HomeMy WebLinkAboutAAC Min 1993-07-12
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CITY OF SEAL BEACH
ARCHAEOLOGICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
JULY 12, 1993
The Archaeological Advisory Committee met on July 12, 1993 at 5:00 p.m. in City Council
Chambers.
2. ROLL CALL
Present:
Members Benjamin, Fitzpatrick (5:05), Frietz, Goldberg, Hahn, Price,
and Unatin
Absent:
Members Belardes and Cole
Staff
Present:
Lee Whittenberg, Development Services Director
Mr. Whittenberg introduced Member Benjamin, appointed to replace Member Rice, who
had previously resigned. He also indicated that Member Wolff has submitted her
resignation due to family demands.
3.
REVIEW OF "CULTURAL RESOURCES REPORT for the UNOCAL PROPERTY at
99 MARINA DRIVE, SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA", prepared by CHAMBERS
GROUP, INC. and PROPOSED MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM for
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 92-7, UNOCAL.
Chairperson Goldberg requested Mr. Whittenberg to present an overview of the purpose
of this meeting.
Mr. Whittenberg indicated that the meeting had been scheduled in order to allow the
Committee to re-visit the previously approved conditions and mitigation monitoring
program for the UNOCAL project, due to the archaeologist's proposal to utilize a
backhoe for excavation work if the hand-dug "test units" are sterile, i.e., no cultural
material discovered. Due to the concern and sensitivity regarding the use of machinery
by the Committee, it was felt advisable to allow the Committee to discuss with the
archaeologist their proposal.
Mr. Whittenberg introduced Harry Kelsey and Nicholas Magalousis of Interdisciplinary
Research Incorporated. Mr Kelsey reviewed with the Committee the results of their
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Archaeological Advisory Committee Minutes
July 12, 1993
background research, focusing on the use of maps to indicate their conclusion that the
site was believed to have been part of the San Gabriel River channel up until the late
1920's to early 1930's. Mr. Kelsey discussed maps from 1833, 1853, 1875, 1913, 1915,
1925, and 1947. He concluded by indicating that based on the maps, aerial photographs,
and 1986 soils report regarding the subject site, that it appears to have been a marshy
area with fill placed over it in the late 1920's to early 1930's. He indicated it was
doubtful the subject site was a habitation site.
Mr. Magalousis discussed with the members of the Committee their proposed method of
conducting the "test phase" analysis, as set forth in their letter proposal of June 9, 1993,
the rationale for using machinery for certain phases of the proposed excavation, the
location and depth (to the water table) of the "test units", and the time to complete the
field work. Mr. Magalousis further indicated that if the hand-dug units were not sterile,
then additional hand-dug units would be necessary.
Mr. Whittenberg indicated that Member Hahn has distributed copies of a letter from
David M. Van Horn of Archaeological Associates, regarding his previous mapping of
the DWP site. He indicates that "... I must conclude that the map plots provided by
Chambers Group in their addendum report are essentially correct. Please accept my
apology for the error in my 1979 work." Mr. Whittenberg further indicated that a copy
of the "Addendum To Cultural Resources Report for the UNOCAL Property at 99 Marina
Drive, seal Beach, California", prepared by Chambers Group, Inc., dated June, 1993 has
been provided to the Committee as part of this agenda staff report.
Member Fitzpatrick questioned why the "test phase" analysis is deemed necessary for this
project, given the information provided to the Committee previously and this evening,
and the substantial cost involved to the applicant.
After further Committee discussion and review of the proposed conditions and mitigation
monitoring program, it was the consensus of the Committee to reconfirm the conditions
and mitigation monitoring program, as approved on May 24, 1993 by the adoption of
Resolution 93-1.
MOTION by Hahn, SECOND by Unatin to reconfirm their recommendation to the
Planning Commission that a "test Phase" analysis be conducted by Interdisciplinary
Research Incorporated, as set forth in their letter proposal of June 9, 1993.
MOTION CARRIED
6-1-0
Fitzpatrick - No
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Archaeological Advisory Committee Minutes
July 12, 1993
4.
COMMITTEE CONCERNS
1. Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station - the Committee discussed the possibility of
scheduling a tour of the Weapons Station, with an emphasis on the archaeological
and cultural resources of the facility. Mr. Whittenberg indicated his office will
make contact with the Station to arrange a tour of the facility.
2. Long Beach State Proposed Development - Member Hahn reviewed with the
Committee the current controversy regarding proposed developments at Long
Beach State University and the potential impact to Puvungna. She informed the
Committee of a meeting at the University on July 29, 1993 to discuss this issue
and urged any interested members to attend.
3. Member Absences - the Committee discussed current policy regarding the absence
of members and requested staff to further research this topic, with the intent of
preparing an amendment to City Council Resolution No. 4186, dealing with this
concern.
5.
ADJOURNMENT
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The Committee adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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airman, ,.
Archaeological Advisory Committee
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Whittenberg, Secretary
Archaeological Advisory Com mitt
Note: These Minutes are tentative until approved by the Archaeological Advisory Committee.
The Archaeological Advisory Committee Minutes of July 12, 1993 were approved on August
23...., 1993.
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