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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1997-04-28 4-14-97 I 4-28-97 Approved: ~ /..2:r-/~ - ay ~u.1h{~ CJ.ty Clerk I Attest: Seal Beach, California April 28, 1997 The regular adjourned City council meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. was postponed and adjourned until the conclusion of the Redevelopment Agency meeting. Mayor Forsythe called the regular adjourned meeting to order at 6:49 p.m. with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Forsythe Councilmember Brown, Campbell, Fulton, Hastiugs Absent: None Also present: Mr. Till, city Manager Mr. Barrow, City Attorney Mrs. Yeo, city Clerk I APPROVAL OF AGENDA Hastings moved, second by Brown, 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 Council would meet in Closed Session to discuss the two items identified on the agenda pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(a) and (b). By unanimous consent, the Council adjourned to Closed Session at 6:50 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:06 p.m. with Mayor Forsythe calling the meeting to order. The City Attorney reported that the Council had discussed the two items identified on the agenda, with regard to the first item, existing litigation in case WCAB#MON 0179205, Arvizu versus City of Seal Beach, the Council gave direction to the City Manager, and with regard to the second item the City Council considered taking a nuisance abatement procedure for a property located at the I corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Balboa, the property owner has agreed to remove the fence and perform the necessary grading, his intention at present is to relocate the fence out of the setback by May 9th, the owner was in turn advised that the City wouid schedule a hearing on the matter for May 12th should that time frame not be met, and no other action was taken. ADJOURNMENT- It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 p.m. 4-28-97 I Approved: _4,<~~<- ayo Attest: Seal Beach, California April 28, 1997 The city Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular session at 7:08 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 I 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. Nancy Beard, Director of Parks and Recreation Ms. Yeo, City Clerk APPROVAL OF AGENDA Fulton moved, second by Brown, to approve the order of the agenda as presented. AYES: NOES: Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings None Motion carried I Mayor Forsythe announced, to the many p~ople present in the Chambers and in response to numerous telephone calls, that a meeting has been scheduled for the following Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers for an open discussion relating to the Bixby property, a forum to allow the expression of opinions and ideas. She described this subject as an issue with a common goal, to do what is best for the City. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Forsythe declared Oral Communications open. Mr. Bruce Stark, Seal Beach, commended the Council for carefully abiding by the Brown Act, however said he wished to bring to attention a violation of the Brown Act with regard to the construction of a house at 206 Ocean, the plans approved by an Ocean Avenue CC&R Committee, signed by the three self-appointed members, that 4-28-97 without the benefit of public notice of their meeting or opportunity for input by Gold Coast residents. Mr. Stark claimed that as a result of the construction at 206 two adjacent homes have been undermined, the City was notified, however nothing has been done about the situation. He said a request of the property owners for a variance was rejected by the Planning Commission, and claimed that during a recess of that meeting a I personal prejudicial remark was made by a member of the Commission directed at him. He claimed also that a parking citation was not issued when it was indicated that the driver, his insurance adjuster, was indirectly involved with the 206 construction, the same situation with the construction workers being allowed to double and triple park, again without citation, this a matter that should be a concern of every citizen in town, a matter that the Council should consider, especially when two houses are sinking. A member of the audience requested to speak to Consent Calendar item "G". The City Attorney advised that a motion to reconsider approval of the agenda would be in order to remove Item "G" from the Consent. Mr. Frank Laszlo, candleberry Avenue, read his response to a recent local newspaper editorial entitled 'Authentic Business' that he said concerns every resident in College Park East, the editor had been mailed information relating to a person in support of the Bixby mixed use proposal yet the editorial said it was not printed because the information was sent anonymously, he too received a copy of the information which he said answered a number of puzzling questions, the information is felt to be relevant to the community and the feeling of many is that the information should have at least been investigated, then printed along with the editorial, letting the citizens make up their own minds. Mr. Laszlo stated another story going around is that the development I company also received the information, did not want to become involved, that the reason for the appearance of 'for sale' signs on their property. Mr. Phillip Fife, Ironwood Avenue, stated his belief that what has brought the people to this meeting is the concern with what is going to happen in their area over the next thirty to sixty days, people are being told that the developer is up to his old tricks, that matters of issue can not be discussed because the Brown Act somehow prevents the elected representative from discussing anything that might come before that individual for a vote, to which Mr. Fife stated that the Brown Act does not prohibit, rather, it implements policy that the business of the public be conducted in public, there is nothing that prevents a public official from discussing issues coming before them or even expressing preliminary views however no public official should express an opinion as to how they are going to vote unqualifiably on an issue, because in doing so that person is not violating the Brown Act rather, viOlating the obligation to hear the evidence and cast a vote based upon the evidence, and in this case where the people can not obtain information until something is ready to be voted upon, people do not know if they should even come to a meeting. 'For Sale' signs are going up in the College Park East area, it is heard that Bixby wishes to leave the community, and if this were a trick of the Bixby Company he said he would be surprised if Cushman and Wakefield, a national brokerage firm with clients I much larger than the Bixby Company, would be a part of or allow themselves to be used in that manner. Mr. Fife said the concern is that upon waking one day it may be found that everything that is feared will be fait accompli, a less than desirable motel built on half of the tennis complex site with undesirable occupants, property values greatly reduced, the people have been told the Base will revert to the Bixby Company if it ever closes, however the condemnation decree when the Base was acquired says nothing like that, of which he has a copy, according to Bixby there were no less than twenty-five land owners that contributed to the parcel that makes up the Base, I I I 4-28-97 and according to the decree the title is vested in the United states of America in fee simple, the strongest title there is, the government does not have to take rights when it acquires property because it has the power of eminent domain. He said the people have been told that golf course homes will not sell, yet that is what is proposed for the Hellman property, also told that if housing is built near the Base it will place people in harms way even though the Base has said the housing is acceptable. Mr. Fife concluded that the people are being told one inconsistency after another, and until there is a proper forum one wonders where the truth lies. Mr. Philip Chapirson, Aster street, stated he would be unable to attend the Monday meeting, admitted having been somewhat apathetic to this issue however now realizes the College Park East community needs assistance. Mr. Chapirson said he had been told that children would be bussed in to use the community center, that there is a conspiracy in that the people downtown want to put more commercial in the northerly part of the community to generate more sales tax, that there is no concern for people in College Park, to which he said he did not believe that a gas station and a second rate motel would be allowed, also, told that placing expensive homes around the golf course would force the Base to abandon and then thousands of homes would be built, and questioned why the use of these false scare tactics. Mr. Chapirson offered that the intent is to improve the golf course, host tournaments with top golfers, a course that the community could be proud of, asked why there can not be some compromise, why not nice homes, a community center, and improved golf course, why can't the people of College Park East be represented, and looked to the Council for their representation. Mr. Ray Ybaben, Hazelnut Avenue, twenty-seven year resident, expressed his concern because the character of the neighborhood is about to change in a negative way. He offered that College Park East is presently an attractive community, contributing to that is the way Lampson Avenue curves through a greenbelt area that gives a feeling of comfort and serenity, a contributor also is the golf course and the Base which generates a feeling of greenspace and openness, that identity about to be lost only to become similar to Beach Boulevard as it passes through stanton or Westminster Boulevard in Westminster, and that idea is not liked. He stated unplanned, opportunistic commercial development would be devastating to College Park East, it would impact Seal Beach at large and detract from the image that has so carefully been built, what happens in north Seal Beach affects all of Seal Beach. He said there is no quarrel with property owners maximizing their investment, it is realized that unused land in this area can not be left fallow indefinitely, yet it is also felt that it is up to the civic leaders to exercise creativity and develop a vision for the City, what is it going to look and feel like in years to come, then communicate the vision to the property owners and developers, if the City is to control its own destiny it is the responsibility of the Council to provide guidance and direction to the business people and assure that new development enhances the quality of life. Mr. Ybaben said it is regrettable that that is not what College Park East residents have seen from their representative to date, the result of the inabilities and inactions have resulted in a lack of confidence, therefore the time has come for the entire Council to fill the vacuum in the best interest of the city and College Park East. Ms. Cibella Wilenius, Goldenrod Street, and real estate broker, offered that whatever is built along Lampson Avenue is either going to upgrade or downgrade College Park East properties, what is presently proposed is a downgrade, said she is aware of the senior care facility and the closing of the tennis club, which had been said would never happen, there are no schools in the area, there is need for a community center for the children rather than having 4-28-97 to commute to Rossmoor or Old Town, and a $30 per night hotel is unimaginable. She stated that if the golf course were intertwined with quality homes there would be a waiting list, her neighbors have said they absolutely do not want commercial, they felt that when their Council representative was elected there would either be no growth or slow growth, calls to the Councilperson from residents are not returned and is a no show at meetings. Ms. Wilenius urged that the Council not allow something in the backyard of College Park East that they would not want in theirs. Miss Lisa Sandler, Birchwood Avenue, deemed that the controversy and rumors are ridiculous and should end, stated she has resided in College Park East all of her twenty- three years, a wonderful place to grow up, however her dream of residing and raising a family in that area are now coming to an end. In becoming a school psychologist she is aware of the benefits of a community center for children, she felt that there are senior living facilities by means of Leisure World and Beverly Manor, facilities exist also in Los Alamitos and Garden Grove, said if homes are built along Seal Beach Boulevard let the buyers determine if they want to live there, and it needs to be remembered that this issue is about all of College Park East, not just one person. Mr. Ace Yeam, Fir Avenue, asked for the assistance of the Council, the desire is to maintain the tennis club as a community center, maintain the golf course as well, it is felt that building homes in that area will help to solidify those desires, and expressed appreciation for scheduling the forum next Monday. Councilmember Hastings made reference to the property title document mentioned by Mr. Fife and asked if he would be willing to do some research on the Base property, possibly look at the difference between El Toro reverting back to the Irvine family and/or reversion to the original owners of the AFRC property. Mr. Fife confirmed that he has done that. There being no further comments, Mayor Forsythe declared Oral Communications closed. RECONSIDERATION - APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Hastings moved, second by Brown, to reconsider the approval of the agenda. AYES: NOES: Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, FUlton, Hastings None Motion carried APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Brown moved, second by Hastings, to approve the order of the agenda as amended to remove Items "G" and Item "L" from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration. AYES: NOES: Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings None Motion carried CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "A thru "N" Brown moved, second by Fulton, to approve the recommended action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except Items "G" and "L" removed for separate consideration. The city Attorney noted minor language and format revisions to Item "M" as set forth in a brief memo to the Council. A. 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. B. Approved the minutes of the April 14th, 1997 regular adjourned and regular meetings. I I I I D. C. Approved regular demands numbered 15622 through 15765 in the amount of $232,907.44, payroll demands numbered 21487 through 21496 and 21667 through 21848 in the amount of $353,510.34, and authorized warrants to be drawn on the Treasury for same. Adopted Resolution Number 4525 entitled "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE BORROWING OF FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997-1998; THE ISSUANCE AND SALE OF A 1997-1998 TAX AND REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTE THEREFOR AND PARTICIPATION IN THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITIES CASH FLOW FINANCING PROGRAM." By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4525 was waived. E. Received and filed the staff report relating to the "California's Ocean Resources, An Agenda for the Future" report prepared by the California Resources Agency, and instructed staff to forward same to the Environmental Quality Control Board for information purposes. F. Approved the proposals of Willdan Associates for Special District Administration for Surfs ide Assessment District 94-1 and Assessment Engineering Services Street Lighting Maintenance District No. 1 for fiscal year 1997/98. Approved an amendment to the Public Employees Retirement System (Level 3 - 1959 Survivor Benefits) by the following actions: I H. I Adopted Resolution Number 4526 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH"; Introduced and held first reading of Ordinance Number 1415 entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH AND THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM"; and Approved an Agreement to Pool 1959 Survivor Benefits Assets and Liabilities between the Board of Administration of the Public Employees' Retirement System and the city Council of the City of Seal Beach. By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4526 and Ordinance Number 1415 was waived. I. Approved the reallocation of capital expenditures approved in the 1996/97 fiscal year budget to accommodate the purchase of a new computer for the Finance Department. 4-28-97 4-28-97 Concurred with the recommendation of the interview panel to retain the firm of Culbertson Adams and Associates as the primary environmental consultant to the City, and P&D Environmental Services as the alternate environmental consultant, and authorized the City Manager to execute the contracts on behalf of the City for the term of three years. K. Bids were received until April 22nd at 10:00 a.m. for Project Number 737, the 2nd Street Water Line and Central Way Reconstruction Project, at which time they were publicly opened by the City Clerk as follows: J. M. N. AYES: NOES: I Ecology Construction, Inc. Valverde Construction, Inc. P & J utility Co. BNB Engineering, Inc. Excel Paving Co. Savala Construction Co.,Inc. $159,558.53 294,446.25 338,499.00 348,382.46 364,282.80 390,712.35 Approved the withdrawal of the bid of Ecology Construction Inc. pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 5103 (gross error), awarded the contract for Project 737 to the declared lowest responsible bidder, Valverde Construction Company in the amount of $294,446.25, and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract on behalf of the City. Accepted the proposal of Lance, SolI & Lunghard to provide audit services to the city of Seal Beach for the fiscal years commencing July 1, 1996 through July 1, 1999, and authorized the Mayor to execute the contract on behalf of the city. Approved the City of Seal Beach Emergency Operations Plan as presented. Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings None Motion carried I ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM "G" - 1996/97 SIDEWALK. CURB & GUTTER REHABILITATION PROGRAM - PROJECT NUMBER 675 and ITEM "L" - 1996/97 CITYWIDE SLURRY SEAL PROGRAM - PROJECT NUMBER ll4. Mr. Reg Clewley, Seal Beach, claimed that the plans and specifications for sidewalk, curb and gutter rehabilitation are inadequate, in that there needs to be more wheelchair accessibility. He said if a person with a wheelchair wishes to I shop outside Seal Beach the route is out of the way to reach a destination, the sidewalk of the Pacific Coast Highway bridge is inadequate and a ramp should be created with excess concrete or asphalt. He stated the dropoff from residential driveways is unrealistic for a wheelchair, more curb cuts for wheelchairs are needed, an example is the corner of Marvista and Coastline. The city Engineer stated it appears that the City may receive additional HICD money that can be used for handicapped ramps, there is an extensive list of desired ramps with a focus on routes in and out of the community and certain residential areas, offered that if a citizen has need for a ramp in a 4-28-97 I specific location the city would appreciate hearing of that location, also, the contract is worded to allow some flexibility, even though there is only a certain amount of money available. With regard to the PCH bridge, the Engineer said he believed the sidewalk area is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, the point of access to that sidewalk may be in the city boundary however to make any changes in that location would require CalTrans approval, the preference would be to work with the state to actually widen that sidewalk. Councilman Brown noted that backup information for Items "G" and "L" were not in his packet, and inquired if those projects included College Park West. The Engineer responded that the curb, sidewalk and gutter project is scattered throughout the city, primary focus is on deteriorated walkways, etc. to eliminate the potential for trip and falls, and a couple of College Park streets are scheduled for slurry seal. He confirmed that there is a crack repair phase before slurry seal and in some instances portions of pavement will be removed and filled. Brown moved, second by Fulton, to approve the plans and specifications for the 1996/97 Sidewalk, Curb and Gutter Rehabilitation Program, Project Number 675, as well as the 1996/97 citywide Slurry Seal program, Project Number 674, and authorized the advertisement of bids for Projects Numbered 675 and 674. AYES: NOES: Brown, Campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings None Motion carried I ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT - HELLMAN RANCH PROPERTY The Director of Development Services presented the staff report, explained that there was Council authorization in December, 1996 to circulate requests for proposals to provide the city with archaeological investigation services for the Hellman Ranch property, the requests were forwarded to thirty-two archaeological consulting firms from the certified list of Orange County, seven proposals were received, the Council then formed an interview panel consisting of two members of the Council and five members of the Archaeological Advisory Committee, and at the conclusion of the first round of interviews of all seven firms the panel invited two firms, KEA Environmental of San Diego and Statistical Research from Tucson, Arizona, to return for a second interview. He said during the period of scheduling the second interview there was concern raised with regard to the non-involvement of Gabrielino tribal representatives in the interview process, to that concern the tribal representatives, as provided by the Native American Heritage Commission, were invited to join the interview process, one representative responded and did participate in the second interviews, that individual indicated they could work with either firm, that information was transmitted to the interview panel, the second interviews were held, and the unanimous recommendation of the panel was KEA Environmental. The Director noted the first phase of work will consist of the preparation of the research design document. He pointed out that Councilman Brown and two members of the interview panel were presented should there be any questions. Councilman Brown commended the Archaeological Committee members for their scientific and professional approach to this process and selection, and Mayor Forsythe recognized the numerous hours that Committee has spent on their tasks. Brown moved, second by Fulton, to concur with the interview panel recommendation to retain the firm of KEA Environmental of San Diego as the archaeological consultant to the City to conduct the archaeological investigations on the Hellman Ranch property, and authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City. I 4-28-97 AYES: NOES: Brown, campbell, Forsythe, Fulton, Hastings None Motion carried CITY MANAGER REPORTS with regard to the sidewalk, curb and gutter discussion and handicapped access, the city Manager noted that the city was initially facing a possible $25,000 reduction of HICD funds this 1- year with a tentative understanding that they would be forthcoming in subsequent years, that was appealed and the city was successful in having those funds reinstated, which will allow somewhat more sidewalk work to be done this year. As to the application for the beach sand nourishment project, it has passed the first Assembly committee, will now be subject to a lengthy round of hearings, staff will be following this closely in order to keep this funding in the Governor's proposed budget. He noted that the Chamber and Business Association have been active in involving the community groups in a letter writing campaign backing the City's sand grant. The Manager reported that the Orange county Fire Authority volunteers will be doing a wash down of the trees and grasses in Gum Grove Park this week as a fire prevention measure also the clearing of some debris by Public Works personnel. He reported as well that the contract has been let for the consolidated dispatch center construction, the contractor is mobilizing to commence work this week with a targeted completion date of mid-June. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Forsythe declared Oral Communications open. Mr. Bob Dienstag, Candleberry Avenue, recalled that a number of years ago the people of College Park East attempted to have a parcel of land designated for park purposes as there is inadequate I parkland in College Park East, however rather than open space parkland there are seven and a half acres of condominiums, and now the residents are trying to secure open space in the form of the recreation area. He stated his opinion that College Park East is not looking at this in a selfish way whatsoever, and to that he pointed out voting records of East residents in support of the people of Old Town and the Hill as it related to land development, and requested that the Council now give College Park East the same consideration. Mr. Leonard Cowles, Birchwood Avenue, mentioned that he was a member of the group that was attempting to formulate a compromise, the meetings were positive, all participants worked hard on the issue, and for a while it was thought that some resolution could be accomplished. He offered that as a fairly new resident of the area he is not emotionally involved in this matter, his involvement is primarily because of concern with the value of his home, children and the Los Alamitos School District, and public safety. Mr. Cowles said this opportunity to put together a project will be a benefit to the School District only if there are homes, using as an example neighboring cities that have benefitted greatly from residential developments over the past two years. He pointed out that Bixby owns the land and they can do with it what they please, however the citizens should try to mold the best project they can, other projects that Bixby has built have been of quality, they are a good neighbor, and if the I property is divided and sold piecemeal there will be multi neighbors to deal with. Mr. Cowles expressed his opinion that Bixby should be allowed to build as many homes on the golf course as possible, move them away from Seal Beach Boulevard so that the golf course can be seen, and noted that a compromise plan that Bixby submitted after the constraints were imposed on them placed homes immediately adjacent to the Boulevard which in turn took out the trees. Mr. cowles stated his support of homes on the golf course, that is good for Old Ranch, Old Ranch is good for the community, if homes are not built his belief is that the country Club will be gone, and expressed his hope that 4-28-97 I the Monday meeting can reach some type of compromise. Mr. Walt Horne, said he hoped that the personal attacks will be eliminated from the Monday meeting, and even if he disagrees with Council votes, his belief is that the Council is due respect as representatives of the City. With regard to the two plans, Mr. Horne stated on Lampson Avenue there is a difference of two acres between the commercial and the mixed use plan, less than ten percent of the total development, that is not going to trash this town, and there is no need to put people in harms way at the end of the runway. Ms. Audrey Kime, College Park East, said she too had great hope for the committee efforts. With regard to the eight parameters that were requested to be presented to the Bixby Company, she expressed her understanding and that of others that those were consensus items and listed as such, not just perceived as consensus, that understanding posed in the form of a question to the City Manager. She explained that comments are being made that the eight items have been mislabeled as consensus items. The Manager responded his belief that there was a consensus on all except one item. He noted also a misquote in the local paper as to the location of the proposed motel as being on the tennis court site where Bixby discussions at this point have been with regard to the parcel at Lampson and Seal Beach Boulevard. Ms. Dorothy Whyte, College Park East, conveyed appreciation for the opportunity of a public forum next Monday, and asked if it could be televised. The response was that it would not be televised. Ms. Whyte noted the change of the second oral communications from the end of the meeting to before Council Concerns, therefore the Council retains the last say. Councilman Brown said he believed it was he that made that request in order for the Council to have the opportunity to respond to comments from the audience. Mr. Ken Seiff, College Park East, said he will be unable to attend the meeting next Monday, however in his opinion the current problem is not going to go away, it will be a long and difficult situation, the problem is that there is a land owner who wants to develop their property, it is not the Council representative or persons having opposing opinions with regard to the development, everyone is doing what they feel is best and with good intentions. He offered that the intent of the Company is to make money, there is nothing wrong with that, yet the community needs to make known its' rights, there is a process to follow as well, in his opinion Bixby should have developed that property many years ago and before people became so much more aware of open space, etc., as to the process, the Planning Commission denied the prior plan, Bixby pulled it, there is no plan officially before any public body at this time, therefore he resents being told there are deadlines, the lack of planning by someone else is not his emergency, this issue is dividing the community and should not be. If Bixby sells the property the people will be at every meeting and hearing, this is the beginning of a battle that will only be resolved when the developer sees that they must treat the people in the area with respect as well as the process. Mr. Marty Mahrer, College Park East, asked about the status of Comcast with regard to the streets, etc. The Manager stated some of their work has been stopped and deadlines established to complete some of their repairs. The Public Works Director said the deadline had been May 2nd however it now appears that can not be met, Comcast was informed this date that no permits whatsoever would be issued until the repair work is completed. Mr. Mahrer asked if the work would be completed before negotiations commence. The Manager said this issue was discussed with Comcast management people at a meeting last week, therefore they are aware of the City's position and the taking of strong corrective measures. A College Park East gentleman said it is hoped that Monday night will produce a consensus rather than a hodgepodge of opinions so that a united front can be presented. The man asked that local I I 4-28-97 election laws be strengthened with regard to the taking of political signs, fliers, etc., a request he had made previously, suggested that signs be placed on various streets to curb littering, citing Almond Avenue, adjacent to the freeway, as being messy on a daily basis. He stated that when the streets were reconstructed in the vicinity of Bluebell park the same error was repeated requiring a wide swing at the corner by the Park, a parked car makes it even more difficult, to which he suggested a red curb and wider swing of the centerline, he also has not seen anything to improve the traffic problems and accidents on Lampson. Mr. John Ulrath, Dogwood Avenue, recalled having submitted a letter some time back with regard to Comcast and a request for more bandwidth. He said since writing the letter the FCC has now issued new channel assignments for all television stations in Los Angeles, commencing the end of 1998 all of the stations will broadcast on two channels, the current VHF channel and a new high definition television channel. He questioned how Comcast will handle the change in that if their intent is to carry the high definition television they will need to get rid of the standard television offerings, or it will be necessary to get programs off the air, now they have established standards for modems for receiving internet signalS over the cable system, which requires bandwidth to handle, there are new services coming on the cable every day however Comcast does not have the bandwidth to handle them, again emphasizing the importance of increased bandwidth. There being no further comments, Mayor Forsythe declared Oral communications closed. COUNCIL CONCERNS Councilman Fulton praised the Car Show held on Saturday and the crowds it drew. Councilman Brown announced that two Seal Beach Police Officers were honored by the American Legion on Saturday evening, Officer Marcia Gordon and Lt. Van Holt. He commended Mayor Forsythe for providing the opportunity for the public forum next Monday evening that will allow everyone to be better informed with regard to the College Park East development proposal. Councilmember Hastings added her praise and appreciation of the Car Show, mentioning specifically the restored automobiles, the motorcycles, the midget race cars, race car drivers, the presence of the senior volunteers, the police Chief and his saxophone, the large crowd, and gave credit to Jack Haley for having started this Show. She commended the festivities of Gum Grove Park Day as well. Mayor Forsythe reported the Tree committee participated in the Car Show also, someone donated tiny orange trees that were sold for five dollars each, it is understood the Committee made eleven hundred dollars for trees, there was also a rendering of what Main Street could look like with all of the trees in place, landscaping, etc., she stated the Car Show was excellent, and a side benefit is that visitors were overheard to express interest in coming back to certain restaurants and shops. ADJOURNMENT It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to adjourn the meeting until Monday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m. for a public forum relating to the Bixby property. By unanimous consent, the meeting was adjour at 8:35 p.m. Approved: the rk and ex-offic~o Seal Beach Attest: I I I