HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1997-02-24
2-10-97 / 2-24-97
Director explained the projects consisted of the widening of the
Seal Beach Boulevard bridge over the 405 Freeway, $3.3 million,
half funded through Measure M, other projects were an overall
multi-jurisdictional signal interconnect from the 405 to Pacific
Coast Highway, intersection improvements at Seal Beach Boulevard
and Westminster, and at PCH and Seal Beach Boulevard, some
widening of Seal Beach Boulevard in the vicinity of the drainage I
ditch where the shoulder and bike trail is missing, the only
project removed from the list was the intersection Pacific Coast
Highway and Balboa. councilmember Hastings expressed
appreciation to members of staff for their efforts.
Councilmember Hastings said she understood that Interval House
is losing some of their grant monies, asked that that be looked
into, and if so the City may need to reevaluate its
Housing/Community Develop grant application. With regard to the
fund raising effort for the Mary Wilson Library, Mayor Forsythe
reported the donation thermometer was install last Thursday
showing a little less than $30,000, and suggested that the
location of the thermometer be moved to the southwest side of
Electric Avenue at the Library for greater visibility.
CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to
adjourn the meeting until Monday, February 24th at 6:30 p.m. to
meet in Closed Session if deemed necessary. By unanimous
consent, the meeting was adjou d at 8:34 p.m.
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Approved:
d../~.~v~.
- ayo
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
February 24, 1997
The city Council of the city of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 6:30 p.m. with Mayor Forsythe calling the I
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Forsythe
Councilmembers Brown, Campbell, Fulton, Hastings
Absent: None
Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, city Attorney
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
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APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Brown moved, second by Fulton, to approve the order of the
agenda as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings
None Motion carried
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Oral Communications.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney announced that the City Council would meet in
Closed Session to discuss an item of anticipated litigation
pursuant to Government Code 54956.9(b)(3)(c), Walter and Mona
Babcock. The Council adjourned to Closed Session at 6:32 p.m.
and reconvened at 6:52 p.m. with Mayor Forsythe calling the
meeting to order. The City Attorney reported the Council had
discussed the item previously identified, and based upon the
urgency of another item that came to attention after the posting
of the agenda, the Council discussed a personnel matter, no
action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to
adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
the
Approved: _~. /~~"7":;t-",.
M or
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
February 24, 1997
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:02 p.m. with Mayor Forsythe calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Forsythe
Councilmembers Brown, Campbell, FUlton, Hastings
None
Absent:
Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Badum, City Engineer/Director of Public
Works
Ms. Beard, Recreation and Parks Director
Ms. Yeo, city Clerk
2-24-97
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Campbell requested that Item "E" be removed from
the Consent Calendar for separate consideration, said she wished
to pose a question relating to Item "L", and Councilmember
Hastings requested that Item "F" be removed from the Consent
Calendar as well. Fulton moved, second by Campbell, to approve
the order of the agenda as revised.
AYES:
NOES:
Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings
None Motion carried
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PRESENTATION
Mayor Forsythe read in full the proclamation designating March
20th, 1997 as "Absolutely Incredible Kid Day", sponsored by the
Orange County and City of Long Beach Camp Fire Boys and Girls.
Camp Fire Girl Alisha Freer accepted the proclamation with
appreciation"on behalf of the Long Beach Council.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Forsythe declared Oral Communications open. Ms. Theresa
Tamas, Crystal Cove Way, recalled a meeting held some months ago
with the Mayor, city Manager, and the owners of the vacant lot
at Marble Cove and Crystal Cove Way with regard to the
appearance of an unsightly wire fence on the vacant lot also
with regard to the intentions of the owners of that property.
She said at that time the owner stated there was no intent to
sell the property and that they would work with the neighborhood
and City concerning the lot and fence, now, in five months, the
lot is for sale, the fence remains, and the lot is overgrown
with weeds. Ms. Tamas inquired if the fence is permitted, her
understanding was that it is not and is illegal due to having I
been placed too close to the sidewalk, asked if the property
owner is responsible for weed abatement, and since the lot is
for sale does that relieve the owner of maintaining it. The
City Manager responded that the fence is not permitted and the
matter has been turned over to the city Attorney for an
enforcement action, maintenance of the lot will be part of that
action. The City Attorney advised that towards the end of last
year the owner had agreed to move the fence, there is a grading
problem as well, however nothing has been done, another letter
has been sent advising that the problems must be resolved by
March 3rd, the weed cleaning as well, otherwise the City will
file a prosecution action. Ms. Mitzi Morton, Seal Beach, asked
if there is a legal action against the city with regard to the
in-lieu parking program fees. Staff response was that there is
no knowledge of a legal action. Ms. Jane Vineyard, Fir Circle,
President of the College Park East Neighborhood Association,
reported the Association is adopting Bluebell Park as a long
term project that will require volunteer services by and
monetary contributions from residents of the area, the plan is
to raise money for playground equipment and sand to improve the
Park through the sale of tee shirts, tiles and a lasagna dinner,
and although the project may take some time she requested
Council support for this effort. Mr. Peter Anninos, Electric
Avenue, announced that the Seal Beach Cable Foundation took
action to fund the remaining amount of the cable consultant's I
contract fee, the Foundation realizing the importance of the
consultant's services and hopefully a positive renegotiation
process. There being no further comments, Mayor Forsythe
declared Oral Communications closed.
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "B" thru "N"
Brown moved, second by Campbell, to approve the recommended
action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except
Items "E, F and L", 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
unless specific request is made at that
time for the reading of such ordinance or
resolution.
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Approved the minutes of the January 30,
1997 regular adjourned meeting.
D. Approved regular demands numbered 15050
through 15178 in the amount of $377,956.48,
payroll demands numbered 20779 through
20961 in the amount of $257,173.09, and
authorized warrants to be drawn on the
Treasury for same.
C.
G. Received and filed the staff report
relating to the Pre-Final Extended Removal
Site Evaluation Work Plan, IR sites 40 and
70, Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach,
authorized the Mayor to sign the response
letter, and instructed staff to forward
this item to the Environmental Quality
Control Board and the Archaeological
Advisory Committee for information purposes.
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Authorized the purchase of one (1) 1997
Ford Explorer police vehicle from Wondries
Chevrolet/Ford at a cost of $24,783 plus
tax of $1,920.68.
Authorized the purchase of one (1) 1997
Ford Explorer police vehicle from Wondries
Chevrolet Ford at a cost of $24,783 plus
tax of $1,920.68, funded by State funds
under the terms of Assembly Bill 3229.
J. Authorized the City Manager to execute a
consultant agreement with Moffat & Nichol
Engineers to perform design and permit
support services for the East Beach
Replenishment Project at a cost not to
exceed $18,700.
H.
I.
K. Received and filed the staff report and
comment letter from the Environmental
Quality Control Board relating to the
Naval Weapons Station Focused site
Inspection for Operable Units 4 and 5,
and instructed staff to forward this item
to the Archaeological Advisory Committee
for information purposes.
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M.
Received and filed the staff report
relating to the Seal Beach Naval Weapons
Station Installation Restoration Program -
Status Report re All Installation
Restoration Sites, and instructed staff to
forward this item to the Planning Commission,
Environmental Quality Control Board, and the
Archaeological Advisory Committee for
information purposes.
N. Received and filed the status report relating
to the construction of West-Comm Communications
Center at the Seal Beach Police Station.
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AYES:
NOES:
Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings
None Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM "L" - RESOLUTION NUMBER 4517 - LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT 97-1 -
AVALON DRIVE - DAVIS I
In response to a question of Councilmember Campbell, the
Director of Public Works explained that this is an
administrative procedure to accomplish a revision of the
property lines to be in conformance with existing grading of
this parcel, a sliver of land that represents the toe of the
slope on the property, as a general rule property lines are not
located within a slope area, this will give the property owner
control of the entire slope, and the terms of this transaction
have been agreed to by the adjacent property owner, Hellman
Properties.
Brown moved, second by Campbell, to adopt Resolution Number 4517
entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL
BEACH APPROVING LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT NO. LL-97-1, FOR PARCEL 2 OF
TRACT NO. 1817, ALSO KNOWN AS 811 AVALON DRIVE." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4517 was waived.
AYES:
NOES:
Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings
None Motion carried
ITEM "E" - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTIINITIAL STUDY - MULTIPLE
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT - ARMED FORCES RESERVE CENTER
Councilmember Campbell noted that the Development Oversight
Committee in College Park East will be preparing a response to
this document as well. As to the draft response of the city she
agreed with the statement that Seal Beach supports the continued
mission of the Los Alamitos AFRC, however requested
clarification as to the location of the proposed JP8 fuel tank,
mentioned that previously approved two hundred thousand gallon
tanks were located behind st. Hedwig's School, where
contamination from previous tanks is being cleaned up on the
School grounds, suggested that possibly the Center could be
encouraged to move the tank location further east, and
questioned why that suggestion was not included in the letter as
the EQCB had requested. The Director of Development Services
said the understanding of the EQCB comment was that it pertained
to the JP8 fuel tank that is proposed as part of the maintenance
facility, the attachment to the letter requests that they
indicate the location of the maintenance facility on the map,
shown on page eight of the staff report, the understanding of
the Council request is that language be added to request the
specific location of the JP8 fuel tank as well. He noted that
reference to the other tanks were part of a review process in
1994/1995, which he recalled as a replacement of three two
hundred thousand tanks with two of like size in basically the
same location with berms around them for containment purposes,
it is believed the comment at that time was that the city would
prefer that the tanks be located as far away from the School as
possible, and suggested that comment could be reiterated in this
letter as well. Councilmember Campbell noted her concern is
with the proximity of the two tanks in this environmental
assessment to the other two that have been proposed however to
her knowledge have not been built as yet, again the concern is
with being located near the school. The Director suggested
additional language that the City continues to have concerns
regarding the larger JP8 fuel tanks that the City commented on
previously and request that their location be reconsidered and
moved as far from the property line as possible. Mayor Forsythe
expressed amazement that there are no regulations to control
fuel tanks in the vicinity of a school. The Director responded
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that there are at the state level however they do not apply to a
federal facility. Councilmember Campbell said it is not the
intent to make it difficult for the AFRC as they are a good
neighbor, rather, it is an issue of safety. Campbell moved,
second by Brown, to receive and file the staf+ report, authorize
the Mayor to sign the response letter, as amended, and that
staff be instructed to forward this item to the Environmental
Quality Control Board and Archaeological Advisory Committee for
information purposes.
AYES:
NOES:
Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings
None Motion carried
Councilmember Campbell noted the request that the City and the
Mary Wilson Library be added to the mailing list for all
environmental documents relating to the AFRC, and asked that the
Rossmoor/Los Alamitos Library be added as well and a personal
copy for herself. The Director stated the Rossmoor Library is
currently on the distribution list, and suggested possibly two
copies could be provided the City. Councilmember Campbell
emphasized her desire to receive a personal copy.
ITEM "F" - AMICUS BRIEF - HOWARD JARVIS TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
vs. CITY OF LA HABRA - POST PROPOSITION 62 TAXES
At the request of Council, the city Attorney explained that mid-
1996 the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association filed a legal
action against the city of La Habra relating to their utility
users tax, this after the Guardino case that determined that
Proposition 162 applied to General Law cities, thereafter the
Jarvis group focused on three or four general law cities that
had adopted taxes without submittal to the voters after Prop 62.
The City of La Habra claimed that legal action was too late,
they filed an action to dismiss on the basis of a three year
statute of limitations for tax measures in that the tax was
adopted in 1992, the trial court ruled in favor of the city and
the case is now on appeal. He noted that since the Guardino
case applied to general law cities only there is no immediate
impact on Seal Beach, however the three year statute of
limitations is important to all cities and their financial
planning, in that after three years there can be no challenge of
the tax. Hastings moved, second by Campbell, to authorize this
City to join the League of California Cities Amicus Brief in the
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association versus city of La Habra
case.
AYES:
NOES:
Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings
None Motion carried
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL - ZONE TEXT AMENDMENT 96-8 - MINIMUM
SETBACK - TWO-STORY CABANAS
Mayor Forsythe declared the public hearing open to consider an
appeal of the Planning Commission denial of Zone Text Amendment
96-8, the minimum setback between two-story cabanas in the Seal
Beach Trailer Park. The city Clerk certified that notice of the
public hearing was advertised as required by law, and reported
no communications received relating to this item. The Director
of Development Services presented the staff report, described
the various attachments thereto, some of which follow the
history of how the development standards for two-story cabanas
came into being in about 1983, current communications with the
Fire Department relating to fire safety issues in the Park and
whether the distance standards for cabanas are a concern. The
request for consideration is to change current standards for the
separation between two-story cabanas, the Code currently
requiring a twenty foot separation from exterior wall to
exterior wall. He showed a diagram of the Park and the spaces
that currently have a two-story cabana, some side-by-side
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trailer spaces shows that the separation requirement does not
necessarily prohibit adjoining spaces from having a two-story
cabana, just that they be twenty feet apart, an example would be
a narrow two-story cabana on a trailer space, or a cabana in the
front of one space, the back of another, some means of
adjustment to meet the twenty foot separation, also a larger
space having a two-story cabana would make it very difficult for 1-
a smaller, adjacent space to meet the separation requirements.
The Director noted the Planning Commission considered the
options to make no changes to the current standards, in place
since 1983, or to change the standard to something less than
twenty feet but more than the six foot that would be required
between wall to wall cabanas, a six foot separation would be
similar to what can be constructed for dwellings in Old Town and
Surfs ide, the Commission ultimately determined to make no
changes to current Code as it was felt the existing standards
seem to work fairly well. The Director proceeded with a slide
presentation showing various features of existing cabanas, the
size, design, spacing, how appearances have changed over the
years particularly the seven to nine cabanas that were built
prior to the City establishing building standards, requiring
sprinklers, stucco walls, etc., noted in some instances the
trailer portion of the unit is not visible, and explained that
for a period of time the state said two-story cabanas could be
built in the Park and those were done under state minimum
standards, for a number of years the state also required that if
there was a cabana the trailer had to physically be moveable,
that is no longer the case however the floor must remain and the
kitchen must be kept in its original location. Most of the
units are between thirteen to fifteen hundred square feet,
including the trailer, the spaces are not as large as a standard I
lot in Old Town, typically half to two-thirds the size, the
minimum separation at the ground floor level is six feet, a
single story cabana can be up to fifteen feet in height. The
Director noted that Council had been provided a copy of an
information packet that had been distributed to Park residents
making certain comparisons to the Old Town and Surfs ide areas.
Mayor Forsythe invited members of the audience wishing to speak
to this item to come to the microphone and state their name and
address for the record. Ms. Wendy Jones, Welcome Lane, noted
her participation on a committee of Trailer Park residents
seeking to abolish the twenty foot setback requirement, made
reference to a petition signed by seventy percent of Park
residents in support, and asking for the same rights as are
granted to residents of Old Town and Surfs ide. She stated that
each area of concern expressed by the Planning Commission has
been carefully addressed, and after careful consideration of the
facts it is felt the Council will agree that there is no logical
or legal reason to deny the amendment. She stated Park
residents are regular people, proud of their homes and
community. To a question at the Commission meeting as to what
has changed in thirteen years, Ms. Jones emphasized that things
have changed, some of the trailers are more than forty-five
years and are in need of rehabilitation, the ages and
requirements of the residents have changed as well, and more
importantly the residents are no longer willing to accept the I
dictates of an arbitrary, discriminatory decision made thirteen
years ago that prevents changes, this change will cost the City
nothing, ,in fact, the addition of a cabana will be an increase
of property taxes to the city. Ms. Jones requested the
opportunity for those in support of the appeal to make final
comments at the conclusion of the hearing. Mr. Ken Williams,
Cottonwood Lane, introduced himself as the appellant, speaking
on behalf of the Park residents as well. To a request of the
previous speaker, Mayor Forsythe advised that rebuttal comments
are allowed by the appellant at the conclusion of the hearing.
Mr. Williams stated that many of the Park residents did not
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attend the Commission meeting because there was an understanding
that the Commission was awaiting a report from the Fire
Department as to whether it would be safe to build the second
stories, the Department did report that it would actually be
safer than the existing trailers, therefore with that
determination it was thought unnecessary to attend. He reported
having reviewed minutes of past meetings to establish a history
relating to cabanas, the Fire Department in 1983 concluded that
a cabana could be built on each space. It is felt that the
every other space concept is based on a discriminatory practice,
determines that Park residents can not have the same rights as
others in the community, the first person to apply for a cabana
permit then disallows the same right to the adjacent spaces, it
discriminates by requiring the same setbacks as Old Town and
Surfs ide, and at that same 1983 meeting in response to the
Council request that cabanas be restricted to every other space
the City Attorney was quoted as having stated that there would
be no guarantee that a legal challenge would not be sustained.
Mr. Williams claimed by not allowing the residents equal
opportunity condemns the individual or family to a very small,
substandard living space, and even though the residents are low
and moderate income it is not felt that the residents should be
forced into low and moderate living standards, and called for
improved aesthetics in the Park that the residents and community
can be proud of. He claimed that cabanas create no impact on
the buildable ground space, merely allows the addition of living
space, the twenty foot setback limit only applies to heights
above fifteen feet, and in 1982 City staff advised that it was
feasible for persons of low and moderate income to build a
cabana. Mr. Williams expressed his opinion that the Park
residents were not properly represented before the Commission,
stated also that if the history is carefully reviewed it is felt
past actions will be seen as arbitrary and discriminatory, and
as to original concern with fire safety, at the 1983 meeting the
Fire Department outlined a plan to ensure that every space could
safely build to a twenty-five foot height with certain
conditions, those conditions greater than those for Old Town and
Surfside at that time, yet having heard the Fire Department
report a member of the Council insisted that cabanas be allowed
only on every other space, and, seeking further assurance that
cabanas would not create a fire hazard, the Fire Department
again said there was no foreseeable hazard, even if built on
each space, if the Department standards were adopted, yet the
Council voted for the every other space location, the city
Attorney was again quoted as stating that the test would be the
reasonableness of the restriction and there was no guarantee
that a legal challenge would not be sustained, suggesting also
that the wording be strengthened. He said after that meeting
other issues of concern were developed to restrict cabanas to
every other space, fire and safety, light, air, density and
appearance, to which he stated all of those factors are within
the control of the City as far as aesthetics and appearance, and
the Park is already zoned as high density. Ms. Jones spoke once
again, providing pictures of properties in Old Town and
Surfside, stated the small lots in the Trailer Park are not
necessarily a disadvantage when compared to other one hundred
foot lots which she claimed do not appear to be suffering from
density or light. She noted that the Trailer Park is bounded by
First Street, the River on the other side, has a large parking
complex in the center, providing a surrounding of light, that in
addition to the internal open spaces, also has recreation
facilities in the form of a basketball court, recreation room, a
barbecue area, is surrounded by Marina Park, the bike trail and
the ocean, none of which would be reduced by the building of two
story cabanas side-by-side, and as to density and overcrowding
she stated about eighty percent of the units with two story
cabanas have one or two persons residing in them, the same
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percentage as the remainder of the Park. Mr. John McKee,
Riversea Road, a resident since 1948, said Seal Beach had a
parking problem some forty years ago when he obtained his
drivers license. He claimed there is no parking problem in the
Trailer Park, there are one hundred ninety-seven spaces and one
hundred forty-six people with drivers licenses, fifty-one spaces
remaining, parking is also now allowed on both sides of First I
Street. During discussion of parking issues and fire lanes he -
recalled mention of Bridgeport and Old Town having fairly wide
streets that allow parking on both sides, to which he showed a
photo of the street in Surfside, cars parked both sides, also
made reference to very narrow Old Town streets from Thirteenth
to Seventeenth, and claimed that the streets in the Park are one
hundred to one hundred fifty percent wider than those he
referred to, a snorkel and pumper can be placed side-by-side
throughout the Park, there is not a problem with fire lanes, the
fire lane in the Park is between twenty-four to thirty-four feet
wide where some downtown streets are eleven feet wide. Mr.
McKee cited a statement at the Commission meeting that they want
to raise the living standards of the community, create an
atmosphere of beauty, to which he stated the residents of the
Park live in Seal Beach and would like an equal opportunity to
beautify. He concluded that he too would like the opportunity
to build a two story cabana as his neighbor has. Ms. Linda
Stobbe, Cottonwood Lane, said she wished to speak to the quality
of life in the Trailer Park as it pertains to the residents
rights to improve their property. She stated she has nothing to
gain by the request to change the regulations as she has
remodeled and added a second story to improve the quality of
their home, yet to remodel in the Park they were required to
build to stricter standards than anywhere else in Seal Beach,
including sprinkler systems that were not required in other I
areas of the city, the setbacks and proximity to neighbors were
more stringent, particularly in comparison to Surfside. Ms.
Stobbe said she felt this issue could be broken down into two
main components, individual rights as to what is fair, just and
equitable, are the Park residents being discriminated against as
compared to other areas of Seal Beach, and secondly the
unfortunate tendency to view Trailer Park residents as being
poor, a subconscious viewpoint by many people in this community
of people who live in trailer parks, by nature a discrimination.
There are problems in the Park as there are anywhere, clutter
being one, and that is generally attributable to a few
individuals who are long-term visitors of the Park and have no
vested interest in improvements or the quality of life, however
with the cooperation of the police department, building
department, and management these individuals are no longer
living in the Park and now the Park is on track as it was a few
years ago to provide a nice, clean, healthy environment in which
to live, the desire is that the Park remain unique and a safe
place for children and retired persons. She said the residents
too are concerned with aesthetics, described the professions and
services of many prominent Park residents, and stated they are
as interested in improving their homes and quality of lives as
anyone in Seal Beach, the only dividing line being economic
status, which does not mean those people deserve less I
consideration. As to the issue of what is just, fair and
equitable, Ms. Stobbe called for the formation of an advisory
committee, if all else fails, to consist of the Mayor, Building
and Planning department representatives as well as the Fire
Department, the Park owner, and concerned Park residents to
develop recommendations that both the city and the residents
feel are safe and equitable for all concerned. with regard to
the desire to change the twenty foot setback requirement she
reminded that seventy percent of the Park residents signed the
petition in favor, also at the time this standard was adopted
the City Attorney advised of the uncertainty of its legality,
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what is being requested is that the ordinance be updated and
brought into line with other areas in the community, fairness
and parity for everyone. Mr. Mark Cunningham, Cottonwood Lane,
commended the members of the Park committee for the manner in
which they have addressed the issues cited in 1983. He said his
residence has a two story cabana therefore he has nothing to
gain by the Zone Text Amendment, however his desire is that the
Park be allowed to improve. He said in this day it is not
possible to afford a home on the Hill with a school teachers
salary, and although the Park is for low and moderate income
persons it is a good place to live and the people are just
trying to make it better. Mr. Michael Narz, Cottonwood Lane,
stated ZTA 96-8 is Trailer Park specific, other areas of the
community have building regulations that work, and requested
that'the umbrella be removed and allow the Park to work under
the same laws as apply elsewhere in the City.
Mr. Gene Vesley, Riversea Road, said he agreed with most
everyone who has spoken, they are his friends, and agreed that
this is an u~timately unique Trailer Park. He stated that a
main selling feature when he purchased his unit was the twenty
foot offset, he has a two story cabana, the cost was a fairly
substantial amount yet it is still a trailer park. Mr. Vesley
said the trailers that could be built upon are now selling for a
fairly low price, his concern is that if the twenty foot setback
is deleted persons that are in the position to profit from the
purchase of small units, build two story homes and sell at a
substantial gain are going to be motivated by this action, and
it will no longer be a low and moderate income Park. Mr. Gordon
Shanks, Surf Place, cited his involvement in the Trailer Park
since its beginning, as well as having been chairman of the
Relocation Appeals Board, explaining that the Park was initially
in considerable disrepair, as a result the tenants were
relocated, new trailers were purchased, the Park was upgraded,
and since that time it has seemed to go more and more upscale
and the units have become larger. He said everyone lives under
building codes and regulations to claim the twenty foot setback
discriminates makes no sense, and described a scenario of a unit
having sold, the setback requirement is changed, the new owner
assumes the increased value, therefore money is a factor. He
acknowledged that the narrow streets in portions of Old Town are
difficult however there are alleys and garages in the rear and
even the small yards allow a place for children to play, as
stated, there is adequate parking in the Park in a sense,
greatly due to the now allowable parking on First Street. Mr.
Shanks inquired as to how many units are currently being rented
in the Park, some people own more than one unit, they are
improved, rented or then sold, making a profit and causing a
situation. He stated that if every space is allowed to have a
two story cabana the light and air issue does come into play,
and said he would have to be convinced that when the square
footage is increased that there would not also be an increase of
the number of people, and in turn another vehicle. Mr. Reg
Cloughly, Catalina Avenue, said he would oppose the ZTA as he
did not believe the fire issue has been resolved, fire
sprinklers, someone may not put them in or they may remove the
system, the units are too close together for two story cabanas,
it is not true that building codes are working in Seal Beach, as
has been stated, as people are building on every little green
space.
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to
declare a recess at 8:31 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:43
p.m. with Mayor Forsythe calling the meeting to order.
Ms. Kathy Sousa, daughter of Mr. Bill Dawson, requested to rebut
some comments. As to the issue of density she said the
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definition given her is the number of units per acre, the Zoning
Text Amendment does not increase the units, and even though
everyone would have the ability to construct a two story cabana
does not mean that there will be a rush to do so, currently
there are only twenty-nine such units, twenty-three percent of
the population, those over the period of eighteen years, there
are presently ninety-six one story units, and if the ZTA were I
passed and the past trend were followed that would only be an
additional twenty-two units over the upcoming eighteen years. -
She noted that there has only been two new units come into the
Park in the last couple of months, placed on lots that would
have accommodated a two story cabana, rather they are double-
wide mobile homes. She said the issue of over-crowding needs to
be mentioned again, eighty-one percent of the families having
two story cabanas are families of one or two persons, building
such a unit does not mean the there will be large families all
of a sudden, nor is there reason that that trend will change,
the facts in these cases do not support the concerns. with
regard to yards, she acknowledged there are areas of the
community with yards however if one looks at Old Town and
Surfs ide with rows and rows of very large houses, there are no
yards, and there is no limit on how many of those one hundred
foot deep, three story homes can be built, in those cases it
seems that the issue of air and light have been ignored. Ms.
Sousa disagreed with a statement of lack of compliance with
building codes, stating that when there is an addition in the
Park the Building Department reviews the plans very carefully,
there are inspections, and a certificate of occupancy is not
issued until the units are built according to the specifications
for fire and safety, and emphasized that the County has stated
over and over that there is no fire hazard. She clarified that
there are one hundred twenty-five spaces in the Park, the same I
statistics that apply to the two story cabanas apply to the
overall population, eighty percent of the units are occupied by
one or two persons, again the statistics do not support the
issue of overcrowding because of two story cabanas. Ms. Sousa
said there has always been a cloud of contempt over the Trailer
Park because the residents are low and moderate income, the
request in this case is to allow these persons to improve their
lives and their homes, there has never been a problem over the
years to have persons qualified for those twenty-nine units,
therefore there is no reason to believe that by building these
units there will not be enough people of low and moderate
income, all residents must qualify as low and moderate income to
live in the Park. Ms. Sousa stated that the Park management, of
which she has no interest, will not benefit from additional two
story cabanas, there is no rental increase on a space because of
a two story cabana, rents are based on the formula in the
Covenants and Agreement with the City, therefore the only
monetary benefit would be to the city in the form of property
taxes. She expressed her desire that the Trailer Park be
embraced by the city in total, describing it as a wonderful
place for people who may not otherwise be able to live in Seal
Beach, many residents would likely not be able to afford to buy
a home at todays prices. She said she could see no reason for
this separation requirement to go on especially if all of the I
facts are looked at carefully and compared to the areas of Old
Town and Surfside, the Park residents are not asking for any
more rights than other areas of the community. There being no
other comments, Mayor Forsythe declared the public hearing
closed.
Councilmember Hastings requested clarification of a statement
relating to the payment of property taxes on cabanas, her
understanding was that Park residents pay only a small DMV fee
for their trailers. The Director of Development Services
explained that once an individual obtains a building permit for
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a cabana the value of the cabana is established by the assessors
office and the City receives property taxes based upon the value
of that portion of the living area, for those that continue to
have a licensed trailer it is understood those fees are
forwarded to the DMV, however it is uncertain what happens when
there is no longer a licensed trailer and only the floor area
remains, possibly the assessors office places a value on the
total improvement. Councilmember Hastings then surmised that
the property tax is paid by the owners of the property, the
legitimate trailers pay only a small DMV fee, the property tax
is levied on only the cabana. The Director said it is
understood that the assessor does assess the value of the land
of the Park to the owner of the Trailer Park rather than to the
lessees of the trailer spaces. A member of the audience, Ms.
Stobbe, clarified that before adding their cabana they paid $16
per year to the Department of Housing and Community Development,
not the DMV, since adding the cabana they pay regular County
property taxes on the cabana portion in addition to the HICD
payment. To a question of Councilmember Campbell as to the
ownership of the Trailer Park, Ms. Sousa stated from the
audience that the widow of Mr. Dawson has ninety percent
ownership, a Mr. Rich Botti the remaining ten percent. As to
the number of units being rented, the Director said he believed
a number of years ago the city approved a parcel map for two
spaces to allow for-sale of the land, those believed to be
located at the north and south end along the River, the
remainder are believed to be rented spaces, of the one hundred
twenty-five spaces in the Park, one hundred twenty are
restricted to be occupied by persons of low or moderate income,
five or six of the spaces have no income restrictions and they
can be rented or leased to anyone, of the one hundred twenty,
sixty are for low income and sixty are between low to moderate
income. As to who monitors the qualifications of Park
residents, the Director responded that the Redevelopment Agency
has the authority to review the leases of persons moving into
the Park, the Park required to verify that they meet the income
criteria, which changes annually, in the past the City has found
full compliance with the criteria and the Park is generally
monitored about every other year. To a question relating to the
resale value of a typical remodel, the Director said he would
hesitate to guess because the Trailer Park is so much different
than other areas of the city, the resident is actually renting
the land to place a building on, in the event of a sale the land
is not being sold, just the structure, which reduces the value
considerably, for-sale ads observed in the newspapers have,
ranged from about $80,000 to $130,000, and confirmed that a low
income family could qualify for that price of unit, the State
develops new guidelines each year based upon the number of
persons in the family, up to eight persons, as an example, a
moderate income family of four could be $60,000 annually, low
income may be about $38,000 to $40,000 per year, a general test
of affordability is three times an annual income. Councilmember
Hastings noted several comments making a comparison of the
Trailer Park to Surfs ide and Old Town in an attempt to establish
a criteria for the Park to correspond with those areas, noted
that there are three roads in the Trailer Park, if the appeal is
granted there will be a number of inside units on which two
story cabanas could be built, in Surfside there is a roadway,
the ocean, the highway and open space, in Old Town there are
frontage streets, alleys, the ocean, etc., in the Trailer Park
there will be no separation of second stories for air and light,
and questioned how one could rationalize the parking situation
in the Trailer Park. Councilmember Hastings said she found the
comment of Ms. Sousa of interest, in support of granting the
appeal so that the criteria would be fair and equitable with Old
Town and Surfside, which would be a situation where the tenants
improve their properties to the benefit of the likely heir of
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the Trailer Park. Ms. Sousa responded that she is neither heir
or owner of the Park. As a point of information, Councilmember
Hastings noted out that the criteria to determine the number of
parking spaces required for Old Town and Surfside are based upon
the number of bedrooms. Councilmember Campbell offered that
when considering a variance the future use needs to be kept in
mind in that a variance runs with the land, expressed concern
with the reference to trends, there may be only a few cabanas
now however as needs increase so will density, and cited parking
as a very critical issue. To a prior comment she stated no one
has contempt for anyone who lives in the Trailer Park, her
concern is with people being priced out, being denied the
opportunity to live in the Park. Mayor Forsythe mentioned that
history shows that initially the design of the Park was to
accommodate elderly people, primarily one occupant per trailer
on very small spaces, now there are one and two people per unit,
therefore if the tendency continues to allow fourteen hundred
foot homes the natural trend will be children, raising the
number of persons per space to three or four. She stated it is
very clear that low and moderate housing is what is trying to be
accommodated, however that will not be accomplished if the area
is developed to the extent requested, and suggested that to
compare the Park with Surfs ide and Old Town is unfair because in
those areas parking in most instances is underneath the units.
Mayor Forsythe expressed support for the idea of an advisory
committee to address Trailer Park issues that have been ongoing
for years. She expressed her feeling that the standards for two
story cabanas should remain unchanged, that taking into
consideration the issues of light, air, aesthetics, and the
overall density of the area should a two story cabana be allowed
on each space.
Mayor Forsythe moved to deny the appeal and sustain the decision
of the Planning Commission, making no changes to the current
Code provisions for two-story cabanas, also that consideration
be given to forming an advisory committee to look into issues
relating to the Trailer Park. Councilmember Hastings said at
such time as a committee is formed she would request that a
valid survey of the spaces in the Park be a priority task for
the committee. The city Attorney advised that a committee can
be formed at the desire of the Council, and noted that a
resolution reflecting the action of the Council will be
presented for consideration at next meeting. Councilmember
Campbell seconded the motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings
None Motion carried
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PUBLIC HEARING - SOLID WASTE SERVICES AGREEMENT - BRIGGEMAN
DISPOSAL - OLD TOWN RECYCLING/REFUSE ORDINANCE/COUNTYWIDE
LANDFILL AGREEMENT
Mayor Forsythe declared the public hearing open to consider the
an Agreement for Solid Waste Collection Services with Briggeman
Disposal, a Countywide Waste Disposal Agreement, and a revised
Solid Waste and Recycling Ordinance. The City Clerk certified
that notices of the public hearing had been advertised as I
required by law, and reported no communications received either
for or against this item. The City Manager recalled that the
agreements were reviewed at the last meeting, the terms of which
tentatively agreed to by the refuse hauler, and explained the
actions necessary to implement recycling in Old Town, approval
of the agreements, and adoption of an amended Solid Waste and
Recycling Ordinance. Councilmember Campbell stated her intent
to request that this item be held over until the next meeting or
sometime thereafter for the reasons that she has found that
residents of College Park East, College Park West, and the Hill
have had problems with recycling, when initiated the people had
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I
no input, many would like every week collection, changeout of
the containers, etc. Councilmember Hastings suggested that
those residents resolve their problems directly with the
contractor rather than postpone the implementation of recycling
for Old Town. Councilmember Campbell acknowledged that although
this item relates primarily to recycling in Old Town it also
involves a renewal agreement with the refuse contractor,
therefore she wished to take advantage of this opportunity to
seek public comments and resolve existing concerns, again, those
concerns relate to the size of the containers, their
maneuverability, removal of the bins from the street, etc.
Mayor Forsythe suggested that the size issue can be resolved by
requesting a smaller container from the contractor.
Councilmember Campbell said if the recycling container size were
reduced that would likely require a weekly pickup for an
additional monthly cost of less than $4, this an issue that she
wished to explore before going forward with this program.
Councilmember Hastings asked if it is fair to impact the
residents who have a recycling program now for the few persons
who find it difficult to comply, and where the majority would
not support an increase of the rates. Councilman Brown
concurred with the comments of Councilmember Hastings, noting
that no matter if it is now or years from now there will
continue to be people who want weekly pickups and smaller cans
however it is not foreseen that that will happen, the majority
of residents more interested in keeping the rate down, and
suggested that those residents having concerns meet with the
contractor to resolve them. Councilmember Campbell said she
initially felt that the residents would not accept a rate
increase however would like to give them an opportunity to
express their thoughts, one possibility would be a sixty gallon
recycling bin like the greenwaste container and a smaller size
refuse container, yet again if two smaller refuse containers are
desired there is a charge for the second. Mr. Briggeman
confirmed that there is a charge for the second bin however
there is no additional charge for the extra pickup. It was
pointed out that this is a noticed public hearing and suggested
that the hearing be opened and the proper procedure be followed.
Mayor Forsythe said she has not received complaints from Hill
residents since before the greenwaste program, if there
continues to be concerns she has not heard them, and it seems as
if the contractor is trying to meet the needs of the homeowners.
Councilmember Hastings added that the contractor seems to have
resolved the container size and handicapped concerns for certain
downtown residents as well.
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As was done at the last meeting, the City Manager reviewed the
terms of the franchise agreement as tentatively agreed to by the
contractor, that Briggeman Disposal would provide the City with
a $50,000 non-refundable performance deposit; residential
recycling would be implemented in Old Town with no rate
increase, beyond the rate presented to Council in 1993, for a
period of eighteen months; future rate increases would be
limited to at least twenty percent below the Consumer Price
Index; provide free disposal services for City and school
facilities in Seal Beach; bulk item pick-up provisions would be
enhanced; performance compliance measures would be tightened;
the City would assume control of where solid waste is deposited;
billing of commercial accounts would be transferred from the
City to the contractor; the contractor would provide the City
with a $10,000 annual cash payment to offset AB939 compliance
costs; and a fifteen percent discount would be provided persons
of sixty-five years of age and over who meet federal income
guidelines. The Mayor suggested that the public needs to be
better informed as to availability of bulk item pick-up
services. The Manager explained that in consideration of those
terms the contractor would receive an extension of the term of
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the current franchise agreement, as it was for three years when
the greenwaste program was initiated, with this amendment the
total extension would be seven years on a evergreen basis,
automatically renewed each year, also, the commercial rates
would be increased, specifically those businesses having multi
pick-ups a week and the rates are considerably below market.
with regard to the countywide Flow Control Agreement the Manager I
explained it is a part of the County bankruptcy recovery plan.
Councilmember Hastings posed the question that if refuse to the
landfills continues to decrease what is the possibility of the
County raising rates to generate the necessary income, to which
he reported the cities cOllectively participated in an audit of
the County figures, and although the County had an overly
optimistic projection of anticipated tonnage, it was found that
the program could work at the $22 per ton rate, and the City
would have the security of having a landfill site, Brea Olinda
for Seal Beach, for the next ten years at a secured rate, less
than the rate currently being paid. Councilmember Hastings
asked if anyone has tried to secure a rate with the disposal in
Long Beach for a similar period of time, to which the Manager
reported that the refuse contractor has although unsuccessfully.
Mayor Forsythe invited members of the audience wishing to speak
to this item to come to the microphone and state their name and
address for the record. The refuse contractor, Mr. Briggeman,
stated that the waste energy plant in Long Beach is operated by
the city of Long Beach in a joint venture with the Los Angeles
County Sanitation Districts, and at this point in time he has
been unable to obtain any guarantee from the facility management
for a secured rate, the facility currently has long term
contracts with the cities of Signal Hill and Lakewood, similar I
to what the County of Orange is proposing for a secured flow
rate. He said his last discussion resulted in an offer to
present a secured rate option to the Sanitation District Board
however there has been no response to date, thus the
recommendation to join the Orange county program. Mr. Gordon
Shanks, Surf Place, spoke in favor of implementing the recycling
program for Old Town, however for those on the Hill and in the
College Parks the bins often require wheeling for some distance,
there is a grade on the Hill, the recycling can is totally full
at the end of two weeks, heavy and difficult for some to roll,
the refuse bin which is picked up once a week has almost nothing
in it, and the greenwaste container is either empty or
overflowing, to which he suggested that the program needs to be
seriously looked into, there is a problem with the one hundred
gallon recycling container, yet the program is working fairly
well. Mr. LeRoy Brown, Ocean Avenue, questioned whether anyone
has walked the alleys of Old Town to determine where the bins
will be placed, cited as an example the six unit building next
to his property where there is a three foot walkway into the
apartments, a three foot walkway on the opposite side where the
trash cans sit on stairs, Mr. Brown said his gate is at the end
of the stairs which makes other cans unaccessible, other multi-
unit dwellings have improvised various types of container areas,
most multi-units have four to five cans that are collected twice
weekly, it is inconceivable as to where enough cans are going to I
be placed to accommodate recycling and refuse for a six unit
dwelling, unless one takes away parking to make room for the
bins. Mr. Brown asked when this program will commence and what
type of receptacle will there be. The Manager explained that he
and the contractor have discussed the anticipated problems
associated with recycling in Old Town, it is understood that
there may be areas where the program will simply not work, yet
the entire program should not be abandoned because of a few
difficult situations. Mr. Briggeman reminded that up until a
few years ago the City had twice weekly service, which was
unique throughout the County, and at the time recycling was
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I
first implemented there would have been a significant rate
increase for twice a week service versus no increase for once a
week like every other city in the County. Mr. Briggeman stated
their processing of recyclables is referred to as clean MRF, as
compared to Huntington Beach as an example that utilizes a dirty
MRF process which led'to the construction of an $8 million
facility to process the trash, and a rate of approximately $6
per month higher, per household, than Seal Beach. He said
almost every option possible has been offered the residents as
to their choice of container size, yet knowing that everyone can
not be pleased, they continue to strive to provide the highest
level of service at the best price possible, up to three
recycling containers are offered free of charge, that was done
to encourage source reduction. He noted it was not until 1984
that the landfill tipping fees were initiated and the landfills
have now become an integral part of the bankruptcy plan. Mr.
Briggeman said the alleys in Old Town are quite similar to those
in the City of Los Alamitos, makeshift trash can covers, sheds,
etc., stated he has been through the Seal Beach alleys and Seal
Way, offered that there will be some areas where it will be
impossible to place automated containers, the service to Old
Town will be somewhat different with the semi-automated truck
having a tipping machine on the front, confirmed that some
people will need to remove the enclosures that have been placed
in the alleys, and reminded that by implementing the program,
the carts will improve the aesthetics of the alleys. He
acknowledged that when such a program is initiated there are a
number of calls the first couple of months, and to address those
calls telephones will manned until evening hours, an
informational brochure will be distributed, the recycling
coordinator is willing to work with the residents, and
handicapped services will be available. Mr. Brown inquired as
to how many containers will be provided the multi-units, what
type will they be. Mr. Briggeman responded that most multi-
units in the community are served by three yard commercial bins,
those are not a part of the semi-automated program, residences
receiving regular refuse services now will be converted to the
recycling program, provided with sixty gallon refuse and
recycling carts per unit, in Los Alamitos some units received
sixty, some one hundred gallons. Mr. Brown claimed that a sixty
gallon container per unit, collected once a week, will not
suffice, also, it is felt that the younger persons in the
apartments will welcome recycling. It was mentioned that once
recycling is in place it may be that less cans will be needed.
The Manager stated it is not yet known when the Old Town program
will commence.
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Dr. Rosenman, 8th Street, said there may be some merit in
holding this hearing over until the next meeting as it is likely
many people may not be aware of the upcoming program, requested
an explanation of the rationale of the evergreen contract and
possible ramifications, and cited a worst case scenario that
Briggeman Disposal is acquired by another company or individual,
is the successor of the contract, then why at the end of the
seven year extension would the contract not be on a yearly basis
rather than an ongoing seven year cancel cycle. The Manager
explained that the evergreen clause was a negotiated item, quite
common in Orange County, a survey showed there are a number of
agreements ranging from ten to twenty years, the average about
eight years, approximately half have evergreen clauses, and by
State law a five year notice to terminate a franchise is the
minimum requirement, inclusion of the evergreen clause
accomplished some of the benefits described, also placed the
contractor in a good position to obtain attractive terms and
financing for the recycling facility that he will build to
process Seal Beach recyclables as well as the containers.
Councilmember Campbell noted that the purchase of refuse
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equipment is an on-going, expensive process, therefore there
needs to be adequate time for depreciation. In response to a
comment of Ms. Mitzi Morton, Seal Beach, it was explained that
there was a presentation relating to Old Town recycling on
February 10th, not a public hearing. Ms. Morton complained that
the presentation was made without public input, the containers
were available then, not at this hearing, and claimed a decision I
has already been made as to what is going to be done. She noted
that residents are currently paying $47 per month for four units
for trash to be collected twice a week, this will reduce
collection to once a week for refuse, every other week on the
recyclables, the same cost and a future increase, which she
claimed is a cutback on service, cited potential problems as a
result of having only three foot setbacks, the potential of
eight persons residing on one parcel of property, and inquired
as to what plans are being made for the collection of additional
trash and boxes as a result of persons moving in and out of
units. Ms. Morton expressed her opinion that every resident
should be noticed of this hearing, especially the out of town
landlords. Ms. Donna McGuire, Dogwood Avenue, stated her
objective to seek continuance of this hearing given the
importance of the issue, offered to have petitions signed in
College Park East because of problems resulting from the
container size, limited sideyard space for storage also
containers too large to place in the garage, therefore options
should be looked into before a provision for citation is
enacted. Councilman Brown noted that this item relates to
recycling in Old Town, if the program for the College Parks is
not working then that should be resolved with the contractor,
and with regard to the extension of the franchise term he
pointed out that a working agreement already exists as to the
services in College Park East and West and the Hill. Ms. I
McGuire asked for a clarification as to how this matter will
affect College Park East. The Manager stated this does not
really affect College Park East or other areas of the City other
than extending the term of the contract, and suggested that
possibly any problems should be posed to the contractor for
response and resolution. Councilmember Hastings clarified again
that this discussion is in regard to implementing a recycling
program for Old Town, it is understood that there will be
problems to work out, this program will not impact College Park
East or West or the Hill as those programs are already in place,
nor do the other aspects under consideration relate to those
areas as far as trash hauling, rather, the flow of refuse, where
it is disposed of, the cost, and whether an extended term of the
contract is desired, including an evergreen clause, therefore
this is not an occasion for discussion of refuse problems in the
other areas of the community. The Manager mentioned that
remedies already exist to resolve concerns in the other areas.
Councilmember Campbell stated that the ordinance does have an
impact, one being the removal of bins from the street within a
time period, however some residents leave them within sight
because they are unable to maneuver them into an area out of
view. Councilmember Hastings reminded that there are options,
if the container is too large a smaller size can requested,
twice a week collection can be requested as well however the I
cost will increase, possibly these concerns should be addressed
by district. Ms. McGuire too said the ordinance as proposed
does affect the frequency of collection and the size of
container, therefore suggested that the ordinance address only
the area in which recycling is being implemented, and College
Park East will address their concerns when the contract for that
area is renewed. Mr. Jim Curlette, Hill resident, stated he is
the owner of a twelve unit dwelling on Ocean Avenue and inquired
if there will now be thirty-six barrels to serve those units
instead of the dumpster that currently exists, made reference to
the cost involved, and spoke for the right to choose ones refuse
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hauler, and in opposition to exclusive agreements. He was
informed that the units will continue to be served by the
dumpster. Ms. Morton read a provision from the proposed
ordinance requiring containers to be placed within two feet of
the rear property line when a property abuts an alley of a
minimum fifteen feet, to which she inquired if that means all of
the bins must be moved to the alley as opposed to current
practice where the hauler retrieves the barrel from the sideyard
and returns it once emptied. Mr. Dave potter, Seal Way,
expressed concern as to where the bins can be stored, not in the
garage, not in the rear yard setback, and once a fence is built
and a gate is in place in the three foot sideyard setback there
is barely room for a thirty-three gallon container, asked how it
is expected that a sixty gallon will fit, questioning how this
program will work in Old Town. With regard to the placement of
refuse bins, Mr. Briggeman explained that the system is not much
different than it is now, the hauler will exit the truck, take
the bin to the truck where it will be dumped via a tipping
machine on the front of the vehicle. He recalled also that some
months back a publicized workshop was scheduled relating to this
subject however there was no one in attendance. with regard to
the twelve unit dwelling with the dumpster, Mr. Briggeman
advised that nothing will change, this program will apply to
multi-units that are currently on the barrel system, also cited
the example of Los Alamitos that adopted an ordinance requiring
dwellings of five or more units to have commercial bin service
rather than containers, many of the multi-units in Old Town
already have a three cubic yard bin. Mr. Briggeman inquired if
it would be a positive for the city if the recyclables were
collected once a week. Councilmember Campbell said that would
likely solve the problem for those persons who have difficulty
placing the bins behind their gate. Mr. Briggeman agreed the
once per week could be implemented, preferable to changing out
all of the recycling bins, and offered to notify the residents
that that service will be available. Councilmember Hastings
said through all of this discussion the Council and the
residents must not lose sight of the fact that the City is
mandated to reduce solid waste, there are no options, and
accepted the offer of Mr. Briggeman as a positive resolution.
In response to a Council comment, Mr. Briggeman stated the once
a week recycling pickup will be at no additional cost to the
customer. with regard to the suggestion that agreements be made
specific to the various areas of the City, he noted that the
franchise is citywide, also since implementing the automated
system a bulky item collection service has been offered, without
a contractual agreement, recycling was meant to divert as much
as possible from the landfill, automation was to place a limit
on what could be put into the bins, keeping in mind the goal to
reduce the tonnage by twenty-five percent then fifty percent
otherwise the City would be subject to a $10,000 per day fine by
the State, to accomplish the automation the trucks had to be
retrofitted, new trucks were purchased as were containers, and
stated his desire is to see this program grow and prosper.
Councilman Fulton offered that if the recyclables are collected
once a week that may increase the amount of recycled materials
rather than the overflow being placed in the regular refuse.
Mr. Briggeman agreed that the recycling tonnage will quite
likely increase, noted also that additional recycling carts are
available at no additional cost, however it is also recognized
that no matter how many bins are offered the problem then
becomes their storage, question also arises as how and where
people stored their numerous trash cans prior to the larger
automated bins. Mr. Warren Morton, Seal Beach, requested that
this item be continued until the next meeting.
Councilmember Hastings moved to approve the franchise agreement
with Briggeman Disposal Services, that with the knowledge that
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complaints will be forthcoming, problems will need to be
resolved, and unless the recycling program is implemented for
Old Town the City is not going to meet the state mandate for
landfill reduction. Councilman Brown seconded the motion,
expressing his opinion that the program should be put in place,
the problems then resolved as they arise, and recognized the
cooperation of Mr. Briggeman to collect recyclables each week. I
Councilmember Campbell asked that this item be continued to the
next meeting. The City Attorney n9ted there are three items
that require action, the County Landfill Agreement had been the
most pressing however the deadline has now been extended until
the end of March, therefore there is no urgency to take action
on the Landfill Agreement or the Briggeman Agreement, the
recommendation of staff was to hold the public hearing, receive
input, seek direction, hold first reading of the ordinance,
which he confirmed does have some implications citywide, then
defer action on the other items until the next meeting, if that
is the desire of the Council, which will in turn allow further
public comments on all of the items. Councilmember Hastings
withdrew the motion on the floor.
Brown moved, second by Campbell, to approve the Waste Disposal
Agreement between the City of Seal Beach and the County of
Orange for the term of ten years.
AYES:
NOES:
Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings
None Motion carried
ORDINANCE NUMBER 1414 - SOLID WASTE I RECYCLABLES - COLLECTION
Ordinance Number 1414 was presented to Council for first reading
entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH RELATING TO THE
COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLABLES, AMENDING CHAPTER 10
OF THE SEAL BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE." By unanimous consent, full
reading of Ordinance Number 1414 was waived. Brown moved,
second by Fulton, to approve the introduction of Ordinance
Number 1414 and that it be passed to second reading.
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AYES:
NOES:
Brown, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings
Campbell Motion carried
It was the consensus of the Council to continue the public
hearing until the March 10th meeting, and the city Attorney
advised that notice of the continued hearing will be published.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
There were no city Manager reports.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Forsythe declared Oral Communications open. Mr. Dave
Potter, Seal Way, said he hoped there would be more interest in
the recycling matter at the next meeting, and suggested that the
notice contain the dimensions of the bins. To that suggestion
Councilmember Hastings requested Mr. Brigge~an to provide
samples of the refuse containers for the March 10th meeting.
There being no further comments, Mayor Forsythe declared Oral
Communications closed.
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COUNCIL CONCERNS
Councilman Brown reported a meeting was held with Supervisor
Silva and CalTrans relating to the freeway sound barrier wall,
and announced an open meeting to be held in Leisure World
regarding same within thirty to sixty days. Councilmember
Hastings commended the Seal Beach Womens Club for their luncheon
meeting this date during which Mayor Forsythe crowned fifty-two
presidents of local clubs and organizations.
2-24-97 / 3-10-97
ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to
adjourn the meeting until Monday, March loth at 6:30 p.m. to
meet in Closed Session if deemed necessary. The meeting was
adjourned by unanimous consent at 10:56 p.m.
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the
Approved:
~. -<'~;dfT~
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
March 10, 1997
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The regular adjourned meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. this date
was canceled due to the lack of Closed Session items requiring
discussion.
Seal Beach, California
March 10, 1997
The city Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:02 p.m. with Mayor Forsythe calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
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Mayor Forsythe
Councilmembers Brown, Campbell, Fulton, Hastings
Absent: None
Also present: Mr. Till, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Badum, City Engineer/Director of Public
Works
Ms. Stoddard, Director of Administrative
Services
Ms. Beard, Director of Recreation and Parks
Ms. Yeo, city Clerk