HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1999-06-28
6-14-99 / 6-28-99
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p.m. the following day. Councilmember Campbell mentioned
previously budgeted monies for improvements to Lampson
Avenue, there was to have been another $20,000 this year for
a total of $60,000, those funds are not shown in the budget,
there was also $16,000 for improvements to Bluebell park, her
desire is to use those monies for CPE street repaving this
year, next year use the engineering monies for Lampson for
Bluebell, and she too spoke for meeting with the City Manager
the following day. Brief discussion continued with regard
the hours spent thus far with budget review.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with unanimous consent of the
Council, to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 p.m.
clerk
Approved:
~aYor
Attest:
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Seal Beach, California
June 28, 1999
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:02 p.m. with Mayor Yost calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Yost
Councilmembers Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow
Absent:
None
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Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Ms. Stoddard, Director of Administrative
Services
Chief Sellers, Police Department
Captain Schaefer, Police Department
Mr. Danes, Assistant City Engineer
Ms. Beard, Director of Recreation and Parks
Mr. Dorsey, Assistant to the City Manager
Ms. Yeo, City Clerk
PRESENTATION
A video from the Orange County Airport Alliance was shown
entitled Creating A Vision For Orange County Into The Next
Century, an informational presentation in support of airport
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reuse of the El Toro Marine Base, a 4,700 acre facility, an
opportunity for orange County that can not be allowed to pass
by. The presentation provided information relating to
current and future air transportation needs, economic
benefits, airport planning, quality of life, tourism,
educational opportunities, property values, traffic, noise,
and safety.
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Yost requested that Item "Ru, the comprehensive fee
resolution, be considered prior to Item "Q", the 1999/2000
fiscal year budget, Councilman Snow "requested that Item "I"
be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate
consideration, and Councilmember Campbell asked that Item
"B", cell phone tower in College Park East, be considered
after the budget hearing, and that Items "F, H, J, X, and L"
be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate
consideration. Boyd moved, second by Doane, to approve the
order of the agenda as revised.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
Councilmember Campbell noted again that the video was
produced by the Orange County Airport Alliance, that group in
support of the conversion of El Toro to a commercial,
international airport, many of the questions of people in
South County have been answered through the video, however
mentioned that a petition is being circulated in opposition
to airport use, people should become familiar with the facts
before signing, however the petition may qualify for the
ballot from the South County area.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Yost declared Public Comments open. Dr. Rosenman, 8th
street, referred to prior discussion of the street paving
issue, the problem may be a lack of information to the
public, to which he suggested that a priority list of streets
be displayed in the City Hall hallway for public review, thus
eliminating claim that one area of the community receives
more consideration than another. Mr. Stan Anderson, Balboa
Drive, made reference to recent news articles that have
reflected negatively on the City's beaches with the ratings
of 0 and F in comparison to others, the City has been
pursuing some means of rectifying the problems associated
with the flow down the San Gabriel River, to which he asked
if the City will be promoting a positive image of the beaches
to encourage people to utilize them. Ms. Diana contreras,
twenty-eight year resident of College Park East, an area
referred to as having expensive homes, expressed displeasure
with the lack of attention paid to their streets,
specifically with the condition of Camelia, Columbine and
Banyon, the City has been called many times, the response is
that there are no funds yet other streets have been paved a
number of times, never these, and provided pictures to
Council. Ms. Jane McCloud, Balboa Drive, inquired if there
would be an overview of the budget, the response was there
would. There being no further comments, Mayor Yost declared
Public Comments closed.
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APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS and COMMISSIONS
Archaeoloqical Advisory Committee
Mayor Yost reappointed Joan Ellen Goldberg as the District
Three appointee; Councilman Snow reappointed Ms. Joyce Basch
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as the District Two appointeel Councilman Boyd reappointed
Ms. Lorraine Willey as the District One appointee;
Councilmember Campbell reappointed Mr. Bruce Fitzpatrick as
the District Four appointeel and Councilman Doane appointed
Mr. R. Gene Vesely as the District Five appointee. All
appointed for the full term of one year expiring July, 2000.
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Civil Service Board
Councilman Doane reappointed Ms. Penny Mazman as the District
Five representative for the full term of six years expiring
July, 2005.
Environmental Qualitv Control Board
Councilman Snow reappointed Mr. Steve Jones as the District
Two representative for the full term of four years expiring
July, 2003.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Councilman Boyd reappointed Ms. Mary Johnson as the District
One representative, and Councilman Snow reappointed Ms. Lisa
ChattIer as the District Two representative, both for the
full term of three years expiring July, 2002.
Planninq Commission
Councilman Doane reappointed Mr. Tom Lyon as the District
Five representative for the full term of four years expiring
July, 2003.
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proiect Area Committee
Councilman Boyd appointed Mr. John A. Peschong as the
District One resident member, Mayor Yost reappointed Ms.
Loydean Lazich and Mr. John O'Neil as District Three resident
members. All for the full term of two years expiring July,
2001. Councilman Boyd held over the District One business
member appointment.
Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to approve the appointments
as stated.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "D" thru "0"
Boyd moved, second by Doane, to approve the recommended
action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except
Items "F, H, I, J, K, and L", removed for separate
consideration.
D.
Approved the waiver of reading in full
of all ordinances and resolutions and
that consent to the waiver of reading
shall be deemed to be given by all
Councilmembers after reading of the
title unless specific request is made
at that time for the reading of such
ordinance or resolution.
.
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E. Approved regular demands numbered 23852
through 24134 in the amount of $1,273,981.18,
payroll demands numbered 3896 through 4049
in the amount of $139,349.66, and authorized
warrants to the drawn on the Treasury for
same.
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AYES:
NOES:
Approved the award of a professional
services agreement to project Advisory
Services in an amount not to exceed
$5,650 to provide technical and
administrative support for the Seal Beach
Boulevard Rehabilitation projects, and
authorized the City Manager to execute
said agreement on behalf of the City.
Adopted Resolution Number 4716 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH HONORING AND RECOGNIZING
MAJOR GENERAL EDMUND C. ZYSK" (California
Army National Guard). By unanimous consent,
full reading of Resolution Number 4716 was
waived.
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Adopted Ordinance Number 1442 entitled "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH ADOPTING
ZONE CHANGE 98-2 (ANAHEIM BAY VILLAS)." By
unanimous consent, full reading of Ordinance..
Number 1442 was waived.
Approved the minutes of the June 7, 1999
regular adjourned meeting and the June 14,
1999 regular meeting.
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
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ITEM "F" - AGREEMENT - CITYWIDE TRAFFIC VOLUME STUDY -
PROJECT NUMBER 709
Noting the cost of this item of $10,000, Councilmember
Campbell asked if this Study could be delayed a year. The
Assistant City Engineer responded that the Study is proposed
to be done now, commencing mid-summer, in order to collect
peak traffic volumes, the numbers are required to be
submitted to the State, the last Study was done in 1993,
recently certain numbers provided by the consultants have
been used, the volumes are also used for comparison purposes
of streets having similar engineering conditions as that
re~ates to the Pavement Management Plan.
Campbell moved, second by Boyd, to approve a professional
services agreement with Newport Traffic Studies at a cost not
to exceed $10,000 to perform traffic counts at various
locations throughout the City, authorize the encumbrance of
the $10,000 into the 1999/2000 fiscal year budget, and
authorize the City Manager to execute said agreement on
behalf of the City.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
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ITEM "H" - AWARD OF BID - STREET SEALING - PROJECT NUMBER 674
Councilmember Campbell recalled comment of City staff that
sometimes repaving is delayed by utilizing slurry seal, the
cost of slurry about one-fifth the cost of paving, and
inquired as to what streets in College Park East are slated
for slurry seal, the response was the middle and old Dogwood,
the middle portion of Hazelnut and bottom portion of Almond.
Councilmember Campbell asked the rotation schedule for slurry
sealing of streets or is it on an as needed basis, the
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response was that the basis falls within a budget amount of
about $50,000 per year, after each winter season staff
reevaluates the pavement conditions due to the toll that
winter weather takes, the intent is to not slurry a street
that is in need of an overlay, slurry is a process of
preventative maintenance, if a street is beginning to show
cracks the plan is to maintain that street so that it does
not get worse, this is a process of buying time, preference
would be to slurry every five to seven years but because of
the deterioration rate and funding problems a specific
schedule has not been established. Question was posed as to
the amount of money available this year, the response was
this is a combined project of this year and last, the total
being $100,000.
Bids were received on June 23, 1999 until 10:15 a.m. for
Project Number 674, Street Sealing, at which time they were
publicly opened by the City Clerk as follows:
Asphalt Maintenance Company
Pavement Coatings Company
Doug Martin Contracting Company
Roy Allen Slurry Seal
$64,605.10
$65,473.65
$70,846.50
$73,311. 30
Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to award the contract for
Street Sealing, Project Number 674, to Asphalt Maintenance
Company in the amount of $64,605.10, and authorized the City
Manager to execute said contract on behalf of the City.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
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ITEM "I" - AWARD OF BID - HARVARD LANE OVERLAY - PROJECT
NUMBER 6 7 3
Councilman Snow inquired when this project would commence.
The Assistant City Engineer stated it is anticipated for July
or August, the desire is to wait until the sub-base has the
opportunity to dry out as much as possible, the plan is to
bridge the pavement with a rubberized chip seal topped with
two inches of rubberized asphalt, the concern is if the
pavement is ground too much the soil will pop through which
in turn will result in costly change orders, before the
project commences portions of the pavement will be dug up to
check the underlying soil condition. As to notification, the
Assistant stated the intent is to first hand out an
information flier to each resident, the contractor too is
required to post no parking signs and notify the residents
forty-eight hours prior to commencing the three phases of
this project. Councilmember Campbell asked what is done when
a street is so badly alligatored as was shown by the pictures
of Banyon, Camelia and Columbine, the response was that it
would be a light grind from the area of the curb and gutter,
grinding is primarily to get a proper crown, that is
necessary for drainage, also if the streets continue to be
overlaid without grinding eventually vehicles will be hitting
the middle of the street when they back out of a driveway.
Councilmember Campbell reported being told that the College
Park East streets are one and a half to two inches of asphalt
rather than three, at present some of the streets are in such
poor condition they may be down to dirt. The Assistant said
the streets are being watched closely for pop-outs of asphalt
so that they can be patched quickly.
Bids were received on June 23, 1999 until 10:00 a.m. for
Project Number 673, Harvard Lane Overlay, as follows:
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R. J. Noble
Excel Paving Company
EC Construction
Sequel Contractors, Inc.
All American Asphalt
$173,028.40
$181,211.10
$186,738.09
$187,958.75
$198,940.60
Snow moved, second by Doane, to award the bid for Harvard
Lane Overlay, Project 673, to R. J. Noble Company in the
amount of $173,028.40, and authorized the City Manager to
execute the contract on behalf of the City.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEM "J" - PLANS and SPECIFICATIONS - PIER WATERLINE
REPLACEMENT - PROJECT NUMBER 735
In response to question of the need for this project at this
time, the Assistant City Engineer stated that this waterline
has been in need of upgrade for the past two to three years,
it is essential that this line be replaced and upgraded to
meet hydraulic requirements, as this is the sole source of
water to the end of the pier in the event of fire. Yost
moved, second by Boyd, to approve the plans and
specifications for Project Number 735, the Pier waterline
Replacement.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEM "K" - AWARD OF BID - SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE GENERATION
SYSTEM - PROJECT NUMBER 819 I
Councilmember Campbell again inquired if this item is
necessary this year, the expenditures discussed have been
considerable amounts of money, the staff memorandum reporting
that some cities have begun to switch to this system, three
of the thirty-one cities. The Assistant City Engineer
reported that about a year and a half ago the Orange County
Fire Authority cited the City for using chlorine gas, this
method has been in use for over forty years, explaining that
if the City uses chlorine gas it either has to be contained
in a scrubber system, be disposed of, or bring it down to
acceptable levels, staff has been working with the Authority
to meet their requirements, also, the federal government has
passed a mandate to submit a detailed Risk Management Program
for such substances as well as meet the requirements of the
California Accidental Release Prevention Program. Staff has
worked closely with the Fire Authority and advised them that
this project would be commenced this year to keep to schedule
otherwise there are a number of other approval requirements
of which the City would be in violation. Also, the
Hypochlorite Generation System is a much safer method of
chlorination requiring only water, salt and electricity, some
cities have been using liquid chlorine therefore are in
compliance because of not having the gaseous chlorine. I
Question was posed, if this is a mandate, is funding
available, response was that application was made for a loan
however it was not approved. He mentioned that in speaking
with the Fire Authority they advised that the current system
was never permitted as well as being in violation of the Fire
Code, even though in use for thirty to forty years. The City
Manager advised that this system is funded from the Water
Enterprise Fund.
Boyd moved, second by Doane, to award the bid for two On Site
Sodium Hypochlorite Generation Systems, Project Number 819,
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to the sole bidder, Chemical Services Company, in the amount
of $49,645.00, and authorized the City Manager to execute the
contract on behalf of the City.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
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ITEM "L" - SUNSET HARBOUR MARINA IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Councilmember Campbell corrected a typographical error on the
third page of the comment letter to read "...the City of Seal
Beach does not have a Local Coastal Plan..." Yost moved,
second by Boyd, to receive and file the staff report relating
to comments on the Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated
Negative Declaration, Sunset Harbour Marina Improvement Plan,
County of Orange, authorized the Mayor to sign said letter,
and instructed staff to forward this item to the
Environmental Quality Control Board for information purposes.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
With reference to Consent Calendar Item "M", a commending
Resolution for Major General Edmund Zysk, retired from the
Armed Forces Reserve Center, Councilmember Campbell noted
that there is now a newly appointed head of the California
National Guard, and it is understood that plans are going
forward to construct the joint administration building at
AFRC for the National Guard and Army Reserve, this may be a
positive change.
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PUBLIC HEARING I ORDINANCE NUMBER 1449 - ADOPTION - BUILDING
CODES
Mayor Yost declared the public hearing open to consider
adoption of the 1998 California Building Code and various
related Codes. The City Clerk certified that notice of the
public hearing had been advertised as required by law, and
reported no communications received relating thereto. The
Director of Development Services noted that these Codes were
adopted by Ordinance Number 1448 on an urgency basis at the
last meeting, that Ordinance Number 1449 was introduced and
first reading approved. The Director reported the purpose of
the public hearing is to receive comments relating to the
local revisions to the California State adopted Codes,
explained the process where staff, in conjunction primarily
with the Fire Authority, goes through the Codes and prepares
a set of amendments that address local circumstances within
this City that are not addressed in either the State Code
adoptions or Uniform Code adoptions by the International
Conference of Building Officials. He noted there are two
hundred six amendments proposed, one hundred eighty-three of
those are provisions that were amended in 1994 or 1991, with
twenty-three new sections proposed to be amended, most of
those relate to provisions of the Fire Code where the Fire
Authority has updated provisions to meet current fire safety
regulations in Orange County. In response to Council, the
Director displayed the numerous Codes referenced. There
being no public comments, Mayor Yost declared the public
hearing closed.
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Boyd moved, second by Yost, to adopt Ordinance Number 1449
entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA,
ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 1998 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE,
INCORPORATING THE UNIFORM BUILDING CODE VOLUMES 1, 2, AND 3,
1997 EDITION, INCLUDING ALL APPENDICES THERETO; THE 1998
CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, INCORPORATING THE UNIFORM PLUMBING
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CODE, 1997 EDITION, INCLUDING ALL APPENDICES THERETO; THE
1998 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, INCORPORATING THE UNIFORM
MECHANICAL CODE, 1997 EDITION, INCLUDING ALL APPENDICES
THERETO; THE 1998 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, INCORPORATING THE
UNIFORM FIRE CODE, 1997 EDITION, INCLUDING ALL APPENDICES
THERETO; THE 1998 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, INCORPORATING
THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1996 EDITION, INCLUDING ALL I
APPENDICES THERETO, AND INCLUDING THE UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE
CODE PROVISIONS FOR THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1996
EDITION; THE UNIFORM HOUSING CODE, 1997 EDITION; THE UNIFORM
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, 1997 EDITION; THE UNIFORM SIGN CODE,
1997 EDITION; THE UNIFORM SOLAR ENERGY CODE, 1997 EDITION;
THE UNIFORM BUILDING SECURITY CODE, 1997 EDITION; THE UNIFORM
CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS BUILDINGS, 1997 EDITION;
THE UNIFORM SWIMMING POOL, SPA AND HOT TUB CODE, 1997
EDITION, AND APPENDIX CHAPTER 1 OF THE UNIFORM CODE FOR
BUILDING CONSERVATION, 1997 EDITION, MAKING AMENDMENTS
THERETO, AND AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 5 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH." By unanimous consent, full reading
of Ordinance Number 1449 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
PUBLIC HEARING / RESOLUTION NUMBER 4718 - COMPREHENSIVE FEE
SCHEDULE
Mayor Yost declared the public hearing open to consider the
proposed fees and rates for City goods, services, and
facilities. The City Clerk certified that notice of the
public hearing had been advertised as required by law, and
reported no communications received relating to this item.
The City Manager reported that the fees for goods, services,
and facilities are reviewed annually, basically the rates for
building permit fees follow those established by the Uniform
Building Code, there are several Consumer Price Index related
fee increases, contractor business license fees have been
added to that schedule, beach parking services reflect the
current practice of adjusting the fees between peak and non-
peak periods, there are increases for community center
facilities to reflect the cost of staff time to open, close,
and monitor activities, and supervise the cleanup by each
user group, swimming pool fees reflect a maintenance
increase, a fee schedule for the Zoeter Skate Park that
previously did not exist, and clarification of the filming
fees and charges.
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Councilman Boyd referred to the Main Street Specific Plan In-
Lieu parking Fees, a $3,500 charge per deficient space for
all such uses established on or after September 1, 1996,
explaining that that means if a business does not have enough
parking to open a business in Old Town that fee can be paid
per deficient parking space, those fees are held by the City
to be used in turn to provide more parking in the future. He
noted the Zucker Main Street Specific plan recommended
establishment of a specific rate for such parking spaces,
thought to have been about $9,200, and questioned why the
$3,500 rate is different. The Director of Development
Services said his recollection is that it was a Council
policy decision based on the AB 1600 study, done by Linscott
and Greenspan, the feeling being that the amount was too high
for the local businesses to realistically afford, it is
believed to have been a conscious decision that the City
would be assuming some of the costs matched with the monies
from the participating businesses. Councilman Boyd stated
his intent to bring this matter back to the Council in the
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future for a possible fee adjustment, suggesting that the
rate should be consistent with what the City paid thousands
of dollars for a consultant to advise what should be done.
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With regard to beach parking, Councilman Boyd said he felt
the beach lots serve a vital interest during the summer
months and during good weather in the winter season, however
the fee is identified as $6 per auto from June 15th through
October 31st, the rate for automobiles after 5:00 p.m. is $2
with the rate for motorcycles and vehicles over twenty-five
feet half price after 5:00 p.m. He noted that there is a
paid attendant at the lots to collect the $2, he has yet to
see the beach lots even a third full after 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.,
his suggestion would be to eliminate the charge after 6:00
p.m. to allow free parking to patronize Main Street or walk
on the pier, the charge seems to be inconsistent with the
free parking on Main Street and the metered lots, that this
parking charge cease at 7:00 p.m. in the summer and 6:00 p.m.
in the winter or 6:00 p.m. at all times. To a question posed
by Councilman Doane, the City Attorney advised that changes
to the fees could be made, if reduced they could be
implemented at this meeting, if raised there would need to be
an analysis as to whether an increase could be justified by
the expense of the City. Councilman Doane then agreed with
the suggestion of Councilman Boyd.
Councilman Boyd expressed his opinion that the beach lots
should be an hourly rate, it would be easier for the
beachgoer and administratively to charge $1 per hour with a
maximum of $6 per day from June 15th through October 31st and
a maximum of $4 per day from November 1st through June 14th,
the lots open and free after 6:00 p.m., then eliminate the
Spring Break, etc. categories, and so moved. Councilman
Doane agreed that this may be a proper step to increase
utilization of the beach lots, and seconded the motion.
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Councilmember Campbell added that persons who wish to visit
the beach for an hour or two will not use the beach lots
because the cost is prohibitive, this may also encourage Main
Street parkers to use the beach lots, this called management
of the parking. Acknowledging that this may be the direction
the Council desires to take, the city Manager requested that
before a decision is made that he be allowed the opportunity
to provide data collected some two years ago when there was
an experiment with hourly rates, this a substantial budgetary
decision in that the lots bring in about a half million
dollars during the peak summer months. Councilman Boyd
countered that this is not a change involving considerable
revenue, to charge the $2 after 6:00 p.m. does not offset the
operational cost. With regard to the motion, Mayor Yost
asked if an analysis has been done to show the benefit or
reduced benefit to the City, the response was no, yet it is
felt the impact would be nominal. Inquiry was made also as
to how this would differ from the experiment of two years
ago, to which Councilmember Campbell explained that was not a
pay as you go system it was simply a reduced rate. Mayor
Yost said he is certainly in agreement with increasing the
utilization of the parking lots, a way to do that is to
decrease the amount of charge, yet there is some concern with
doing this without having a report from staff as to what has
been tried in the past and what the projected financial
change would be to the City, if there is a potential to
decrease the revenue preference would be to know that before
voting on the issue. He suggested that staff provide a
report for next meeting setting forth what has been done in
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the past, what studies have been made, a financial
projection, and if possible an analysis of how this would
increase utilization of the lots. Councilmember Campbell
noted that a method to pinpoint utilization is to have
tickets stamped with in and out hours. There was brief
discussion of holding over approval of the fee schedule for
thirty days pending a report from staff relating to the beach
parking lot fees, or possibly adopting the fee resolution
with the exception of the beach lots.
Councilmember Campbell inquired about the inclusion of a
cleaning fee for the community center facilities, is that an
on-going charge or only if necessary. The Recreation and
Parks Director responded that this is a fee that has been
charged for the past year, a cleaning fee is not charged if
the use is by a civic or service organization, is not charged
unless there is food and/or beverages served, and the
cleanliness of the facility is basically under the direction
of the staff monitor. In a situation where the facility is
left as clean as was found there could be a refund of the
deposit but not the cleaning fee, that fee now established at
$120 as that is now known to be the minimum charge of the
janitorial service.
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To a question regarding the basis for increasing the business
license fee, it was explained that is adjusted by a Consumer
Price Index formula. Councilman Boyd said he would like to
see a home based business fee implemented in the future, a
reduced fee of some amount consistent with what other cities
have done.
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Mayor Yost invited members of the audience wishing to speak
to this item to come to the microphone and state their name
and address for the record. Ms. Jane McCloud, Balboa Drive,
suggested that rather than voting on the beach parking lot
fees at this meeting, when the report comes to Council,
possibly there could be some modification to continue to
bring in clientele without impacting the revenue, maybe look
at the whole picture before voting on only a part. Mr. Steve
Kahn said from his experience the beach lots are used more
than one would think, in his opinion $1 per hour charge will
create more in and out traffic and the potential to reduce
revenues as there are many people who will visit the beach
for two hours and pay the $6 because it is a convenient place
to park, if the intent is to go to an hourly rate it should
be at least $2 per hour, otherwise people who come in the
afternoon will not be paying the $6 which could cause a loss
of revenue. Ms. Fran Johnson, Coastline Drive, confirmed
that the new Base Commander is Major General Paul Monroe, and
is the owner of a cute wiener dog. Mr. Gene Vesely, Trailer
Park, inquired as to the Zoeter Skate Park fees, to that the
response was $2 per resident, $5 per non-resident for each
two hour session, there are packages as well. Mr. Kurt
Riegelman, Banyon Avenue, suggested that the beach parking
lot passes be valid for a period of twelve months from date
of purchase rather than from July 1st to June 30th, that may
increase the use of the lots. There being no further
comments, Mayor Yost declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Boyd moved to adopt Resolution Number 4718 except
for the fee schedule for the beach parking lots. It was
noted the staff is directed to provide a report relating to
the beach parking lot service fees to the Council. It was
the recommendation of the City Attorney that the Resolution
be adopted as presented inasmuch as it repeals all prior
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resolutions, by adoption this would avoid a situation of
having no fee, and when the report is received from staff an
amendment to this Resolution can be made if desired.
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Councilman Boyd withdrew his motion, then moved to adopt
Resolution Number 4718 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH ESTABLISHING THE RATES AND
AMOUNTS OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR GOODS, SERVICES AND
FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH AND SUPERSEDING
INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS OF RESOLUTIONS 4114, 4195, 4234,
4250, 4442, 4494, 4499, 4519, 4545, 4550, 4650" with
direction to staff to present a report to the Council
relating to beach parking lot rates as previously described.
By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4718
was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
Councilmember Campbell recalled that when the Planning
Commission considered the Main Street Plan and the AB 1600
study there had been discussion of using a time stamp on a
trial basis in order to obtain information on beach parking
lot traffic, that would give a profile of the people using
the lots if the fees were paid upon exit.
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to declare a recess at 8:20 p.m. The Council reconvened at
8:31 p.m. with Mayor Yost calling the meeting to order.
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PUBLIC HEARING / RESOLUTION NUMBER 4717 - 1999/2000 FISCAL
YEAR BUDGET
Mayor Yost declared the public hearing open to consider the
proposed 1999/2000 fiscal year budget. The City Clerk
certified that notice of the public hearing had been
advertised as required by law, and reported no communications
received either for or against this item. The City Manager
explained that the 1999/2000 fiscal year will commence July
1st, the program of services basically represents a
continuation of the operating and capital improvement
programs approved by the Council the previous year, and the
budget transmittal memorandum of May 6th set forth an
explanation of some of the modifications from the previous
year. As part of an overview of the proposed budget, the
City Manager reported that anticipated revenues will be
adequate to meet the essential operating expenses of the City
although there has been a decline in several key revenue
sources and an increase in certain expenses that are outside
the City's control which will again require an effort for
cost containment of day to day operations as well as
deferment of a number of capital improvement projects that it
would be desirable to get to. He mentioned the commitment
some three years ago to set aside some money each year to
build adequate reserves to be available for any emergency
that might arise, that commitment continues in this budget
with modest but steady progress, there is always concern with
legislative activity that might take place in Sacramento, the
car tax being one major item, yet on the other hand with the
State budget that is awaiting approval by the Governor the
City may realize a one time reimbursement of monies taken
from the cities starting in 1992/93, that was property tax,
and even though there is disappointment that this is one
time, about $76,000, it may be a step in the right direction
as there appears to be support for a Constitutional amendment
that would protect revenues that should remain in the local
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communities from which they were generated, particularly
property tax, however this may take a couple of years. With
regard to revenues, they are expected to increase by about
four percent, yet there remains a concern with the projected
decrease in the utility users tax which is the largest single
source to the General Fund, the decrease thought to be from
$3.75 to $3.6 million, that largely due to the deregulation
of the electric industry, at its peak the utility tax
generated a little over $4 million. To some degree the
decline in the utility tax is offset by a recovery in
property tax due to increased property values, and a
significant increase in sales tax, that largely due to the
opening of three restaurants and a petroleum brokerage that
will supplement the positive retail climate and help to turn
around the sales tax base. An increase is also due to the
installation of parking meters, generating about $50,000
since February this year and expected to reach about $130,000
when the first full year of collections is realized,
additional revenue, about $90,000, expected also from Vehicle
Code violations as a result of the added traffic officer.
The Manager said including transfers from the special funds
to reimburse the General Fund the total General Fund revenue
is projected at $13.9 million, the total budget amount,
including all restricted and capital funds, is $26.4 million,
redevelopment is another $2.1 million, that being money in
and out to satisfy the debt service.
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With regard to expenditures, there will be an election in the
upcoming year, that cost will be approximately $60,000,
however the increases this year basically come in the area of
public safety, the Police Department represents the largest
budget increase yet will also generate a substantial revenue
increase, about one-third of the increased cost is due to
increased charges from the West Covina records services
contract and dispatch costs, those services not within the
City's control as they are by contract, however alternatives
are being looked at. Of the $640,000 increase in the
operating budget almost sixty percent is in the Police
Department and two-thirds of that is outside local control or
from the new position that generates additional income. The
Orange County Fire Authority contract is projected to
increase about three and a half percent to just over $2.6
million, that represents an increase of about $90,000, that
too is out of the City's control but may not compare to what
may be seen next year. He noted there are a couple of areas
where expenses are expected to decrease this next year, in
the Recreation and Parks Department salaries are decreased by
about $95,000 due to the outsourcing of mowing, that contract
will be forthcoming and the savings is expected to be about
$40,000, and when revenue sources are secured it is hoped
that some of the positions that have been eliminated over the
years can be restored in order to improve the levels of
service, the Parks Department as an example is down to a crew
of five which is too few to cover the entire City. The
Manager pointed out that the Lifeguards are to be
redesignated as an independent department, as it once was,
with a chief and lieutenant serving in the two full time
positions.
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In the Capital Improvement program the expenditures represent
a continuation of the funding plan for maintenance and
improvements of the City's infrastructure, a total of
$918,750 is scheduled for General Fund capital improvement
projects this year, of that amount only a little over half
are new funds with $410,000 a reappropriation from the
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previous year, $222,000 is from a cumulative reserve,
designated in previous years, accumulated until adequate
monies are available to do a project or make a purchase. He
pointed out that there is a new $170,000 set aside to the
Cash Basis Working Capital Reserve, in previous years that
has been called a Reserve designated for capital
improvements, yet by designating it as a Cash Basis Working
Capital Reserve that addresses concerns expressed by members
of the Council that the commitment designated by ordinance to
have a $1 million in the Cash Basis Working Capital Reserve
was not being met, explaining that with the additional funds
designated for the Cash Basis Fund this year its balance was
$825,000, then with the addition of the $170,000, that
commitment is being met.
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In summary, the budget is balanced and is believed to reflect
the priorities defined in a Council workshop, there is a
first effort towards an ocean water quality program, a
regional bike trail project which is largely grant funded, to
that he noted that staff has worked hard in pursuing grant
monies that the City has not sought or been successful in
receiving at any time in the past, and assuming that the City
receives the aCTA monies that have thus far been approved the
City will be in the best shape grantwise that it has ever
been. There is the first in a series of alley replacement
projects in the CIP, the sidewalk replacement program has
received additional funding, Harvard Lane is being resurfaced
with monies currently available, and it is finally possible
to commence renovation of Seal Beach Boulevard in cooperation
with the proposed housing development, there are traffic
calming projects in the areas of Marina Drive and 5th Street.
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There are no new revenue sources other than the grant monies
that the City has been competing for and no significant new
revenues are anticipated prior to the opening of the new
shopping center, however fairly significant progress has been
made towards funding reserves and moving towards doing some
of the long deferred projects, this budget improves modestly
on the stabilized but still precarious financial position,
provides money to the Cash Basis Reserve, $105,000 towards
the contractually required aCCRMA Reserve, another $100,000
towards Compensated Absences Liability Reserve, and ends the
year with about one and a half percent more in the Fund
Balance than there was at the beginning of the year.
As to budget adjustments as a result of the Council
workshops, $15,100 from office supplies and expenses, the
largest item was rather than replacing the underground fuel
tanks at the City Yard there will instead be auxiliary fuel
tanks and a contingency reserve of $35,000, that a reduction
in cost of $115,000, since learning that the County of Los
Angeles is redoing the San Gabriel River biketrail that is a
$5,000 savings, the total being $150,000 in cost reductions
since submittal of the preliminary budget, $75,000 of that to
be designated for drainage remediation, the drainage problem
at St. Anne's Church, $55,000 for salary and benefits,
$20,000 for health insurance, $3,000 to the Working Capital
Reserve, the total reprogram would then be $150,000 to bring
the budget back into balance.
The Director of Administrative Services, accompanied by a
visual display, reported General Fund revenues as
$13,973,345, the larger revenue sources that make up the
General Fund are taxes, sixty-three percent are property tax,
sales tax, and utility tax, six percent is fines and
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foreitures, and penalties, that basically parking citations
and Vehicle Code violations, licenses, permits, and use of
property and money are each five percent, encompass business
and contractor licenses and building permits, subventions are
about nine percent, that is money collected by the State and
passed through to the cities, the motor vehicle in-lieu as an
example is about $1.2 million. with regard to General Fund
appropriations they are $13,095,686, the largest portion of
that would be General Government of twelve percent, public
safety allocation is fifty-nine percent which is police,
beach parking, fire, and animal services, transfers out
represent twelve percent and go to the tideland beach fund,
recreation, workers compensation and public liability. The
total revenue is $26,305,809, non-restricted funds is the
General Fund which is fifty-three percent, the special funds
are eighteen percent which are funds designated for a special
purpose, there are enterprise funds and redevelopment agency
funds as well. The total appropriations are 28,975,524, that
figure represents what is believed to be the latest changes
and corrections, including changes made to capital projects
as previously pointed out by the City Manager. In reference
to the General Fund Balance Sheet, the Manager said it shows
that the City got through another year meeting the City's
operating expenses, setting aside additional monies for
reserves, ended the year with a slightly improved financial
condition, and able to commence addressing some of the most
critical capital needs.
Mayor Yost invited members of the audience wishing to speak
to this item to come to the microphone and state their name
and address for the record. It was noted that if there are
substantial changes made to the budget that the public will
be allowed to make comments. Ms. Lisa Bodie, Banyon Avenue,
expressed concern with the condition of streets in College
Park East, her child can not ride his bike in the street
because of the potholes, the street could be a liability, it
would be better to be proactive rather than reactive, safety
should not be negotiable. She confirmed that the street was
bad when she purchased her home some year and a half ago
however had been informed it was on the list for repair. Mr.
Steve Kahn, Camelia Street, stated the streets have
deteriorated significantly in the past twelve to eighteen
months, water accumulates, the asphalt is coming up in
chunks, inquired who has the liability in the case of a child
tumbling and being hit by a car, legal ramifications could be
great. It is known that everything can not be done at one
time, it has been said some of these streets have never been
done, this needs to be taken care of, money has to come from
something else. Mr. Mark Stanz, Camelia Street, said his
residence has been in the family since 1971, he moved from
Anaheim six months ago, the streets there are better, when it
rains the street pools, if not paved for another two years,
as is said to be the schedule, there will be no street. He
suggested that the Council tour these streets. Mr.
Bernstein, Banyon Avenue, seventeen year resident, said the
street is nothing but patches on patches, it is said it will
not be repaired for two years, maybe if it gets bad enough it
will not need to be. Mr. Kurt Regal, Banyon Avenue, thirty
year resident, confirmed the poor street conditions, his
concern is hearing not only of his street but other areas as
well, it may be prudent to put monies in reserves yet a quote
comes to mind as to why put money in the bank when you owe
someone, therefore it may be more prudent to make the
investment now to fix the streets at a lower cost rather than
increase reserves. Mr. Contreras, Camelia Street resident
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since 1971, said his street has never been paved, only
patched, stated that it seemed as if the Council passed over
the pictures that his wife had submitted, and requested that
some work be done on these streets. Ms. Naomi Blackmore,
twenty-eight year resident and tax payer, said her street,
Columbine, is probably the worst in College Park East, it is
not safe, it is a safety hazard, it is nothing but a patch
over a patch. She suggested that the streets in College Park
East need to be rerated, need to be repaired, the condition
of the street impacts her property value, her community,
there should be concern with liability too, it is time to see
the need and make this a budget priority. There being no
further comments at this time, Mayor Yost declared the public
hearing closed.
Councilman Boyd said during the process of the budget
workshops he had presented the Council with a total of about
six pages of proposed changes, reductions, and proposed
amendments to the budget. He noted that one of those was the
funding of reserves where by law requires that the City have
$1 million in Cash Reserve, to that the City Manager had
mentioned that the $175,000 of Capital Project setaside is
now being redesignated to meet that requirement, the Council
must exercise fiduciary responsibility, he is pleased to see
the reserves being funded, in recent years past there were no
reserves and the City could not have operated for a day if
there had been a stoppage of revenue, with reserves, that
period of time is now somewhat extended. He mentioned that
the Council had reduced the budget by about $153,000 however
it was not difficult to reappropriate those monies to other
things, unfortunately the streets of Banyon, Camelia, and
Columbine were not included. Councilman Boyd said his
recommendation would be-to examine other areas of the Capital
Improvement budget to find the $60,000 necessary to fix those
three streets, the argument against that is going to be that
there is a Pavement Management Plan that needs to be adhered
to, that is a good Plan, but the Plan needs to be put to use
in such a way to be effective for the people. He noted that
he had suggested reappropriation of a portion of monies for
the overlay of the beach parking lot, a cost of $50,000 for a
portion thereof, his feeling is that that is not a priority
in that there are streets that are in greater need.
Councilman Boyd commended the fact that the budget is a good
document, he had some concerns, one stemming from the fact
that the request was to adopt a budget where expenditures
have risen about five and a half percent yet revenues
increased only about four percent, to him that is in reverse.
Councilmember Campbell too acknowledged that the Pavement
Management Plan is a good document yet it needs to be
revisited from time to time, in this case there are streets
failing rapidly, it has been reported that these streets are
worse than originally rated, as bad as Stanford Lane, they
are not going to last another winter, money needs to be found
to repair them. Councilmember Campbell said with her review
of the budget she found the money to do so, a carryover from
last year that was not shown in this budget, money from last
year plus $20,000 this year would have been $60,000, another
$16,000 for Bluebell Park that would have meant $76,000, to
which she emphasized that that money needs to be placed back
into the budget, explaining that the money that is to come
from Bixby is designated for landscaping on the north side of
Lampson, also, any money from Bixby is to be held until the
project is built, again, her desire is to redirect the money
for Lampson median improvements to the repair of these
College Park streets.
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Councilman Snow inquired as to the status of the request of
Supervisor Silva for a sidewalk in front of the North Seal
Beach Community Center. The City Manager responded that
staff did follow through with the Supervisor's office, it is
in their hands at this point, the plan is to have that
sidewalk built this fiscal year. Councilman Snow mentioned
also the contribution that the City has made in the past for
the bus transportation from Leisure World to the Rossmoor
Center, there has been discussion also of bringing that bus
into the downtown area, that is of some concern because it is
felt important to maintain the contribution of about $6,000
per budget, it is important to the people of Leisure World,
and it needs to be kept in mind that Leisure World
contributes about a half million dollars to City revenue in
terms of water purchases from the City, also the utility tax,
pointing out that street work, lighting, landscaping etc. for
that area is not a cost to the City, therefore the allocation
of $6,000 for the Leisure World bus is important. The
Manager responded that the $6,000 is included, confirmed that
the question remains open as to whether that money is used
only for the Leisure World/Rossmoor route, that the
discretion of the Council. There was an indicated consensus
that the monies be used for the current Leisure Worldl
Rossmoor route.
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Councilman Doane stated he was sympathetic with Councilmember
Campbell and the College Park residents, there is nothing
wrong with the paving project that could not be cured by more
funding, more revenue is needed, he had proposed sources of
additional revenue at the last meeting that did not meet with
good response, additional revenues need to be looked into,
there is only so much money, it is understood that the fund
for paving is $500,000 yet a couple of million is needed to
take care of entire project, there are other needs that
require individual priorities too, paving is not the only
problem. The Assistant City Engineer mentioned that the
Pavement Management Plan was brought to the Council which
showed a $12 million deficit overall, Gas Tax and Measure M
monies that go towards that, staff has never allocated
General Fund monies to paving in the past, the Pavement Plan
is updated about every two years, it will need to be done
again after the winter season as required by OCTA for their
rating system, that a requirement of all cities for rating
competitive projects. Mayor Yost inquired if the Traffic
Volume Study just approved is part of the Pavement Management
Plan for the purpose of prioritization, not just the actual
condition of the street. The Assistant Engineer responded
that a street that carries five hundred versus two thousand
cars a day, and assuming the pavement quality is the same,
the street with two thousand cars would be selected for
paving first given the volume of traffic. He also said that
special attention is paid to streets that have loosened
asphalt, he looked at the referenced College Park streets as
of this date and will request that they be patched, which is
the procedure until such time as funding becomes available
for repaving. The Mayor said he was sympathetic to people
who live on streets that are in need of repair, they exist in
his area and in fact throughout the City, this requires more
revenue, a large source of revenue is forthcoming from the
Bixby project that can be used for infrastructure needs. He
stated opposition to doing projects outside the Pavement
Management Plan because that is an established system to
determine what streets are done first, a scientific method
based upon actual conditions, traffic volume, etc., yet he is
in favor of finding a means to have the streets repaired, and
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would make the request of the City Manager to find that means
in the not too distant future within this budget, his only
request would be to stay within the structure of the Pavement
Management Plan, if that can not be done he would be opposed.
With regard to Reserve funding, Mayor Yost reminded that
several years ago the State took away considerable property
tax revenue, as a result the Reserves at the time were
depleted to zero, and if the City were to have abided
strictly to the law it would have been necessary to put all
councilmembers in jail, in other words what good are reserves
if they can not be used when necessary, at this point there
is a small revenue surplus where some amounts can be put back
into the Reserves, as they should, yet to require adherence
to a fixed number does not seem prudent, however a means has
been found to reclassify certain funds so that the $l million
Cash Basis requirement can be met. As to the beach parking
lots, Mayor Yost noted comment of the engineering staff that
they were on the verge of complete failure and if they were
to go through another winter that would likely occur and the
cost would be considerably more to repair, if that be the
case he would favor going forward with that project. The
Assistant Engineer said it was the City Engineer that
conducted that evaluation, confirming that it has been said
the condition of the lots is getting worse, could completely
fail, therefore is in need of repair now. Councilman Boyd
said should it be that none of the capital improvement
projects are changed, and given statements that this is
basically a continuation of last year, that may have been
true until certain previously budgeted items were removed by
staff and placed in accounts for other things, that may be
acceptable to a certain degree yet it is believed that what
is needed is to look for new revenues, given that it appears
that priorities are not going to be reconsidered and there
will be adherence to a Plan even though there may be things
that fall outside of the Plan. Mentioning that there is an
anticipated $76,000 of additional property tax, Councilman
Boyd inquired as to what that is allocated to or what can it
be used for. The City Manager offered his observation that
the Council is contemplating how to satisfy the integrity of
the Pavement Management Plan and yet not go to a system that
lacks specific priorities for street repairs in a fiscal
year. He explained that the City is basically on a fixed
income when it comes to the pavement system, in the past only
Gas Tax and Measure M money has been used for City streets
because there were inadequate monies in the General Fund to
do otherwise and when the State began taking property tax
monies it became worse. He recalled that while discussing
the Strategic Financial Plan it was pointed out that given
the backlog of needs the only way to ever get caught up would
be to one day be able to designate some General Fund money
for projects, that would be streets, storm drains, curbs,
gutters and sidewalks, sewers, etc., currently there are
streets equally as bad as the three under discussion in
College Park East, Harvard Lane for which the contract has
just been awarded, also Stanford Lane which has an even
higher traffic volume, to which he explained that the
Pavement Management System not only evaluates the condition
of the street but the traffic volume, and even though the
three CPE streets look bad there is a street of higher
priority given its condition and traffic volume, that being
Stanford Lane. In reference to the anticipated $76,500
reimbursement from the State, the Manager said that will be
realized if the Governor signs the budget as presented to
him. He explained that Lampson Avenue in fact is a higher
priority than Stanford given the traffic volume and condition
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however that project is valued at about a half million
dollars therefore it will need to be deferred until Measure M
monies can be obtained. The Manager confirmed that $33,500
had been designated for median improvements on Lampson
Avenue, if those two sums, the $76,500 plus the $33,500, were
reprogrammed for Stanford Lane, then to do the three College
Park East streets there would be a $50,000 shortage, then, in
reference to the Storm Drain Master Plan, which has $8
million of backlogged projects, there is an additional
$100,000 setaside for the Master plan of Storm Drains, the
Council could, as a policy matter, reprogram $50,000 of the
$100,000 into the infrastructure program to do the referenced
College Park East streets, that would essentially be drawing
forward the Capital Improvement Plan projects scheduled for
2000/2001 while retaining the integrity of the Pavement
Management Plan in that Stanford Lane is the next priority
with the three College Park streets following. There was an
indicated consensus of the Council to do so, and appreciation
was expressed by Councilmember Campbell and members of the
audience.
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Councilman Boyd inquired if the $1,000 allocated for
maintenance of the La France fire truck had been included,
the response was that it was. He noted that there had been a
request to lease office space in the Old City Hall building,
the cost of doing so has been reduced from $10,800 to $5,500
with an additional $6,000 for office buildout, to this his
contention had been that this is not needed, could be delayed
to future years, this budget represents a reduction of
employees in some cases, a struggle to find other monies, yet
the request is to lease new office space, and that is not
felt to be something that should be done. The City Manager
noted that the $2,500 for lobbying efforts with regard to
off-shore drilling has been deleted, with regard to SCAG
membership dues he said although not an advocate of that
organization there is some uneasiness with not joining this
year given the forthcoming housing needs figures, etc. Again
with regard to the office space expansion, one Councilmember
disagreed with the request, one cited the need for additional
space and relief from noise from the copy machine, another
cited the opinion of the City Manager that the space is
needed, the response of the Manager was that the Old City
Hall space is presently vacant, once leased it will may not
be available in an upcoming year, the intent is to use the
space as a copy room. Councilman Boyd noted prior discussion
of a deputy city clerk position, to which he said evidently
sufficient monies were not found to fund that position
therefore that consideration will be continued to the next
budget cycle if not sooner.
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Councilman Doane said he was the least likely to offer a
motion for adoption of the budget as he had promised his
constituents that he would not vote in favor of the budget
unless there was a reduction in the Utility Users Tax,
however an amount equal to $360,000 can not be found in this
budget, and pledged to keep trying to accomplish that.
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Councilman Doane moved to adopt Resolution Number 4717
entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING FISCAL YEAR 1999/00 BUDGET,
SETTING APPROPRIATION LIMITATION AND AUTHORIZING FOR
APPROPRIATIONS BY FUND." Mayor Yost seconded the motion. By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4717 was
waived. It was noted that the Manager had distributed a
summary reflecting the adjustments to the budget document,
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some of which was also reviewed by the Director of
Administrative Services.
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Members of the Council mentioned that the budget was reviewed
line by line, reduced or revised as seen appropriate, more
than six hours spent in budget workshop sessions, the process
cited as exhaustive, and even though there may continue to be
objections, the document as a whole is consistent with the
basic goals of the Council and the City to be financially
healthy while meeting service demands. If the State
reimbursement is in fact approved, staff was urged to
commence the street repair projects during the summer months
prior to the rainy season.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
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ITEM B - CELLULAR TOWER - COLLEGE PARK EAST
Councilmember Campbell reported having met with Mr. Wilder of
Nextel to discuss the installation of a cellular tower in
College Park East, at present there are two towers on the
Bixby property at the corner of Almond and Aster, Nextel
would like to install a tower at that location also, the
initial location would be Bluebell Park, that with an option
to relocate the tower once, the terms of agreement would be
$12,000 per year with provision for automatic increases over
the term of five years, with three options for renewal of
five years each. She noted the preferred location would be
the tennis club, however given the current litigation the
choice would be a temporary location in Bluebell Park, north
of the covered patio structure, and, if permanently located
in Bluebell Nextel would rebuild that structure, if the
location is temporary they would assist with the cost of
reconstruction. Councilmember Campbell offered a sample
contract to be reviewed by the City Attorney, the funds
derived to be designated for College Park East parks and
landscaping improvements, excluding maintenance.
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Campbell moved, second by Boyd, to support the location of a
cellular tower in College Park East as so stated. Mayor Yost
said he could support a cell tower installation however would
not support designating the funds for a particular area, his
opposition would be to divide the City based upon where
revenues are derived, that is not how a city functions as a
whole. Councilmember Campbell countered that this tower
would be in a College Park park, a direct infringement on CPE
residents, these monies should benefit those residents, and
stated that none of the other cell towers are for a specific
area, if another area of the City wishes to have a tower she
would have no problem with that or the monies benefitting
those residents. Councilman Boyd said he could understand
the request, recalling the discussion of parking meters in
Old Town and the suggestion that revenues derived therefrom
stay in Old Town, in this case the tower will take up a good
portion of the Park even though understood to be in the form
of a tree, he could support this given the direct impacts and
the improvements that Nextel is offering for the Park, the
patio cover itself will likely cost about $10,000. The Mayor
noted that the reconstruction of the patio structure is
reasonable because there is a precedent for that, the
restriction of the on-going fees he could not support, those
revenues should benefit the City as a whole. Councilmember
Campbell noted that when the Bixby residential development
was proposed, there was a cell tower on their property, then
a second, Bixby was going to designate the revenue from that
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tower to the maintenance costs for the tennis facility, that
was even cited in the impact analysis as a means of reducing
those costs. She stated this is a means of revenue for
College Park parks, park improvement money was just
relinquished at this meeting for street improvements, there
is a direct nexus to CPE parks, the revenue should stay in
College Park. Councilman Boyd asked if, in lieu of placing
the $12,000 revenue in a reserve for College Park East, would
it be acceptable if in future budget cycles there is a
College Park East priority would it be acceptable if the
Council would give it due consideration. Making reference to
the prior action to fund the repair of College Park East
streets, Mayor Yost pointed out that there is simply not
enough money to fix all of the streets, the City needs to be
considered in the whole, funds should not stay in one area of
the City just because that is where they are generated,
monies should go to the General Fund and from that a
determination is made as to where they are used, when one
area needs something the other areas help. There is nothing
to say that the tower has to be accepted in that Park, if
there are to be upgrades to the Park as part of a one time
fee there is no problem, but on- going fees need to go to the
General Fund. Mr. Wilder, Nextel, estimated the area of the
tower and surrounding wall of about two hundred square feet.
Mayor Yost said many cities are getting away from allowing
more towers, as a policy question it is uncertain whether
more are desired, this Park belongs to the City as whole and
before anything further is done there should at least be a
report forthcoming from staff. Councilmember Campbell again
said Bluebell would be a temporary location, once the tennis
club comes to the City it could be relocated there. Mr.
Wilder offered that possibly this could be worked out in
another way, stating that a temporary site will not require
all that much space because it does not require a shelter, a
temporary site could possibly be across the street in the
corner, maybe on a platform, for a period of about six
months, with some assurance that relocation would eventually
be to the existing Bixby property where there is adequate
space with the other two towers, this in the form of a six
month rollover agreement. Councilman Boyd asked if the
Council determines that the revenue would not stay with
College Park East, would that be a deal breaker, to that
Councilmember Campbell acknowledged that money has been
pulled from the budget, money was earmarked for Bluebell for
the following year in conjunction with renovation of the
tennis club, her intent is to find revenue for things for
College Park East. Mayor Yost asked if Parks and Recreation
has been consulted about putting this structure in the Park,
the commission as a whole. Councilmember Campbell responded
that she had spoken briefly with the Recreation and Parks
Director, this Park is used by College Park and whatever is
done there impacts those residents, she had also talked to
the tennis club committee, this a means to assist the City
with park improvements. Councilman Boyd suggested that the
Council direct staff to draft an agreement with Nextel with
options relating to a temporary and permanent site, let it be
discussed by staff, Councilmember Campbell and the Mayor
discuss this as well, then bring the issue back to Council.
Mayor Yost said he would prefer that the staff draft options,
and if this is to be in a Park it should be considered by the
Recreation and Parks Commission, allowing consideration by
representatives of all districts. Councilmember Campbell
mentioned that this would also need to be discussed with
Bixby Ranch Company as it may be possible to construct an
agreement where the tower could be installed permanently now
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with the revenue to come to the City.
Mayor Yost moved to table this item, with direction to staff
and the Commission to develop options for consideration.
Councilman Boyd said this matter is not required to go before
the Recreation and Parks Commission, the representatives
thereto are appointed by the Council, this should be directed
to staff to develop options so that the benefits and
liabilities can be looked at. The Mayor countered that this
is a City park, the Commission needs to consider and comment
on this. Councilmember Campbell suggested that staff contact
Bixby Ranch Company to determine if they would be amenable to
allowing this tower to be put on their property now rather
than in the Park. Discussion followed, noted that the motion
is to table the iteml to refer to the Commission and to staff
to develop options for placing the cell tower somewhere in
College Park East, Bluebell Park, or on the Bixby property,
if in the Park, to be considered by the Commissionl direction
should be referral to staff, not directly to the Commissionl
alternative would be to draft an agreement with Nextel with
options, if an option is location in Bluebell Park then seek
comments from the Commissionl again, the original motion is
to develop options, not draft an agreement.
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Mr. Wilder said Nextel is in need of coverage in this area,
he had written a proposal letter to the City Manager last
October, several months later a letter was received from the
Director of Parks and Recreation stating the City was no
longer interested in additional cell phones, his question now
is if the City is interested. The response of Mayor Yost was
that it is maybe and may depend on where it is proposed to be
located. Councilman Boyd offered that if staff were directed
to draft an agreement with site location options, would the
site selected by the Council be acceptable. Mr. Wilder
expressed willingness to work with staff. Councilman Doane
suggested that Mr. Wilder be part of any discussions.
The motion to table was withdrawn by Mayor Yost and restated
to direct staff to work with Nextel and Councilmember
Campbell to explore options relating to acceptance and
location of a cell tower. Inquiry made again if that
included the drafting of an agreement, the response was to
explore possibilities. In response to a question from
Council, the City Manager said his preference would be to
provide information to Council as to what other cities are
doing, how many towers presently exist, any associated
problems, possibly talk with the some of the College Park
residents, also noted that such agreements are basically
standard, and at some point the Council may wish to consider
a policy decision with regard to cell towers. Councilman
Snow seconded the motion. Councilmember Campbell noted that
all of the cell towers in the City of Laguna Niguel are
located on private property. It was suggested that this
matter be returned to the Council within a month.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report was given.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City Manager recalled discussion about a year ago to seek
private funding for participation of the City in the July 4th
fireworks display, to that the Bixby Ranch Company has
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offered such funding. The Council expressed appreciation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Yost declared Public Comments to be open. Ms. Jane
McCloud, on behalf of the Gum Grove Nature Park Group,
expressed appreciation to the Recreation Director, the Parks
Department, and other City staff for their assistance to make
the Concert In The Park a wonderful success. Mr. Mario
Rossi, Catalina Avenue, thanked the Council for their help in
resolving the drainage problem in front of St. Anne's Church.
Ms. Fran Johnson, Coastline Drive, said the fireworks program
is worth anything it takes, such activities help to keep
families together. There being no further comments, Mayor
Yost declared Public Comments closed.
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COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilman Doane made reference to the Greater Seal Beach
Business Directory, in conversation with the publisher today
the request is to include pictures of the City Council in the
next issue, to that he suggested that they be taken to
Campbell Printing within the next couple of months.
Councilmember Campbell mentioned that as opposed to a recent
announcement, the gophers have returned to corner of Lampson
Avenue and Candleberry, also announced the College Park East
Neighborhood Association July 4th Bicycle Parade commencing
at noon at Heather Park, there will also be a barbecue, chili
cook off, games, etc., and then the AFRC fireworks display
can be viewed from Arbor Park. Mayor Yost agreed with the
speaker that the Concert In The Park was wonderful, the event
raised over $500 to benefit Gum Grove Park. He made mention
of the need for increased revenues to the City, one way can
be through increased sales tax and that will be forthcoming
with the Bixby Towne Center, noted also the State takeaway of
property tax several years ago, this year there is a one time
return of some monies to the cities, and to that he urged
contact with the City's legislative representatives urging
the return of those revenues on permanent basis. Mayor Yost
announced that he would be out of town for a period of time,
the City Manager will have the ability to reach him if need
be.
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CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney announced that the Council would meet in
Closed Session to discuss the items identified on the agenda,
a conference with legal counsel pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.9(a) relating to existing litigation, a
conference with the labor negotiator pursuant to Government
Code Section 54957.6 relating to the Orange County Employees
Association, Confidential, Supervisory, Professional and
Technical employees, a conference with legal counsel pursuant
to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) relating to anticipated
litigation, and personnel matters pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957. It was the consensus of the Council to
adjourn to Closed Session at 10:35 p.m. The Council
reconvened at 11:20 p.m. with Mayor Yost calling the meeting
to order. The City Attorney reported the Council had
discussed the items identified on the agenda, gave direction
to the City Attorney and City Manager, no other action was
taken.
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ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meeting at 11:21 p.m.
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clerk
Approved:
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Attest:
Seal Beach, California
July 12, 1999
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor ProTem Doane calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor ProTem Doane
Councilmembers Boyd, Snow
Mayor Yost, Councilmember Campbell
Absent:
Boyd moved, second by Doane, to excuse the absence from this
meeting of Mayor Yost and Councilmember Campbell.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Boyd, Doane, Snow
None
Campbell, Yost
Motion carried
Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Badum, Director of Public Works/City
Engineer
Chief Sellers, Police Department
Chief Cushman, Lifeguard Department
Ms. Beard, Director of Recreation and Parks
Mr. Dorsey, Assistant to the City Manager
Ms. Yeo, City Clerk
PRESENTATION - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / BUSINESS ASSOCIATION -
SAVE OUR POOL DONATION
Mr. Larry Fairman, representing the Chamber and Business
Association, introduced Mr. Layman, co-chair of the Car Show
event, Ms. Masoner, president of the Chamber, commended the
efforts put forth to organize the twelfth annual Show,
mentioning too the volunteers and members of City staff, all
of which made the event possible. A contribution in the
amount of $1,200 was presented for the Save Our Pool Fund
which was accepted by the Recreation and Parks Director. It
was noted that donations to the Pool Fund continue to be
accepted.