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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1984-02-27 2-27-84 Seal Beach, California February 27, 1984 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. ROLL CALL Present: I Mayor Grgas Counci1members Brownell, Laszlo, Vanderstaay Absent: Councilmember Risner Also present: Mr. Parker, City Manager Mr. Stepanicich, City Attorney Mr. Joseph, Assistant City Manager Mr. Johnson, Director of Public Works/ City Engineer Mr. Osteen, Recreation Director Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk Brownell moved,' second by Vanderstaay, to excuse the absence from this meeting of Counci1member Risner, as she had requested. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried WAIVER OF FULL READING Brownell moved, second by Vanderstaay, 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. I AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried RESOLUTION NUMBER 3354 - JAPANESE PIONEERS OF ORANGE COUNTY Resolution Number 3354 was presented to Council and read in part by Mayor Grgas entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH IN RECOGNITION AND COMMENDATION OF THE JAPANESE PIONEERS OF ORANGE COUNTY." By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 3354 was waived. Laszlo moved, second by Vanderstaay, to adopt Resolution Number 3354 as presented. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried RESOLUTION NUMBER 3355 - SUPPORTING AB 2099 - PARK BOND BALLOT ISSUE Resolution Number 3355 was presented to Council entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH SUPPORTING AB 2099, THE PARK BOND BALLOT ISSUE." By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 3355 was waived. Brownell moved, second by Vanderstaay, to adopt Resolution Number 3355 as presented. I AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried 2-27-84 CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "c" THROUGH "I" Councilman Laszlo requested that Item "E" be removed from the Consent Calendar; Mayor Grgas requested that Item "F" be removed. Laszlo moved, second by Vanderstaay, to approve the recommended action for items on the Consent Calendar as presented, except for Items "E" and "F". I C. Approved the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February l3, 1984 as presented. D. Approved regular demands numbered 51087 through 51254 in the amount of $392,418.05 and payroll demands numbered 8028 through -8173 in the amount of $ll6,14l.67 as approved by the Finance Committee and authorized warrants to be drawn on the Treasury for the same. As a matter of record it was reported that the total for regular demands as shown on the February 13th agenda should be corrected to read $693,361.85 rather than $1,222,797.53. G. Approved the plans and specifications for Project Number 536, Edison Park Sprinkler System Improvements, appropriated $33,000 ($20,000 State Bond Funds and $l3,OOO Environmental Reserve Funds) to cover the cost of the project, and authorized the City Manager to advertise for bids. I H. Approved the plans and specifications for the McGaugh School Pool Filtration System, budget allocation of $46,000, and authorized the City Manager to advertise for bids. I. Parking Agreement - Old Town Merchants Association - see Council action later in this meeting. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM "E" - REVISED YEAR-END BALANCES The City Manager reported that the Finance Director has provided revised projected 1983/84 revenues and expenditures, showing a General Operating Fund increase of approximately $280,000, and an overall estimated increase to the total General Funds of $273,000, in addition," Redevelopment Agency revenues of $138,060, which could allow some repayment of the Agency's debts to the City. Mr. Parker pointed out that the General Operating Fund has improved somewhat, however remains a deficit balance of $446,000, which has been the case for several years. Laszlo moved, second by Vanderstaay, to receive and file the report. I AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried ITEM "F" - PLANS and SPECIFICATIONS - ALLEY RECONSTRUCTION - 1984 Mayor Grgas inquired as to plans and a time frame for improvements to alleys north of Electric Avenue. The Director of Public Works reported that there is a priority list for alley reconstruction proposed for the next five years which is updated annually. He explained that one 2-27-84 factor directly effecting prioritization is the size and condition of the water mains as well as the sewer system. Mr. Johnson stated he did not recall the time frame for reconstruction of the alleys referred to, noting that alley improvements have been distributed throughout the downtown area over the next two to three years. Grgas moved, second by Brownell, to approve the plans and specifications for Alley Reconstruction, 1984, and authorized the City Manager to advertise for bids. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried I RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK As background for the proposal to utilize the First Street Beach Parking Lot for Recreational Vehicle Use, the City Manager stated that following the passage of Proposition 13, California cities faced the problem of providing a quality level of service within the decreased property tax revenues, which equalled one-sixth of the Seal Beach General Fund budget. Mr. Parker reported a $900,000 annual savings has resulted through contracting for fire and paramedic services, and tree trimming, by eliminating twentyeight full time positions and reducing part-time employees. He reported further that revenues have been increased through water, sewer and refuse charges, building permit fees, animal licenses and other minor fees and permits in order to recoup operating and overhead costs. In addition, a Lighting and Landscaping Assessment District was formed, freeing approximately $300,000 General Fund monies for capital improvements such as repair of local streets and the replacement of pOlice and public works vehicles. Mr. Parker noted that the Assessment District has not been well received, therefore the staff has continued to research means of raising revenues necessary for capital improvements. The City Manager also pointed out that effort continues to secure a hotel on the D.W.P. property, and at one time the sale of city-owned property was proposed; in addition, conversion of the Old City Hall to office use for an estimated $20,000 annual revenue has been initiated, and Mortgage Revenue Bonds issued for the Riverbeach Townhomes for which the developer agreed to pay in-lieu property tax payments to the City. The City Manager reported that revenues generated from a recreational vehicle park at First Street could eliminate the need to enact another Assessment District, and if approved, could be operational by the Summer Olympics. Mr. Parker read communications received from Richard Miller, Manager, Marine Bureau, City of Long Beach and Captain Douglas D/Arna1l, Beach Division, City of Huntington Beach, regarding recreational vehicle lots in those communities. The Assistant City Manager reported that the concept of the recreational park is to' transform the present 138 space day-use lot into 49 recreational vehicle and 33 day-use spaces, the lot to be operated on a twenty-four hour basis from June through September, with weekend and day-use only for the remainder of the year. Mr. Joseph reported that spaces would be available by reservation only, obtainable through a local travel agency, with occupancy limited to thirty days maximum. In addition, he reported the Park would be staffed with City personnel on a twenty-four hour per day basis to enforce strict regulations. Mr. Joseph stated that revenues generated from the First Street lot during 1983 were $31,918 and mostly during the peak season. He presented an overview of projected revenues from an I I 2-27-84 I RV lot based upon $40/day charge for six spaces designated for vehicles in excess of twenty-five feet in length, $30/day for the additional recreational vehicle spaces, and $1.50 per day space, $322,32l; annual expenditures for personnel, maintenance and travel agency costs, $96,993; with an estimated first year revenue of $186,910, including the one time expenditure of $6,500 for modifications to the parking lot. I Mayor Grgas acknowledged with appreciation, staff efforts to increase revenues without going to the taxpayer, however referred to adversities of the proposal such as traffic and congestion on local streets, dogs on the beach, general increased use of the area, and submitted for the record a petition opposing the proposed vehicle park containing more than one hundred signatures of residents. Mayor Grgas stated he could not support this proposal. Councilman Brownell stated that the benefit to the City as a whole should be taken into consideration, noting that the proposed Park could eliminate the need for the Assessment District. Counci1member Vanderstaay suggested that consideration be given to implementing the Vehicle Park on a trial basis for a period of one year with the understanding that it could be terminated at any time. Councilman Laszlo referred to the possibility of an increase in City revenues and stated therefore that there may not be the need for this type of revenue generating activity at this time, and suggested that the opinion of the downtown area residents be taken into consideration. Mayor Grgas read a statement from Councilmember Risner for the record, verbatim, as follows: "The recreational vehicle proposal as presented to the City Council by the staff report is not acceptable to me. If such a proposal is to be seriously considered, I believe it should require an environmental impact report, it may require Coastal Commission approval, and the least it must require ia a public hearing. Without having conferred with the City Attorney, I would suggest that a proposal of this matter be handled as a modification of a zoning ordinance, with first and second readings and the accompanying public hearing. However, I am not in favor of spending time and money to prepare the environmental impact report and other documents which would be necessary before any business-like decision could be made. I reiterate my opposition to this proposal." Eleven members of the audience spoke in opposition to the proposed recreational vehicle park, specifically for the following reasons: the proximity to residential properties; disturbance and enforcement problems; the effect on a future hotel development on the D.W.P. site; overflow beach parking on residential streets; referred to the proposal as illegal pursuant to the CC & R's for the properties located south of Ocean Avenue; questioned the estimated cost of modifications to the parking lot area and on-going cost of maintenance; cited the proposed daily charge per space as too high; supported the preparation of an environmental impact report; and expressed the need for advance notification to residents and for public hearings when issues of this nature and impact are considered. Mayor Grgas suggested that it may be worthwhile during the next year to establish a revenue enhancement committee to study creative, acceptable means of increasing City revenues for needed capital improvements. Mr. Eulberg, member of the Downtown Revitalization Task Force, suggested staff look into alternative uses for the parking lot area such as a surf sail launch ramp similar to the one located in a residential area of Long Beach. The City Manager I 2-27-84 recommended that this matter not be continued for discussion if a majority of the Council did not favor the recreational vehicle parking proposal. Brownell moved, second by Vanderstaay, to not approve the proposal. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried I PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS - COLLEGE PARK EAST STREET RECONSTRUCTION - PROJECT NUMBER 534 Councilmember Laszlo requested that this item be held over until a full Council is present. Brownell moved, second by Vanderstaay, to hold this item over as requested. , AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried COMMUNICATION - SURFS IDE - REVETMENT PAYMENT The City Manager reported a communication had been received from Surfside Colony requesting an extension of time for the annual payment towards the revetment construction. Mr. Parker explained that Surfside's intent was to sell three Colony owned lots in order to pay the debt, which has not occurred to date. The City Attorney recommended that any extension be for a specific period of time and set forth in an amendment to the agreement. Councilmember Brownell recalled the urgency under which the Council approved the revetment construction and expressed his displeasure with the request for a payment time extension. Brownell moved to refer this matter to the City Manager and the City Attorney for discussion with the Surfside Board of Directors and agreement upon a reasonable payment date, to be presented to the Council for consideration as an amendment to the agreement with Surfside. Mayor Grgas seconded the motion. I AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Grgas declared oral communications open. The Director of Public Works reported that he and the Police Chief had met with Ca1 Trans to discuss a safety barrier on Pacific Coast Highway between Seal Beach Boulevard and Anderson Street, at which time Ca1 Trans indicated an interest in funding a safety median barrier this year if the Council were to submit a formal request. Mr. Johnson noted that negative aspects of the barrier would be the inability to make a left turn at Philips Street and onto the RCU oil lease access road. Mr. Johnson reported that Surfside indicated they have no objections to the proposed barrier. Mr. Johnson stated his intent to present a formal request of Cal Trans to the City Council for consideration at next meeting. In response to Council, the Director explained that if the project is funded by Cal Trans this year, I construction may not occur for two to three years in the future. The City Manager suggested that subsequent to Council action, support for the project may be solicited that could encourage Ca1 Trans to move up the construction schedule. Mayor Grgas stated he would be circulating a petition in support of the project. The City Attorney reported a recent State Court of Appeals decision with regard to fireworks, whereby cities can continue to prohibit 2-27-84 I their use, however cannot deny their sale. Mr. Stepanicich stated he would be reviewing the City's provisions relating to fireworks and reporting back to Council, and reported it is understood the City of San Jose will file an appeal to this action and that the League may be proposing legislation that would clarify the State statute and a city's authority to regulate the sale and use of fireworks. Mr. Laszlo announced an Earthquake Preparedness meeting to be held in Costa Mesa on March 15th and inquired if City staff would be attending. The City Manager reported that members of the Council and the Police Department Civil Defense representative will be attending. Mr. Laszlo suggested that the Principal Planner also attend. Mayor Grgas reported that he would not be attending the March on the Capital in Sacramento, February 28th, and stated he would return his travel tickets for refund. Mitzi Morton, referred to agenda item "I" and asked if the annual charge to the Merchants Association for parking spaces will remain at $25 for the next year. ITEM "I" - RECONSIDERATION - MERCHANT PARKING AGREEMENT Grgas moved, second by Brownell, to reconsider Item "I". AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay None Risner Motion carried I ITEM "I" - DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS PARKING AGREEMENT The Assistant City Manager reported that Downtown Merchants Association have been permitted by agreement with the City to use parking spaces in the 8th Street parking lot for the past five years at a charge of $25 per space per year. Mr. Joseph stated that sixty spaces were sold to the Association last year, the same proposed for this year. Mr. Joseph also pointed out that the maintenance cost to the City for the lot does not exceed the $25 per space charged, noting that the Association has raised strong opposition to proposed increased charges in the past. It was reported that there are a total of fifty-six spaces in the parking lot, thirteen a110ted to City personnel, five to the Fire Department, and thirty-eight to the Association. Mr. Parker stated that the intent is to provide a service to the merchants and their employees and reduce the parking impact on surrounding areas, explaining that if the fees are too high the employees will not purchase the spaces and will park on the residential streets. Mr. Parker recommended that the Council authorize him to negotiate this matter with the Merchants Association prior to further Council action. Discussion continued. Brownell moved, second by Grgas, to refer this matter back to the City Manager for negotiation with the Association, to be presented to Council the second meeting in March. AYES: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay NOES: None I ABSENT: Risner Motion carried There were no other oral communications; Mayor Grgas declared oral communications closed. ADJOURNMENT Laszlo moved, second by Grgas, to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m. AYES: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Vanderstaay NOES: None ABSENT: Risner Motion carried 2-27-84 / 3-12-84 " icio clerk of Council Approved: I Attest: ~-,...;JJ:i ~ C1 ty Clerk f Seal Beach, California March 12, 1984 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. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Grgas Councilmembers Brownell, Laszlo, Risner, Vanderstaay I Absent: None Also present: Mr. Parker, City Manager Mr. Stepanicich, City Attorney Mr. Joseph, Assistant City Manager Mr. Johnson, Director of Public Works/ City Engineer Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk WAIVER OF FULL READING Brownell moved, second by Vanderstaay, 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: Brownell, Grgas, Laszlo, Risner, Vanderstaay None Motion carried PRESENTATIONS Seal Beach Womens Club President, Mae Miller, presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to the pier Restoration Fund, designated for the purchase of benches for the pier. Mrs. Miller noted that the funds were derived from the sale of the "Game of Seal Beach", sponsored by the Womens Club. The Mayor and Council conveyed appreciation for the donation. I