HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 2002-05-28
5-21-02 / 5-28-02
Attest:
Seal Beach, California I
May 28, 2002
The regular adjourned meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. was
canceled due to the lack of Closed Session items in need of
d~sc~sion.
it Clerk and
the City of
Seal Beach, California
May 28, 2002
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 8:30 p.m. with Mayor Larson calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
I
Mayor Larson noted that the Congress of the United States did
not place a comma before 'under God' in the Flag Salute
however twelve million people do so therefore he intends to
follow the twelve million people.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Larson
Councilmembers Antos, Campbell, Doane, Yost
Absent:
None
Also present: Mr. Bahorski, City Manager
Mr. Piper, Assistant City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Danes, Director of Public Works/City
Engineer
Chief Sellers, Police Department
Mr. Vukojevic, Deputy City Engineer
Ms. Arends-King, Director of Administrative
Services
Ms. Yeo, City Clerk
I
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilman Yost requested that Item "N" be removed from the
Consent Calendar for separate consideration, Councilmember
Campbell requested Item "J" removed, and Councilman Antos
requested Items "M, 0, Q, and R" removed. Doane moved,
second by Campbell, to approve the order of the agenda as
revised.
5-28-02
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson,'YQst
None Motion carried
I
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Campbell noted that the City is currently doing
improvements on Lampson Avenue, there will be some
disruptions from time to time where it may be down to one
lane in each direction, that is due to having to remove
sections of the roadway to make the repairs given its
condition, at some point there may even be two way traffic on
just one side of the road, to which she requested all persons
to be patient. She pointed out also that the bicycle lane
westward from Basswood to Seal Beach Boulevard does not exist
therefore it is desirous that the area not be used for
cycling, also that there is no longer a free right turn lane
from Lampson onto Seal Beach Boulevard so when making a right
turn one needs to yield as there are three. lanes trav~ling
northward over the bridge. Mayor Larson mentioned that
construction is proceeding at the Rossmoor Center for all but
forty feet around the little birds, there is considerable
heavy equipment in that area, Fish and Game did not close
down the entire project because of the birds so demolition
should be completed possibly within a month.
PRESENTATIONS
I
SANE AWARDS
Chief Sellers introduced Sydney George and Forest Watkins
winners of the annual SANE essay contest. The Chief noted
that the Police Department has just completed the twelfth
year of sponsorship of the SANE drug education program in the
schools, the curriculum has expanded to include health
education, gang awareness, and juvenile law, the program ever
changing as the need changes. The Chief mentioned that
throughout the year there are civic groups that contribute to
the SANE program, he displayed a tee shirt donated by the
Police Association for all essay participants, in two weeks a
luncheon hosted by the Peace Officers Association will be
held for the graduating fifth graders, with the community
coming together in support of what they are trying to do, the
combination of partnerships, that is what has made the
program a success. The Chief offered that each of the
participating fifth grade students drafted an essay,
submitted it for consideration, and after considerable
deliberation the submittals were narrowed to the two winners.
Sydney George presented her essay that reflected personal
experiences as a result of someone she was close to who was
into drugs, said she wished that kids could know what she
does without going though an experience, SANE teaches a lot
about drugs and how they destroy people. Forest Watkins read
his essay that related to the importance of knowing the facts
about illegal drugs, tobacco, and peer pressure for kids to
make good decisions, kids are learning this through the SANE
program so that they will know how to act in making difficult
choices. Chief Sellers presented Sydney George with tickets
to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Sea World, and to Forest
Watkins tickets to Knotts Berry Farm and Sea World, the
tickets donated by the Womens Club of Seal Beach. The
Council extended congratulations to Sydney and Forest.
I
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Larson read in full the Proclamation for the month of
June, 2002 as "Drowning Prevention and Awareness Month" and
so proclaimed. Battalion Chief Forsythe accepted the
Proclamation on behalf of Chief Prather and the Orange County
5-28-02
Fire Authority. He noted that the drowning statistics are
alarming, thus far in 2002 two children have drowned, twelve
have been near drownings, nine of which have been under the
age of five, and invited all to visit their local fire
stations to obtain information and pre~ention techniques for
these needless drownings. The Chief accepted the
Proclamation with appreciation. Mayor ILarson mentioned
having read a statistic that unfortunately in many child
drowning incidents the child has had s~imming training
therefore people think they could swim,! it is not necessarily
little children that wander with no kndwledge.
,
I
. I
PRESENTATION - SEASIDE LIONS I
Ms. Rene Shulte, President of the Seaside Lions, stated that
their club budgets money annually for the purchase of a tree
during Arbor Month, this is done with the assistance of Mr.
Bob Eagle, he finds a location where a Itree is needed, his
crew helps plant it. Ms. Shulte said this year the tree was
a thirty-six inch boxed sycamore tree planted on the
greenbelt between the Red Car and the Library. Ms. Schulte
presented a check on behalf of the Seaside Lions to Mr. Eagle
for the tree and expressed appreciation for his efforts.
PRESENTATION / PROCLAMATION
Councilman Yost said he would dedicate the presentation to
Diane Schmidt who passed away as a result of melanoma a few
years ago, and to Diana Chapman who passed on a few months
back. Councilman Yost noted that melanoma is increasing
faster than any other cancer at a rate of six percent per
year, the risk in 1960 was one in six hundred, it is now one
in seventy-five, in the united States one person dies of a
malignant melanoma every hour of every day. The best
solution for melanoma is to detect it early and avoid sun
exposure in childhood, it is actually more of a pediatric
disease than an adult disease except that the result is seen
in adulthood, a bad sunburn in childhood drastically
increases the likelihood of getting melanoma. In countries
like Australia where the increase of melanoma was even more
drastic than in the United States about ten years ago they
embarked on an aggressive sun exposure campaign and are
finally seeing a decrease, the models in-magazines are three
shades lighter in Australia than in this country, they have
changed social ideas as to what is and is not attractive, if
a child goes to school with a sunburn they are criticized,
this is more about perception and education than medicine and
treatment, there are treatments and they are advancing to
some degree, but it is primarily about prevention. In
Australia schools are rated as being sun safe, that means
abiding by certain rules such as not allowing the children
outside during maximum sun exposure times, they wear hats to
school, their lunch areas are shaded, to that he had inquired
at McGaugh about a shaded area and was told that the
droppings from birds is more dangerous than the risk of sun
exposure. Councilman Yost noted that melanoma is recognized
by asymmetry, one half looks a bit different than the other,
the border irregular or scalloped with possibly some redness
or an inflamed area, color is varied throughout the lesion,
and larger than six millimeters in diameter, about the size
of a pencil eraser. He explained that melanoma does not have
to occur in sun exposed areas, it can occur anywhere, Orange
County has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the
country probably because of its location to sun exposure, the
message is to slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, and slop on sun
screen.
I
I
5-28-02
Mayor Larson read the Proclamation of May, 2002 as "Melanoma
Month" and moved its approval. Councilmember Campbell
seconded the motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
I
PRESENTATION
Mayor Larson presented Councilman Yost with a City
commemorative plaque for his services as Chairman of the
Redevelopment Agency for year 2.001/2002. Councilman Yost
accepted with appreciation.
I
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. Gordon Shanks, Surf Place, announced that this, "past
Thursday the Seal Beach Historical Society held an Old Timers
Night on Anaheim Bay", were people who grew up as teenagers
and young people on Anaheim Bay with the joys of living in
Seal Beach and playing in the water of the Bay back in the
1920's and 1930's, there were about fifty people in
attendance. He suggested that people try to attend any
upcoming programs and listen to the history and past
experiences. Mr. Shanks mentioned that there will be no
Homeowners meetings in Mayor June as he will be out of the
country. Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, made reference to the
Local Coastal Plan, Item "Q", stated she contacted the
Coastal Commission and they will often pay for the necessary
studies to do the plan and asked if the City has made
application for funds. Ms. Corbin said it appears that the
rules have changed on the greenbelt as one family was allowed
to place a plaque next to their tree where others have not
been allowed to, the reason is said to be because of
landscaping, maintenance etc., yet the people were promised
they would have a plaque adjacent to their tree, maybe a
local organizations will pay for plaques and then the rules
can be changed, promises need to be kept. Ms. Corbin noted
the corkboard bulletin board for posting public information,
and requested that there be a locked board where people can
look at agendas and notices, look at the one in Huntington
Beach, the organizations can raise. the money to buy one. Ms.
Joyce parque, 6th Street, stated she attended the last budget
meeting, from what she can tell there is no way to get rid of
the utility tax unless contracts, salaries, legal fees are
reduced because the utility tax is necessary to make
necessary payments. Anticipated revenue from the utility tax
is predicted to be $3.9 million for years 2002 and 2003,
property taxes of $3.2 million, the Police Department is
forty-seven percent of the budget, and now there needs to be
funds for fire personnel retirement starting next year of
about a half million per year, there is a deficit in the
water account of $290,000, the options for reduction are
items such as the berm, moving the sand, do not repair the
pier, do not cut the grass, reduce one Captain at $180,000
only in year 2002, this places the Council in a hard place to
do what was said would be done, reduce the utility tax. She
made reference to the budget reduction proposals, one being
to cut the cost of the lobbyist by renegotiating the contract
to a lower amount or contract with another lobbyist firm at a
lesser rate, that needs to be done with the attorney's office
as well, maybe renegotiate the salaries of some of the City
employees, the Police Department, the Council is going to
come back and say that the City can not reduce the utility
users tax, that because the City can not take away cleaning
the beach or having lifeguards, what is needed is a $1,000 or
more reduction per day or cut back on the Police Department,
I
5-28-02
there are a couple of potential savings but they will not be
realized for another year. There being no further comments,
Mayor Larson declared Public Comments to be closed.
APPOINTMENT - ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY GROWTH
MANAGEMENT AREA
Councilman Antos noted that he could not be appointed to this
agency because he works with the OCTA and in his job he
applies for grants through OCTA, all of the Growth Management
Areas, besides City representatives, have County
representatives, therefore the GMA's that represent Seal
Beach he could not be a member or elected official, should he
deal with any of the GMA's it will be those in South County.
In response to the Mayor, the City Manager noted that this
involves one meeting per year, the engineers meet and
determine the distribution of Measure M monies. Given the
schedule of one meeting a year, Mayor Larson stated he would
assume that representation.
I
RESOLUTION NUMBER 5012 - MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS
Campbell moved, second by Yost, to adopt Resolution Number
5012 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH, CONFIRMING APPOINTMENTS MADE BY THE MAYOR AND
COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES TO VARIOUS BOARDS, AGENCIES AND
ORGANIZATIONS, ASSIGNING CERTAIN DUTIES TO COUNCILMEMBERS AND
REPEALING RESOLUTION NUMBER 4903" as amended to reflect
Councilmember Campbell as the representative to the Orange
County Sanitation District Board, Councilman Yost as the
alternate representative, Councilman Doane as the
representative to the West Orange County Water Board,
Councilman Yost as the alternate representative, Councilman
Antos as the representative to the Southern California
Association of Governments, Councilmember Campbell as the
alternate representative, Mayor Larson as the representative
to the Orange County Division of the League of California
Cities, Councilmember Campbell as the alternate
representative, Councilman Yost as the representative to the
Santa Ana River Flood Protection Agency, Councilman Antos as
the alternate representative, Mayor Larson as the
representative to the Orange County Fire Authority, and
Councilmember Campbell as the alternate representative. By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 5012 was
waived.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
By unanimous consent of the Council, Councilman Antos was
designated to sit on the Local Ad Hoc Parking Committee.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "G" thru "s"
Yost moved, second by Doane, to approve the recommended
action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented except
for Items "J, M, N, 0, Q, and R", removed for separate
consideration.
G. 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 the reading of the title unless
specific request is made at that time for
the reading of such ordinance or resolution.
I
~. .,... '
5-28-02
H. Approved regular demands numbered 37516
through 37650 in the amount of $504,856.61,
payroll demands numbered 15951 through
16099 in the amount of $176,121.10, and
authorized warrants to be drawn on the
Treasury for same.
I
1.
Received and filed the Monthly Investment
Report for March, 2002.
K. Approved the plans and specifications for
citywide Catch Basin Filters, Phase II,
Project Number 50058, and authorized staff
to initiate the bidding process.
L. Approved the plans and specifications for
the Alley Utility Replacement Program (water
and sewer), 13th/14th and 14th/Dolphin Alleys
from Ocean Avenue to Electric Avenue, and
15th/16th Street Alley from Electric Avenue
to Pacific Coast Highway, project Number
49813C and 50062C, and authorized staff to
commence the bidding process.
P.
Adopted Resolution Number 5016 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, INITIATING
PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ANNUAL LEVY AND
COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN, AND ORDERING
THE PREPARATION OF AN ENGINEER's REPORT FOR
STREET LIGHTING DISTRICT NO.1; and
I
Adopted Resolution Number 5017 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE
ENGINEER's REPORT IN CONNECTION WITH THE
ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS
WITHIN STREET LIGHTING DISTRICT NO.1; and
Adopted Resolution Number 5018 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE ANNUAL LEVY
AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN STREET
LIGHTING DISTRICT NO.1, AND SETTING A TIME
AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON."
By unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolutions numbered 5016, 5017 and 5018
was waived.
S.
Adopted the First Addendum to the Lease and
Operating Agreement between the City of Seal
Beach and Michael E. Balchin (River'S End
Cafe, 15 First Street, Seal Beach, 90740),
City owned property, for an additional five year
period, May 1, 2002 to April 30, 2007.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEM "J" - RESOLUTION NUMBER 5013 - BANK SIGNATURES
Councilmember Campbell questioned the terms 'appointed' and
'selected' versus 'elected' in reference to the Mayor. The
City Clerk stated that the proper term is selected, and the
5-28-02
Assistant City Attorney explained that an elected Mayor is
one elected directly by the people, in most cities the Mayor
is in fact selected by the Council through means of a Council
election, the Resolution is generally accepted terminology.
Campbell moved, second by Doane, to adopt Resolution Number
5013 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN
DEMANDS AND CHECKS FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF FUNDS ON DEPOSIT
WITH THE BANK OF AMERICA, AUTHORIZING ALTERNATE SIGNATURES,
AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NUMBER 4902." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 5013 was waived.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEM "M" - RESOLUTION NUMBER 5014 - TREE PLANTING GRANT
Councilman Antos noted the proposal to plant one hundred
fifty trees on Seal Beach Boulevard between Pacific Coast
Highway and Electric Avenue, an area of two blocks, ninety-
two trees on Marina Drive between First and Fifth Streets,
and inquired if the Boulevard could accommodate that number
of trees. The Deputy City Engineer responded that the
landscape plan for Seal Beach Boulevard was done at the end
of last year, most of the trees will go in the existing
reconstructed median, they are smaller trees, smaller palm
trees, the remainder will be placed on the east and west
sides of the Boulevard, the landscaping north of Pacific
Coast Highway was done with the previous grant, this grant
will finish the landscaping south of the Highway, the due
date for the grant application is May 31st. The Director of
Public Works acknowledged that the number of trees reflected
in the staff report may be in error, and offered to verify
the numbers and bring this matter back to Council for
approval of the plan prior to the planting of trees.
I
With that understood, Yost moved, second by Antos, to adopt
Resolution Number 5014 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH FOR THE URBAN FORESTRY
GRANT PROGRAM AS PROVIDED THROUGH PROPOSITION 12 FUNDING."
By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 5014
was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEM "N" - PLANNING COMMISSION - DECLARING VACANCY
Councilman Yost expressed appreciation to Dr. Leonard Cutuli
for his efforts as a member of the Planning Commission, a
good Commissioner, and mentioned that he would be appointing
Mr. Shanks at the next meting. Yost moved, second by
Campbell, to accept the resignation of Dr. Cutuli as the
District Three representative to the Planning Commission, and
declared the position to be vacant for the unexpired term
ending July, 2005.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
I
ITEM "0" - RESOLUTION NUMBER 5015 - ADOPTING SEAL BEACH
BIKEWAYS SPECIFIC PLAN
Councilman Antos noted a typographical error in Section 1 of
the Resolution which should read '1997', to that staff noted
it had been corrected. Antos moved, second by Doane, to
adopt Resolution Number 5015 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH ADOPTING THE CITY OF
5-28-02
SEAL BEACH BIKEWAYS STRATEGIC PLAN." By unanimous consent,
full reading of Resolution Number 5015 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
I
ITEM "0" - GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / LOCAL COASTAL PLAN - REOUEST
FOR PROPOSALS
Councilman Antos stated he had no objection to what is being
proposed yet suggested that the Local Coastal plan be moved
ahead if possible, maybe have staff start with a rework of
the old Coastal Plan, that because the sooner the Plan is
presented to and adopted by the California Coastal Commission
the sooner the City will gain control over the permitting
process, his belief is that the Coastal Plan will not take as
much time as the General Plan update for which there will
need to be a General Plan Review Committee, a Local Coastal
Plan Committee currently exists, membership needs to be
looked at so that that Committee can commence its work. The
Director of Development Services mentioned that the city has
obtained a $30,000 grant from the California Coastal
Commission to help fund the preparation of the Local Coastal
Plan, agreements for that have been executed. Antos moved,
second by Larson, to authorize staff to distribute the
Request for proposals for the Review and Update of the City's
General Plan and Local Coastal Plan, and initiate a
consultant interview process to select firms to serve the
City in that regard.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEM "R" - COUNCIL MINUTES
Councilman Antos noted that he would abstain from approval
the minutes as he was not on Council at that time. Doane
moved, second by Campbell, to approve the minutes of the
January 14, 2002 and January 28, 2002 regular adjourned and
regular meetings.
of
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None
Antos Motion carried
I
APPEAL - CODE INTERPRETATION - MASSAGE TECHNICIAN PERMIT -
REFLEXOLOGY PRACTITIONER - ARENDT
The Director of Administrative Services presented the staff
report, explained that the appellant has requested that the
Council overturn the Code interpretation of staff that the
applicant must obtain a massage technician permit in order to
continue her reflexology practice, noting that the appellant
practices her field as an independent contractor at
Wellsprings. The Director mentioned that Ms. Arendt came to
the City in 1996, was issued a business license at which time
staff initially classified her as a massage therapist, yet
despite that classification it appeared that Ms. Arendt never
obtained a massage technician permit. She noted that over
the past year staff has been attempting to do an audit of all
business licenses to make certain that the Code is being
followed, that is how this oversight was found, at that time
Ms. Arendt was contacted, she did not agree with the staff
interpretation, thereafter the City Attorney was contacted
for further interpretation, the City Attorney concluded that
reflexology constitutes massage as the term is defined in the
massage ordinance, Ms. Arendt was again informed that it was
necessary to obtain a massage technician permit in order to
5-28-02
continue practicing reflexology in the City, Ms. Arendt then
filed a letter of appeal. The Director mentioned that the
appellant had filed a letter describing reflexology as
pressure point work on spots of the feet or hands that are
believed to correlate with particular organs to restore the
body's flow of energy, also, that she works exclusively on
precise points or reflexes of the feet or hands that radiate
to all parts of the body yet she does not touch any other
part of the body, the appeal letter emphasizes that the
reflexology client removes footwear only and does not
completely disrobe, that this is a compression technique that
is not equivalent to a stroking or rubbing procedure, does
not include friction, kneading, tapping or pounding, and does
not involve mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances.
The Director read Section 12-1(a) of the Code which defines
massage, reported having contacted the cities of Huntington
Beach, Los Alamitos and Costa Mesa and found that their
ordinance reads basically the same as that of Seal Beach,
Huntington Beach as an example has not experienced such an
application however said should there be it would likely fall
under their Code in the same manner. The Director said the
issue of this matter is whether reflexology, as described by
the appellant, constitutes massage as defined in the Code,
and to resolve this issue the Council will need to determine
whether reflexology constitutes a method of treating the
external parts of the body for remedial, health, or hygienic
purposes, treatment by means of pressure, friction, stroking,
kneading, rubbing, tapping or pounding, treatment by means of
stimulating the external parts of the body with a mechanical
or electrical apparatus or appliance, treatment by means of
stimulating the external parts of the body with rubbing
alcohol, lineaments, antiseptics, oils, powders, creams,
lotions, ointments or other similar preparations, treatment
by means of a bath, a vapor, shower, electric or magnetic
treatment, or another type of system for treating or
manipulating the human body. She noted that if the
determination is that reflexology does constitute massage
within the meaning of the Code then the appellant will need
to obtain a massage teChnician permit in order to continue
her business practice, that will also entail a background
check by the Chief of Police and the need to furnish a
diploma or certificate of graduation from a recognized school
of massage or demonstrate that she has at least fifteen years
of massage technician work experience where she would then
only need to have completed a course of study involving two
hundred hours of instruction. The Director reviewed the
options available for Council consideration.
I
I
Ms. Marie Arendt, appellant, confirmed that in her letter she
had detailed the difference between massage and reflexology,
stated her clients do not disrobe, they merely remove their
footwear, there is no rubbing, friction, stroking, she uses
her fingertips to work on specific points of the client's
feet or hands, she submitted a brochure from Wellsprings
which is where she practices, she is a certified
reflexologist, does not do massage, and had also submitted a
brochure on reflexology. Ms. Arendt said she was prepared to
submit her reflexology certification to the Council as was
requested by Mr. Antos as well as a current Wellsprings
brochure. She again stated that reflexology deals with
specific points of the hands or feet that correspond with the
organs and other parts of the body, and requested that the
Council reclassify her as a reflexologist, not a massage
therapist.
I
\"' .
5-28-02
I
Councilman Yost asked what types of courses are taken to be a
reflexologist and what type of degree is the result. Ms.
Arendt responded that she attended a school in Encino where
she had one hundred fifty-six hours of courses to become a
certified reflexologist, adding that she is a certified
massage therapist as well however does not practice it. Mr.
Antos said upon reading the staff report he then made some
telephone calls, one was to his sister who is a nurse
practitioner and has taken a number of courses similar to
this, to his question as to what ought to be required for
this type of license the response was that some of the
northern California cities have changed their licenses to
reflect more specifically what people do, acupressure is an
example, they must show that they have a certificate of
completion of the course work, acupressure is all that the
license covers, reflexology another specific, he is aware
that the City ordinance was adopted some years back, there is
reference that an applicant needs to provide a diploma or
certificate from a recognized school of massage, it might be
well to look at the City ordinance for modifications to be
specific to the practice rather than require that they first
obtain a massage technician license. He added that he has no
problem with the background check requirement, there were
reasons for that when the ordinance was adopted, in this case
he would be in favor of granting the appeal and have the
license be specific as to what is being requested.
Councilman Doane stated that would be consistent with option
three to direct staff to draft Code amendments to regulate
reflexology, that would assure that the practice be licensed.
Mr. Antos agreed, and said if that is the direction perhaps
at that time staff should also look at other specific
practices such as physical therapy. Councilman Doane noted
that new terminology and occupations come up all the time
where the City needs to be flexible to recognize them.
Councilman Yost mentioned the importance of having
regulations for practices where people are touching other
people with the intent of helping or healing, there should be
some type of license, he would make sure however that there
is a distinction between breaking the skin versus not
breaking the skin, as an example acupuncture and tattooing
should be in another class because of the necessity for
sterilization, etc., he would agree with having staff develop
an ordinance that would deal with this type of situation in
some way so that she is credentialed to do what she is doing
and do that within the community. Ms. Arendt mentioned that
she has been licensed through the City since 1996.
Councilmember Campbell said she believed that the initial
intent was that there would be some type of umbrella where
these types of practices could be classified, like the
different components of massage where they are defined, this
person has the credentials for a massage therapist. Ms.
Arendt said she simply chooses to not practice massage.
Councilmember Campbell said then the issue is whether or not
a classification will be developed. Councilman Doane said
with the adoption of option three his feeling is that that
will provide a new classification. The Assistant City
Attorney said their belief is that reflexology touches at
least three of the tests under current Code which defines
massage, the Code does not speak of being disrobed or other
such things, it does clearly deal with treating the external
parts of the body, involves pressure and arguably involves
any other type of system. He concurred that the Code may
very well need to be updated at this point, he was not
certain that the City would want to move far from something
that is this broad of an umbrella for the reason that this
I
I
1M
~
5-28-02
entire area of regulation has been adopted simply because of
problems with prostitution and as noted earlier new
professions arise routinely and if one tries to name each
profession that is regulated he would assure that within six
months some other undefined illegal business that involves
treating some portion of the body will come into the City.
He again expressed his belief that reflexology comes within
the definition of the Code but he also believes that it may
be a good idea to sit back to look and see how occupations
such as this ought to be regulated, for example he noted that
while reflexology does not involve disrobing, the place where
Ms. Arendt works does involve massage and other things that
do involve disrobing, therefore the City may wish to make
sure that those things do not get combined in a single
session or issues such as that, plus the background check
being an important issue as well. Councilman Yost said in
looking at the Wellsprings brochure reflexology has the same
cost structure as massage, where if one takes the dollar
value definition it may not be all that different in some
ways. The Assistant Attorney expressed his belief that this
type of issue has been a continuing race between the cities
and those who wish to evade the statute, clarifying that he
is not suggesting that that is so in this case, however the
latest umbrella problem involves people who are extremely
licensed, which are chiropractors who front prostitution
operations as chiropractic clinics, doing so under the guise
that those who work for them are part of the chiropractic
therapy, of course the chiropractor is not on the premises
and it is staffed entirely by young ladies and the service is
advertised in the more unusual parts of the newspaper, one
chiropractor was advertised as servicing twenty-five
different offices concurrently which is remarkable, it is
things of that nature that the City wants to make sure can
not happen under its ordinance. Mayor Larson offered that he
did not believe things will come to an end over reflexology,
the workplace is already a massage parlor, if they are going
to do anything they will do it already, to allow the
appellant to do just one specific thing he would not think it
would be difficult to prepare an ordinance that would satisfy
this practice, he would not want to suggest that there may be
prostitution. Councilmember Campbell again clarified that
Ms. Arendt has a certificate for massage therapy, to that Ms.
Arendt stated she has never practiced massage, it just does
not appeal to her, and to that Councilmember Campbell noted
that if that were her desire she could practice massage
without coming back to the City.
I
I
Councilman Doane moved option three, to direct staff to draft
a code amendment to regulate reflexology as deemed
appropriate by the Council.
Councilman Antos asked if that would also grant the appeal,
if so this would be back to square one. Councilmember
Campbell asked if an amendment could be drafted in a way that
massage therapy could include reflexology, explaining that
she was trying to avoid the City getting involved in a
variety of ordinances to address other practices that may
come forth. The City Manager suggested that the Council may
want to defer enforcement until there are revised Code
provisions. Councilman Yost said he just wants assurance
that it includes regulations similar to massage therapy, that
there is the same type of license, this person is essentially
touching someone with the intent of improving a situation, to
him massage and reflexology are relatively the same
definition, thus they have the same criteria for the
I
5-28-02
I
privilege of practicing. The Administrative Services
Director explained that at present the applicant pays a $500
fee for the background check and about $56 for
fingerprinting, all non-refundable, that generally takes
about ninety days, therefore requested clarification that if
reflexology remains under guise of the definition of massage
technician would the reflexologist then need to get the
required background check. Ms. Arendt responded that she is
State certified. Councilman Yost said he would not want to
take a form of touching another person with the intent of
healing out of the structure that it is currently in and
create a separate provision, that could likely create future
problems, he is merely trying to find a safe and simple way
to avoid problems.
Mayor Larson asked if the intent is to amend the ordinance,
and seconded Councilman Doane's motion for discussion
purposes.
Councilmember Campbell made reference to the methodology of
the Planning Commission where there was always concern with
issues that ran with the land, an example is that granting a
variance is not to the person but is attached to the land, in
this case the issue is not the appellant but someone else
seeking something similar in the future, that is why things
need to be looked at carefully.
I
Councilman Yost moved a substitute motion to defer
enforcement for the time being with direction that the City
Attorney come back an ordinance that will include
reflexology. Mayor Larson asked if there would be any
difference in the fees. The Administrative Services Director
noted the $500 background check fee, stating there is a
difference between the cost of a business license and a
permit, to revise the Code will require consideration as to
whether a reflexologist would require a background check, or
because they only touch the hands and feet possibly not need
a background check. Councilman Yost said for anyone that
touches another body, no matter the body location, needs to
go through the process. Mayor Larson offered that he did not
want to get into a position where it would be reported that
the Council ignored the City Attorney who has said that at
the present state of the law this is a massage function, what
he believes he is hearing from the Council is that the desire
is to change the ordinance so that it is not massage rather a
reflexologist. Councilmember Campbell clarified her position
to merely have the ordinance include this practice rather
than have a separate ordinance because the City does not want
to get into a situation where there are many different
positions to be addressed. Councilman Doane said his
understanding would be an additional classification or
terminology to be covered within the existing ordinance.
Mayor Larson offered that it appears the intent is to not
give carte blanche to touching but if there is touching it is
massage so why change the existing ordinance, to that
Councilman Yost stated it appears that the desire is to have
reflexology included as part of that ordinance, then Mayor
Larson presumed that the ordinance would say that massage
includes reflexology, Councilman Yost suggested the words
'touching another person'. Councilman Antes said his
understanding of the existing ordinance is that if one wants
to do something that includes touching another person one
needs a diploma or certificate of graduation from a
recognized school of massage, if a person does not want to do
massage but under the ordinance their practice is defined as
I
5-28-02
somewhat fitting into the massage category, an example is
someone coming to the City with a certificate in acupressure,
which does not break the skin, or reflexology, they then need
to attend a school of massage although, in this case, the
appellant has already done so, the person has a massage
certificate but wants to do acupressure, they do not want to
go to a massage school, therefore in his view the ordinance
should be written to deal with getting a diploma or
certificate of graduation from a recognized school for the
practice for which the license is being applied, at present
without having the certificate from a school of massage first
she can not submit the reflexology certificate and obtain a
license. Councilman Yost expressed his feeling that the
ordinance should have reference to some type of healing art
that involves touching another person, there should be some
type of hourly requirement, some degree of accreditation with
regards to the school that is providing the certificate that
the person has completed the course. The Assistant Attorney
stated he understands the desires of the Council, it is what
he contemplated the Council would want to do. Mayor Larson
clarified that this relates only to the ordinance change,
does not include ignoring the present law.
I
Councilman Doane stated that his motion was to adopt option
3, to prepare a Code amendment, yet he concurred with
Councilmen Antos and Yost that their considerations should be
part of the amendment.
Councilman Antos suggested a substitute motion to stay any
enforcement of this matter at this point based upon the
suggestion of the City Manager, that the City Attorney to
draft Code amendments to regulate reflexology and/or other
healing discipline that involves touching another person with
the intent to heal. Councilmember Campbell asked if the
intent is to regulate the practice or include reflexology
under the umbrella of massage. Councilman Doane withdrew his
motion to support the substitute motion. Councilman Yost
said his understanding is that this would broaden the massage
ordinance to include other touching arts and to specify the
requirements of such with regards to the certificate, how it
is obtained, the hours required to obtain such certificate,
to that Councilman Antos added that the certificate be
specifically for the healing art for which the license is
sought. The Assistant Attorney requested that the motion be
amended to include the denial of the appeal, suspension of
enforcement, and instructions relating to the new ordinance.
Councilman Yost seconded the motion.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson, Yost
None Motion carried
Mayor Larson offered to the appellant that there is nothing
negative being implied as to her practice, as was pointed out
the appellant does not want to be a massage technician rather
a reflexologist.
I
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
The Assistant City Attorney expressed appreciation to the
Council for welcoming him to the meeting, an interesting
experience, he would be happy to return at another time, and
that there was no further report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager announced a fire drill exercise involving
the pier on June 6th between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., there will
5-28-02
be fire and police personnel on the pier, during which the
pier will remain open.
I
It was clarified to Councilmember Campbell that there is a
scheduled budget workshop the following evening at 6:00 p.m.
As to the following week, Councilmember Campbell noted there
are no meetings scheduled, there are workshops scheduled for
June 12, 13, 19 and 20, to that she mentioned that she and
Councilman Yost have conflicts with those dates and asked if
they could be rescheduled for possibly June 4, 5, and 6. The
City Manager advised that the 5th is Planning Commission.
Councilman Yost indicated he would not be available the week
of June 14th through 21st, the 6th, 7th and 11th were
suggested. There appeared to be a consensus for May 29th and
30th, June 6th and 11th, with the addition of June 5th at
4:00 p.m. prior to the Planning Commission meeting.
I
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilman Antos mentioned that he had passed out a booklet
entitled "Redevelopment - the Unknown Government" which may
be of interest to the Council and staff. He noted also that
there is a continuing interest in newsracks along Main Street
and other areas, the office of the City Attorney has drafted
a model ordinance for the City of Buena Park which the
Attorney has indicated the newspapers have now agreed to, it
requires the City Engineer to issue a Public Works permit
that determines that the location is appropriate, it requires
a business license, insurance, maintenance, also the type of
news racks, stacked and four wide, to that he requested that
the Council authorize the City Manager, staff, and City
Attorney to see if it could be modified to fit Seal Beach in
that the City is in the process of repairing sidewalks,
planting trees, etc. in the Main Street area, whatever now
exists will need to be removed for those improvements, there
is also a Specific Plan that calls for standardization of
street furniture, so it seems this would be a good
opportunity to look at newsrack regulations as well.
Councilman Doane said he believed that the Chamber will also
be in favor of that. There was an indicated consensus to go
forward with news rack regulation review. Councilman Antos
noted also that the City Manager and staff have met from time
to time with the Corps of Engineers on a variety of issues
that included an additional entrance at some future time to
Anaheim Bay, one of the things he would request is that the
sand issue paper that he distributed to Council that the city
Manager be authorized to pass that along to the Corps for
their review, some time back it was given to representative
Harman for review, if anything is going to be done it will
likely need to go through the State, Congressman Rohrabacher
has had a copy however another can be forwarded. There was
an indicated consensus to authorize the City Manager to
distribute the issue paper.
I
ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meeting until Wednesday, May 29th at 6:00 p.m.
for a budget workshop. By unanimous consent, the meeting was
adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
clerk
5-28-02 / 5-29-02
Attest:
~~M
~
City Clerk
Approved:
I
Seal Beach, California
May 29, 2002
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 6:01 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
Absent:
Councilmember Yost
Councilman Yost arrived at approximately 6:04 p.m.
Also present: Mr. Bahorski, City Manager
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Danes, Director of Public Works/City
Engineer
Chief Sellers, Police Department
Captain Schaefer, Police Department
Ms. Arends-King, Director of Administrative
Services
Chief Cushman, Lifeguard Department
Lieutenant Pounds, Lifeguard Department
Mr. Vukojevic, Deputy City Engineer
Ms. Hull, Assistant Finance Director
Ms. Yotsuya, Assistant to the City Manager
Ms. Yeo, City Clerk
I
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Antos moved, second by Larson, to approve the order of the
agenda as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Antos, Campbell, Doane, Larson
None
Yost Motion carried
ANNOUNCEMENTS
In response to a request from Council, the City Manager
advised that a revised press release will be issued to the
newspapers advising of the changed budget workshop meeting
dates and times.
I
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no comments from the public.
BUDGET WORKSHOP - FISCAL YEARS 2002/2003 & 2003/2004
The City Manager pointed out that the proposed budget package
consists of five documents, the primary budget, budget
reduction strategies, management report, the CIP, and budget