HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 2001-10-08
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being a symbol of freedom around the world but a symbol of
recovery of this Nation. He encouraged all to contin~e to
fly the Nation's flag in the wake of the recent trag~dy, and
expressed apprec{ation for the recent candlelight vigil on
Main Street. Councilman Larson noted that while Cit~
Attorney of San Dimas that Council sought a nice flagpole
until they received the bid ,of $35,000, there must be a less
expensive means.
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ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meeting until October 8th at 6:30 p.m.lto meet
in Closed Session. By unanimous consent, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:37 p.m.
Attest:
Approved:
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Seal Beach, California
October 8, 2001
The regular adjourned meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this
date was canceled due to the lack of business items requiring
attention.
C . t)' Clerk and
o~' the City of
Seal Beach, California
October 8, 2001
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The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:04 p.m. with Mayor Doane calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Doane
Councilmembers Boyd, Campbell, Larson, Yost
Absent:
None
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Also present: Mr. Bahorski, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Captain Schaefer, Police Department
Mr. Dancs, Director of Public Works/City
Engineer
Mr. Cummins, Associate Planner
Ms. Yeo, City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Campbell asked that the agenda be amended to
include an urgency item that will be discussed at the Orange
County Regional Airport Authority meeting on Wednesday where
the representative from Villa Park will be requesting
approval of a resolution in support of the Alternate Airport
Plan.
The City Attorney said it is understood that this matter came
to the attention of the Council after the posting of the
agenda, and if it is the desire of the Council to add the
item it will require a four-fifths vote. Campbell moved,
second by Yost, to add this item as requested.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
The item was identified as B-3 on the agenda.
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Larson moved, second by Boyd, to approve the order of the
agenda as revised.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilman Yost mentioned that a recent edition of the local
newspaper contained an aggressive article aimed at his
reputation entitled 'Tax Revolt,' the letter and author are
completely fictitious, the last name of the author was not
found on any registry in the State of California. He noted
that the newspaper has apologized and has agreed to run a
letter of retraction in the upcoming edition.
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Mayor Doane presented a Community Oriented Policing Award
from the Orange County Human Relations Commission to Brian
Kyle of O'Malley's for his volunteer work on St. Patrick's
Day. Mayor Doane noted that Mr. Kyle has done a number of
other things for the community, one example is when he
remodeled his restaurant he went beyond what was necessary
and upgraded the frontage sidewalk in accordance with future
plans that the City hopes to follow for the remainder of Main
Street sidewalks.
PRESENTATIONS
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Doane read in full a Proclamation declaring llSeal Beach
Historical and Cultural Society Monthll during November 2001.
He noted that the Society has been dedicated to the
preservation of local historical documents, ,memorabilia and
buildings, as the vocal point for a collection of artifacts,
they have restored and preserved a Pacific Electric Red Car
from the Pacific Electric Red Line which began its operation
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in 1906, Seal Beach as its most southerly destination. The
Red Car opened as a museum in 1980 on the original P~cific
Electric right-of-way at Main Street and Electric Av~nue.
Ms. Laura Alioto, President, accepted the Proclamati6n on
behalf of the Historical Society and mentioned that ~t will
be displayed in the Red Car.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Doane declared the Public Comment period open. Mr.
Brian Kyle, Seal Beach, expressed appreciation for the Human
Relations Commission Award. Mr. Kyle announced that Ion
October 11th several restaurants in the community, Mahi, Old
Town Cafe, Main Street Grill, Coaches, and O'Malley'S have
registered in the State of New York to donate ten pericent of
their proceeds in remembrance of the World Trade CenBer
Restaurant and its seventy-six employees that were Idst on
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September 11th. Mr. Kyle mentioned also that the McGaugh
School Carnival is coming up, O'Malley's will be don~ting the
hamburgers for that event, and requested that the public lend
their support by attending the Carnival. Mr. Kyle e~pressed
his support in favor of the Bella Forma Studio appea]. Ms.
Kim Masoner, President of the Chamber and Business I
Association, thanked the community for the efforts put forth
this past Saturday for the riverbed cleanup, there w~re two
hundred sixty-two volunteers including Councilman Yo~t and
members of City staff. Ms. Masoner reported that th~ battle
against trash in the riverbed is being won. Ms. Masoner
expressed appreciation to two journalists who wrote ~tories
relating to the cleanup, the host Lions and Leos forI
providing food for the volunteers, sixty-five Boeing
employees, and Mr. Ayres for building two thirty foot bridges
to allow access to the riverbed, the City for a flatlbed
truck and driver that was provided to haul away the debris
including seventy-two grocery carts, a roll of carpet,
computer and monitor,etc. She concluded that having a
cleaner beach and ocean benefits everyone and they are making
a difference. Mr. Reg Clewley, Seal Beach, Objected/to the
approval of the agenda, said in the past members of the
public were invited to make changes to the agenda, ciaimed
that has been eliminated, now the public can not reqJest that
items be removed from the Consent Calendar. Mr. Cle01ey
criticized the Council on various subjects, advisinglof
utility tax exemptions, allowing dogs in certain parks yet
not in others, reporting the potential widening of the
freeway and loss of homes, negotiation of seventy ho~es on
the Hellman Ranch in exchange for twenty-five years of blight
atop more than one hundred fifty acres of degraded wetlands
before necessitating further hearings before the Coastal
Commission, that it is alright for the Sanitation District to
continue to discharge treated sewage improperly, thel
allegations against the District One Council representative
have been found to be more than unsubstantiated, thelDistrict
Attorney will reach the same conclusion as he did with the
fabricated charges by the former Manager against him~elf and
others. Dr. David Rosenman, 8th Street, founding member of
the Tree Committee, said he wished to comment on thelupcoming
referendum, directed attention to the tree in front of
O'Malleys, a voluntary tree saving, this has been done a
couple of times in residential areas as well, and noted that
a grant provided the trees that are now planted on Seal ,Beach
Boulevard, that was at no taxpayer cost. Dr. Rosenm~n
mentioned that a little more money is needed, which is going
to be included in the tree trimming appropriation fot other
trees that do not encroach sidewalks, sewers, etc. sb that
alternatives can be used rather than removing a tree! mature
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trees like the ficus have a value of $10,000 to $15,000,
other trees are even more expensive, they should not be taken
out. Dr. Rosenman mentioned that the Tree Committee has done
considerable research to determine what grows where, as there
are micro climates such as the Eisenhower Park area, as an
example, there has been a replanting of trees along Central
and Main, those trees will no longer be invading the sewer.
Dr. Rosenman noted that there is language in the referendum
to restrict the funds to just tree preservation and tree
trimming, there will be a public hearing at some point to
increase the fees, and urged public support. Mr. Greg
Miller, Seal Beach Boulevard, read a letter prepared by his
father, Walt Miller, who was not available to attend this
meeting, the letter addressed the issue of transplanting four
forty foot tall, fifty year old palm trees by the Recreation
staff using their own equipment, moved, after the bike path
was built, from the south end of Seal Beach Boulevard to the
enlarged parkway in front of the new housing, too bad they
were not transplanted before the bike path was built, there
was no need to demolish the curb and gutter, no grading was
needed, a saving of money, time and safety, there still would
have been room to construct a twelve foot bike path next to
the Navy fence and retain the same safe twenty-eight foot
street as is Electric Avenue. There have been twenty
dangerous and life threatening conditions created, there have
been pictures and written notice that near misses have
already occurred, the City has refused to acknowledge any
communication, it is believed the Council and those
responsible for the secret development of plans to construct
Seal Beach Boulevard, using public funds, may be held
criminally negligent in the performance of their duties, this
is a matter of great public concern. The letter continued
with regard to property value, is appears the plans narrowed
the Boulevard to accommodate the twelve foot bike path, that
can be expected to increase values on the Boulevard, logic
does not support the plans, the bike path would have been
safer for cyclists between the palm trees and the Navy fence
than where it is, the Navy would have preferred the path next
to the security fence and not landscaped, even grass next to
the fence becomes a costly extra burden for City maintenance.
The letter claimed that the proposal to rename Seal Beach
Boulevard to Ocean Avenue was tabled because of the objection
from their business association, it is now evident that
earlier this year the City decided in secret session that the
gateway Boulevard be a single family residential street which
it now is, the City destroyed the mixed use commercial value
of the properties by taking away safe and adequate parking
for customers and visitors by creating over twenty hazardous
conditiDns for passing traffic, as a result the property
value pDtential for visitor serving retail and multi-tenant
apartments has fallen several million dollars, large
developers look for distressed areas, the Boulevard is a
target. It was stated that his father has abandoned plans
for a $700,000 development including a new bike shop and
instead has asked the City for permission to make his
property a parking lot for the existing bike shop, there has
been no reply. He said the Council has been provided with a
list of over twenty work orders prepared by the Seal Beach
Boulevard Business Association that need to be implemented to
eliminate what is perceived to be dangerous conditions
created by the Boulevard reconstruction, that the City commit
to the list by taking action on the first item, elimination
of parking on the east side of the Boulevard by October 15th,
then proceed as a public noticed matter on the remainder, it
is hoped that serious injury or fatality does not occur, an
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attempt to have a petition signing is hoped to gatherc further
attention. Mr. Greg Miller noted again that the letBer was
from his father, he would request another two minuteS to
offer his views on other matters. I
Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, spoke in support of the residents
of Old Town, Councilman Boyd the only candidate in y~ars that
has served the people and who tried to help them. She
claimed that alley and sewer money has been spent wi~hout
accountability, residents have been sold out time and again,
the Council only has immunity while legislating, awaYr from
the dais there is no immunity, fliers are being distrcibuted,
they are witch hunts without facts. Mr. Victor Grgas, former
Councilmember and Mayor, said he was shocked at hearing of
the alleged conflict of interest of Councilman Boyd I
concerning his business relationship with Mr. Hall during the
sale of the Seal Beach Trailer Park, regardless of Councilman
Boyd's assertion that he has no legal conflict, the facts
presented in the official documents raise a serious question
as to his fiduciary, ethical and legal responsibilities to
the citizens of Seal Beach. He said it is astounding that
the Councilman would seek out Mr. Hall to do business with
shortly after this body justifiably rejected the exorbitant
rent increase on the Trailer Park residents, that he/attend
Council closed door sessions while the City and Park
residents were trying to negotiate the purchase of tqe Park
from Hall and while representing Hall in various dealings on
other properties and trailer parks in both Orange and Los
Angeles counties, the paper trail shows the connectibn of
Boyd with several limited partnerships with Hall as general
partner and Boyd listed as agent, the notion that be~ause he
was not paid by Hall during the time that the sale of the
Trailer Park was transacted is a disingenuous argument,
during the time that the Park was being negotiated the
councilman was on the inside yet concurrently working on
behalf of Hall on the trailer park project in Castaic and a
proposed apartment project in Anaheim, Boyd may not have been
paid at the time but a statement was made that he woJld gain
financially from the association, from at least an ethical
standpoint the people of Seal Beach should have known, yet a
statement was made that there was no conflict with anyone.
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Ms. Beverly Pearce, Seal Beach, said local government matters
very much, recent events have shown that people shouid not
stay away from the meetings and all must particiPatelto
assist the elected and chosen officials in doing the best
they can and show the most integrity possible. Ms. Pearce
noted that the amount paid to the members of the Council for
their efforts may equate to possible fifty cents an hour, for
meetings here, elsewhere, and other functions, and to her the
most important departments are Police and Fire in light of
the recent events, ,also the knowledge, authority andj
integrity of the Council and City government. As a resident
for a number of years she never thought of being on ~
committee or running for Council, however if there ate
officials that do not know the rules then possibly e~eryone
needs to participate more, explained that she has been an
agent for developers, has worked on low/moderate income
projects, served on Council committees, during her I
experiences she has always been advised that whenever there
isa doubt one must fully disclose, not just abstainl Ms.
Pearce expressed concern with the personal abuse that the
Council takes, comments of many are disrespectful and
unappreciative, that may be what has put off her I
participation over the years, there is a right and wrong way
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to run a business, run the city, and if one has made a
mistake admit it, then resign. Mr. Terry Barton, Ocean
Avenue, stated that he was present on behalf of Laura Brecht,
presenting her comments, directed to the Council and
Councilman Boyd in particular. Mr. Barton read that his back
is against the wall in a survival mode fighting for his
political life, his mode is now to deny, the deliberate
disregard to notify fellow Councilmembers, city officials,
and the citizens on the conflict of interest questions moral,
ethical, and business standards, there was a long term
relationship with Mr. Hall, owner of the Seal Beach Trailer
Park, initiated by the Councilman according to published news
reports, you can not play both sides of the table. The
statement continued that Ms. Brecht was part of a group of
Seal Beach residents that have gathered information, pooled
that information and forwarded same to the Orange County
District Attorney, Grand Jury, the Fair Political Practices
Commission, and other agencies to determine if any law or
rules have been violated, it is certain the truth will
prevail. A quote was made from a news article that this was
clearly a conflict of interest, then said that the citizens
did not want to preclude the Councilman from making a living
yet personal gains seemed to get in the way, the residents
will now and for many years have to pay more for the Trailer
Park purchase and additional redevelopment money could have
been put to other good uses due to this conflict of interest.
To vote in any capacity on a City related issue for which one
could have a financial gain or promise or future financial
gain is considered a conflict of interest, if the City
Attorney advised the Councilman that he did not have to
disclose his working relationship with Mr. Hall then the
question would be if the Attorney was given all of the facts,
it is believed that is the case, now trying to deflect the
blame where it is clearly on the Councilman's own shoulders,
requested that the Council demand a resignation of the
Councilman immediately, failure to do so would indicate they
condone his actions, the lack of truthfulness will not be
tolerated, also that the citizens should not have to pay for
any legal expenses Councilman Boyd may incur now or in the
future, he brought this onto himself, using his real estate
skills under the guise of a Council representative, he did
not represent the best interests of Seal Beach. Ms. Marilyn
Hastings, Seal Beach, was granted permission by the Mayor to
pose a question to the City Attorney, she asked if the City
would indemnify the Councilman in any further legal actions.
The City Attorney responded that the question was too
general, it is not possible to predict the future, yet
without revealing any confidential information he understands
Councilman Boyd has his own attorney with whom he consults on
these matters, and assured that the City has paid no money to
his firm or other firm on behalf of the Councilman.
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Ms. Dorothy White, College Park East, claimed that sometimes
it may appear that the public is attacking the Council yet
often it is the opposite. Ms. White mentioned that the last
time she attended a meeting she was interrupted by a member
of the Council because the subject matter was not desirable,
which they are not supposed to do, and when she persisted to
talk she was asked if she would like to be removed. Ms.
White r'=minded the Council that the people do not give up
First ~nendment Constitutional rights to anyone, it has been
said this issue arose because it is election time, this is
the appropriate time, no one denies that there is a right to
earn a living yet the prospects seem to have improved since
joining the Council, no public official should see their
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fortunes rise upon being elected, should the association with
Mr. Hall have been revealed, yes it should, the factlthat it
was said that it was not because it was thought it would hurt
the upcoming election chances, that shows that it waS known
to be wrong. Ms. Whyte claimed it is funny to hear the
discussions relating to trees, while the talk is of planting,
pruning, etc., the College Park East trees were tornldown,
what she had intended to talk about at the last meeting was
her Council representative, she does not represent College
Park East rather every other district except Leisurelworld,
the beautiful grove of eucalyptus trees were torn down with
no objection from her representative, she claimed knowing
nothing about the Bixby project yet a letter of July} 1996 to
Bixby people indicated wanting to talk about the comciercial
development, which her representative said she did not want.
Ms. Whyte said her representative now claims she didlnot know
about the widening of the 22 Freeway yet in 1996 it was
brought up, in 1998 the OCTA said they were going tolwiden,
also presented some alternatives, in May of that year a
letter was sent indicating they were going to prepar~ an EIR,
to that Mayor Brown forwarded a letter indicating th~t there
were concerns given that CPE was adjacent to that fr~eway,
her representative held no town all meetings nor didjthe
Neighborhood Association, which is now a political group, for
input from the residents. Ms. Whyte claimed again that her
representative has done nothing for CPE yet has work~d on the
Bolsa Chica~ Trailer Park, Hellman, etc. I
Mr. Bill Ayres, Seal Beach, volunteer and President of the
Seal Beach 10K Run, expressed his desire to speak tolwhat is
going on, to Councilman Boyd he would give the advic~ to stay
away from Mr. Hall, as far away as possible, his feeling is
that Hall took advantage of him, being young and newjin the
real estate business, he likely thought he could gain some
political influence by dealing with the Councilman. IMr.
Ayres expressed his view that no one should be incriminated
by media reports, when he arrived he saw the ~erican Flag,
this is still ~erica where no one is convicted without a
trial through due process, newspapers misjudge facts/all the
time, this should be allowed to play out and see what the
decisions are, another opinion is that there are always
issues that are politically influenced, for the other side of
this election he would suggest there not be rejoicing at this
point, his recollection is that the other side had alvery
popular candidate yet the people of Old Town found out who
his supporters were and he did not win election. Mrl Ayres
said he felt that terrorism is on the minds of everyone,
there is a minor form in Old Town, he does not like to find
fliers on his doorstep where someone did not have the courage
to identify themselves, that is a form of terrorism.j Mayor
Doane denied the request of Mr. Greg Miller to address the
Council a second time, pointing out that he had been allowed
additional time to speak initially.
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It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to declare a recess at 8:04 p.m. The Council reconvened at
8:09 p.m. with Mayor Doane calling the meeting to order.
Ms. Seretta Fielding, Seal Beach Boulevard, expresseb sadness
to hear the extent of insults to the Council that has
occurred at this meeting, to private members of society, she
would have thought that with the recent occurrences in this
Nation that people would have become a little more h~mble,
there is a due process of law that needs to be respected, she
would ask that there be some guidelines by this City Council
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to address that a person has a right to their opinion,
whatever it may be, a right to speak the opinion, but she
would ask that there be some guidelines that there be some
dignity in what is said, all should have learned that their
neighbors are important, the City is important, and how we
feel about each other, right or wrong, is important, there is
a process of law that everyone will go though and all will be
better off if that process is able to remain, she would ask
that everyone look at oneself as to how another person is
treated, treat them with respect until otherwise proven
different. Ms. Elizabeth Kane, Seal Beach, mentioned that on
Sunday morning she discovered a flier on her walkway, others
residing in Old Town likely found the same flier, the first
thing noticed was that there were no names of the sender or
sendee, since then she has thought a lot about this flier,
the senders of the flier are trying to convict Councilman
Boyd in the media rather than giving him due process. She
commented that it is understood that the proper authorities
are investigating the situation, people with far better legal
minds than hers or most in this room, and in due time whether
the events alleged are something to be concerned about or
not. Ms. Kane said the notice left on her doorstep did
nothing to displace her appreciation for all of the valuable
things that Councilman Boyd has done for the community during
his,tenure and she has yet to see conclusive evidence that
would suggest a reason for his resignation at this time. She
offered her belief that the person or persons who left the
flier on her doorstep have far too much spare time on their
hands, she for one is becoming wary of people in the City who
do not put there time and money where their mouths are, it is
far easier to cast a stone than to pick one up, and she would
not be remiss in assuming that any of these individuals were
even re:motely involved this past weekend to clean up the
riverbed, participated in the planting of valuable trees,
spent time volunteering at the library, at the animal
shelter, or any number of things that need the time of each
person and true attention of caring citizens in this town, it
seems they have so much time on their hands for unproductive
activity and mud slinging, they might think about using their
time for the betterment of this community instead of
continuing to try to undermine and divide, her belief too is
that the tactics that these people are using are not really
different from those of the September 11th attack. By
refusing to put ones name on the flier, not coming forward
and taking responsibility for what was left on her doorstep,
she has no one to address her questions and they are not
taking responsibility for the acquisitions or actions, which
leaves her questioning the legitimacy behind what they are
trying to do, if they are so passionate, why are they hiding.
Ms. Kan,e said she is a simple resident in the community, not
a political person, but can state from a personal level since
September 11th she has developed a sincere intolerance for
this level of behavior in general all across the nation, it
is a crime for all citizens to waste time on hateful
activity, did we not learn a thing, she would suggest that
while waiting for the appropriate officials to review and
advise .on the findings of the allegations that this community
pull its collective self together and put its energy towards
more important issues, already over one hour has been spent
speakin9 about something that can not be resolved tonight
instead of talking about things that can. Ms. Kane suggested
that those involved with the fliers find a positive way to
channel their energy in a way that will benefit the
community, and there are many people in the community that
will help find those positive ways.
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Mr. William Lansdale, nine year Seal Beach resident, said he
has watched,the politics in this cute, charming City that
goes on all kinds of ways, it is true what they say about
living in a small city that one should watch what th~y do
because everyone knows what goes on, his belief is that is
what is happening here, as the prior speaker said, p~ople
should make better use of their good time rather thart trying
to hunt someone down. Mr. Lansdale said all he has heard
from the negative side are innuendoes, hearsay, in f~ct
during the recess he asked that the City Attorney sp~ak up
and tell everyone what Councilman Boyd had said. He!noted
that these types of things are going to go on for the rest of
this towns life, disagreements, etc., the Trailer Park thing
has gone on for many years, people are speaking up artd
telling how much money was made on the Trailer Park, Ifor the
purpose of information the people who owned it, Mr. ~awson's
widow, sold the Park to Mr. Hall for approximately $3
million, he resold it for $7 million, does anyone knqw what
$3 million is worth in thirty years, which the payoff is for
the Trailer Park, at eight percent interest, is thre~ times
the amount or $9 million, Hall did not make any great
windfall, or at all, so where does the idea that he ~ade a
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lot of money or any money at all come from. Mr. Lan9dale
reported trying to add a bathroom to his home a couple of
years ago, commended Councilmember Campbell for her /
assistance as well as Councilman Boyd who called himlback
several times. Mr. Lansdale again requested that the City
Attorney convey what the Councilman had said to him, that may
allay a number of questions.
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Mr. Whitey Littlefield, Seal Beach, mentioned that his mother
and sisters lived in the Trailer Park, he watched the Park
going from not knowing where they were going to going to
lease and then own the Trailer Park. During this time he has
considered Councilman Boyd his friend and still does) he had
a conversation with him in regards to Mr. Hall a numner of
months ago, was assured by him, and he took the time/to
check, he did not vote against it, he in fact voted in favor
for three things that dealt with the Trailer Park, to get it
appraised, to find an underwriter so that they couldlfind
money to buy the Trailer Park, he could not recall w~at the
third was. Mr. Littlefield noted the comments relating to
what the newspapers have said, a lady reminded of due
process, to him this reminds of an old vigilante co~ittee,
some people may have good intentions, he does not believe
that Ms. Brecht had good intentions when she startedlthis, if
one goes back it will be found that she was the co-campaign
chair for the gentleman who ran against Councilman Boyd, also
the treasurer, it is likely there are Council persons
involved in this too. Mr. Littlefield suggested that with
what is going on in the Nation today people should p~t their
actions and time to more positive things, if in facti
Councilman Boyd did something wrong the District Attorney and
Grand Jury will investigate it. Mr. Mark Lupesco, Seal
Beach, said there have not been enough thank yous he~rd at
this meeting, to which he thanked the Council for I
contributing to the City with all that they do, volunteering
time at beach and riverbed cleanups is a good example, the
efforts are vastly underpaid, not enough people come/to say
thank you. Mr. Lupesco said he owns a business, has always
been told that when two people agree there is someth~ng
wrong, there will always be disagreement but it can be
handled in a positive and constructive manner. To the issue
that has received considerable comment, Mr. Lupesco said he
would not say that he is a good friend of Councilman Boyd, he
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would say nothing until he learns the objective facts, he
will read all possible, then when the legal people come back
and say he did something wrong he and Councilman Boyd will
have a face to face conversation. Mr. Gene Vesley, Seal
Beach Trailer Park, said he was not certain whether there was
any impropriety involved in what has been discussed, and
offered that he belongs to an organization that believes
people should place principals above personalities, there
have been a number of affronts to Councilman Boyd and that is
not appropriate in and of itself. Mr. Vesley noted that a
couple of years ago, while in negotiations for the Park, he
was a member of the Board, and on a visit to the office of
the City Clerk Councilman Boyd was also present who expressed
his excitement in that he believed he had found a way to
obtain an additional $1 million to put towards the purchase
of the Trailer Park, which he felt Mr. Hall would accept.
Mr. Vesley said when he read the article in the newspaper of
Councilman Boyd having either been on the payroll or working
with Mr.' Hall he was aghast, hurt, felt it was conflict of
interest, said he hoped that was not the case, rather an
innocent misjudgment of dealings, but it will put the
Councilman in the position of being an opportunist, using
circumstances for ones own benefit, simply put the residents
of the Park felt that Richard Hall was a bad name. Mr. Paul
Jeffers, Trailer Park resident since 1975 said before the
Park was redeveloped, people wrote Covenants, Participation
Agreements, he was pleased with the outcome for a number of
years, there was to be rent control, a'cost of living, for
sixty-six years, he was told time and again that the
Covenants would be good until the year 2044. Then came Mr.
Hall, the residents heard all of the things he was going to
do to them, the people were told that the residents would own
the Park, now he continually has to tell people it was Linc
Housing that bought the Park not the residents, the people
want something in writing so that this same thing will not
happen again, something that says the residents will own the
Park when the $9 million is paid, requested that the Council
help to get something in writing now, the residents were also
promised long term leases so that if someone wanted to sell
they could get a loan yet Linc is now backing down on that.
Mr. Jeffers requested that the next time there is an election
in the Trailer Park that the local politicians stay out of
it, it causes conflict between neighbors. Mr. Mike Barry,
Trailer Park, mentioned that he sits on the Board of
Directors for the Trailer Park, compared his position on that
Board with that of the Council, one word comes to mind, that
is service, thanked the Council for their service, said they
do not get paid enough for the service they provide or time
they give, the Trailer Park purchase would not have happened
without this Council.
I
I
Mr. Frank Boychuck, Trailer Park, stated he would not address
the issues in regard to Councilman Boyd, he would leave that
to the proper authorities. Mr. Boychuck explained that the
method 'with which the Park was purchased, through a non-
profit, was the only Park in the State of California at the
time that was allowed to purchase the Park using the non-
profit method and still participate in the ownership program
at the end of the term of the bonds. Mr. Boychuck disagreed
with th,e comments made with regard to false promises having
been made, said that is not true, the residents have an
opportunity to take control of the Park once the bonds are
paid off, and contrary to statements made it is in writing, a
legal d.ocument, signed by Linc Housing that stipulates that
the Park will turn over to the residents, if that'is what
10-8-01
they want at the time the bonds are paid off, this a
wonderful deal for the residents, not only will they be able
to take control of their own destiny but they will also be
able to participate in rental subsidies that have been
offered by the Redevelopment Agency, he would like t9 know
what other cities are doing that, under the system of Richard
Hall that was never allowed, there are some in the p~rk that
make less that $5,000 a year who are either senior citizens
or disabilitied people who need to have their rent sJbsidized
in order to live in Seal Beach with dignity. Contrary to the
I
comments that have been made, the facts are real, are
documented. Mr. Boychuck explained that when Richar~ Hall
owned the Park no one was allowed to buy or sell their units,
I
people were not only told they could not sell but that he
owned their unit, he noted also that a resident of the Park
had invested over $180,000 to build his home and then a
representative of Mr. Hall claimed that he owned thelhome, it
was on his land and the resident had no equity in the
property, that had to be changed and it has been under the
best program that the State recognizes, now the value of the
home has tripled, also, under the new ownership the sale of
homes is allowed, escrows have gone through, new people have
moved in. Mr. Boychuck said there is much misrepresentation
and falsehoods going around, people can come to Coun~il and
say anything they choose, insults, etc. he totally disagrees
with that, people should not be allowed to make a mockery of
the system. He noted also that the lease situation has
basically been ratified yet there are some people inlthe Park
that want ground leases, want to own their home site, yet
whatever is done with the Park will not be known forjthirty
years, whether it will be split into lots or whatever at that
time depending on the tax exempt status. Mr. Boychuck stated
there are about eight to ten people in the Park thatlhave
been against everything that has been done, Councilman Yost
has suggested many times to compliment those persons who
worked so hard to get this task done.
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Ms. Rita Brenner, Trailer Park, asked if Councilman Boyd, as
alleged, is found to be guilty of participating in alcertain
act and if there were others who knew about it would those
people have a conflict and be indicted as well. With regard
to the purchase of the Park Ms. Brenner said there were
things going on that were not matter of fact, all people did
not agree with, some things were misquoted, misrepre~ented,
some things were presented only by those few who worked on
the purchase, others were not allowed to participate! in open
meetings, there are other Parks in the State that have been
purchased however the way this went through is strange. As a
previous speaker said, the residents were not told the truth,
the residents do not own it, why would someone not w~nt a
ground lease, the people already own their homes. With
regard to loans the rate of interest goes down in accordance
with the age of the structure, in her opinion thingsjshould
be told to the residents, requested assistance to get things
straightened out, stating the people have no control in the
Park and when brought up things are twisted.
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Mr. Glen Clark, Trailer Park, advised the Council that he was
recently elected President of the Park Association, ~xpressed
appreciation on behalf of himself and the people living in
the Park for everything the Council has done for thejTrailer
Park over the past few years, without that help the residents
would likely be living elsewhere. He mentioned that!they are
presently working to obtain a lease as far as the thirty-four
year situation is concerned, it is believed that has been
10-8-01
I
laid to rest, he does not believe that a ground lease will
come about because it would entail, from the information he
has, some type of subdivision of the Park, however there will
be lot leases available and the option of thirty-four years.
Mr. Clark again extended thanks to the Council and City
staff. There being no further comments, Mayor Doane declared
Public Comments to be closed.
Councilman Boyd advised that after conferring with the City
Attorney he wanted to state that his wife is an employee of
the Boeing Company, he will not be voting on anything
pertaining to the Boeing Company project, will not be
participating in Closed Sessions or any Council discussion.
COUNCIL ITEMS
I
CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE - BOEING SITE
Councilman Yost mentioned that the Boeing Company has some
excess land, some assets that they would like to realize,
they have been undergoing a process of looking at that,
initially they planned to develop some of the land that had a
zoning designation of Light Industrial/Manufacturing, they
have the right to do that, staff worked with Boeing on a plan
that was thought to be beneficial for Boeing and a relatively
minimal impact on the benefits the City would get,
unfortunately Boeing felt that w,as something they could not
do because of drainage ditches, power lines, etc., they have
had discussions with staff about looking at the property as a
whole,make changes to the General Plan and consider other
uses of the property such as residential, retail, and
possibly a park. Councilman Yost said whenever there has
been a General Plan change on a large piece of property, this
being well over one hundred acres, it is desirous to make
certain that the public is involved and knows what is going
on, traditionally that has happened by means of a citizen
advisory committee, his recommendation is that the Planning
Commission sit as a citizens advisory body in a study session
format in that his belief is that all districts should have
some input into what happens to the General Plan, and invite
public comments. Mayor Doane agreed that utilizing the
Planning Commission would be good as they are familiar with
land use. In fairness to Boeing Mayor Doane read a letter
from the Boeing Company noting that the Citizen Advisory
Committee issue was scheduled for discussion at this meeting
with regard to the development of the Boeing space and
communication site, project name Pacific Gateway, which
stated that inasmuch as 'the Boeing Realty Corporation is
still evaluating the various development options and
conducting feasibility studies, it would be appreciated if
the City Council would forego its vote on this matter, on
behalf of the Boeing Company they value and respect the
public planning process and look forward to working with the
City of Seal Beach and the community in regard to this
project.' Noting that the Council has met individually with
Boeing, and Councilman Yost is scheduled to meet with them
the following day, Mayor Doane asked if it would be
acceptable to postpone action on this item until the next
meeting. Councilman Yost indicated he would not have a
problem doing that, he just wants assurance that the public
is aware that there are major changes that may be forthcoming
for that piece of property. Councilman Boyd stated for the
record that he had not met with Boeing. Councilman Larson
said he appreciates the idea, yet there are a number of
people in this town that do not like anything connected with
government, the Planning Commission is connected with
I
10-8-01
government and he would not want them to think this is just
another City department doing this as distinguished ~rom
interested residents of the districts, also the commission
,
would then be meeting with Boeing on a project that they will
eventually be holding a hearing on. Councilman YOstlSaid he
too had thought of some of those issues, also that a citizens
committee does not always have a thorough understanding of
City planning, which makes it difficult, difficult aiso to
obtain equal representation from all of the districts, it
becomes another layer of government which he would ptefer to
not create, and concurred with the suggestion to hold this
over until the next meeting. The Mayor noted that Boeing
would be bringing their plans and suggestions to thelplanning
Commission, a public body, and the meetings are televised.
I
Mr. Phil Cyburt, President of Boeing Realty Corporation,
stated he would like to show the commitment on the part of
the Boeing Company to transform this project into a good
development that fits the community. He noted that this is
something the Boeing Company, one of the largest pri~ate
owners of real estate in California as a corporation} also
the State of Washington and other states that they I
manufacture and operate in, so they deal with considerable
real estate, it is not a core business, however given the
wake and size of the corporation they are in the reai estate
business by necessity, they buy and sell and lease real
estate and develop some of their surplus properties. I Mr.
Cyburt mentioned too that the communities in which they
operate are also a high priority, there are three thousand
employees in Seal Beach therefore anything that is developed
on the property is felt to impact the employee base,jBoeing
will feel the legacy of the development going for~ard, this
is the headquarters for Boeing Space and Communications, it
is a commitment to go through the development proces~ and
entitlements to make certain they work for the City,lthe
community, and the shareholders of the Boeing Company. Mr.
Cyburt stated that Boeing embraces input from the public, the
Council, the Planning Commission, and staff, there is a
process for doing that called CEQA, they want to work hand in
hand on trying to address community issues yet not circumvent
the process.
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Yost moved, second by Doane, to continue
the next meeting.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Campbell, Doane, Larson,
None
Boyd
this
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Yost
I
,
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Motion carried
matter until
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APPOINTMENT - CITIZENS PARTICIPATION COMM'ITTEE _
DISTRICT FOUR I
Councilmember Campbell stated she did noti have an appointment
at this time, her understanding is that this Committee will
be taking action on a two year cycle, whi~h will be next year
and she will make an appointment at that time.
,
I
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Councilmember Campbell noted again that a~ the Orange County
Regional Airport Authority this coming Wednesday Councilman
McGowan of Villa Park will be requesting approval ofla
resolution, to that she is seeking suppor~ of the Council
before voting. Councilmember Campbell stated she petsonally
supports the Alternative Airport Plan which basically
realigns the runways at El Toro, instead of planes coming in
over Dana Point and land facing north, they would co~e in
10-8-01
I
from the north over Loma Ridge towards the south, by landing
that way they do not come in over any development, also
instead of aircraft departing over Lorna Ridge or to the east
over Irvine and Orange they would take off to the southwest
towards the Newport coast which is also currently not
developed and although the Newport coast is scheduled for
development it is projected that by the time aircraft reach
that area they will have an altitude of about 6,000 to 7,000
feet therefore the planes will not be heard, the New
Millenium Group has developed this plan which makes sense,
taking off into the wind, not with the wind. She noted this
is important too in that it has been found that the wind
studies at El Toro were not conducted at the proper altitude,
that could be the fatal flaw for the County plan, and read an
except from the resolution proposed for consideration.
I
Mayor Doane recalled that there was a presentation to the
Council regarding this plan a couple of months ago and asked
if by supporting this resolution would it do away with the
old airport plan. Councilmember Campbell stated again that
this Plan makes sense, you do not have planes taking off over
housing when there is all of this available open space, and
reported news comments this date that announced that Los
Angeles International has abandoned the plan to enlarge the
airport, instead they are going to direct their funds to
security measures, also, General Bloomer has written a letter
to the Secretary of Transportation requesting that
consideration be given to reopening EI Toro citing the
greater need now than ever for an alternate site to Los
Angeles International, if something were to happen at LAX
that affects all of the Southern California participation in
the Pacific Rim, not only is another airport needed but the
ability also for the marines to use that airport in the event
of a national emergency. Councilman Larson indicated that he
would likely abstain in that when people are appointed to
committees they have the ability to exercise their best
judgment when they vote, they are representatives because
there is such a mass of information to absorb. Mayor Doane
said he would support the judgment of Councilmember Campbell.
Councilman Boyd agreed with Councilman Larson, he has a
difference of opinion in that he feels the County should be
able to move forward and certify the current EIR which
includes the "V" Plan as an alternative, his suggestion would
be that Councilmember Campbell was appointed to OCRAA and
should vote her conscience. Councilmember Campbell said she
has done research, has been to the area, this would be the
ideal way for planes to be taking off, the El Toro process
has become political which is a shame because lost in this is
an opportunity for the residents of this County, it is
already an airport with a surrounding two thousand acres of
undeveloped land, she noted too that Irvine wants people to
use LAX and Ontario yet she does not want them using the 405
Freeway, she does not want that Freeway widened any more.
The dir,ection from Council was for Councilmember Campbell to
vote her conscience.
I
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "c" thru "I"
Yost moved. second bv Bovd. to approve the recommended action
for items on the Consent Calendar as presented.
C. 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
10-8-01
AYES:
NOES:
I.
D.
the reading of such ordinance o~ resolution.
I I
Approved regular demands numbered 34696 through
34796 in the amount of $129,5361.71, payroll demands
numbered 13621 through 13779 inl the amount! of
$174,083.57, payroll liability ~ccount 9000693-702
in the amount of $73,255.70, anb authorized
, I
warrants to be drawn on the Tre'asury for same.
1 I
Received and filed the Monthly !Investment Report
for July, 2001.
I
Awarded Professional Services ~greement to MTSI,
Inc. for the purpose of information technoiogy and
consulting services for the peJiod of octo~er 15,
2001 through November 15, 2002" and authorized the
I ,
City Manager to execute said agreement on behalf of
the City pending City Attorney Ireview; andl
Adopted Resolution 4938 entitle'd "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF: SEAL BEACHl
AUTHORIZING INFORMATION INFRAS~RUCTURE AND
CONSULTING SERVICES BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE
2001/2002 FISCAL YEAR." By unanimous consent, full
reading of Resolution Number 49:38 was waived.
Adopted Resolution 4939 entitle1d "A RESOLU~ION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY O~ SEAL BEACHI
APPROVING THE DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
, ,
(DBE) PROGRAM AND OVERALL ANNUAL GOAL OF E[GHT
PERCENT (8%) FOR FEDERAL FISCAD YEAR 2002, FOR
ADOPTION AND SUBMISSION TO THE :CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS)." By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution
Number 4938 was waived. I I
Rejected all bids received on August 16, 2001
for the Anaheim Channel Debris :Removal, prbject
I '
Number 49995, directed staff to forward a !etter
to Caltrans requesting an incr~ase in project
funding, authori?ed staff to spend up to $~,500
for additional project management and
administration, I
and I
Adopted Resolution Number 4940 'entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL ,OF THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH AUTHORIZING ANAHEIM iCHANNEL DEB~IS
REMOVAL PROJECT BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR THE 2001/
2002 FISCAL YEAR." By unanimous consent, full
reading of Resolution Number 49'40 was waived.
I
Adopted Resolution 4941 entitl~d "A RESOLUTION
, ,
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
DECLARING WORK TO BE COMPLETED JAS TO PLANS/AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROJECT #75r, SEAL BEACH SIGNAL
, ,
SYSTEM UPGRADE ENTERED INTO BETWEEN INSPECTION
ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION AND THE I
CITY OF SEAL BEACH." By unanimous consent,
full reading of Resolution Number 4941 was
waived.
I
E.
I
F.
G.
I
H.
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
10-8-01
,,6
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to declare a recess at 9:08 p.m. ,The Council reconvened at
9:17 p.m. with Mayor Doane calling the meeting to order.
I
PRIMARY / SPECIAL ELECTIONS - MARCH 5. 2002 - ORDINANCE
NUMBER 1479 / ODINANCE NUMBER 1480 / ORDINANCE NUMBER
1481 / RESOLUTION NUMBER 4942 / RESOLUTION NUMBER 4943 /
RESOLUTION NUMBER 4944 / RESOLUTION NUMBER 4945
The City Attorney explained that with regard to proposed
Charter ~endment F, a proposed change to the Civil Service
System, it is necessary to meet and confer with the affected
employee groups, a meeting had been planned for earlier this
date however being columbus day a number of people were
unavailable, therefore it is recommended that no action be
taken on proposed Charter ~endment F, as set forth in
Ordinance Number 1481, and Resolutions 4942 and 4944, pending
an opportunity for staff to meet and confer, thereafter it
may be presented to the Council on the Consent Calendar at
the next meeting.
The City Clerk presented a brief staff report.
Boyd moved, second by Campbell to adopted Ordinance Number
1479 entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, MOVING THE DATE OF THE 2002
PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION FROM THE LAST TUESDAY OF MARCH
TO THE fIRST TUESDAY OF MARCH." By unanimous consent, full
reading of Ordinance Number 1479 was waived.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to adopted Ordinance Number
1480 entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A
PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY ON TUESDAY, MARCH
5TH, 2002, CONSOLIDATED WITH THE STATEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION
ON SAID DATE, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS OF THE
CITY AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER OF THE
CITY OF SEAL BEACH." By unanimous consent, full reading of
Ordinance Number 1480 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to adopted Ordinance Number
1481 entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE
OF THE HOLDING OF A SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD
IN THE CITY ON TUESDAY, MARCH 5TH, 2002, CONSOLIDATED WITH
THE STNrEWIDE PRIMARY ELECTION FOR THE PURPOSE OF
SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Ordinance Number 1481 was waived.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to adopt -
Resolution Number 4942 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA,
REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF ORANGE
TO CONSOLIDATE A PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND A SPECIAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MARCH 5, 2002 WITH THE STATEWIDE
PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 10403 OF THE CALIFORNIA ELECTIONS CODE.ll
10-8-01
"
Resolution Number 4943 entitled llA RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING'REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE
PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THEIVOTERS
AT THE PRIMARY MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
MARCH 5,2002, AND IF NECESSARY, AT THE GENERAL (RUN-OFF)
, ELECTION ON MAY 14, 2002."
Resolution Number 4944 'entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA SETTING
,
PRIORITIES FOR FILING WRITTEN ARGUMENTS REGARDING CITY
CHARTER AMENDMENTS, AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY TO
PREPARE IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF SAID MEASURES."
I
Resolution Number 4945 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA,
PROVIDING FOR THE FILING OF REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS FOR CITY
,
MEASURES SUBMITTED AT THE MARCH 5TH, 2002 SPECIAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION." I
By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number
4942, Resolution Number 4943, Resolution Number 4944) and
Resolution Number 4945 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
I
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 01-10 -
PERSONAL FITNESS STUDIO - 220 MAIN STREET (BELLA FORMAl
Mayor Doane declared the public hearing open to consider the
appeal of the Planning Commission denial of Conditional Use
Permit Number 01-10 for a personal fitness studio l06ated at
220 Main Street. The City Clerk certified that noti6e of the
public hearing had been advertised and mailed as reqJired by
law, and reported receipt of one communication in support of
the appeal from Jane LaMassey, owner of the property! The
Director of Development Services presented the staff!report
relating to this item, an appeal of the action of the
Planning Commission relating to CUP 01-10, noted that the
Commission held a public hearing on August 22nd, thel
determination at that time was to deny the request, it was
also the feeling of one Commissioner that this was aldecision
that should be made by the City Council, staff was directed
to prepare a resolution reflecting the denial, that 0as
adopted on a four to one vote, the appeal was filed 0ithin
the required period of time. The determination of the
Planning Commission was that this project does meet two of
the criteria for a CUP, that a CUP is permitted in the zone
and that the use is compatible with the General Plan) there
is then other specific criteria as to acceptability into the
adjoining area and impact on adjoining land uses whi6h is the
basis for the ultimate decision of the Council, thatlcan be
based on public testimony and the record of information in
the agenda packet. Councilman Boyd stated for the record
that although he filed the appeal he has taken no position on
this item therefore not prejudiced, the Commission requested
that the Council determine if the proposed use is appropriate
for Main Street. I
Mayor Doane invited members of the audience wishing to speak
to this item to come to the microphone and identify I
themselves for the record. Ms. Judi Fabrizio, owner of Bella
Forma, was duly sworn by the City Clerk. Ms. Fabrizio
explained that she has a personal training studio that is
unlike anything in Seal Beach currently, it is a pilate
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10-8-01
I
studio, workout is based on a form of rehabilitation, it does
not involve weight lifting rather customized machinery, when
she came to Seal Beach to open her business she had already
been located at Simple Green, she is also a co-owner of
Simple Green, she came here because she was raised in the
small community of Laguna Beach and likes doing business in
Seal Beach. Ms. Fabrizio stated she informed her landlady of
her intent to open a fitness studio at which time she signed
a lease which stated she would be opening a Pilates fitness
studio, she proceeded to remodel the building, made
application for a business license, at that time she was told
by the City it was a formality and there would be no problem,
she invested approximately $50,000 in the building, a
personal expense to beautify the building to make it
appropriate for the business that she wanted to conduct, a
small percent of her business is retail which is fitness
clothes mostly available for the convenience of her clients,
in addition, her building has nine parking spaces at the rear
therefore she encourages her clients and instructors to use
those parking spaces rather than street parking, she
maintains the street/sidewalk at her expense for the purpose
of cleanliness due to a problem with the birds in the trees.
Ms. Fabrizio offered that she has tried to do her part in the
community, has had no complaints from her surrounding
businesses, her clients also shop and lunch in Seal Beach, it
is not an inexpensive workout, also requires a ground level
location as some of her clients are unable to go upstairs,
welcomed the Council to come and observe the environment that
she provides, there is no loud music, it is somewhat
misleading to say that she is a gymnasium or a fitness studio
in that she does not have group activities to music. Ms.
FabriziD noted that those present in the audience are
instructors, her manager, and a business owner. Ms. Monica
Pappas D'Vitt, Seal Beach, the owner of a Main Street
business that employs about three hundred people nationally,
stated she is a client of Bella Forma, she got there because
she did this in Beverly Hills, it provides a unique form of
exercise, it is an upscale, quiet place, it does not hold
what a gymnasium would hold, it has a waterfall, is quiet,
well decorated, unique, and from a health perspective and
complimentary perspective of the other businesses in Seal
Beach she would not like to see it have to compete with the
merchants that are known to have a difficult time on Main
Street, and spoke in support of the CUP. Ms. Stacey Walker,
owner of Something Fine, stated that Bella Forma is a great
neighbor, an asset to her business which makes her business
better. Mr. Reg Clewley, Seal Beach, after brief comments
suggesto:d that the appeal be sustained and allow this
business to be established. Ms. Tracy Barber, Seal Beach, a
teacher of Palate at Bella Forma, stated that she has a
masters degree in physical therapy, there are several reasons
why this should be approved, one is that she has several
senior citizen clients that have had strokes that can not go
to a second floor therefore it is appropriate that this
business be located on the first floor, they do have retail,
and they beautified Seal Beach with their facility. Ms.
Barber requested approval. There being no further comments,
Mayor Doane declared the public hearing closed.
I
I
Councilman Yost said he thinks everyone likes to maintain the
somewha't cherished Main Street and encourage resident serving
businesses, and moved to sustain the appeal and overturn the
action of the Planning commission.
10-8-01
Councilman Boyd seconded the motion, stated his belief that
the Planning Commission sent this to the Council because it
was an existing business and an uncertainty as to co~pliance
with the Main Street Specific Plan, the Council is not
accustomed to overturning the decisions of the planning
Commission and that is not the case with this matter~ Mayor
Doane noted that precedent has been set as there is a fitness
center in the 300 block on the ground floor. Counci]member
Campbell said her understanding is that the Commission denied
this matter was because it was felt to possibly not b,e in
keeping with the Main Street Specific Plan, and asked if it
is necessary to make certain findings on this matter.! The
City Attorney noted that several months ago the Planrting
Commission determined that fitness centers were a permitted
conditional use consistent with the Main Street specific
Plan, the question was whether a first floor fitnesslcenter
might be inconsistent with retail oriented businesses which
was one of the goals and objectives of the Specific Plan,
there is no need for findings, it appears that both the
Commission and staff has been provided sufficient direction
that even on the first floor it is consistent. Councilman
Boyd stated however that he would not want to see a I
proliferation of too many businesses of this kind, yet it is
a resident serving business that meets the vision of Iwhat
Main Street should be. The City Attorney clarified that what
the Planning Commission determined a couple of months ago was
that this would be a conditionally permitted use so they
still have the opportunity to examine each application and
determine if the use is appropriate, if it is felt there is a
proliferation the application can be denied on a cas~ by case
basis.
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Vote on the motion to sustain the appeal:
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report was presented.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager reported that the beach is looking good, the
sand movement process has filled it in, it should be complete
in the next few days.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Campbell noted with interest that people come
to the meetings, ask questions, and leave before they receive
an answer, probably because they will not like the a~swer,
they insult the Council yet never stay for the Council to
respond. She mentioned that someone criticized her ~ecause
she did not notify the residents of the intent of CaiTrans to
widen the 22 Freeway, to which she responded that itjwas in
her newsletter of July 1998, the people were notifie~. With
regard to the Trailer Park, Councilman Yost announced that
there will be an informal town hall meeting in the Trailer
Park meeting room on October 18th at 6:00 p.m., and extended
an invitation to Councilman Boyd to attend at the request of
the Park residents. Councilman Yost stated that he is and
has always been for lowering the utility users tax, in order
to maintain the public trust that has to be done as 0as
promised, he is for the street sweeping measure, thelmore
trash that is off the streets the less that ends up in the
storm drain and ultimately the River, thanked the many people
who volunteered to clean up the River, to him it see~ed that
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,'j.
10-8-01
I
there was less trash than last year, it is definitely a
marathon effort and not a sprint but it makes one feel good.
Councilman Yost requested that an item be agendized for next
meeting relating to the Naval Weapons Station, similar to the
Los Alamitos item to keep the AFRC open, also, passed on a
request of Mr. Latta as to the possibility of providing an
~erican flag at the library. Councilman Boyd noted that he
serves on both the Orange County Fire Authority and the
Sanitation District which takes a large amount of time, also
serves on the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Commission as a
League of Cities appointee, their meetings are in Newport on
the first Thursday of the month with which he has a conflict
of meetings, he has determined to submit his resignation from
the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Commission on November 8th,
the position is open to any coastal city member, however he
would like to see Seal Beach retain that position.
Councilman Yost offered to submit a letter of interest in the
Commission position. Councilman Larson expressed
appreciation to the Public Works Director for his report on
the Capital Improvement Program in the City, the projects are
one page each, one can locate a particular project, identify
the funding source, it is an eye opener to see how many
projects have been done and to be done. Councilmember
Campbell inquired as to when the Lampson Avenue wall will
bid. The response of the Public Works Director was that it
will be the end of October, work to be done in November and
December. Mayor Doane noted the comment of Councilman Yost
comparing the lesser amount of debris from the River cleanup
from last year to this year, he would ask for a guess as to
what is causing that, is there better cooperation from cities
upstream. Councilman Yost said he would hope so, there has
been a tremendous publicity blitz, some of the fines levied
as a result of the Sanitation District sewage spills went
into public education campaigns, public awareness is likely
at a new high, the time of year was different as well, but
there was a noticeable difference in the amount of trash, the
hope this year is to get as much trash out of the River as
possible before the first flush sends it all to the beach.
Mayor Doane mentioned having received compliments from the
last meeting with regard to the Resolution lending the City's
support and strong feelings relating to what happened in New
York, to which he explained it was not he who wrote the
Resolution rather the Administrative Assistant.
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CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session was held.
ADJOURN.MENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meeting until October 22nd at 6:30 to meet in
Closed Session if necessary. By unanimous consent, the
meeting was adjourned at 10:01 p.m.
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Approved:
{/J/!~~
10-8-01 / 10-22-01
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
October 22, 2001
I
The regular adjourned
date was canceled due
attention.
meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this
to the lack of business items requiring
tClerk and
f the City of
clerk
October 22, 2001
Seal Beach, California
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:16 p.m. with Mayor Doane calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
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ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Doane
Councilmembers Boyd, Campbell, Larson, Yost
Absent:
None
Also present:
Mr. Bahorski, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services I
Mr. Dancs, Director of Public Works/City
Engineer
Chief Sellers, Police Department
Mr. Pounds, Interim Director of
Parks and Recreation
Ms. Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Mr. Bernard, Public Works Assistant
Officer Paap, Police Department
Ms. Yeo, City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilman Yost requested that Items "D" and "S" be removed
from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration! and a
member of the audience requested Items "M" and "U" removed.
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Larson moved, second by Boyd, to approve the recommended
action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except
Items "D, M, S, and U" removed for separate consider~tion.
AYES: Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost I
NOES: None Motion carried
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