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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1990-02-05 1-22-90 / 2-5-90 AYES: NOES: Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson None Motion carried It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 p.m. 1 C erK and ex-o f~c~o Clerk 0 the of Seal Beach APproved:_~~ J- ~ Mayor Attest: Seal Beach, California February 5, 1990 I. The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in a regular adjourned and joint session with the Planning Commission and the Ad Hoc Retail Sales Committee at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Grgas calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Grgas Councilmembers Hunt, Risner, Wilson Absent: Councilmember Laszlo Also present: Mr. Nelson, City Manager Mr. Whittenberg, Development Services pirector Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk WAIVER OF FULL READING Wilson moved, second by Risner, to waive the reading in full of all ordinances and resolutions and that consent to the I 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: ABSENT: Grgas, Hunt, Risner, Wilson None Laszlo Motion carried I I I. ~ 2-5-90 APPOINTMENT - COUNCILMEMBER - DISTRICT FIVE The city Clerk noted that a certification had been provided to the Council declaring that as of the closing of the nomination period there was a sole nominee for member of the City Council representing District Five. The Clerk reported the Notice of the sole nominee for that office was published as required by the California Elections Code and noticed in the Leisure World News for the information of the voters of District Five, the Council now having the option to appoint to the office the person nominated, or hold the election for the one person so nominated. She advised that upon cancellation of the election in District Five, a saving of approximately $6,000 would be realized. wilson moved, second by Risner, to appoint Mr. Joe Hunt, the sole nominee, to the office of member of the City Council representing Councilmanic District Five. The city Clerk noted that in the case of appointing the sole nominee, the person serves in the same manner as they would had the election process continued. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Grgas, Risner, Wilson None Hunt Laszlo Motion carried ROLL CALL - PLANNING COMMISSION Present: Chairman Sharp commissioners Fife, Forsythe, Rullo Absent: Commissioner suggs ROLL CALL - AD HOC RETAIL SALES COMMITTEE Present: John Baker, Chairman Jeannie Brueggemann Riley Forsythe Russell Gray Robert Kendrick Dorothy Philip Howard Prouty E. R. Wilkinson Absent: William Bennett Mike Ervin William LaBar Jim Vames AD HOC RETAIL SALES COMMITTEE - FINAL REPORT - DISCUSSION Mayor Grgas expressed appreciation to the Ad Hoc Committee for their efforts and final report, and stated the Committee's ideas would be explored to determine what items could be implemented now or in the future. The City Manager noted that as a result of reviewing a number of economic reports during the Hellman property discussions, the Council recognized that the City is losing approximately fifty-two percent of the purchasing power of the residents to businesses outside the community. He said the basic reason for the outside purchases is the lack of hard product availability in this community, such as large appliances, automobiles, etc., and that the sales tax breakdown shows that the community is exceeding its purchasing power in the areas of pharmaceuticals, liquor, and gasoline, that restaurants were slightly above average however considerably lower than what the City should be achieving. He pointed out that there is an impression that Seal Beach is a resort community, and although there are visitors to the beach and pier, sales are not equivalent to the residents and visitors. The City Manager explained that the Retail Committee was comprised of persons with expertise in 2-5-90 APPOINTMENT - COUNCILMEMBER - DISTRICT FIVE The city Clerk noted that a Certification had been provided to the Council declaring that as of the closing of the nomination period there was a sole nominee for member of the city Council representing District Five. The Clerk reported the Notice of the sole nominee for that office was pUblished as required by the california Elections Code and noticed in the Leisure World News for the information of the voters of District Five, the Council now having the option to appoint to the office the person nominated, or hold the election for the one person so nominated. She advised that upon cancellation of the election in District Five, a saving of approximately $6,000 would be realized. Wilson moved, second by Risner, to appoint Mr. Joe Hunt, the sole nominee, to the office of member of the city Council representing Councilmanic District Five. The City Clerk noted that in the case of appointing the sole nominee, the person serves in the same manner as they would had the election process continued. I AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Grgas, Risner, Wilson None Hunt Laszlo Motion carried ROLL CALL - PLANNING COMMISSION Present: Chairman Sharp Commissioners Fife, Forsythe, Rullo Absent: commissioner Suggs ROLL CALL - AD HOC RETAIL SALES COMMITTEE Present: John Baker, Chairman Jeannie Brueggemann Riley Forsythe Russell Gray Robert Kendrick Dorothy Philip Howard Prouty E. R. wilkinson 1 Absent: William Bennett Mike Ervin William LaBar Jim Vames AD HOC RETAIL SALES COMMITTEE - FINAL REPORT - DISCUSSION Mayor Grgas expressed appreciation to the Ad Hoc Committee for their efforts and final report, and stated the Committee's ideas would be explored to determine what items could be implemented now or in the future. The City Manager noted that as a result of reviewing a number of economic reports during the Hellman property discussions, the Council recognized that the City is losing approximately fifty-two percent of the purchasing power of the residents to businesses outside the community. He said the basic reason for the outside purchases is the lack of hard product availability in this community, such as large appliances, automobiles, etc., and that the sales tax breakdown shows that the community is exceeding its purchasing power in the areas of pharmaceuticals, liquor, and gasoline, that restaurants were slightly above average however considerably lower than what the City should be achieving. He pointed out that there is an impression that Seal Beach is a resort community, and although there are visitors to the beach and pier, sales are not equivalent to the residents and visitors. The City Manager explained that the Retail Committee was comprised of persons with expertise in I 2-5-90 I possibilities for Bixby Old Ranch are many times greater than what exists now. The City Manager said it is felt that sales tax revenue to the City would double if the Center were developed to the authorized square footage under current zoning, while meeting parking, traffic, landscaping, and height requirements. Councilmember wilson said she felt certain provisions of the Code should be specific to the Rossmoor Center, especially with regard to parking, signage, and landscaping, to enhance retail sales. A suggestion was made that possibly a comprehensive development plan be prepared for Rossmoor Center. Councilman Hunt offered that the Center could present any Code changes that were felt to be desirable for the Center to the city for consideration. The Committee member representing the Rossmoor Homeowners Association said they would be interested in any changes that are proposed, that traffic and the present number of signs is a concern, and stated that if the Center is to be improved, time is of the essence, the longer the delay the more people will shop elsewhere. He said if the Center is to be rebuilt, a low square footage rent should be retained and that there should be a mix of services. Ms. Philip reported that the Center has looked into acquiring one of the major retailers, however there has not been adequate population to attract them. with unanimous consent of those present, Mayor Grgas declared a recess at 8:14 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:26 p.m. I Discussion continued regarding the Main street and Pacific Coast Highway shopping areas. It appeared to be the consensus of those present that a letter be prepared to the Main street property owners and businesses, to be presented to the Council for consideration, encouraging and supporting a program for extended business hours, including weekends, and offer a cooperative effort to create an attractive shopping atmosphere. Support was voiced for continuance of tree lighting that has traditionally occurred during the holiday season. It was noted that the electricity for the lights is presently provided by the individual businesses, that there is need to upgrade the present lighting system, one concern being the safety of the present lights. A suggestion was made that electrical facilities for Main street lighting should be placed underground in conjunction with other Main street improvements as a cooperative capital improvement program between the City and the business community, and it was requested that staff develop the associated costs. Mr. Baker reported the Business Association is presently working on funding a three block public address system, up to $5000, for special events. The City Manager reported the Edison Company has provided the City with information regarding light sensitive switches and electrical energy converters, the major consideration will be connecting the lights from tree to tree and whether they are connected to overhead lines or placed underground in conduit. Mr. Baker expressed his feeling that there is no consistency to Main street. He spoke favorably of the new sidewalk patterns, however stated they only occur in conjunction with new construction, and noted the benches and lighting fixtures that were promised years ago have yet to be realized. It was suggested that a Main street Improvement Plan should be developed to be phased over a specific period of time. The City Manager noted that such Plan would require the cooperation and involvement of the entire three block area. It was suggested that at the time of new construction or remodeling of Main street businesses that there be a requirement to replace the adjacent sidewalk. I 2-5-90 Discussion continued on the various ideas regarding parking in the downtown area. General support was indicated for consolidation and reconfiguration of parking spaces in the alleys regardless of the property lines, however concern was expressed as to what means would be used to provide mid- block access to Main street from the alleys. There was considerable discussion regarding an idea to change the I parallel parking on Electric Avenue to diagonal parking on either one or both sides of that street, Mr. Baker stating there would be adequate room for bus traffic and most likely slow the traffic speed, and given the minimal use of the Electric Avenue bike path, it could be rerouted to Ocean Avenue or it could be located closer to the curb and still provide an adequate size traffic lane. The city Manager noted that if diagonal parking were placed on the park side of the street a greater number of spaces would be realized than on the residential side. Mr. Baker offered that another alternative would be to change the streets from 5th street to 12th street running from Electric to Ocean to one- way, provide diagonal parking on one side, parallel parking on the other, while maintaining ~n adequate roadway width. It was suggested that if this were to be a viable alternative, a mock-up should be developed to show exactly what changes are proposed. Concern was expressed with regard to one-way streets and the impact on the village atmosphere of the downtown area, also stated that a serious parking problem does not exist. A member of the Retail Committee agreed that Main street provides the image of the City, yet the tax dollars generated from that area does not support the needed improvements, and that there is a need to look at the parking issue for the future. It was also noted that the improvements that have occurred on Pacific Coast I Highway, and those in the future, provides an opportunity for further focus. The City Manager stated that after surveying the parking situation over a period of time, it was staff's opinion that parking is a perceived problem which, in turn, is causing individuals from not locating their business or shopping in the area, therefore the Planning Commission and city Council must recognize the need for a balanced community, resident needs, business needs, and the residential need for business. Mr. Baker suggested the reconfiguration be initiated on a trial basis on possibly two streets. councilmember Risner stated her preference that additional parking behind the businesses be looked into further and possibly designate those spaces for the merchants. An idea from a member of the Retail Committee was to develop a double-decked parking structure off the alleyways and to provide mid-block access to Main street. Councilman Hunt pointed out that based upon the City's current formula, there is a parking problem. It was suggested that possibly the formula should be revised, and the city Manager noted that even if the city revised the parking formula, the Coastal Commission may continue to impose their requirements. Mr. Baker stated he felt the calculation of the number of spaces that could be provided by the reconfiguration was approximately three hundred I seventy, and the least expensive being restriping. Another member of the Committee suggested that an exact number of spaces, from all possibilities, should be established. The Mayor noted that parking has been an issue for a number of years, that the parking requirements were changed in approximately 1984 to enhance the business community and encourage a better business mix, and said he felt either more parking should be provided if there is a problem or it should be ignored. He said he would not be closed to the idea of a parking structure on 8th street which could be done in an attractive manner, however that would be more ,t:l" 2-5-90 I expensive than providing parking through another means, and suggested that all of the alternatives should at least be looked at rather than rejected. Mr. Baker noted another idea was to install parking meters on the streets and in the beachfront lots. councilmember Risner again urged that the number of spaces that could be developed behind the existing businesses be pursued, and spoke for parking meters in the beach lots however not on Main street. The Mayor suggested that within the next few years the city complete the second phase of the Keyser/Marston study, the analysis of all of the parking alternatives, and asked if there was a consensus of those present that there is a parking problem. Councilmember Risner asked the number of spaces that the City is supposedly short. A member of the Retail Committee suggested there should be a study made of the existing and future demand, and then measure the impact on the community. With regard to the parcel of property on Central Avenue behind Johns Market, the City Manager advised that the future heir does not appear to be interested in discussing disposal of that property. Councilman Hunt suggested that the value of a parking space be determined. The City Manager stated it was his interpretation that the parking issues were being referred to staff for further report. I With regard to Item 3 of the Retail Committee report relating to retail being the principal permitted use for the first floor along Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway and all other uses permitted only through a Conditional Use Permit Process, Mr. Fife said he felt it should apply to other retail areas adjacent to a thoroughfare, and questioned the vacancy factor at the Rossmoor Center in general. Mr. Baker responded that this was an issue was discussed in relation to the Rossmoor Center and it was felt that if the land were determined to be more valuable, more non-retail space may become available and the retail use decreased. Ms. Philip responded that the vacancy rate at the Center is less than other shopping centers, and the applicants that are felt to be short term are not being accepted. The Development Services Director noted that a problem with the CUP process for a non-retail use is that there is a need for a mix of uses, and that problems arise in determining what is a good balance. The city Manager spoke of the plan of the Leisure World Center where they have attracted certain retail use through below market rent and have now determined to not allow more financial institutions. He noted that in the Main street and Pacific Coast Highway areas problems could be realized if the City is making the decision as to use rather than the property owner. A member of the Retail Committee explained it was felt this process could be detrimental to the Rossmoor Center by encouraging more office space given the low rental rates, yet the intent was to discourage more office use on the first floor of Main Street businesses and encourage retail use, and suggested that the City has the right to zone an area for retail or office use. Mayor Grgas suggested that this item be referred to the Planning Commission to review and make recommendation as to a means to encourage retail use. He also expressed some disappointment with a recently remodeled Main Street building, which he said he felt changed the village image of the 200 block, and suggested the Planning Commission and staff be mindful of such changes. In that regard, it was mentioned that an architectural review board for Main street could be considered to establish certain guidelines. Councilmember Risner asked to be excused from the meeting. with regard to item C-l of the Committee report, Mayor Grgas I 2-5-90 suggested it may be worthwhile to further pursue signage for the community, as was identified in the 1983/84 Keyser/ Marston study, particularly at the major entrances to the city. The City Manager stated it was a strong recommendation of the Committee that there should be a well thought out, artistically acceptable series of signs throughout the City to identify Seal Beach. Mr. Baker I specifically asked that an entrance sign to Main street be a consideration, possibly an archway sign, and that something similar could be applied to the pier entrance. Another member of the committee recommended that there be additional trees, lights, etc. in the vicinity of Main street/Pacific Coast Highway for a feeling of continuity of the three blocks. After brief discussion, the staff was directed to investigate the feasibility and costs to modify the present bus service between Leisure World and Rossmoor Center to also provide service to the downtown areas. with regard to an incentive bus token program, a committee member said that the use of tokens is nearly as costly as the bus transportation. The Mayor said he felt that the remainder of the ideas and suggestions that resulted from of the Committee's effort should possibly be considered and pursued. Mr. Baker spoke in support of an on-going promotional program for the city, suggesting that such program could be funded by the Chamber, the Business Association, and the transient occupancy tax. A member of the Committee urged greater communication between the various business areas and the City, which could benefit all parties, and another stressed the need to determine the mix of uses that is desired for the various shopping areas in the future while discouraging the over-use of a particular type of business. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Grgas declared Oral communications open. Mitzi Morton, 13th street, recalled that the former Downtown Revitalization Task Force brought forth suggestions similar to those of the Retail Committee, stating parking was a concern, restaurant use was encouraged, and that there was a plan to encourage retail business use through an in-lieu parking program, the business obligated by agreement for payment of an amount per space. She suggested an increase of the in-lieu fee as a means to fund additional parking, and recalled that there had been a suggestion that the City purchase the then vacant lot in the 300 block of Main Street for parking, however that was not done. Mrs. Morton objected to any intrusion onto the greenbelt for parking, to diagonal parking adjacent to that area, or on the residential streets. She noted the intent of the greenbelt was that it be an open green area, yet stated there are certain groups that now have a desire to place other buildings there. She inquired as to why people can not park in the green zone in front of City Hall on weekends or in the 8th and Central lot in the evenings and on weekends. Mr. Dennis Pollman, Seabreeze Drive, suggested that the parking sticker policy be changed, stating it is abused by downtown employees who purchase a sticker and park in the one-hour street spaces rather than in parking areas designated for a specific building. Mr. Baker agreed that there is a temporary parking problem and noted the need for more off-street or permit parking in the residential areas, possibly through restriping. He stated his preference for the newly constructed building in the 300 block as opposed to that area being developed as a parking lot. He also noted there is considerable parking available on Pacific I I 2-5-90 I Coast Highway. A member of the Committee suggested an off- street parking area for employees with a shuttle service. A member of the audience spoke against parking on the greenbelt and/or additional parking on the downtown residential streets. Mayor Grgas acknowledged that when there is a local event parking does impact the residential streets. He stated however that if it is perceived that there is a parking problem, he would suggest that all of the alternatives be placed before both the residents and the merchants to decide what, if any, alternatives are acceptable for this community. He said he did not feel the City has gone far enough in terms of evaluating the previous parking study, and even if there were no additional sales tax generated from Main street, additional parking would provide further convenience for the shopper. Mr. Charles Antos, 8th street, suggested that before additional monies are spent for consultant services for parking, the Council and staff review the 1972 parking study, the P.E. Right-of- Way parking study, the Main street Specific Plan, and the 1983/84 Downtown Revitalization study. He charged that Hennessey's was approved without provision for parking, that 320 Main street was slated to be parking area rather than the newly constructed building, and that the City paid for replacement sidewalks fronting Hennessey's and 320 Main street. The Mayor responded that the staff and the Committee reviewed the previous studies, and that it was his feeling the parking issue needs to be looked at further. There being no further comments, Mayor Grgas declared Oral Communications closed. I CLOSED SESSION No Closed Session was held. ADJOURNMENT By unanimous consent of those present, the Planning Commission and Ad Hoc Retail Sales Committee was adjourned. It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council, to adjourn until 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 12th, for an informal workshop with Supervisor Wieder. The meeting was adjourned at 10:32 p.m. lerk and ex offi of Seal Beach of the Approved: I Attest: