Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutEQCB Min 1994-11-29 . . . i. Environmental Quality Control Board Minutes NOVEMBER 29,1994 Call to Order at 6:30 p.m. I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. ROLL CALL Present. Also Present: Voce, Hurley, Logan (6.55), Nakagawa, Hood Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services Barry Curtis, Administrative Assistant (planning) III. ApPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION BY HOOD; SECOND BY NAKAGAWA: TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED: AYES: 5-0 VOCE, HOOD, NAKAGAWA, HURLEY, LOGAN NONE NOES: IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - none. V. CONSENT CALENDAR - none. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) regarding the Bixby Old Ranch Golf Course Development Plan - Public and Board Review for Adequacy, Areas Requiring Clarification, Expansion of Information or Correction of Incorrect Information. 1=\ \I;;QCB\MINQ'" BCCke Environmental Quality Control Board Mmutes of November 29, 1994 . Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services presented the staff report (on file with the Department of Development Services). Mr. Whittenberg explained the City's consultant team has prepared a rather lengthy presentation for this evening Mr. Jay Ziff ofEIP Associates, the lead consultant, will handle the majority of the presentation. Also present are representatives from Aries and Brown-Buntin and Associates who worked on the aviation and noise impact sections of the document. There are also representatives from DKS present this evening who handled the traffic impacts. Mr. Whittenberg indicated the consultant team has been retained and selected by the City of Seal Beach The applicant, Bixby Ranch Company, is required to reimburse the City for expenses incurred in the preparation of the EIR document Secondly, this is the first hearing during the 45-day public comment period on the DEIR. The EQCB will hold a second hearing on December 13th. Once the public comment period has ended, on December 27th, the City staff and consultant team will prepare a document called a "Response to Comments" based on all comments received The Board will review the "Response to Comments" along with the Final EIR sometime around the end of January 1995. The EQCB must then make a determination that the document complies with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) The Board will then forward the document along with its comments to the Planning Commission and ultimately the City Council It is the duty of the EQCB to receive comments from the public as to the adequacy of the document of the document that is before the Board. The purpose of this meeting is not to discuss the merits of the project itself Mr. Whittenberg discussed the definition of "adequacy" under CEQA. . Director Whittenberg turned the floor over to Mr. Jay Ziff ofEIP Associates Mr Ziff made a presentation of the history of this project to date including a description of the project, an overview of the general components of the EIR and, finally, a review of the Summary Table of Impacts and Mitigation Measures. Mr. Ziffturned the floor over to John Sanders of Aries Consultants. Mr Sanders presented an introduction to the Aviation Impact Analysis, which is a technical support document to the EIR. Mr. Sanders indicated the main focus of Aries' analysis was regarding the compatibility between the proposed project's land uses with the existing and expected operation at the Los A1amitos Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC). Mr. Sanders outlined the various agencies which will review this proposal Mr. Sanders turned the floor over to Bob Brown of Brown-Buntin & Associates. Mr. Brown discussed the DEIR's noise impact analysis Mr Brown indicated the noise analysis considered noise from both aviation activities and automobiles. Mr. Brown indicated the noise study focused very specifically on the project site Mr. Brown indicated they had the military review all of the study's assumptions and the military agreed this assumptions were based on the best information which is currently available. Mr Brown discussed the summary table and proposed mitigation measures for the various noise-related impacts. Mr. Brown returned the floor John Sanders. . Page 2 1=\ \bQCB\MINq411 BeCbe. . . . EnvIronmental Quality Control Board Minutes o{November 29, 1994 Mr. Sanders indicated the Federal Aeronautics Administration has preempted local regulation of airspace matters. Therefore, the FAA will ultimately be the lead agency responsible for determining applicable criteria for use in their determination Mr. Sanders discussed the most recent Air Installation Compatible Use Zone study (AICUZ) prepared for the AFRC indicating the it shows all clear zones are contained completely within the base. Mr. Sanders turned the floor over to Robert Close ofDKS & Associates to discuss traffic impacts. Mr Close discussed the methodology for preparing the traffic impact analysis. Mr. Close discussed the scope of the study and proposed mitigation measures for project-related impacts Mr. Close returned the floor to Jay Ziffwho completed his presentation of the summary table Mr. Ziff continued with a discussion of significant and unavoidable impacts as well as the alternatives analysis. Mr. Ziff discussed the EIR process and outlined the following steps in the process. Mr. Ziff discussed the public review and input process and indicated there were comment forms available at this meeting where written comments can be provided and left this evening or mailed back to the City Mr. Whittenberg indicated it would be appropriate to open the meeting up to public comments at this time. Mr Whittenberg indicated the DEIR is available for review at the City's three (3) public libraries as well as at the Department of Development Services and the City Clerk's office. They are also available for sale at $25 each Chairman Voce opened the public hearing. Donna Maguire - Seal Beach · What type of hotel will be provided? Mr. Whittenberg indicated the type of hotel has not yet been determined. The DEIR analysis considered the maximum square feet and rooms of the hotel At such time as a formal request is made for a hotel the City will consider it under the conditional use permit process which entails a public hearing before the Planning Commission. · What types of roofing will be used? The EIR doesn't seem to address fire proof roofing. Mr. Whittenberg indicated all construction will be required to provide type "A" roofing, which is fireproof, through the requirements of the City Code · Impacts of out-of-district transfers into the school district Irwin Anderson - Rossmoor · Questions number of new inhabitants as well as new students arising from the project. Page 3 1=\ \l;QCB\MIN9411 BCCk . . . ... Environmental Quality Control Board Mmutes afNovember 29, 1994 . Impacts on the community of Ross moor, particularly on parks. Feels this hasn't been address in report · The extension of St. Cloud will create traffic impacts on Rossmoor. New residents will cut through Rossmoor to the 605 on ramp at KatelIa. · Impacts on bike paths, particularly over Seal Beach Boulevard overpass. Russ Laikap - Rossmoor · When will the City choose a preferred alternative? Mr. Whittenberg indicated the Planning Commission and, if approved by the P.C., the City Council will determine whether to approve or deny the project. Approval could be for all or portion of the request David Steele - Rossmoor . What type of housing will the 100-125 low/mod housing units be? Mr. Whittenberg indicated the City has no formal definition at this time. However, the proposed density is similar to the Bixby townhomes located along Lampson at Basswood. The income figures for low/mod income are established yearly by the Federal government. . Why would high income people buy in this area with impacts from AFRC? Feels it may turn into low/mod housing with much higher impacts on the City as well as Rossmoor Mike Folger - Rossmoor . Aesthetics of entrance system at St Cloud Discussed locating gate further back, perhaps a curved road. Ron Bradshaw - Bixbv Ranch Company . Presented a written comment document (on file at Department of Development Services). Jim Hudson - ACTA (Aviation Consultant to Blxhv Ranch Company) . Believes noise levels will not be significant. Information on single-event noise levels can be confusing. . Discussed a 1970 study on "peak perceived noise levels". This study found that unacceptable levels begin at approximately 107 dB for a minimum duration of two (2) seconds. Page 4 1=\ \l;;QCB\MIN94" BCCk. . . . ... EnVironmental Quality Control Board Mmutes of November 29,1994 . Unlike CNEL, there is no standard for maximum single-event noise levels. Trucks, motorcycles, emergency vehicles and home alarms produce severe noise levels but are not considered because they are of limited, random and short durations. · Provided specific references to studies he mentioned in his presentation. Gary Allen - Aviation Systems . Indicated that less than 1% of the 55,000 annual flights out of the AFRC produce severe noise impacts. There being no further members of the public wishing to speak, Chairman Voce opened the discussion to Board comments. Boardmember Hurlev · Asked whether have ever been any accidents outside of the AFRC? Boardmember Hood indicated an accident occurred on Yellowtail in Rossmoor in 1967. · Under the reduced intensity alternative, which units would be removed? · Under the increased residential alternative, where would the added units go? Mr. Ziffindicated the removal of units would likely occur along Seal Beach Boulevard. There is no plan to add additional units, however, an earlier alternative included additional dwelling units off of Lampson Avenue. . Question on Page 2-28 (4.8-5), how is this an impact? Mr. Whittenberg indicated it's an impact on the AFRC. . The mitigation measure descriptions on pages 28 and 29 could be clarified and improved . On Page 2-31 (49-4) the mitigation description could be clarified as to how far back Will it past the stacking area on Lampson? Boardmember Hood · What areas have quantifiable impacts? Felt areas with quantifiable impacts were forced to have significant impacts, whereas unquantifiable impacts are deemed insignificant. Mr. Ziffindicated impacts such as air quality, traffic, noise are easily quantifiable, other are not. . Disliked concept plan for the commercial and high density residential uses He was uneasy with the idea of approving a project based on a worst case scenario. Page 5 1=\ \bQCB\MIN9411 BeCk Environmental Qualzty lontrol Board Mmutes of November 29,1994 . · Felt the geology section should have more focus on the 1994 Northridge event. This event has brought to light the impact of increased vertical shift faults. Feels this should also be addressed in the bibliography. · Land use in mitigation measure 4.4-9 the term should be "shall" rather than "should". · In 4 8-10 it indicated the AELUP will be completed later this year. When will that be? Mr. Whittenberg said it probably won't be available before January. · Regarding helicopter noise impacts, felt the sociological impacts this type of noise (blade slap) should be considered and included in the references. Can we include a comparison of noise from helicopter vs. fixed wing aircraft? · Questioned the mitigation effectiveness of notification requirements. He felt there would still be impacts on patios, swimming pools and golf playing. He didn't feel this was an adequate mitigation measure An adequate mitigation measure would be telling people they can have no outdoor activities · Regarding restriping the bridge, what would the average traffic lane widths be, now and proposed? What impact might this have on accidents? · Indicated it's easy for consultants to comment on noise impacts being no significant when they aren't forced to live with them . Boardmemher Nakafawa . Regarding noise impacts, Table 4.8-2, the C105-A produces noise levels of over 114 dB, the DEIR should take this into account. . He felt the EIR should take a more layperson approach It may make sense to people within the industry, but the majority of people who read this will have no idea what it says and can't provide a decent comment back. Mr. Whittenberg indicated state law requires very technical review of some issues Boardmember Nakagawa indicated he thought both types of information could be provided, technical and lay data. . Regarding measurement of data, he felt they should take measurements from the worst case housing unit. · What is the difference between decibel and CNEL? . · He felt the notification mitigation measure is not effective mitigation . · Regarding aircraft safety, he is concerned with the air force exemption. Thinks helicopters should be included perhaps the City could come up with a modeling program which takes into account all aircraft and frequency. . Felt impacts on water supply should address an increased demand vs. a constant supply in water. Feels the supply should be increased commensurately. Page 6 1=\ \bQCB\MIN9411 BCCk . . . .. Environmental Quality Control Board Mmutes of November 29, 1994 · Questioned impact of restriping on travel safety and bicycle safety. . All V/C increase should be mitigated, not just .3 increases · Questioned the source of information for trips per day. Can OCT A figures be substituted for national averages? · Upset that SCAQMD impacts to air in 4.10-3, significant impacts to air are being created at several intersections with no mitigation taking place. . Requested a diagram of proposed intersection restriping . What type of hotel will this be? It worries him that this is not known yet. · What is the smallest size unit proposed for low/mod housing, is it like 600 square feet? · Didn't agree with the assessment ofloud single event noise sources presented by Mr. Hudson. Those types of noise are intentionally made loud. Boardmember Hood · Can storm drain system handle impacts of project? Where does College park East's storm drainage lead to? Mr. Whittenberg indicated CPE drains onto the Bixby property Chairman Voce Indicated he will defer his comments until December 13th meeting Did City notify someone from AFRC regarding tonight's meeting? Ifnot will staff make sure to notify them of December 13th meeting. Mr. Whittenberg indicated the City would do this. VII. STAFF CONCERNS Mr. Whittenberg asked whether the Board would rather have staff present the entire presentation again or an abbreviated one Boardmember Hood expressed concern that the AFRC had not been notified. Mr. Whittenberg indicated they have been noticed as required of tonight's meeting and staffwill personally contact the AFRC regarding the December 13th meeting The Board asked staff to present an abbreviated presentation Further, the Board asked that the traffic engineers be present at the December 13 th meeting. Boardmember Nakagawa asked if an expanded presentation on the traffic issues could be presented The Board concurred Mr. Nakagawa asked whether the EQCB can choose not to forward this to the Planning Commission if it feels its questions have not been adequately answered. Mr. Whittenberg indicated if the Board feels the document, after responses to comments and the Final EIR is prepared, does not meet the requirements CEQA, you may send the document back to make sure it meets the adequacy requirements of the Act. Page 7 ~\ \l;;QCB\MIN94" BeCk . . . EnVironmental Quality Control Board Mmutes o[November 29, 1994 VIII. BOARD CONCERNS Chairman Voce indicated the County of Orange Planning Commission will make its final determination on the Bolsa Chica project tomorrow, November 30th IX. ADJOURNMENT MOTION BY HOOD; SECOND BY HURLEY TO ADJOURN THIS MEETING TO TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13,1994 AT 6:30 P.M. AYES NOES VOCE, HOOD, LOGAN, HURLEY, NAKAGAWA NONE The meeting was adjourned at 9.52 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Barry Curtis, Secretary Environmental Quality Control Board Page 8 1=\ \bQCB\MIN9411 BeCke