HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1991-11-12
11-12-91/11-25-91
ADJOURNMENT
Wilson moved, second by Hastings, to adjourn the meeting
until November 25th at 6:00 p.m. to meet in Closed Session.
I
AYES:
Wilson
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo,
None Motion carried
It was the consensus of the Council to adjourn the meeting
at 10:54 p.m.
Clerk and ex-o
of Seal Beach
of the
Approved:
~~.,.L --' ~-,/
Mayor r
-
Attest:
I
Seal Beach, California
November 25, 1991
regular adjourned session
cancelled due to the lack of
cuss ion.
Seal Beach, California
November 25, 1991
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:02 p.m. with Mayor Laszlo calling the meeting
to order with the Salute to the Flag.
.1
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Laszlo
Councilmembers Doane, Forsythe, Hastings,
Wilson
Absent: None
Also present: Mr. Bankston, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, Assistant City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mrs. Yeo, city Clerk
10-28-91/11-5-91/11-12-91
lerk and ex-o
of Seal Beach
of the
I
Approved:
-1:..A-4-.;/ tL,.y L,
Mayor
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
November 5, 1991
The Seal Beach city council regular adjourned session,
scheduled for November 5, 1991, was cancelled and will be
reschuduled at a later date.
I
day of November, 1991
Seal Beach, California
November 12, 1991
The city Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 6:03 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
Absent:
None
Also present: Mr. Bankston, City Manager
Mr. Colantuono, Assistant City Attorney
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
I
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Laszlo announced that the City Council would meet in
Closed Session to discuss legal matters. It was the
consensus of the Council to adjourn to Closed Session at
6:05 p.m. The Council reconvened at 7:01 p.m. with Mayor
Laszlo calling the meeting to order. The Assistant City
Attorney reported the Council had met in Closed Session to
discuss pending litigation in the matters of Wetlands
Restoration society versus Seal Beach, Mola Development
Corporation versus Seal Beach, and U. S. Government versus
Montrose Chemical Corporation and orange County Sanitation
Districts, no action was taken and no other matters were
discussed.
11-12-91/11-12-91
ADJOURNMENT
Hastings moved,
7:02 p.m.
second by Doane, to adjourn the meeting at
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
:fh
I
lerk and ex-of
of Seal Beach
of the
Approved:
~J;A-4141~r-----
Mayor
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
November 12, 1991
The city council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:02 p.m. with Mayor Laszlo calling the meeting
to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
I
Mayor Laszlo
Councilmembers Doane, Forsythe, Hastings,
Wilson
Absent: None
Also present: Mr. Bankston, City Manager
Mr. Colantuono, Assistant city Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mrs. Yeo, city Clerk
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
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AGENDA AMENDED
Forsythe moved, second by Hastings, to consider
presentations prior to Oral Communications.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
11-12-91
I
PRESENTATIONS
RESOLUTION NUMBER 4094 - HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE
Resolution Number 4094 was presented to Council and read in
full by Mayor Laszlo entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING
THOSE THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE THIRD ANNUAL
HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE." Forsythe moved, second by
Hastings, to adopt Resolution Number 4094.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, LasZlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
Ms. Kathleen McGlynn, Recreation Supervisor, extended
appreciation to the sponsors, donors, Recreation staff, and
the children participating in after school Kids Time and
Special Projects Club,. cooperation of the Lions and
Lionesses, as well as Recreation Director, Mr. Osteen.
Mayor Laszlo and the Council added their appreciation to the
volunteers, sponsors, the Recreation and Public Works
Departments for an outstanding Ha~nte~.House.
RESOLUTION NUMBER 4095 - RECOGNIZING JUNIOR WOMEN'S CLUB
Resolution Number 4095 was presented to Council and read in
full by Mayor Laszlo entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RECOGNIZING
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE JUNIOR WOMEN I S CLUB AND THEIR
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY." Forsythe moved, second by
Hastings, to adopt Resolution Number 4095.
.1
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
Ms. Mary Johnson, CO-Chairperson of the Eisenhower Park
Renovation project, extended appreciation on behalf of the
Junior Womens Club to the city for being supportive of the
project, to Mr. Bob Eagle and the Public Works Department,
and to the many persons for their donations. Ms. Wendy
Rothman, co-chairperson of the project, reported seventeen
of the twenty benches have been sold that will be placed in
the Park. The Mayor and Councilmembers commended the
Juniors for their untiring efforts toward improvements in
the community.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Oral Communications.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Laszlo proclaimed the Month of December, 1991 as
"Christmas Seal Month."
COUNCIL ITEMS
APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS and COMMISSIONS
I
Beach Commission
Councilman Doane appointed Mr. Tom Sanders, st. Andrews
Drive, as the District Five representative to the Beach
Commission for the unexpired term ending July, 1993.
Citizens ParticiDation Committee
The District Three appointment to the Citizens Participation
Committee was held over.
Pro;ect Area Committee
councilmember Forsythe appointed Ms. Loydean Lazich,
Electric Avenue, as the District Three resident
representative to the Project Area Committee for the two
year term expiring July, 1993.
11-1"2-91
Ad Hoc Solid Waste Committee
Councilmember Wilson appointed Mr. Robert Jaeschke, Del
Monte Drive, as the District Two representative to the Solid
Waste Committee.
Wilson moved, second by Forsythe, to confirm the above
appointments.
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
I
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "E" throuah "0"
Councilmember Forsythe requested that Item "H" be removed
from the Consent Calendar, noting that she had been absent
from that meeting. Wilson moved, second by Doane, to
approve the recommended action for items on the Consent
Calendar, except Item nH", as presented.
E. Approved the recommendation to the Seal
Beach Cable Communications Foundation to
retain video tapes of the Planning
Commission and city Council meetings.
F. Approved regular demands numbered 85833
through 85997 in the amount of $410,537.15
and payroll demands numbered 47665 through
47841 in the amount of $204,402.68 as
approved by the Finance committee, and
authorized warrants to be drawn on the
Treasury for same.
G.
Approved the minutes of the regular
adjourned meeting of August 5, 199~.
I. Denied the claim for damages of Mr.
stephen Sweet and referred same to the
City'S liability attorney and adjuster.
I
J. Denied the claim for damages of Ms.
Camille Mize and referred same to the
city's liability attorney and adjuster.
K. Denied the claim for damages of Ms.
Susan Funk and referred same to the
city's liability attorney and adjuster.
M.
L. Declared seven vehicles, as described
in the November 7th memorandum from the
City Engineer, as well as certain
miscellaneous office and computer supplies,
to be surplus and disposed of at the
upcoming City auction.
Approved Resolution Number 4096 entitled
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING THE CLOSURE
OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH BOUND TURNPOCKETS
LOCATED AT THE MAIN STREET/PACIFIC COAST
HIGHWAY INTERSECTION" (Christmas Parade).
I
N. Approved the Collective Defense Agreement
by and amongst the Orange county Sanitation
Districts and certain public agencies with
regard to legal action of the United States
Government versus Montrose Chemical
Corporation and County Sanitation Districts
of Orange county.
11-12-91
O. Supported and endorsed Resolution Number
91-122 of the City of Tustin, opposing
any form of joint or full commercial
use of the Marine Corps Air station, El
Toro.
I
AYES:
NOES:
. Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM "H" - MINUTES
Wilson moved, second by Hasti~gs, to approve the minutes of
the regular meeting of August 12, 1991.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Doane, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None
Forsythe Motion carried
I
.
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 18-91 -
ROSSMOOR BUSINESS CENTER
Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing open to consider
the appeal of Planning Commission conditions of approval of
CUP 18-91. 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 matter. The Director of Development Services
presented the staff report, explained that the condition
subject to the appeal is a requirement that Rossmoor Center
submit a new planned sign program for Planning Commission
approval within four years of the date of approval of CUP 7-
90, June 6, 1990, to bring the Center's signage more into
conformity with current design standards and the city's
zoning ordinance. He reported that this condition was
originally recommended as a condition of approval for CUP 7-
90, that staff had included the condition with consideration
of CUP 18-91 as a reminder as to what had been previously
recommended and believed to have been adopted, however
further research showed that this condition had been removed
and not enacted by motion of the Commission with regard to
CUP 7-90. The Director pointed out that the applicant is
specifically requesting to install a new Rossmoor Business
Center/City of Seal Beach identification sign at the Seal
Beach Boulevard/Rossmoor Center Way entrance into the
Center, the dimensions of the monument sign proposed to be
four feet by eighteen feet, a total area of 72 square feet
with 33.75 square feet of sign area. The Director stated
the Center has a sign program, however it does not comply
with current city requirements as a result of being a pre-
existing shopping center with signs that were in place prior
to adoption of signage standards, and noted that there has
been discussion of developing standardized sign requirements
specific to the shopping centers as opposed to strip
commercial areas, in other words there has been mention of
whether the same type of signage should be applied to a
forty acre shopping center as an example, as would be
applied to an area such as Pacific Coast Highway. He
confirmed that the proposed sign would be consistent with
the provisions of the General Plan if approved. There was
brief general discussion of shopping center signage. The
Director noted that due to the non-conforming status of
Rossmoor Center any free standing sign is required to be
considered by the city, again explained that Condition Three
had been included in the staff recommendation in error, it
was approved by the Commission, therefore to remove the
condition requires an action of the city Council, and
confirmed that deletion of Condition Three would not
preclude the City from requiring an updated sign program at
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11-12-91
a later time. There being no public comments, Mayor Laszlo
declared the public hearing closed.
RESOLUTION NUMBER 4098 - APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
18-91 - AMENDING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 8-85 - ROSSMOOR
CENTER SIGNAGE
Resolution Number 4098 was presented to Council entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #18-91, A REQUEST TO AMEND
THE ORIGINAL CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT #8-85 (ROSSMOOR BUSINESS CENTER, 12121 SEAL BEACH
BOULEVARD.)" By unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolution Number 4098 was waived. Doane moved, second by
Wilson, to sustain the appeal of Edna wilson, deleting
Condition No. 3 from the Planning Commission conditions of
approval, by the adoption of Resolution Number 4098.
I
AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL - APPROVED HEIGHT VARIATION - 1631
OCEAN AVENUE - MASTICK
Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing open to consider an
appeal of Planning Commission approval of Height Variation
(MPR) 14-91 at 1631 Ocean Avenue. The City Clerk certified
that notice of the public hearing had been advertised as
required by law, and reported receipt of communications from
Mr. and Mrs. Jim Arnold, 1609 Seal Way, and Pete and Barbara
Arnold, 1613 Seal Way, in support of the approved Height
Variation. The Director of Development Services presented
the staff report and action of the Planning Commission, and
explained that the basic issue before the Commission had I
been impairment of primary view as a result of the requested
thirty foot covered roof access structure, the approval of
which was appealed by Mr. Michael J. Olson, 1514 Marine
Avenue. Staff presented a video of the general area, the
view looking towards the subject property and from the
property of the appellant, noted that an impact of view
would be basically towards the Naval Weapons Station and
Pacific Coast Highway, it was also pointed out that several
covered roof access structures exist along Ocean Avenue, are
scattered throughout the area, and there are several three
story residences along Seal Way. The Director noted the
Council had been provided with an amended version of recent
Planning Commission minutes containing additional
discussion, and reviewed the options for council
consideration.
Mayor Laszlo invited members of the audience wishing to
speak to this item to come to the microphone and state thejr
name and address for the record. Mr. Michael Olson, 1514
Marine Avenue, requested an opportunity to rebut any
comments made during the public hearing, objected to the
wording of the Code relating to covered roof access
structures, emphasized the importance of retaining an ocean
view, and questioned the equity in allowing some of the
structures while others are not, suggested there is need to
compromise in this case, asked that a moratorium be put in
place until the Code can be amended to tighten the covered
roof access structure regulations in some fair manner, that
CRA's should not take precedence over ocean view, and
finally that they be phased out. In response to Council,
Mr. Olson said he did not have an ocean view from the first
or second floor of his residence yet acknowledged that he
has a panoramic view from the third story roof deck of his
residence. Councilmember Hastings noted that Mr. Olson
would not haye an ocean view had he not been allowed the
roof deck, also that those who are primarily entitled to
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11-12-91
I
such view are those who purchase property on Seal Way, Ocean
Avenue, the Gold Coast, or Surfside. Ms. Carla Watson, 1635
Catalina Avenue, said most people feel very protective of
Old Town yet most of the damage to the area has been done by
those who no longer feel that smaller is better and are the
expansionists with no concern for their neighbors. Ms.
Watson said what originally began as the addition of decks
led to allowing doghouses, covered roof access structures,
and expressed her opinion that the construction of CRA's
should be stopped and that the view of a neighbor should not
be impacted. Ms. Mitzi Morton, 153 - 13th street, offered
that it is possible to access a roof deck on a second story,
with an ocean view, simply by means of a stairwell, said the
City was at fault by initially allowing the minor height
variations, should not have allowed the covered roof access
structures that can be up to seven additional feet over a
third story, and until the existing provisions are repealed
CRA's will continue. She suggested that elimination of a
third story in Old Town should also be looked at, that it
impacts the neighbors, the neighborhood, and expressed her
feeling that it lowers property values. Mr. Bruce Stark,
Seal Beach, mentioned his on-going support for strict
compliance with height limits, said the City needs to
determine whether or not there is a height limit, without
additional architectural design loopholes, also objected to
allowing third stories, all of which he claimed to be
special privileges. Mr. Warren Morton, Seal Beach, said
building regulations call for maintaining a twenty-five foot
height limit on twenty-five foot lots, stated no more
covered roof access structures should be allowed and the
Code should be likewise amended. Mr. James Mastick, 1631
Ocean Avenue, said he was under the impression that this
meeting was meant for persons within three hundred feet of
his property to express their views regarding his covered
roof access structure, rather the comments are directed to
CRA's in general. Mr. Mastick reviewed the background of
his project, noted he was unable to construct his residence
for which plans were drawn in 1988 and received approval,
they were resubmitted this past summer, the area of the
covered roof access structure has been reduced as requested,
approved by the Planning Commission, that approval now
appealed by a resident of the general area. He mentioned
that his residence has been demolished, to further
reconfigure the roof access stairway would be a considerable
cost, that outside stairways pose problems, and cited the
need to complete construction. He noted that in addition to
the size of a CRA the Code provides that the structure is
not to block a significant amount of someone's primary view,
and based upon the definition of Webster's Dictionary, his
interpretation of primary view would be a single line of
sight, and recalled Mr. Olson's statement to the Planning
Commission was that he had three primary views. Mr. Mastick
said he has cooperated with the City, is not requesting a
special privilege, the Code allows covered roof access
structures, his structure meets the criteria of the Code,
and asked that the Planning Commission approval be upheld.
Ms. Barbara Antoci, Ocean Avenue, pointed out that Mr.
Olson's residence is located behind the general vicinity of
an existing two-story Ocean Avenue apartment building,
approximately thirty years old, that will undoubtedly be
rebuilt to three stories at such time as that property is
sold, also that Marine Avenue is a distance of four dwelling
units from the subject property, which would not be
described as an ocean view property since the further one is
away from the ocean the less view is realized, nonetheless
claims a three-way view. She disagreed with prior comments
that everyone in Old Town does not want covered roof access
structures, said builders are constructing them because they
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11-12-91
are a selling feature. Ms. Antoci noted that the owner of
1631 Ocean has received approval of plans for that property
on two occasions, that her neighbors on Ocean and Marine
Avenues have indicated no objection to covered roof access
structures, and said it would be inequitable to deny this
project. Mr. Tom Hall, 1606 Ocean Avenue, stated his
support for the minor height variation and opposition to the I
appeal, noting that covered roof access structures are
allowed with certain stipulations, in this case the issue is
impairment of primary view, which he described as something
different than a speck on the horizon that would block a
view of Pacific Coast Highway and the Naval Weapons station,
and if that were considered as a significant primary view
then anything built would fall within that category. He
recalled that at the Planning Commission hearing Mr. Olson
did state that this particular structure did not
significantly block his primary view, and of greater concern
was the approximate thirteen lots closer to his property
that may construct covered roof accesses at some point in
the future, the cumulative effect would therefore be of
significance to him. Mr. Hall offered that if the appeal is
granted the result would be that no one within three hundred
feet of Mr. Olson's property would ever be allowed a covered
roof access structure. Ms. Lisa Antoci, Dolphin Avenue,
said she has an ocean view from a window in her two story
residence which could be lost should her next door neighbor
build a second story, yet after allowing covered roof access
structures for this period of time she felt it would be
unfair to now not allow them. Mr. Michael Boudah, 1513
Ocean Avenue, said although he had not previously met either
the applicant or the appellant, both he and his wife support
approval of the covered roof access structure, basically for I
the reason that they add square footage to the interior of a
home, and particularly for those dwellings located on
twenty-five foot lots. He expressed his opinion that it was
unethical for Mr. Olson to object to another person having
such a structure when the dimensions of Mr. Olson's CRA are
ten by thirteen feet. Mr. Boudah asked that the Council
uphold the decision of the Planning Commission. Mr. Joe
Orsini, Seal Beach, made reference to a comment of a Marine
Avenue resident in support of the CRA request, stating they
presently have a view, and asked if it would be right to
allow that to be taken away. Mr. Olson noted the reference
to the issue of equity, one residence allowed a covered roof
access and another not, and said he felt a stronger issue is
what brings the value to the home and neighborhood, that the
panoramic ocean view was the key factor in purchasing his
home, and offered that if a dwelling is twenty-five feet
there will be a view, however by allowing covered roof
access structures there will not. He confirmed that the
Mastick covered roof access structure would only block
between five to seven percent of his view, however should
there be others in the same vicinity there could be a loss
of eighty-five to ninety percent of his view, and for those
who would prefer to purchase a dwelling with a CRA, he
questioned if they would prefer to buy a house with or
without an obstructed view. Mr. Olson again asked that a I
moratorium be placed on covered roof access structures, and
pending that discussion he offered to withdraw the appeal,
stated that Mr. Mastick should not bear the burden, that
there needs to be a more equitable means in which to phase
out covered roof access structures. There being no further
comments, Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing closed.
In response to a question of council, Mr. Olson said he
presently has about a one hundred degree view from the pier
to the Naval Station with an intermittent view of the ocean,
a greater-view area than those residences on the shoreline.
11-12-91
I
Councilmember Forsythe recalled that when the Code
provisions regarding minor height variations were proposed
for revision there had been an influx of covered roof access
structures, some were very large, the regulations had been
abused, a moratorium was established, and at that time it
was thought that the adopted revisions would not adversely
affect anyone, yet there have now been two complaints that.
they are being abused. She said she was uncertain as to
whether the regulations can be amended to a point where
there will be no problems, that the number of CRAS are now
affecting the view of everyone, and that it is possible to
have a roof sundeck without the covered roof access
structure. She indicated her preference to revert to the
height limitiation, and in the interim place a moratorium on
covered roof access structures. Councilmember Hastings
pointed out the standard lot dimensions on the Hill are
fifty by one hundred feet as compared to those in Old Town
of twenty-five by one hundred seventeen feet, that the
guidelines for covered roof access structures were developed
through the public hearing process and although it was
thought an equitable solution had been reached, stated there
is not adequate room for an interior stairwell in a dwelling
on a twenty-five foot lot without encroaching into the
living area, yet such stairwells could be accommodated on
the fifty foot wide lots. She said she understood the issue
of view, however the further a dwelling is from the ocean
the lesser the view, and noted that view is only one of five
criteria for a covered roof access structure. She pointed
out that Mr. Olson had no view from his first or second
story, thus the doghouse to provide the view, and if that is
what is needed to capture some view, it would seem to be
fair and equitable. councilmember Hastings again noted the
input through the public hearing process, and said if a
decision can not be made in that manner, a moratorium could
be considered, and the matter placed on the ballot. Mayor
Laszlo was informed that the Planning Commission had felt
this €RA had met the conditions of the Code. Mayor Laszlo
indicated that he favored a moratorium and possibly an
advisory ballot measure for those properties in the
community that would be affected in order to resolve the
issue of doghouses. The Assistant city Attorney advised
that a moratorium could be in place for a considerable
length of time by extending the original ordinance while
amendments are made to the Code. Staff indicated there are
no covered roof access requests pending before the Planning
commission at this time, and offered to review plans that
are in the process to determine if they include such
structures. Councilmember Hastings asked if a covered roof
access structure of up to seven feet could be placed on a
dwelling of thirty-five feet. Staff advised that it could
under current Code, however the dwelling in the case under
consideration is thirty feet in height, the commission
having restricted the height of the structure based upon the
level of the second story roof deck, the commission also
using caution to only allow the access to be as large as
necessary to enclose the doorway.
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RESOLUTION NUMBER 4099 - APPROVING HEIGHT VARIATION 14-91 -
1631 OCEAN AVENUE - MASTICK .
Resolution Number 4099 was presented to Council entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
APPROVING HEIGHT VARIATION (MPR) #14-91, A REQUEST TO
CONSTRUCT A COVERED ROOF ACCESS STRUCTURE IN EXCESS OF THE
PERMITTED 25 FOOT HEIGHT LIMIT (30 FOOT HEIGHT PROPOSED) IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE REMODEL OF AND ADDITION TO AN EXISTING
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 1631 OCEAN AVENUE, SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA." By unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolution Number 4099 was waived. Councilmember Hastings
11-12-91
moved to deny the appeal and sustain the recommendation of
the Planning Commission to approve Height Variation 14-91
for 1631 Ocean Avenue by the adoption of Resolution Number
4099. Councilman Doane seconded the motion. There was
brief discussion with regard to placing a moratorium on
covered roof access structures and consideration of any
CRA's that may currently be in the process. Councilmember._
Forsythe stated she would vote against the motion for the
reason that in her opinion all of the stipulations of
current Code have not been complied with.
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AYES:
NOES:
Doane, Hastings, Laszlo, Wilson
Forsythe Motion carried
It was the consensus of the Council to direct staff to
include an item on the agenda for a future meeting to
consider establishing a moratorium on covered roof access
structures.
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the council,
to declare a recess at 9:05 p.m. The Council reconvened at
9:15 p.m. with Mayor Laszlo calling the meeting to order.
PUBLIC HEARING - HOUSING/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM -
YEAR XVIII
Mayor Laszlo declared the public hearing open to consider
the Housing/Community Development Program for Year 18. 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 Director of Development Services presented the staff
report and recommendations of the citizens Participation - I
Committee to submit five projects to be considered for
funding: 1) feasibility study of a Congregate Care Facility
in Leisure World, $50,000; 2) Youth Aftercare, $20,000; 3)
Financial Assistance for Day Care Facilities, $20,000; 4)
Housing Rehabilitation Funds, $20,000; and 5) Public
Facilities and Improvements, a concrete grinder, $50,000.
He reported Interval House had submitted a request to the
Committee for $80,000 H/CD funding, however the county
Department of Housing and Community Development
representative had indicated that Interval House has also
applied directly to the County, and recommended that the
request of the City be combined and submitted by Interval
House directly to the County, eliminating the need for the
city to be involved in that request process. He noted that
based upon that recommendation the Committee determined to
not include Interval House in the City'S application, and
suggested that a letter be forwarded to Interval House and
Orange County Housing/Community Development expressing
support of Interval House and recommending that they receive
the entire requested funding from the County. The Director
noted that the total funding request of the Committee for
Year 18 is $160,000, and advised that the County prioritizes
the numerous requests submitted. with regard to the funding
request of Interval House, the Director reported that the
County representative felt that their request would carry . I
equal weight whether submitted by Interval House or through _
the City application. Councilmember Hastings asked if the
Congregate Care Facility would be a Leisure World project
under the auspices of the Golden Rain Foundation or an
independent facility,.if the land is owned by Leisure World,
and if it is to be donated. The Director reported a concern
of the Committee had been access to the facility, whether
access would need to be through Leisure World, the County
having suggested a private entry area that would be .
available to the general public, said he believed that the
land is owned by one of the Leisure World Mutuals, and it
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was anticipated that the property would either be acquired
by a private developer or a non-profit organization from the
Mutual without direct participation by the Golden Rain
Foundation. Committee member Edith Rachlin reported that
1.8 acres of the 4 acres is owned by the Golden Rain
Foundation, the remainder is owned by Mutual 9, and it would
be necessary for them to vote on selling or releasing the
property. She said if the facility were in Leisure World
with no exterior entry, it would then become an additional
Mutual of Leisure World, which would defeat the goal to
provide a low cost care facility for all persons of Seal
Beach, and it was understood from a developer present at the
Committee meeting that a one hundred thirty foot frontage
would be necessary. Ms. Rachlin stated the request for
$50,000 is to explore the concept of a care facility through
a feasibility study. with regard to the frontage and entry
issue, she noted that there is some land owned by Golden
Rain just outside of that community that could be considered
for such use, reported the Leisure World Administrator had
shown an interest in this proposal, and offered to cooperate
in any way possible, and she indicated there may be a
variety of partnership arrangements that could be explored
to provide such facility if the land were to become
available. With regard to a concern expressed that the
feasibility study was listed as the first priority project
and that $50,000 may be the maximum amount of funding
allocated by the County, Ms. Rachlin said it was her
understanding from the County representative that the
funding request for the Care Facility study would not
infringe on the other projects proposed, and that there may
also be other funding that could be sought. staff confirmed
that it is unlikely that all of the projects will be funded,
and confirmed that the intent of the Committee was to study
the feasibility of placing Congregate Care Housing somewhere
in the vicinity of Leisure World, the study to also look at
other sources that would be interested in participating in
such project, and noted there are a number of agencies that
are required by State law to provide these types of
facilities. Ms. Rachlin explained that the proposed
facility would provide care for persons that are now
handicapped to some degree and can no longer care for
themselves, a facility for those persons somewhere between
being self-sufficient in ones own residence and a nursing
home facility. Mayor Laszlo stated he would be hesitant to
designate the Care Facility as the first priority project
unless there is a written statement that the Golden Rain
Foundation support~ this concept. Staff confirmed that this
item could be held over until the next meeting if the
Council so desired.
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Mayor Laszlo invited members of the audience wishing to
speak to this item to come to the microphone and state thejr
name and address for the record. Mr. Bruce Stark, Seal
Beach, expressed strong objection to either suggesting or
considering proposing an expenditure of $50,000 for a study
that would benefit the closed community of Leisure World,
stated there are no guarantees that anyone outside that
community would be allowed use of the facility, and that
there should be no subsidy of Leisure World whhere they have
funds and own the land. He suggested that the youth after
school programs and day care financial assistance is a much
greater need. Ms. Robin Jaruszewski, Interval House,
expressed appreciation for the city's on-going support of
Interval House, and said the block grant funding of the
prior year was vital to tl1eir work. She conveyed concern
that Interval House may not receive the necessary funding
through the county request, noted that two other shelters in
Orange county have made their requests and received funds
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through their home cities, that although Interval House
receives support throughout the County, Seal Beach is the
only city through which they have made application for block
grant funds. Ms. Jaruszewski said should the City determine
the appropriate process would be through a direct request to
the County, she would ask that a member of the City staff be
allowed to address the County in support of their funding I
application. Ms. Isa Rogers, Interval House, clarified that
the other two shelters mentioned are not part of Interval
House, they are situated in other cities and have received
funds through applications in conjunction with those cities.
Ms. Rogers requested that the request of Interval House be
included on the city's funding application for Year 18 as
last year when they received a grant through the county and
a grant through the City. Councilmember Forsythe said she
believed the Committee was attempting to do away with the
piggyback concept, thus allowing the City to obtain the
maximum grant and Interval House could do the same by making
application directly to the County H/CD. She suggested that
prior to the next meeting there be further discussion with
H/CD to determine whether or not the application directly to
the County would affect the funding for Interval House. The
City Manager suggested that upon closing the public hearing,
the matter can be considered at the next meeting with
further explanation of the elements of the city's
application and a determination as to whether there would be
a negative impact to Interval House by not being included on
the City project list. He recommended that Interval House
also clarify whether they have made application to the
County, and whether they factored in a grant from the City
thereby reducing the request of the county. He noted that--
cities with populations over 50,000 are governed by I
different rules and amounts of money, the county falling
into that group where they can fund projects on a broader
base than a single community that must compete with other
cities for projects. Ms. Jaruszewski again conveyed concern
that full funding would not be realized under the single
grant application to the county. Councilmember Forsythe
suggested that representatives of Interval House provide
City staff with the names of persons that had been contacted
at the County, that staff could advise the H/CD that
Interval House is of a broader base than just serving
residents of Seal Beach, rather persons throughout the
County, therefore may qualify for a larger grant. Ms.
Barbara Carlson, prior resident of Interval House, thanked
the Council on behalf of the women and children that have
utilized Interval House services. The Development Services
Director advised that the County requested that the
application be submitted by December 1st, offered to meet
with Interval House regarding their funding application as
well as with representatives of Leisure World and the Golden
Rain Foundation to obtain further information for the
Council by next meeting. Mayor Laszlo requested information
regarding the number of projects submitted and funding
thereof for other cities over the past two years. The
Director explained that the Youth Aftercare program 0"._1
currently exists however there is a cost involved, the
project proposed by the Committee would subsidize those
children participating in that program from low and moderate
income families, and with regard to the number of children
and qualification status, he said it would likely be
necessary to contact the participating families to determine
if they qualify under the income levels, and should there be
remaining funds they could be made available to families
that are not currently participating in the program. Mayor
Laszlo suggested that additional information be obtained to
determine if there is an actual need for such subsidy, which
could impact the priority listing of projects.
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Councilmember Hastings recalled programs that used to allow
children to remain on school playgrounds after school hours
under supervision, as compared to the present Youth
Aftercare which she deemed to be an extension of a daycare
facility. She said her grandchildren do not have access to
the McGaugh playground as it is used for daycare, and that
she was not willing to underwrite a daycare facility of a
private nature to serve only a few families. She suggested
that the $20,000 proposed be used to hire an after school --
coach and assistant which would allow children supervised
use of the public playground. The Director offered to seek
additional information regarding the current program and the
number of families involved. with regard to Housing
Rehabilitation Funds, the Director said he believed there
were two units assisted under that program last year at a
cost of approximately $7,000 to $10,000 per unit. The Mayor
asked if additional information could be provided, and
suggested that the concrete grinder be considered as a
priority project. Councilmember Hastings spoke in support
of the financial assistance for day care facilities and an
after-school care program. Committee member Rachlin noted
that the Committee had agreed to meet quarterly in the
future rather than on an annual basis, and noted that
extended day care had been discussed with the idea of being
available to all children, and the grant funds would be used
for supervising personnel, not for the private daycare
facility. Discussion continued regarding the type of after-
school program that could be implemented. Mr. Stark said
his comments in support of the youth programs were with the
understanding that they were publicly operated in
conjunction with McGaugh School, yet it appears the School..
is renting their facilities to a private organization, as
they do with the church, and asked if the School has
requested a CUP for those uses, suggesting that the city
take a position on these matters with the Los Alamitos
School District.
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It was the consensus of the Council to continue the public
hearing regarding the H/CD Block Grant Program Year 18 and
proposed Resolution Number 4100 until the next meeting.
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the council,
to declare a recess at 10:18 p.m. The Council reconvened at
10:25 p.m. with Mayor Laszlo calling the meeting to order.
ORDINANCE NUMBER lS4~ REAPPORTIONMENT - COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICTS
Ordinance Number 1f44 was presented to Council for first
reading entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, A CHARTER CITY, REAPPORTIONING THE COUNCILMANIC
DISTRICTS OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH AND AMENDING SECTION 2-
70 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Ordinance Number 1144 was waived.
The Director of Development Services presented the staff
report with an overview of the considerations thus far,
noting that the public hearing was held and closed at the
last meeting. Councilmember Forsythe referred to the
confidential memorandum from the office of the City Attorney
setting forth certain legal constraints on the redistricting
process, from which she noted the recommendation that the
population deviation be no greater than ten percent without
a substantial compelling reason, or as equal as can be. Mr.
Colantuono explained that the districts should be as perfect
as can be while reflecting the other appropriate
considerations such as what constitutes a contiguous
district, compact districts, neighborhood boundaries, etc.,
and that the degree to which perfection is not reached must
be justifiable in those terms. He noted that in the case of
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Seal Beach if the neighborhood boundaries are the prime
consideration the ten percent goal will not be reached, and
it is believed that the courts are saying to balance the
goal of perfection in population with other appropriate
goals, and it is understood that the goals will be
compromised to some degree. As an example he explained that
if it is accepted that some deviations of the neighborhood I
boundaries are inevitable because to respect neighborhood
lines creates deviations that are too great, and to the
extent to which you draw an arbitrary line should be driven
by population goals, in other words arbitrary lines are only
justified by population and lines that do not respect
population must be justified by something that is not
arbitrary, a justification that can be upheld in court. At
the request of Council, staff described Committee Proposal E
with a District One population of 5158 or 2.75 percent above
the ideal number, District Three population of 5078 or 1.16
percent above the ideal number, a difference of fifty
persons, which would make the total spread between the
highest and lowest district 4.92 percent.
Forsythe moved, second by Wilson, to adopt the District One
and District Three boundaries as set forth by the Committee
Proposal E. Discussion continued with regard to considering
Proposal C that would place Surfs ide in District Three, the
various population figures and percentage differences of the
various proposals.
Mayor Laszlo moved a substitute motion to consider Committee
Proposal E with an amended boundary line at Fifth street
rather than sixth street. Councilmember Hastings seconded
the motion. Mayor Laszlo also suggested that consideration I
be given to equalizing the districts by again placing the
condominium units in District Two rather than District Four.
Councilmember Hastings contended that the majority of people
in the downtown area want to remain as historic Old Town in
District One.
.. . .
Vote on the substitute motion:
AYES: Hastings, Laszlo o'
NOES: Doane, Forsythe, Wilson Motion failed
Vote on the motion to adopt Committee Proposal E:
AYES: Doane, Forsythe, Wilson
NOES: Hastings, Laszlo Motion carried
COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember Forsythe requested that the Special Legal
Counsel for the Trailer Park be present at the next
Redevelopment Agency meeting to discuss Trailer Park issues.
She reported that the Beach Commission will be accepting
public input with regard to the color of the Lifeguard
Headquarters at their meeting of November 26th, and in
reference to a news article this date she noted that if I
President Bush succeeds with his proposed wetland
legislation the Hellman Ranch wetland acreage will be
reduced from twenty-five acres to five acres, and suggested
that a communication be drafted to be forwarded to the
President regarding that issue.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Oral Communications.
CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session was held.