HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1998-10-12
9-28-98 I 10-12-98
He encouraged everyone to participate in and enjoy the
Founders Day activities this coming weekend, and thanked the
attendees of the Concert in the Grove. Mayor Brown said he
will either ride with the American Legion or in the Fire
Truck or both for the Founders Day parade, thanked all for
their efforts to organize the parade and activities, and he
too invited everyone to participate. Mayor Brown announced
that he will be away as well from October 10th until October
19th.
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ADJOURNMENT
By unanimous consent, the Council adjourned the meeting until
Monday, October 12th 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 8:30 p.m.
Ci
o
clerk
Approved, ~
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Attest:
Seal Beach, California
October 12, 1998
The regular adjourned meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this
date was canceled due to the lack of Closed Session items
requiring consideration.
clerk
Seal Beach, California
October 12, 1998
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The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:04 p.m. with Mayor ProTem Campbell calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor ProTem Campbell
Councilmembers Boyd, Doane
10-12-98
Absent:
Mayor Brown, Councilman Yost
Doane moved, second by Boyd, to excuse the absence of Mayor
Brown and Councilman Yost from this meeting.
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane
None
Brown, Yost
Motion carried
Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Badum, Director of Public Works, City
Engineer
Chief Sellers, Police Department
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
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Councilman Boyd read a message from Councilman Yost advising
of his attendance at the American Society of
Anesthesiologists and the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia
conventions, expressing his desire to hear comments from the
public relating to proposals for 4th Street and Central
Avenue, however not wanting to slow the process of coming to
a solution of the problem as he is committed to making
Central safer. Councilman Yost also requested that Council
initiate a motion to pursue funds from Southern California
Edison for undergrounding the power lines along Seal Beach
Boulevard from Adolfo Lopez Drive to Electric Avenue.
Mayor ProTem Campbell recognized Boy Scout Troop 642 as
present in the audience, this Troop founded by Dr. David
Hood, and said she was proud that they call Seal Beach their
home.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilman Boyd requested that Item "c" be removed from the
Consent Calendar for separate consideration. Boyd moved,
second by Doane, to approve the order of the agenda as
revised.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane
None
Brown, Yost
Motion carried
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor ProTem Campbell declared Oral Communications open. Mr.
Dave Sullivan, Huntington Beach Councilmember and candidate
for Orange County Supervisor, stated that the Chair of the
Citizens Advisory Commission has recommended that Los
Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center be studied for a major
commercial airport, said he is opposed to that, it would
devaluate the homes in this area and be devastating to the
quality of life. He said he went to the Board of Supervisors
and asked that AFRC be deleted, that has not been done thus
far, in his opinion there is nowhere in this County to fit an
airport, there are other alternative sites such as Ontario
and March Air Force Base. Mr. Sullivan said this is merely
an alert of a major potential problem for this City. There
being no further comments, Mayor ProTem Campbell declared
Oral Communications closed.
10-12-98
COUNCIL ITEMS
Anaheim Bay Villas
with regard to the proposed Anaheim Bay Villas, Councilman
Boyd referred to the Planning Commission discussion of this
item on two occasions and their request for direction from
the City Council. The proposal of the applicant requests a
zone change and General Plan Amendment for the property on
Seal Beach Boulevard where the Shore Shop is currently
located, the Commission voted against the project as they
were reluctant to amend the General Plan without further
input from the community with regard tl) that property as it
relates to the entire street.
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Councilman Boyd moved to direct the Planning Commission to
notice all property owners and businesses on Seal Beach
Boulevard and within three hundred feet of the subject
property regarding the request of the Musso family for a zone
change and General Plan amendment. He suggested that public
comments be sought from residents of the entire area relating
to the street and the Musso property, as a concern of the
commission was that comments were dire.:ted only to the
subject property and not the street as a whole. Councilman
Doane seconded the motion for the purpose of discussion.
Councilman Doane questioned why the en.tire street would be
considered at this time, there are cur:rently businesses that
likely want to remain, he would not want a change that would
require residential only in the future, his preference would
be to consider proposals on a parcel by parcel basis.
Councilman Boyd agreed however offered that the area as a
whole needs to be looked at rather than a patchwork approach,
in this case a compatible use for the Shore Shop property
appears to be residential. He expressed his belief that the
intent is to provide some revitalization of the street, the
Musso property is zoned C-2 thus they could put most anything
on the site, however their desire is a compatible development
and improvement of an entrance into the City, his thought is
to not enact a General Plan amendment ,that would end their
proposed plan as well as impact other proposals on the
street. He reiterated his desire to seek comments from the
Boulevard as well as 16th and 17th and other streets as to
how this project would fit on the street. With regard to the
time frame for a General Plan amendmen't, the Director or
Development Services said if the thought is to reconsider the
existing Limited Commercial zoning, most likely five to six
months for presentation to the Planning Commission. As to
whether this would delay the Musso application, the Director
said his understanding of the motion is that the proposed
project would move forward and at some future time consider a
General Plan amendment for the remainder of the street, at
present the properties south of Landing to Electric are
Limited Commercial, to the north there are residences and the
Shore Shop. The Manager said his understanding is that the
motion does not recommend any rezoning of properties south of
Landing at this time. Councilman Boyd made reference again
to the reluctance of the Commission to take an action that
would adversely impact the remainder of the street, and
expressed his opinion that the limited commercial and
residential are compatible, and if other properties propose
to rezone at some point that would then be considered.
Councilmember Campbell noted that the Musso project is a
fairly large portion of the street, if that project is
constructed it may set the tone for the area, thus it may be
desirable to study the issue to determine if that is what is
wanted. Councilman Boyd noted that there are some existing
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businesses however the street is predominantly residential.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane
None
Brown, Yost
Motion carried
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CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "B" thru "N"
Boyd moved, second by Doane, to approve the recommended
action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except
Item "C", removed for separate consideration.
B. 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.
D. Received and filed the Monthly Investment
Reports for July and August, 1998.
E.
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Received and filed the staff report relating
to the receipt of California Coastal
Commission status report regarding the Bolsa
Chica Wetlands Restoration Plan and Draft
EIS/EIR by the Federal/State Bolsa Chica
Steering Committee, and instructed staff to
forward same to the Planning Commission and
Environmental Quality Control Board for
information purposes.
Received and filed the staff report relating
to the receipt of the City of Huntington
Beach Report regarding the Bo1sa Chica
Annexation Study - Questions/Comments, and
instructed staff to forward same to the
Planning Commission and Environmental
Quality Control Board for information purposes.
G. Received and filed the report from staff with
regard to the Seal Beach Weapons Support
Facility - Installation Restoration Program -
Status Report regarding Restoration Advisory
Board (RAB) project update, and instructed
staff to forward same to the Planning
Commission, Environmental Quality Control
Board, and Archaeological Advisory Committee
for information purposes.
F.
H.
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Received and filed the report from staff with
regard to the receipt of the Orange County
Council of Governments draft report relating
to Smart Growth Strategies to Accommodate
Orange County's Future, and instructed staff
to forward same to the Planning Commission
and Environmental Quality Control Board for
information purposes.
I. Approved the Lease Extension for the Sun 'N
Fun Creative Playgroup for the period of
July 1, 1998 through June 30, 2000, and
authorized execution of same on behalf of
the City.
10-12-98
J. Received and filed the staff report relating
to the Independent Accountant's Report, Lance,
SolI and Lunghard, on agreed upon procedures
applied to appropriations worksheets.
K.
proclaimed October 26th through October 30th,
1998 as "Winter Weather and Flood Preparedness
Week."
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L. Authorized the addition of one sworn officer
position in the Police Department, the cost
of which anticipated to be cc)vered by the
$60,000 transfer from the Overtime Account.
M. Renewed the Agreement with the County of
Orange for Animal Control and Shelter Services
for the period of July 1, 1998 through June 30,
1999, with provision for an additional one
hundred eighty day extension thereof, and
authorized the Mayor to execute same on behalf
of the City.
N. Approved the minutes of the :regular adjourned
and regular meetings of July 27, 1998, the
special meeting of August 6, 1998, and
regular meeting of August 10, 1998.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane
None
Brown, Yost
Motion carried
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ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM "c" - DEMANDS
Councilman Boyd requested that the Council receive a report,
possibly monthly, as to the status of revenues. The Manager
noted that a quarterly revenue report is prepared that
compares the present to the past two years, however
fluctuations such as with receipt of property tax revenue
needs to be kept in mind. Councilman Doane suggested that
quarterly should be adequate.
Boyd moved, second by Campbell, to approve regular demands
numbered 20996 through 21125 in the amount of $1,170,809.03,
payroll demands numbered 1224 through 1382, 27629 and 27630
in the amount of $154,261.43, and authorized warrants to be
drawn on the Treasury for same.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane
None
Brown, Yost
Motion carried
CENTRAL AVENUE/4th STREET - TRAFFIC CALMING
The Director of Public Works presented the staff report,
explaining that over the past few years there have been
residents approach the City requesting that a stop sign be
installed at Central and 4th Street, early investigation
showed that a traffic sign was not warranted based upon
traffic volume, accidents, that criteria established by the
State, however it has been found that the average speed is
five miles over the twenty-five miles per hour posted speed,
the eighty-fifth percentile speed is approximately thirty
miles an hour, which reflects somewhat of an elevated speed.
The intent of staff was to evaluate methods of reducing the
neighborhood speed which would provide greater safety for
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pedestrians and intercept vehicles at that intersection,
several traffic calming techniques were looked at such as
neckdowns, speed bumps, chokers, concluding that the two that
should be studied further were the neckdowns and a
roundabout, both solutions offer opportunity to make changes
as to traffic behavior. The Director made a visual
presentation of various locations on the street, noted the
Central Avenue approach to the intersection from the east
where the grade is thought to be a possible factor of
elevated speeds, the grade about 3.7 percent, however it was
found the speeds from the opposite direction were likewise
high. He reported that the speed surveys were conducted in
accordance with the guidelines of the Association of Traffic
Engineers, an accepted standard, generally conducted during
the low flow, in addition surveys were done during morning
rush hours, the numbers found to be fairly consistent. In
addition to the pictures of the location, the Director showed
pictures of roundabouts in various municipalities in
Australia, said it has been proven that they do reduce speed,
they are used in other countries, on the east coast, Colorado
and Oregon as examples, often used in commercial areas and
arterials, however that is not the intent here, rather, use
in a residential area to accomplish a slowing of traffic,
roundabouts also serve as a landscaped beautification for an
area, as an example the homes between 2nd and 4th Streets
face Central, it becomes part of their front yard, thus it is
felt that the 4th/Central intersection would be an
appropriate location for a roundabout. The Director also
reported the intent to close the one-way feeder between
Marina Drive and 2nd Street onto Central Avenue eastbound,
that is anticipated to keep traffic on Marina Drive, which is
an arterial, collector roadway, then utilize Electric or
Pacific Coast Highway, this closing will also discourage
truck traffic as a number of larger trucks have been observed
traveling Central to reach Main Street, the desire is to have
them use Coast Highway or Marina, through commercial areas
rather than residential, the roundabout will also discourage
truck use. The Director requested authorization to move
forward with a roundabout project, it is thought it will be
the most successful, the conservative estimate of cost is
about $50,000, however may vary depending upon the design,
which has not as yet been done, also, it may be necessary to
seek corner cuts from the residential properties to satisfy
the radius requirements for emergency vehicles. The Manager
said this is an instance of a neighborhood approaching the
City for relief of a situation by means of a stop sign, yet
the required findings to warrant a stop sign could not be
made, thus what has been presented Council are other options.
Councilman Boyd praised the roundabout proposal, noted that
during budget considerations a solution was not forthcoming
for up to nine months, a $50,000 expenditure is well worth
saving a life or injury. He noted that Central is used as a
cut-through from the Long Beach area, the preference is that
Marina Drive continue to be the arterial, it supports that
kind of traffic and is eligible for Measure M funds for any
future repairs, County Transportation monies invested in
local street improvements, not a General Fund expenditure.
Councilman Boyd said in addition to the staff recommendation
he would like to place a limitation on vehicle weight of
three tons on Central Avenue, that it be posted, as was done
on Bolsa Avenue near McGaugh School. The Manager said in
anticipation of this project monies were designated in the
capital improvement budget. Councilmember Campbell noted her
concerns with regard to Lampson Avenue. The Public Works
Director said staff is looking to possibly improve the design
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of Lampson, the street is essentially designed for lower
speeds, however pointed out that if one observes the speed
law the curve is quite navigable, and if the roadway is
redesigned what impacts that will have needs to be further
investigated, a thorough analysis needs to be done. Again to
the issue of the roundabout, Councilman Boyd said it is
believed they have been used long before stop signs and there I
are various types.
The Council determined to allow public comments of two
minutes per speaker. Ms. Emogene Parke), Central Avenue,
claimed she has observed car wheels cOlne off the ground due
to speeds traveled off the slope, that the speeds are much
faster than 30 miles per hour, when vehicles try to exit 4th
Street they must go slowly because of the many parked cars,
large trucks use Central too, and anything that can be done
to resolve this problem will be appreciated. Ms. Eve Kilger,
Central Avenue, stated that roundaboutl~ do work, for those
properties in close proximity there should be no concern, it
will not deter from the residences, it will be a
beautification, there is an increased number of children, 30
miles per hour is a very low estimate l)f speed, there are
many trucks, this is a necessary thing, she supports it, and
commended the Council. Councilman Doane noted the applause
of the persons present in the audience. If approved at this
meeting, Councilman Boyd inquired as t,) an estimated time
frame for construction. The Director l)ffered that the design
could possibly be complete by the holidays, then construction
deferred until sometime around March, I~ompleted by summer.
Councilman Boyd countered that he would like to see this
project completed by May 1st. The Director noted also that I
the City Manager has given authority to do a traffic calming
policy, the Manager adding that it is hoped to establish a
policy and criteria for future requests. Ms. Kilger
suggested that the 2nd Street feeder be closed first, and
then construct the roundabout. The Director said possibly
the feeder could be closed on a temporary basis, the most
cost effective would be to do both as one project. Again
with regard to the time frame, Councilman Boyd requested that
plans and specs for the roundabout be presented to the
Council within sixty days, and that the bid be awarded thirty
days thereafter.
Councilman Boyd moved to receive and file the staff report,
direct staff to proceed with the design, plans and
specifications for the construction of a roundabout at the
intersection of Central Avenue and 4th Street, closure of the
one-way feeder to Central Avenue between Marina Drive and 2nd
Street, and consideration be given to .~rohibiting three ton
vehicles on Central Avenue, a report relating thereto to be
provided the Council by next meeting. Councilman Doane
seconded the motion.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane
None
Brown, Yost
Motion carried
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Appreciation was expressed for the action of the Council.
FEDERAL ADVOCACY SERVICES AGREEMENT - SHORELINE STABILIZATION
- E. DEL SMITH AND COMPANY
The City Manager explained that over the years it has been
difficult to obtain any long term, permanent solutions to the
beach erosion problems from Washington, D. C., the advocacy
services provided by this agreement will relate to more than
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shoreline protection issues, will include water quality,
contamination problems, etc., the cost is $1,500 per month,
about half of what was found to be the cost of other
legislative advocate services, and is a budgeted item.
Councilman Boyd noted that the City has been working with Del
Smith on behalf of Seal Beach and Surfside, his references
are outstanding, he has been successful with projects such as
Port Hueneme where a cost arrangement with the Navy was
established for beach stabilization and replenishment
program, typically such services are about $3,000 per month.
He noted the City is looking to an agreement, through the
efforts of Mr. Smith and various Congressional
representatives, with the Army Corps and Navy for a hundred
percent funding of sand replenishment every two or so years,
a press release relating thereto with additional data will be
forthcoming.
Boyd moved, second by Doane, to approve the Federal Advocacy
Services Agreement for Shoreline Stabilization with E. Del
Smith and Company at a cost of $1,500 per month.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane
None
Brown, Yost
Motion carried
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AGREEMENT - PINNACLE PETROLEUM - SALES TAX
The City Manager explained that Pinnacle Petroleum is a
wholesale petroleum dealer, a $10 million per year company,
by this Agreement the City would realize sales tax of about
$100,000 per year and in turn Pinnacle Petroleum would
receive a sales tax rebate equivalent to thirty percent of
the verified sales tax receipts as an incentive to relocate
to Seal Beach, thus the City would realize approximately
$70,000 annually for the five year term of the Agreement.
The Manager verified that the Agreement has been signed by
pinnacle. Mayor ProTem Campbell noted that the rebate would
be equivalent to thirty percent of the verified sales tax
receipts, her preference would be that the rebate be of the
sales tax received inasmuch as it could be some time before
the City is in actual receipt thus Pinnacle would be paid
prior to the City receiving its money. The City Manager said
the office of the City Attorney provided language to assure
that the City would never be behind in terms of having
received adequate revenues to issue the rebate, the term used
was verifiable to distinguish between unverifiable so a
situation would never occur where there is a preliminary
report of sales tax and later found that was not the amount.
The City Attorney made reference to Section 2.5 of the
Agreement which states that 'the City shall not be deemed to
have received any sale and use taxes until the City's actual
receipt thereof' thus the City makes no rebate until the
sales tax is in the hands of the City. Mayor ProTem Campbell
suggested that if any such agreements are entered into in the
future she would like a letter of intent up front, explaining
that if negotiations are entered into and agreement is
subsequently not finalized, as happened in the recent past,
the City incurs the legal expenses and the City's
negotiations are used as leverage for a better agreement
elsewhere. Councilman Boyd noted that staff has been
directed to look for economic possibilities, this Agreement
is straight forward, a sales tax of $100,000 will bring
$70,000 to the City with a $30,000 rebate to Pinnacle, the
firm has seven employees, daytime work hours, minimum
traffic, limited risk, and noted it takes a lot of businesses
in the City to produce $70,000 revenue. Mayor ProTem
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10-12-98
Campbell again questioned the language relating to sales tax
revenue as 'actual receipt thereof' versus 'verified sales
tax receipts', to that a suggestion wal~ made that language be
added to clarify that pinnacle is not made a rebate until the
City has actually received its sales tax. The City Attorney
suggested that the understanding be verified with Pinnacle,
it is not anticipated to be a problem. Boyd moved, second by
Doane, to authorize the City Manager to approach Pinnacle
Petroleum with regard to amended language to reflect the
direction of the Council, approve the Sales Tax Agreement
based upon concurrence of Pinnacle Petroleum, and subsequent
thereto authorize the City Manager to '!xecute said Agreement
on behalf of the City.
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Boyd, Campbell, Doane
None
Brown, Yost
Motion carried
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
The Manager reported the closure of the waters in the
vicinity of the pier yesterday and today as a result of a
small sewer line leak at the end of the pier, the cause was a
spike in the pier that over time penet.r:ated the line, the
Lifeguard Department cleared the water as a precaution, the
Health Department has taken water samples, tests by the City
have shown no harm, and it is hoped the waters will be open
by tomorrow. He noted that the first sand deliveries have
commenced, the movement of the sand makes it appear as if
there is a low berm, about twenty carloads of sand are at the
Weapons Facility, and once clearance from the Navy has been
received it will be transported to the beach and the project
hopefully completed by November when the berm is put in
place.
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor ProTem Campbell declared Oral Communications open. Mr.
Walt Miller, 7th Street and Seal Beach Boulevard business
owner, expressed his belief that there is no vision for
business development, basically Main Street and Seal Beach
Boulevard, if the process is usurped without a plan that will
destroy the future of the City. Mr. Miller made mention of
his dissertation entitled "20/20 Vision" which he requested
be made a matter of record and copies provided to the
Council. Mr. Miller claimed that the nine residential units
proposed for the Boulevard is setting precedent for that
Street, the gateway to the City, it could be an integral part
of revitalizing the City and the business district, suggested
that the railroad right-of-way be purchased and turned into
parking, the Seal Beach boardwalk stops at Electric, there is
no reason that it could not be extended to Pacific Coast
Highway and to First Street. He again said there is no
development plan, no vision, no coastal plan, no land use
plan, however it is thought that there are possibilities to
revitalize the community, the proposed nine residential units
will affect the community from here on, once built, they are
there. Councilman Boyd noted that the action of the Council
at this meeting does nothing other than give direction to the
Planning Commission, suggested that Mr. Miller present his
comments to the Commission, all persons within three hundred
feet will be noticed. Mr. Miller offered his understanding
that the properties south of Landing were separated out from
consideration, the Anaheim Bay Villas project would go
forward, then consider the other properties, to that
Councilman Boyd responded that the project itself is being
considered on its merits yet as it relates to the entire
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street, the Council is not directing the Commission to hold
hearings for a General Plan Amendment for all of the
Boulevard, rather, segmenting the issue so as to look at a
General Plan for the whole street as it relates to the Villas
project. Mr. Miller said what he heard was that the C-2 zone
would be handled separately, and the impact on the entire
street will be heard as far as the LIC zone, his opinion
being that what happens in the C-2 zone impacts Seal Beach,
the gateway, as well as the LIC zone, he would not support
moving forward until the Commission receives input regarding
the entire street, contending that there are no residences in
the C-2 zone rather multi-family units, as in the LIC zone
where there are businesses as well, therefore single family
residences are not compatible with what currently exists.
There being no further comments, Mayor ProTem Campbell
declared Oral Communications closed.
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COUNCIL CONCERNS
Councilman Doane said as a result of receiving complaints he
has been looking into a new policy of the Golden Rain News
that is in reaction to a project developed by the Golden Rain
Administration and the Police Department, this consists of
members of the Police Department coming to Leisure World and
addressing certain areas of potential danger to senior
citizens in the form of being victims of scams. Councilman
Doane reported that the News is now denying advertising in
their classified section to persons who are providing
services to those in Leisure World who do not have a Seal
Beach business license, this in accordance with the comments
made during these worthwhile, informative workshops. He
noted that the City has a set business license fee that
applies to anyone doing business in the community, his
concern is with those persons who are retired and are
supplementing their Social Security by providing certain
services. Councilman Doane requested an agenda item to
consider establishing a reduced rate for persons who qualify
as retired, receiving Social Security, and are supplementing
their income, asked that staff review this matter, determine
if there are any ramifications, and noted this could bring
additional revenue to the City as these persons do not now
have business licenses. Councilman Boyd agreed, stating in
some cities the rates are reduced fifty to seventy-five
percent for qualifying persons, so long as the income
therefrom is less than a certain level. On behalf of
Councilman Yost, Councilman Boyd requested that another item
be placed on the next agenda, that relating to pursuing funds
from Southern California Edison Company for the
undergrounding of power lines on Seal Beach Boulevard from
Adolfo Lopez Drive to Electric Avenue. For the Recreation
Department, Councilman Boyd announced the Halloween Haunted
House at 310 Ocean Avenue to be open on October 30th and
31st, the project is in need of volunteers and a project
manager, requesting that interested persons contact
Recreation Supervisor, Kathleen McGlynn. Councilman Boyd
noted his request for a quarterly revenue summary for
information of the Council, also requested a summary of non-
reimbursable legal expenses for the year. To the interest of
Chief Sellers, Councilman Boyd made reference to the Council
authorization for a full-time police patrol officer position,
public safety having been one of his campaign goals, the
Chief having provided the means for the officer by utilizing
overtime monies, and noted for the public that due to
shortage of staff it is often necessary to double shift and
work more hours than desired, that is done to ensure the
safety of the community. With reference to comments made in
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a recent local newspaper editorial relating to the City
Manager contract and actions of the Council, Councilman Boyd
noted a Closed Session discussion a few weeks ago relating to
the performance of the City Manager, that at the request of a
member of the Council as to a specific topic, the question
posed by the editorial was why the Council did not make a
determination on the contract at that time, to that he I
explained that the issue at that time did not relate to
overall performance throughout the year. He mentioned that
as a new member of the Council it was interesting to note
that one is welcomed to City Hall, you receive an agenda
packet, come to the Council meeting, receive some information
along the way, however there is no comprehensive orientation,
nothing relating to employment practices, capital projects,
master time schedules for what is occurring in the City, this
is something the Council is working on with the City Manager
now to bring all into the loop. Councilman Boyd emphasized
that he did not believe that the Council intends to
relinquish the reigns of the City to staff, it is the Council
who sets policy, the Council who runs the City, and the staff
implements Council policy, to the insinuation that the
Council is not in charge, he emphasized that it is and will
be more in charge as time goes on. He announced also that
the Mayor has directed himself and Councilman Yost to
commence an evaluation of the City Manager. Based upon the
discussion some weeks ago Council direction was to advise the
Manager of the request of the Council to review his
performance, then, at the last meeting it came to attention
that there was a forty-five day period of time to advise of
the Council intent to either renew or not to renew the City
Manger contract, the action taken was to be in conformity I
with that requirement, and advised the public that the
Council is doing its job, there needs to be improved
communication between the staff and Council, and the Council
will be keeping an eye on City operations. Councilmember
Campbell referred to her previous question relating to
removing the block wall by the Navy golf course, the location
is on the north side of Lampson between the WestEd building
and Parkwood, this is a beautification project that will
allow the golf course to be seen. The Manager said that is
not yet a budgeted item, however it will be pursued, there is
no specific time frame, yet a cost estimate can be prepared
as to taking down the wall, possibly in the next couple of
weeks, most difficult is the budget priority, the budget for
this year could be amended or it can be placed in the next
budget cycle. To a question of Councilmember Campbell, the
Director of Public Works stated his belief that a cost
estimate for Lampson Avenue improvements can be provided by
next meeting. Councilmember Campbell noted complaints
regarding street conditions on Camellia and Columbine in
particular, inquiring why the paving process in taking so
long. The Public Works Director responded that the Pavement
Management Plan is a long term plan for the assessment of
street conditions, a parceling out of revenues over the next I
few years to keep the roadways in good condition, recent
Orange County Transportation Authority publicity has focused
on the same issue, how to maintain what has been built with
Measure M monies, many streets are reaching their design
life, tract streets tend to deteriorate all at once, the
attempt is to prioritize the streets and roadways for the
most cost effective road repair program possible. It is
hoped by the next meeting a presentation can be made of the
condition of streets and roadways citywide, what it will take
to bring them up to an acceptable level, basically a
scientific rating approach from low to high, thus the most
10-12-98
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cost effective use of pavement improvement monies. As to the
1998 slurry seal project, it was again noted that the
contractors had heavy workloads, the bids were high,
rejected, will be rebid for more acceptable prices, and if
the winter months are good possible some streets can be done.
To an inquiry as to the status of the pier and City Hall
restrooms, staff response was possibly the presentation of
low bids by the next meeting. Councilmember Campbell
referred to Mr. Dave Sullivan, Councilman from Huntington
Beach, who presented comments under Oral Communications early
in the meeting, Mr. Sullivan a candidate for the Board of
Supervisors. She said she generally speaks out when
something is not quite true, in this case, from time to time
people look at the Armed Forces Reserve Center from the
standpoint of a commercial airport or whatever, recalled
being a member of the Airport Site Coalition Committee some
ten years ago when an alternative to John Wayne Airport was
being looked at, Los Alamitos is off the list, why, because
at best Los Alamitos is looked at as a medium haul airport,
and the takeoff intersects over Leisure World with the
approach path to Long Beach Airport, Long Beach Airport has
increased its flights, that would make it most unlikely that
Los A1amitos would ever become a commercial airport. She
noted the resource of an airport at El Toro, the population
of South County projected to double in the next ten years,
they are not built out as Mr. Sullivan said, they need to
plan for their own needs. Councilmember Campbell cited Mr.
Sullivan's comments as a conflict of interest, he says he
does not want a commercial airport here, yet, there are
people in South County that are working with Congressional
representatives to have Los Alamitos placed on the Base
Closure List so that an airport could come here, however are
oblivious to the fact there are encroachments right up to the
Base where El Toro has a fourteen thousand acre buffer all
around it. Councilman Doane noted that' twice through the
referendum process the airport has been before the voters,
twice the voters have paid for the election, now, this
gentleman is running for election and making this topic his
main agenda because he has nothing else to offer, and says he
is going to keep any airport from being developed in Orange
County, that makes no sense, it is hoped the voters will
realize that, also, his campaign literature is not at all
acceptable. Councilman Boyd noted news this past weekend was
an effort of Laguna Hills to unite their Leisure World with
the Seal Beach Leisure World, it is hoped that Seal Beach
Leisure World is looking out for their best interest, and the
rest of the City, with the idea of no airport in our
backyard. Councilman Doane noted that Laguna Hills Leisure
World is looking to either annex to an existing city or
incorporating as the thirty-second Orange County city, the
question put to him was if he supported it, Councilman Doane
said he informed the person he did not, also that he feels he
represents the majority of people in Leisure World, however
there are some that have a distorted view of from whence Mr.
Sullivan is coming, to his knowledge there is no alliance
between the two Leisure Worlds. Councilmember Campbell said
a suggestion from South County was to increase Los Angeles
Airport to seventy-five million passengers per year, the
question is how do they intend to get there, the 405 between
the 22 and 605 is the world's busiest stretch of freeway,
also, it is South County that has financed the Sullivan
campaign, and they need to know this area is not for sale.
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ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
10-12-98 I 10-26-98
to adjourn the meeting until Monday, October 26th at
p.m. to meet in Closed Session if deemed necessary.
unanimous consent, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38
6:00
~
p.m.
clerk
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Attest:
Seal Beach, California
October 26, 1998
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Brown calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
R~LCML
Present:
Mayor Brown
Councilmembers Boyd, Campbell, Doane, Yost
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Absent: None
Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
STUDY SESSION - ASSEMBLYMAN BAUGH
Mayor Brown welcomed Assemblyman Scott Baugh and his staff.
This was an informal session with Assemblyman Baugh
commenting and presenting an update of various topics.
*
with regard to ACA42 the Assemblyman said he is still
committed to that concept occurring, possibly not
identical language, something similar, he would not be
the best author, possibly Senator Polanco who could see
it through the Senate, he may co-author the bill, there
is a commitment to see that concept move forward next
year and be on the ballot for 2000, it is his belief
because of some of the shifts, which cities know better
than he, that local government should not be held to the
whims of the State legislature, that makes for lack of
local control thus causes unnecessary friction, also
unnecessary conflicts where the State battles something
different every year, that causes uncertainty, there is
no guarantee ACA42 will happen, it was thought it would
happen this year because it was close last year;
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* Mention was made that it is frustrating for local
government, now fighting the loss of vehicle license