HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1999-10-11
9-20-99 I 10-11-99
With regard to the timing device for speakers, Mayor Yost
said if there is a general consensus that it be used he will
do so, his preference however would be to just politely
remind people that they are approaching the time limit. He
explained also that the regular meeting had been adjourned
until this date to consider the agenda items in a timely
manner inasmuch as the regular meeting of September 27th will
be canceled.
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CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session was scheduled.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Boyd requested that the meeting be adjourned in
memory of vincent Rosetti who lost his life as a result of
the West Anaheim Medical Center shooting. Ms. Watson,
Catalina Avenue, spoke highly of Mr. Rosetti. Ms. Watson
stated that there is too much violence and violent language,
there can be attacks on principals but there needs to be a
stop to personalizing issues and demeaning people who have
been chosen to serve in office or are a member of this City,
it is reprehensible, she was embarrassed last meeting when
students were present, again tonight, there are innuendos,
half truths, gossip, and personnel issues should not be an
issue for public knowledge. To a question of Councilmember
Campbell, the Director of Public Works explained that the
contractor for the Street Rehabilitation project will have
fifteen days to return the contract documents, the project
could possibly commence the first part of October.
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It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 p.m. in memory of Mr. Rosetti.
t Clerk and
the City of
Approved:
~
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
October 11, 1999
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The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Yost calling the meeting to
order. At the invitation of the Mayor, the Young Adventurers
led the Salute to the Flag.
R~LC~L
Present:
Mayor Yost
Councilmembers Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow
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Absent:
None
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Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Badum, Director of Public Works/City
Engineer
Capt. Schaefer, Police Department
Mr. Dancs, Assistant City Engineer
Ms. Yeo, City Clerk
WAIVER OF FULL READING
Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to waive the 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.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
ANNOUNCEMENTS / PRESENTATIONS
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CALIFORNIA PARALYZED VETERANS - 10K RACE
Mr. Mike Westmoreland announced himself as a resident of Seal
Beach and a volunteer for the first annual 10K race on
November 6th sponsored by the California Paralyzed Veterans,
and introduced Mr. Ron Amador, President of the California
Association. Mr. Amador said he was present to promote the
inaugural walk, run, roll, and remember, 5 and 10K runs, the
race for the purpose of raising funds for spinal cord injury
research, also, to help society remember Veterans Day and all
of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
He noted the race has fourteen categories with a range of
ages from thirteen to eighty plus, announced that the parent
organization, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, has acquired
the sponsorship of Northwest Airlines, and as a pledge race
the first prize for the person who brings in the most dollars
and pledges will receive two round trip tickets to anywhere
in the world that Northwest flies. Mr. Amador noted that
most of their twelve hundred members live in the Seal Beach
area, encouraged local race participation, and that of the
Mayor and Council as well. It,was mentioned again, that the
race takes place on November 6th at the Naval weapons
Station.
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CONTRIBUTION - SAVE OUR POOL FUND
A young lady named Katherine Brieding, accompanied by her
mother, donated a container of money to the Save Our Pool
fund, the money raised by selling lemonade on the boardwalk
throughout the summer. The Mayor expressed appreciation to
Katherine, the Council and members of the audience applauded
her efforts.
RESOLUTION NUMBER 4750 - HONORING YOUNG ADVENTURERS _
EXTENDED DAY CARE
Mayor Yost read portions of Resolution Number 4750 entitled
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
HONORING AND COMMENDING YOUNG ADVENTURERS FOR TWENTY YEARS OF
EXCELLENCE IN PROVIDING EXTENDED DAY CARE TO THE CHILDREN OF
SEAL BEACH" and introduced and commended Ms. Linda Wilson for
having provided such outstanding services for the youth of
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Seal Beach for a period of twenty years. Ms. Wilson
introduced her assistants, Miss Mary and Lynette, and
mentioned that extended day care has been provided to some
three thousand children. The Young Adventurers and the
children shared their singing and sign language talents.
Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to adopt Resolution Number
4750 as presented.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
Resolution Number 4750 was presented to the Young Adventurers
with appreciation.
PRESENTATION - SEAL BEACH LEO CLUB
Mayor Yost recognized members of the Seal Beach Leo's Club
for their community services during the past year, Keri
DaPron for one hundred thirty-nine service hours to twenty
projects, Jeff Grgas for one hundred one service hours to
fifteen projects, and Grant Newton for one hundred fourteen
service hours to twenty projects. Mayor Yost presented each
with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Council
and community.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Campbell requested that Items "G, N, and P" be
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration,
and a member of the audience requested Items "M and 0"
removed. Boyd moved, second by Doane, to approve the order
of the agenda as revised.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Yost declared Public Comments to be open. Mr. Roger
West, Electric Avenue, made reference to what is understood
to be a proposal for a Starbucks and Blockbuster Video on the
property located at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street,
his understanding is that this would require a conditional
use permit, that all of the surrounding properties were not
properly notified, there is concern that this could pose a
legal problem unless the process is stopped now and started
over, this is important to Old Town, should not be done in
haste, this needs to be discussed openly once again. Mr. Ron
Bennett, Seal Beach, recalled that the Starbucks/Blockbuster
issue was on the Planning Commission agenda a couple of weeks
ago, he was aware of it because of owning property within the
three hundred foot radius, he had not intended to attend the
meeting because he did not feel the proposal would pass, yet
he was informed that it would be approved, which it was
tentatively, subsequently there was a meeting with the
applicant that was not open to the public, it was also found
that it had not been noticed to the addresses within three
hundred feet of the property, thus it will be heard again.
Of concern is the noticing and that it seemed to be fait
accompli, the issue is not whether it is a Starbucks or
Blockbuster, it is whether a developer is going to get
special consideration and fit into a niche, because anywhere
else in the City if a structure is built over two thousand
square feet, serving coffee, donuts, whatever, would require
twenty-one parking spaces, the applicant was asking for and
received permission to build the structure with five parking
spaces, that makes no sense given the impact of parking in
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this particular area of the City, numerous studies showing
that the problem is parking management rather than parking,
yet if this development is approved the parking problem will
be unmanageable. Mr. Bennett said of further concern is that
after the Planning Commission meeting there was a town hall
meeting hosted by Councilman Boyd whereby he asked a number
of times, as was done at a subsequent meeting with the
architect, what type of occupants would be desired, yet it is
known that there is no choice if the proposal fits the zoning
no matter the use, the City Attorney can confirm that, and by
focusing on that one gets away from the issue of parking.
Mr. Bennett suggested that the public be aware of this issue
being reheard before the Planning Commission, that the public
may wish to attend and state their views keeping in mind that
the issue is not no Starbucks or Blockbuster the issue is if
fourteen parking spaces are going to be granted instead of
thirty for this building. To a question as to when this item
will be before the Planning Commission, the Director of
Development Services stated that the applicants have not as
yet provided the additional labels to renotice the item
therefore the hearing date has not been established. Mr.
Bennett noted the comment that it is the applicant that
provides the labels, questioning then if the applicant
disregarded the noticing requirements, to that the Director
responded that the applicant provided what the Department's
information sheet indicated was necessary, the sheet
incorrectly stated that the notice only needed to be
addressed to residential occupants and not commercial, that
statement has since been corrected. Mr. Bennett referred to
Code Section 28-2705 that sets forth the regulations for
public hearing notice, subsection 3 states specifically that
notices for variances, conditional use permits, or tentative
tract maps shall be by written notice to all property owners
and all addresses within three hundred feet of a property,
pointing out that most owners of commercial property in the
City reside outside the City, to his knowledge there are only
two persons in the 300 block of Main Street that resident in
the community. Mr. Jim Caviola, Seal Beach, mentioned he had
to take time from his day to come to this meeting, in fact he
takes a lot of time to make his neighborhood better, now
there is a big project proposed for the Main/PCH corner. He
said when he bought his property and built his home there
were rules and values based upon that, the fact that the
terminology has been changed to a special use permit simply
means a variance, as an example if he could build up two feet
he could have an ocean view which he does not, nor did he
build to the end of his property as he could have, he lives
within the rules, therefore will be adamantly opposed to any
privileges, special uses, anything that does not strictly
adhere to the Code, objecting also that someone could take a
Code section that refers to a thousand square feet and apply
it to something that is two thousand square feet, or when it
says ten seats and the applicant wants fifty-one seats, that
is like him having a house that is allowed at twenty-five
feet but he wants a hundred twenty-five feet. Mr. Caviola
predicted that long time residents are going to strenuously
object to this proposal if the Planning Commission gives any
privileges, the applicant has to live by the rules. He
expressed his opinion that trees should go on that property,
a three percent landscaping rule is ludicrous, four hundred
sixty-four square feet, the size of a garage or dumpster, and
requested that the Council pay attention to the provisions of
the Code. Mr. Ray LaConte, Rossmoor, owner of property in
Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and Seal Beach, made reference to the
Airport Environs Land Use item, his comment to that would be
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that with a background as a seven year Navy carrier pilot and
thirty years with a major international air carrier he would
be willing to serve as a consultant to the City at no cost on
that subject with the Airport Land Use Commission. He
mentioned that a presentation was made recently by the Orange
County Transit Authority to the Los A1amitos City Council
relating to the Centerline Project, he questioned if this I
project will affect Seal Beach, it sounds as if they are
trying to put it down Katella in Los Alamitos. As to the
Rossmoor Shopping Center, Mr. LaConte cited it as becoming
somewhat of an eyesore, there were some encouraging comments
that resulted from a conversation with Councilman Boyd as to
the Bixby Center and the Rossmoor Center, and suggested that
Councilman Boyd or another City spokesperson approach the
Rossmoor Community Services District or the Homeowners
Association to commence educating the people of Rossmoor as
to what they can do to help the Rossmoor Center become a
viable entity, by his count over fifty percent of the tenant
spaces are empty, the City needs to help the Rossmoor Center
and Bixby to do some nice complexes to keep the people
shopping locally and in turn increase the tax base. with
regard to the Starbucks/ Blockbuster issue, his opinion as
well is that they too must obey the rules and it is not
certain that their trademark signs would portray the kind of
image that would be desirable at the gateway to the City, the
Old Town atmosphere may be preferable. Ms. Joyce Parkay, 6th
Street, suggested that the City departments also abide by the
rules, stating that she requested to enclose a four by four
porch and was required to send notices to not only the
property owners but every tenant, and if the developer for
Starbucks is allowed to build two thousand square feet on I
Pacific Coast Highway and three thousand square feet on Main
Street without the required parking, what applied to her
should apply to them as well, the big Starbucks and
Blockbuster are not needed. Mr. Reg Clew1ey, Seal Beach,
spoke of his concern with a pit at the property on Main
Street at Pacific Coast Highway, a demolition permit has
apparently been issue for that property that was once a gas
station, possibly in violation of the Coastal Act, it is
believed that Coastal approval is required, which takes some
time. He said the pit at this location is a danger to the
community, and called on the Council to have it filled prior
to consideration by the Planning Commission or Coastal
Commission for approval and a demolition permit. Mr. C1ewley
said he believed the order of the agenda may be in violation
of the Brown Act which requires that citizens be able to
address all items, however the public is not afforded the
opportunity to participate in the approval of the agenda,
rather, it is only by motion of the City Council, and
objected to the agenda as approved. Mr. Clewley said he had
backup in reference to this being a national holiday, other
holidays have been observed by the Council for specific
reasons, there were no grounds to not honor the appellants
matter of Variance 99-2, a continuance is in order in honor I
of Columbus Day and Thanksgiving Day in that the minutes of
September 9, 1996 reflect that then Counci1member Hastings
noted that the next Council meeting was Yom Kippur and
requested the Council move that meeting to another day to
accommodate the Jewish residents of Seal Beach. He requested
again, in addition to his written request, that the variance
99-2 appeal be continued to another date in honor of the
holidays as well as to allow the appellant more time to
gather his materials, also because the requested City
equipment did not appear to be in order for a presentation
for the appellant. Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, inquired if
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the Coastal Commission red tagged the former Shell Station
property because a demolition permit was not obtained,
evidently the property was entered and the guards removed,
City workers put things back in place, the owners of the
property need to be billed for that, the exterior of the
property demolished needs to be properly maintained, there
was no legal authority to demolish the Station, anyone who
gets hurt on the property is a City liability, people have a
right to answers under the Brown Act, no answers tells her
that the Council does not want to discuss the matter. Ms.
Corbin claimed that Starbucks is a restaurant, not a coffee
shop, the Main Street Specific Plan spoke to a situation of
walking up, obtaining a coffee, and walking away, four
parking spaces is not sufficient for this business. She
spoke of needing confidence in the staff, a recent news
article brings forth question as to confidence in the City
Manager given the way he has proceeded, described a situation
relating to an employee in the Finance Department, said there
needs to be trust and confidence in those that are hired,
that no longer exists, she read names of persons with whom
there was evidently philosophical differences who are no
longer with the City, others may be forthcoming. She claimed
that the water department is no longer legally constituted
according to State mandates, there is no one left who can
legally test the City's water, the people have the right to
know what is going on with regard to that department, and
asked that the Council do their job. Mayor Yost inquired as
to the requirement for a Coastal permit for demolition. The
Director of Development Services reported that a Coastal
permit is required for demolition of the structure, the
applicant has submitted an application to the Coastal
Commission, it is being processed, as to the condition of the
site, it is properly fenced, there is on-going remediation
for soil contamination under the auspices of the Orange
County Health Department, when that work is completed then
the pit will be filled in and the site secured, until such
time as building permit approvals are granted by the City and
a Coastal Development Permit is approved by the Coastal
Commission there will be no building on the property. As to
comments relating to the water department, the Director of
Public Works stated the prior comments were incorrect, there
is fully licensed staff that is competent to operate the
water system, the shortage of staff has been backed up with
outside independent resources. There being no further
comments, Mayor Yost declared Public Comments closed.
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CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
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CITY TREASURER POSITION
Councilman Boyd read his memorandum to staff whereby recent
events led to a discussion at his town hall meeting of
September 28th, the result of that discussion was that
perhaps the City Treasurer position should be an appointed
position by the City Council rather than appointed by the
City Manager, at that time he was not prepared to enter into
discussion without first consulting the City Attorney and
indicated to those present that he would bring this matter to
the Council for discussion, he emphasized this is not an
effort to rehire the former Treasurer, this is an effort to
assure proper checks and balances in this City's government
in the exercise of adequate fiduciary responsibility.
Councilman Boyd requested Council direction to the City
Attorney to present to the Council before the first meeting
of November a legal analysis of the City Charter pending
potential reclassification of this position, a summary of the
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reasons for change from an elected position to the current
appointed status, potential conflicts that might exist with a
Council appointed Treasurer, and an explanation of the
current classification system for a department head and an
at-will employee, this in response to questions as to how the
Council can allow the Manager to dismiss an employee that was
felt to be doing a great job, another issue was if the
Council could direct the Manager to take action on the
matters that are felt to be detrimental to the City in terms
of personnel and department head issues and where litigation
may be involved. He noted that governments are fairly
resistant to change therefore any changes should be
determined to be the best practice or that it is not. He
noted that even if nothing comes of this request at least the
Council and the public will understand more about the duties
of the City Treasurer, the functions and responsibilities of
the position, which has become increasingly demanding, likely
not a position where in a small city a qualified, full time
Treasurer could be found through the electoral process.
Question was posed if it is not true that the Orange County
Board of Supervisors have ratification authority over the
department heads of the County Executive Officer, a response
was that it is believed there are some Orange and Los Angeles
County cities that have a similar process. Councilmember
Campbell spoke in support of the Council having ratification
powers over hiring and dismissal matters relating to
department heads, clarifying that that would not include the
actual hiring. In the event the Council became involved in
the hiring of a Treasurer, Councilman Snow asked what would
be the mandate for education, experience, etc. Councilman
Boyd responded that he was not certain at this point, his
request is merely that the City Attorney report back as to
whether the Charter allows the reclassification of the
Treasurer position, a summary of any reason for the change
made in the mid-1970's, and any potential conflicts, the
fiduciary responsibility of the City is great. Mayor Yost
pointed out that the City has a City Manager form of
government which provides for the Council having authority
over the financials by means of hiring and firing the City
Manager, if department heads were responsible to the Council
that would be chaos, if the Council were allowed to hire or
fire or even have approval authority over that then there is
not a City Manager form of government, opening the government
up to politicization, the system of government that exists
should be agreed to, the financials are already being
reported to the Council and the Council can hire or fire the
City Manager, there could not be an effective Manager if that
person did not have control over the financials. He said
upon checking with the League of Cities it was found there is
only one city in all of Orange County that has a similar
system ~o the suggestion, that is Westminster, Laguna Beach
has an elected Treasurer which is said to be a ceremonial
type position. Discussion followed with members of the
Council further voicing their views on this request as
previously stated. Mayor Yost agreed to the request as
initially presented, however when the report from the City
Attorney is provided to the Council he would like the public
to have the opportunity to comment on the matter. By an
indicated consensus, the Council authorized the City Attorney
to respond to the request for information as previously
stated.
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CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "F" thru "P"
Boyd moved, second by Doane, to approve the recommended
action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except
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for Items "G, M, N, 0, and P", removed for separate
consideration.
Approved regular demands numbered 24864
through 25100 in the amount of $1,593,282.84,
payroll demands numbered 5190 through 5519,
and 9000062 through 9000086 in the amount of
$466,869.11, and authorized warrants to be
drawn on the Treasury for same.
H. Adopted Resolution Number 4751 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH AMENDING RESOLUTION NUMBER
4718, THE COMPREHENSIVE FEE RESOLUTION, TO
INCLUDE THE PERMIT APPLICATION FEE FOR
MASSAGE TECHNICIANS." By unanimous consent,
full reading of Resolution Number 4751 was
waived.
F.
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J.
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K.
L.
AYES:
NOES:
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I. Adopted Resolution Number 4752 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION
FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE SEAL BEACH REGIONAL
BIKEWAY PROJECT." By unanimous consent,
full reading of Resolution Number 4752 was
waived.
Adopted Resolution Number 4753 entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH DECLARING WORK TO BE COMPLETED
AS TO PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROJECT
#674, SLURRY SEAL PROJECT 1998/99, CONTRACT
ENTERED INTO BETWEEN ASPHALT MAINTENANCE
COMPANY AND THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH." By
unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolution Number 4753 was waived.
Approved Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative
Agreement between the Orange County
Transportation Authority and the City of
Seal Beach for the purpose of providing
indemnification and right-of-way disposal
criteria, and authorized the Mayor to
execute said Amendment on behalf of the City.
Received and filed the staff report relating
to the Draft Focused Site Inspection Phase
II Work Plan, Naval Weapons Station, and
authorized the Mayor to sign the response
letter thereto.
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM "G" - APPROVAL OF MINUTES
With regard to consideration of Resolution Number 4729 at the
August 23rd meeting, Councilmember Campbell amended the
language to read that "...two Councilmembers and their
appointees to the Environmental Quality Control Board and
Planning Commission..." participated in the selection process
of the consulting firm of Culbertson Adams for the
environmental analysis of the Bixby project. With regard to
Item "I", the Accountant Report, from the September 13th
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meeting, Councilmember Campbell noted her request of the City
Attorney to obtain the management letters prepared by Lance
Soll and Lunghard, to which she inquired if that had been
done. The City Attorney stated that in speaking with the
City Manager he understands that staff has found a letter and
a copy of same will be available the following morning.
Doane moved, second by Boyd, to approve the minutes of the
August 16th, August 24th, August 25th, August 31st, and
September 20th regular adjourned meetings as presented, the
August 23rd regular adjourned and regular meetings as
corrected, and the September 13th regular meeting as
presented.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEM "M" - RESOLUTIONS NUMBERED 4754 I 4755 - VESTING
TENTATIVE TRACT MAPS 15381 and 15402 - HELLMAN RANCH
Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, claimed that the Hellman Specific
Plan violated the Coastal Act, there is no right to allow a
three year extension. Mr. Reg C1ew1ey, Seal Beach, also
objected to the extension, that project should be stopped
now.
Boyd moved, second by Yost, to adopt Resolution Number 4754
entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH APPROVING A THREE YEAR EXTENSION OF VESTING
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 15381" and
Resolution Number 4755 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING A THREE YEAR
EXTENSION OF VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 15402." By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolutions numbered 4754
and 4755 was waived.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
Councilmember Campbell mentioned that this particular land is
zoned for housing, the vesting maps are for the seventy homes
proposed for the bluff, and Mayor Yost explained that this
does not extend the golf course or anything else, the current
direction of the City is towards wetlands and wetland
restoration, by extending the maps for the seventy homes
actually allows the City to move closer to a real wetland
restoration in that area, a judge has said that only wetlands
can be placed on wetlands which drastically changes what can
be done with the remainder of the property. The City
Attorney explained that no judge has found that the City
violated the Coastal Act, there is no such court ruling,
there was a Court of Appeal ruling in San Diego with regard
to the Coastal Act that in turn has some impact on what
happens to the Hellman property. It was noted that the issue
before the Court was on a totally different property, also,
that it was the Coastal Commission that was found to be in
violation of the Coastal Act. To an inquiry of Councilman
Snow as to an approximate time frame for the wetlands
restoration, the response was that that is unknown.
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ITEM "N" - AGREEMENT - SKATE PARK ADVERTISING
Councilmember Campbell questioned if the forty percent
commission to the advertising contractor is standard. The
City Manager responded that is the standard for recreation
contractors. Yost moved, second by Boyd, to approve the
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advertising agreement with Scott.Durzo for the Seal Beach
Skate park, and authorized the City Manager to execute said
non-exclusive agreement.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
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ITEM "0" - CLAIM FOR DAMAGES - ALARI
Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, said if the Council does not have
the actual claim form no decision on claims can be made,
under the Brown Act the claim form is a public document,
action can not be taken based upon a memorandum from the City
Clerk. The City Clerk explained the process followed once a
claim has been submitted, it is then reviewed by a claims
review committee that consists of the affected departments
and the City Manager, a summary of said claim and
recommendation of the committee is then presented to the
Council for consideration, in the past claims have been
prepared for public viewing while keeping in mind the privacy
aspects of individuals who may be mentioned as witnesses,
etc. Doane moved, second by Boyd, to deny the claim for
damages of Mr. Stanley Alari and if necessary said claim to
be referred to the City's liability attorney and adjuster.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
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ITEM "P" - 1999 PROPOSED AIRPORT ENVIRONS LAND USE PLAN
AMENDMENTS - ORANGE COUNTY AIRPORT LAND USE AUTHORITY
Councilmember Campbell commended the questions raised by the
Director of Development Services, made reference to a
statement that 'it would seem appropriate somewhere within
the definition to indicate that the ultimate determination of
requiring an avigation easement rests with the local
governmental jurisdiction, not the Airport Land Use
Commission', and noted that that comes under the purview of
the ALUC mission to protect people from the airports and
airports from the people, also, explained that avigation
easements are already in place in the County, including the
Bixby property. She mentioned that the third point of the
letter requests that the most recent noise study be
incorporated into the AELUP, the Wyle Research Report, yet
the military has specifically requested that the 1989 study
stand, evidently that gives them a little more leeway, they
do not want the Wyle Report used. She said of interest is
that when one looks at the noise study contour maps, the map
from the 1973 Environmental Impact Statement for the Los
Alamitos AFRC shows no contours over College Park East, had
there been the area could not have been developed, yet when
the noise study was done in 1987 it was all computer modeling
and somehow they moved all of the noise contours off the
Bixby property and onto College Park East, however the flight
path has never changed, it appears then that there is noise
on only one side of the flight path. Councilmember Campbell
presented visual projections of the 1973 noise contour
showing nothing over College Park East, the contour location
from the 1975 AELUP, College Park East continues to be
outside the noise contours, in 1987 the contour shifts the
noise to one side of the flight path over College Park East,
also a diagram of the former crash zone for which development
is proposed. Counci1member Campbell said she merely wanted
to mention some of the questions that the Director had posed
in the response letter to the ALUC, this issue a situation
that needs to be dealt with in regard to future development,
suggested approval of the response letter and said she will
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address the issues raised at.the next Airport Land Use
Commission meeting.
Councilman Boyd also commended the Director for the letter of
response, and moved to receive and file the staff report,
authorized the Mayor to sign the response letter on behalf of
the City, and instructed staff to forward this item to the
Planning Commission and Environmental Quality Control Board
for information purposes.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
PUBLIC WORKS PERMIT - PUBLIC PROPERTY POLICY / PROCEDURES
Mayor Yost recalled that this issue came about as a result of
a Main Street encroachment issue. The City Manager agreed
that that incident triggered developing a policy, however
this item goes further and requests Council affirmation of
what is commonly known as the encroachment policy yet
expanded into a Public Works permit process. He reported
that the Engineering Department has developed standards for
consistent responses to such things as requests to build
block walls or fences up to a City sidewalk, decks
encroaching over public sidewalks, utility companies that cut
into the streets, etc., up until recent years such requests
were handled on a case by case basis as no standard policy
existed.
The Director of Public Works stated that the Assistant City
Engineer has reformatted most of the applications which will
allow them to be tracked, show who is making the approvals,
how things are approved, to assure a high level of customer
service, and confirmed that this is a request for Council
affirmation of what in fact is current policy.
The Assistant City Engineer commenced a visual presentation
relating to the proposed Public Works Permit policy and
Guidelines.
I
* What is a permit - a personal privilege to perform
an act or series of acts upon the property of
another, basically to go on a property to work or
put something there, that does not amount to an
easement or right of possession, just because a
wall is placed on City property does not mean that
one owns that property, that wall can be requested
to be removed, etc.;
*
Why do we need public works permits - first, to
assure that public safety and welfare remain
uncompromised, that good engineering standards are
used and assure that nothing unsafe is placed in
the public right-of-way, the desire is to keep
public areas public, not allow public space to be
reserved for private use, maintain quality
construction standards, prevent interference with
utility lines and operations, those are water,
sewer, cable, electric, telephone, etc., provide
public access and travel through the right-of-way
whether by vehicle or pedestrians, protect the
integrity of the existing infrastructure to prevent
costly futures maintenance, and provide open space
for drainage and aesthetics, the more open space
the better for drainage purposes;
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10-11-99
*
Diagram was shown of what is basically seen in Old
Town and the Hill areas showing the street right-
of-way, parkway, and sidewalk, what most people do
not know is that behind the sidewalk towards the
property there can be between one to four feet of
public property; question - do people pay taxes on
the parkway strip that is toward the private
property line - the response was they do not, it is
actually City property, it is usually in the form
of a highway easement or owned in fee;
*
College Park East - for the most part that is a
curb adjacent to the sidewalk arrangement, again
the public property strip would be behind the
sidewalk towards the private property;
*
What would a permit be required for - any time
there is any type of physical improvement in the
street, replacement of sidewalk, driveway,
excavations, any placement of something of a
permanent nature in a public right-of-way a permit
is required from the granting authority, the Public
Works Department;
* utility placement - those companies usually do that
in front of an excavation, they need to have a
permit, also if they wish to put a box in the
public right-of-way as part of their operation;
Temporary permit - that is for storage of materials
or bins in the right-of-way, a dumpster permit,
there are regulations as to how long it can remain,
storage of tools or materials whether that be brick
or wood or whatever to assure it is safe as long as
it is coned off properly;
*
* Street tree planting and removal - any trimming of
a City tree requires a permit;
* Street closure and restrictions - a permit is
required from Engineering;
* Prohibited encroachments - curb, gutter, sidewalk,
parkway improvements that do not meet current
engineering standards or plans, structural elements
such as buildings, decks, walls, patios that
encroach into public space, reserved for pedestrian
and vehicle use, illegal signs in the public right-
of-way, permitted signs require approval of the
traffic engineer to assure safety, in residential
areas telephones, kiosks, or furniture are
prohibited from the public right-of-way;
*
City Engineer advised that this does not address
Main Street issues, in that case more analysis is
needed and meetings held with the businesses and
residents and the Council to discuss what is
desired, that somewhat of a special case, Main
Street is exempted at this point with regard to
street furniture, benches, advertising, prohibition
of balconies, etc., the other commercial areas as
well, at this time requests would be considered on
a case by case basis;
10-11-99
* Other prohibited encroachments - balconies,
stairways, overhangs, projections over the public
right-of-way, foundations, walls, footings, parkway
planters greater than six inches in height,
concrete parkways, vending machines, overhanging
landscaping, and above ground irrigation systems;
*
Question raised regarding planters greater than six
inches, such landscaping, masonry work, retaining
walls do exist - a retaining wall situation is not
considered a planter and is something that can be
permitted, the reason for not wanting anything over
six inches high in the area between the curb and
sidewalk is for vehicle parking, etc., confirmed
that a planter greater than six inches high would
not be allowed behind the sidewalk, that would be
an encroachment into the right-of-way and if access
is needed the planter would need to come out, some
things may be allowed through a non-standard
improvement agreement, that an assurance with
regard to compatibility and liability issues as
well as maintenance responsibilities - the primary
area of concern is between the curb and sidewalk,
special provisions are being proposed to take care
of the right-of-way area behind the sidewalk;
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*
Non-Standard improvements - these are not
considered usual and customary in the right-of-way,
walls, fences, decorative improvements, parkway
surfacing, etc. - these not only require a public
works permit but a separate agreement as well to
run with the land that requires the owner to
maintain the improvements;
I
* Why would non-standard improvements be allowed - it
allows owners to enhance public improvements to
match adjacent private improvements, it allows
flexibility, personal expression, also allows
higher quality decorative improvements within
public space that benefits the City without
incurring the costs;
*
The City Engineer explained - on occasion there are
opportunities to do a higher level of improvement
but it would not be appropriate to use public
money, an example would be when certain properties
along Pacific Coast Highway were developed, they
wanted to put in decorative paving in the parking
areas however the properties were bisected by a
public alley, in that case the City entered into a
non-standard agreement to allow the installation of
the decorative paving in the alley with provision
that the owner would maintain that pavement and
accept any associated liability - there intent is
to encourage people who want to make such
investment in the community, yet the City needs to
maintain some control, thus the agreement is the
tool, in the case of an improvement outside the
realm of the ordinary that would come before the
Council;
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. As to things that there is a desire to avoid,
things that have evolved over time, most without
the knowledge of the City - concrete parkways and
the area behind the sidewalks, they are not nice
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10-11-99
looking and impede drainage - walls on the property
line with the area between the wall and the
sidewalk also filled with concrete, that is not
appealing, has no aesthetic value, collects trash,
etc.;
*
There are considerable areas behind sidewalks in
Old Town where the public right-of-way varies from
about one to four feet, the use of those areas is
encouraged but it is necessary to preserve a
certain amount of aesthetics and drainage, if there
was no concrete adjacent to the sidewalks they
would drain much better;
*
A new proposal is to maintain a minimum of eighteen
inches between the sidewalk and the property line,
that would only occur where the area exceeds the
eighteen inches, if there is only a foot the desire
would be to keep that amount or more, if the area
is around four feet and the property owner wants to
put in a decorative planter or whatever, the City
would encourage that yet keep a certain amount of
landscaping to the front, the advantage is that you
then have the aesthetics, the drainage, it also
makes it easier to maintain the sidewalk, utility
connections are always an issue, sometimes there
are no other places in the streets and the parkway
must be used, that is also an advantage when a
street is overlaid or paved and a utility wants to
lay a line, the parkway is then an option but it
can not be used if it has been given away;
*
There are areas of the town where there are very
narrow parkways and where sidewalks could possibly
be realigned sometime in the future to provide
larger areas for street trees, that option needs to
be kept open;
* The parkway between the sidewalk and curb is
desired to be maximized for the purpose of
aesthetics, drainage, sidewalk maintenance, utility
placement, and future use - some property owners
have been creative and maintain a green look with
parkway hedges, plantings, grass, all of this makes
a big difference in the appearance of the City;
* What about concrete in the parkway, some people
just do not want to maintain that area - that is a
detriment to street trees, they do not get adequate
water, stunts their growth, creates hazards that
are not necessarily a City responsibility, grass
and/or low ground cover is much better, is good for
drainage, and reduces liability;
*
As to the use of bricks in the parkway, even
placing them in sand does not allow adequate
percolation, rather water becomes runoff, the
result is often sinking or raised bricks,
decorative paving is fine but not a complete
paving;
. Appropriate use of hardscape - a twenty/eighty
proposal has been developed, this provides the
opportunity for a homeowner to do brick strips,
accents, yet still provide an area that is
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landscaped and green, good drainage and low
maintenance;
*
Example shown of a homeowner who extended their
decorative walkway to streetside, in that case the
property owner entered into agreement with the City
to maintain that sidewalk area and accept
liability, this allows the homeowner to add further
quality to the neighborhood, this type of thing can
become quite eclectic but it adds a lot as well;
I
* Clarified that the City does not require a permit
to plant grass, ground cover, or plantings less
than a foot in height, no permit is required for a
below grade irrigation system with pop-up heads,
the desire is to make it as easy as possible for
people to maintain their parkways;
With regard to existing conforming and non-
conforming encroachments, the effective date of
this written policy of October 1st was merely
picked as a date closest to this meeting - the
purpose is not to go out and walk or police the
streets to look for non-conforming - a Municipal
Code section requires review of frontage
improvements, curb, gutter, sidewalk, and street
pavement, whenever there is an addition of more
than four hundred square feet, the conditions of
the curb, gutter, and sidewalk are reviewed and if
they require upgrading the property owner is asked
to do that as a part of the building package - the
City also looks for non-conforming encroachments,
if the property owner has something in place that
violates City policy, the property owner is
requested to bring the encroachment back into
compliance - if something is deemed to be a safety
hazard the City will immediately take action to
have the homeowner remove the hazard;
*
I
* City is pursuing the replacement of concrete when a
property owner requests to do cuts for additional
water or sewer services or the utilities want to
cut and replace portions of concrete improvements,
curb, gutter, sidewalk, as well as alley, the
request of the City is to attain full panel
replacement, an attempt to avoid jigsaw replacement
patterns, when there are jagged cuts that results
in cracks, water seeps in and then the base under
the concrete begins to shift which causes
settlement and upheaval, deterioration is then more
rapid than if it were left in place - there may be
objections from the public when the City requires
them to replace concrete;
*
Street excavation moratorium - the City is not
allowing any street cuts in pavements of less than
five years old or slurry seal of less than three
years, this prevents a more rapid deterioration of
the pavements, it is recognized however that
utility companies do have emergencies yet there are
special conditions to try to minimize emergency
repairs such as full width paving, slurry seal of
an entire block, etc.
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It was noted that it is difficult to establish a permit
policy that is comprehensive enough to cover every
conceivable kind of situation therefore the non-standard
agreement may be an appropriate tool with the understanding
that anything of a substantially unusual nature will be
brought to the Council for consideration. Councilman Boyd
commended the informational guides prepared for the public
relating to dumpsters, encroachment permit information, etc.
It was noted that more guides will be prepared in the future.
Councilman Campbell expressed concern that some things that
have recently been allowed in College Park East would now not
be allowed under this policy, many of the comments are
subjective, the focus appears to be towards Old Town, her
concern is how restrictive this would be for College Park
East, therefore she would vote against the policy. The
Manager said this is merely a request to affirm what has been
put into place by Public Works during the past couple of
years, any provision that becomes a problem in the future can
be reconsidered. It was pointed out that this is a policy
and not Municipal Code, Councilman Boyd noted that a policy
is more specific where the Code is reasonably vague,
questions have been posed to Council in the past where the
response of staff has been that no policy exists, this policy
is not overly restrictive, in Old Town as an example the
first eighteen inches of a property will be required to be
reserved for landscaping, it allows for variations of
characteristics and architectural style preferences and
maximizes the use of the property. It was noted that this is
a policy governing City property. Councilmember Campbell
again stated that this policy is basically geared to Old
Town, College Park East and College Park West are different
and some of these policies do not apply.
Snow moved, second by Yost, to affirm the Public Works Permit
program and adopt the Policies and Procedures as presented.
Councilman Doane inquired if an ornamental or picket fence
built up to the sidewalk would be allowed under this Policy,
the response of the City Engineer was that it would not be
allowed, a prior Public Works policy allowed no encroachment
into the public right-of-way, the need is to allow a certain
amount of space for landscaping yet provide a mechanism that
also allows approval of things that meet the policy so that
property owners can do things to enhance their property. Ms.
Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, objected to the listing of this item
on the agenda under new business, the people need to be able
to address the issue, and questioned why the policy for Main
Street has not been addressed. She claimed that the Manager
had his sidewalk done, brick was put in his parkway, it was
said that would be the responsibility of the property owner
therefore he should pay the City back for that work and
labor, his street was also slurried before others. She
objected too that certain Main Street businesses use the Main
Street easement for their own benefit, the flower shop on
Marina Drive also encroaches the right-of-way for their
purposes, and stated this needs to be an all encompassing
policy.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Doane, Snow, Yost
Campbell
Motion carried
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to declare a recess at 9:00 p.m. The Council reconvened at
9:08 p.m.
10-11-99
PUBLIC HEARING - LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT - 1999
Mayor Yost declared the public hearing open to consider Local
Law Enforcement Block Grant for 1999. The City Clerk
certified that notice of the public hearing was advertised as
required by law and reported no communications received
relating to this item. Captain Schaefer presented the staff
report, noted that this is the fourth year that the federal
government has made available to the Seal Beach Police
Department a local law enforcement block grant, this is in
the amount of $22,947 for the purpose of reducing crime and
improving public safety, the grant allows the procurement of
equipment, technology and other material that is related to
the basic law enforcement function. The Captain stated that
the Department believes that these funds should go towards
the much needed 800MHz radio communications system, replacing
the twenty-five year old system, this in conformance with the
grant guidelines and law enforcement function. He noted that
this grant requires matching funds of $2,500 that could be
allocated from the current Department budget. There being no
public comments, Mayor Yost declared the public hearing
closed.
I
Boyd moved, second by Yost, to approve the acceptance and
appropriation of the 1999 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant
as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
PUBLIC HEARING / RESOLUTION NUMBER 4756 - HOUSING/COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT 2000-2001 - PROGRAM YEAR 26
Mayor Yost declared the public hearing open to consider the
Housing/Community Development Block Grant program for year
2000-2001. The City Clerk certified that notice of the
public hearing was advertised as required by law, and
reported no communications received relating to this item.
The Director of Development Services presented the staff
report and recommendation of the Citizens Participation
Committee to make application for funding in the amount of
$250,000 for the purpose of the Seal Beach Boulevard
Reconstruction Project from Electric Avenue to Pacific Coast
Highway. There being no public comments, Mayor Yost declared
the public hearing closed.
I
Councilman Boyd expressed his support for the recommendation
for the reason that it is earmarked for a long standing
problem, the renovation of the existing public right-of-way
on Seal Beach Boulevard, and read the proposed improvements
that said project may include. He stated his belief that
H/CD monies go a long way to expand the City's tax dollars
for such improvements. Councilman Doane mentioned that when
he first joined the Council in 1991 this was one of the
highest priority projects however nothing as yet has been
done.
I
Boyd moved, second by Boyd, to adopt Resolution Number 4756
entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN
THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF THE COUNTY
OF ORANGE (YEAR XXVI)." By unanimous consent, full reading
of Resolution Number 4756 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Snow, Yost
None Motion carried
10-11-99
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PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL - VARIANCE NO. 99-2 DENIAL - SUNROOM
ENCLOSURE - 1307-1/2 OCEAN AVENUE - ALBERS
Mayor Yost inquired of the applicant if he was requesting an
extension of time as another speaker had indicated, to which
the applicant responded that would be appreciated. The City
Attorney mentioned that the Code may provide a specific
period of time from the decision of the Planning Commission.
A member of the audience requested a minimum of thirty days,
stating that ZTA 96-1 was a period of six months between the
Commission denial and Council consideration of that matter.
The City Attorney noted that there are different rules for
variances and conditional use permits and zone text
amendments, for ZTA's there is no deadline under which the
Council must act, for variances the time period is forty days
from the time the appeal is filed, in this case it was
September 17th, his recommendation would be to hear the
matter at the next meeting. To a question of the applicant,
he was advised that if he will be out of town at that time he
should contact the City Manager or the Director of
Development Services. By unanimous consent, this public
hearing item was continued until the next meeting.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No report was presented.
I
CITY MANAGER REPORT
With regard to the Main Street at Pacific Coast Highway
property, the City Manager mentioned that a couple of
informational discussions have been held to allow public
input and comments to the developer, his options at this
point is likely to push the development through to a vote of
the Planning Commission and possibly the Councilor to deal
with some revisions that might address concerns brought forth
by the public, during conversation with the developer this
date it was indicated he would present his approach to the
City sometime this week, it is likely there may be additional
forums whereby the public will be encouraged to participate.
As to the 5th Street traffic calming approach, he reported
that staff has devised certain landscaped traffic chokers for
the entrance to 5th Street at Marina Drive, that would
involve chokers at the liquor store and the church across the
street, some basic traffic counts and speed readings have
been done both before and after the traffic circle at 4th
Street was installed. He mentioned however that now that the
new federal grant application is in that money could be added
to the regional bike trail grant that was received from the
State therefore with the extension of the bike lane and
additional greenbelt area possibly other traffic calming
measures at that intersection could be looked at and
considered before discussing them with Mayor Yost and
Councilman Boyd, that is the reason that that project has not
been brought to the Council for the purpose of seeking bids.
The Manager mentioned that the Tall Ships event held in July
was initially planned entirely as a Long Beach event, Seal
Beach was notified late that three of the ships were
intending to dock at the Naval Weapons Station, the
projection was about eight to ten thousand visitors per day,
the Police Department reacted accordingly, however the
attendance for the two days reached between fifty to sixty
thousand people which placed a significant strain on police
resources, and to that the Police Department, in a diplomatic
way, approached the City of Long Beach and pointed out the
impact on the City'S costs for the event, in turn Long Beach
has forwarded a check for overtime costs in an amount just
over $1,700. To the issue of dogs on or off leash in Gum
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Grove Park, it was felt appropriate to invite the residents
of the area and any interested public to express their
comments on that issue rather than staff preparing an
ordinance to address the situation at the Park without any
public input, therefore a public informational meeting has
been set for October 18th at 7:00 p.m. facilitated by the
Recreation/Parks Director. The Manager also recognized I
Captain Schaefer upon his graduation from the Police Command
College which is the highest form of continuing education for
police chiefs and police management in the State of
California.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Yost declared the second Public Comment period to be
open. Ms. Carla Watson, Catalina Avenue, commended the
Public Works Department for their encroachment policy, also
those who would like to see a prettier City and serve on the
tree committee. Ms. Watson mentioned again that this City
has a City Manager form of government, that person does the
hiring, if that person is not liked then you remove the
person but one does not lessen that office by diminishing the
authority of the City Manager, her preference would be that
the time spent by the City Attorney on the Treasurer issue be
focused on other things. She said something that cries for
attention is the pollution of the San Gabriel River, her
preference would be to see the Council become more
aggressive, there was a past motion, although not unanimous,
to form a special board, thus far there has only been
inaction, when the history of this town is written it will be
what this community did to save the ocean and what was done
to save the San Gabriel River from pollution, you do that by I
taking a small city and become aggressive and take a stand,
is it known that this City took a stand years ago for the
test ban, for the Bolsa Chica, could we be the first small
city that is going to stand up and say we will not stand for
any more pollution, any more needles, any more garbage, that
is what she would like to see this Council do. Mr. Chi
Kredell, Seal Way, agreed with the prior speaker, however
added that most of the drainage into the San Gabriel River
comes from Los Angeles County, suggesting that Seal Beach
work with Councilman Colonna from Long Beach. It was noted
that about five meetings have been held with him thus far.
Mr. Kredell stated that the Police Department did a good job
in handling the visit of the tall sailing ships while docked
at the Weapons Station, they shut down Seal Beach Boulevard,
and why would one want to go to Long Beach when parking was
available on the Station. Mr. Kredell mentioned the
continuance of the appeal, stated his opposition to that
appeal, also noted that there is another such item coming to
the Planning Commission that is a third story and they are
requesting to expand that third story where the rear setbacks
are three feet from the alley, there are no sideyard
setbacks, a thirty by ninety foot lot with three units. He
questioned why the recommendation to the Commission would be
approval when it is totally in violation. Ms. Sue Corbin, I
Seal Beach, spoke again about the required demolition permit
for the former Shell Station property, a hole is open, the
property has been vandalized, the warnings are missing, the
owner needs to pay for those, this a similar situation to the
handicapped parking spaces and wheelchair access in the Main
Street parking lot, who has the authority. With regard to
the Hellman property, she said it is correct that it was the
Coastal Commission who was named in the lawsuit, yet legal
counsel dealt with the golf course issue, the Hellman plan
was an illegal plan that could not stand up in court. She
10-11-99
I
claimed again that the City does not have a legally
constituted water department staff, also, someone has
reported the Shell Station property to the State, they will
come and sanction the City. Ms. Corbin charged that the
Manager gets along with no one, questioned why employees are
being treated as they are, the Council is allowing this to
happen, also, there should be no more informal meetings with
a select few, everyone or no one. She called for the water
department issue to be decided at this meeting. There being
no further comments, Mayor Yost declared Public Comments
closed.
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COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilman Snow stated that he and Councilman Doane are
commencing plans to bring forth to the voters of Leisure
World information that they did not get when they signed the
referendum on the Bixby plan, information relating to this
will be disseminated when finalized. Councilman Boyd
introduced Mr. Michael Moore, Orange County Fire Authority,
recently promoted to Battalion Chief. He reported that he is
sponsoring on the first Saturday of each month a beach
cleanup, the first held this past weekend and was successful
in cleaning the beach from the pier in both directions to the
jetties, future cleanups will be on the first Saturday of the
month at 8:30 a.m., meeting first at Lifeguard headquarters.
Councilman Boyd said some time back he had requested that the
Council receive a brief report of activity from each of the
departments on a monthly basis, as an example, from the
Building Department the number of permits issued in the
month, the turn around time for resubmittals of plans,
perhaps information relating to the just adopted permit
guidelines, police activities such as arrest activity, etc.,
basic data that shows that a good job is being done to meet
the public demands, information that can be compared to other
cities, it is felt that some parameters can be developed for
such information, possibly a monthly consent calendar item.
Councilmember Campbell referred to the San Gabriel River
comments, the Solis and Havice bills, the City actively
pushed for these bills, they have been approved, the League
of Cities will now decide which cities will have a seat on
the San Gabriel River Conservancy Board, Seal Beach has put
in a strong bid to be one of those seats, at a recent meeting
there were other cities that agreed that this City should sit
on that Board inasmuch as Seal Beach is at the mouth of the
River where the debris deposits itself, this is key to
getting the River cleaned up. She mentioned the amount of
hand bills, advertising, business cards, donation bags, etc.
that are distributed to residential doors, to that a
suggestion was received to possible enact a handbill permit,
of concern is that if people are away for a few days these
materials are evidence that no one is home. The City
Attorney noted that there are certain First Amendment
protections in that area, this issue was looked at a few
years ago, recollection is that there were fairly strict
regulations as to hours, the ability of cities to regulate is
fairly well restricted, similar concerns were expressed
previously, however offered to research the opinion
memorandum from the past. Councilman Doane suggested
researching the anti-litter law. A member of the audience
suggested that neighborhood watch could be integrated into a
program. Councilmember Campbell noted receiving questions
relative to the. water rate increase, apparently the Council
voted to allow any water increases to be passed on to the
residents, possibly such vote was misplaced, her feeling is
that when increases are forthcoming the Council should be
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10-11-99
informed and a vote taken. She inquired if there is a
tentative date for the paving of the three streets in College
Park East. The Director of Public Works responded that there
is presently no specific date, a pre-construction meeting has
been held with the contractor, information will be
distributed as soon as it is available, it is hoped to be the
end of October. Councilmember Campbell mentioned that many I
times people have made allegations as the City wasting money,
which she said is not true, the example frequently used is
the cost of paving 12th Street, the street where the former
councilmember/mayor lives, to which she explained that that
street should have been paved when the former councilmember
first took office but because of her position the project was
put off so as to not show favoritism therefore by the time
the project was done the street was in much worse condition.
The Director of Public Works concurred that the project had
been put off for many years, 12th Street does have a higher
volume of traffic than most, if one looks at 10th or 11th
Streets today one can see the kind of pavement problems that
were faced on 12th Street however they do not have near the
volume of traffic as does 12th, that, along with the fichus
tree problems caused sidewalk problems that were
unrepairable, root trimming to put in the sidewalk was not an
option, the trees had to come out, therefore the City was
faced with not only replacement of the street but the
sidewalk, curb, and gutter, this project had always been in
the Pavement Management Plan and had nothing to do with the
fact that the councilmember lived on that street. He
confirmed too that it was found that there was one roadbed on
top of another, pushing the top up therefore there was no
choice but to remove the lower roadbed. Councilmember I
Campbell said the point is that this was not a frivolous
project, it should have been done years ago. Councilman
Doane mentioned that there is another. example of Seal Beach
being a City with a heart, there was a recent news article
with regard to injuries sustained by Eric Kidd, to that this
past Thursday O'Malleys hosted a fund raiser with most of the
Main Street businesses contributing prizes for auction, the
owner of O'Malleys feels that the proceeds will be in the
neighborhood of $7,000 to help this family, to which he
commended O'Malleys, those that donated prizes, and those who
attended. He said to show his appreciation he has agreed to
be the guest bartender on October 20th and it is hoped all
will support him in that effort. Councilman Doane pointed
out Mr. George Worm who he said is running for President of
the United States, will be in attendance on the 20th at which
time he will present his progressive platform. Mayor Yost
reported that the State of the City went well, there was a
review of the budget, major projects and issues. He noted
receiving a call from someone whose animal was taken to Long
Beach, when they called Long Beach that was denied but
through their persistence it was found the animal was there
and was retrieved. Mayor Yost announced again that there
will be an informal discussion meeting on October 18th at I
7:00 p.m. relating to dogs in Gum Grove Park. He inquired
about Coral Place being left off of the slurry seal project,
to which the Director of Public Works responded that Coral
Place can not take a slurry seal and will need to be
scheduled for an overlay in the Pavement Management program.
The Mayor also mentioned that the Havice bill will be a good
tool to deal with the water quality issue in the San Gabriel
River, there needs to be assurance that the Governor will
sign that bill, both bills will be beneficial, and it is his
intent to continue working on this issue.
10-11-99 I 10-25-99
I
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 the City's real property negotiator
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, a conference
with legal counsel relating to anticipated litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b), and a
conference with legal counsel relating to existing litigation
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a). By unanimous
consent, the Council adjourned to Closed Session at 9:55 p.m.
and reconvened at 10:42 p.m. The City Attorney reported that
the Council had discussed the items identified on the agenda,
gave direction to the City Attorney and City Manager, no
other action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting
until Monday, October 25th at 6:00 p.m. to meet in Closed
Session. It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the
Council, to adjourn the meeting at 10:43 p.m.
Approved:
/f:,
Attest:
I
Seal Beach, California
October 25, 1999
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 6:12 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
Absent:
Councilman Snow
I
Councilman Snow joined the Council in Closed Session at
approximately 6:18 p.m.
Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Steele, Assistant City Attorney
Ms. Yeo, City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Assistant City Attorney requested that an item be added
to the Closed Session for discussion, a conference with legal