HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1989-08-21
8-7-89 / 8-21-89
ADJOURNMENT
With unanimous consent of the Council, Mayor Grgas adjourned
the meeting at 2:47 a.m.
Approved:
lerk and ex of J.
of Seal Beach
of the
I
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
August 21, 1989
The City Council of the-City of Seal Beach met in regular I
session at 7:29 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
Also present: Mr. Nelson, City Manager
Mr. Barrow, Assistant City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Jue, Director of Public Works/
City Engineer
Mr. Archibold, Assistant to the City Manager
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
WAIVER OF- FULL READING
Wilson 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:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
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CLOSED -SESSION
No Closed Session was held.
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I
PRESENTATION
Mr. Jack Nevin, Adjutant of American Legion Leisure World
Post 327, and members Walter Frisch, Theodore Harris, Al
Mazzuca, Jean Penfield, and Norman Seifts, presented a POW-
MIA Flag to the City. Mr. Nevin reported the efforts of
veterans organizations nationwide to distribute the POW-MIA
Flag as a reminder of the several thousand persons that
fought in Vietnam and Cambodia and are unaccounted for, the
intent being to bring them back. Mr. Nevin also reported
that all veterans organizations, particularly the American
Legion, have passed resolutions opposing burning of the
American Flag, the National Adjutant having recently
recommended that the only way to address the issue is
through a Constitutional Amendment however that would in
turn eliminate the ceremonial burning of unusable flags. He
said everyone does not agree with that recommendation and
instead there is preference that the word desecration be
used in lieu of burning. Mayor Grgas accepted the POW-MIA
Flag with appreciation.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Grgas prOClaimed September, 1989 as nCancer Detection
Monthn and September 9, 1989 as nCancer Detection Day.n
I
RESOLUTION NUMBER 3876 - AOUATIC ACTIVITIES - HOURS and
LOCATION
Resolution Number 3876 was presented to Council entitled ftA
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING HOURS AND LOCATION FOR AQUATIC
ACTIVITIES PURSUANT TO SECTION 4-8 OF CHAPTER 4, ARTICLE I
OF THE SEAL BEACH CITY CODE.n By unanimous consent, full
reading of Resolution Number 3876 was waived. The City
Manager reported this item was continued from a previous
meeting with a supplemental staff report provided. In
response to Council, he explained that the enabling
Ordinance provides that the City Manager may grant a special
permit, modify or waive conditions for activities such as
the Rough Water Swim. Councilmember Wilson inquired if a
sailboard is -considered a boat or vessel, and in view of the
potential for liability asked if it would be advisable to
limit that activity during the summer months. The City
Manager responded that a sailboard is considered an 'exempt
from registration' vessel that is subject to navigational
rules in the open water. He advised that when it was
realized that a conflict was developing between beach
activities he met with representatives of the windsurfers,
and reported that group is attempting to develop regulations
to govern their participants. He spoke in favor of
regulating the activities rather than prohibiting them, the
regulations proposed restricts windsurfing launchings to
between First and Third Streets, and noted that the major
area of potential conflict is at the surf line. Staff
clarified that Section I-A should read nswimming seaward
from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. shall not be permitted,n that
Section 2-A.2 refers to boardsurfing in the area of
Surfside, and that boardsurfing is restricted to the west
side of the pier because of the shorebreak and given the
more dangerous surf on the easterly side. Staff explained
that when appropriate the blackball flag will be used in
lieu of signs to regulate beach activities, however signage
recommended by the Safety Committee will be posted in the
vicinity of First and Third Streets and -elsewhere down the
beach designating the activities that are or are not allowed
at a specific location. Staff again clarified that
boardsurfing would be allowed west of the pier with the
exception of First to Third Streets before 10:00 a.m. and
after 5:30 p.m. during the summer season, the river mouth
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and Surfside all day, however not east of the pier, with the
Lifeguard Department having the authority to expand or
restrict boardsurfing as the circumstance warrants. Staff
explained that boardsurfers would basically be allowed in
any area during the winter months unless determined
otherwise based upon the circumstances. It was clarified
that bodysurfers would be allowed in the designated swimming
areas. with regard to a question regarding Section 2-B, the I
Assistant City Attorney confirmed that the wording could be
clarified to read n...and further prohibited in the Area
bordered on the Northwest...n Staff explained that
windsurfers would be allowed between First and Third Streets
year-round at any hour. Councilman Laszlo expressed his
concern that boardsurfers will not be allowed use of an area
that they have used historically, specifically in the
vicinity of First to-Third Streets, also that swimmers are
limited to two hundred yards offshore. The City Manager
explained that the intent of two hundred yards is to
maintain safety in the beach area, keeping swimmers away
from vessels and within a reasonable distance in a case
where assistance is needed, and in response to Councilman
Laszlo stated he was unaware of statistics regarding
drownings or of conflicts between swimmers and boats, also
that the Lifeguard Department will most likely use the pier
and/or jetty as distance marks. Councilman Laszlo stated he
did not believe any-other-beach city places such a limit on
the swimming area, and that he did not support it.
Councilman Laszlo moved to delete the two hundred yard limit
on the swimming area from the proposed Resolution.
Councilmember Risner seconded the motion for discussion.
Councilmember Risner questioned the location of the mean I
high tide line, and whether the swimming area would be
required to be buoyed and roped. Councilman Hunt stated he
believed zero tower is considered to be the two hundred yard
mark, and the City Attorney stated he was not aware of any
legal requirement to rope-or buoy the swimming area. Mayor
Grgas stated his interpretation was that the Resolution was
directed more towards restricting boats rather than the
swimmers. The-City Manager noted that the intent of the
proposed regulations is to separate incompatible aquatic
uses and although the verbiage may be somewhat complex it
will allow the ability to regulate with some flexibility on
any given day or situation. Mayor Grgas stated that
although he agreed that there should be as many
opportunities to use the beach as possible, he did question
some of the time frames, particularly those for summer
boardsurfing, suggesting that consideration could be given
to 11:00 a.m. rather than 10:00 a.m. and more importantly
possibly 3:00 p.m. as opposed to 5:30 p.m. The City Manager
responded that the hours are proposed as a compromise for
all of the various uses. Councilman Hunt stated, as he had
previously, that he would support the Resolution as
presented, given the thought and expertise that had been
devoted to the regulations proposed. Councilman Laszlo said
he would have no objection if the intent is to keep boaters,
windsurfers, and boardsurfers out of the swimming area, and I
if that is the intent the lifeguards do not need to have
regulatory discretion, again stating his objection to
limiting the swimming distance. Councilmember Risner
suggested that consideration be given limiting the boaters,
rather than the swimmers, to a certain distance from the
mean high tide line. The City Manager offered that if there
are proposed amendments to the Resolution that they be made
and referred to staff to allow the City Attorney to revise
the language.
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The motion and second were withdrawn.
I
Councilmember Risner asked-that the hours set forth in
Section I-A be revised to prohibit swimming seaward from
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., unless it was the desire of the
Council to withdraw the distance limit. After brief
discussion the City Attorney noted that Section I-A could be
amended to clarify that-the intent is to prohibit -boats in
the area, however -from a-safety standpoint he spoke in
support of a-designated swimming area, -offering to obtain
further input from the Lifeguard Department as to
justification or-concern with revising the hours. In
response to Council, the City Manager reported the
windsurfing participants are primarily from Seal Beach.
Councilman Laszlo expressed concern that-local boardsurfers
will no longer have -the opportunity to surf during summer
months. Mayor -Grgas said-he has observed an increase in
windsurfers during this summer season, and-pointed out that
although the beach is public and open for use by everyone,
there is a need to protect those that are swimming and using
the shoreline, a second priority being the board and wind
surfers, and that the-regulations proposed are an attempt to
afford a time and area for the various uses and a safeguard
against potential injury. He inquired as to the possibility
of allowing the windsurfers to launch and land on the east
beach given the fact that they generally practice their
sport seaward of the pier rather than at the surfline.
Mayor Grgas said was not aware of the statistics regarding
conflicts or incidents involving boardsurfers and swimmers,
that he would be willing to consider a modification of hours
to allow boardsurfers the greatest amount of use possible,
however he was not opposed to restrictions that would also
allow other uses. Councilman Laszlo suggested that the
Lifeguard Chief be present at the next meeting, and noted
that there is no restriction on boogie boards with skegs.
The City Manager -reported that within the general authority
of the lifeguards there is an attempt to prohibit any hard
skeg bodyboard. Councilmember Risner questioned why
surfboards are restricted to certain hours on the west side
of the-pier -while bodyboards are allowed, also why surfers
are not allowed on either side of the pier after 5:30 p.m.
The City Manager responded that bodyboarders are considered
swimmers, and that the west side is historically the
concentration point for swimmers where there is reasonable
surf. Councilmember Risner asked that Section 2-B be
rewritten for clarity, and Mayor Grgas suggested that the
hours could possibly be adjusted to sunrise until 11:00 a.m.
and after 3:30 p.m.
I
I
Mayor Grgas outlined the issues to be considered further or
for change, Sections I-A and 2-A.3 with regard to hours,
Section I-A, the 200 yard designation with the intent of
preventing boat entry, identification of the 200 yards and
justification for same, clarification of language in Section
2-B regarding areas that are not allowed for boardsurfing
east of the pier, and possible windsurfing launch area at
the easterly end of the beach. Risner moved, second by
Wilson, to hold this item over until the next meeting.
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
RESOLUTION NUMBER 3877 - SALARY/WAGE SCHEDULE/BENEFITS -
ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Resolution Number 3877 was presented to Council entitled nA
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, A CHARTER CITY, ESTABLISHING SALARY RATES, A
SALARY AND WAGE SCHEDULE, AUTHORIZING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
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CERTAIN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES'
ASSOCIATION AND REPEALING ON THE EFFECTIVE DATES SPECIFIED
ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH.n By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 3877 was waived.
Hunt moved, second by Wilson, to adopt Resolution Number
3877 as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
I
RESOLUTION NUMBER 3878 - SALARIES/BENEFITS - MANAGEMENT/
CONFIDENTIAL/NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES
Resolution Number 3878 was presented to Council entitled nA
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, A CHARTER CITY, ESTABLISHING A COMPENSATION
PLAN, INCLUDING SALARY AND BENEFITS, FOR MANAGEMENT,
CONFIDENTIAL, AND NON-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES AND REPEALING,
ON THE EFFECTIVE DATES SPECIFIED, ALL RESOLUTIONS IN
CONFLICT THEREWITH." By unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolution Number 3878 was waived. The City Manager
reported two corrections to the Resolution, Appendix A-I to
reflect the correct range of the Engineering Aide to be 250,
salary of 2299 to 2806, Appendix A-II to reflect range 256,
salary of-2369 to 2892, and Section 19 amended to reflect
pager compensation of the Police Records Supervisor of $132
per month. Risner moved, second by Wilson, to adopt
Resolution Number 3878 as amended.
AYES:
NOES:
G~gas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
RESOLUTION NUMBER 3879 - COMPENSATION PLAN - PART-TIME/
HOURLY/SEASONAL-EMPLOYEES I
Resolution Number 3879 was presented to Council entitled nA
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, A CHARTER CITY, ESTABLISHING A COMPENSATION PLAN
FOR PART-TIME, HOURLY, AND SEASONAL EMPLOYEES AND REPEALING,
ON THE EFFECTIVE DATES SPECIFIED, ALL RESOLUTIONS IN
CONFLICT THEREWITH.n By unanimous consent, full reading of
Resolution Number-3879 was waived. Wilson moved, second by
Hunt, to adopt Resolution Number 3879 as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
Mr. Nelson reported the City Manager's compensation would be
considered in September.
ORDINANCE NUMBER 1290 - SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS
Ordinance Number 1290 was presented to Council for first
reading entitled nAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 9B OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF
SEAL BEACH RELATING TO THE BASIS FOR ESTABLISHING THE AREAS
OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD.n By unanimous consent, full
reading of Ordinance Number 1290 was waived. - The City-
Engineer presented-the staff report, explained that the new
F.E.M.A. study, revising that of 1985, has designated a base
flood-elevation of five feet for the -waterways surrounding I
the Sunset Aquatic Park, -the Park it~elf outside the 500
year floodplain, and changes the designa~ion-in College Park
East from an narea of minimal floodingn to an narea of 500
year flood-or area of 100 year flood with average depths of
less than one foot.n Mr. Jue explained-that the Hill area
is outside the 500 year flood zone, that there are some
downtown areas that are within the 100 year flood zone, such
as the former Bay Motel site, noting that the new dwellings
on that site were required to place the floor pads one foot
above the flood elevation, and with regard to the Hellman
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property he stated he did not recall the zone or elevation
for that site, however even though it is lower than the Hill
it is higher than other areas of the City.
Risner moved, second by Laszlo, to approve the introduction
of Ordinance Number 1290 and that it be passed to second
reading.
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AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS nHn throuqh-nLn
At the request of staff Item nLn, Housing/Community
Development Block Grant Contracts, was removed from the
Consent Calendar to be considered as an item of legislation.
Councilman Hunt requested Items nJn and nKn removed from the
Consent Calendar. Wilson moved, second by Risner, to
approve the recommended action for items on the Consent
Calendar, except Items "J, K, and L,n as presented.
H. Approved regular demands numbered 75695
through 75867 in the amount of $773,691.29
and payroll demands numbered 36210 through
36465 in the amount of $212,830.68 as
approved by the Finance Committee, and
authorized warrants to be drawn on the
Treasury for same.
I. Received and filed the report from the
Finance Director regarding the sale of the
1989 TRAN.
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AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM "In - AD HOC RETAIL COMMITTEE
Councilman Hunt suggested that the final date for
presentation of the report from the Ad Hoc Retail Sales
Committee be extended until December 31st rather than the
requested October 3lst to allow adequate time for the
Committee to accomplish their goals, and so moved.
Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion. The-City Manager
explained that the Committee is working diligently to
complete their task and that the requested October 31st date
should be sufficient. The motion was withdrawn. Wilson
moved, second by Risner, to extend the date for the Ad Hoc
Retail Sales Committee final report until October 3lst,
1989.
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
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ITEM "Kn - NOTICE TO RECOVER PROPERTY TAXES
Councilman Hunt inquired if the City would -decline, or ever
has declined, to refund a proportionate amount of taxes
should a judgement be entered against the County. The
Assistant City Attorney advised that this item-will be
reviewed as to any action necessary, that no position has
been taken at this time. The City Manager indicated he did
not believe that the City has refused any such refund in the
past, this action merely to protect the City's interest.
Risner moved, second by Wilson, to reject the Notice for
Recovery of Taxes received from the County of Orange in
response to complaints filed by Union Oil Company of
California, Mobile Oil Corporation, Chevron U.S.A., Inc.,
and Shell Oil Company.
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AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
RESOLUTION NUMBER 3880 - HOUSING/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT CONTRACTS - - - - - -
Resolution Number 3880 was presented to Council entitled nA
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT I
CONTRACTS C40652 AND C40653 WITH THE COUNTY OF ORANGE IN
APPLYING FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES AND IMPROVEMENT FUNDS UNDER
THE HOUSING AND-COMMUNITY-DEVELOPMENT ACT-OF-1974.n By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 3880
was waived. - In-response to-Council, the City Engineer
advised that the total project cost will be covered by
monies from the water and sewer funds and the a/CD program.
With regard-to-water and sewer line replacement, he stated
the City has been improving- -one alley each year, and as
opposed to the understanding of most, these are water line
replacement/sewer -repair projects rather than alley
reconstruction projects,-however once the improvements are
completed the alley is paved with concrete. He noted that
most of the downtown lines are fifty to sixty years old and
that there is a priority list for those projects covering
approximately seven years. Mr. Jue advised that the sewer
and water mains are-being replaced in keeping with the need
in the downtown area, that the mains on the Hill and in
College Park East as well as Leisure World will most likely
be due for replacement within five to fifteen years given
the age of those subdivisions. He explained that concrete
is used to pave- the alleys rather than blacktop as it drains
easier, requires -less maintenance, and supports the weight
of heavy vehicles. As a point of information, Mr. Jue I
reported that Mola Development will be required to do a
master water study-for the City-as a condition of their
project, and that study will provide an outline as to how to
proceed with water system replacement. Wilson moved, second
by Hunt, to adopt Resolution Number 3880 as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
REVIEW - DRAFT EIR - LOS ALAMITOS GENERAL PLAN
Pursuant with recent agreement between Seal Beach and Los
Alamitos to share information and data relating to future
developments, etc., the City Manager referred to the report
resulting from staff review of the Draft Environmental
Impact Report-for the Los Alamitos General Plan and
potential impacts relative to concerns of Seal Beach with
regard to -their General Plan update, the recommendation of
staff to receive and file the report. Mr. Whittenberg
reported the firm of Castaneda & Associates had prepared the
Draft EIR. Councilmember Risner noted-that Los Alamitos
will require studies of roadways operating at level of
service nDn or less, and asked what would occur if new
projects tended to lessen the nDn status. Mr. Whittenberg
responded -that the report did not indicate mitigation I
measures other than r,equiring a traffic analysis, the
analysis to then recommend specific mitigation for a
particular problem. With regard to whether Los Alamitos
would accept something lower than level "Dn, Mr. Whittenberg
stated the level of service at major intersections, having
been allowed to develop over the years, and-the methods to
address those-situations, was indicated as a major concern
with regard to existing as well as new development.
Councilmember-Risner noted of interest is that Los Alamitos/
Seal Beach Boulevard is at a level of service ncn and will
remain so.
,
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I
Wilson moved, second by Hunt, to receive and file the
report.
with regard to the use of grant funds for traffic signals,
the City Engineer reported-that next year Los Alamitos and
Seal Beach will jointly make application for OCCUT funds, a
one hundred percent funding program, to coordinate traffic
signals along Seal Beach Boulevard, and that the last
traffic signal modification project was Seal Beach
Boulevard, accomplished through FAU funds on an eighty-six
percent federal and fourteen percent local funding basis.
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
I
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
The City Engineer presented the staff report regarding the
feasibility of establishing Development Impact Fees for Seal
Beach, such fees based upon the costs associated with new
facilities and capital acquisitions required incrementally
by new development, whether it be residential, commercial,
or industrial, with AB 1600, enacted in 1987, setting forth
the procedures and requirements to establish and impose such
fees. He explained that it would be necessary to determine
the build-out of the City based upon the General Plan and
from that determine what the infrastructure needs would be,
then determine what percentage should be charged to the
developer and to the existing residents. Mr. Jue noted that
the-Interim Development Services Director had indicated
concern that the General Plan would require updating in
conjunction with the study to establish the Development
Impact Fees. Mr. Jue stated that the recommendation to
Council was that the City Attorney be instructed to
investigate the need to update the General Plan before
proceeding to implement Development Impact Fees, also to
schedule a presentation to Council by a specialist in the
Development Impact Fee field to respond to technical
questions. The City Manager explained that there is need
for a basis for the fees, which is the General Plan,
therefore the request that the City Attorney review same and
determine if the Plan is adequate, and if it is a consultant
could be retained to develop the information necessary to
establish the fees. With regard to the cost and time frame
for review of the General Plan, the Assistant City Attorney
stated that would be difficult to estimate, confirmed that
State law requires that a General Plan be updated
periodically, and made specific reference to recent changes
in State law that have rendered many Housing Elements
inadequate. With regard to the development recently
approved for the Hellman property, the City Manager stated
that project did qualify under the General Plan in it's
present form, however the staff had pOinted out that the
Plan currently calls for one hundred low to moderate housing
units that will now need to be located on the northerly
portion of that property unless that requirement of the
General Plan is changed. He said as an administrator he did
not feel the General Plan is in compliance with current
State law, therefore could be subject to a legal challenge,
or be required -to be updated as the result of a State
subvention or grant, etc. Councilman Laszlo asked if a
developer could be required to pay a proportionate share of
the cost of the development fee study. The City Manager
explained that each project would need to be considered
separately to determine if sufficient findings could be made
to levy a cost related to the study, that his initial
feeling would be that the cost of the study, of general City
benefit, could not be levied against a specific development,
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Wilson moved, second by Hunt, to receive and file the
report.
With regard to the use of grant funds for traffic signals,
the City Engineer reported-that-next year Los Alamitos and
Seal Beach will jointly make application for OCCUT funds, a
one-hundred percent funding program, to coordinate traffic 1-
signals along Seal Beach Boulevard, and that the last
traffic signal modification project was Seal Beach
Boulevard, accomplished through FAU funds on an eighty-six
percent federal and fourteen percent local funding basis.
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
The City Engineer presented the staff report regarding the
feasibility of establishing Development Impact Fees for Seal
Beach, such fees based upon the costs associated with new
facilities and capital acquisitions required incrementally
by new development, whether it be residential, commercial,
or industrial, with AB 1600, enacted in 1987, setting forth
the procedures and requirements to establish and impose such
fees. He explained that it would be necessary to determine
the build-out of the City based upon the General Plan and
from that determine what the infrastructure needs would be,
then determine what percentage should be charged to the
developer and to the existing residents. Mr. Jue noted that
the-Interim Development Services Director had indicated
concern that the General Plan would require updating in
conjunction with the study to establish the Development
Impact Fees. Mr. Jue stated that the recommendation to I
Council was that the City Attorney be instructed to
investigate the need to update the General Plan before
proceeding to implement Development Impact Fees, also to
schedule a-presentation to Council by a specialist in the
Development Impact Fee field to respond to technical
questions. - The City Manager explained that there is need
for a basis for the fees, which is the General Plan,
therefore the request that the City Attorney review same and
determine if the Plan is adequate, and if it is a consultant
could be retained to develop the information necessary to
establish the fees. With regard to the cost and time frame
for review of the General Plan, the Assistant City Attorney
stated that would be difficult to estimate, confirmed that
State law requires that a General Plan be updated
periodically, and made specific reference to recent changes
in State law that have rendered many Housing Elements
inadequate. With regard to the development recently
approved for the Hellman property, the City Manager stated
that project did qualify under the General Plan in it's
present form, however the staff had pointed out that the
Plan currently calls-for one hundred low to moderate housing
units that will now need to be located on the northerly
portion of-that property unless that requirement of the
General Plan is changed. He said -as an administrator he did I',
not feel the General Plan is in compliance with current
State law, therefore could be subject to a legal challenge,
or be required to be updated as the result of a State
subvention or grant, etc. Councilman Laszlo asked if a
developer could be required to pay a proportionate share of
the cost of the development fee study. The City Manager
explained that each project would need to be considered
separately to-determine if sufficient findings could be made
to levy a cost related to the study, that his initial
feeling would be that the cost of the study, of general City
benefit, could not be levied against a specific development,
8-21-89
.
however subsequent to the study, information would be
available to determine the percentage share requir,ed of a
development for future improvements. The City Engineer
stated that after review of the General Plan by the City
Attorney and selection-of a consultant, the development fee
study would take approximately four to six months at a cost
of between $60,000 to $80,000. To the suggestion of
considering-another traffic initiative, the City Manager
advised that such initiative would also be subject to the
requirements of AB1600. Councilman Laszlo-proposed that a
moratorium or some other means be implemented to require any
project that is approved during the period that impact fees
are being considered to pay those fees. In response to a
question of Councilmember Risner, the Assistant City
Attorney reported that in the early draft of conditions for
the Mola development there was thought -of including a
requirement for traffic impact fees, however he believed
that was replaced-with the $1 million that will be
forthcoming to the City. The Development Services Director
explained that a General Plan should receive major review
every five years and minor review annually. Councilmember
Risner suggested that the Development Services Director be
included in the staff recommendation with regard to review
of-the General-Plan, and asked that the -staff look into more
than one DIF specialist-for consideration. Councilman Hunt
noted the comment of the Assistant City Attorney that the $1
million that Mola agreed to pay the City would negate the
responsibility in the event the traffic impact fees were
imposed, and asked if, during negotiations with Mola, there
was an indirect assessment -of traffic and development impact
fees. The City Manager responded that in connection with
the Environmental Impact Report, Mola will be making
improvements to First Street and Pacific Coast Highway, to
Westminster at Second Street/PCH in Long Beach, etc.
Councilman Hunt then noted that in fact, traffic and
development impact fees can-be required of a large
development through the negotiation process, however he felt
that the concern lies with the smaller developments. Mayor
Grgas mentioned that in the case of Mola the concern was
nexus, -yet the City will receive more than would normally be
required, even the water and sewer studies that may identify
future exactions, therefore the requirement for impact fees
was not -at issue, and-additionally the necessary information
to impose such-fees had not been prepared. Mayor Grgas
stated that although members of the Council feel that time
is of the -essence to impose such fees, he stressed the need
to go through the required process, consistency of the
General Plan to State law-and of one City document to
another, determine the ultimate build-out and infrastructure
requirements of the City, and then how that will translate
into an assessment. The City Manager explained that if the
General Plan is-determined to be inadequate it will need to
be updated, that task most likely requiring retention of
persons with expertise in the specific elements to the Plan.
He spoke for considering the staff recommendations
separately.
Councilmember Risner moved to direct the City Attorney and
Director of Development Services to investigate the need to
update the City's General Plan, and that the recommendation
to schedule a presentation by a DIF specialist be held over.
Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion.
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with regard to the time frame for review, the Assistant City
Attorney said he believed an initial review of the General
Plan could be accomplished in approximately thirty-five
hours. Mayor Grgas pointed out that the General Plan is in
need of review whether or not impact fees are considered
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pursuant to AB1600, -yet under AB1600 the City would be
required to identify deficiencies and the improvements that
would need to be made in the future and determine the cost
thereof. Discussion continued. Councilman Laszlo asked for
a more definite time estimate for review, suggested that a
moratorium or some other means be considered so that there
will be a manner in which impact fees can be collected, and
noted that a traffic initiative would place a moratorium on
future development. -Councilmember Risner asked if a
moratorium could be placed on major zone changes pending
resolution of this issue. The Assistant City Attorney said
he -believed that findings could be made to support interim
regulations to control future development while the studies
relating to impact fees are being prepared. Councilman Hunt
pointed out that..the City has the ability to deny a zone
change without imposing a moratorium. Mayor Grgas stated
that if impact fees for a major development, such as Bixby,
are the issue, that can be accomplished through a
development agreement, and if that is not the issue then it
would be all development in the City, including single
family, and that he was not certain that would be
constitutional. Councilman Laszlo stated he did not want
additional buildings to be constructed, such as the office
buildings-near the freeway and in the Rossmoor Center,
without-having the impact fees imposed, and it was not his
intent to apply such fees to single family construction.
Councilmember Risner clarified that she had not necessarily
meant to-refer to zoning changes, however suggested that a
moratorium or some other method be looked into and presented
to Council for consideration as an interim measure to assure
that payment of impact fees will be required. -The Assistant
City Attorney advised that some cities have adopted an
interim AB1600 ordinance while the studies and formulas are
being-prepared, however pointed out-that there must be
evidence that will support the formula.
Councilmember- Risner, with consent of Councilmember Wilson,
amended the motion on the floor to include the direction
that staff prepare an interim ordinance for consideration of
the Council with a formula for imposing traffic mitigation
fees during the interim period that the related studies are
taking place. Councilman Hunt asked if the motion was meant
to apply to the issuance of permits and be retroactive. The
response was that it was not. Mayor Grgas explained that
the ordinance would be-effective upon its adoption and
possibly apply to a specified number of units or square
footage. The Assistant City Attorney also noted that the
formula would basically be derived from evidence obtained
from traffic studies and would need to be sustainable in
court.
AYES:
NOES:
Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
APPOINTMENTS - BOARDS and COMMISSIONS
Environmental Oualitv Control Board
Mayor Grgas requested that the District One appointment to
the Environmental Quality Control Board be held over.
Planninq Commission
Councilmember Risner requested that the District Three
appointment to the Planning Commission be held over.
DISCUSSION - CITY -COUNCIL COMPENSATION
Councilman Hunt noted that during the earlier Agency
discussion -it appeared there was consensus that the City
Council compensation of $125 per month is inadequate, and
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stated that if the Council is serious about the issue it
would be necessary to place the matter on the ballot. He
said although he was not encouraging that action, he would
be willing to do so, and in that regard suggested that some
formula be applied to the $125 since the date it was
enacted, and that that be the figure placed on the ballot.
Councilmember Risner pointed out that the Charter is out-of-
date in a number of areas, and suggested that a Charter
Review Committee be established to review the document in
its entirety, Council compensation being just one item of
consideration. She noted that in many charter cities
Council compensation is established pursuant to State law as
it is for general law cities. Discussion followed and the
Council indicated their support for a total review to bring
the Charter into compliance with State law. Council
suggested that it would be advantageous to direct the City
Attorney to review the Charter initially for legal
compliance, and staff clarified that each revision to the
Charter would be considered as a separate ballot issue. In
response to Council, the City Clerk stated that the cost for
a citywide local election could be estimated on the basis of
one dollar per registered voter, that there would only be a
minimal increase of costs for additional ballot measures,
that the cost would be less if such election were
consolidated with the State or national election dates, and
noted that the deadline for March 1990 ballot measures would
be December of this year. At the conclusion of discussion,
Mayor Grgas asked that a report -be forthcoming to the
Council regarding the Charter review process.
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CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
Councilmember Risner reported that the Nominating Committee
of the-League has-selected two nominees for the Second Vice
President position, where it has been customary that the
chairman of the Resolutions Committee move into that
position, however due to an error the Nominating Committee
had not been notified of the- interest of that person in
serving in that position. Councilmember Risner requested
that the Council support the nomination of Sally Ann Miller
of Irvine for the Second Vice President position.
Councilmember Risner said she had hoped that the Council
would consider a resolution regarding the Supreme Court
decision regarding burning of the flag, possibly addressing
some of the legislative remedies at the federal level.
Councilman Hunt stated as a member of the American Legion,
and as one with strong feelings regarding the American flag,
he did not feel that was an issue that local governments
should be dealing with. Discussion followed with members of
the Council indicating their opinions regarding-this issue.
The City Manager suggested that given the strong feelings of
the individual members, that the Council draft the
resolution for consideration, and offered to provide the
Council with copies of any resolutions adopted by other
Orange County cities. Mayor Grgas announced that he was
recently appointed to the Southern California Association of
Governments Public Health, Safety, and Economic Task Force
as a representative of Orange County along with
representatives of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los
Angeles counties, most of the major health agencies, and
affected private sector employees, to consider and assess
the impacts and implementation of the State adopted Air
Quality Management Plan. He noted that there will be
significant changes to lifestyles should any or all of the
legislation proposed be adopted.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no Oral Communications.
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ADJOURNMENT
Wilson moved, second by Laszlo, to adjourn the meeting at
10:42 p.m.
AYES: Grgas, Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
NOES: None Motion carried
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Approved:
~r~
Mayor
Attest:
Seal Beach, California
September II, 1989
The City Council -of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:00-o'clock p.m. with-Mayor Grgas calling the
meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
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ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Grgas
Councilmembers Hunt, Laszlo, Risner, Wilson
Absent: None
Also present: Mr. Nelson, City-Manager--
Mr. Barrow, Assistant City Attorney
Mr. Whittenberg, Director of Development
Services
Mr. Jue, Director of Public Works/
City Engineer
Chief Dorsey, Lifeguard Department
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
WAIVER OF -FULL -READING
Wilson moved, second by Risner, to waive the reading in full
of all ordinances and resolutions and that consent to the
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.
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