HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1990-12-10
12-5-90/12-10-90
City Attorney clarified that the action of the Council is
merely accepting the report from the Board, that the Council
is neither endorsing or ratifying their recommendation. He
received clarification of the motion that specific direction
will be given to the civil Service Board regarding the Ms.
Lindberg matter. Councilmember Forsythe said it was the
intent of her motion to include a vindication of Bill and I
Michelle stearns, that no wrongdoing was found.
Councilmember Hastings stated she would support removing the
reclassification procedure from the Code, and requested a
report from staff be placed on a future agenda.
Councilman Hunt suggested that the motion on the floor be
amended to read "the stearns' matter has been reviewed and
analyzed by the City Council and the Civil Service Board and
is concluded to be in compliance with all applicable
standards." There was a consensus of the Council to accept
that wording.
AYES:
NOES:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
Laszlo moved, second by Forsythe, to adjourn the meeting at
6:45 p.m.
AYES:
NOES:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
I
clerk of the
Approved:
~ 'i:. ~~
Mayor
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
December 10, 1990
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:02 p.m. with Mayor ProTem Laszlo calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
I
Mayor ProTem Laszlo
Councilmembers Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt
Absent:
Mayor Wilson
Hunt moved, second by Forsythe, to excuse the absence of
Mayor Wilson from this meeting.
12-10-90
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
I
Also present: Mr. Archibold, Acting city Manager
Mr. Barrow, Assistant City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Jue, Director of Public Works/
City Engineer
Mr. Osteen, Recreation Director
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
WAIVER OF FULL READING
Hastings moved, second by Hunt, 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:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
AGENDA AMENDED
Laszlo moved, second by Forsythe, to amend the agenda to
consider Item "Q", replacement of Heather Park playground
equipment, at this time.
I
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
I
HEATHER PARK - REPLACEMENT OF PLAYGROUND EOUIPMENT
Mr. Osteen, Director of Recreation, reported at the October
24, 1990 Recreation and Parks Commission meeting a citizens
committee was formed, comprised of College Park East
parents, to assist the Department in the selection of
replacement playground equipment for Heather Park, and after
considerable study and research, the committee reported
their findings to the Commission in November. Mr. Osteen
noted as a result of continuing negotiations a final bid for
the equipment was received on December 7th in the amount of
$18,900, considerably less than the original bid of
$21,186.19, the equipment funded by $8,000 from the
Recreation Department budget and $10,900 from the remaining
balance of the Zoeter Field fund. The Director requested
that the Council waive the formal bid process as provided by
section 2-25(c) of the Municipal Code to allow purchase from
the manufacturer of the playground equipment which, based
upon the findings of the committee, is felt to have safety
features that are specific to the younger child. He praised
the efforts of the committee, and noted they had also
negotiated a $1500 donation of sand. Mr. Osteen reported
the existing wooden equipment is approximately nine years
old, is deteriorating and may pose a safety problem, the
equipment proposed to be purchased is of steel and aluminum
construction and powder coated. He said installation would
be done by City personnel.
Laszlo moved, second by Forsythe, to waive the formal
bidding procedure and authorize purchase of the replacement
playground equipment for Heather Park, to be funded from the
sources stated.
12-10-90
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
PRESENTATION - SEAL BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/SEAL BEACH
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Mr. Dennis pollman stated his representation as president of I
the Chamber, a resident and local businessman. He reported
the Chamber is active and growing, however suggested it is
time for the Chamber, Business Association and city to work
together to improve the business community through increased
revenue and sales tax for the benefit of the city,
businesses, customers, and residents. Mr. Leonard wilson,
Marketing Director of the Rossmoor Center and Vice-president
of the Chamber, made reference to a report recently received
from the City of Los Alamitos Business Advisory Committee
with regards to maintaining and upgrading the city's
financial climate, also information attached as to retail
sales in six surrounding communities during the past five
years Showing sales increased 12.53 percent, inflation of 24
percent, with a dollar decline of 11.5 percent, which is a
concern. He noted a Los Angeles Times report regarding
retail shopping centers through a five county area, the
growth of the major centers somewhat above inflation and
where areas have been below the inflation rate major
development has been placed in recent years. Mr. Wilson
provided copies to the City Council. councilmember Forsythe
recalled that the Retail Sales committee had made a number
of suggestions to improve retail sales yet the City did not
have funds to implement the improvements the Committee was
seeking. She offered that it may be possible for the
various community organizations to agree on a specific I
project goal, such as lighting, signage, an archway, etc.,
and raise funds for that improvement over a certain time
period, maybe on a competitive basis between organizations
as has been done in other communities. Councilmember
Hastings suggested that the interested parties meet and
define the goals that are desired and the manner in which
the City could assist. Mr. Pollman advised that there have
been meetings, goals have been developed as well as revenue
suggestions, yet the city's support is needed for
implementation, and requested that a meeting be scheduled
for the purpose of discussion. Mr. John Baker, President of
the Business Association, businessman and resident, spoke
specifically of the need for signage, that an archway sign
at Main Street/Pacific Coast Highway has been discussed for
a number of years, that plans for an arch from another
community have been submitted to the Planning Department for
review, and noted the Association would like to use an
archway as a major project for fund raising. He too
requested a workshop session be scheduled to further discuss
goals, a funding program, possible use of some transient
occupancy funds for City promotion, and that the City and
business community move forward in cooperation. Councilman
Hunt said if the City called a workshop and decided to
dedicate some of the transient occupancy funds for I
promotional purposes, he asked if the business community
would agree to come back with specific ideas that could be
acted upon to improve the business climate. Mr. Pollman
agreed, and noted there are approximately forty suggestions
that could be revenue producing at no cost to the city. It
was suggested that a workshop meeting be scheduled sometime
in the near future.
AGENDA AMENDED
Mayor ProTem Laszlo requested that the agenda be amended to
consider Item "AA", City Manager recruitment, out of order
12-10-90
I
at this time. Councilmember Hastings seconded the motion.
Councilman Hunt expressed his preference that the regular
agenda format be followed. Councilmember Forsythe said she
felt that the request of Mayor Wilson to continue Item "AA"
to a future meeting should be respected, and noted that the
advertisement for the city Manager position has been
submitted to Western city magazine for publication in
January.
Vote on the motion to consider item "AA" at this time.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo
Hunt
Wilson
Motion carried
Councilmember Forsythe moved to delay consideration of this
item until the full Council is present. Councilman Hunt
seconded the motion.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt
Laszlo
Wilson
Motion carried
Mayor ProTem Laszlo suggested the City Manager recruitment
be considered at an adjourned meeting on the following
Monday morning. Dr. Barber, California State University,
Long Beach, stated the executive search proposal has been
modified as previously requested by Council, and that he
would be willing to be present at a future meeting if the
City Clerk would notify him of the date.
I
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL - DENIAL OF VARIANCE 5-90 - 1733
CRESTVIEW AVENUE - RALSTON
Councilmember Hastings asked that this item be held over to
allow additional time to review the presentation provided by
Mr. Ralston and the staff responses thereto. Councilmember
Forsythe asked if staff had looked into possible inequities
for those properties having the steep slope in their
backyards, where the Ralston document alluded that others
have done what he is doing, and questioned how an action of
the Council would affect those other properties. The
Director of Development Services stated the staff report to
the Planning Commission and minutes of their meeting discuss
that issue somewhat, and suggested that if it were the
desire of the council, the public hearing could be opened,
testimony received, and the decision continued until the
meeting. Discussion followed.
I
Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the public hearing open to
consider the appeal of the Planning Commission denial of
Variance 5-90, a variance from the rear and side yard
setback requirements of the Residential Low Density Zone,
District V. The City Clerk certified that notice of the
public hearing had been advertised and mailed as required by
law, and reported no communications received either for or
against this item. The Development Services Director
presented the staff report, the request for a non-permitted
patio deck to encroach into the rear yard setback by nine
feet, leaving only one foot of the ten foot required
setback. He noted in December 1989 the city issued a stop
work notice for the patio deck when it became apparent it
was being constructed without proper building permits,
between that time and October, 1990 there were a number of
letters and discussions between city staff and the applicant
in an attempt to bring the patio deck into compliance with
Code. The Director reported Mr. Ralston decided to make
application for a variance, the Planning commission
12-10-90
considered the matter taking into consideration the steep
slope at the rear of the property overlooking the Hellman
land, the topography, alternatives that could have been
undertaken such as retaining walls so that it would not be
necessary for the deck to come within one foot of the
property line, and in conclusion the Commission determined
to deny the variance request. He noted that the council had I
been provided with the communication from Mr. Ralston and
the staff responses thereto. The Director reviewed the
options available to the council, to sustain the
recommendation of the Planning Commission, sustain the
appeal of Mr. Ralston, or if new, additional information is
presented, the matter could be referred back to the
commission. Councilmember Forsythe suggested that since the
planning commission did not have the information before them
that has now been provided by the applicant nor the
responses to that from the staff, she would favor referring
the matter back to the commission for further review. The
Director confirmed that information relating to adjoining
properties had not been presented to the Commission.
councilman Hunt inquired if there are in fact similar
violations on other properties, and whether the presence of
that information justify findings on the part of the
commission or the Council. The Assistant city Attorney
explained that to grant a variance there must be some
special circumstances which deprives the owner of uses
enjoyed by other persons in the vicinity, and said upon
review of the subject documents he was not certain that
there are special circumstances in this case, and even
though there may be similar structures or encroachments on
other properties, there remains the need to find that there I
is a special circumstance relating to this particular
property to grant the variance, yet it would be relevant if
there are other properties suffering from the same
topography and using their property in the same manner as
the applicant is proposing, and those structures were
constructed with permit. In response to Council, the
Director clarified that there was no application for permit
prior to construction of the patio deck, that it is
understood to be a replacement deck, however extended into
the rear yard setback. Mr. Ralston said the extension was
approximately four to five feet. The Assistant City
Attorney stated at this point, given the minimal time for
review of the subject documents, he could not conclude this
to be new information although it is purported to be,
additionally there may be question as to whether this
evidence is significant or relevant. He suggested that
since the structure has been built, a delay would not effect
the property, nor would it adversely effect the City unless
there were a desire to have the structure immediately
removed, therefore there would not be an objection to delay
an action or to refer the matter back to the Planning
Commission, however offered that the commission may feel
they have previously had the information, and still
determine there is no special circumstances.
councilmember Hastings moved to refer this matter back to 1-
the Planning Commission to determine if there is new
information that has not been previously considered. In
response to Council, the Director explained that an unusual
circumstance is ,generally a case where there is no possible
means of meeting the requirements of the Code, and noted the
Commission did not feel this property had an unusual
circumstance given the same conditions of other properties
in the area. In response to Council, Mr. Ralston said he
was not certain that his communication constituted new
information, that other structures in the area have existed
12-10-90
I
for some time, approximately eleven decks, that he did not
know whether or not they were legally permitted, and about
half of fifty homes have a topography problem as a result of
the slope. Discussion followed.
Councilmember Forsythe requested that the motion be amended
to request that the staff provide the Planning Commission
with information relative to whether this is setting a
precedent for future considerations, and what effect a
decision on this matter will have on other violations in the
general area, and seconded the motion as amended.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
The Assistant City Attorney recommended that the public
hearing be closed, and should the decisio~ of the Planning
Commission be appealed, a hearing would then be renoticed.
Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the public hearing to be
closed.
AGENDA AMENDED
Laszlo moved, second by Hastings, amend the agenda to
consider Item "X", the draft hazardous waste facility
permits for the Naval Weapons station, Item "BB", proposed
ballot measures, Item "EE", Armed Forces Reserve Center
Park, and Item "R", Northwood Homes versus Maraga, as the
next items of business.
I
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo
Hunt
Wilson
Motion carried
I
ITEM "X" - NAVAL WEAPONS STATION - DRAFT HAZARDOUS WASTE
FACILITY PERMITS
The Director of Development Services presented a staff
report relating to review of the Draft Negative Declaration
proposed by the State Department of Health Services
regarding permit issuance for an existing hazardous waste
facility on the Naval Weapons Station. He noted the
Negative Declaration and permits are available for review at
the Health Services Department in Long Beach, that a public
hearing on this matter is scheduled for December 12th in the
Seal Beach Council Chambers, the item presented to the
Council for review and any comments that may be desired to
be forwarded regarding the Draft Negative Declaration, the
Environmental Quality Control Board to also review and
comment on this matter at their meeting of December 18th.
The Director explained the permits are for the continuation
of two existing hazardous waste facilities at the Naval
Weapons station, one facility having seven interior and two
exterior storage bays at which materials are mostly stored
in fifty-five gallon drums, the second facility consisting
of two tanks in a containment vault each with a capacity of
nine thousand one hundred gallons and used primarily to
store paint-stripping and metal cleaning types of chemicals,
and that a sixty-five thousand gallon secondary containment
unit is located directly below the tanks to collect any
spill or leak that may occur from those tanks. He reported
the anticipated date of closure of the container storage and
tank storage units is 2010, and the period of the permit is
five years. The Director pointed out the draft response
letter sets forth three concerns to the draft negative
declaration that are felt should be forwarded, the capacity
of the individual storage bays, that the entire Weapons
Station should be mapped to show all solid waste management
12-10-90
units and areas of concern, and that a past history be
prepared regarding transporting, handling, and storage of
permitted hazardous wastes. In response to Council, the
Director said there appears to be no record in the city of
past environmental review for hazardous waste permits,
however as federal property they would need to abide by the
National Environmental Protection Act, therefore it can only
be assumed that there was an environmental review when the
permits were initially issued in 1981. He noted the
negative declaration is a state requirement to insure
nothing has occurred that would be a detriment to the
community based upon a change of conditions over time.
Councilmember Hastings read an article published in the Long
Beach Press Telegram relating to hazardous waste storage
facilities at the station and alleged violations of state
and Federal laws. She expressed her opinion that hazardous
wastes should not be stored at the Seal Beach Station, and
suggested such storage at the sparsely populated Fallbrook
facility. councilman Hunt pointed out that there are gas
stations, paint shops, etc. in the community that also use
and store a variety of toxic chemicals, stated he was
impressed with the low gallonage that is stored at the
Station given the size of the Base, also that the
regulations and procedures that are in place are more than
adequate to protect the public interest and concerns, and
noted the maximum length of time such materials are stored
on the Base is one hundred twenty days. Councilmember
Forsythe expressed her view that hazardous waste storage is
inconsistent at any time in a residential, environmentally
sensitive area, and inquired as to what stand the City could
take. The Assistant city Attorney offered that although
Seal Beach is not the lead agency for the environmental
review, the City could submit its concerns at the time of
the public hearing, and possibly indicate preference for an
environmental impact report as opposed to the negative
declaration. Discussion continued.
Mayor ProTem Laszlo moved to direct that a resolution be
prepared expressing the concerns mentioned, to be presented
at the public hearing and to other appropriate agencies.
Councilmember Hastings seconded the motion, amended to
include a request for an environmental impact report.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo
Hunt
Wilson
Motion carried
I
I
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the council,
to declare a recess at 8:41 p.m. The Council reconvened at
8:51 p.m. with Mayor Wilson calling the meeting to order.
The Director of Development Services proposed modification
to the wording of response letter to the Department of
Health Services to reflect the concerns of th~ Council, and
that a resolution be prepared for consideration at the
December 17th adjourned meeting which can then be forwarded I
prior to the December 23rd close of the comment period to
the Draft Negative Declaration. He suggested the first
paragraph be amended to read "The city of Seal Beach has
reviewed the proposed Negative Declaration and supporting
documents for the Hazardous Waste Facility Permit
Application. The City is opposed to the proposed Negative
Declaration. The city of Seal Beach believes that a more
thorough environmental review is appropriate, such as a
complete Environmental Impact Report, or if Federal law is
controlling, a complete Environmental Impact Statement",
followed by the three areas of concern proposed by staff,
12-10-90
and the Council concerns with regard to closeness to
existing residential areas, schools, potential of geologic
hazards, general physical and social constraints, and
consideration of relocating the existing storage to the
Fallbrook facility.
I
Hastings moved, second by Forsythe, that the revised letter
be prepared for submittal at the upcoming public hearing,
and that a resolution be prepared for the next Council
meeting. Councilman Hunt stated his agreement with the
first three concerns, however did not agree with the
additional concerns expressed by members of the Council.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo
Hunt
Wilson
Motion carried
AGENDA AMENDED
Forsythe moved, second by Laszlo, to consider Item "F",
Housing/community Development Block Grant Program, out of
order at this time.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
I
ITEM "F" - PUBLIC HEARING - HOUSING/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM - YEAR 17
The Director of Development Services reported the projects
recommended for funding under the year seventeen H/CD
Program by the citizens Participation Committee were: 1)
financial assistance for day care facilities; 2) public
service announcements; 3) reconstruction of Ocean Avenue
alley; 4) implementation of Seal Beach Boulevard Improvement
Program; and 5) purchase of concrete grinder. He also
reported that subsequent to the recommendations of the
Committee a communication was received from Interval House
requesting $70,000 under the Program to continue to provide
their current level of service.
Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the public hearing open to
consider the Housing/Community Development Block Grant
Program for year seventeen. The City Clerk certified that
notice of the public hearing had been advertised as required
by law, and reported only the receipt of the communication
from Interval House. Ms. Isa Rogers, co-founder of Interval
House, Ms. Harlene Goodrich, three year member of the Board
of Directors, Ms. Carol Williams, Executive Director, and
former residents Ms. Roberta Jaruszewski and Ms. Tess
Dunkle, each spoke on behalf of the valuable services
provided by Interval House, and for the request for funding.
There being no other comments, Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared
the public hearing closed.
I
.
RESOLUTION NUMBER 3998 - APPROVING PARTICIPATION - HOUSING/
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM - YEAR 17
Resolution Number 3998 was presented to Council entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OF THE COUNTY OF
ORANGE (YEAR XVII)." By unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolution Number 3998 was waived. Discussion followed with
regard to donation of tapes for the public service
announcements by the Cable Foundation, the possibility of
obtaining the use of a grinder through an equipment sharing
arrangement, and each member of the Council expressed their
preferences as to the project priorities. Hastings moved,
12-10-90
second by Forsythe, to adopt Resolution Number 3998 as
amended to reflect the following projects in order of
preference: 1) Financial Assistance for Day Care Facilities,
$10,000; 2) Financial Assistance for Interval House,
$70,000; 3) Public Facilities and Improvements,
Reconstruction of Ocean Avenue alley between Dolphin Avenue
and Electric Avenue, $60,000; 4) Public Facilities and I
Improvements, purchase of a concrete grinder, $50,000; 5)
Public Facilities and Improvements, Seal Beach Boulevard
Improvement Program, $50,000; and 6) Public Service
Announcements, $10,000.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
ITEM "BB" - PROPOSED BALLOT MEASURES
Mayor ProTem Laszlo moved to direct the City Attorney to
provide an opinion as to the legality and possible wording
of the Hellman Specific Plan committee measure, the open
space measure, specific plan measure, specific plan and
planned unit development measure, open space, parks and golf
course measure, residential zoning measure, large parcel
development measure, and height limit measure. He noted the
suggested campaign financing measure would need to be dealt
with in another manner. Councilmember Forsythe seconded the
motion. The Assistant City Attorney noted a direction at
the last meeting to analyze each of the proposals and
provide a report to Council. Brief discussion followed.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo
Hunt
Wilson
Motion carried
I
ITEM "EE" - ARMED FORCES RESERVE CENTER PARK
Mayor ProTem Laszlo reported the Navy is planning
construction of housing units on the north side of the Los
Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center which will eliminate
the existing Little League baseball field, at the same time
there is consideration of declaring the Armed Forces Reserve
Center Park, located in the vicinity of College Park East
yet in the City of Los Alamitos, as surplus. He said Los
Alamitos is contemplating taking over the Reserve Center
Park, using it for Little League activities, that Los
Alamitos would incur the cost of maintenance yet the Park
would also be available for use by Seal Beach residents.
Mayor ProTem Laszlo reported receiving a call from a member
of the Los Alamitos Council seeking the support of Seal
Beach for the concept of returning the Park to Los Alamitos,
and in response to that request he asked that the Council
express endorsement of the concept either by letter or
through contact with the Los Alamitos City Manager. The
Acting City Manager reported the Los Alamitos City Council
will be considering this matter at their upcoming meeting,
that to date they have not endorsed the proposal.
Councilman Hunt noted that the City is presently incurring a I
lease payment for the use of the Reserve Center park, and if
it were possible to realize the benefit of the Park free of
cost, it would seem reasonable to support the concept.
Laszlo moved, second by Hastings, to support the concept of
the city of Los Alamitos acquiring the Armed Forces Reserve
Center Park. Councilman Laszlo said he believed the City of
Los Alamitos is attempting to acquire the Park on an
exchange basis with the Navy.
12-10-90
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
I
ITEM "R" - NORTHWOOD HOMES vs. MORAGA
Ms. Beverly Casares, Seal Beach, made reference to an
article from a monthly real estate journal relating to a
1989 court decision, case 216CA 3dl197, Northwood Homes
versus the City of Moraga, from which she quoted that 'a
developer owned unimproved land adjacent to a fully
developed residential area and had received tentative
approvals from the City to develop his property,
subsequently an ordinance was passed rezoning all of the
developers land as open space, considerably restricting his
development, the developer claimed the ordinance
discriminated against his project, that since his project
had been approved by the Planning commission he had the
right to continue his plan, the City claimed that land use
must be regulated to prevent environmental damage from the
project, the appeals court ruled that the ordinance did not
discriminate against the developers project, was enforceable
as it was designed to restrict all further development of
the area, not just the project.' with regard to an economic
viable use of the Hellman land, Ms. Casares claimed the City
Attorney had issued opposing opinions. Mayor ProTem Laszlo
said it was he who had requested the clarification from the
city Attorney. Ms. Casares charged that Mola is a moral
issue of personal and community values, established by the
choice of alternatives. She stated that the Mola initiative
violates all of the values of the community, removes all
citizen land use voting rights, removes the obligation to
insure that the development contract is written in such a
way to safeguard the city, removes financial accountability,
that the unchangeable initiative will become the written
contract, that it removes the City's ability to insure that
the developer carries out what he purports to do, claimed
the petition carriers are stating the initiative will keep
the property as it is and that Mola will drop the legal
action against the city. She asked that the District Three
vote against the Mola development be considered first, if
the Leisure World vote will dictate what is best for
District Three, and to whose financial advantage is the Mola
initiative. The Assistant city Attorney responded that
their firm is quite aware of the referenced court decision,
and that the memorandums relating to economic viable use
were entirely consistent.
I
I
PUBLIC HEARING - EXTENDING INTERIM ORDINANCE NUMBER 1318 -
APPEALS
Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the public hearing open to
consider extending interim Ordinance Number 1318 relating to
appeals to the City Council. The City Clerk certified that
notice of the public hearing had been advertised as required
by law, and reported no communications received either for
or against this matter. The Development Services Director
presented the staff report, stated the public hearing is
being held in accordance with State law for the extension of
urgency Ordinance 1318 adopted on November 13, 1990, with
regard to appeals to the city council from certain decisions
of the Planning Commission and the Director of Development
Services where there is presently no appeal process in the
Code. He explained the proposed Ordinance would extend the
moratorium until such time as amendments to the Zoning
Ordinance are considered and adopted by the Planning
commission and city Council, and if not adopted the existing
moratorium will expire December 27th. The Director pointed
out the proposed Ordinance would extend the moratorium until
12-10-90
october 29, 1991, the maximum period of time under state
law. He explained at the present time the major area that
has no appeal process is minor plan reviews, and certain
decisions in the area of Code enforcement, that are not
appealable. There being no comments from the audience,
Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the public hearing closed.
ORDINANCE NUMBER 1320 - EXTENSION OF INTERIM ORDINANCE
1318 -APPEALS TO THE CITY COUNCIL - URGENCY
Ordinance Number 1320 was presented to Council entitled "AN
INTERIM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH EXTENDING
INTERIM ORDINANCE NUMBER 1318, PROVIDING FOR APPEALS TO THE
CITY COUNCIL FROM CERTAIN DECISIONS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION AND THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND
DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF." By unanimous consent, full
reading of Ordinance Number 1320 was waived. Forsythe
moved, second by Hastings, to adopt Ordinance Number 1320 as
presented.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
PUBLIC HEARING - EXTENDING INTERIM ORDINANCE NUMBER 1319 -
EXPANSIONS OF NONCONFORMING RESIDENTIAL UNITS AND STRUCTURES
Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the public hearing open to
consider extension of interim Ordinance Number 1319,
prohibiting the issuance of development entitlements for
expansions of nonconforming residential units and
structures. The city Clerk certified that notice of the
public hearing had been advertised as required by law, and
reported no communications received either for or against
this item. The Director of Development services presented
the staff report, explaining that Ordinance Number 1319 was
adopted November 13, 1990 due to a perceived need to provide
revised development standards for expansion of nonconforming
residential units and structures basically due to parking, a
concern of the Planning Commission as a result of certain
major plan reviews for fairly major expansions. He noted
Ordinance Number 1319 will expire December 27th if not
extended by the proposed Ordinance, and if adopted would
then be in effect until October 29, 1991. The Director
noted an error in Section 2 of the proposed Ordinance where
certain words should be deleted for the second sentence to
read "Development of such structures in the absence of clear
standards could pose a current and immediate threat to the
peace, harmony and welfare of the city." Councilman Hunt
expressed concern as to the impact on persons desiring to
make improvements to their properties in the interim. He
noted that the impact of the proposed Ordinance is rather
far reaching where it would prohibit existing nonconforming
residential units from proposing additions to the living
space of those units until the city reviews the existing
criteria and determines if the regulations are appropriate
or should be modified, therefore there would be an impact on
existing residences or units that have the required parking
and are anticipating an addition under current Code
provisions. The Director stated it is anticipated the
current regulations can be reviewed and a determination made
within a time frame much earlier than the October 29th
expiration of the proposed Ordinance, that the Ordinance
would not allow staff to receive a request for expansion
until the issue is resolved, and in recent cases where the
expansions have been substantial, the Planning Commission
has not approved those based upon concerns with current Code
provisions. Mayor ProTem Laszlo indicated concern where it
appears the Planning Commission, rather than the City
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Council, is establishing policy, and said it would be more
appropriate to hold public hearings before policy is
changed. The Assistant City Attorney suggested that if
there is concern that persons may be unable to obtain
approvals, the more stringent conditional use permit process
could be utilized in the interim, and since appeals have
been filed with regard to recent Planning Commission
denials, the Council would have an opportunity to provide
some guidance to the Commission at the time of those
hearings. Councilman Hunt indicated agreement with Mayor
ProTem Laszlo, however said he believed the Planning
Commission felt the intent of the existing legislation was
being violated in the recent considerations.
I
Mayor ProTem Laszlo 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. Bruce Stark,
Seal Beach, pointed out that just a few years ago nothing
could be done to improve a nonconforming property, which
prompted an amendment that allowed additions up to ten
percent. He claimed that the proposed Ordinance does not
merely apply to apartment units in the downtown area, it
prohibits the issuance of permits for any nonconforming
property in the City, the Hill due to garage size, College
Park East due to lot coverage, not just Old Town, which is
caused by legislative acts and based on parking issues, and
is unfair to the residents. Mr. Stark said the presumed
parking problem is the result of expansions to the business
community, use of in-lieu parking, closure of parking lots
at night, and special events. He also noted his request to
expand and improve a commercial property on Seal Beach
Boulevard has been denied for years, and that the issues of
that specific area needs to be resolved. Councilmember
Hastings said the Planning Commission seems to feel that the
downtown area should be restricted from additions to
nonconforming buildings due to parking, and it was her
intent to request expanded hearings to determine the desires
of the residents, since this issue relates directly to the
downtown area. Mr. Stark offered that his concern was that
it appeared the Commission was reviving a past theory that a
maximum economic life should be placed on properties in the
downtown area and once the economic benefit has been reached
the dwelling should be torn down and redeveloped, yet it
only applies to duplex or triplex units, and stated the Main
street business community has outlived its economic life
according to the past standards of some. The Development
Services Director read Code Section 28-403 relating to the
effect of nonconforming parking space dimensions on
structural alterations in the low density zone, which would
include the Hill, College Park East and West, providing that
if the minimum size of an existing nonconforming parking
space is nine feet by nineteen feet interior dimensions with
a minimum twenty-four foot turning radius, those properties
would be exempt from the ten by twenty foot requirement and
would not fall within the moratorium under consideration.
He noted that the areas covered under the moratorium are
specifically related to residential structures by reason of
the existing Section 28-2407, subsections (i), minor
enlargements or expansions of less than ten percent and
subject to certain conditions, and (j), a one time expansion
or enlargement greater than ten percent of the allowable
floor area, nonconforming only due to the use of tandem
parking. Ms. Lisa Antoci, 113 Dolphin Avenue, stated she
has a legally nonconforming duplex with four garage parking
spaces, and said it would be unfair if the ability to
improve her property would now be taken away as it has with
roof mounted decks. Ms. Reva Olsen, Seal Beach, stated it
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took more than three years to correct the nonconforming
property issue and it should not now be changed, however
acknowledged that there may be a problem with large
expansions to apartment houses. She pointed out that
properties were conforming when they were purchased, that
the downzoning may have been illegal, and requested that
residents be allowed to improve and keep their properties I
up. Ms. Beverly Casares, Seal Beach, said there had been a
determination that the recent applications before the
Commission had complied with the provisions of the Code,
should be approved, yet was denied by the Commission. She
stated it is not within the responsibilities of the
Commission to discuss the intention of the legislators who
enacted the Ordinance, and suggested that a certain member
of the Planning Commission present his resignation. Mr.
Galen Ambrose, Seal Beach, also made reference to the
Planning Commission actions, stated the applicant complied
with all applicable regulations, however the request was
denied. He suggested certain members of the Commission are
not following the directions of the council, and that care
should be taken in making such appointments. Mr. Charles
Antos, 328 - 17th street, said even though the Commission is
experiencing some difficulties in approving applications
under current provisions of the Code, there is no need for a
moratorium during the time public hearings are being held,
that this matter should simply be referred to the Commission
for consideration, that staff be directed to inform any
applicant of the public hearings in progress and advise that
an application should not be made until the matter is
resolved. He suggested that minor plan reviews be dealt
with in a manner similar to the conditional use process,
where it is presently felt minor plan reviews will receive I
automatic approval. In response to Council, the Director
said he believed there were a couple of reviews within the
past year for small additions to single family or duplex
units, however the concerns of the Commission stemmed from
additions to three or four unit apartment buildings with
proposed new floor areas of between eight hundred and one
thousand squire feet.
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to declare a recess at 10:47 p.m. The Council reconvened at
10:58 p.m. with Mayor ProTem Laszlo calling the meeting to
order.
Ms. Mitzi Morton, 153 - 13th Street, recalled that in years
past no improvement could be made to a nonconforming unit
and that workshops were held in an attempt to develop
regulations to resolve that situation. She said it was
realized that there were a number of income properties with
inadequate parking spaces, and at that time the maximum
expansion was established at three hundred square feet. Ms.
Morton stated the application before the Planning Commission
was out of line in requesting a one thousand square foot
expansion for a five unit building, which was not the intent
of the initial regulations. She noted the regulations were I
more recently revised to the ten percent maximum expansion.
Ms. Morton suggested that possibly the three hundred foot
maximum be imposed pending resolution of this matter, and
that there should be a determination as to the number of
properties affected. The Assistant City Attorney
recommended that the Council refrain from commenting on the
appeals that will be forthcoming to the Council, also that
the proposed Ordinance could be amended to allow minor plan
reviews under the conditional use process during the interim
review of current regulations, if that were the desire of
the Council. with regard to the maximum three hundred foot
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proposal of Ms. Morton, the Director explained that
initially there had been consideration of a maximum
allowable square footage expansion however that was
subsequently replaced with the ten percent provision. There
being no further comments, Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the
public hearing closed.
I
ORDINANCE NUMBER 1321 - EXTENDING INTERIM ORDINANCE NUMBER
1319 - PROHIBITING PERMIT ISSUANCE - EXPANSION OF EXISTING
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES - URGENCY
Ordinance Number 1321 was presented to Council entitled "AN
INTERIM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH EXTENDING
INTERIM ORDINANCE NUMBER 1319, PROHIBITING THE ISSUANCE OF
ANY PERMITS ALLOWING THE EXPANSION OF EXISTING NON-
CONFORMING RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION
28-2407.a.2.(i) OR SECTION 28-2407.A.2.(j) AND DECLARING THE
URGENCY THEREOF." By unanimous consent, full reading of
Ordinance Number 1321 was waived. In response to Council,
the Director described the types of minor plan reviews that
would not be affected by the proposed Ordinance as a roof
deck, additional balconies or porches that are not enclosed,
enclosure of balconies or porches so long as they do not
increase the square foot floor area greater than ten
percent, roof additions over balconies and porches that are
not enclosed, additional exterior doors, garages and
carports, interior wall modifications and remodeling that
involves less than fifty percent of the interior bearing
walls of the structure, reduction of the number of units
involving removal of structural alterations to less than
fifty percent of the interior bearing walls, and other minor
structural alterations and improvements similar to the
foregoing. He added that there would be an impact on one
time or cumulative enlargements or expansions greater than
ten percent of the allowable floor area that are
nonconforming due to tandem parking, also an impact on minor
enlargements or expansions that increase the floor area by
less than ten percent of the allowable floor area, subject
to conditions that bathrooms are permitted provided the
number per unit does not exceed certain ratios as set forth
in the Code, that the number of bedrooms may not be
increased if the property is nonconforming due to density,
and that such expansions and enlargements shall be permitted
only if the Planning commission determines that all feasible
parking, given the availability and location of space on the
site or the constraints imposed by the existing sound
primary structure, is provided.
I
Councilmember Hastings moved to adopt Ordinance Number 1321
as amended to reflect the revised wording of the second
sentence of Section 2 as provided by the Director of
Development Services. Councilmember Forsythe asked that the
Ordinance be amended to provide for the conditional use
process as described by the Assistant city Attorney. The
Assistant City Attorney suggested that language could be
added to Section 3, where persons can not obtain building
permits or other entitlements of use for applications under
subsections "i" or "j", to read "...unless the owner of the
proposed expansion or alteration applies for and receives a
permit from the Planning Commission pursuant to the
procedure and criteria set forth in Sections 28-2503 - 28-
2513." He noted those Sections relate to the CUP process
which requires a public hearing, notice provided to those
properties within three hundred feet, and the decision must
be based on the criteria that the proposed expansion or
alteration is compatible with the surrounding uses. There
was discussion as to a time frame for concluding the public
hearings and resolving this issue prior to the maximum date
12-10-90
of the extension of October 29, 1991. The Director said it
may be possible to commence the public hearing process by
mid-January, however given the amount of public input and
noticing requirements, it would be difficult to foresee a
date when the process may be concluded. A preference was
indicated that the public hearings be before the Council by
the first meeting in May. Mayor ProTem Laszlo said given I
the nature of this issue there may be considerable public
input, therefore cautioned that problems may arise should a
specific deadline, earlier than the expiration date of the /
Ordinance, be required. with the acceptance of the
amendment by the maker of the motion, Councilmember Forsythe
seconded the motion to adopt Ordinance Number 1321 as
amended.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT 6-90 - COVERED ROOF
ACCESS STAIRWELLS
Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the public hearing open to
consider ZTA 6-90, revised regulations governing covered
roof access stairwells. The City Clerk certified that
notice of the public hearing had been advertised and mailed
as required by law, and reported a communication received
from Mr. Mark Thompson, 1305 Sandpiper Drive, on December 3,
1990, a copy of which had been provided the Council. The
Director of Development Services presented the staff report
dated December 10, 1990 and reviewed in detail a summary of
proposed ZTA 6-90. He noted specifically Section 28-
2317(3), eliminating sub-paragraph "d", to remove covered or I
uncovered stairwells from the exceptions to the standard
height limitations, the provisions for covered roof access
stairwells placed in Section 28-2417(4), requiring the
Planning Commission to make specific findings regarding
requests for CRA's as part of the minor height variance
request with regard to conformity of roofing materials,
location of the covered stairwell, and limitation of the
stairwell to the minimum area, both horizontally and
vertically. Section 28-2317(4) (c) amended to provide for a
fifteen day appeal periOd, and section 28-2407(A) (5) added
to place existing structures with covered roof access
stairwells which exceed the height limit into the
nonconforming use category, those structures to be reviewed
by the Development Services Department pursuant to the
criteria set forth in Section 2417(4), and if that criteria
is met there would be no need for additional review, and
should the existing structure not meet that criteria, the
options would be to apply for a minor height variation,
modify the structure to meet Code requirements, or remove
the covered roof access stairwell. He noted the Commission
placed an additional requirement that all existing
structures be monitored, that a listing be provided to the
newspaper and as part of the Commission agendas for a periOd
of one year of those structures that are determined to meet I
the new criteria as ultimately adopted and not be required
to come to the City under the height variation process.
Mayor ProTem Laszlo 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. Alan Shields,
1300 Catalina Avenue, spoke in support of the adoption of
the revised regulations as presented, and noted the impact
of specific covered roof access stairwell structures on the
residential neighborhood and adjacent neighbors, views,
privacy, and property values. Mr. Jerry Anderson, 1301
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l2-10-90
I
Sandpiper Drive, spoke in support of the Zoning Text
Amendment, and expressed appreciation for the efforts of the
staff and City Council. Mr. Galen Ambrose, Seal Beach,
spoke in favor of the Zoning Text Amendment, and said he
would hope nothing in the future will be allowed a variance
from the height limitation. Ms. Mitzi Morton 153 - 13th
street, said that it is known that one can have a deck and a
stairwell without a "doghouse", and questioned whether the
new regulations would resolve the problem since those
structures have not been eliminated. Ms. Lee Cambria stated
she favored covered roof access structures. Ms. Cambria
said the lots in the downtown area are small, a roof deck
allows a recreation area where there are minimum yards, that
an uncovered stairway is dangerous, that the stairwell
allows another exit in the case of fire, and disagreed with
locating a stairwell in an area other than along a
peripheral exterior wall, which would minimize buildable
living space. She suggested that there simply be a
definition of what constitutes a stairwell, not to exceed a
specific height, where the city can reject a stairwell if it
is larger than allowed, that there could be standards
developed for specific areas of the community, yet allow
some flexibility for architectural individuality. Ms.
Cambria stated the moratorium has delayed her construction
project for more than a year, that certain neighbors enjoy a
privilege that she will be denied, that she has no intention
of placing anything on the deck except a covered roof
access, and offered her opinion that the proposed process
will be cumbersome. Dr. Anton Dahlman, 1724 Crestview
Avenue, stated that the only concern of the Planning
Commission is with over the height limit. Ms. Barbara
Antoci, Ocean Avenue, agreed with the comments of Ms.
Cambria, also that there has not been a new home built in
the last five years that does not have a 'doghouse', that
there are many people who enjoy them, and as long as they
meet the height requirement possibly they should be
regulated specifically to the area. Mr. Alan Shields stated
he also owns a home in the downtown area to which he may
move as a result of the dome and structure adjacent to his
Hill residence. He agreed with Dr. Dahlman that a covered
roof access can be constructed under the height limit and
still have a roof deck. Mr. Don Cox, 114 - 1st Street,
stated he has built homes in Seal Beach for a number of
years and the majority of his buyers want a deck and roof
access, which have been built within Code. Ms. Cambria
again referred to the height limit, stated if a roof access
is placed on the roof deck it will exceed the height limit,
that not everyone wants to rearrange their floor plans to
abide by a set standard, and in this case access to a deck
would need to be from the second floor of the structure.
Mr. Galen Ambrose said the height limit is known and persons
should consider that when they are preparing construction
plans. There being no other comments, Mayor ProTem Laszlo
declared the public hearing closed.
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ORDINANCE NUMBER 1322 - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT 6-90 - COVERED
ROOF ACCESS STAIRWELLS
Ordinance Number 1322 was presented to Council for first
reading entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 28 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH TO ESTABLISH REVISED REGULATIONS GOVERNING
COVERED ROOF ACCESS STAIRWELLS (ZTA 6-90)." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Ordinance Number 1322 was waived.
Forsythe moved, second by Hastings, to approve the
introduction of Ordinance Number 1322 and that it be passed
to second reading. Councilmember Hastings inquired about
regulations concerning roof mounted mechanical equipment
12-10-90
such as the often referred to dome. The Development
Services Director stated the Code presently only allows for
a covered roof access stairwell to be located on the roof
above the height limit, yet if someone chooses to build
something within the height limit it would be allowed,
however would now be covered by the proposed Ordinance as it
relates to the minimum area and roofing material, and
specifically in the case of the dome, from what has been
determined it is a hand operated piece of equipment and does
not meet the definition of mechanical equipment since there
is no motor that maneuvers the opening of that device.
Councilmember Hastings also referred to the communication
from Mr. Thompson and inquired as to the vulnerability of
the City in view of Mr. Thompson's claim that if the
Ordinance as proposed is adopted it would constitute the use
of retroactive law. The Assistant city Attorney stated that
California law is clear that the City can impose regulations
that may affect existing structures so long as the City
provides a sufficient amortization period, the proposed
Ordinance providing for a one year period within which all
persons with covered roof access structures that are
nonconforming to the proposed provisions can apply for a
permit, modify the structure to conformity, or remove the
structure, therefore it would not be considered retroactive
law. He also pointed out that there was no decision at the
time that the dome was illegal by the staff or the Council,
the decision was based on a number of factors, that the
structure was built and in use, that there were certain
ambiguous questions of the Code, that the City did not
enforce its laws against that particular property owner at
that time, therefore there is no concern with the
allegations contained in Mr. Thompson's letter. He stated
that if the new regulations are adopted, the owner of 1305
Sandpiper as well as others, will have one year to come to
the City to seek their approvals and if those persons choose
to not seek approval, it will then become an enforcement
issue after the year has expired, at which time the property
owner could submit arguments, however it is felt the
regulations would be upheld since the property owner has a
minimum of one year, and in the specific Sandpiper case at
least two years or more to recover their investment.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Laszlo
None
Hunt
Wilson
Motion carried
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PUBLIC HEARING - WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the pUblic hearing open to
consider an update of the Urban Water Management Plan. The
City Clerk certified that notice of the public hearing had
been advertised as required by law, and reported no
communications received. The Director of Public Works
explained that in 1983 the legislature approved AB 797, the
Urban Water Management Planning Act, which required local
water agencies producing more than three thousand acre feet I
to prepare an Urban Water Plan every five years, the initial
Plan approved in 1985, and the update of that Plan now
before the Council for consideration. He reported that the
objective of the Plan is to provide an estimate of current
and projected water usage, a local perspective on water
conservation programs, to evaluate alternative conservation
measures, and a framework to implement alternative
conservation measures. Mr. Jue noted there is a description
of the Seal Beach water system in the Plan which sets forth
the number of wells, reservoirs, a detailed plan of the
distribution system, a history of previous water use,
l2-10-90
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current water use, projected water use, a breakdown of water
usage in the City, residential, industrial, commercial,
etc., a brief description of past draughts in California,
information on the current draught, and detailed information
of what MWD of California, MWD of Orange county, and this
City is doing with regard to conservation measures. The
Director reported the Council, in 1988, adopted a Resolution
requesting voluntary conservation of ten percent of water
use. He noted the staff practices conservation on a daily
basis, and in the case of alley replacement, accomplished
through the use of HUD funds, the main purpose of those
projects is to replace the water mains rather than the
concrete alley reconstruction, the alley projects
prioritized based upon the number of water main breaks
and/or reports of low pressure, which is most often a result
of corroded lines. Another conservation measure is the
replacement of water meters which increases the efficiency
of the water system, also that the City participates in an
annual "water awareness week" and there is a water display
at the Public Works Department annual open house where
conservation kits and information are provided to those who
attend. The Direction again mentioned that the Plan makes
reference to the 1988 volunteer conservation Resolution,
that no additional conservation measures are recommended at
this time, however mandatory conservation may be a
consideration at some point in the future which in turn
brings the issue of enforcement into the program as well as
the determination of the penalties to be imposed. He noted
Los Angeles has a mandatory program, however Orange County
receives most of its water from the Colorado River and to
this point in time the normal allocation plus additional
water has been received. The Director reported staff is
considering placing a monthly article in the local
newspapers of the various methods to conserve water, also a
message on the local cable community bulletin board. There
being no further comments, Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared the
public hearing closed.
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RESOLUTION NUMBER 3999 - URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
Resolution Number 3999 was presented to Council entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH, CALIFORNIA, REGARDING
THE UPDATE OF AN URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH." By unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolution Number 3999 was waived. Hunt moved, second by
Hastings, to adopt Resolution Number 3999.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
AGENDA AMENDED
Hastings moved, second by Forsythe, to consider Item "K",
Resolution Number 4000, out of order at this time.
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
RESOLUTION NUMBER 4000 - SENATE BILL 2557 - SUPPORTING
REPEAL
Resolution Number 4000 was presented to Council entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING REPEAL OF SENATE BILL 2557." By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 4000
was waived. Forsythe moved, second by Hastings, to adopt
Resolution Number 4000.
12-10-90
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
AGENDA AMENDED
Forsythe moved, second by Laszlo, to consider Item "S",
closing of city Hall, and Item "T", December 24th meeting,
out of order at this time.
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
CHRISTMAS EVE
Hastings moved, second by Forsythe, to authorize the closing
of city Hall at noon on December 24th.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
DECEMBER 24th MEETING
Hastings moved, second by Forsythe, to cancel the December
24th regular city council meeting. Mayor ProTem Laszlo
noted an adjourned meeting is to be held at 10:00 on
December 17th with the City's liability attorney, and
suggested that other items of business, possibly the City
Manager recruitment and items held over from this meeting,
could be placed on the agenda for an earlier hour. It was
the consensus of the Council to adjourn this meeting to
December 17th at 9:00 a.m.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
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ORDINANCE NUMBER 1316 - VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
Ordinance Number 1316 was presented to Council for second
reading entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH RELATING TO VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS." By
unanimous consent, full reading of Ordinance Number 1316 was
waived. It was the consensus of the Council to hold this
item over until the next regular meeting.
ORDINANCE NUMBER 1317 - DISPLAY OF HARMFUL MATTER
Ordinance Number 1317 was presented to Council for second
reading entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEAL BEACH ADDING CHAPTER 11D TO THE SEAL BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE DISPLAY OF MATER HARMFUL TO
MINORS." By unanimous consent, full reading of Ordinance
Number 1317 was waived. In response to Council, the
Assistant City Attorney explained that the provisions of the
Ordinance will require that harmful matter be beyond the
reach of minors and behind blinder racks. Forsythe moved,
second by Hastings, to adopt Ordinance Number 1317.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
1
RESOLUTION NUMBER 3994 - CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL OUALITY
ACT and GUIDELINES
Resolution number 3994 was presented to Council entitled "A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING PROCEDURES IMPLEMENTING THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND THE GUIDELINES OF THE
12-10-90
SECRETARY FOR THE RESOURCES AGENCY, AS AMENDED, AND
REPEALING RESOLUTIONS NO's. 3577 AND 3133." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 3994 was waived.
It was the consensus of the Council to hold this item over
until the next meeting.
I
ORDINANCE NUMBER 1323 - BOW AND ARROW FISHING
Ordinance Number 1323 was presented to Council for first
reading entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PROHIBITING BOW AND ARROW, CROSS BOW AND ARROW, MANUAL OR
MECHANICAL SPEAR DEVICES FOR FISHING AND AMENDING CHAPTER 4
OF THE SEAL BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE." By unanimous consent,
full reading of Ordinance Number 1323 was waived. In
response to council, the Assistant city Attorney advised
that as long as the local ordinance is designed to protect
the public safety and only incidently effects State
regulations, the regulations would be considered a proper
exercise of local government, however would not be
applicable beyond the City limits as long as the individual
has a valid fishing license. Hastings moved, second by
Laszlo, to approve the introduction of Ordinance Number 1323
and that it be passed to second reading.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
I
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "M" thru IIp''
Mayor ProTem Laszlo requested Item "N" removed from the
Consent Calendar and a member of the audience requested Item
"P" removed. Forsythe moved, second by Hunt, to approve the
recommended action for items on the Consent Calendar, except
Items "N" and "P", as presented.
M. Approved regular demands numbered 81831
through 81962 in the amount of $347,788.96
and payroll demands numbered 43160 through
43342 in the amount of $217,724.56 as
approved by the Finance Committee, and
authorized warrants to be drawn on the
Treasury for same.
O. Approved the plans and specifications for
Project Number 602, Water Main Replacement
in the Electric Avenue Alley from Main
Street to 17th Street, and authorized the
Acting city Manager to advertise for bids.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
I
In response to Councilman Hunt, the Acting city Manager
reported check number 81904 payable to First American Title
Company was for the title report of the Electric Avenue
Greenbelt, and the Director of Public Works explained that
when a water main is replaced, the existing line is left in
the ground and a new, six inch line is laid, that there is
also a need to encase many of the sewer laterals in concrete
since they are shallow, that a camera is used to determine
if additional repair is necessary, and that the ratio of
$175,000 water funds to $20,000 sewer funds is a typical
ratio.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
12-10-90
ITEM "N" - MINUTES
Hastings moved, second by Forsythe, to approve the minutes
of the regular meeting of October 8, 1990.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt
None
Laszlo
Wilson
Motion carried
I
It was the order of the Chair, with consent of the Council,
to declare a recess at 12:22 a.m. The Council reconvened at
12:31 a.m. with Mayor ProTem Laszlo calling the meeting to
order.
ITEM "P" - AWARD OF BIDS - VEHICLE PURCHASE
Mr. Charles Antos said it was his understanding that certain
police vehicles were sent to Mexico. The Director of Public
Works stated to his knowledge there were no vehicles sent to
Mexico, however there were a couple of Police vehicles that
were refurbished and the Public Works superintendents are
using them. He confirmed that the purchase of these
vehicles was contained within the adopted budget. Forsythe
moved, second by Hastings, to award the bid for one 3/4 ton
pickup to Sunset Ford in the amount of $13,459.78, one one-
ton cab and chassis to Coletto Ford in the amount of
$17,447.45, and two Kawasaki motorcycles to VIP Motorcycles,
Inc. in the amount of $12,006.25, authorize the Acting city
Manager to execute the purchase orders for same, and
authorize readvertisement for bids for the exhaust gas
analyzer.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
I
It was the consensus of the Council to hold over Item "U",
General Plan updates, Item "V", pUblic comment time
limitation, Item "W", reclassification procedure, and Item
"Y", status of oil and gas pipelines, until the next
meeting.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS - ROSSMOOR CENTER - FUNDING REOUEST
The Acting City Manager presented the staff report, a
request by the Rossmoor Center for $1100 for the cost of
labor to place holiday decorations along Seal Beach
Boulevard. He stated last year approximately $625 was
authorized for decorations on Main Street with $2745 labor
costs, also $625 was provided to the Rossmoor Merchants
Association for decorations. Mr. Archibold said an
estimated $1500 will be spent along Main street this year
for the cost of light bulb and fixture replacement.
Forsythe moved, second by Hastings, to approved the $1100
request of Rossmoor Center. It was pointed out that the
Rossmoor area is approximately one-third as large as Main
Street, that past donations have been based on that ratio, I
also that City forces are not used to place the decorations,
as the Center contracts for that service. The Acting City
Manger confirmed the $1100 is to cover the installation
costs of the decorations. Mayor ProTem Laszlo expressed his
feeling that $900 would be appropriate since the Rossmoor
shopping area does not receive the benefit of a number of
other activities that take place in the downtown portion of
the community. At the conclusion of discussion, the motion
was amended to authorize $500 for the installation of
holiday decorations.
12-10-90
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT :
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt
None
Laszlo
Wilson
Motion carried
I
It was the consensus of the Council to hold over Item "CC",
a request from the International Friendship Association for
a sister city liaison, and baseball and swimming youth
exchange, and Item "DD", councilmanic boundary changes,
until the next meeting.
APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS and COMMISSION
Environmental Oualitv Control Board
The appointment to fill the District Five vacancy on the
Environmental Quality Control was held over.
Housina Element Review Committee
The District Five appointment to the Housing Element Review
Committee was held over.
Solid Waste Advisorv Committee
Hunt moved, second by Laszlo, to approve Mayor Wilson's
appointment of Mr. William Scott as the District Two member
of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee in lieu of the
previously appointed Mr. George Cook.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo
None
Wilson Motion carried
I
The District Four appointment and selection of Council
representatives were held over until next meeting.
Beach commission
The District Two and Five appointments to the Beach
Commission were held over until the next meeting.
Council requested that the City Clerk communicate with the
appointees to the Beach Commission in order to establish a
date for the organizational meeting.
APPOINTMENT - ORANGE COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT
It was the consensus of the Council to hold over this
appointment until the December 17th adjourned meeting.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember Hastings requested that the City Clerk provide
her with copies of all current and subsequent claims and
lawsuits filed against the city as soon as they are
officially received by the city, that she would maintain
copies of same at her home for anyone to review.
I
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor ProTem Laszlo declared Oral Communications open. Mr.
Charles Antos, 17th Street, made reference to the broken gas
line on the Hellman property, the report to the City Council
indicating that the flame is the result of a by-product of
the oil production, which he said is incorrect because if it
were it would not continue burning for the period of time it
has, that rather it is from gas mines or wells. He said he
was never made aware of gas wells on that property, yet
processed a number of redrilling permits, and suggested the
City research all EIR's to determine if they can be rejected
based upon fraudulent information. Councilmember Hastings
said at the time the flare occurred she had requested
information regarding the location of lines running through
12-10-90
the Hellman property, that her understanding is that there
is a natural gas well on the Hellman and Naval Weapons
Station lands, and that a report will be forthcoming once
maps of those properties are received from the various oil
companies. Mr. Antos recalled that a proposed plan was
considered and approved by the City for Sunset Aquatic Park
improvements that contained some overnight parking, that the
Board of Supervisors has now deleted the overnight parking
from the Plan, and it was his belief that before the Plan
can be considered by the Coastal Commission a report would
need to be forthcoming to the city for conceptual approval
since the Park is located within the City. Mr. Antos
referred to a recent adjourned Council meeting where there
was an attorney present representing Bill and Michelle
Stearns, and stated for that attorney to attack or call for
removal of a member of the Civil Service Board was out of
line, as was the attendance by the attorney in a closed
session. Mr. Antos referred to a police incident report in
his possession relating to missing personnel files, and
noted a statement of Assistant City Attorney Walsh that if a
document is presented to the civil Service Board it is then
considered a public document even if it was never
distributed to the public, an opinion not shared by the
stearns attorney, therefore it is either correct or not
correct for the Civil service Board to have certain
documents submitted to them. Ms. Barbara Antoci, Ocean
Avenue, also spoke of the adjourned meeting which she said
was held at an hour when the majority of people were unable
to attend, and of the presence of the Stearns attorney who
was allowed to a closed session to which others are not.
She claimed that a document was submitted to staff which was
copied and provided to Chief stearns and his wife by the
Acting City Manager, and objected to the criticism of a
member of the Board by the Stearns attorney. Ms. Wendy
Morris, Seal Beach, reported receiving a citation for
leaving her travel trailer parked at her residence with the
trailer unhitched, stating however that the trailer is
generally unhitched for safety purposes and use of the
vehicle, and that she had been informed that there is no
provision for parking such vehicle for one to two days
before or after a trip. Mayor ProTem Laszlo stated this has
posed a problem in the past, that the intent of the Code was
to not allow parking between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. and
encourage the storage of such vehicles when not in use, and
that the Police Department needs to be reminded that they
are not to cite unhitched trailers. He suggested in the
future Ms. Morris obtain an overnight parking permit.
Councilmember Hastings extended happy Hanukkah to her Jewish
friends in Seal Beach. There being no further comments,
Oral Communications were closed.
CLOSED SESSION
No Closed Session was held.
ADJOURNMENT
By unanimous consent, the Council adjourned the meeting
until Monday, December 17th at 9:00 a.m. The meeting
adjourned at 1:11 a.m.
Clerk and ex
of Seal Beach
of the
I
I
1
12-10-90/12-17-90
Approved:
J~~o~r
Attest:
I
Seal Beach, California
December 17, 1990
The city Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
adjourned session at 9:03 a.m. with Mayor Wilson calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Wilson
Councilmembers Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt,
Laszlo
Absent:
None
Also present: Mr. Archibold, Acting city Manager
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
-
I
WAIVER OF FULL READING
Laszlo moved, second by Forsythe, 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:
Forsythe, Hastings, Hunt, Laszlo, Wilson
None Motion carried
I
CITY MANAGER RECRUITMENT
with regard to the proposed process for recruitment of a
city Manager, Dr. Daniel Barber, California State University
at Long Beach, said he believed the first step has been
taken as a result of authorizing placement of an
advertisement in a monthly publication, that there would be
a review of the returns from that ad, that other outlets to
notice the opening would be pursued, as well as direct
solicitation of individuals that had not responded, and the
Council would be interviewed to determine the specific needs
and qualifications that are felt necessary. He noted
through his nearly seventeen years with the University there
is a sizeable practitioner base available from which a pool
of persons felt to be capable of the assignment can be
developed. Dr. Barber stated there would be an initial
contact and exchange of information regarding the city, a
verification of the information submitted, a condensed
resume of each applicant would be prepared for the initial
cuts that the Council may make, however the complete
applicant files would be available at any given time. Dr.
Barber noted the- importance of dealing with the applicants
in a professional manner, of interviewing the candidates and
reducing the field until the final selection is made.
Councilmember Forsythe said her concern was not with
screening whatever number of applicants there may be, rather