Counties and the projections for the next fifteen
years is that that is where they will remain, the question is
then how to link those markets into the Inland Empire, the
second focus is an implementation plan for air passengers to
go to the Inland Empire. What is being looked at is how to I
be able to link the market in Orange and Los Angeles Counties
to airports that have excess capacity in the'Inland Empire,
an aviation market is not created just by population, some
say the Inland Empire is growing faster thane any other county
in the region and that is where the aviation demand is going
to be, not true, population is not the only determinant, it
is also income, business and manufacturing; what also needs
to be looked at is the impact that aviation demand will have
on the Inland airports, it must be acknowledged that host
communities have impacts, if it is said, as she has heard in
Orange County, that the aviation demand will just be sent to
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the Inland Empire, without talking about and without
responding to the impacts, those communities will quickly
shut down and not want that growth at their airport, the
impacts include crowd traffic, surface street congestion, air
pollution, noise, etc. Ms. Ducey stated that what the Orange
County Regional Airport Authority has decided to do, rather
than looking at Measure Wand joining the lawsuit, or
supporting anew initiative, etc., is to move on a parallel
track to try to solve the problem, how can one begin to serve
the Orange County air traffic market with those Inland Empire
airports, a system needs to be created that links the market
to the airports with excess capacity. She offered that what
is being talked about in Orange County is a proposal to
create an' airport in Orange County that operates as an
airport in all aspects but rather than board an airplane the
passenger would board a means of regional transportation
link, a fixed rail or high speed rail, the intent being to
link'the market of Orange County directly to airports with
excess capacity in the Inland Empire and do it in a way that
creates an aviation system and strategic advantages for
stakeholders. There have been a number of people talking
about constraining LAX, slot control, congestion pricing,
etc. but those kinds of things are going to run up against
incredible barriers with the air carrier industry, this
system creates advantages for stakeholders~ From a passenger
perspective, she, as an Orange County resident, can have a
seamless travel pass, instead of getting into her car and
experiencing the congestion on the 91 Freeway she could stop
at Orange County and use her travel pass to the Inland
Empire, also, that results in communities having reduced
impacts, if.her car is left in Orange County that is a
reduction of freeway and surface street congestion, the air
pollution will not be as great, all of which with the
reduction oJ the per vehicle impact, on a regional basis
reduced congestion and enhanced air quality are also being
looked at. She said from an air carrier perspective, an
important thing, it begins to link markets so that air
carriers wili begin to see the Inland Empire as a lucrative
place to begin to invest their services, in a scenario posed
to several carriers as to their opinion to have a direct link
from Orange County into Ontario airport so that the Inland
Empire and the Orange County markets could be served, their
response was favorable, exactly what they need, the volume,
efficiency, economy of scale, yet it moves some.of the
impacts away from the airport, the result, the host
communities will be somewhat happier, from an airport
operator perspective they get volume also from the reduced
impacts. Ms. Ducey posed the question as to why now, Measure
W has provided a means to begin looking at air transportation
and aviation servides in a different way, their presentations
to the Department of Transportation has been was that they
favor this idea, airport expansion is very difficult right
now, if a way can be found to enhance the airports that want
to expand and link the market it will then be possible to get
what is needed in terms of aviation traffic, at present the
word is that the FAA is going to give them $.5 million grant
and the DOT is willing to backfill that with another $1
million as their support of this concept. With this system
the impacts to the freeway system, surface streets, and air
quality will be dealt with, yet by starting now there would
be an opportunity to get into the compatible land uses around
the Inland Empire airports, the City Manager of Ontario
indicated a willingness to take the growth but not unless the
region as a whole begins to help them make sure that the
community is not detrimentally impacted. Ms. Ducey mentioned
6-24-02
that there is a fully operational airport in Frankfurt,
Germany, with a link in Stuttgart which is an airport without
runways, this by taking advantage of their current
transportation system, linking the locations by high speed
rail, about one hundred twenty-six miles in an twenty minute
trip, this has been so successful they are looking at another I
non-rail airport in Cologne, the success is an integration of
ground and air transportation, that is something that does
not exist in Southern California, the system under discussion
begins moving passengers and cargo in a way that makes sense
and a way that disperses impact on communities. In those
cases what has been taken into consideration is the financial
costs and benefits as well as the non-financial costs and
benefits, from an airport operators perspective they are
going to be looking at the market, to have enough passengers
to make their airport work from a revenue standpoint, however
the cost to the communities surrounding the airport also
needs' to be considered and how those impacts can be
dispersed, reduce the costs, yet bring in benefits in a way
that makes sense to the entire region. Ms~ Ducey stated that
the Orange County Regional Airport Authority Board has
requested that she make presentations such as this to other
agencies to gather feedback and input, this is a concept,
something that is being pursued on a parallel track, it has.
opportunities in terms of funding because if you create an
airport system that is linking airports by ground
transportation that opens up an entire new funding source of
airport revenue, this is a means.of looking at aviation in an
entirely different way, looking at the events of 9/11, the
security challenges, as well as the challenges in communities I
where they do not want airports to expand there is the need
to look at providing aviation in a different way. In
response to Council, Ms. Ducey stated again that in addition
to the Ontario airport, the other airports having excess
capacity are March in the Lake perris area, San Bernardino
International, and Victorville in the high desert area, all
three are former military bases that have developed into
airports yet have not been able to attract carriers, that is
partly because the market is not there, the challenge is to
link to those airports.
Councilman Antos made reference to page one of the SCRAA Work
Plan, asked if the statement to 'reflect environmental,
environmental justice...' was a typographical error, to that
Ms. Ducey responded that it means reflect environmental
impacts, environmental justice and quality of life
constraints, that language actually came from the SCAG
Regional Transportation Plan. In reference to the third
paragraph on page four, Councilman Antos noted the inclusion
of El Toro, however pointed out that El Toro is no longer an
airport as a result of the Measure M vote. Ms. Ducey
explained that the Work Plan was adopted in November of last
year before the election, the basic principal of the document
is the Regional Transportation Plan that SCAG adopted, at the I
last meeting SCAG took a vote as to whether they would delete
El Toro from the Regional Transportation Plan, the vote was
three to forty-five that they would not delete the reference
to El Toro at this time until it was seen what will happen
with the lawsuit and other challenges, also because they are
commencing a new cycle of developing the next RTP, that is
why El Toro remains in the SCRAA Work Plan, however, if one
looks at the actions of the SCRAA Board they are moving in
the direction of looking at alternatives to El Toro. In
reference to page nine, Traffic Impacts, Councilman Antos
noted reference to Chicago's traffic ordinance for O'Hare and
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asked if that was part of the Chicago Area Transit Study, to
that Ms. Ducey stated she was not certain however would find
out, and to that Councilman Antos said if it is part of the
CAT Study it should be done away with, that Study has been
ongoing since about 1965, is not yet completed, the way they
get people to use public transportation is that every day
they have another section of road torn up where all of the
lanes are reduced to one, people can not get into the City
even on Sunday, there is a flagman, a police officer, and
public works trucks, one car at a time. Mayor Larson stated
that the only way this will work is if the federal government
regulates the airlines, as soon as a new airline starts up
and becomes somewhat successful, the other airlines come in
and as soon as they put the new airline out of business they
then reduce their services, that has happened in Long Beach a
number of times, unless the airlines are required to keep
their routes it does no good to encourage active airports
because as soon as business is down a bit the airlines quit
flying. Ms. Ducey offered that it is a process of creating
strategic advantages so the system draws in air carriers when
they all have a market to serve, Long Beach is a good
example. Councilmember Campbell agreed that a comprehensive
plan is needed for a variety of reasons, she feels that the
residents of South County are beginning to realize that if
they get the twelve thousand home development what are they
going to do with the traffic, to that she said it will be
worse than having an airport, but the fact is that Orange
County needs an airport, if there is no plan this will become
a society that can get nowhere in this County, State or the
country. She claimed that a Comprehensive plan will help
Seal Beach, the Naval Weapons Station is an alternative
airport site, on Saturday she had the opportunity to speak to
Congressman Rohrabacher briefly, explaining that Seal Beach
will need his assistance because with an airport not being
approved for El Toro pressure will be brought to bear on the
weapons Station, his response was that he knows that. She
noted that the Weapons Station has basically been the
corporate boundaries for Seal Beach therefore the City would
be the Local Redevelopment Authority should the Station
become part of the BRAC list, concern is with an end run
where they would try to get title transferred from the
Department of Defense to the FAA, have the Base federalized,
put in an airport and bypass the City completely, she does
not want to be blindsided with someone making the
arrangements in Washington, D. C. outside of the scope of
knowledge of the City. If there is a comprehensive plan that
takes away the pressure for the need of an airport close in,
such as the Seal Beach Weapons Station, that could save this
City, College park East would be bought out, they would be
gone, but the rest of the community would need to deal with
the impacts of a decreased quality of life, property value,
this City has a lot at stake in getting the Weapons Station
off of the list as an alternative airport site. Ms. Ducey
said as they have talked to opponents of EIToro and reminded
them that $100 million had been spent on opposing El Toro
there is still no closer solution, yet. if the' problem is
solved then there will be no need to oppose an airport at El
Toro or at the Weapons station. Councilmember Campbell
reminded that all of the northerly Orange County cities voted
in support of the airport, yet they did not get out the vote.
Councilman Antos asked if this will'come back to the City for
consideration before being placed into law. Ms. Ducey stated
that what is being done at present is merely orienting the
region to the idea, requesting an action to move forward, it
is most likely the final solution may look much different
than it does now.
6-24-02
Campbell moved, second by Yost, to adopt Resolution Number
5034 entitled "'A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, IN SUPPORT OF A REGIONAL AVIATION
PLAN FOR THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGION." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 5034 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
I
PUBLIC HEARING / RESOLUTION NUMBER 5031 - BUDGET ADOPTION -
FISCAL YEARS 2002/2003 THROUGH 2003/2004 - APPROPRIATION
LIMITS
Mayor Larson declared the public hearing open to consider
adoption of the budget for fiscal years 2002/2003 through
2003/2004. The City Clerk certified that notice of the
public hearing had been advertised as required by law, and
stated no communications were received either for or against
this 'item. The City Manager reported that staff held a town
hall meeting for the proposed budget on May 23rd, workshops
were held with the Council on May 29th, May 30th, and June
5th, and this is the time and place for a public hearing
relating to. the budget adoption. The Manager stated that the
projected General Fund revenues are $17.1 million, General
Fund expenditures are $17 million, as in past years the three
largest resources are the utility users tax, property tax and
sales tax, these three sources account for fifty-four percent
of the total General Fund revenue, and at the same time in
fiscal 2002/2003 Police and Fire expenditures will consume
fifty-three percent of the resources, there continues to be a
deficit in the water fund, a water rate study will be
forthcoming to address that imbalance, the subsidy to the
Tideland Beach Fund is $603,852 for beach related operations
. and projects.. He noted that the Council went through a
series of cuts which brings the budget into balance for
fiscal year 2002/2003, an increase of the Transient Occupancy
Tax will go before the voters in November, should that not
pass about $75,000 will be added to the deficit, in order to
address the.deficit in the second year the Council indicated
agreement to institute a hiring freeze on all positions,
which is currently in effect, a budget review will be
scheduled most likely in January dependent upon what occurs
with the State budget. The Manager reminded that the budget
is a dynamic document, not static, once passed it is not put
aside, there is ample opportunity to review the document.
The recommendation was to conduct the public hearing, adopt
the Resolution approving the budget, capital improvement
budget, the appropriation limits, and the fleet management
plan.
I
Mayor Larson invited members of the audience wishing to speak
to this item to. come to the microphone and identify
themselves for the record. Ms. Joyce parque, 6th Street,
noted that this is a two year projected budget. She reminded
of the sewer deficit of about $75,000, there is really not a
surplus, the Council was elected to protect the taxpayers,
something needs to be cut for next year, each year the budget
goes up, predicted that in two years there will be no money
and the Council is going to come back to the taxpayers for
more, her feeling is that it will cost eac~person $100 to
keep the City from going bankrupt, something needs to be done
now, there needs to be a cut of ten percent in preparation
for next year, there needs to be money to take care of the
City streets and sewers, asked why the City is working at
Seal Beach Boulevard and Westminster again, that intersection
was redone just a few years ago, there has been money
designated for the bicycle lane, the bridge, the
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intersection, but there is no money for emergencies, would it
need to be taken from the surplus. Ms. parque stated the
Council needs to keep in mind that this is taxpayers money,
the Council is in charge of it, the Council directs staff to
make the cuts, cuts need to be made to protect the taxpayers,
she would like to have an elected city attorney, costs never
go down they just go up, she would also like the people to be
aware that if they want the Police Department ~he cost next
year will be over $6 million, maybe the people should vote on
whether they want the Police.Department or go to the County,
and asked why are there three patrolmen and four police cars
and four motorcycles. Ms. parque stated she is just learning
about the budget, if she can learn it she wil~ teach it to
the rest of the taxpayers. Ms. Sue Corbin; Seal Beach,
stated that if the County Sheriff's Department were an
equivalent that might be a choice, they receive military
training, are abusive, and although allowed, they should not
come jnto this community and stop youths and older persons.
Ms. Corbin claimed that the excess is in the Engineering
Department, .the Council needs .to look into who is and is not
working, there are too many people in the Planning Department
as well, money needs to be taken from the League of Cities,
that is a social event, or send only one person, and stated
the Council is waiting until it gets into an emergency, now
is the time to do something. Ms. Corbin stated that the
utility fee on businesses needs to be raised, Boeing realizes
$8 billi6n from one floor bf their operation but the City
realizes nothing from that, a former employee left early
every day to work another job, that money needs to be
returned, Closed Sessions need to be taped, the city attorney
firm needs to be looked at, an audit will n6t show what is
going on at Oakwood, that needs to be changed, when someone
checks in for two to three days then the transient occupancy
tax needs to be paid, this has become a scheme, the Manager
also needs to collect the money from those that do .not have
business licenses. There being no further comments, Mayor
Larsori declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Yost inquired about Animal control Services going
to Long Beach, the Manager responded that was an indicated no
vote of the Council. With regard to the OCRAA membership,
Councilmember Campbell stated she informed them at the last
meeting that Seal Beach could not sustain its contribution
because of the budget deficit, at that point the Interim
Director requested $500 per month for three months to keep
OCRAA going, after the meeting it was learned that the City
of villa Park pulled out giving the comment that if Seal
Beach does not contribute, who has the most t6 lose, then why
should they, several other cities have said the same, she
informed OCRAA that the City could maintain a'non-voting
membership so that she could attend and learn what is going
on, if the other cities are not going to contribute and the
organization is dissolved Seal Beach will lose contact for
information, yet all of this may become a mute point the
following day should the Board of Supervisors vote to allow
Irvine to annex the El Toro Air Station, then Measure W is
gone and everything is lost, it is felt that this will be in
litigation for several years.
Councilmember Campbell asked the Council for
reconsideration of participatiqT!for three months at $500
per month, and so moved. Mayor Larson said if the
fireworks allocation were to be cut he could support the
request. Councilmember Campbell stated 'that she has received
calls in support of keeping the fireworks. There was no
second to the motion.
6-24-02
councilman Antos reiterated the statement he made at the last
meeting for the benefit of the public, the staff report of
the City Hanager states that 'the two year budget will be
reviewed following review of the State budget to determine
further bud~et~eductions that may be necessary if the State
reduces revenues to the City or withholds Motor Vehicle In-
Lieu revenue, staff will also prepare a mid-year budget
review for the Council so that the deficit in 2003/2004 can
be eliminated. Councilman Antos said there are a number of
things that are unknown at the present time, it is not known
what the legislature and the Governor is going to do ~o
balance its budget, they typically make up their deficits by
taking away from cities and counties, they generally leave
the schools in tact, everything else is on the table, they
have taken a great deal from social programs" so far they
have not taken away from road funds, gas tax, sales tax,
etc., there ls still a large budget deficit that needs to be
made up, the State typically does not try to cut
expenditures, merely look to where they can take money, that
will likely be the Christmas present from the state. Given
that, it is likely premature to try to balance the second
year budget and then in six months if the state does take-
aways the City will need to do the work all again to deal
~ith the second year as well as the first year budget. There
are things that are not known with regard to revenue coming
to the City, there has been discu~sion of dealing with
business licenses, there is a news rack ordinance being
looked at, it is not known what kind of revenue, if any, will
come from that, it is not certain as ,to what~ill be
forthcoming from the Bixby development, nor from the anchor
tenants from the Rossmoor Center when it is built, it is not
known if the voters will approve the Transient Occupancy Tax
for hotels, it is not known what will come out of the Keyser
Marsten study as to what can or can not be done relative to
the Redevelopment Agency, the Ruby's lease is unknown, there
are other properties that mayor may not be sold, since there
are so many unkhowns and so long as the Council recognizes
. that' sometime in December or January it will need to look at
the budget again, make drastic cuts, then he.would vote for
the budget as i t nm~ exists, knowing all well 'that there may
be a ten percent cut. from each department, maybe more,
possibly some areas combined, there may be some retirements
from the Police Department and whatever restructuring as a
result.
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Councilman Doane said he agreed with many of the comments of
Councilman Antos, the action at this meeting should be to
support the recommendation of staff, and moved to adopt
Resolution Number,5031 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH. CALIFORNIA. ADOPTING
FISCAL YEARS 2002/2003 AND 2003/2004 BUDGETS, SETTING
APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003 AND AMENDING
APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002 AND'
AUTHORIZING A~PROPRIATIONS BY FUND."Councilman Yost
seconded the motion. .
I
Councilman Yost spoke favorably of the balanced budget for
this year, acknowledged that further cuts may be forthcoming,
there may be a couple of revenue sources to look at, there is
a potential of metering Main Street, that is something he
would.not like to see, there are a few options if necessary
for future consideration, at this point he would vote for the
budget as ~t curtent1y exists then re~isit the situation
after adoption o"{the state -budget. Councilman Yost
mentioned a League presentation on State finances that was
very informative, State spendinq has actually risen on a per
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capita basis over the past ten years where local spending has
gone down, which makes it very frustrating for local agencies
to make ends meet and provide public safety services which is
the major part of the budget. .
Councilman Doane requested that his motion be amended to
include approval of the Fleet Management planas well.
Councilman Yost agreed to the motion.
councilmember Campbell stated that this budget does not work
for her, approve a budget that is balanced for this year yet
is half million dollar short the following year, there .is
hope of natural attrition, that the residents will approve
the Transient occupancy Tax in November, hoping that the
Vehicle License Fee take-away will not happen which, if it
does there will be a $2 million shortfall, rather than hoping
her feeling is that there should be some. action taken and
now, to not do something now is not good practice or good
accounting, changes should be made now, not in a year, in
December the question is going to be how big will the
disaster be, will the cuts need to be a little or a lot, it
will take some. time to have things in plac~. ,If there are
no other cuts then enhanced revenue could be parking meters
for Main Street, this is the only beach city that does not
have meters, personally she dislikes parking .meters a great
deal, as do many other people, yet unf6rtunately there are
things that have to be done as it is a matter of financial
survival. She noted that the Nanager provided a list of cuts
for consideration, some were made, there needs to be
compromise by all, everyone is afraid of making cuts, the
last thing one wants to do is cut the job of another, yet by
December there may be no choice because the State seems to
balance its budget on the back of the cities and counties,
that is what they did in 1992 with ERAF', that is the reason
behind the current utility tax, prior to the UUT it is
understood there were times that it was uncertain if payroll
could be made, the City should not be in that position again.
councilmember Campbell mentioned that the City of Cypress
recently gave their City Manager a ten percent increase, Seal
neach gave its City Manager a six percent increase on his
anniversary of coming to the city, that is a typical action,
yet the increase approve~ in February is not effective until
July 1st with the adoption of the budget, some people
objected to that action,' yet when the salaries of Seal Beach
employees is compared with other cities of comparable
population and budget, the Seal Beach employees do not make
what their counterparts make, good employees are not retained
that way nor do you instill loyalty, the desir~ is that there
not be low to moderate income housing in this community
because existing housing is so expensive and the perception
is that low to mod housing ~ould lower properti values,
therefore the employees can not live in the City because low
to moderate income housing is all they can afford. She
concluded that there are hard decisions to be made, evidently
they will not be made at this time, therefore based upon that
scenario she will not support adoption of the budget. Mayor
Larson pointed .out that the cuts that have been made to the
budget have been done by the City council, not the City
Manager, the Manager and staff merely made recommendations.
Mayor Larson expressed his belief that the Council will adopt
a fair but baL-e bones budget, if the worst comes to pass by
the end of the year it will be necessary for the Council to
make the type of cuts they do not want to mak~, which will
include layoffs and other types of programs, if that does
occur then it can be pointed out to the Governor and
legislature what they have done, if the cuts were made now
6-24-02
the State could come back and point to the City as not
needing the money, this is probably the m~st f~ir ~ndc
p'oli tical thing to do to keep the ci ty go~ng, ~ t w~ll not .
collapse, there will be the things necessary to keep the Clty
going. Mayor Larson stated he therefore favors approval of
the budget with the changes that have. been ap~roved.
Councilman Yost mentioned that the comments w~th regard to
Oakwood appear, to be rational, he would support looking into
that as it relates to the Transient Occupancy Tax.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Ahtos, Doane, Larson, Yost
Campbell. '
Motion carried
PUBLIC HEARING / RESOLUTION NUMBER 5032 - COMPREHENSIVE FEE
RESOLUTION
Mayor Larson announced that this is the time .and place for a
public hearing to consider the Comprehensive Fee Resolution
for fiscal year 2002/2003. The City Clerk ceitified that
. notice of the public hearing had been advertised as required,
,and reported that no conUTIuriications had been received ei ther
for or against this item. The Director of. Administrative
Services stated that the Comprehensive Fee Resolution
establishes rates and amounts of fees and charges for certain
goods, services and facilities provided by the City and
supercedes inconsistent provisions of previously approved
resolutions, pointed out that under the guidelines of the
State fees and charges for municipal goods and services are
to be set at a rate equivalent or below costs incurred to
provide 'such service, fees are to be based on an analysis of
costs and may not be arbitrarily set, a fee or charge may, as
a matter of public policy, be set at ~ rate b~low costs when
a public benefit or good exists in having the General Fund
subsidize a specific service to an individual(s).The
Director explained that staff reviewed the Comprehensive Fee
Schedule and the fees being charged for this 'fiscal year,
there were no major changes with the exception of some water
connection fees, a couple of fees were included that were not
ieflected on the Fee Schedule yet they were being charged,
the Expedited plan Check fee and Deputy Inspector Contractor
business license~ also, Planning fee deposits were increased
for Variances, Zone Changes, General Planfunendments, Planned
Unit Developments, Minor Site Reviews, Major Site Plan
Reviews, Specific Plans, Appeal Public Hearings, Sober Living
Investigations, and Environmental Negative Declarations, the
deposits increased so as to more accurately reflect the
actual costs, that protects the City to assure it collects
all necessary monies rather than having to go back to the
business or resident for collection after the fact, if the
costs are less than the deposit then a reimbursement is made
to the applicant. The Transportation Facilities and ,Programs
Development Fees and Transportation Facilities and Programs
Development Application Fees paid by developers increased 3
percent, Contractor business license increased 2.7 percent,
Public Works plan check arid review Type A Grading and
Drainage plan check minimum deposit increased'to $575.00,
Water Utility Services, Water Service Connection Charge, Buy
In added, this is for new services, and the cost of overhead
for services provided increased from 18.7 percent to 21.4
percent, this based on the 2.7 CPI increase.
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With reference to the change to the Specific Plan deposit
from $1,000 to $10,000, Councilman Yost inquired if there are
ever small changes where this increase could price people out
of.or are these changes that are only done by large
developments. The Director of Development Services responded
that Specific plans only apply to properties of five acres or
more therefore a fairly substantial development. To further
question, the Administrative Services Director explained that
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for the Expedited Plan Check it would be fifty percent of
whatever, the base fee would be.
Mayor Larson invited members of the audience wishing to speak
to this item to come to be microphone and identify
themselves. Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, said she does not
object to the law, rather the way it is implemented, she made
reference to a court case and claimed that what is needed is
an equal protection clause, for some organizations the fee is
waived yet the Supreme Court has said that can not be done,
there must be a level playing field, the City has to follow
the laws and assure that they are equally regulated, treating
everyone the same. There being no further comments, Mayor
Larson declared the pUblic hearing closed.
Councilman Antos made reference to the contractors and
contractors licenses, to which he asked if there is a penalty
for contractors working without a license, and is it actively
enforced. The Development Services Director stated that for
most jobs a building permit is not issued until there is
proof of a contractors license from the State, City business
license, and insurance, the contractors that work without
getting permits is a different issue but ther~ is a penalty
attached to working without ,a business license. .
Campbell moved, second by Yost, to adopt Resolution Number
5032 entitled :"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEL BEACH ESTABLISHING THE RATES AND AMOUNTS OF FEES AND
CHARGES FOR GOODS, SERVICES, AND FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE
CITY OF SEAL BEACH AND SUPERSEDING INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS OF
RESOLUTINS 4114, 4195, 4234, 4250, 4442, 4494, 4499, 4519,
4545, 4550, 4650, 4718, 4751, 4816, 4910." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 5032 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report was presented.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager reported that the City has received a small
grant from the State Department of Recycling which will
provide equipment such as trash bags, gloves, etc. that will
make the beach cleanups more effective.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
With regard to Council participation in the League of Cities,
Councilmember Campbell noted that there are members of the
Council that hold League appointed positions and one of the
requirements is to attend the meetings, the positions held
are felt will be of benefit to the City, Councilman Yost sits
on the San Gabriel Mountains and Rivers Conservancy, Mayor
Larson is a member of the Veterans Committee, and she is on
the Airport Land Use Commission, if the League meetings are
not attended then the appointees are removed. Councilmember
Campbell mentioned also for the very small amount of money
that the members of the Council receive, tremendous numbers
of hours are devoted to Council business, the City does not
pay for gasoline used for their travel, personal paper for
City related business, nor computers, printers, etc. With
regard to Closed Sessions, Councilmember Campbell made note
that anything discussed therein must be agendized, those
would be items relating to personnel, litigation where
discussion in open session would jeopardize the position of
the City, real estate matters, issues of a safety nature
where if, disclosed might imperil the health, safety and
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welfare of the residents, the City Attorney and his firm keep
the Council on track, by using a law firm such as Richards,
Watson and Gershon the City has access to all aspects of
their expertise. Councilman Yost mentioned that the City
Attorney contract was looked at and a comparative analysis
was done of other communities to assure it was within a
rational level, everything has been looked at with regard to I
cuts and additional revenue. with regard to Conditional Use
Permits as that relates to Hennesseys, Councilman Yost noted
that in this City a CUP runs with the land not. with the
business, Hennessey's got its CUP for alcohol sales as a
result of a wine and cheese store, that license was
transferred to a nice restaurant with a piano bar, the
license ,then transferred to the fourth Irish bar on Main
Street, therefore it behooves the Planning commission to be
very careful with Conditional Use Permits for alcohol sales
because of the sorts of things that has allegedly transpired
at Hennesseys. Councilman Antos requested that a report from
the Planning Department be agendized for the next meeting
relating to the Seal Beach overlay zoning issue or see if
there is something that can be done to allow some type of
reduced permit process, there has already been a zone change
from commercial to residential for the portion of the area
nearest Pacific .Coast Highway, if that is going to be done
there should either be an overlay zone or allow people zone
changes without going through the lengthy process, there are
some people on the Boulevard that have waited for up to
fifteen years to do something with their property. He also
requested a report from the City Attorney relative to a CUP
running with the land and not with the operator, recalling
that years ago the City issued CUP's to an .operator for the I
use at a specific location for a specified period of time,
somehow that changed, his concern with a CUP running with the
land is that it remains forever and he would think that the
Planning Commission at that point would be reluctant to issue
a CUP because it would not be known who the operator may be.
The City Attorney mentioned that every member of the Council
that has been on the Commission has dealt with that issue,
however the law has been fairly consistent for twenty years
at least, CUP's do run with the land, and there are a number
of court cases relating to that issue, and offered to provide
Council with a memorandum on the matter. Councilman Yost
asked that a presentation by the Historical Society be
scheduled for the next meeting.
CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meeting until July 8th at 6:30 p.m. to meet in
Closed Session if need be. By unanimous consent, the meeting
was adjourned at 9:10p.m. .
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clerk
Approved:
Attest: