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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEQCB Min 1987-07-21 . . . e e CITY OF SEAL BEACH ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CONTROL BOARD July 21, 1987 MINUTES I. Call to Order Chairperson Gayle Knapp called the meeting to order at 7:30. II. Pledge of Allegiance Lowell Kolb led the Pledge of Allegiance III. Roll Call Pamela Walker called the roll. Present: Donald Eisenberg (arrives at 7:35 p.m.) Stephen Gavlick Gayle Knapp Lowell Kolb Absent: Ray Fortner Also Present: Pamela Walker Department of Development Services IV. Approval of Minutes Mr. Kolb moved that the minutes of June 30, 1987 be approved as submitted. Stephen Gavlick seconded. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Gavlick, Knapp, Kolb none Eisenberg, Fortner V. Discussion: Draft Environmental Impact Report for Proposed Amendment to Hellman Speclflc Plan and General Plan Chairperson Knapp introduced the discussion as an opportunity for public comment on the draft Environmental Impact Report, and noted that comments could also be submitted to staff over a 45 day review period. Ms. Knapp suggested that the discussion follow the format of the executive summary, beginning with geology and soils. e e . July 21, 1987 EQCB Minutes PdY~ Z Mr. Kolb inquired about the establishment of the earthquake fault depth, and the 120 foot wide fault zone, Ms. Walker explained that the Alquist Priolo Act mandates the 120 foot setback around the fault within which no habitable structures may be placed. Mr. Kolb also noted a possible discrepancy in the text on pages 4-2 and 4-3, wherein a statement on page 4-2 describes the Seal Bach fault as "potentially active", while on page 4-3 the fault is "not considered to be active". . Ms. Knapp raised the issue of liquefaction, and requested Kirk Evans, Mola Development, to comment on the construction of foundations within the project. Kirk Evans, Mola Development, explained that soils reports had found low liquefaction potential in the area proposed for single family homes, and high potential for liquefaction in the area designated for condominiums. Mr. Evans elaborated on the recommended techniques for securing foundations in both areas. He noted that these same methods are employed elsewhere when liquefaction is a threat. Ms. Knapp requested comments on hydrology and soils. None were forthcoming. On the subject of cultural resources, Ms. Knapp inquired as to who would retain a certified archaeologist to monitor grading, and what procedures would be followed if findings of significance were made. Mr. Evans answered that grading would cease upon a finding, and an investigation would commence. Mola would provide the archaeologist, subject to the City's approval. Donald Eisenberg asked Mr. Evans what Mola's plans were regarding Gum Grove Park. Mr. Evans replied that Mola proposes to 60 percent of the park, and to extend the Boulevard. He explained that studies had Mola and the City to review the health of which concluded that many trees were in and were infested by the Australian expressed Mola's willingness to dedicate City for the City. save approximately park to Seal Beach been conducted by the trees, both of danger of falling borer. Mr. Evans the park to the . e e . July 21, 1987 EQCB Minutes Page 3 Mr. ~~r?'S. V10ted M~. ~Aapp asc8rtaiRed that Mola has several options with regard to satisfying the required parkland dedications, including Gum Grove, in-lieu fees, and the golf course.1fMs. Knapp also clarified, through Mr. Evans, the differences in the conclusions of the two tree studies, noting that the City's study was more optimistic that Gum Grove could be saved through irrigation and proper maintenance. . Mr. Robert Post, 1615 Crestview, suggested that trees removed from Gum Grove be replaced, and that Mola contribute to this process. Mr. Carl San Fillippo, 801 Avalon, felt the mitigation measure stating that the proponent work with the City to develop a plan defining the configuration, features and jurisdictional responsibilities of Gum Grove Park is inadequate. He intimated that Mola probably wanted to get rid of the park. Mr. Evans stated that Mola would be willing to replace all trees removed from Gum Grove, and that Mola had never advocated getting rid of the park. Mr. Evans observed that the 6.5 acres of Gum Grove to be preserved, the extension of the park, and the golf course were more than adequate mitigation for the portion of the park being removed. Mr. Evans also pointed out that the decision on the disposition of Gum Grove rested with the City. Mr. Carl San Fillippo, 801 Avalon, stated he had mixed emotions about Gum Grove Park. He asked that the City address entrances, exits, parking, security and vehicular access if the City decides to maintain Gum Grove as a park. Mr. Robert Post, 1615 Crestview, inquired if Mr. Evans was making a commitment to replace the trees Mola removed, and if Mola would agree to irrigate the grove if necessary. Mr. Evans stated Mola would, if that was a condition of approval. Mr. Kolb felt any tree for tree replacement should specify sizes of trees and a time schedule for planting. Mr. Eisenberg summarized the problem at hand as the lack of any clear plan for the treatment of Gum Grove. He noted that the draft EIR is deficient without such a plan. . e If . July 21, 1987 EQCB Minutes Page 4 Mr. Evans replied that the draft EIR was simply stating that there would be no significant environmental impact resulting from the loss of a few acres in Gum Grove Park due to the installation of a 105 acre golf course. He continued that the EQCB could find such a mitigation measure inadequate but that to include a plan for Gum Grove in the EIR would be inappropriate at this stage. An alternative would be a condition of approval requiring that a plan be submitted showing tree for tree replacement in Gum Grove Park. Mr. Eisenberg offered his view that Gum Grove Park and a golf course were not equivalent land uses, and that while the golf course would be an asset, it would not mitigate the loss of eucalyptus trees. He also questioned whether the benefits of maintaining the park in poor condition had been contrasted with the costs, such as liability. . Mr. Evans concurred with Mr. Eisenberg's assessment, and a possible change to the mitigation measure. In response to further questions, Mr. Evans indicated that if Gum Grove were not dedicated to the City, it would be incorporated into the rough as a buffer between the homes on Crestveiw and the golf course. Mr. Knapp also supported Mr. Eisenberg's comments, noting that Gum Grove was the closest thing the City had to a wilderness park. Mr. Evans reiterated Mola's willingness to comply ,with the desires of the City. Mr. Eisenberg asked about the process for the abandonment of oil we 11 s . Ms. Walker stated that the Division of Oil and Gas specified procedures for the proper abandonment of oil wells. Ms. Knapp ascertained that Mola would be responsible for the conversion of all active oil wells to electric motors. Mr. Evans confirmed that conditions of approval, and out. Mola would be responsible for all was authorized to carry them Mr. Carl San Fillippo, 801 Avalon, asked for an elaboration on the potential Superfund sites near the project. . e e . July 21, 1987 EQCB Minutes Page 5 Ms. Walker explained that Garden apartments, and a Station, and that neither waste site. the two sites were the Oakwood portion of the Naval Weapons had been designated a hazardous Mr. Evans added that soil studies not produce any evidence of the adjacent properties. Mr. Kolb asked whether tests had been conducted for the presence of radon. of the Hellman site did hazardous wastes found on Mr. Evans could not confirm this, but recalled that such a request had been made of the consultant. . Mr. Kolb asked that information from investigations be included in an appendix. Mr. Carl San Fillippo expressed concern that illegal dumping was taking place on the site. the soils Mr. Randall Johnson, 1505 Crestview, proposed that there be a condition of approval preventing night lighting. He felt that excessive noise and insects would result, and that screening would possibly be ineffective and unsightly. In response to Mr. Johnson's question, Ms. Knapp noted that the EQCB had the authority to recommend what he proposed, and that she agreed with his concerns. Mr. Bill Morrison, 1729 Crestview, also concurred with Mr. Johnson, and stated that if the night lighting could not be sufficiently mitigated, it should be eliminated. Ms. Sally Hirsch, 1325 Crestview, expressed her concern about noise and light emanating from the driving range. Ms. Knapp inquired whether daytime noise had been addressed. Mr. Randall Johnson, 1505 Crestview, reiterated his concerns regarding impacts from night lighting. Mr. Evans repeated that Mola was trying to address the concerns of the people most affected, and that problems have arisen where such concerns are in opposition. . Mr. Ed Hirsch, 1325 Crestview, commented further on the issue of night lighting. e e . July 21, 1987 EQCB Minutes Page 6 Mr. Anthony Sanchez, 105 Coastline, requested that an 8 foot wall be included in the project between the homes on the hill and the golf course. Mr. Carl for chain course. vague. San Fillippo, 801 Avalon, expressed his preference link, in order to preserve views of the golf He also felt the mitigation measures were very . Ms. Walker noted that the EIR is a companion document to the Specific Plan which is followed in turn by precise plans. She observed that many of the issues brought up in discussion would be further refined through the Specific Plan and Precise Plan approval process. Mr. Carl San Fillippo, 801 Avalon, questioned the impact of construction and grading on dust and noise. Ms. Walker explained that one of the mitigation measures was to control fugitive dust during grading by regular watering, and that noise impacts were anticipated to affect homes on the hill only during grading. Ms. Knapp asked what metfiods had been proposed for dealing with the red fox population. Ms. Walker stated that one of the mitigation measures proposed was that grading be performed during a dry season, when animal populations are low. Ms. Knapp inquired as to the source of funds for the additional city services required by the project. Ms. Walker answered that the fiscal impact analysis in the EIR showed a surplus to the City's Redevelopment Agency, and outlined the sources of such revenues. . Mr. Carl San Fillippo. 801 Avalon, requested additional information on the disposition of the electrical lines traversing the Hill. Mr. Evans responded that Mola had proposed to abandon and relocate the lines, subject to Southern California Edison's approval. Mr. San Fillippo asked what financial impact the sewers for the site would have on City taxpayers. . . . e e July 21, 1987 EQCB Minutes Page 7 Ms. Walker explained that this infrastructure would be financed through a Mello Roos assessment district, and hence paid for by residents of the project. Ms. Knapp concluded the discussion of the executive summary and called for additional comments on the body of the EIR by the Board. Mr. Kolb opened additional fault,and the technical issues its location. discussion of the Seal Beach associated with identifying Mr. Gavlick complimented Mr. Evans on the proposed golf course and expressed confidence that the Gum Grove issue would be resolved. Ms. Knapp called for a recommendation from the Board. Mr. Eisenberg moved that the EQCB recommend that the provision of a 105 acre golf course be deemed unacceptable as a mitigation measure for the removal of a portion of Gum Grove Park; that a separate mitigation measure be proposed which incorporates the City's decision on whether to save, dispose of or improve the park; and that such mitigation measure be a condition of approval for the project. Mr. Kolb seconded. Mr. Eisenberg observed that the park may not be worth the liability associated with it, but that under any circumstances the City should determine its position on Gum Grove. He noted that a broad range of possibilities exist for the park's future, and that Mola should not be solely responsible for making such a decision. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Eisenberg, Gavlick, Knapp, Kolb none Fortner Mr. Kolb moved that the Board recommend that the consideration of chemical hazards on the site be more fully presented in the Environmental Impact Report. . . . . .. e e July 21, 1987 EQCB Minutes Page 8 Mr. Eisenberg seconded. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Eisenberg, Gavlick, Knapp, Kolb None Fortner Mr. Eisenberg moved that the Board recommend that no night lighting be permitted on the project's driving range. Mr. Kolb seconded. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Eisenberg, Gavlick, Knapp, Kolb None Fortner VI. Board Concerns There were none VII. Staff Concerns Ms. Walker reminded the Board that the election of a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson would be on the agenda for the next meeting. VIII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m.