HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1998-07-27
7-13-98 / 7-27-98
ADJOURNMENT
It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting
until July 27th at 6:30 p.m. to meet in Closed Session if
deemed necessary. By unanimous consent, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
Attest:
lerk and ex-offic 0
e City of Seal Beach
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Approved:
Seal Beach, California
July 27, 1998
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The City council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 6:33 p.m. with Mayor Brown calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Brown
Councilmembers Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Yost
Absent: None
Also present: Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
The City Manager joined the Council in Closed Session.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By unanimous consent, the Council approved the order of the
agenda.
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CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney announced that the Council would meet in
Closed Session to confer with legal counsel with regard to
anticipated litigation pursuant to Government Code Sections
54956.9(b) and (a), and pursuant to Government Code Section
54957, a publ~c employee performance evaluation of the city
Manager,. By unanimous consent, the Council adjourned to
Closed Session at 6:36 p.m. and reconvened at 6:57 p.m. with
Mayor Brown calling the meeting to order. The City Attorney
reported the City Council had given direction to the City
Manager with regard to the first item of anticipated
litigation, the Council did not have adequate time to address
the other two items, therefore the intent is to adjourn this
meeting until 8:30 to reconvene in Closed Session.
The meeting was recessed at 6:58 p.m. and reconvened at 9:02
p.m.
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CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney announced that the Council would adjourn to
Closed Session to discuss the items identified on the 6:30
p.m. and 7:00 p.m. agendas. The Council adjourned to Closed
Session at 9:02 p.m. and reconvened at 10:10 p.m. with Mayor
Brown calling the meeting to order. The City Attorney
reported the Council had discussed the two items identified
on the agenda, with regard to the second item of anticipated
litigation pursuant, to Government Code Sections 54956.9(b)
and (a), the Council gave direction to the City Manager, and
with respect to the personnel matter, pursuant to Government
Code Section 54957, the Council gave direction to the City
Attorney.
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ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 p.m.
Attest:
clerk
Approved:
6-
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Seal Beach, California
July 27, 1998
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:08 p.m. with Mayor Brown calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Brown
Councilmembers Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Yost
Absent:
None
Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mrs. Stoddard, Director of Administrative
Services
Chief Sellers, Police Department
Captain Maiten, Police Department
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
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7-27-98
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Campbell requested Items "N, R, and S" be
removed from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration,
and Councilman Boyd requested Items "K and M" removed. Boyd
moved, second by Campbell, to approve the order of the agenda
as revised.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
PRESENTATIONS
MAYOR's BUSINESS BEAUTIFUL AWARD
Mayor Brown cited the difficulties of selecting a recipient
of the semi-annual Business Beautiful Award inasmuch as so
many businesses in the community do such a good job. He
noted the beauty of the Stats store, most particularly the
inside, and welcomed their business to the City of Seal
Beach. He introduced Ms. Rose Schwinn and presented the
Mayor's Award in recognition of Stats promoting and enhancing
the image of this City. Ms. Schwinn accepted the Award with
appreciation, noted the warm welcome of their business from
the people in the area, and expressed their pleasure to be in
Seal Beach and the Rossmoor Center.
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CABLE FOUNDATION
Mr. Marty Mahrer introduced Ms. Kathy Risk, a consultant, her
company named Communications Support Group which he said
assists city governments in the area of community television
organization and video productions, that includes production
management, engineering, maintenance, and equipment, graphic
arts, budgets, channel programming, etc. He stated Ms. Risk
is an independent consultant working in Los Angeles, and
assists such cities as Mission Viejo, Beverly Hills, Santa
Ana, Newport Beach, and Cerritos, to name a few, and has
received a number of awards as a videographer and film maker.
Ms. Risk said she was the original community access
programmer in Seal Beach some fourteen years ago, her company
helps the rethinking of community television, franchising has
changed, the large monetary contributions of the past are no
longer, the result being considerable budget reductions by
cable companies, also, across the nation the equipment and
technology has changed dramatically, what was state of the
art no longer is. She offered that her informational packet
contains an overview of what is looked at when the television
environment is analyzed, some of which may help Seal Beach,
the guidelines apply from the high to the low end of
television, all of the elements must be present. Ms. Risk
said included also are guidelines used in the case study of
Mission Viejo, those having many similarities to what is
being dealt with in Seal Beach, and mentioned certain aspects
of the Mission Viejo negotiations such as a $50,000 grant for
equipment, approximately $57,000 annually in franchise
revenue, that being a small annual operating budget, which in
turn required an analysis of the existing program. She
described the situation as not having housing for community
television, the schools were approached resulting in a shared
studio with the high school, they too had out of date
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equipment, thereafter analysis was made of how much
management could be afforded to take care of equipment check-
out, organization and playout of video tapes, completion of
television shows, etc., in that case a part-time person was
retained by contract, the duties of the person running the
operation was analyzed which in part included the community I
bulletin board, assisting City productions and editing, the
duties of the coordinator were made specific yet not more
than one person could do, to do no more shows than could be
accommodated, and everything is by appointment. When it came
to budgeting, besides management and administration of
organizing the channels, programming itself was looked at,
there was not enough money to offer grants to producers,
rather, sponsors are now sought for productions,
consideration was given the types of shows that could be
produced that would be informative for the community and
would be viewed, a City talk show hosted by the Mayor was one
featuring topics chosen by the Mayor, most often shot in the
field, an animal shelter show, and independent magazine show
was funded also which is directed to City and community
activities, public input as to topics is encouraged, in the
past year or so fifty-seven shows have been done by local
producers, local programs can be produced at a reasonably low
cost. The Mission Viejo channel was structured in a PBS
style, outreached for free satellite programming and
purchased programs as well, some through the educational
system, those are wrapped around the broadcast of City I
productions, the programs are interesting, diverse and
creative. The community bulletin board was upgraded and
actually used to generate revenue, and she made reference to
the upgraded Comcast system in Santa Ana which actually is a
benefit to the other Comcast cities, improved graphics, etc.
Ms. Risk suggested involving a community group in the
creation of the bulletin board and revenue can be generated
by allowing businesses, etc. to show their identification.
Mayor Brown pointed out that the community bulletin board in
Seal Beach is now quite good. She noted again the change in
community television, sponsors can be obtained for programs,
advertising can be used to generate revenue, fund raising is
difficult for community television, no political ads are
allowed, however non-profit announcements are at no charge.
As to equipment and engineering, said engineering support is
essential, all television equipment is changing to digital,
however is less expensive than in the past, an inventory of
equipment should be made, identify if it is usable, is it
worth fixing, is it can be integrated, then develop a plan as
to what is going to be purchased over time, also, maintenance
of the facility and equipment is essential to its life. I
Mayor Brown commended the presentation of Ms. Risk, said he
would hope it has been presented to the Cable Foundation as
well, as they are an independent Foundation and will be
making the decisions, with support of the Council, the intent
is to make the local Channel 3 the best. Councilmember
Campbell noted that since local programming is now on its
own, attention needs to be specific as to the handling of the
limited amount of money available, prudent monetary
decisions. Noting that funding for cablecasting the Council
meetings is from the community television budget, Ms. Risk
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cited that as unusual, in most cities it is paid from the
city budget. Mr. Mahrer said his intent was that this
presentation be made to the Foundation as well, in even more
detail.
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Brown declared Oral Communications open. Ms. Teri
Quinlan, local program producer, stated that much of what Ms.
Risk described is already being done in Seal Beach. She
expressed her views as to the current public access
situation, that the Foundation chair does not conduct proper
meetings, there is dissention between the Board, the
producers, and the coordinator, there is confusion,
frustration, and an inability to get business done, she
alleged violations of the Brown Act, and the selection of
officers was done with no prior notice. The Mayor suggested
that Ms. Quinlan put her comments in writing and submit them
to Councilman Doane. Ms. Quinlan continued, stated there is
need for parliamentary procedure to be followed, voiced
objection to the demeanor of the Foundation Chair, and called
for reorganization. The Mayor advised that the Council is
somewhat aware of the issues mentioned, will help as it can,
however pointed out that the Foundation is a separate agency
from the City, run by its Board. Mr. Mario Voce, Seal Beach
and member of the EQCB, mentioned that the Environmental
Quality Control Board is losing two of its members, Mr. Jeff
Christ and Dr. David Rosenman, and expressed appreciation for
their past services. Mr. Voce made reference to the topping
of trees, most recent and specific reference was the windrow
of eucalyptus trees on Seal Beach Boulevard just north of
Lampson that he claimed have been fiercely trimmed. He
expressed strong objection to such trimming, said each type
of tree needs to be handled according to its species, trees
should not be topped, and urged that only professional
arborists be used. He displayed a flier from the tree
committee urging citizens to not top trees which removes
years and decades of growth. The Mayor noted that Mr. Christ
is relocating to Arizona, mentioned that seeking his
replacement on the EQCB, however attempts to reach Mr. Steve
Jones of College Park West have yet been unsuccessful. There
being no further comments, Mayor Brown declared Oral
Communications closed.
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COUNCIL ITEMS
APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS I COMMISSIONS
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Environmental Quality Control Board
Councilman Boyd expressed appreciation for the past services
of Dr. Rosenman as member of the Environmental Quality
Control Board, and appointed Mr. Joseph Porter, III, as the
District One representative to fill the unexpired term
expiring July, 2001.
Mayor Brown requested that the District Two appointment to
the Environmental Quality Control Board be held over until
next meeting.
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Archaeoloqical Advisorv Committee
Mayor Brown requested that the District Two appointment to
the Archaeological Advisory Committee be held over.
Planninq Commission
Mayor Brown confirmed his reappointment of Mr. John Larson as
the District Two representative to the Planning Commission
for the unexpired term ending July, 2001.
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Seal Beach Cable Communications Foundation
Mayor Brown appointed Ms. Betty Martin as the District Two
appointee to the Seal Beach Cable Communications Foundation
for the two year term expiring July, 2000.
Brown moved, second by Boyd, to approve the appointments as
stated.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
HEIGHT LIMITS - COMMERCIAL ZONES
Councilmember Campbell made reference to her memorandum to
the Council that sets forth the various districts and height
limits, she said the residential areas show the number of
stories, the commercial areas do not set forth a number of
stories, to which she requested a review of existing height
limits, including the number of stories, at the same time a I
review of Main Street is taking place. Councilman Yost
inquired if the intent is to include the height of uses along
Main Street, including residential use, to which the response
was in the affirmative. To a question of residential use as
addressed in the Specific Plan, the Director of Development
Services explained that the Specific plan recognized existing
residential structures and allowed them to remain however
does not allow for new residential units on Main Street, and
recalled that during the prior discussion of three stories on
Main Street there had been an individual that expressed
desire that consideration be given to new residential units
above existing retail or commercial uses, at that point
council direction was more towards the three story issue than
residential use. The Mayor said there does not seem to be
fault with building heights at this point, it appears the
request is to look more specifically at the number of stories
within the height limits, and to inquiry if that is a typical
in other cities, the Director responded it varies from city
to city.
Councilmember Campbell moved to request Planning Commission
review of all heights limits in the City especially as they I
relate to stories, the number thereof, this to be done in
conjunction with the Main Street height, story, and
residential use review. Councilman Boyd amended the motion
for clarification that the Planning commission be directed to
review the maximum height in all districts and zones as well
as the maximum number of stories, and seconded the motion as
clarified. The Director requested clarification as to
whether this request relates to just commercial zones or to
residential as well, noting that there are existing height
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and story limitations for the residential zones. Councilman
Yost emphasized all commercial zones, C-l, C-2, limited
commercial, etc. and Main Street.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
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NOISE STANDARDS - COMMERCIAL ZONES
Councilmember Campbell made reference to Appendix G of the
EIR for the Bixby project, Noise Assessment, which states
that Seal Beach does not have noise standards for commercial
uses, reference also to Chapter 130 of the City Code which
sets forth the designation for the different noise zones,
also exterior noise standards for commercial zones of sixty-
five decibels at any time, however, there are no standards
for interior noise in commercial areas, to which she
recommended adoption of a fifty decibel standard, and for
noise sensitive uses such as hospitals, churches, etc. an
interior noise standard of forty-five decibels. She noted
that at a recent Airport Land Use Commission sponsored work
session it was stated that noise standards are arbitrary and
are set at the discretion of a City Council. Councilmember
Campbell requested that this issue be referred to the
Planning Commission for consideration. In response to
Council, the City Attorney confirmed that this matter is not
a zone text amendment, is not required to be referred to the
Planning Commission, yet that is at the discretion of the
Council, or the Council could direct that an ordinance be
prepared for consideration at the next meeting. Councilman
Doane noted that his recent appointment to the Planning
Commission has made a noise study similar to this issue.
Campbell moved, second by Boyd, to refer the issue of
interior noise standards for commercial zones to the Planning
Commission for review and recommendation.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
BOARD and COMMISSION AGENDA PACKETS
Councilman Boyd noted receipt last week of the Planning
Commission agenda packet via mail delivery, suggested that
practice cease, that board and commission packets be placed
in the Council mailboxes, resulting in a postage saving
throughout the year. Boyd moved, second by Campbell, that
board and commission packets be distributed through the
Council mail boxes.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
ORANGE COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY
Councilman Boyd pointed out that Seal Beach is a member of
the Orange County Regional Airport Authority however there is
currently no designated representative to that agency, noting
that Councilmember Campbell attended prior to her appointment
to the Airport Land Use Commission. He mentioned that the
City pays a membership, however that membership does not
constitute whether the Council supports or opposes an El Toro
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Airport, yet as a member agency someone should attend their
meetings. Councilmember Yost said his understanding is that
the Authority takes a rather specific position, therefore if
someone is designated as a representative it gives the
impression that the City has taken a position, therefore his
recommendation would be to not make an appointment at this
time. Councilman Boyd countered that if the City is going to
be a member that in itself indicates that the City has taken
a position, his opinion would be to either represent the City
or not belong, to that statement there was some concurrence
indicated. Councilman Doane noted that with his past
attendance at meetings of various agencies he did not feel a
consensus of the Council was absolutely necessary. Mayor
Brown suggested that this item be continued until the next
meeting for consideration, to which the Council agreed.
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CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "0" thru "s"
Doane moved, second by Yost, to approve the recommended
action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except
Items "K, M, N, R, and S", removed for separate
consideration.
D.
Approved the waiver of reading in full of
all ordinances and resolutions and that
consent to the waiver of reading shall be
deemed to be given by all Councilmembers
after reading of the title unless specific
request is made at that time for the
reading of such ordinance or resolution.
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E. Received and filed the staff report relating
to receipt of the Final Work Plan - Supplemental
Characterization of Site 7 - Weapons Support
Facility, and instructed staff to forward same
to the Environmental Quality Control Board for
information purposes.
F. Received and filed the staff report relating
the Seal Beach weapons Station Installation to
Restoration program - Status Report regarding
All Installation Restoration Sites, and
instructed staff to forward same to the Planning
Commission, Environmental Quality Control Board,
and Archaeological Advisory Committee for
information purposes.
G.
Received and filed the staff report with regard
to the receipt of Final Action Memoranduml
Removal Action Work Plan - Non-Time Critical
Removal Action for Installation Restoration
Program Site 19 - Building 241 Disposal Pit,
Weapons Support Facility, Seal Beach, and
instructed staff to forward same to the
Environmental Quality Control Board and the
Archaeological Advisory Committee for
information purposes.
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H.
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Received and filed the staff report with regard
to the receipt of Final Revision 1- Engineering
Evaluation/Cost Analysis for Operable Unit 1,
Site 1, - Wastewater Settling Pond, weapons
Support Facility, Seal Beach, and instructed
staff to forward same to the Environmental
Quality Control Board and the Archaeological
Advisory Committee for information purposes.
I. Received and filed the staff report relating
to the South Coast Air Quality Management
District Board Report regarding Amended Rule
1401, New Source Review of Toxic Air
Contaminants, and instructed staff to forward
same to the Environmental Quality Control
Board for information purposes.
J. Approved the five year extension, through
June 30, 2003, of the Agreement for Prosecution
Services by and between the City and the County
of Orange, and authorized the Mayor to execute
same on behalf of the City.
L.
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O.
P.
AYES:
NOES:
Approved regular demands numbered 20194 through
20359 in the amount of $249,184.19, payroll
demands numbered 100 through 295 in the amount
of $185,519.55, and authorized warrants to be
drawn on the Treasury for same.
Rejected the sole bid for the Citywide Concrete
Access Ramp Project (CDBG KC97016), Project
Number 675, and authorized staff to reprogram
the funding, $20,000 to finance ADA accessible
doors at City Hall.
Approved the Agreement to provide Mandated Cost
Saving Services between the City and David
M. Griffith & Associates, Ltd., and authorized
the City Manager to execute same on behalf of
the City.
Q.
Received and filed the Monthly Investment
Report for June, 1998.
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
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ITEM "K" - JAIL FACILITY - CONTRACT RENEWAL - CORRECTIONAL
SERVICES
At the request of the Mayor and in reference to a fatality
incident some time back, Captain Maiten explained that under
the existing contract the City is fully insured by the policy
carried by CSI, they assumed the cost of the legal fees, and
that coverage will continued under the renewed contract. As
to the persons housed at the facility, the Captain stated
they are primarily federal low risk offenders serving the
7-27-98
last thirty to ninety days of their term, there is an
approval/denial ability on the part of the City and should
there be an indicated problem an individual is returned to
federal control. The jail facility use program costs the
City nothing, rather, the revenue to the City is about
$120,000, in addition, there is a benefit from the officers
spending more time in the field in lieu of the transport of
individuals to the Orange County facility. As to detention
of felony arrests, the Captain explained that a distinction
is made between those arrested locally and those from
outside, if there is thought to be a physical danger they are
transported to the Orange County jail immediately, if not
they are transported to court the following morning, noting
that there are various degrees of felonies and levels of
risk, some that have been taken are ex-felons that have been
reclassified, that determined somewhat by their actions in
custody, by the end of a term they may be considered low
risk, some that are not taken are child molesters, rapists,
murderers, etc. Councilman Boyd commended the efforts of the
Captain and the Chief, said the jail program is a benefit to
the City and the Police Department. Boyd moved, second by
Campbell, to approve the renewal of the contract with
Correctional Services, Inc. as amended, for a term of three
years after the completion of the original contract on April
10, 1999, to manage and staff the Seal Beach jail facility.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
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ITEM "M" - PLANS / SPECIFICATIONS - MAIN STREET IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT
Councilman Boyd noted the request is to approve the plans and
specifications for the Main Street Improvement Project, and
inquired if this action essentially approves the plan. The
response of the Director of Public Works was in the
affirmative, this would then authorize staff to put the
project out to bid, with the City Manager adding that this is
the next step, and depending on the pilot project bids staff
will likely propose some deletions, the Council can then
prioritize and move forward with whatever is desired.
Councilman Boyd noted that there are no plans accompanying
the staff report for review. The Manager explained that the
architect worked with a group of citizens, polled the
community, the Council, and staff to put together a
conceptual plan, long term and short term pilot projects, the
Council had approved the concept and authorized staff to
commence preparations of specifications, to which he offered
that the plans could be changed prior to an award of bid, if
approved the plan is to keep to schedule and possibly finish
before the holidays. Councilman Boyd stated his intent is to
have input into the proposed improvements, consistent with
the desires of this Council, and Councilman Yost too said he
had some concerns and comments, costs being one issue. The
Manager offered that this item could be postponed or it could
be approved and the Council could then review the plans and
adjustments can be made to the specifications. Boyd moved,
second by Campbell, to approve the plans and specifications
for the Main Street Improvement Plan, Project Number 801,
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Street and Parking Lots, and Project Number 802, City Hall
and Pier Restroom Renovation and Off-Main Parking Lot Vendor
Facade, and authorized staff to initiate the public contract
bidding process.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
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ITEM "N" - STATUS - PUBLIC WORKS YARD - FUEL TANKS
REPLACEMENT - PROJECT 692
Councilmember Campbell mentioned that she had posed several
questions to the Director of Public Works relating to this
item, and requested that he provide clarification for the
benefit of the Council. The Director said that the deadline
to remove the tanks is quickly approaching, that however does
not require a replacement with new tanks, meeting the
deadline allows the City to be eligible for State Cleanup
funding, if the deadline is not met the penalty is $5,000 per
day. He noted that question was raised if the tanks should
be replaced, to that he said other options could be explored,
one would be to work with the Navy, unfortunately they have
not done anything like this before, they are looking into
whether the City could obtain fuel from them, of primary
concern to the Police Department is emergency fuel services,
fuel cards could be obtained to access any fueling station,
that at least on an interim basis, again the concern is with
an emergency. The Director said the answers to those
questions are not yet complete, however of importance is to
proceed with the tank removal. Councilman Boyd noted some
discrepancy between the cost shown in the staff report and
the budgeted amount, his issue as to not replacing the tanks
would be a savings of about $200,000 and go to a private
vendor fuel card system as long as there are provisions for
emergency situations, and said his calculations show an
expenditure last year of about $75,000 for fuel and diesel,
the aggregate cost about $1.13 per gallon, which is not that
much of a lesser cost than the private supplier, which is
hoped will strengthen the argument against replacing the
tanks.
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Doane moved, second by Boyd, to authorize staff to continue
the existing contract with Kleinfelder for removal of the
fuel tanks, defer the decision to construct a new fuel
facility, direct staff to negotiate a fueling service
contract on an interim basis, and to provide a complete
analysis of costs for further Council consideration upon
stabilization of the UST construction market after the
December 28, 1998 tank removal deadline.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
ITEM "R" - ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
When referring to the local library councilmember Campbell
said she would presume the reference is to the Mary Wilson
Library, however the Rossmoor/Los Alamitos library is in Seal
Beach and asked if there is budget information on that
facility in that it is used by at least a fifth of the
7-27-98
community. Mayor Brown noted that that branch is considered
a regional facility for County Library System accounting
purposes, that he personally had serious discussions with the
County Librarian, John Adams, as their intent had been to cut
back the three libraries serving Seal Beach, the facility at
Leisure World was purchased, and there was strong urging to
maintain Rossmoor/Los Alamitos as a regional facility where
Los Alamitos had to assume a portion of the cost, therefore
the cutback was proportionate as is the funding, and noted
that the Rossmoor/Los Alamitos facility actually fared better
than Mary Wilson given the number of persons that use it.
Councilman Boyd suggested that the County be approached again
to seek more funding to bring the Mary Wilson facility back
to full operation. The Mayor pointed out that there are some
cities that are contributors to the system, Seal Beach is a
donor city, the agreement that was struck is considered to be
good. Councilman Boyd did note that funding is about $10,000
more than last year, yet the library is closed some days and
the hours are short, thus his feeling that more funding
should be sought in that the financial condition of the
County is much improved. To an inquiry of the Mayor,
Councilman Boyd offered to discuss this matter with Mr.
Adams. Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to support the County
Librarian's proposal to maintain current staffing levels and
service hours at the Seal Beach library.
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AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
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ITEM "s" - COUNCIL MINUTES
Brown moved, second by Campbell, to approve the minutes of
the regular meeting of April 27, 1998.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Brown, Campbell
None
Boyd, Doane, Yost
Motion carried
Campbell moved, second by Boyd, to approve the minutes of the
regular adjourned meeting of May 19th, 1998.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
Councilmember Campbell questioned the maker of a statement
shown on the last page of the May 22nd minutes under the
caption of the Orange County Fire Authority. Boyd moved,
second by Yost, to approve the minutes of the regular
adjourned meeting of May 22nd, 1998. Councilman Doane noted
that he had been absent.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Yost
None
Doane
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Motion carried
It was the consensus of the Council to extend the reconvening
of the Closed Session until 9:00 p.m.
7-27-98
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PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTION NUMBER 465QA- COMPREHENSIVE FEE
SCHEDULE
Mayor Brown declared the public hearing open to consider the
Comprehensive Fee Schedule. The City Clerk certified that
notice of the public he~ring had been advertised as required
by law, and reported no communications received relating to
this item. The City Manager noted that the Schedule reflects
few changes, some only because they are adjusted annually by
means of an established formula such as the Transportation
Facilities and Programs Development Fees raised by a quarter
of a percent, Beach Parking Services merely sets forth the
rate structure established about a year ago, fees for
Community Center Facilities are increased to recover the cost
of having a staff person present when the facilities are
being used, the same for the athletic facilities, and
swimming pool fees adjusted that will in turn benefit that
facility. Councilman Yost requested clarification of the
rationale for the past action that increased the cost of a
beach parking pass from $45 to $60 annually, to which the
Manager explained that that fee had not been raised for a
number of years, the increase was in keeping with the fees
charged at Bolsa Chica State Beach which is $75 annually.
Councilman Boyd proposed that at some point the Director of
Administrative Services prepare a brief report with
suggestions as to what fees should be tied to an indicator
such as the Consumer Price Index, an example is business
licenses, however this year the increase is proposed at $30
because the formula for automatic adjustment had not been
applied in recent years, this would also provide the Council
with information necessary to authorize adjustment of the
fees proposed. The Manager pointed out that some fees are
required to be tied to specific studies that must show cost
recovery justification. There being no comments from the
audience, Mayor Brown declared the public hearing closed.
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Campbell moved, second by Boyd, to adopt Resolution Number
4650 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH ESTABLISHING THE RATES AND AMOUNTS OF FEES AND
CHARGES FOR GOODS, SERVICES AND FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE
CITY OF SEAL BEACH AND SUPERSEDING INCONSISTENT PROVISIONS OF
RESOLUTIONS 4114, 4195, 4234, 4250, 4442, 4494, 4499, 4519,
4545, 4550." By unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolution Number 4650 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Boyd, Brown, Campbell, Doane, Yost
None Motion carried
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CITY MANAGER REPORTS
The City Manager said with the approval of the City Council
he would be attending a meeting in San Francisco the
following day with the Executive Director of the Coastal
Commission relating to an investigation by Coastal staff as
to wetland restoration possibilities. He announced also that
a report has been received from the Long Beach Port Authority
with regard to an analysis they have done with Moffat and
Nichol Engineers as to the feasibility of doing a major
wetlands restoration project on the Hellman property, the
determination was that the two alternatives suggested by
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Moffat and Nichol were both unacceptable and unfeasible
because of the cost per credit which, in one case, was
$852,000, that in comparison to the Bolsa Chica restoration
project that was about $145,000 per credit. He asked that
the meeting scheduled with the Mayor and Councilman Boyd
relating to July 4th funding possibilities be continued to I
another date. Council indicated no objection to attending
the San Francisco meeting. The Manager announced certain
organizational changes that have taken effect, the
privatization of payroll services, that a cost savings, the
transfer of the accounts receivable clerk to Parks and
Recreation to fill the vacancy created by a retirement, also,
the Public Works Parks Department Supervisor and crew is now
working under the Director of Recreation, the concept being
to team together the users and maintenance of the facilities,
that should result in improved communication, cooperation,
and efficiency, streamlining over time that will occur
through attrition with a monetary saving that can then be put
back into equipment, etc. for the Recreation/Community
Services Department.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Brown declared Oral Communications open. Mr. Ralph
Reese, 15th Street, commended the relationship of the members
of the Council, recognized the preparation of the Council to
consider the issues before it, and conveyed appreciation to
his Council representative. Mr. Reese requested that a I
greater consideration be given pedestrians, claiming that
cars continually park across the sidewalks, blocking them for
pedestrians, to which he charged that the Vehicle Code is
being ignored. Councilman Boyd acknowledged the complaint,
adding that there are also some sidewalk areas that are
blocked by extensive foliage which is a Code enforcement
issue, and hopefully between the Council and staff these
problems can be resolved. Mr. Reg Clewley, Catalina Avenue,
complained that last week the cable company did not provide a
replay of the Planning Commission meeting, which he said the
Cable Foundation has a responsibility to have the meetings
replayed. With reference to the Fee Resolution, Mr. Clewley
said he felt something was missing, an increase of planning
fees where variances are requested, maybe a $50,000 fee, in a
case where a variance does not prevail the fee should then be
split between those that show why it should not. He
expressed objection to the report of the secretary to the
Planning Commission that no communications had been received
relating to an item before that body, to which Mr. Clewley
claimed that there had been two but were not submitted to the
Commission. Mr. Peter Anninos, Cable Foundation, I
acknowledged that it has been learned that there was a
problem with the Commission meeting tape, there was audio yet
no picture, reported there is a backup copy that will need to
be made for airing or public availability, at this point the
particular tape deck is being repaired, the problem was the
result of an equipment malfunction. Mr. John Bowles, Senior
Editor of the Sun Newspaper, apologized to the Council and
reading public for not being at the last meeting, he was out
of town as a result of the newspaper having been sold that
day, however reported he was able to view the Council session
7-27-98
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by means of the cablecast. As to publication of the Council
agendas, he indicated that would be no problem, the Sun
deadline is Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. He conveyed appreciation to
the Cable Foundation for the airing of the Planning
Commission meeting last week which he was able to watch,
noted the impact of the sale of the paper is yet to be known,
and apologized for the misspelling of the word 'previously'
in a legal notice. Mayor Brown announced that the Chamber of
Commerce and the Business Association selected John Bowles as
the Business Employee of the Year, to which he added
congratulations on behalf of the Council. There being no
further comments, Mayor Brown declared Oral Communications
closed.
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COUNCIL CONCERNS
Councilman Yost also made reference to the letter from the
Port Authority which stated that neither of the two options
studied by Moffat and Nichol were acceptable as the costs per
credit far exceed the guidelines for a feasible project, that
a positive for the Hellman project as some of the concerns
expressed by Coastal Commissioners and by opponents of the
project was that the Port was ready and willing to come
forward with considerable money to do a large wetland
restoration, which is now confirmed that is not the case.
With regard to concerns relating to the bike path disrepair,
he noted there is a message on the internet regarding same,
that the City has budgeted some money for repairs however it
is not enough to do all, the internet message asks the
bicycle community to find a means to contribute to this
project as Seal Beach is a self-help community that donates
personal money, time and effort to many community efforts.
From his experience this past weekend surfing and wind
surfing, Councilman Yost noted that the water temperature of
the San Gabriel River seems to be much higher than he could
remember, both at the River and at the pier at about 5:30
a.m., which is of concern, it is understood that the Edison
plant has been sold, it is not known if the facility is being
used to a greater exten~, there appears to be more hot water
being generated, and requested that the City Manager review
their permits, what the water temperature limits are, etc.
and report back. Councilman Boyd agreed and that he too
noticed the increased temperature of the water, suggested
that he, Councilmember Yost and the City Manager need to
identify a contact with regard to seeking a resolution of the
water quality and the refuse and debris that washes up on
this beach. He mentioned having provided the members of the
Council with a memorandum regarding a one hundred day
activity plan, the intent is to receive a weekly or bi-weekly
summary from the City Manager and department heads so that
the Council is aware of what is or will be taking place, and
noted that an article appeared in the Long Beach newspaper
this date relating to this subject. Councilman Boyd
suggested this can be an aid to Council in making policy
decisions, and requested Council consensus to do so.
Councilman Yost expressed some caution that this is not a
greater degree of bureaucracy, there needs to be assurance
that the time of the full time employees is being used as
efficiently as possible. Mayor Brown suggested that a study
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7-27-98 / 8-6-98
session be called sometime in the near future to discuss this
request and other related issues. Councilman Yost concurred.
Councilman Boyd pointed out that of seven Orange County
cities he has spoken with all of their City Managers provide
the Council with such report on a weekly basis with a one or
two page summary of activities. Councilmember Campbell
deemed the comments made earlier by Ms. Quinlan to be
unfortunate, said she supports Cable Foundation member
Mahrer, the Foundation is in a transition period and it will
be welcomed to put all problems on the table for discussion
and resolution.
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CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney announced that the Council would adjourn to
Closed Session to discuss the items identified on the 6:30
p.m. and the 7:00 p.m. agendas, which is now being
reconvened. The Council adjourned to Closed Session at 9:02
p.m. and reconvened at 10:10 p.m. with Mayor Brown. calling
the meeting to order. The City Attorney reported the Council
had discussed the two items identified on the agenda, with
regard to the second item of anticipated litigation, pursuant
to Government Code Sections 54956.9(b) and (a), the Council
gave direction to the City Manager, and with respect to the
personnel matter, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957,
the Council gave direction to the City Attorney.
ADJOURNMENT
By unanimous consent, the Council adjourned until August 10th
at 6:30 p.m. to meet in Closed Session if deemed necessary.
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 p.m.
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Approved:
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
August 6, 1998
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The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in special
session at 4:10 p.m. with Mayor Brown calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
Mayor Brown read the Notice of Special Meeting as follows: