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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1985-11-07 1l-7-85 Seal Beach, California November 7, 1985 The City Council and the Planning Commission of the City of Seal Beach met in regular adjourned joint session at 7:00 o'clock p.m. with Mayor Risner calling the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Risner Councilmembers Brownell, Clift, Wilson I Chairman Jessner Commissioner Hunt Absent: Councilman Grgas Commissioners Covington, perrin, Ripperdan Councilman Grgas and Commissioner Ripperdan arrived at 7:08 p.m. Also present: Mr. Joseph, Acting City Manager Mr. Baucke, Director of Development Services Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk WAIVER OF FULL READING Clift moved, second by Wilson, 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: Brownell, Clift, Risner, Wilson None Grgas Motion carried I JOINT STUDY SESSION - SEAL BEACH BOULEVARD The Director of Development Services reported that the Seal Beach Boulevard Task Force has met for several months to study possible improvements to Seal Beach Boulevard. Mr. Baucke reported Van Dell and Associates, design consultant, was selected to work with the Task Force in the preparation of the first phase of Seal Beach Boulevard revitalization, the Draft Seal Beach Boulevard Land Use Study, which has been reviewed by the Task Force and forwarded to the Council and Commission. The Director reported the study session is for the purpose of review and consideration of acceptance of phase One, noting that Van Dell and Associates have prepared a proposed scope of work for phase Two, to be considered at the next regular City Council meeting. Councilman Grgas and Commissioner Ripperdan arrived at 7:08 p.m. Mr. Dave Bartlett, presented a review of the Draft Land Use Study prepared by Van Dell and Associates in conjunction I with the Seal Beach Boulevard Task Force. In part, Mr. Bartlett reviewed the current land use of the subject area consisting of sixteen various commercial uses, fifty-two residential uses, one residential commercial, the remaining area being vacant land, noting the majority use being high density residential. He reported current zoning of the area is C-2, general commercial, and reviewed allowable activities under that zoning, which also allows uses permitted 1l-7-85 I by c-o and C-l zoning. Mr. Bartlett stated commercial activities permitted under C-2 zoning are more intensive than those that presently exist, except for the motel, and are not compatible with the adjoining residential neighborhood. He reported the Task Force discussed and identified as a land use worth consideration, a commercial/residential, owner occupied use, combining professional office, general retail and light commercial use with residential in the same building, the business operating from the street level, the residence being above. Mr. Bartlett referred to Pacific Electric easement of approximately ten thousand square feet with one hundred foot frontage on Seal Beach Boulevard, owned in fee by the U. S. Government who in turn granted a perpetual easement to the Pacific Electric Company, the real estate division known as Santa Fe Realty, said easement connecting to Electric Avenue. He stated a preliminary title report determined the property ownership and encumbrances thereon, also that information has been obtained from the Assessor and the State Board of Equalization showing an assessed value of about $lO,OOO or one dollar per square foot. Mr. Bartlett reported that the easement allows Pacific Electric to do nothing with the property except operate and maintain a railroad, preliminary discussions with Pacific Electric indicating they are not interested in retaining the land, and suggested that the City could make an offer to obtain the easement and subsequently the land from the federal government. Councilman Grgas noted that the P.E. land is unattractive, unusable due to the easement and its ownership, and suggested the City could obtain the land and possibly place it on the market. Mr. Bartlett added that it would be a possibility to subdivide that property to twenty-five by one hundred foot lots, market them, which in turn could finance the entire Seal Beach Boulevard revitalization program. Mr. Bartlett referred to the entrance onto Seal Beach Boulevard, a right-of-way owned by the City, as an entrance to the old town area which receives high visibility from traffic flow, that provides an opportunity for entrance identification, landscaping and screening. He reported that the Navy has completed a landscape plan for the Boulevard north and south of Pacific Coast Highway, to be placed five feet inside their fence, noting however that the funds alloted south of PCH is quite small. Mr. Bartlett expressed his feeling that a viable landscape plan can be developed that would be compatible and to the satisfaction of both the City and the Navy, while taking into consideration security and maintenance problems. Mr. Bartlett confirmed that he could obtain the landscape plans for information of the City. with regard to the open drainage channel to the east side of the Boulevard, Mr. Bartlett reported it to be an open ditch intended to flow from the direction of Pacific Coast Highway to Anaheim Bay, noting that the channel is not being maintained in an operable manner by the City. He reported the Task Force discussed solutions to the drainage problems, reconstruction being one that would require an engineering study, another alternative being to clean and maintain the channel, and provide landscaping to screen it from view. It was suggested that a study could also be made to determine the cost differential of connection with the storm drain versus maintenance costs, also that the Engineering/public works Department look into alternatives and costs. Mr. Bartlett continued, reporting that the Task Force suggested that a new parking design should be considered on the Boulevard, which presents the opportunity to restripe, provide angular parking on the west side of I I 11-7-85 the street, which would increase parking spaces by twelve percent, and eliminate parking on the east side, which has traditionally been a problem. Also that a median, similar to that on First street, be constructed, the bikeway be upgraded, the Boulevard resurfacing, street furniture, bus shelters, etc., be added, the preliminary plans for such improvements having received Task Force approval. Mr. Bartlett reviewed a sketch of design concepts for Seal Beach Boulevard. He reported some constraints with utilities on the street, explaining that those located on the east side are of a voltage that could be undergrounded, that I he is in the process of discussing such undergrounding with utility company consultants, noting that it is felt relocation of utilities on the west side would be costly. It was noted that the City has established projects for future undergrounding, is seeking funds for undergrounding Main street, therefore it may be necessary to reevaluate undergrounding priorities. It was clarified that a bikeway currently exists in both directions on Seal Beach Boulevard, that the Task Force would like to retain those bikeways, and it was pointed out that the bikeways are a requirement of the Bicycle Element of the General Plan. It was noted that if widening of the street is considered, it would not require acquisition of property and could be accomplished with existing right-of-ways. In response to those present, Mr. Bartlett offered that subdivision and sale of the P.E. easement property would be the most beneficial use of that property rather than additional parking use. Mr. Bartlett reported the Task Force had not made a determination as to the specific type of curbing proposed, concrete or bumper curbing, that to be determined based upon safety factors. Mr. Bartlett reviewed those areas identified as constraints to the project. with specific reference to the Happy Holiday Motel, the Director of Development Services reported it was originally approved as a hotel use, and would require a Conditional Use Permit to operate as an apartment/residential I use, which has never taken place, noting also that they do not pay a transient occupancy tax. Discussion continued. The Director reported consideration is being given to a zone change for Seal Beach Boulevard that wou19 allow low density residential use on a second story in conjunction with a commercial use, also that it may be possible to create a viable use of the vacant parcels in conjunction with the property owners. There was further discussion regarding potential enhancement and expanded use of existing business/residential properties on the Boulevard. Mr. Bartlett noted that construction of the median and increased landscaping would tend to slow traffic and improve safety of motorists and bicyclists. Mr. Baucke added that there have been inquiries requesting the mix of commercial/residential use in the subject area, however is not allowed under current zoning. He noted that a residence on the second story would create certain amenities such as a view of Anaheim Bay, the ocean, and southerly coastline, therefore improving marketability. Mr. Bartlett reviewed their scope of services for Phase Two of the project which would consist of Master planning, including a street and landscape plan, circulation plan, construction and engineering estimates and a construction phasing program for implementation, and suggestions for architectural expression and on-site (private) landscaping. I In response to Council, Mr. Baucke reported $18,000 was budgeted for study and design of Seal Beach Boulevard improvements approximately two years ago, about $2500 expended to date, noting phase Two to be on the next Council agenda for consideration. The Mayor suggested that the Council consider prioritizing the various projects throughout the City for long term direction. The Council thanked Mr. Bartlett for his presentation; Mr. Bartlett stated he had enjoyed working with the Task Force and staff, and would 11-7-85 look forward to continued association with the City. Councilman Grgas stated he may not be in attendance at Tuesday's meeting, however would like phase Two to be favorably considered or postponed until the following meeting. AGENDA AMENDED Grgas moved, second by Clift, to amend the agenda to include an additional item as requested by the Acting City Manager. I AYES: NOES: Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson None Motion carried PURCHASE - ENGINEERING STAFF CAR Risner moved, second by Grgas, to authorize purchase of a replacement vehicle for the Engineering Department, one 1983 Olsmobile 88 Royale from Browning Oldsmobile/Isuzu for the budgeted price of $7500, that the bidding procedures be dispensed with pursuant to Municipal Code Section 2- 25(f) from a sole source vendor, and that the 1974 Ford Torino be declared surplus so that the vehicle may be used towards the purchase of the 1983 vehicle. AYES: NOES: Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson None Motion carried It was the unanimous consensus of the Council to excuse the absence of Councilman Grgas from the next meeting if he is unable to attend. I In the event he is unable to attend Tuesday's meeting, Councilman Grgas requested that the Business Improvement Area item be held over until next meeting. Planning Commission Chairman Jessner reported that the Commission took action at their meeting the previous evening to review provisions governing entertainment permits, staff to provide the Commission with a report and proposed Code amendment. Mr. Jessner stated it was the Commission's understandJpg that entertainment required a Conditional Use perm~-i"however review of the Code revealed that entertainment is permitted without a CUP if the subject business is in excess of one hundred feet from a residential property. Chairman Jessner stated further that the Commission will also be considering regulations to control portable buildings. In response to Council, the Director of Development Services reported the unscreened satellite dish at Monsoon Mike's is not in compliance with the Code at this time, that discussions are continuing with the contractor to resolve the problem. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were no oral communications from the audience. ADJOURNMENT Grgas moved, second by Clift, with unanimous consent of the Planning Commission members present, to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. 1 AYES: NOES: Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson None Motion carried Approved: Attest: