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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1998-05-26 5-22-98 / 5-26-98 an alternate site. Councilman Boyd offered that if someone where to come and speak in support there should likewise be someone of differing views, therefore it may be best to utilize staff to obtain available information to assist the Council in determining if they choose to take a position or not. I At the conclusion of further comments, the Council determined to hold a workshop on June 4th at 4:00 p.m. for a preliminary overview of the 1998/99 budget. Given the new Council, Mayor Brown mentioned that possibly consideration should be given to reconfiguring the membership of the City's boards and commissions at some point in the near future. With regard to the Hellman project, it was announced the continued hearing before the Coastal Commission will be the second Wednesday in June in Santa Barbara. ADJOURNMENT After brief comments, it was the consensus of the Council to adjourn until Tuesday, May 26th, the day following the Memorial Day holiday, to meet in Closed Session at 6:15 p.m. if deemed necessary. By unanimous consent, the meeting was adjourned at 5:37 p.m. Approved: I lerk and ex-of of Seal Beach Attest: Seal Beach, California May 26, 1998 I The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular adjourned session at 6:17 p.m. with Mayor Brown calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Brown Councilmembers Boyd, Doane, Yost Absent: Councilmember Campbell Councilmember Campbell arrived at 6:40 p.m. and joined the Council in Closed Session. 5-26-98 Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager Mr. Barrow, City Attorney Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk APPROVAL OF AGENDA Boyd moved, second by Yost, to approve the order of the agenda as presented. I AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Boyd, Brown, Doane, Yost None Campbell Motion carried CLOSED SESSION The City Attorney announced that the Council would meet in Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to discuss the item identified on the agenda, Hotchkiss versus City of Seal Beach, OCSC case number 785769. The Council adjourned to Closed Session at 6:18 p.m. and reconvened at 6:47 p.m. with Mayor Brown calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. The City Attorney reported the Council had discussed the item identified on the agenda, no action was taken. ADJOURNMENT By unanimous consent, the meetin was adjourned at 6:48 p.m. ~ Clerk and f the City of ua ficio clerk Beach I Attest: Seal Beach, California May 26, 1998 The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular session at 7:10 p.m. with Mayor Brown calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. I ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Brown Councilmembers Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Yost Absent: None 5-26-98 I 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 Ms. Beard, Director of Recreation and Parks Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Boyd requested that Item "F" be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration, Councilmember Campbell requested Items "R" and "J" removed, and Councilman Doane requested that Item "0" be removed. Doane moved, second by Campbell, to approve the order of the agenda as revised. AYES: NOES: Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost None Motion carried PRESENTATIONS I COMMANDING OFFICER - WEAPONS SUPPORT FACILITY SEAL BEACH Mayor Brown introduced and welcomed Captain Thomas Bernitt, Commanding Officer of the Naval Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach. Captain Bernitt noted his recently assumed command of the Support Facility, congratulated the new members of the City Council, expressed pleasure to be in Seal Beach, and voiced his desire for a long and lasting friendship with this community. PROCLAMATION Mayor Brown proclaimed May 18th through May 25th, 1998 as "National Beach Safety Week." I ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Brown declared Oral Communications open. Mayor Brown requested the cooperation of the public, suggesting that if a person has an item to discuss under oral communications they may first contact their Council representative so that there is an opportunity to gather information in response to the item or concern, if the issue requires only a brief response it will be attempted to be done at that time however without entering into a dialogue. He offered also that if a disagreement with staff occurs, requested that he be contacted, thereafter a meeting will be scheduled with the City Manager and the staff person in attendance to investigate the concern and seek a resolve. Mayor Brown reminded all that the five minute limit for oral communication continues, if a longer time is needed it may be allowed after all others have spoken, also, the intent is that City Council meetings not extend beyond 11:00 p.m. Mr. John Chomin, Save Our Pool Committee member, announced a twenty-four hour Swim-A-Thon to benefit the Pool commencing at noon, June 5th and concluding at noon on the 6th, swims to be in fifteen minute increments, also, encouraged all to 5-26-98 donate to the Pool fund this month inasmuch as a local resident has pledged a match for all May donations. Mr. Ed Simmons, 17th Street, mentioned his involvements since coming to Seal Beach in 1960, a lifeguard, kids baseball, the pool, police substation, etc. Mr. Simmons complained about First Street, the adjacent lot vacant since 1957, the same old fence, no sidewalks, maybe someone should build a wall and put in sidewalks; the beach, it is not clean, the water is not clean, pointed out the trash and debris dumped at the First Street beach; the same restrooms since 1938, the same fences around the pier and on the seawall, the seawall is a disaster, it is why the pier went down, sand, that is a joke, he could show aerial photos of the beach from the 1920's, there has only been beach problems since 1960, yet every year a berm goes up, a berm comes down, the water comes over, and sits. He questioned how much money has been spent over the years, Scripps could look into the problem, the various swells work every portion of the beach, there is a Lifeguard Department with personnel who have been there since 1965, why then is the City going to Moffat & Nichol for advice. The Hellman property, in 1960 there was just a barn, some outbuildings, the house was gone, and some trees where the Police Station now stands, it is now 1998, the land is the same, a bare lot. Mr. Simmons requested the new Council to work together, look into things, clean up the community, get some revenue back in the City. There being no further comments, Mayor Brown declared Oral Communications closed. I COUNCIL ITEMS I RESOLUTION NUMBER 4627 - AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN DEMANDS Resolution Number 4627 was presented to the Council entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN DEMANDS AND CHECKS FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF FUNDS ON DEPOSIT WITH THE BANK OF AMERICA AND WELLS FARGO BANK, AND AUTHORIZING ALTERNATE SIGNATURES, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NUMBER 4532." By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4627 was waived. Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to adopt Resolution Number 4627 as presented. AYES: NOES: Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost None Motion carried CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "c" thru "V" Doane moved, second by Yost, to approve the recommended action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except Items "F, J, 0, and R", removed for separate consideration. C. Approved the waiver of reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions and that consent to the waiver of reading shall be deemed to be given by all Councilmembers after reading of the title unless specific request is made at that time for the reading of such ordinance or resolution. I 5-26-98 D. Approved regular demands numbered 19343 through 19777 in the amount of $556,543.17, payroll demands numbered 26681 through 27067 in the amount of $500,667.82, and authorized warrants to be drawn on the Treasury for same. I E. Received and filed the status report from staff relating to Housing Element Legislation. G. Received and filed the staff report with regard to receipt of the Orange County Council of Governments Air Quality Update and priority Legislation Bill Tracking, and instructed staff to forward same to the Planning Commission and Environmental Quality Control Board for information purposes. H. Received and filed the staff report relating to the Regional Transportation Plans, Orange County Transportation Authority, May, 1998, and instructed staff to forward same to the Planning Commission and Environmental Quality Control Board for information purposes. 1. I Adopted Resolution Number 4628 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH ENDORSING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE LOCAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PARTICIPATE IN SAID PROGRAM," received and filed the report relating thereto, and instructed staff to forward same to the Environmental Quality Control Board for information. By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4628 was waived. K. Received and filed the sixth quarterly report relating to enforcement of the Daytime Curfew Ordinance. L. Received and filed the Monthly Investment Report for April, 1998. I M. Received and filed the notices of resignation of Dr. Paul Yost from the Planning Commission and Mr. Shawn Boyd from the Civil Service Board effective May 19, 1998, and declared the positions to be vacant. N. Accepted the resignation of Mr. William Lesher, the District Five representative to the Civil Service Board, and declared the position to be vacant for the unexpired term ending July, 1999. P. Approved the Professional Engineering Services Agreement between the City of Seal Beach and J. Muller International for 5-26-98 Q. design engineering services for the Marina Drive Bridge Rehabi1~tation, Project Number (49)-676, in the amount of $481,204, and authorized the City Manager to execute said Agreement on behalf of the city. I Adopted Resolution Number 4629 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO THE ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR FUNDING UNDER THE COMBINED TRANSPORTATION FUND PROGRAM." By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4629 was waived. S. Approved the Professional Engineering Services Agreement between the City of Seal Beach and John M. Tettemer & Associates, Ltd. to prepare a project design report for the replacement of the Seal Beach Boulevard sewer force main and pump station, project Number 043-49724-060, in an amount not to exceed $52,500, and authorized the City Manager to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City. T. AYES: NOES: Adopted Resolution Number 4631 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION FOR ADMINISTRATION OF A GRANT APPROPRIATED FROM THE PETROLEUM VIOLATION ESCROW ACCOUNT UNDER ASSEMBLY BILL 1671", received and filed the staff report relating thereto, instructed staff to prepare additional reports as appropriate, and to forward same to the Environmental Quality Control Board for information purposes. By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4631 was waived. I U. Adopted Resolution Number 4632 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH OPPOSING EXPANSION OF THE ORANGE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT's SERVICE BOUNDARIES." By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4632 was waived. V. Approved the plans and specifications for Citywide Concrete Access Ramps, Project Number 675, and authorized staff to initiate the bidding process. I Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost None Motion carried 5-26-98 ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR I ITEM "F" - LIFEGUARD VEHICLE SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT - ORANGE COAST MARKETING COALITION Councilman Boyd commended the Recreation Director and the Lifeguard Captain for their efforts in finalizing this agreement. He noted that the Agreement is a joint effort between the Orange County Beach Cities Coalition and Chevrolet, upon approval of the Agreement the Lifeguard Department will realize four S-lO trucks and one Blazer for their use, the savings to the City over a four year commitment will be $78,720, the cost of the five vehicles being $7,872 over the same period. Campbell moved, second by Boyd, to approve the Orange Coast Marketing Coalition Lifeguard Vehicle Sponsorship Agreement, the term of which is two years with one optional two year extension, and authorized the City Manager to execute same on behalf of the City. AYES: NOES: Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost None Motion carried I ITEM "J" - PROPOSED AIRPORT ENVIRONS LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENTS - OVERFLIGHT ZONES With regard to the Airport Land Use Commission, Councilmember Campbell announced that the airport overflight zones are not going to be considered in the near future, most likely for at least a year as a number of cities had voiced their concerns, however of interest is that noise contours are much more restrictive than overflight zones yet there was no mention of that when they were put in place in 1994. Campbell moved, second by Boyd, to receive and file the report, and instructed staff to forward same to the Planning Commission and Environmental Quality Control Board for information purposes. AYES: NOES: Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost None Motion carried ITEM "0" - APPROVAL OF MINUTES Noting that Counci1members Boyd, Doane and Yost were not members of the Council at the time of the subject meetings therefore would abstain from voting on this item, Brown moved, second by Campbell, to approve the minutes of the December 8th, 1997 regular adjourned and regular meetings, and the December 11th, 1997 regular adjourned meeting. I AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: Brown, Campbell None Boyd, Doane, Yost Motion carried ITEM "R" - RESOLUTION NUMBER 4630 - TAX REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE - 1998/99 Counci1member Campbell questioned the fifteen month term of the Notes rather than a shorter period inasmuch as the intent of the TRAN is to cover cash shortfall at certain times of the year. The Director of Administrative Services explained that the Notes will be for a period of twelve months, the 5-26-98 California Financing Authority offered twelve, thirteen, and fifteen months yet fifteen months is not recommended for small cities, also, the information received this date shows the spread between the City's yield and TRAN interest rate is two percent, the recommendation is for a twelve month period. Campbell moved, second by Boyd, to adopt Resolution Number 4630 entitled "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE BORROWING OF FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998-1999; THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF A 1998-1999 TAX AND REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE THEREFOR AND PARTICIPATION IN THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES CASH FLOW FINANCING PROGRAM." By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4630 was waived. I AYES: NOES: Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost None Motion carried RENT DISPOSITION AGREEMENT - TEAM PETROLEUM The City Manager reported that the firm of Team Petroleum has indicated an interest in relocating to Seal Beach, a low impact business that engages in the buying and selling of gasoline and diesel products to large corporations. He stated that discussions with the owner, Kristen Schaffner, commenced several months ago, inasmuch as this business has ten employees, creates no traffic impacts, an inquiry of the owner was whether the City would consider, given the substantial sales tax return that would be anticipated by the I City, the use of a small portion of that to offset her cost of relocating the company offices to Seal Beach in the Mitchell Plaza buildings. The Manager noted there has been discussion of a five year lease with an option to renew, by entering such agreement it is felt the City could achieve a net gain, after reimbursements are paid to Team Petroleum, of a ratio of four or five to one on the City's investment, this relocation could substantially increase the sales tax revenue to the City each year. The Manager said it is not for certain that the relocation will actually occur however it is felt important to authorize the finalization of the terms of the agreement pending a decision by Team Petroleum. He emphasized that only in the event this business generates sales tax sufficient to fully cover the costs to the City of the reimbursement plan would there be any reimbursement to the business, primarily a no risk opportunity for the City. In response to Council, the Manager offered that a recent Orange County Business Journal reports Team Petroleum billings of $25 million, an increase of about thirty-nine percent from the previous year, one percent of that would be realized by the City assuming that all are taxable sales, I however from a conservative standpoint around $160,000 may have been realized by the City last year if Team were located in this community. Councilman Boyd noted this business is reported to be quite progressive, future revenues are projected to increase up to twenty percent a year, this an opportunity to increase sales tax revenue to the City by possibly ten percent, and with daytime business hours only and seven to ten employees, this appears to be a no risk, favorable opportunity. Councilman Yost questioned if the agreement is specific to this company only. The Manager 5-26-98 I responded that given this particular business the City would likely be receptive if someone else were to take it over in time. Councilman Yost commended this type of arrangement, a positive for Mitchell Plaza as well, however requested assurance that the City Attorney has reviewed the agreement and that there is no risk. The City Attorney noted their firm drafted the agreement, have been through the negotiations, the firm is comfortable with the document, and noted that the agreement does provide an assignment clause whereby the contract would be binding on a successor in interest. To a question of Councilmember Campbell, the Manager responded that Seal Beach would be the company headquarters, taxes based upon the point of sale, to have offices elsewhere would become a second point of sale and could constitute certain contract breaches. Councilman Boyd reported that the company intends to expand operations nationally, currently two employees are located out of State and act in a service representative capacity however most sales will occur on site, any expanded operations may include chemicals and management services, that too could mean another benefit or savings to the City sometime in the future. Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to approve the Agreement with Team Petroleum, subject to final review and modifications by the City Attorney, and authorized the City Manager to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City. I AYES: NOES: Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost None Motion carried I MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN AREA - NEW RESIDENTIAL USES / HEIGHT LIMITATIONS The Director of Development Services reported that the City has recently been approached by a new property owner on Main Street desiring to establish a residential use on a commercial property in conjunction with the operation of a business. He noted the Main Street Specific Plan does not permit new residential uses on Main Street, the residences that exist are legal non-conforming. The Director stated this is one of two issues that staff is requesting Council direction as to whether this is an issue that is desired to be further considered, if so there would be scheduled public hearings before the Planning Commission, such hearings noticed to Main Street property owners and adjacent residential properties, the area basically from 7th to 11th Streets. As to the second issue, the number of stories that can be built on Main Street commercial properties, the Director mentioned that the staff report tracks building heights historically over the years, to which he explained that the Main Street Specific plan allows a thirty foot building height however does not specify the number of stories, provisions of the Building Code determines the number of stories based upon minimum ceiling height, therefore within a thirty foot building envelope three stories can generally be built and meet all Building Code requirements. He noted that staff has received some public concerns as to a pending application with regard to this issue indicating that there was an understanding in the mid- 1980's that direction was given to only allow two story 5-26-98 buildings however the development ordinances were never amended to effectuate such direction. The Director offered that should the Council choose to address this issue an urgency ordinance has been prepared that would prohibit staff from processing any new development plans for three story buildings on Main Street pending the issue being considered under public hearings at both the Planning Commission and City,Council levels. He pointed out that provisions for Main Street have basically not changed since 1974, new zoning standards were adopted in 1968, at that time the height limit was thirty-five feet, no specifics relating to the number of stories, the standards revised in 1974 to reflect a thirty foot height. He again invited direction of the Council and suggested adoption of the urgency ordinance inasmuch as someone could make application for a thirty foot, three story building as early as tomorrow, meeting all current Code provisions. To Council question as to pending applications for three story buildings on Main Street, the Director responded that there is one project that has been reviewed, has gone to Coastal Commission, and is in final plan check, that being the vacant lot in the three hundred block, the urgency ordinance provides for exclusion of that property given its current status in the process, other inquiries regarding three story structures have involved inclusion of residential use. Councilman Boyd made reference to a 1984 report that specified a thirty foot height limit, that was adopted, mention also of a two story limit, twenty-five feet of building with five feet for architectural treatment, somehow that was not adopted, also, to allow residential use to be factored into Main Street is not consistent with the current down-zoning. Mayor Brown inquired as to the desire of the Council. Councilman Boyd voiced his feeling that the urgency ordinance would allow an opportunity to reexamine these issues. The Director offered that the public hearing process would likely propose a Code amendment, and based upon comments of Council at this point would involve tracking the language from the mid-1980 documents. With reference to the Main Street Specific plan, Councilman Yost inquired if density was addressed, a third story would be thirty percent greater density. The Director offered that density relative to commercial development was not an issue in approving the Specific Plan, rather it was the number of certain types of uses that would be appropriate for the Street, there being no recollection of an issue with regard to the number of stories within a thirty foot building envelope. The City Manager said he believed that the limiting factor was the parking requirement, in conjunction with the Specific Plan was the Parking Impact Program which set a fee of $3,500 per space, as an example, the parking requirement for a change from retail to restaurant use would be significant, it was felt the same concept applied to an additional building story, and pointed out that this is the first application for a third story even though it has been allowed by Code for years, as economic conditions change possibly the cost of parking now pencils, therefore the moratorium would provide the opportunity for further review and reconsideration. The Director confirmed that a Negative Declaration had been prepared for the Main Street Specific Plan. Councilman Yost I I I 5-26-98 I indicated his preference to not put things on hold, which often creates problems, and questioned how this issue got to this point of being before the Council. The Manager said it is reasonable to believe it is because those on the Commission, the Council, and staff have never dealt with the number of stories issue before, this is a first application, and although it has been known that the one application was coming, it seemed likely that at some point in the process there would have been need for a hearing, discussion, or whatever, and now it is found that staff was unaware of any prior suggestions relating to this issue. To a question of Councilman Yost, the Director confirmed that the moratorium applies to the Main Street Specific Plan Zone only, Main Street from Pacific Coast Highway to Ocean, will not impact other commercial areas in the City or residential properties. There was a suggestion that residential use be looked at as well. Councilmember Campbell claimed the moratorium would impact any work proposed to take place on Main Street, to which the City Attorney clarified that the only entitlement is three story structures, there is no impact on other improvements. I ORDINANCE NUMBER 1432 - MORATORIUM - THREE-STORY STRUCTURES - MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN AREA - URGENCY Councilman Boyd moved to adopt Ordinance Number 1432 entitled "AN INTERIM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM ON THE ISSUANCE OF DEVELOPMENT ENTITLEMENTS FOR ANY THREE-STORY COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE WITHIN THE MAIN STREET SPECIFIC PLAN AREA AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF." Councilmember Campbell seconded the motion. By unanimous consent, full reading of Ordinance Number 1432 was waived. AYES: NOES: Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost None Motion carried The City Attorney clarified that Ordinance Number 1432 is valid for a period of forty-five days, a hearing on the extension thereof will be held before the City Council within that time period, also, Section 5 of the ordinance provides the procedure for relief from the moratorium. I COMPUTER SYSTEM UPGRADE The City Manager presented the staff report relating to the request to upgrade the computer systems at the police Department, Lifeguard Department, and City Hall. He noted that the systems are old, in poor working condition, the Police Department system is incapable of using 'windows' and is incompatible with the West Covina system where it is required to be by contract, the Finance Department system is not dependable, poses problems with payroll, accuracy of billings, etc. The Manager explained that the end of the month deadline needs to be met to remain eligible for the Federal grant funds, the intent of the bid process of the City has been met as to receipt of competitive quotes, specifications, and acceptance of the best price available. The Manager asked that the Council make the findings necessary to proceed with the informal bid process, and to award the contract to the lowest bidder, Micron. The Manager 5-26-98 recognized Mr. Mike Maguldi, a reserve police officer, who worked on this project during his off time. councilman Boyd spoke favorably of updating the computer systems, extending his thanks too. He asked that for assurance that the City did not just seek the best price, rather the best value. Captain Maiten acknowledged Reserve Officer Maguldi as a communications system specialist by trade, reported that the cost of the system has dropped from an $88,000 quote to $68,000, which was obtained this date, as to the company, Micron, it is used by the Air Force, Hughes, is highly spoken of in the trade, it is felt the equipment will last at least four to six years. The Captain confirmed that the three sites will be linked, either by telephone line or a state of the art radio frequency. Mr. Maguldi noted the addition of dual pentium servers, two processors and mirrored drives for redundancy and backup. I Boyd moved, second by Yost, that it is in the best interest of the City to dispense with the formal bidding process on the basis that 1) the City may lose funding if this matter is deferred until formal bidding process requirements are met, and 2) due to the nature of the competitive market, soliciting bids from three major vendors satisfies the intent of the bidding requirements that the City receive the best equipment at the lowest price, and approved the purchase of upgraded computer equipment from Micron Computers. AYES: NOES: Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost None Motion carried I CITY MANAGER REPORTS The City Manager reported that prior to a recent meeting of the WestCom board of Directors at which the operating budgets for the three participating cities were to be adopted, the initial projected costs of two years ago were reviewed and it was found that the Seal Beach budget of $377,000 is actually $12,000 below those projected costs. Mayor Brown recommended that each member of the Council visit the WestCom facility, view the operation, and the cooperation of the three participating cities. Councilman Boyd asked if it is open for public tours based on availability, to which Chief Sellers responded that because of the level of operations there is a need to limit visitation primarily because of noise levels. The Mayor suggested that possibly an informational video be made of the WestCom operation for public interest. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Brown declared Oral Communications open. Mr. Gordon Shanks, District Three, requested confirmation of former Police Chief Stearns having filed for disability. Being a public record, the City Attorney said he believed that the former Chief has filed a claim. Mr. Shanks mentioned the last three Chiefs of Police, all of which retired on disability, and suggested that in some way the disability retirements in Seal Beach must stop. Dr. Connie Joy said she has had a medical practice in Long Beach for eighteen years, now the owner of two lots in the 300 block of Main Street, I 5-26-98 I the property developed initially in 1973 by her husband which houses a commercial business and a residence on the second story. With reference to the Main Street Specific Plan Zone, Dr. Joy mentioned the thirty foot and three story issues, stated the desire is to develop the properties, which is presently a drive-through parking area, to combine the two lots and build a nice structure, plans have been drawn, there is no desire to develop to the point of having a parking problem, yet now there is the issue of three stories, however the structure can be made to look like two stories through terracing of the second and third stories so that no matter where one stands to the front of the first floor retail use there is the impact of only two stories. Dr. Joy proposed that the Council allow three stories while maintaining the mandatory parking requirements, also allow a residential use on the third story, where such use presently exists. Dr. Joy said their proposal is to do a complete tear-down and build a new structure, this in turn would bring money into the City given the proposed surgical/medical facility use with a residence on the third story. Councilman Yost suggested that Dr. Joy present her comments to the Planning Commission when these issues are considered. There being no further comments, Mayor Brown declared Oral Communications closed. I COUNCIL CONCERNS Councilman Doane acknowledged his support of the Seal Beach business community, where he has made many new acquaintances. He noted having invited Councilmember Boyd to a recent Business Association mixer, commended him for his attendance at which he said the Councilman was welcomed, and pointed out that the mixers are open to all members of the Council. Councilman Yost expressed regret at the recent passing of Chet,Silvers, a valuable supporter of the Animal Care Center, his service scheduled for Saturday with a request for donations to the Center in lieu of flowers. He mentioned that the Hellman project is in jeopardy at this point, the Commission staff has recommended approval of the housing and wetland elements, denial of the golf course element, which poses a significant problem, and announced that the next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10th in Santa Barbara at the Radisson Inn. He reported that while walking his Council District he found that an overwhelming number of persons of that District and the community in whole is in favor of the Hellman project, he requested attendance at the upcoming hearing to show the support of the community, announced also that a charter bus will be available for transport, and provided contact numbers for Mr. Bartlett and Mrs. Forsythe, and the web page for the Coastal Commission. Mayor Brown in turn announced that a bus will also be leaving from Leisure World for Santa Barbara at 7:00 a.m. to return about 6:00 p.m. Councilmember Boyd thanked Bob and Eileen Griffith for their fund matching offer during the month of May of up to $10,000 for the Save Our Pool campaign. He noted the beach closure on Memorial weekend, which impacts not only the image of the City but the financial aspects of the City and the business community, and as a Councilperson he would like to seek the identity of the responsible parties upstream and then commence forwarding them the costs and I 5-26-98 I 6-4-98 losses, pursue dialogue with the upstream cities and agencies who may have responsibility for the pollution that ends up on the beach at Seal Beach. He suggested that there be release of information to the press as to what is being done about beach closures, etc. Councilman Boyd requested comments from the public, preferably in writing, of suggestions as to how customer service at City Hall and City Departments can be improved. Councilmember Campbell mentioned that given the lack of calls this past week the cable service must have been somewhat better, and announced again the Comcast promotion in conjunction with the Los Angeles Times, a newspaper subscription for $1.79 per week for a year, current and new subscribers. She announced that the close of the comment period for the Bixby Draft EIR is Friday, May 29th at 4:00 p.m., the City Clerk will be available to accept them, also that the final Environmental Quality Control Board meeting prior to the close of the comment period will be tomorrow evening in Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Brown thanked the Council for the cooperative atmosphere of the meeting. He mentioned also that the Council will continue to work towards lowering the utility users tax. I ADJOURNMENT It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting until Thursday, June 4th, for a budget workshop. By unanimous consent, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Approved: clerk I Attest: Seal Beach, California June 4, 1998 The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular adjourned session at 4:06 p.m. with Mayor Brown calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Brown Councilmembers Boyd, Yost I Absent: Councilmembers Campbell, Doane Councilmember Campbell arrived at 4:15 p.m. and Councilman Doane arrived at approximately 4:35 p.m.