HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1991-07-22
7-8-91/7-22-91
pOlice officers themselves, and a undesirable relationship
with the citizens. There being no further comments, Mayor
Laszlo declared Oral Communications closed.
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CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
Laszlo moved, second by Forsythe, to adjourn the meeting
until Monday, July 22nd at 6:15 p.m. to meet in Closed
Session.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the council,
to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 p.m.
of the
Approved:
~ "'.. L d~pt-
Mayor
I
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
July 22, 1991
Beach city Council regular adjourned session
for 6:15 p.m. was cancelled due to the lack of
iscus ion in Closed Session.
o ne M. Yeo,
ty of Seal Beach
I
Seal Beach, California
July 22, 1991
The city Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Laszlo calling the meeting
to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Laszlo
Councilmembers Doane, Forsythe, Hastings,
Wilson
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Absent:
None
Also present: Mr. Bankston, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, Assistant City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Archibold, Assistant City Manager
Mrs. Yeo, city Clerk
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WAIVER OF FULL READING
Wilson moved, second by Hastings, to waive the reading in
full of all ordinances and resolutions and that consent to
the waiver of reading shall be deemed to be given by all
Councilmembers after reading of the title unless specific
request is made at that time for the reading of such
ordinance or resolution.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
AGENDA AMENDED
The City Manager requested that Item "Q", Resolution Number
4070 establishing fees for services, be continued to a
future meeting to allow further analysis, and that Item "S",
water rate adjustments, be continued until the meeting of
August 12th.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Laszlo declared Oral Communications open. Mr. Scott
Whyte, 4441 Candleberry Avenue, mentioned recent news
articles with regard to the San Onofre Power Plant and the I
need to restore one hundred fifty acres of wetlands as a
mitigation measure and where Seal Beach wetlands were
specifically mentioned within the targeted area. He
suggested this would be an opportunity seek dialogue with
the Edison Company for some type of enhancement program that
they would fund as part of their mitigation plan. He added
that it would not seem realistic that the pending lawsuit
would preclude the City from moving forward to inventory
funding and technical assistance sources possibly through
the Coastal Enhancement Plan, Coastal Conservancy, Fish and
Game, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The City
Manager said he was not aware of anything being done with
regard to the suggestions, however there is knowledge of one
other project that has received mitigation conditions which
is being looked at, and he felt there would be need to
determine the parameters of pursuing the suggestions in view
of the lawsuit. There being no further comments, Mayor
Laszlo declared Oral Communications closed.
75th ANNIVERSARY LOGO
Ms. Dorothy Whyte, Chairman of the 75th Anniversary
Committee, explained that in the spring of 1990 the
Committee adopted a 75th Anniversary logo designed and
donated to the Committee by Mr. Ervin. She reported that
the process to copyright the logo is moving forward, I
requested that the Council adopt the logo as the official
75th Anniversary logo, that it be allowed to be used as an
unofficial logo by the City for recreation or charitable
events, and that it not be allowed to be used for financial
gain by any entity. Mr. Mike Ervin was introduced and in
turn said he was proud to present the original logo artwork
to the City through the Committee, reiterating that it was
not meant to be used for the financial gain of others.
Mayor Laszlo expressed his pleasure in accepting the logo Qn
behalf of the Council and the community, and asked if the
designer had any objection to the city also using the logo
minus the "75th Year" wording. Mr. Ervin said he did not.
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COUNCIL ITEMS
APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS and COMMISSIONS
I
Beach commission
Councilmember wilson appointed Mr. George Brown to fill the
District Two vacancy on the Beach Commission for the
unexpired term ending July, 1993.
Environmental Oualitv Control Board
Councilman Doane appointed Mr. william Hurley to fill the
District Five vacancy on the Environmental Quality Control
Board for the unexpired term ending July, 1994.
Parks and Recreation Commission
The District Three appointment to the Parks and Recreation
Commission was held over.
Councilman Doane appointed Mr. Richard Davies as the
District Five representative to the Parks and Recreation
Commission for the three year term expiring July, 1994.
Plannina Commission
Councilman Doane appointed Ms. Mary Elizabeth Law as the
District Five representative to the Planning Commission for
the four year term expiring JUly, 1995.
pro,ect Area Committee
The District Three resident appointment to the Project Area
Committee was held over.
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Councilmember Hastings appointed Ms. Sandy Blair as the
District One business representative to the Project Area
Committee for the two year term expiring July, 1993, and
appointed Mr. Clifford David as the District One resident
representative for the two year term expiring July, 1993.
Ad Hoc Solid Waste Advisorv Committee
The District Two appointment to fill the vacancy on the
Solid Waste Advisory Committee was held over.
Councilman Doane reappointed Mr. Ernie Winter, who had
recently resigned this position, as the District Five
representative to the Ad Hoc Solid Waste Advisory Committee.
citizens ParticiDation Committee
Councilman Doane appointed Ms. Ethyle Rachlin to fill the
District Five vacancy on the Citizens Participation
Committee for the unexpired term ending July, 1994.
Wilson moved, second by Hastings, to ratify all
appointments.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
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APPEAL - MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATION - 223 SEAL BEACH BOULEVARD
After brief comments, Wilson moved, second by Hastings, to
consider this item after Item "X", the restriping of Seal
Beach Boulevard.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
AB 939 UPDATE
Councilmember
Committee has
Forsythe reported the Solid Waste Advisory
been discussing three types of recycling, a
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curbside program utilizing separation bins for newspaper,
glass, and plastic, this program the most costly to
residents as well as being associated with problems relating
to theft of containers and increased truck traffic, a second
program being curbside commingling, one container, sorted at
a separate facility, yet having similar associated problems
as the curbside program. Given the restraints of certain
areas of the City, such as the narrow alleys in Old Town,
councilmember Forsythe reported the Committee is considering
a MRF program as the most appropriate for Seal Beach where,
if one is not recycling, the trash is placed in one
container, placed curbside, it is collected by the regular
trash hauler, taken to a separation facility where the
recyclables are sorted out, and although there would be a
cost for the sorting, this would be the least expensive of
the programs since there would be no cost for bins or
additional transportation. She clarified that there would
be some cost to the resident whether or not they are
presently recycling, citing Newport Beach residents as an
example who pay $1.25. She pointed out that the present
refuse hauler is willing to renegotiate the current trash
contract to include a recycling element, as had been
discussed by the Committee, that there will be negotiation
of the annual gate fee on the basis that the amount of
refuse going to the landfill is reduced by twenty-five and
fifty percent by State mandate, therefore the City should
realize a reduction of that fee equal to the saving as a
result of reduced tonnage, and there will also be an attempt
to recover some monies from the recyclables. Councilmember
Forsythe reported the consultant has requested that a
workshop be scheduled to review the programs under
consideration, and suggested August 5th at 4:00 p.m. with
the Council, Committee and consultant present and open to
public comments. It was the consensus of the Council to
hold a workshop on August 5th as requested. Councilmember
Hastings stated she would be out of town at that time.
REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE
Mayor Laszlo requested that an item to establish a
Redistricting Committee be placed on the next agenda.
Question was raised with regard to a census recount. The
Development Services Director advised that the Federal
Census Bureau has not seen fit to increase the population of
the city over the 25,098 figure, that they have also not
developed a method to conduct a special census nor the cost.
He noted the staff is presently reviewing and breaking out
the block figures from the census data recently received.
The Director said staff believes the shortage of persons
reflected in the census figures is approximately 2000 to
2200 based upon the 1980 census, that the population figure
does impact the City's revenues, yet the City Charter
requires that the City be redistricted, and it may be at
least a year before a special census could be completed. It
appeared to be the consensus of the Council to place a
Redistricting Committee item on the next agenda as
requested.
REPORT - SUNSET AOUATIC PARK
Ms. Betty Blank, 10162 Redeye Circle, Fountain Valley, said
the amended Master Plan of Parks was adopted in May, 1980
for the purpose of providing a countywide regional network
of recreational facilities of sufficient size, disperse
locations, and amenities to meet the regional recreational
needs of present and future residents of the entire County.
She mentioned her understanding that Sunset Aquatic Park
consists of sixty-three acres purchased from the Navy at
fifty percent of market value and thirty-one acres leased
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from the state, the lease arrangement based upon the
expressed condition that the area be developed into a public
aquatics park, and according to the County Plan an aquatic
harbor park is defined as having facilities typical of both
a regional harbor and park including onshore camping. Ms.
Blank pointed out that the Seal Beach Council had supported
Plan "B" having ninety-eight overnight campsites and one
hundred thirty-two dry boat storage areas, the Harbors,
Beaches and Parks Commission also supported Plan "B", yet
the Board of Supervisors voted against Plan "B" and
supported the desires of Huntington Harbour residents, and
based upon the 1990 Orange County population projections the
two hundred boat storage areas proposed would serve .000867
of the population, yet if the ninety-eight overnight camp
sites were utilized by 10,000 families on an average of 3.5
days per year, 35,770 recreational vehicle camping days
would be realized annually, which she said was the intended
use for this facility. Ms. Blank continued, speaking of the
recognized need, yet lack of overnight facilities along the
coast, in turn assuring coastal access to many inland
residents. She noted also that the supervisors changed the
name to Sunset Marina Park with no mention of regional park.
Ms. Blank urged the Council to continue to support Plan "B"
and that the State Lands and Coastal Commissions be so
advised, and offered to provide background information for
the information of the Council.' Mr. Irwin Gilbert, Buena
Park, State Director of the Southern California Good Sam
Club, reported there to be three hundred fifty members in
Seal Beach and sixteen thousand members in Orange County,
that eighty percent of their members are sixty years of age
or older, that there has been a portrayal that overnight
campers are vagrants and thieves, as well as concern with
traffic expressed. Mr. Gilbert spoke in favor of the mix of
uses proposed by Plan "B" which he said would serve the
greatest number of people. He urged continued Council
support for Plan "B" rather than Plan "C" as revised. Mr.
Morgan Rogers, Los Alamitos, said he had provided
information to the Council in March relating to Sunset
Aquatic Park and pointed out that the Park is within the
boundaries of Seal Beach, noted also that the City does not
have an adopted Coastal Plan. He indicated his belief that
comments will be required of the City when the plan is
before the Coastal Commission and State Lands even though
the subject land is partly leased from the State and partly
owned by the County. Mr. Rogers said included in the
information previously provided were details regarding a
consultant study of existing marinas in the County, the
study concluding that the first choice would be that the
County buyout the remaining term of the leasehold interest
of the marina, the second choice was for County ownership
under a private operating agreement upon the expiration of
the existing lease in eight and a half years, and it was
concluded that the County should not continue under the
existing ground lease arrangement as it creates the least
current and future dollar return. Mr. Rogers mentioned
recent news articles that report sole source negotiations
with the existing leaseholder for an additional thirty year
lease, the County to spend $5 million to upgrade the Park
and loan $3.4 to the lessee, the leaseholder would then pay
the County eighty percent of the net profit from the
operation in lieu of twenty percent of the gross payment.
He offered to provide the city Manager with the information
to which he had referenced. A member of the Council
indicated an understanding that the Board of Supervisors
were reconsidering this item as a result of a potential or
alleged conflict of interest,regarding the consultant, an
objection to the County spending $8.4 million for a $5.920'-
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return was also raised. The city Manager said there has
been an indication by three members of the Board to not
extend the consultant contract, and it is unknown what
affect that would have on the Plan at this point. There was
an indicated consensus to forward the Council adopted
Resolution in support of Plan "B" to the various agencies
mentioned.
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CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "G" thru ilK"
Councilmember Wilson requested Item "I" be removed from the
Consent Calendar, Councilmember Hastings requested Item "G"
removed, and a member of the audience requested Item "H"
removed. Councilmember Hastings requested a correction to
the TRAN documents under Item IIJ" to reflect the current
Mayor and Councilmembers. Wilson moved, second by Hastings,
to approve the recommended action for items on the Consent
Calendar, except Items "G, H, and I", as presented.
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J. Approved Resolution Number 4067 entitled
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEAL BEACH PROVIDING FOR BORROWING
OF FUNDS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1991/92 AND THE
ISSUANCE AND SALE OF 1991 TAX AND REVENUE
ANTICIPATION NOTES THEREFOR, APPOINTING
A FINANCIAL ADVISOR AND BOND COUNSEL AND
APPROVING, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING
EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR FINANCIAL
ADVISORY SERVICES AND AN AGREEMENT FOR
LEGAL SERVICES IN CONNECTION THEREWITH II
as amended.
K.
Approved Resolution Number 4068 entitled
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING
AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN DEMANDS AND CHECKS
FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF FUNDS ON DEPOSIT
WITH THE BANK OF AMERICA, SECURITY PACIFIC
NATIONAL BANK, WELLS FARGO BANK AND FIRST
INTERSTATE BANK; AND AUTHORIZING ALTERNATE
SIGNATURES, AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION
NUMBER 4050."
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AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM "G" - DEMANDS
Councilmember Hastings noted payments to three individuals
that she believed to be retired police officers, asked what
the payments were for and the meaning of the code ADPP. The
City Manager indicated knowledge of retirement status of two
of the individuals, also that they are currently acting as
part-time court liaisons. Councilmember Hastings suggested
that there be a recruitment for the part-time position
rather than using retired disability officers in order to I
avoid past situations. The City Manager noted that with a
number of positions not being filled staff is looking to
transfer certain duties and assignments, and explained that
this particular job description has been reviewed and
amended and will be presented to the Civil Service Board at
their next meeting, the job description necessary to conduct
a recruitment. The Assistant city Manager advised that ADPP
stands for Advanced Disability Pension Payments, a
requirement under the Labor Code, explaining that once the
City retires an officer they continue on ADPP until such
time as the Public Employees Retirement System places the _
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individual on their payment rolls, afterwhich the City
requests reimbursement of the ADPP. He noted also that no
employee on a part-time basis is entitled to PERS benefits,
the employee does not contribute to that System nor does the
part-time employment affect their retirement wage, however
there is a restriction as to the number of hours that can be
worked per year without jeopardizing their retirement
benefits. with regard to other payment inquiries, staff
reported a payment to Cal State Long Beach was registration
for a public executive skills program for Mr. Archibold,
payment to BoPark Enterprises related to alley repair,
Nobest, Inc. believed to be a partial payment for a Public
Works project, and payment to st. Anne's Church was for
cleaning and maintenance relating to the MORE Program.
Wilson moved, second by Hastings, to approve regular demands
numbered 84573 through 84658 in the amount of $618,566.56
and payroll demands numbered 46055 through 46266 in the
amount of $231,690.21 as approved by the Finance Committee,
and that warrants be drawn on the Treasury for same.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
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ITEM "H" - CLAIM FOR DAMAGES - SPENCER
Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, asked that the city Attorney
read the contents of the claim, she also read a recent
newspaper editorial alleging restricted access to various
documents and/or information from the City. Mayor Laszlo
noted his intent to request that a public information policy
be developed for future clarification as to what mayor may
not be released. Ms. Corbin claimed that records she has
previously requested have not been provided, that State and
Federal law should be followed as it pertains to documents,
and insisted the claim be read in full. The Assistant City
Attorney explained that the claim itself is considered a
public document, that once submitted by the claimant there
is no expectation of privacy, however the concern of the
liability attorney is that generally there are other
individuals mentioned in claims who do have privacy rights,
and there is a potential exposure to the city to reveal
information regarding the other persons mentioned. The
Assistant City Attorney read the January 2nd, 1991 claim of
Mr. John Spencer in full as submitted by the claimant. Ms.
Corbin asked that there be a policy established to allow
access to claims, and indicated her understanding of the
need to delete certain information from those claims.
Forsythe moved, second by Wilson, to deny the claim for
damages of JOhn-Spencer and that same be referred to the
City'S liabilit~' attorney and insurance adjuster.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
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ITEM "1" - MINUTES
Councilmember Wilson noted the name of the Mayor on pages 10
and 15 was incorrect. Hastings moved, second by Wilson, to
approve the minutes of the February 11th, 1991 regular
meeting as corrected. It was noted that Councilmembers
Doane and Forsythe were abstaining as they were not present
at that meeting.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None
Doane, Forsythe
Motion carried
It was the consensus of the Council to declare a recess at
8:20 p.m. The Council reconvened at 8:36 p.m. with Mayor
Laszlo calling the meeting to order.
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In response to Council, the Development Services Director
explained that the hearing relating to 223 Seal Beach
Boulevard is an informal hearing as opposed to a formal,
noticed public hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING - TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 91-175 - SUBDIVISION -
112 CENTRAL AVENUE - LURASCHI
Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing open to consider --
Tentative Parcel Map 91-175 for properties located at 112
Central Avenue. The City Clerk certified that notice of the
public hearing had been advertised and mailed as required by
law, and reported no communicatio~s received either for or
against this item. The Director of Development Services
presented the staff report, explaining that the request is
to subdivide the subject property from its current one
residential lot to four residential lots of 30.14 feet in
width by 100 feet in depth, and in conjunction 'with the
subdivision, the applicants are proposing to demolish three
residential structures containing eight units and construct
four single family homes, the owners have also offered to
donate the structure located at 112 Central to the city
which is known as the Krenwinkle house, built in 1913, and
in the 1940's was relocated to the present site from Anaheim
Landing. He explained that the proposed Resolution would
accept the granting of the Krenwinkle house subject to the
city determining an appropriate location within the
community to relocate the structure for an appropriate use,
that determination not anticipated to be necessary for about
a year. The Director noted a concern of the Commission had
been the provision for low/moderate income housing in the
Coastal Zone, the determination of the Commission was to
comply with the provision of the Government Code, therefore
the Resolution reflects the exemption that when less than
ten multiple residential units on a single property are
being demolished the developer is not required to make
provision for replacement housing for low/moderate income
persons. He explained that should the subdivision be denied
the applicant would be allowed to construct 5.54 units on
the subject property under existing zoning, also due to the
size of the lot a third story would be allowed to be
constructed at the rear of the property. The Director
clarified that should the City accept the offer of the
Krenwinkle house the hope is that an appropriate location
can be found to avoid interim storage of the dwelling. In
response to Council, he advised that a development agreement
is a negotiated matter between the developer and the City,
and in this case it was not felt necessary because of the
control provided by the conditions of the parcel map,
confirmed that the Historical Society had been contracted
with regard to the Krenwinkle house, and again explained the
exemption under the Government Code applicable in this case
where replacement housing is not required. The Director
explained that the related fees are subdivision fees,
recently adopted by the Council, of $10,000 per new
residential lot for subdivisions of fifty or less lots, to
offset impacts to the City's parks and recreation
facilities.
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Mayor Laszlo 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. Mr. Charles Antos, 328 -
17th Street, stated he was representing Annabelle and Robert
Luraschi, that they have reviewed the staff report and the
proposed Resolution with conditions, and that it was
acceptable. He requested that the City Attorney review the
letter offering the dedication of the Krenwinkle house, or
if another form of irrevocable offer is desired that would
be considered, noting that the offer is being made at this
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time to allow the City the opportunity to make arrangements
for an appropriate location. Mr. Antos requested that the
subdivision be approved. There being no other comments,
Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing closed.
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RESOLUTION NUMBER 4069 - TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 91-175 -
122 CENTRAL AVENUE - LURASCHI
Resolution Number 4069 was presented to Council entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 91-175 AND CERTIFYING
ADOPTION OF NEGATIVE DECLARATION 6-91, PERMITTING THE
SUBDIVISION OF A SINGLE RESIDENTIAL LOT TO FOUR (4)
RESIDENTIAL LOTS (112 CENTRAL AVENUE)." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4069 was waived.
Hastings moved, second by Forsythe, to adopt Resolution
Number 4069. The Assistant City Attorney offered to contact
Mr. Antos if it is determined necessary to develop some
other form of agreement relating to the Krenwinkle house.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
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PUBLIC HEARING - DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT - BAY CITY VILLAS -
1600 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY and 336 - 17th STREET - WATSON
Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing open to consider a
Development Agreement for the Bay City Villas project
comprising eleven single family residences and a total of
3,000 square feet of commercial/retail space located on
three separate commercially zoned lots. The City Clerk
certified that notice of the public hearing had been
advertised and mailed as required by law, and reported no
communications received either for or against this item.
The Director of Development Services noted the Council had
approved first reading of the Zone Change Ordinance at the
June 24th meeting, that action on the General Plan
amendments had been postponed until all documents relating
to this project could be considered at one time. The
Director reported the Planning commission discussion focused
on park fees for the residential construction, initially
$90,000 to which the developer had agreed, however there was
a proposed requirement for an additional $20,000 for park
mitigation impacts for the current residentially zoned
parcels which have never been developed for residential use
to which the developer objected and the Planning Commission
eliminated as being inappropriate. He stated a second
concern was the number of units of low/mOderate income
housing and the related fee if the developer did not provide
such housing, the determination of the Planning Commission
was to accept the provision as proposed, to require one new
low/moderate income unit in the coastal zone or within three
miles of the coastal zone or the payment of a $15,000 fee
that would be placed in the city's low/moderate housing fund
and could be used to subsidize the cost of an existing
housing unit. He mentioned that the applicant filed their
application for the residential and commercial project with
the Coastal Commission however has since expressed concern
that the development agreement may delay the approvals at
the Commission level which in turn could affect the close of
escrow, and has requested consideration of a means other
than the development agreement to ensure the conditions of
the project. The Director suggested that the Council could
act on the first reading of the Ordinance and that staff and
the City Attorney could attempt to develop a method to
accommodate the request of the applicant that would be
acceptable to the city prior to second reading. In response
to Council, the Director reported the concern of the
Planning Commission Chairman had been whether a low/moderate
unit could be provided for the $15,000 within the City, that
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it was explained that the unit would not necessarily need to
be within the city, that it could be within the coastal zone
or three miles thereof, that the fee was based on a formula
used for the development agreement for the Mola project,
$150,000 per acre land acquisition cost or about $10,000 per
unit, and given the land acquisition cost in Old Town that
figure was increased by fifty percent. He added that a
provision in the development agreement requires either the
housing be provided within a certain period of time or if --
the unit can not be provided the in-lieu fee is required to
be paid, also that testimony to the Commission indicated
there were two bedroom rental units available in this
community for $1,000 per month or less, which would be
within the rental ratios that would allow a family of four
with moderate income to rent those units without any
subsidy. He explained further that the requirement is that
a unit be provided, not necessarily a newly constructed
unit, that could be guaranteed to be used for low/moderate
income purposes.
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Mayor Laszlo 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. Mr. James Watson, 101 Main
street, Seal Beach, stated his acceptance of the report
presented by staff, indicated his belief that some
mechanism, possibly a letter agreement, could be prepared to
guarantee the benefits to the City rather than a development
agreement, and in response to Mayor Laszlo, agreed to bear
the expense of any related legal costs. He explained that
September is believed to be the Coastal Commission hearing,
that the development agreement could likely affect that
date, and in turn the close of escrow. Dr. Anton Dahlman,
1724 Crestview Avenue, said he was not necessarily opposed
to the project, that it meets with approval of those persons
residing in the immediate area, yet his concern was with low
income housing. He stated low income housing was discussed
at the initial commission review of the proposal and Mr.
Watson had indicated an understanding that issue would be
his responsibility if deemed necessary, also that the
Housing Element requires two hundred eighty-five low income
units over the next five to ten years in comparison to six
hundred fifteen high income units, and if only one unit is
required for each ten units, eventually a developer will be
required to provide ten low income units to one high income
unit, therefore in his opinion three or four low income
units would be more appropriate for this project, and
questioned the adequacy of the in-lieu fee of $15,000. He
offered that what is considered a rental rate in 1991 will
be increased by the rate of inflation by 1995, and that the
subsidized rate will also increase, therefore the in-lieu
fee should more realistically be $60,000 per unit. Dr.
Dahlman again stated his support for the project, however
noted his concern that another developer, the tax payers, or
the city may eventually find it necessary to make up the
difference in low income housing. There being no further
comments, Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing closed.
with regard to a City's inability to meet the low/moderate
income housing requirements, the Development Services
Director explained that the categories of number of units in
the Housing Element are goals rather than mandates, and
should a city be unable to meet that goal, the state does
not presently have a means to force cities to require
construction of housing. He noted the qualifying moderate
income for a family of four is $62,500 which will support a
monthly housing cost of $1566, and reported the applicant
has provided a listing of three to four bedroom units in the
community over the past year at a rent of less than that
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figure, that a qualifying low"income is $38,000 per year,
supporting a $10,000 annual housing cost or $900 per month,
which would likely require some subsidy, and although most
units in Seal Beach would not qualify for low income
housing, the law allows the city to provide those units
within three miles outside the coastal zone. The Director
noted the next Housing Element is due in 1994, that the city
will receive a preliminary housing needs assessment, and
upon review should it be determined the numbers are not
realistic, that determination can be documented and
presented to the Southern California Association of
Governments, the body that makes the final determination as
to wh~t the goal of the city should be. He said he did not
believe there would be a problem in this particular case
given that there is a reasonable justification based upon
present rental rates in the City, and the $15,000 could
provide a unit for a period of time. He clarified that no
credit is given for existing low/moderate housing, that the
numbers are in anticipation of new families moving into the
area, that the Housing Element may be amended at any time
however the goals can not be changed until 1994, also that
the Coastal Commission no longer take into consideration the
low income housing issues when reviewing a project.
I
The public hearing was reopened to receive further public
input. Ms. Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, said she did not believe
that the noticing requirements had been met for considering
this item a second time by the Planning Commission,
therefore the Council could not legally vote on this matter.
The Director explained that the formal agenda packets were
not distributed to the libraries or posted at City Hall .
until early Monday morning prior to the Commission meeting,
as opposed to Friday, as a result of the copy machine not
working, however the matter had been publicly noticed
through legal advertisement and mailed to property owners
within the required radius of the project, also that
noticing and posting requiremen~s had been met for the city
Council hearing. The Assistant city Attorney stated that
based upon the explanation the city is in compliance with
the statutory noticing requirements for this project for
both the Planning Commission and city Council, that there
appears to have been technical non-compliance with the
City'S posting requirements for the Commission meeting, yet
there is full compliance with State law and City posting
requirements for the Council hearing, therefore would not
void a decision of the City Council. Dr. Dahlman offered
that the hearing was actually held after midnight, therefore
the day was Thursday and the posting requirements met. Ms.
Reva Olson, Seal Beach, said she did not oppose the project,
however questioned what the consequences would be if the
low/moderate income requirement is not met given that there
are few such vacancies in the community. The Director
reported the 1990 census figures indicated seven percent of
the housing units were vacant, however that is not felt to
be correct and that it is closer to three or four percent,
and data has shown that there are units and apartments
available that would fall within the moderate income level.
There being no further comments, Mayor Laszlo again declared
the public hearing c~srd.
ORDINANCE NUMBER 1i4i'~ APPROVING DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
CITY VILLAS OJECT - WATSON
Ordinance Number 42 was presented to Council for first
reading entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
APPROVING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SEAL
BEACH AND JAMES R. WATSON FOR THE BAY CITY VILLAS PROJECT."
By unanimous consent, full reading of Ordinance Number 1142
was waived. Councilmember Wilson moved to approve first
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reading of Ordinance Number 1i42 and that it be passed to
second reading. councilmember Hastings seconded the 'motion
contingent upon development of an acceptable agreement
between Mr. Watson and the city. Noting the $15,000 in-lieu
fee, Mayor Laszlo said he would prefer a higher fee for
future projects. The Director agreed that an adopted policy
would be desirable.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
I
It was noted that proposed Resolutions numbered 4063 and
4064 and Ordinance Number 1339, all relating to this
proposed project, would be continued until the next meeting.
It was the consensus of the Council to declare a recess at
9:43 p.m. The Council reconvened at 9:59 p.m. with Mayor
Laszlo calling the meeting to order.
AGENDA AMENDED
Hastings moved, second by Forsythe, to amend the agenda to
consider Item "C", the appeal relating.to 223 Seal Beach
Boulevard, at this time.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
APPEAL - PLANNING COMMISSION DETERMINATION - MUNICIPAL CODE
VIOLATION - 223 SEAL BEACH BOULEVARD
The Director of Development Services reported this item is
the result of a complaint received by the City regarding the
storage of a trailer at the rear of the property located at I
223 Seal Beach Boulevard which is not in compliance with the
Zoning Code. He stated staff initiated a Code enforcement '--~.
investigation during which the property owner was advised of
the violation and that the trailer should be moved from the
required rear setback and loading zone. The Director
advised that the determination of staff was appealed, heard
by the Planning Commission on June 5th at which time the
property owner asked to retain the trailer until such time
as new zoning standards are established for that area, he
reported four letters were received in support of allowing
the trailer to remain as well. He reported the
determination of the Commission was to deny the appeal with
a recommendation that any Code enforcement regarding the
trailer be stayed for a twelve month period while the City
looked at new development standards along Seal Beach
Boulevard. He noted that subsequently an appeal to the
Planning Commission decision was filed by Mr. Charles Antos
based upon the feeling that the Commission does not have the
authority to direct staff to defer Code enforcement. The
Director again clarified that pursuant to recent Council
action regarding the right to appeal, this is a legal
hearing to receive testimony, that residents of the area
were notified of the hearing, however it is not a formal,
noticed public hearing as it would be for a zone change, I
General Plan Amendment, etc. The Assistant City Attorney
advised that technically Mr. Antos was correct in that the
Planning commission does not have the power to determine ~
that the Code not be enforced, yet they do have an ability
to recommend amendments to the Code, and in this case staff
is requesting direction with regard to this matter, to
either amend the Code to allow certain encroachments, allow
the owner to apply for a variance, or affirm the decision of
the Commission which in effect reverses the determination of
the Planning Director that the trailer should be removed.
The. Director noted that the Council has authorized staff to
initiate a study to develop new zoning standards for the
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I
area, which is currently in the process, also, other than
the appellant, no other persons expressed objection to the
trailer before the Commission. The Director stated there
was not felt to be justification sufficient to allow the
trailer to remain in its present location under any
circumstances, and even though it allegedly serves as a
windscreen for the preschool, the staff suggestion to the
owner was to make application for a variance for a higher
wall, the thought being that there may be more appropriate
grounds for a variance for the height of a wall rather than
for the trailer. Question was posed as to whether any
hardship would be created by leaving the trailer or possibly
would a hardship be created on the surrounding neighbors by
removing the noise barrier from the preschool. staff
indicated that there had been no hardship indicated to the
Commission in either case except from the owner who felt it
was inappropriate to remove the trailer until there was a
clear direction that they would be allowed to increase the
height of their wall, also cautioned that in speaking of
hardship, care should be taken to not allow violations to
continue as a hardship situation that would tend to
encourage Code violations by others. Councilmember Wilson
said she felt the view from the entire alley was unsightly,
spoke in favor of moving ahead with new zoning standards
that would allow the residents in that area to improve their
properties, and that she felt the Planning Commission
recommendation to allow a year to remove the trailer seemed
reasonable. Councilmember Hastings expressed her feeling
that a special privilege can not be granted in the case of a
Code violation.
I
Ms. Seretta Fielding, property owner, stated that when she
was looking to purchase the subject property six years ago
she had discussed the problems that existed in the alley
with the Planning Director at that time, that the trailer
was not meant to be permanently placed, that it was a .
temporary solution to the traffic and transient problems in
the alley, and it had not been mentioned that it was a Code
violation. She said an eight foot fence will not stop the
noise, the wind, or the transient problems associated with
privacy. She noted that she had been informed that the area
was going to be considered for rezoning, she had joined the
committee dealing with that issue, however the guidelines
have never been implemented. Ms. Fielding stated that the
trailer can be removed and the issue can be resolved by the
rezoning of the area since she would be allowed to build a
wall twelve feet onto the property that would reach a second
story. She requested that the Council affirm the decision
of the Planning Commission, proceed to implement the new
zoning standards for Seal Beach Boulevard that will allow
those properties to be improved, said there are a number of
Code violations along that street, yet most unintentional,
and noted a petition from adjacent neighbors on her behalf.
Mr. Charles Antos, 328 - 17th Street, stated the Code does
not provide the right for a Planning Director to allow a -
Code violation, and if such permission was given it was in
error. He said the appeal is based upon the action of the
Planning Commission, that upon the Planning staff
determining there was a violation, it was appealed to the
Commission, that body did not say there was no violation,
yet chose to allow the violation to remain until such time
as new zoning regulations are put into effect, to which he
maintained that action to be in error and rather there
should have been some type of approval process recommended.
Mr. Antos said there is the ability at the present time for
a person along Seal Beach Boulevard to seek a permit,
possibly a conditional use permit granted for a specific
period of time, to construct a two story windwall, attached
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to the building and across the yard, perhaps with two-story
footings, and if it complies with the setbacks and Building
Code construction it would serve the same purpose as the
trailer. He added that since it would not be a fence but an
addition to the building it would not be limited to six feet
in height, commercial properties allowed to go practically I
from property line to property line as long as the Fire Code"
is complied with, and that the privacy factor could be
accomplished by means of a keyed gate. He offered pictures
of the trailer location. Mr. Antos suggested that the
Council refer this matter back to the Commission for some
type of a permit if the intent is to allow the violation to
remain for a period of time. The Director again explained
that a variance can not be permitted for something that is
not allowed by Code, that the suggestion for a variance was
to allow an increase of the wall height if the issue was a
windscreen for protection of the children in the area,
otherwise it would be necessary to amend to Code to allow
trailers to remain in the parking and setback areas, which
he said he was not certain that would be the desire of the
city, also that there are no provisions where a Conditional
Use Permit could be applied for in a situation such as this.
The Assistant City Attorney indicated that his understanding
from the property owner is that the trailer is necessary for
a windblock, also used for storage, and suggested that a
variance could be applied for to extend the wall height in
the interim pending adoption of new zoning regulations,
however there may not be special circumstances under which
to legally grant a variance. Ms. Barbara Antoci, Ocean
Avenue, took exception to this matter, stating that
residents had been assured for a number of years that this I
Code violation would be resolved. She related her personal
experience of having to move a childrens playhouse to at --
least twelve feet from the white line of the alley, that
regulation similarly applied to the parking of a vehicle.
Mrs. Antoci acknowledged problems relating to transients,
stated she understood that there could be no locked gates
for safety reasons, and confirmed that the subject trailer
is used for storage. She said if this Code violation is
allowed to remain or if an increase in the height of the
wall is granted, others will seek the same privilege. Ms.
Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, said many persons felt that the
revitalization plan would never go forward, and the trailer
should be placed in the same context as what was taking
place in that area at the time. Mr. Bruce Stark, Seal
Beach, said he has spoken a number of times to the City's
requirement of ten and twelve foot setbacks from the alleys,
allowing the placement of steel posts at the property lines,
and cars parking in the area. He suggested that a
determination be made as to whether setbacks are required or
not, the purpose of which is defeated by allowing the steel
posts and the parking of cars, as well as an access problem
for fire and trash vehicles, and if there are to be setbacks
then that area should remain open for the intended purpose
of providing a turning radius. Mr. Stark stated his opinion
that all steel posts along the alleys should be removed, I
even though they are evidently not a violation of the Code, _
that all other encroachments be removed as well, and urged _
that the zoning standards for Seal Beach Boulevard be
developed at the earliest possible time that will allow
those properties to be improved. In response to Council, ,
the Development Services Director explained that some poles
exist as a protection for utility facilities and meters,
that some persons have placed poles as a deterrent to
damages from vehicles or parking on their private property,
that there is nothing in the Code that would prohibit
placing such a post on private property within the setback
area, nor is there a provision to enforce their removal.
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I
The Director projected a period of three to five months to
complete the process for new mixed use development standards
for those properties along Seal Beach Boulevard. with
regard to taking action on the appeal, the Assistant City
Attorney recommended that the Council affirm the need to
remove the trailer, the property owner would have the option
to apply for a variance for a wall, which in effect would
stay the removal of the trailer, and in the interim staff
would be processing the zone change. He explained that he
could not envision that trailers would be allowed within the
setback even if the zone change is approved, and as opposed
to a statement that setbacks are meant to allow a turning
radius, the intent of setbacks are for privacy, an avoidance
to overcrowding, and provision for air space. Ms. Fielding
said under current Code it was her understanding that the
maximum allowed height of a wall is eight feet, which in her
case will not shield the wind, deter the noise, or aid the
privacy factor, that once the rezoning is in place it is her
intent to improve her property commencing at the back of the
building and go two stories which will alleviate the
problems for the children in the play yard, that being her
preference to expending monies at this time for an eight
foot fence that will not resolve the problems. The
Assistant City Attorney clarified that the only time a
postponement of Code enforcement would be recommended is if
an application is pending where the individual is exhausting
their administrative remedies by applying for a permit, and
in this case it may be likely that the wall that is desired
could be approved through the variance process if the
findings can be made. Ms. Reva Olson, Seal Beach, said it
is likely a number of persons would like a trailer in the
rear yard, this particular issue has been ongoing for eight
years, and suggested that Code enforcement be made workable,
that there be no special privileges, and this being an
opportunity to do so. Mayor Laszlo summarized the
discussion as an urging to move forward with new development
standards for Seal Beach Boulevard which in turn will allow
Ms. Fielding to upgrade her property and remove the subject
trailer, also that the downtown area is seeking strict Code
enforcement. Ms. Barbara Antoci, Seal Beach, said she did
not believe what is being requested is Code enforcement,
rather equal application of the law, and in this case the
trailer is not permitted, should be removed, and stated that
if the Code is not enforced she was hereby making
application for a permit to allow a trailer on her property.
Councilmember Hastings moved that the property owner be
directed to remove the trailer with the recommendation that
application be made for a variance for the wall if that is
the desire. Councilman Doane seconded the motion.
Discussion followed with regard to accelerating the rezoning
process, stricter enforcement of Code violations, and
guidelines for use of setback areas. with regard to the use
of the setback area, the Director noted that the subject
property is within a commercial zone, that vehicles can be
parked for a period not to exceed seventy-two hours, it can
not be used for storage, and if the trailer could be moved
on a periOdic basis it would technically not be in ,
violation. The Assistant city Attorney also clarified that
permanent storage is not allowed in a setback, vehicles can
not be stored on a permanent basis, and in this case there
is evidence and proof that the trailer is used for storage
and has been located in the same location for more than
seventy-two hours. Ms. Fielding said she was unaware of
violating the COde, that her request is for additional time
only, and asked that there be a Code enforcement action for
the property occupied by the appellant for the tandem
parking of two cars each day.
I
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to declare a recess at 11:11 p.m. The Council reconvened at
11:25 p.m. with Mayor Laszlo calling the meeting to order.
PUBLIC HEARING - EMERGENCY RESPONSE COST RECOVERY PROGRAM
Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing open to consider
amending Chapter 7A of the Code of the city of Seal Beach --
relating to an emergency response cost recovery program.
The City Clerk certified that notice of the public hearing
had been advertised as required by law, and reported no
communications received either for or against this item.
The City Manager stated that pursuant to the authority of
the California Government Code governmental agencies are
allowed to recover costs reasonably incurred by law
enforcement in responding to emergencies caused by drivers
operating a motor vehicle while under the\influence,
including driving under the influence arrests and traffic
incidents where emergency equipment is utilized. He noted
that since the City does not presently have the mechanism to
recover such costs, the first step to establish the Program
would be by adoption of the Ordinance proposed. He
explained that booking costs are presently known, that the
cost of printing, citation issuance, actual vehicle and
officer costs on a per minute basis are in the process of
being determined. The Assistant city Attorney offered that
the manner in which the statute was drafted it appeared to
apply only to the use or influence of alcohol or drugs
however the final clause was broader and included any
intentionally wrongful criminal act. There being no publip
comments, Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing closed.
ORDINANCE NUMBER 11~- EMERGENCY RESPONSE COST RECOVERY
PROGRAM
Ordinance Number 1143 was presented to Council for first
reading entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEAL BEACH AMENDING CHAPTER 7A OF THE SEAL BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO EMERGENCY RESPONSE COST RECOVERY
PROGRAM." By unanimous consent, full reading of Ordinance
Number 1i43 was waived. In response to Council, the
Assistant city Attorney explained that the Penal Code
provides a standard definition of intentional criminal act
which is much more stringent than a traffic light violation
as an example, and with regard to collection of costs from a
person who may reside outside the community, the City
Manager stated insurance companies would be a source, costs
incurred would be invoiced to the individual and a court
action possibly sought as well. Wilson moved, second by
Forsythe, to approve the introduction of Ordinance Number
1&43 and that it be passed to second reading.
I
I
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
I
RESOLUTION NUMBER 4071 - LOCAL CONDITIONS - MODIFICATIONS -
NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE. 1990 EDITION I ORDINANCE NUMBER
1441 - ADOPTING NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE. 1990 EDITION
The Assistant City Attorney noted that Resolution Number
4071 and Ordinance 1441 both pertain to adoption of the 1990
Edition of the National Electrical Code. In response to
Council, the Development Services Director explained that if
a proposed project includes the use of aluminum wiring it
would require continuous inspections and an outside special
inspector would be retained in such case, the costs to be
reimbursed by the developer. He noted that there has been
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I
no proposal for such use in recent past, most likely due to
the costs involved, and although it could be proposed for
use in commercial and industrial development, it is no
longer allowed in residential construction. Mayor Laszlo
stated that aluminum wire was used in the College Park East
development.
Hastings moved, second by Forsythe, to adopt Resolution
Number 4071 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH THE LOCAL
CONDITIONS UPON WHICH A DETERMINATION HAS BEEN MADE BY THE
CITY COUNCIL THAT MODIFICATIONS TO THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
CODE, 1990 EDITION, ARE REASONABLY REQUIRED BY LOCAL
CONDITIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH" and to approve
first reading of Ordinance Number 1441 entitled "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE, 1990 EDITION,
ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO SAID CODE, DELETING AND READOPTING
PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 5 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SEAL
BEACH", and that it be passed to second reading.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, LaSZlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
AVIATION SUB-CONSULTANT AGREEMENTS - BIXBY RANCH GOLF COURSE -
EIR PREPARATION
Hastings moved, second by Laszlo, to hold this item over, as
requested by Mayor Laszlo.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, LaSZlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
SIGNS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
Wilson moved, second by Forsythe, to receive and file the
report from the Director of Development Services regarding
signs in the public right-of-way.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
I
RESTRIPING OF SEAL BEACH BOULEVARD
The Development Services Director highlighted the report from
staff addressing various concerns mentioned by the Council on
June 10th. With regard to whether the County would be
amenable to an amendment to the Bikeway Element of the
General Plan, it was noted that since the area involved is
not designated on the County Plan the bikeway would be a
matter of local discretion as to whether an amendment of the
Bicycle Element would be desired as part of the restriping
program. with regard to the issue of liability in changing
from parallel to diagonal parking, he reported the matter was
discussed with the City's liability attorney who gave an
opinion that there would be a potential for increased
'liability to the city as a result of diagonal parking, that
research was conducted for a comparison of accidents on Main
Street and Seal Beach Boulevard which appeared to bear out
the opinion of the liability attorney, however the accidents
on the angled streets tended to be minor in nature, the
accidents on Seal Beach Boulevard being fewer yet involved
more major damage to vehicles and persons likely due to the
greater speed of the Boulevard traffic. with regard to
liability in the case of pedestrian traffic crossing the
Boulevard, whether or not there was a crosswalk, the
liability attorney did not foresee that the striping would
have an impact, particularly since parking is currently
allowed on both sides of the street, also regarding the
potential use of the southerly right-Of-way for an off-street
bicycle lane area between the curb and the palm trees, the
7-22-91
attorney felt that there would be as much liability by
placing bicycles off of the street as there would by placing
the bike lane on the street. With regard to the proposed
redesignation of Seal Beach Boulevard from a primary
arterial, as shown on the County Mater Plan of Highways, to a
commuter street designation, the Director reported staff has
been unable to get a clear indication as yet from the County I
as to whether they would support such redesignation, however
it was indicated that as long as there is no reduction of the
number of travel lanes on the street there would likely be no
objection. The Director noted the decision to stripe one or
both sides of the Boulevard is at the discretion of the
Council, again explaining that restriping would eliminate the
bicycle lanes. Councilmember Forsythe indicated her support
for rezoning of the Seal Beach Boulevard properties, however
stated she did not support losing the bicycle lanes or
bicycling behind diagonal parking, that the majority of
bicycle riders are children and there should be a designated
bike lane for their use. She suggested that alternatives be
looked at because the sole bike lane on First Street is not
adequate, and it would not seem appropriate to remove a bike
lane for the sake of seventeen parking spaces. She cited the
potential for increased liability, the greater likelihood of
children being involved in bicycle accidents with angled
parking, also that developers are looking to bicycle lanes as
a means of traffic mitigation. Mayor Laszlo said from his
observance Seal Beach Boulevard is frequently used by
bicyclists, that he would like to see the bicycle lane
retained on the south side of the Boulevard and possibly
allow bicycles to use the sidewalk area, the precedence for
which was allowing bicycles to use the sidewalks near the
Rossmoor Center for safety reasons. Councilmember Hastings I
expressed her feeling that combining bicycle traffic with
pedestrian traffic along the subject location could pose a
danger, especially with the proposed mixed use. The Director
explained that the width of Seal Beach Boulevard curb to curb
is fifty-six feet, and if there is sixteen feet for angled
parking, fifteen feet for each of the travel lanes, and nine
feet for parallel parking on the southerly side, there would
be two feet remaining for a bicycle lane, which is not a
workable width, therefore the only way to provide a lane
within the right-of-way would be to eliminate the parallel
parking, and even if the present dirt area adjacent to the
south curb were used it would be a restricted width due to
the palm trees in that area. The Director recarled
discussion of approaching the Navy to discuss using a portion
of their property for parking, said he did not recall such
discussion for bike lane use, however estimated the area
between the palm trees and the Navy fence to be approximately
three feet. Mr. Walt Miller, 221 and 229 Seal Beach
Boulevard, commented on the July 22nd staff report, noted
that the opinion of the liability attorney was that
replacement of parallel parking with angled parking would
result in increased liability, yet he did not state that
removal of the bike lane would result in more liability
claims nor did he indicate that claims have been filed as a I
result of not having a bike lane on Main Street, which he
claimed to be a major point. Mr. Miller said during the past
eight years there were only two bicycle incidents, those
being in the two hundred block of Main Street and resulted in
no injury and minor injury. He pointed out that only one
block, rather than three, is proposed for angled parking on
the Boulevard which he said would equate to two-thirds of an
accident over an eight year period, reported injuries to
members of his family that involved parallel parked vehicles,
and stated the facts do not support an increase of liability
with angled parking. He added that the accidents that have
occurred on Seal Beach Boulevard in its present configuration
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I
have been the result of speed, and posed the question of
city liability if Seal Beach Boulevard does support
commercial business as on Main street and the parking is not
similarly changed, citing specifically the protection of
driver and passenger with angled parking, as he said is
demonstrated by the lack of injury accidents on Main street.
Mr. Miller spoke of the necessity to have angled parking for
commercial to succeed, and urged that the restriping plan be
approved.
Discussion followed. It was suggested that the viewpoint of
the residents be sought with regard to the Seal Beach
Boulevard bikelane, that the Navy be approached regarding
the use of a portion of their property, a question was posed
as to whether the First street bicycle lane would be
considered to be adequate or if a second route would be
desirable, and a specific opinion was given that there
should be no loss of bicycle lanes. The city Manager
suggested a motion that this matter be referred to the
Planning Commission to consider ~stablishing or retaining a
bike lane in the easterly portion of the community, and that
the staff not proceed with the restriping of Seal Beach
Boulevard until such time as the Council has had the
opportunity to consider a bike lane designation for that
area. In response to Council, the Director recall that in
considering this matter he believed the Commission had dealt
with the parking on both sides of the street as the primary
issue, the bicycle lane a secondary issue.
I
Councilmember Hastings based her motion on the suggestion of
the city Manager, and moved that this matter be referred to
the Planning Commission to determine whether or not bicycle
lanes should be provided on Seal Beach Boulevard, and that
staff be directed to contact the Navy with regard to use of
a portion of their land. Mayor Laszlo seconded the motion".
Councilmember Forsythe emphasized her desire that the bike
lane be retained. The City Manager noted the issue before
the Council was the restriping of the Boulevard through
which the bike lane would be lost, and his understanding was
that the restriping would be acceptable as long as there is
no loss of the bike lane or there is some bike lane access
to the area, with direction that staff discuss with the Navy
the use of a portion of their property, that the use of 821
funds be looked at, and that the Planning Commission explore
alternative routes in the general area for council to
consider and give direction relative to the striping. In
response to Council, the Director advised that the current
speed limit is thirty-five miles per hour on the Boulevard,
and should angled parking be implemented the recommendation
would be to establish the speed limit at twenty-five miles
per hour.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion' carried
I
PLANNING COMMISSION REOUESTS - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS
The Development Services Director presented the request of'"
the Planning commission that the staff be authorized to
investigate and schedule public hearings to 1) amend the
provision of the Zoning Ordinance relating to prohibiting
entertainment cafes from being located adjacent to existing
residentially zoned areas, and 2) increasing the in-lieu
parking fees currently imposed on certain commercial
businesses within the City. The Director explained that the
in-lieu parking fee matter would relate to all of those
businesses that are subject to the in-lieu program which is
and has been for a number of years $100 per space. A
7-22-91
consensus of the Council was indicated to authorize the
staff to proceed.
COUNCIL CONCERNS
Councilmember Hastings made reference to recent news
articles relating to the Police Department, a lawsuit
alleging a quota system, which she said brought to mind the
Grand Jury Report and from which she read excerpts regarding
Police Department procedures, citizen complaints of
discrimination, harassment, and enforcement of the law, and
the conclusion of the Grand Jury that the complaints had a
valid basis with,respect to operation and employment
procedures. councilmember Hastings reported discussion of--
these matters with various persons and one police officer,
and stated her desire to establish a citizens committee to
act as a mediation board, the members appointed by the
Council, as a means to determine if complaints are valid,
the complainant would assume responsibility for the
complaint, and the police officer would be accountable for
his procedures and action~, as a means to possibly
circumvent claims and lawsuits and legal costs.
Councilmember Hastings asked that this matter be placed on
the agenda in a format to allow an action to create such
committee. The city Manager indicated an uncertainty as to
whether guidelines could be prepared for the next agenda.
Mayor Laszlo suggested that four to six weeks be allowed to
prepare guidelines. Mayor Laszlo noted there have been
complaints with regard to obtaining information from the
city, and said he will be requesting the Council to consider
adoption of a public information policy. The city Manager
agreed with the concept, suggested that staff draft a pOlicy
for Council consideration. The Assistant city Attorney
noted that a public information policy has been a point of
discussion, yet from his experience the City has provided a
great deal of information to many persons. He noted however
that one area that has been an issue is that of claims to
which there are competing interests, one side being the
public right to know, the other side being the privacy of
individuals as well as an increased exposure for the city,
as an example the news article alleging quotas, the
following day a lawsuit was filed, and although the City
expects to prevail, there are expenses incurred in the
interim. He pointed out that the goal of the city's
liability attorney is to prevent legal actions against the
city and in turn decrease legal costs, which is a valid
interest, yet the public in turn has a right to know, and
offered that this matter will continue to be addressed for a
resolution, and although the City has been complying with
the law, nothing prevents the city from releasing more
information as long as it does not jeopardize the city's
interests and encourage additional lawsuits. He confirmed
that once a complaint is filed the city is generally served
within a short period, that he understood past practice has
been that such documents are obtainable by the public from
the court, however the City could legally provide such
documents for citizen review once served if that is
determined to be the policy, yet again noted the concern
with the potential of additional legal actions as a result.
The city Clerk confirmed that once a legal action is filed,
the city is generally served within a short period of time.
Mayor Laszlo reported a request from Mr. Mick Hellman for a
meeting, that meeting was held with Councilmember Forsythe,
the City Manager, and a member of Mr. Hellman's firm also in
attendance, during which Mr. Hellman indicated concern with
not having,been included in prior city discussions, that
assurances were given that they would be included in the
future, it was also pointed out that they do have agreements
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with Mola Development therefore those matters could not be
discussed, and there was expression that the Hellman's would
cooperate and work with the city. Mayor Laszlo offered
congratulations to those who were involved with the recently
held Rough Water swim, stated it was an outstanding event
and promotion of the City, and requested that a recognition
be forthcoming.
I
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Laszlo declared Oral Communications open. Mr. Charles
Antos, 328 - 17th street, said in view of the apparent
intent to provide more information to the public, and given
the questionable behavior over time of certain employees and
elected officials, he would suggest that a code of ethics be
researched and considered, and if adhered to, may result in
positive rather than adverse press, or if such code exists,
he alleged there are a number of people who have not read or
are not adhering to it. Ms. Barbara Antoci, Seal Beach,
stated her support for establishing a committee to review
alleged injustices, took exception to current policy of
blacking out the names and addresses of persons from police
reports, and disagreed that divulging such information would
lead to copy-cat claims. She claimed that the citizens have
a right to know what is taking place, and cited as an
example a prior payment to the city's liability attorney for
services that were either not known or not divulged. Ms.
Sue Corbin, Seal Beach, took exception to the opinion
regarding public documents, stated public documents are
public, including financial records, ,also spoke for
proceeding with an ethics code. The Assistant City Attorney
noted that there are a number of exceptions to public
records including financial records, claims, litigation,
etc. Ms. Lee Cambria, Seal Beach, spoke regarding the
discussion relating to steel posts, and said even though a
property owner may have the right to place a post in the
setback, they do not have the right to jeopardize other
property owners, citing as an example a fire truck that
could not get through an alley in the vicinity of Dolphin
and Ocean which resulted in a house being destroyed by fire
because the posts made it impossible for the fire truck to
maneuver. She also objected to allowing cars to park next
to those posts. Ms. Cambria said she felt her safety is
being jeopardized by the steel posts, and requested the
Council to direct the Planning Commission to look at this
matter. There being no further comments, Mayor Laszlo
declared Oral Communications closed.
CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
Forsythe moved, second by Laszlo, to adjourn the meeting
until Monday, August 5th at 4:00 p.m. for a workshop with
the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and the consultant
regarding AB939 Source Reduction and Recycling Element.
_I
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meet in 12:55 a.m.
7-22-91/8-5-91
Approved:
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Attest:
Seal Beach, California
August 5, 1991
The city council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 4:01 p.m. with Mayor Laszlo calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Laszlo
Councilmembers Doane, Forsythe, Wilson
Absent:
Councilmember Hastings
Solid Waste Advisorv committee Members/ReDresentatives
Present: Members Antoci, Baker, Erickson, winter
Absent: .
None
Vacancy: One
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Also present: Mr. Bankston, city Manager
Ms. Bennington, Secretary to the City Manager
Mrs. Yeo, city Clerk
Mr. Perry, Kleinfelder, Inc.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Oral Communications at this time.
JOINT WORK SESSION - AB 939 PRELIMINARY DRAFTS - SOURCE
REDUCTION ELEMENT/HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ELEMENT
Mr. Perry introduced himself as being associated with the
consultant firm, Kleinfelder, Inc., retained by the city to
assist is producing the Source Reduction and Recycling
Element. As a point of background he explained that the
adopted Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 effectively
required each city to become aware of and responsible for
the amount of solid waste being generated and to develop a
plan that would recycle, reduce, and reuse twenty five
percent of that waste by 1995 and fifty percent by the year
2000, the plan to document how each city is going to
accomplish the waste diversion goals, the guidelines for
such setting forth what must, at minimum, be addressed I~
within the. planning document. Mr. Perry gave a brief
overview of the decision process of the Advisory Committee _"~
over the past six months to develop a plan that will ensure
the City will achieve its diversion and recycling goals
based upon the solid waste practices as set forth by the
Act, the most important being source reduction, reducing the
amount of waste generated or preventing the generation of
such waste, the second step being recycling, which is the
separation of recyclable materials that are made into
another usable, purchasable product, another step being
composting or bio-degradation, turning greenwaste or