HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1990-05-10
5-7-90/5-10-90
Commission has a law whereby if one digs more than two
hundred meters of earth there is a special archeological
permit required, that Indian people are allowed public input
to that permit, and that there is also concern that the
developer is proceeding with archeology before the Army
Corps of Engineers permit is obtained for wetlands
restoration. She asked that all work be concluded until the 1-
Indian concerns are addressed, stating that the Indian
people came to the Council to have some impact on this and
future development, and that it is known that there are
human remains on the site. Ms. Carla Watson, 1635 Catalina
Avenue, said no matter the differences, a common ground
should be found so that future issues can be dealt with.
She voiced appreciation for the efforts of Mrs. Risner and
Mr. Grgas. Ms. Watson urged that all citizens vote in the
upcoming election. There being no further comments, Mayor
Grgas declared Oral Communications closed.
ADJOURNMENT
By unanimous consent of the Council, the meeting was
adjourned until May lOth at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 11:14 p.m.
clerk of the
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Approved:
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Attest:
Seal Beach, California
May 10, 1990
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 7:02 p.m. with Mayor Grgas calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL C)lT.T,
Present:
Mayor Grgas
Councilmembers Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
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Absent:
None
Also present: Mr. Nelson, City Manager
Mr. stepanicich, city Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. curtis, Administrative Aide/Planning
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
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WAIVER OF FULL READING
Wilson moved, second by Risner, to waiver 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:
Grgas, Hunt, Risner, Wilson
Laszlo
Motion Carried
Given the less than unanimous vote on the motion for waiver
of reading, it was determined that all ordinances and
resolutions proposed at this meeting would be read in full.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Attorney announced the Council would meet in Closed
Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a),
Wetlands Restoration society versus City of Seal Beach, also
pursuant to subsection (b). It was the unanimous consensus
of the Council to adjourn to Closed Session at 7:06 p.m.
The Council reconvened at 7:25 p.m. with Mayor Grgas calling
the meeting to order. The city Attorney reported the
Council had discussed the item previously announced.
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PUBLIC HEARING - HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
Mayor Grgas announced this to be the time to hold a public
hearing to consider the proposed Housing Element update.
The Director of Development Services reported the Planning
Commission conducted four public hearings on the draft
Housing Element, that a public workshop had been held, and
that the Commission recommended the Housing Element be
approved in the form as presented to the council. The
Director noted a copy of the letter from the attorney for
the Wetlands Restoration Society regarding the adequacy of
the document was included in the Council packet, as well as
a memorandum from staff in response to those comments. He
reported the Planning Commission had reviewed the initial
study and negative declaration and also recommended approval
to the Council. The Director reviewed in detail the
additions and deletions to the draft document dated May 4th
that were made based upon public and Commission input,
specifically that: page one, the words tlAs provided in
Government Code Section 65583,tI be added to the beginning of
the last paragraph; the Planning Commission determined that
the text of pages two and three remain in the document with
a minor change for clarification purposes to the second
paragraph of subsection (b) deleting the words tlIt is
recognized" and replaced with "State law recognizes"; the
text of the last paragraph commencing on page eighteen and
continuing to page nineteen added based upon the comments of
the Wetlands Society attorney, with a correction to line
three to read "Long Beach" rather than tlSeal Beachtl, and an
additional sentence recommended at the end of the paragraph
to read tlAssuming that it is appropriate to extrapolate the
study's numbers to Seal Beach, there would be, according to
the study, an estimated total of fifty-four homeless persons
within the city of Seal Beach"; four additional public
service agencies added to the top of page twenty in response
to the Wetlands attorney; in response to comments of the
Wetlands attorney a paragraph was added to page twenty-five
setting forth a calculation of overcrowded units in Seal
Beach based upon U. S. Census standards; new tables added to
pages thirty-three and thirty-four based upon comments of
the Wetlands Restoration Society attorney that relate to
housing assistance needs for elderly, small and large
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families, as well as female and minority headed households,
and noted that since the County no longer provides such
information, the estimated projection was based upon 1980
census figures and numbers from the 1982 Housing Element and
computed on the percentage proportion of the population of
those categories from the 1980 census with the same
percentage projected to the current 1989 population I
estimates from the Department of Finance; an additional
footnote on page thirty-eight regarding the existing
remaining oil extraction area on the Hellman site,
clarifying that the area is currently oil extraction and
when that use terminates, it may be appropriate for
residential use; additional sites included in the vacant
site analysis set forth on pages thirty-nine and forty as
well as a footnote clarifying that the Department of Water
and Power and state Lands sites are not appropriate for
residential use; additional language on page forty-three and
forty-four in response to comments from the Wetlands
attorney relating to land prices in Seal Beach and adjacent
cities; additional language at the bottom of page forty-
seven clarifying that the land use designations on Table 19
are net allowable densities of acreages as opposed to Table
16 which is gross acreages; the two programs relating to
future consideration of the DWP and state Lands sites for
future housing deleted from pages sixty-seven and sixty-
eight based upon the Commission determination that those
sites would not be considered for such use; additional
wording of Section 6.2, page ninety-nine, in response to
comments of the Wetland's attorney, indicating that within
the community over the last five year period there have been
one hundred two new units of housing construction approved I
within the coastal zone with eighty-two units demolished
within the same period for a net gain of twenty housing
units, and a new paragraph added to read "with respect to
more substantial housing developments, the city shall
require a developer to comply with Section 65590. For
instance, in connection with the Hellman/Mola parcel
proposed development (program 5.2.1.2.a), the only
substantial housing development proposed for the coastal
zone since 1982, the developer will be required to provide
thirty-three housing units for persons and families of low
or moderate income, off-site.tI The Director stated that
with the changes of the Planning Commission it is felt the
docU1llent is acceptable under the provisions of State law,
responds to the concerns expressed to the City by the state
Department of Housing and Community Development, many of the
concerns of the citizens, and the concerns of the attorney
for the Wetlands Society.
Councilman Hunt said he had no changes to propose to the
Element at this time, however indicated his preference for
the original draft of the Element plus the comments to the
concerns received from the state. Councilman Laszlo
questioned the need for this adjourned meeting. Mayor Grgas
stated that the Council has dealt with the Hellman property
issue for four and one-half years with a more recent action I
taken to adopt a development plan that was believed to be
the best plan and acceptable to the community, however was
halted from going forward by a lawsuit on the issue of
Whether the Housing Element was valid. He noted the Element
has been brought before the Council in accordance with State
law and the court order, and he believed the present Council
should be afforded the opportunity to present their views on
the issues of both the Housing Element and the Hellman
property development. Mayor Grgas stated it was his
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intention, after receiving public testimony, to vote on the
items before the Council and to then seek a motion to place
these items before the new Council at a time certain after
May 15th to take further action. councilmember Risner
stated she felt that the intent of the lawsuit was not
directed to the fact that the Housing Element had not been
updated in a timely manner, a situation of most California
cities, but to the rejection of the Mola development of the
Hellman property. She also spoke of the lengthy process and
public testimony under which the development plan was
adopted, and reviewed the adoption process of the prior
Housing Elements. Councilman Hunt noted that the Housing
Element has been an obscure, seldomly used document, however
is a requirement of state law and its absence is causing
inconvenience in the community. He spoke in support of the
call for this adjourned meeting and urged prompt action to
adopt the Housing Element. Councilman Laszlo indicated
concern with certain aspects of the Housing Element and with
pending legislation that may require implementation of its
provisions, noting that once the Element is approved the
Mola development of the Hellman property would be
considered. He said it was his understanding that if the
ordinances relating to the Hellman property receive second
reading prior to the seating of the new council,
subsequently a motion could be made by the prevailing vote
to reconsider the second reading. The City Attorney
clarified that should the ordinances relating to the Hellman
property development be adopted by the present council they
would not take effect for a period of thirty days, therefore
the new Council would have the opportunity to propose a
motion for reconsideration, which would again bring the
matter before the Council as if the documents had never been
adopted. He noted that at the conclusion of the public
hearing it would be within the discretion of the Council to
either take action on the documents under consideration or
to continue the matter. councilmember Risner made reference
to the pending legislation that had been mentioned,
recommended that the City take action to oppose that
legislation, and stated that a strong opposition is expected
by the League of Cities. Discussion continued.
Councilman Laszlo noted that the Housing Element proposes
that the Bixby property be considered for high to low cost
residential housing, however the recent AICUZ study, which
applies to the Armed Forces Reserve center, shows that the
residential units would be located within the area of the
runways and accident potential zones, and suggested the
provision of the Housing Element relating to housing on the
Bixby property be deleted. He also suggested that if
housing were placed in that area it is likely the Reserve
Center would be opened to general aviation, pointing out
also that the Center is a disaster support area for the
Southern California region. The Development services
Director stated the AICUZ study had not been disregarded,
and read in full the footnote contained on page forty of the
Housing Element relating specifically to that study, the
Armed Forces Reserve center, and the Bixby property. In
response to a question of the Mayor, the City Attorney noted
that the City has few vacant parcels of land remaining and
it is difficult for communities that are reaching full
development to address the requirement for low and moderate
income housing policies of the state, therefore it is felt
important that the Housing Element address all vacant
parcels where there is a possibility of use for residential
purposes even though after further study it could be
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determined that the parcel is not appropriate, therefore the
language of the footnote was meant to clarify that
environmental and safety considerations would need to be
taken into account before any residential use could be
allowed on that property. He concurred that there would be
greater potential for challenge if the remaining vacant 1_
parcels of land were not included in the Element in order to
comply with state guidelines, yet the final policy
determination of use for a specific property would be left
open. He also explained that under applicable law the
provisions of the AICUZ study would become law upon adoption
as part of the Airport Land Use Plan. Mayor Grgas made
reference to lawsuits against cities for not meeting their
low and moderate housing requirements filed by housing
advocacy groups, and the city Attorney confirmed there have
been a number of cases challenging Housing Elements on that
basis, specifically cities with relatively high property
costs, thus the importance of having a Housing Element that
meets state requirements to avoid such challenge.
Discussion continued. Councilman Laszlo stated his primary
concern is the Bixby property, however acknowledged that
there must be low income housing somewhere in the City, a
possible site being behind the Mobile station on Seal Beach
Boulevard which would be outside the accident potential
zones. He said his concern is with stating that residential
use may be allowed within the APZ, and the possibility that
the state could mandate such use.
Councilman Laszlo moved that, given the Defense Department
report, the portion of the Bixby property that is in
accident potential zone one should not be considered for
residential use in the Housing Element. councilmember I
Risner seconded the motion. Councilman Laszlo said he
believed the area he had made reference to was approximately
six acres. The city Attorney was requested to prepare
language that would accomplish the intent of the motion.
with the consent of the Council, the Mayor declared a recess
at 8:50 p.m. The Council reconvened at 9:30 p.m. with Mayor
Grgas calling the meeting to order.
The city Attorney introduced Mr. Colantuono, who he said has
worked on the airport and other issues of the Housing
Element. Mr. Stepanicich said they had prepared language
specific to the Bixby property to delineate that those
portions of the property that are in the clear zones and
accident potential zone one are not to be included for any
future considerations of low or moderate income housing,
which would leave approximately ten to thirteen acres
outside of those zones that could be considered for
residential development, however language has been retained
that would make the remaining property, if considered for
residential use, subject to further safety and environmental
evaluation. Councilman Laszlo asked if land that currently
has structures on it, such as a tennis club or tennis
courts, would be considered as developable land, possibly I
with a potential for housing use. The Development Services
Director responded that the analysis for the Bixby property
only included areas that are presently vacant, and has not
included any land that has a present use whether it be golf
course, tennis facilities, etc., the vacant land being along
Seal Beach Boulevard north of the golf course, and the area
adjacent to Seal Beach Boulevard and Lampson where the
service station was recently removed. The city Attorney
stated the revised language would be incorporated on page
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forty, paragraph two, and would also necessitate changes to
certain tables within the document, the fourth sentence
revised to read "While the study has not been formally
adopted by the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission at
the present time...", the fifth sentence revised to read "It
is possible that the City may determine at that time, that
the Bixby property is not appropriate for residential
development...tI, and the last sentence revised to read
"Nonetheless, at the present time, the City has identified
the portion of such property outside of the area identified
as clear zone, CZ, or accident potential zone one, APZ1, as
a potential site for residential development, and it is the
city's goal and objective to have residential development
constructed there, environmental and safety constraints
permitting (see p.64)." He added that Table 17 on page
thirty-nine would be revised to reflect the actual acreage
of somewhere between ten to thirteen acres outside of the
clear zone or accident potential zone one rather than the
seventy-two acres presently set forth, that the program for
the conduct of public hearings, page sixty-four under
anticipated impact, the possible redesignation of sixty-
seven acres for residential use would be reduced to the
precisely determined acreage somewhere between ten" to
thirteen acres, the reference to two hundred fifty units
would be deleted to read tlto permit the development of low
density residential housing...tI, that the redesignation of
five acres to high density residential would also be the ten
to thirteen acres rather than seventy-two, and reflect
twenty units per acre rather than twenty-five, that the
following sentence would reflect twenty rather than twenty-
five very low income, forty rather than fifty low income,
and forty rather than fifty moderate income housing units.
with regard to retargeting the reduction of units, the
Development Services Director explained that if all of the
programs identified in the document were implemented, the
goals would be over-achieved, therefore there is some
flexibility given the assumption that not all of the
projects will be completed within the five year time period.
The City Attorney stated Table 23, Quantified Objective, on
page eighty-five would also be revised, program 5.2.1.2.(C),
uwith regard to the Bixby property, to reflect very low
housing of twenty rather than twenty-five, low of forty
rather than fifty, moderate of forty rather than fifty, and
the respective totals changed to one hundred sixteen, one
hundred eighty-eight, and one hundred eighty-three.
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Laszlo moved, second by Risner, to amend the Housing Element
as stated by the City Attorney, page thirty-nine, Table 17,
amended to reflect the reduction in the acreage outside the
clear zone and accident potential zone one, page forty
amended to reflect the changes read into the record that
clarifies that the study has not yet been adopted formally
by the Orange County Airport Land Use Commission, and that
the property under future consideration would be the area
outside the area identified as clear zone or accident
potential zone one, page sixty-four revised to reflect the
appropriate acreage, and page eighty-five, Table 23, the
acreage for program for 5.2.1.2.(C) revised to reflect the
appropriate units. Discussion continued.
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion Carried
Councilman Laszlo inquired if the Housing Element, if
adopted, could be changed within the next few months if so
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desired. The City Attorney responded that it could be
amended, however an amendment would require public hearings
before the Planning Commission and City Council. staff
noted that state law allows four amendments per year per
element of the General Plan.
There was brief discussion with regard to the reading of I
ordinances and resolutions in full. Wilson moved, second by -
Laszlo, 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:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion Carried
Councilmember Risner referred to governmental constraints on
page forty-six, stated the constraints on the state Lands
site is that the property is owned by state Lands, and is
restricted to commerce, navigation, and fisheries, that
housing does not qualify for that parcel, and requested that
be added as a governmental constraint. Staff recommended
that such wording be added as a footnote to Table 17 which
is set forth on pages thirty-nine and forty. Risner moved,
second by Laszlo, to add the footnote to Table 17 pursuant
to the language recommended to the City Attorney to read
"S'ince the State Lands property is owned by the state Lands
commission, the use of such property is limited to commerce,
navigation, and fisheries."
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion Carried
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In response to Council, the Development Services Director
noted that all of the programs proposed for the state Lands
property and the Department of Water and Power property were
stricken by the Planning Commission.
Mayor Grgas declared the pUblic hearing open to consider the
proposed updated Housing Element of the General Plan. The
City Clerk certified that the notice of the public hearing
had been advertised as required by law, and reported no
communications had been received either for or against this
item.
Mayor Grgas 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. Laird Mueller, 235 - 8th
street, inquired as to the procedures for adoption of the
Housing Element and Hellman property documents, the rights
that Mola Development may realize if the documents are
approved, and the time frame involved to allow the new
Council to consider these matters. The City Attorney
explained that the Housing Element Resolution would be
adopted by one motion and would become effective upon such I_-
adoption and has no entitlement effect for any property in
the City, that the Resolution approving the Vesting
Tentative Map is subject to a number of conditions, subject
to the approval of the development agreement, adopted by
Ordinance, and subject to adoption of the amended Hellman
Specific Plan, also enacted by Ordinance. He clarified that
if the Resolution approving the Vesting Tentative Map were
adopted, it would still be subject to approval of the
development agreement and amended Specific Plan by adoption
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of those specific Ordinances before it could become a Vested
Tentative Map upon which a Final Map could be recorded. He
noted that if the first reading of the Ordinances did not
occur at this meeting and were continued until the following
Monday, no further action could be taken on those Ordinances
on Tuesday, thus the new Council would be required to take
the final actions, and if action were taken at this meeting
it would only be the first reading of the Ordinances. Mayor
Grgas reiterated his intent to allow the new Council to take
the final action on the proposed Ordinances after the
seating of the Council on May 15th. Mr. Charles Antos made
reference to the minimal public input to the previously
adopted Housing Elements as mentioned by councilmember
Risner. He said the philosophy of the state is that the
Housing Element is preeminent over the other elements of the
General Plan, and even though the Southern California
Association of ~overnments is recognized as establishing
housing needs, there is nothing that requires a city to meet
all of their programs, and that the state should be advised
that the City can not meet those goals. He noted that Seal
Beach had been removed from a prior lawsuit when it was
determined the City had nearly fifty percent of housing that
met low income housing requirements at that time. Mr. Antos
suggested that the analysis of sites in the Housing Element
show that the City can not meet the housing numbers set
forth by SCAG, that the state and SCAG will have to accept
that fact, or they will need to make the determination as to
where low cost housing is to be located, therefore charging
the resolution of the issue to the property owner and the
state agencies rather than the city. Mr. Antos spoke
regarding the additional five acres that is to be obtained
for recreation purposes in conjunction with the Mola
development, suggesting that it should be tested for toxics
prior to acceptance of the parcel, that the adjacent forty
acres proposed for future housing is presently an oil
producing, toxic parcel, and based upon present technology
it may not be possible to make that site suitable for
housing, therefore that possibility should be noted in the
Element. In response to Council, the city Attorney pointed
out that the current oil production activity on the Hellman
property is revealed in the footnote on page forty-two of
the Element, and that Program B on page sixty-two makes
reference to the possible redesignation of the property for
residential or other appropriate uses at some future time.
Ms. Laurie Clausen, 4532 Fir Avenue, said she was speaking
on behalf of ACCORD, the Area Coalition On Responsible
Development, that she recognized the necessity of having a
Housing Element however did not feel it should be considered
or adopted at this meeting, and inquired if the new Council
could rescind the Housing Element if adopted. The city
Attorney explained that if adopted the Housing Element could
not be rescinded, however if changes were desired those
would be required to go through the public hearing process
before the Planning commission and City Council. Mr. Ron
Kluwe, 141 Dolphin Avenue, said his understanding of a
statement made before the Planning Commission was that the
larger lots in Old Town may be considered to meet the
requirements of the Housing Element through higher density
zoning, where currently if a dwelling is torn down in Old
Town it must be replaced with a single family house, and
noted Seal Beach has one of the highest average housing
costs in the County. Mr. Kluwe said he did not want low
income housing in Seal Beach, that he felt the Element
implies to the state that the Old Town area is available for
higher density, and suggested that the document be modified
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to reflect that Old Town will not be considered for higher
density, where in fact the community is attempting to move
toward a lower density. The Development Services Director
responded that the Housing Element reflects the current
development standards that exist in Old Town, that staff has
been requested to restudy existing development standards to
further encourage the construction of only single family I"
dwellings, and if that should occur the Element would need
to be revised to reflect the lower density numbers. He
referred to Table 19 on page forty-seven, setting forth the
current land use categories as provided by the General Plan,
and explained there are 84.5 acres currently zoned medium
density residential in the Old Town area, one unit for every
2500 square feet of land area, which is a density of 17.4
units per acre, allowing a maximum potential of 1470 housing
units on the medium density areas, including existing units,
that current high density zoning allows one house per every
2178 square feet of land area, a density of 20 units per
acre, or a maximum potential of 3720 units on the 186 acres
of high density zoned properties, including existing units.
He noted current zoning patterns would allow a maximum of
approximately 5100 housing units, however it is felt that
number of units is more than is appropriate for the Old Town
area, thus the reason for proposing changes to the current
development standards to reduce those densities. Mr.
Whittenberg explained that State law recognizes that all
elements of the General Plan can change, and that he did not
feel the City would face any liability at the state level in
reflecting the various constraints that may occur should
there be more than 5000 housing units in the Old Town area.
Mayor Grgas quoted a portion of the petition of the Wetlands
Society filed against the City with regard to the failure of 'I
the city to provide housing for low and moderate income
households. Ms. Norma Strohmeier, Seal Beach, expressed her
objection to the attitude that has been taken regarding low
income persons.
with unanimous consent of the Council, the Mayor declared a
recess at 11:00 p.m. The Council reconvened at 11:24 p.m.
with Mayor Grgas calling the meeting to order.
Mr. Bruce Stark, Seal Beach, also inquired about vested
rights of the developer should the Resolution for the
Vesting Map be approved. The city Attorney stated a
condition would be included at the time of approval that
would provide that the Map was subject to the approval of
the amended Specific Plan and development agreement
ordinances, therefore there would be no vested rights until
those ordinances are adopted and effective. Mr. stark
commented on the low income housing and Housing Element
issues, charged that the Wetlands lawsuit was brought
because the City did not comply with the law. Mayor Grgas
recalled that when the original project was proposed,
members of the Council made the argument that at least a
portion of the condominium units would fulfill the low and
moderate housing requirements under the then valid Housing I
Element, yet due to public reaction to the condominiums,
they were eventually excluded from the project. Mr. Stark
said he believed that Seal Beach has adequate evidence to '
show that there is no land suitable for housing, the Bixby
property in a crash zone, the Hellman property unsuitable
for various reasons, the State Lands and DWP sites under a
Specific Plan, and that should be reflected in the proposed
Housing Element. With regard to property rights, Mr. Stark
said that the Supreme Court has ruled on a number of
occasions that a city has the right to control its zoning,
and that there is no requirement for the owner of a property
to be able to use the property to the maximum use and
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economic benefit. He commented on pending legislation that
relates to Housing Elements, and charged that the City owns
nine acres of parkland plus approximately two acres at the
Zoeter site as oppcsed to the 72.2 acres reflected in Table
13 of the Element, where the City should have 135 acres.
Discussion continued. In response to Councilmember Risner,
the staff advised that if the Housing Element is determined
to be inadequate there would not be a valid General Plan,
therefore there could be no approval of residential use or
improvement in the City, any discretionary approvals such as
a site plan, conditional use permit, or removal that would
be required to be consistent with the General Plan. With
regard to the state comments to the draft Housing Element,
the Development Services Director reported the comments
indicated they did not feel the probabilities of certain
actions occurring within the time frame were achievable.
The Director said be helieved that the number of
low/moderate housing required by the 1982 Element was
approximately eleven hundred, and that only the two hundred
units on the Navy property responded to the 1982 programs.
In response to Mr. Walt Wright, consultant for the Wetlands
Society, the procedure to amend a Housing Element, once
adopted, was again explained. Mr. Wright said that the
Housing document will not be forwarded to the state, that it
will only go to the court if requested by the petitioner.
The City Attorney clarified that whether it is forwarded to
the State depends somewhat on the State administration, that
at one time the State was quite aggressive with regard to
enforcement of Housing Elements, and that the Department of
Housing Community/Development does have enforcement powers
with respect to non-compliance with the guidelines. Mr.
Wright noted that the court decision has not been handed
down as yet, and once it is there is one hundred twenty days
to take an action. He said that had the causes of action
not been taken by the Wetlands Society, there would likely
be a committed Mola project, that the Society has looked
towards wetlands on the site from the beginning, that they
have made statements as to the adequacy of the site for
housing given the number of constraints on that property,
and that they still feel it is not a buildable site. He
made reference to a connotation that the Wetlands Society
was attempting to reinstate condominiums on the site, and
said he did not believe that had ever been mentioned. Mr.
Wright commented on various provisions of the Element, the
future consideration of the use of vacant parcels, lands
suitable for residential development, the identification of
environmental concerns, and the environmental checklist, and
said that the document should reflect that the vacant sites
are not buildable given the constraints of each property,
and that each element of the General Plan should be
consistent.
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With the consent of the Council, the Mayor recessed the
public hearing regarding the proposed draft Housing Element
at 12:08 a.m.
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PUBLIC HEARING - HELLMAN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT
Risner moved, second by Laszlo, to open the public hearing
to consider the amendment to the Hellma~ Specific Plan,
General Plan Amendment 1a-90, Land Use Element, General Plan
Amendment 1b-90, Open Space/Recreation/Conservation Element,
Tentative Parcel Map 86-349, Vesting Tentative Tract Map
13198, and a Development Agreement for the Hellman Ranch
Project, and to continue said hearing until Monday, May 14th
at 7:00 p.m.
5-10-91
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion Carried
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the council,
to reopen the public hearing regarding the proposed draft
Housing Element.
Ms. Carla Watson, 1635 catalina Avenue, recalled discussion
at the Planning Commission that the Department of Water and
Power site would be unsuitable for residential development
due to asbestos, as well as its Specific Plan status, and
based upon comments of Dr. Winchell regarding the Hellman
property, questioned how one could consider building homes
on an area with liquefaction. She said an inquiry was made
of the Hill residents with regard to construction of
condominiums, and even though the most recent plan was felt
to be an improvement, she said she hoped something better
could be achieved. Lisa Lang, 113 Dolphin Avenue, asked
that the Council vote for the desires of the citizens,
stated she would be willing to obtain as many petition
signatures as necessary to prove that the Mola project is
not wanted, that there is no more land to develop houses,
and charged that the Zoeter site was given away. Members of
the Council responded that the School District forced the
sale of the Zoeter property, that a bond issue for purchase
of the site was denied by the voters, thereafter a plan was
developed to obtain the site for the City. Discussion
continued.
I
with the consent of the Council, Mayor Grgas declared a
recess at 12:25 a.m. The Council reconvened at 12:45 a.m.
with the Mayor calling the meeting to order.
Mr. John Nakagawa, 320 - 12th Street, asked that this
meeting be concluded, that the items under consideration be
carried forwarded for action by the new Council, inquired as
to the time frame for the new Council to reconsider the
items if they are approved, and if there would be any
liability for holding the Housing Element over for another
week. The staff indicated that if the items before the
Council are acted upon, it may take up to two months to
reconsider the items, that it is at the discretion of the
Council to either take action or postpone the items, and
that there would be no legal significance with regard to
taking an action at this meeting or postponing same. Mr.
Nakagawa stated he felt postponing action would effect a
more efficient, smooth transition of the Council. Mr. Mario
Voce, Catalina Avenue, asked that the Council take no action
and continue the Housing Element item. Mr. Voce inquired as
to how the building and zoning codes relate to the Housing
Element, if the Housing Element sets the parameters of those
codes, and whether it would be appropriate to establish
height limits, setbacks, etc. in the Element. The
Development Services Director explained that the Housing
Element is part of the General Plan, the General Plan
serving as a long range policy document for future
development, the zoning and building codes serving as the
tools to achieve the goals, the Housing Element, in
particular, establishes a procedure and mechanism to allow
the city to consider potential areas for residential
development, and at such time as a proposal is submitted it
must go through the public hearing process as established by
the zoning ordinance, meet building and development
standards, the impacts of the development proposal and
environmental issues to be considered at such time as a
proposal is submitted to the City. with regard to specific
development standards, the Director responded that certain
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information is included in the Element since provisions of
state law requires the City to evaluate its existing
development and building standards to determine if those
standards act as a constraint for housing construction. Mr.
Voce asked if it would be appropriate to include provisions
within the Housing Element to govern the type of dwelling
that may be constructed when replacing a unit that has been
demolished, guidelines that would retain the existing
atmosphere of the community. Mr. Whittenberg likened Mr.
Voce's reference to an urban design and suitability analysis
for residential areas, stating that type of issue could be
dealt with outside the Housing Element as a development
standard under the zoning code. with regard to other
environmental issues, the Director reported there are new
requirements that are being placed on cities for additional
elements of General Plans, such as waste management, which
will address recycling, air quality, etc., and there are a
number of other elements that cities can adopt over the
seven elements that are mandated by state law. Mr. Chi
Kredell, 1633 Seal Way, stated he felt the Council should be
more receptive to persons who address the Council, that he
felt the contaminated soil on the Hellman property should be
mentioned in the Housing Element, and expressed objection to
any consideration of placing three to four units on a
twenty-five foot lot in Old Town. Mr. Kredell questioned
the results of a survey that had been mentioned with regard
to development of the Hellman land, and asked that no action
be taken on the Element or Mola and that it be continued for
consideration by the new Council.
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to declare a recess at 1:28 a.m. The Council reconvened at
1:38 a.m. with Mayor Grgas calling the meeting to order.
Ms. Jane McCloud, 700 Balboa Drive, indicated her desire to
address the Council, however due to the hour, asked that
this item be continued until the following Monday. Mr.
Cameron Briggs, 637 Island View Drive, spoke against
building on the Hellman site, stating Gum Grove and the
Hellman property are the only undeveloped properties in the
City, and recalled playing and riding bikes in the area as a
child. He asked that the Council delay taking an action.
Ms. Beverly Casares, Marvista Avenue, said she has been
informed that the Housing Element, if adopted, will be filed
and does not require further review by the state, also that
there is nothing in Housing Element law that provides
enforcement powers for H/CD, and suggested that the Council
and public be provided copies of the pending legislation
authored by Green and Bergeson, before adoption of the
Housing Element, which may impact that document. Ms.
Casares said the draft Element being considered by the
Council contains wording that was not before the Planning
Commission, therefore the document should be read in full.
She asked the city Attorney to provide an interpretation of
Government Code Section 65590. Ms. Casares said she had
mentioned at the Commission meeting that she was proud of
Mola development, and even though she still felt the project
was beautiful, it appears the political will of persons
residing on the Hill has changed. She stated she felt this
issue should be put aside, the timing of the considerations
inappropriate, charged that the negative declaration was
inadequate and that an environmental impact report should
have been prepared, noting also that the Planning Commission
included language from the 1982 Housing Element update that
stated the city was ninety-seven percent developed at that
time. Ms. Casares made reference to and made comments on a
publication of the Department of Housing and Community
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5-10-90
Development setting forth various questions and answers with
regard to the preparation of housing elements. The
Development Services Director stated he had read verbatim
the changes to the draft Housing Element that were
recommended based upon the responses to the letter from the
attorney for the Wetlands Restoration Society, also the
changes that the Planning Commission made at their meeting
of last evening. He noted that the goals and objectives of
the proposed Element are basically the same as those set
forth in the 1982 document, and that housing rehabilitation
objectives are set forth on tables twenty-four and twenty-
five, page eighty-six. Ms. Casares suggested that during
the next review of the Element that rehabilitation
objectives be increased which would decrease new
construction objectives. Mr. Whittenberg stated it is felt
the document reflects achievable goals for housing
rehabilitation with the funding sources available to the
city for assistance. Ms. Casares stated there is no
requirement that the City maximize its programs under the
SCAG numbers. Mr. Whittenberg quoted a specific reference
on page forty with regard to the Bixby property, and
explained that it is clearly indicated in the document that
if any of the programs are not achievable, that would not
mandate that the city reach the goals set forth. The City
Attorney noted page eighty-seven likewise sets forth such
statement. The Director explained that the SCAG numbers are
determined pursuant to State law, those numbers determined
and disseminated to all of the cities within the state, the
cities then having a ninety day period in which to challenge
the numbers, the most recent challenge period being 1988 and
during that period approximately forty Southern California
cities challenged the numbers of which five were revised.
He noted there is no further opportunity to challenge the
numbers until a new set of numbers is developed by SCAG,
that period expected to be late 1992 or early 1993. Again
with regard to housing rehabilitation, Mr. Whittenberg said
he felt those programs were addressed in the document with
certain priorities added by the Commission, and that there
are a number of goals and policies which relate to providing
mechanisms for preserving existing housing stock and
allowing current units to be rehabilitated, and noted that
the mechanisms for those programs are very restrictive,
those programs listed on pages seventy-seven through eighty-
two. The Director reported the program goals and
accomplishments between 1982 and the draft document are set
forth on pages eighty-nine through ninety-nine, that the
housing needs analysis uses the SCAG numbers and is required
by State law, current and future needs set forth on pages
thirty-two through thirty-six, and that the information in
the document is based upon 1980 U. S. census information,
the 1989 Department of Finance population estimates, and
that the 1990 census information is anticipated to be
received late 1992 or early 1993. He noted that the issue
of overcrowding is addressed in the docU1llent, that a
substandard unit does not necessarily mean it is illegal,
however is being used for something other than its intended
use, substandard being a structure that is deteriorated to a
state that it does not comply with normal maintenance
pursuant to the Building Code. The Director explained that
the use of the term redevelopment in the Housing Element
guidelines is different from the meaning contained in the
Health and Safety Code, the use of the term in this instance
means the recycling of an existing use and does not involve
the use of a Redevelopment Agency. He pointed out that the
twenty percent housing set aside funds could be expended,
after the Redevelopment Agency determines whatever process
is appropriate, for a specific project, that there are no
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I
specific projects designated in the Housing Element, however
one of the programs provide that the funds could be utilized
for loans to residents to upgrade their properties provided
they meet a certain income category. Mr. Whittenberg stated
the programs in the document do not mandate the city to
change any zoning or to approve any development project, but
does require the city to consider provision for housing as
part of a development project at such time as the proposal
is considered. He noted the City could make a determination
that an area is not appropriate for housing, after an
analysis and support of evidence. Ms. Casares said the
intent should be that all of the elements of the General
Plan be consistent, and consistent with zoning, prior to
adoption of the Housing Element. At the request of Council,
the city Attorney explained that the General plan,
specifically the Housing Element, does not change the zoning
of any parcel, which is recognized through the language of
the Element and only contemplates where potential housing
could be placed, which is a future determination. Ms.
Casares stated she felt the document implies that the City
will be giving up parkland or open space. In response to a
specific concern, the city Attorney confirmed that there
would be a requirement to change the Land Use Plan and
zoning of the Bixby property before housing could be
considered for that site. The Director quoted the language
contained on page sixty-four. The council noted that a
General Plan amendment would effect amendment of all
applicable elements. Ms. Casares stated her preference that
each element of the General Plan that may be subject to
amendment for a specific project should be set forth, that
she had been informed by experts that the infrastructure of
Seal Beach is sufficient, suggested that the densities of
the various residential areas be shown in any future Element
update, also asked that the park acreages be verified. Mr.
Whittenberg noted that densities, by area, are set forth on
Table 19. page forty-seven, and that the park acreages
indicate existing facilities that are utilized for park
purposes, whether they are owned by the City or are leased
areas. Ms. Casares suggested that the definition of an
accident potential zone be included, that staff should
undertake a project to update various provisions of the
Municipal Code, and asked if state law requires that a
developer be given concessions. The City Attorney explained
that there is provision of State law, when low/mOderate
income housing is offered, for the city to provide financial
incentives for such housing. MS. Casares asked if there is
a definitive explanation of the requirements on a developer
for new substantial development, or changing or upgrading
existing structures, and inquired about non-governmental
constraints, specifically subsidizing a developer for the
cost of land. Mr. Whittenberg stated there is provision
that developers need to comply with existing building and
zoning code requirements, which is quite definitive, that
there is no provision for subsidizing a developer for land
costs, and explained that non-governmental constraints are
physical constraints, the price of land, cost of
construction, the availability and cost of construction
financing, also that current building code estimates are
used for the estimated cost of construction on a square foot
basis. With regard to a question regarding developer fees,
incentives, etc., other than the twenty percent set aside,
Mr. Whittenberg stated there are provisions of state law
that require density bonus provisions be considered at the
time a low/moderate housing development is proposed, if
requested by the developer, and further that there are no
provisions in the Housing document that provide for payment
of land costs in Leisure World. He again clarified that
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5-10-90
census data is available every ten years, that the state
provides a yearly estimate of population, however the
estimate is not broken down into specific housing
categories. with regard to the estimate of homeless, he
said the Police Department was requested to survey the
community, that information as well as a projection from a
federal document, based on a certain ratio of homeless I
persons within the community, has been included, however it '
is felt that information is more applicable to a larger
urban community, and explained that the Housing Element law
requires that the need be analyzed, and if the need is
sufficient, there be an attempt to develop programs to meet
that need, the analysis showing that there may be between
thirty to fifty homeless persons in this community at a
specific time. The Director pointed out that energy
conservation has been addressed on page fifty-one of the
Element, and in addition many of the programs, particularly
the rehabilitation, include energy saving programs. He also
responded that be believed there is an annual review of the
income levels of those persons residing in the Trailer Park.
Mr. Whittenberq noted that new construction programs are
addressed on pages sixty-two through sixty-six of the
Element, with a requirement for public hearings to determine
if a project is acceptable to the community, that the new
construction programs are basically unchanged with the
exception of discussion of the Rockwell, Department of Water
and Power, and state Lands, and a Leisure World property, as
requested by the Planning commission, and that the document
does not require expenditure of City funds other than the
normal processing costs involved when an application is
submitted. He acknowledged that the twenty percent set -
aside funds could possibly be designated for a congregate I
care area, if such determination were made by the
Redevelopment Agency that it was an appropriate use of those
funds, also that additional language was included in the
document to clarify the use of twenty percent set aside
funds only to the extent that they were available. In
response to Ms. Casares, the City Attorney explained the
Housing Element has identified the vacant larger parcels of
land that may have a potential for residential development.
The Director clarified that the greenbelt is classified as
an open space area. Ms. Casares asked by what means the
greenbelt could be permanently designated as open space,
also stated her desire that the Redevelopment Agency pay for
the maintenance of that area. The City Attorney noted that
an ordinance setting forth a land use designation, could
likewise be amended in the future, however as a legislative
act would be subject to referendum. Councilmember Risner
stated her intent to request that the greenbelt be placed
under the jurisdiction of the City, yet remain within the
boundaries of the Redevelopment Agency. Mayor Grgas
suggested that such action should be looked at in terms of
the effect on expenditure of Agency funds, and noted that
the law prohibits the use of Agency funds for basic
maintenance, however there are projects for which findings
can be made to justify the use of Agency funds for the I
benefit of the project area, the one time expenditure for a
portion of the Zoeter property as an example, and that tax
increment that may be realized from the Mola development
could be used for sand replenishment or extension of the
pier groin. The City Attorney offered to research how the
intent of the Council with regard to the greenbelt could be
accomplished. Ms. Casares requested that the City Attorney
determine the date of the Supreme Court case that a citizen
has made a number of references to as it relates to the date
of return of the Leisure World condominium Quimby Act funds.
The Director noted program C on page seventy-three discusses
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5-10-90
I
land writedowns, and had been included on page thirty-seven
of the 1982 Element. Ms. Casares asked if it were possible
to have a general finding in the Element that would allow
the City to be more exclusive with regard to restricting
writedowns or incentives for developers. Mr. Stepanicich
noted that the purpose of the Housing Element is to provide
goals, policies and objectives, therefore it would be more
appropriate to address each development on a case by case
basis. With regard to Ms. Casares' reference to Government
Code Section 65913.4 regarding concessions or incentives,
the Mayor explained if a developer chooses to construct
twenty percent or more units for low income housing, the
city would be required by law to provide concessions, and
the city Attorney noted that there is a time frame
underwhich the developer must make a request for
concessions, and that the statute is general with regard to
the type of assistance that would be required to be given.
The Development Services Director explained that given the
programs proposed for the vacant sites, and if residential
uses were ultimately approved for those locations, there
would most likely be a need for a change of zone for
residential use, however the Housing document does not
mandate that the City make such changes, merely review a
proposal in the usual manner. Ms. Casares made reference to
the Hellman land and asked if it were determined that that
property were to be wetlands only, would that not downzone
the property to the degree that it would be necessary to
stop all construction in the City. The Mayor responded such
action would only impact the subject property, and with
regard to the Wetlands Society lawsuit, stated that adoption
of the Housing Element is necessary to satisfy that issue.
With regard to development agreements, the City Attorney
stated an ordinance is proposed to approve a development
agreement with respect to the Mola project which specifies
the additional contributions that the developer would be
required to make. With regard to requirement that
affordable housing be built, he responded that the law
requires that a City deal with the issue of providing
low/moderate income housing and programs for attempting to
accomplish those goals, however again stated that there is
no mandatory requirement that any particular piece of
property be developed with low/moderate income housing, yet
a purpose of the Housing Element is to address that need.
Mr. stepanicich stated he felt the Housing Element complies
with the State requirements. Mayor Grgas made reference to
whether a beach community should be expected to subsidize
construction of affordable units given land costs, etc., and
even though it is not difficult to support the development
of safe and sanitary housing, the language in the document
states the City will try to comply with State law and on the
other hand indicates the City does not think it is the best
policy for this community, and stated his preference would
be to delete the applicable language on page forty-seven of
the document, and henceforth pursue changes to State law.
Ms. Casares referred to an eleemosynary institute in the
general vicinity of Seal Beach that purchases houses for the
benefit of homeless families, and asked if it would be
possible to designate the twenty percent set aside funds to
an organization such as that and meet the legal requirements
under the Housing Element. Mayor Grgas said he felt that
would need to be a determination of the Redevelopment
Agency, and the City Attorney offered that the particular
program would need to be looked into to determine if the
funds could be used in that manner.
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It was the consensus of the Council to declare a recess at
5-10-90
3:30 a.m. The Council reconvened at 3:43 a.m. with Mayor
Grgas calling the meeting to order.
It was the consensus of the Council to continue public input
for approximately thirty-five minutes. Ms. Carla Watson,
Catalina Avenue, expressed objection to continuing the I
hearings, charging this meeting to be an abuse of
constituents and employees alike, and requested that the
Council look at the issues from the citizens point of view.
Ms. Barbara Antoci, 1502 Ocean Avenue, stated she wished to
expressed her objection to adoption of the Housing Element,
citing that homes should not be built in an aircraft zone,
on a toxic site, on earthquake faults, or liquefaction
zones, that the City is fully developed, and said the Ports
need the Seal Beach wetlands for credit to go forward with
their project and they do have the necessary monies. Ms.
Antoci objected to the attitude of the Council, charged
that the Housing Element is a false document and there
should be no action to effect its adoption by this Council.
Ms. Moira Hahn, 1515-1/2 Ocean Avenue, said that information
that is available to the Council should likewise be readily
available for public review. The Council noted that the
agenda packets are available from City Hall and at the
libraries. Ms. Hahn noted that many of the statistics in
the Element are based on 1970 and 1980 data which makes the
document invalid because economic and social conditions have
changed since that time. She suggested that the Council
conclude the meeting and be respectful of their
constituency. Ms. Patti Campbell, 4433 Ironwood Avenue,
said it appeared to be the objective of the Council to take
an action at this meeting, yet it is the responsibility of
the Council to listen to the people, and charged that the I
city and the members of the Council will be held liable in
the event of damages resulting from seismic activity on the
Hellman property or an air crash in the vicinity of Lampson
and Seal Beach Boulevard. She asked that the Council
conclude the meeting and continue the matter under
discussion. Mr. Mark Hotchkiss, 1515-1/2 Ocean Avenue, said
an important issue is that the Housing Element withstand
legal challenge, yet it is inconsistent with the General
Plan, spoke in support of low income housing, however asked
how and where it will be provided. He said he did not feel
the document should reflect that housing could possibly be
placed on questionable properties. Mr. Mark Soukup, 310 -
16th street, made reference to certain psychological
theories and tendencies. He asked if the legislation
pending in the Senate would have a material effect on the
Housing Element decision. Mayor Grgas responded the
legislation may effect the implementation of the Element
however would not effect what is presently contained in the
document, that he felt the document is legally defensible
and reasonably meets the needs of the community. Mr. Soukup
recalled a statement that the Element was superfluous, and
asked if a more concise writing would in effect make it
clearer to the Council. Councilman Hunt said he believed
his statement was that some of the revisions were I
superfluous. Mr. Soukup asked if the appearance of
improprieties in the last days of office, or integrity, or
the approach of systematic change of the Housing Element
versus attacking the process of preparing the Element have a
material effect on the Council. He made reference to
statements of the City Attorney, and said he did not think
that the issue was brought up to try to make the Housing
Element a better reflection of the community in an honest
effort to comply with State law. Mr. Soukup referred to the
Wetlands lawsuit, suggested that the Hellman property may
become wetlands, and if it can be demonstrated that this
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I
will be the next housing project in Seal Beach for the next
twenty years, the only buildable land that is known at this
time is that tract, then the Society has a good argument for
their concerns since the wetlands are within that parcel.
He referred to the Mola issue as wrought with
sensationalism, ancient burial grounds, wetlands,
earthquakes, the ability to place housing on or near fault
lines, due process issues, etc. Ms. Norma Strohmeier said
it had not been mentioned that the proposed housing project
would be directly across the street from the Naval Weapons
Station, will result in complaints and possibly the closing
of the Station. Mr. Anton Dahlman, 1724 Crestview Avenue,
said he had addressed the Council in January, 1987 and at
that time suggested that placing some low income housing on
the project was most likely a good idea, however he had been
informed that was not necessary as the Housing Element had
not been revised. He said he still believed that was not a
bad idea, and had it been included in the proposed
development he did not believe the resulting problem of
proposing residential development on other properties would
have occurred. Mayor Grgas said he did not believe that the
City would have escaped any of the issues or elements that
are currently being addressed even if the Housing Element
had been updated in 1987, and that certain members of the
Council had felt that some of the condominium units would
have satisfied the affordable requirement of the Housing
Element. He referred to the discussion at the Planning
Commission where it was pointed out that Mola will be
required to produce thirty-three units of affordable housing
somewhere in the City or within a three mile area, and in
his opinion it would be unfair to burden one piece of
property with the majority of the affordable housing
requirement. Mr. Dahlman mentioned that a point made at the
Commission was how the City could accommodate more than one
hundred percent development, and that there should be an EIR
if development is going to exceed one hundred percent. The
Development Services Director explained that the comparison
was between two different categories, the Housing Element
indicating that ninety-seven percent of the land area of the
City is currently under some type of use, the comments at
the Commission meeting were to an increase of population
that is currently in the Land Use Element of the General
Plan that would allow a population increase from a current
27,350 to approximately 30,000, that the additional five
percent would not require five percent of the total land
area to reside on, where the current 27,350 population
resides on twenty percent of the land area, noting that it
is not possible to occupy one hundred five percent of the
land area. Mr. Dahlman said it is confusing for the Mola
project to provide no low income housing yet the Housing
Element is required to address that issue, as the issues are
related. Mr. Keim, 4292 Dogwood Avenue, objected to the
conduct of the meeting and the Council. Mr. Lionell Okin,
resident of Leisure World, stated his concern with traffic
impacts, which was most likely a concern with the
condominium units that were the subject of objection, with
similar concerns now being expressed with regard to the
Bixby project. He agreed that housing should not be placed
within air flight patterns, also said it is his impression
that it is not mandatory to adopt a Housing Element that
specifies low cost housing where there is no land available.
Mr. Okin suggested that the a Council action be postponed.
Mayor Grgas declared the public hearing closed at 4:35 a.m.
Councilmember Risner noted mention of wetlands funding by
the Ports of Long Beach, which she said she felt the Council
would welcome. She noted her communication to the Ports
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inquiring, in part, if the one hundred acre wetlands
restoration project on the Hellman Ranch property was
financially feasible or possible, and quoted an excerpt from
the April 12th, 1990 answer received from the Port of Long
Beach which read "...surely you can understand that when it
comes to preservation of wetlands we try to achieve the
maximum habitat value of our dollar. We would not consider
the investment of $28 million in so small a wetland
restoration a financially feasible project. In addition,
the $28 million cost does not include the cost of
acquisition and relocation of utilities. Even without
acquisition costs the project is not economically feasible
for the Port of Long Beach.tI Ms. Antoci stated her
reference had been to the Ports of Long Beach/Los Angeles.
Councilmember Risner made reference to her October 30th
Coastal Commission letter regarding the feasibility of a one
hundred plus acre project, the answer being tI...also have
tried to explain to commission staff that in some cases the
pairing of a development project with a restoration project
may be what is necessary to make the restoration financially
feasible. II In response to her questions with regard to the
manner in which the Port earns credit for restoration, what
is the credit, and what if the Port buys land for
restoration, she quoted IIport mitigation credits are based
upon habitat value units accrued as a result of the
restoration....we do not obtain any credit for property
acquisition for acquisition itself does nothing to increase
habitat value..." and with regard to a question as to what
types of restoration does the Port receive credit, she
quoted the response as "...we receive our primary credit
through the creation of shallow, subtidal embayment, we
receive little or no credit for high marsh or vegetated
areas, therefore in a hundred plus acre restoration project
the Port would likely not be eligible for credit for the
entire restoration, only those portions that are subtida1."
Councilman Hunt moved adoption of the Housing Element of the
General Plan of the city of Seal Beach dated May 9, 1990
including the revisions and the changes that were agreed to
by the City Council at this meeting. Mayor Grgas again
asked that the last four paragraphs on page forty-eight be
deleted. Councilman Laszlo stated his preference that
action be postponed until May 14th so that a revised copy of
the Element would be available. With regard to the Mayor's
request, the city Attorney stated that based upon the
discussion at the Planning commission meeting, he would
recommend that the four paragraphs on page forty-eight be
deleted. The Council indicated agreement to delete the
subject paragraphs. The City Attorney again clarified that
if the Housing EleMent is adopted, it may be reconsidered,
however amendments to the document would be required to go
through the public hearing process. Councilmember Wilson
seconded the motion, by the adoption of Resolution Number
3933 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEAL BEACH APPROVING A HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE OF THE
GENERAL PLAN." By unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolution Number 3933 was waived.
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Vote on the motion to approve Resolution Number 3933:
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AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Risner, Wilson
Laszlo
Motion Carried
The Mayor again noted that the items relating to the Hellman
property development were continued until Monday, May 14th.
The city Attorney stated their staff would research the
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matter relating to jurisdiction of the greenbelt and provide
a report to the Council.
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CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember wilson inquired about a recycling program.
The city Manager stated a detailed report will be
forthcoming to the Council. Councilman Hunt noted that if
the new Council wishes to review the Housing Element
further, that process could commence in the near future.
For the information of the audience, Councilmember Risner
pointed out that the procedure of Council meetings provides
for city Council items prior to oral communications.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Grgas declared Oral Communications open. Ms. Beverly
Casares, Marvista Avenue, stated Mr. Roberts of Mola
Development, said he will make a statement to the Council on
Monday evening, and expressed her disappointment with the
action taken at this meeting. Mr. Mario Voce objected to
the actions of the Council and the length of the meeting.
There being no further comments, Mayor Grgas declared Oral
Communications closed.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to adjourn the meeting at 4:48 a.m.
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of the
C1
Ci
Approved:
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
May 14, 1990
The City Council of the city of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:08 p.m. with Mayor Grgas calling the meeting to
order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Grgas
councilmembers Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
Absent:
None
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Also present: Mr. Nelson, city Manager. .
Mr. Stepanicich, city Attorney
Mr. Barrow, Assistant City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Chief Stearns, Police Department
Officer Papp, Police Department
Mr. Archibold, Assistant to the City Manager
Mrs. Yeo, city Clerk