HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Min 1984-10-08
9-l7-84 / 9-24-84 / IO-8-84
and ex-offic'
City Council
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Attest:
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C).-.i>>J( 4
City Cle~
-'
Approved:
Notice of Cancelled Meeting
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular City Council
meeting of Monday, September 24, 1984 is hereby cancelled
pursuant to unanimous consent of the Seal Beach City
Council at their regular adjourned meeting of September
l7, 1984. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be
held on Monday, October 8, 1984.
THIS 18th day of September, 1984.
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Seal Beach, California
October 8, 1984
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:00 o'clock p.m. with Mayor Brownell calling
the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Brownell
Counci1members Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
Absent:
None
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Also present: Mr. Parker, City Manager
Mr. Stepanicich, City Attorney
Mr. Joseph, Assistant City Manager
Mr. Hemphill, Director of Public Works/
City Engineer
Mr. Baucke, Director of Development Services
Mrs. Yeo, City Clerk
WAIVER OF FULL READING
Wilson moved, second by Grgas, 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 Counci1members 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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AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Brownell proclaimed October IS to October 19, 1984
as "Safe Schools Week."
Mayor Brownell proclaimed October 7th through October 13th,
1984 as "Fire Prevention Week" and urged all citizens to
visit their nearest fire station on Saturday, October 13th.
October 14th through October 20th, 1984 was proclaimed
"Traffic Safety Week" by Mayor Brownell.
Mayor Brownell proclaimed October, 1984 as "Crime Prevention
Month."
October, 1984 was proclaimed "United Way Month" by the
Mayor.
"Toastmasters Communications Month" was proclaimed for
October, 1984 by Mayor Brownell.
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEAL 3-84 (V-7-84) - NEWKIRK - 3580
TEABERRY CIRCLE
Mayor Brownell declared the public hearing open to consider
Appeal A-3-84 to the Planning Commission's denial of V-
7-84 a request to deviate from the required rear yard setback.
The City Clerk certified that notice of public hearing
had been publiShed and mailed as required by law, and that
no communications had been received either for or against
this matter. Mr. Baucke, Director of Development Services,
presented the staff report and the reasons cited for the
Planning Commission's denial of variance request 7-84.
Mr. Baucke reported that at the conclusion of the August
lSth public hearing, the Commission informed the applicant
of the appeal process and by unanimous consent, waived
the appeal fee due to possible administrative error. Mr.
Baucke reported that one day prior to the Planning Commission
hearing the applicant removed the elevated deck therefore
complied with the sideyard setback. Additionally, he
reported that since th~ Commission hearing and after review
of this matter with the Building Inspector for the area
and neighboring residences, it has been determined that
the spa, gazebo, and deck structure was moved to its present
and proposed location approximately twenty-four days after
the applicant was informed that the new location shown
on his proposed plot plan was in violation of the ten foot
rear setback. Mayor Brownell invited members of the audience
wishing to speak in support of this matter to come to the
microphone and state their name and address for the record.
Mr. Dan NeWkirk, 3580 Teaberry Circle, appellant, stated
that the appeal was filed with the hope of reaching a
satisfactory resolution of this matter and at the
recommendation of the Planning Commission for the reasons
set forth in the application. Mr. Newkirk stated that
the structure in question is a gazebo, purchased as a kit
with the spa, consisting of lattice and platform type decking,
and that most of the decking has been removed pending the
outcome of the public hearing. He stated modifications
have been made in an attempt to meet setback requirements
on the side property and a five foot rear yard setback
as he was initially advised, that he was subsequently
informed a ten foot rear setback is required, noting that
the spa presently complies with City codes. Mr. Newkirk
referred to his residence as a large house with a small
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yard and a kitchen protruding into the back yard with limited
area from the rear of the house to the rear property line.
He stated the subject structure is typical of those found
throughout the City and County, that it fits the spa, offers
decorative appeal and privacy, and that further modifications
would impose considerable costs and effort and pose a
hardship to meet a ten foot rear yard setback. He stated
further that there is presently a five and one-half foot
block wall with plantings of shrubbery and trees which
effectively screens the area from view and that additional
landscaping is planned once construction is completed.
Mr. Newkirk reported that he had surveyed other residential
properties in the area of which about twenty percent of
the homes had structures and trellises visible similar
to his which, he noted, mayor may not be constructed with
proper permits, therefore stated denial of the variance
would deny him the enjoyment of his property in the same
manner as neighboring residences. In response to Council,
Mr. Newkirk stated that a February 3rd letter from the
City called for a permit application and required four
foot rear and side setbacks, upon inspection, the spa
location was determined to be in conformance, however the
gazebo location was cited as too close to the property
line, requiring a five foot setback. He stated he was
subsequently informed of a ten foot rear yard setback
requirement. He confirmed that the original complaint
came from a side neighbor, and explained that the spa is
portable, sitting three feet above ground with no permanent
plumbing, requiring electricity only. Mr. Baucke explained
that the City was made aware of the construction after
it was in place, that a building permit had not been
requested, that setback requirements for a spa is four
feet, and that accessory structures fall within the ten
foot setback requirement. He explained that at the time
the 1979 Uniform Building Code was adopted, a provision
was added designating all water bodies of eighteen inches
or greater depth as a structure and required to meet the'
setback requirements. Mary Lefley, 3570 Teaberry Circle,
stated that the College Park East homes were over-built
when originally constructed which in turn does not allow
for additions or improvements under current law, and spoke
for approval of the variance, stating it is an enhancement
to the property. James Rivard, 3S81 Teaberry Circle, also
expressed his support for granting of the variance. Mr.
William Hoffman, 3590 Teaberry Circle, stated he is an
adjacent neighbor of the Newkirk residence, that the object
of his objection is to the structure enclosing the spa,
not the spa itself, that he had initially informed the
Newkirk's that the structure was in violation of City Code,
and that he subsequently notified the City. Mr. Hoffman
reported two real estate firms have appraised his residence,
reporting the selling price $7,000 to $10,000 less than
market value due to the structure at the Newkirk residence,
and stated his intent to seek legal measures to recover
any financial loss. Mr. Hoffman also reported that the
perimeter wall is less than the required six feet, and
expressed his objection to invasion of his privacy. Mr.
Baucke confirmed that Code requirements for a perimeter
fence is six feet, accessory structures may be fifteen
feet maximum, also that if the subject accessory structure
were removed, the spa itself complies with Code requirements.
Linda De Los Santos, 3S91 Violet, rear neighbor of Mr.
Newkirk, expressed her objection to granting the variance
on the basis that it may reduce the value of her property.
In response to Council, Mr. Baucke acknowledged that the
applicant had stated that the gazebo was purchased as a
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package with the spa, is of basic structural foundation
construction, bolted together as an integral unit, that
the gazebo could be removed, lowered, or modified, however
lowering the structure would not resolve the rear yard
setback requirement, explaining that the structure in
violation could be removed or the entire unit relocated
on the subject property. He also confirmed that a permit
is required for accessory structures such as temporary
spas, storage sheds, etc. Councilman Grgas asked what
legal grounds Mr. Hoffman would have for any financial
loss of his property. The City Attorney responded that
the sole remedy would be. to set aside a decision of the
Council to approve the variance by writ of mandate after
such action by the Council, that this would not be a case
of monetary damages. There were no other communications;
Mayor Brownell declared the public hearing closed.
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RESOLUTION NUMBER 3412 - DENYING APPEAL A-3-84 - NEWKIRK -
3580 TEABERRY CIRCLE
Resolution Number 3412 was presented to Council entitled
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, DENYING APPEAL A-3-84 FILED ON THE PLANNING
COMMISSION'S DENIAL OF VARIANCE V-7-84." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 3412 was waived.
The City Attorney recommended Finding Number 8 of said
Resolution be amended to read "That legal grounds for
approval of a variance under the Seal Beach Municipal Code
do not exist for this application." Clift moved, second
by Brownell, to adopt Resolution Number 3412 as amended.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
In response to a member of the audience, Mr. Baucke again
stated the setback requirements for a spa only are four
feet from the side and four feet from the rear property
line.
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RESOLUTION NUMBER 3410 - SALARY RATES/WAGE SCHEDULE/BENEFITS -
POLICE ASSOCIATION
Resolution Number 3410 was presented to Council entitled
"A 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 CERTAIN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT,
AND REPEALING, ON THE EFFECTIVE DATES SPECIFIED, ALL
RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH." By unanimous consent,
full reading of Resolution Number 3410 was waived. The
Assistant City Manager presented the staff report relating
to employee salaries and benefits for 1984/85 for the Police
Association, Orange County Employees Association, Executive
Management and Middle Management, and reported the
approximate number of employees within each category.
Clift moved, second by Risner, to adopt Resolution Number
3410 as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
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RESOLUTION NUMBER 3413 - SALARY RATES !WAGE SCHEDULE/BENEFITS
SCHEDULE/BENEFITS - ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
Resolution Number 3413 was presented to Council entitled
"A 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 CERTAIN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND REPEALING, ON THE EFFECTIVE
DATES SPECIFIED, ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH."
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By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number
3413 was waived. The City Manager reported Section 10-
D-3 of the M.O.U. amended to read "The City shall not change
medical/dental insurance plans..." Risner moved, second
by Clift, to adopt Resolution Number 3413 as amended.
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AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
RESOLUTION NUMBER 3411 - SALARY RATES!WAGE SCHEDULE BENEFITS -
MANAGEMENT NON-REPRESENTED PART-TIME HOURLY SEASONAL
Reso1utlon Number 3411 was presented to Council entltled
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA, A CHARTERED CITY, ESTABLISHING SALARY RATES,
A SALARY AND WAGE SCHEDULE, AUTHORIZING THE IMPLEMENTATION
OF CERTAIN EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND REPEALING, ON THE EFFECTIVE
DATES SPECIFIED, ALL RESOLUTIONS IN CONFLICT THEREWITH."
By unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number
3411 was waived. Wilson moved, second by Risner, to adopt
Resolution Number 3411 as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
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RESOLUTION NUMBER 3414 - APPROVING FINAL PARCEL MAP NO.
83-1008 - BROWN - 507 OCEAN AVENUE
Resolution Number 3414 was presented to Council entitled
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
APPROVING FINAL PARCEL MAP NO. 83-1008." By unanimous
consent, full reading of Resolution Number 3414 was waived.
Grgas moved, second by Risner, to adopt Resolution Number
3414 as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
RESOLUTION NUMBER 34lS - PROHIBITING COMMERCIAL VEHICLES -
BOLSA AVENUE
Resolution Number 34lS was presented to Council entitled
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH
PROHIBITING COMMERCIAL VEHICLES FROM BOLSA AVENUE." By
unanimou~ consent, full reading of Resolution Number 34lS
was waived. The Director of Public Works presented the
staff report and justification for this action. By
unanimous consent, full reading of Resolution Number 3415
was waived. Risner moved, second by Wilson, to adopt
Resolution Number 34lS as presented.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
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CONSENT CALENDAR - ITEMS "M" THROUGH "R"
Councilmember Risner requested Item "Q" removed from the
Consent Calendar, and Councilman Grgas requested Item "R"
removed. Wilson moved, second by Clift, to approve the
recommended action for items on the Consent Calendar, except
Items "Q and R", as presented.
M. Approved the minutes of the regular City Council
meeting of September 10, 1984.
N. Approved the minutes of the regular adjourned
City Council meeting of September 17, 1984.
O. Approved regular demands numbered 53547 through
53676 in the amount of $506,595.62; regular demands
numbered 53677 through 53873 in the amount of
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$23S,Sl6.31; and payroll demands numbered 10633
through l0799 in the amount of $l36,037.50 as
approved by the Finance Committee and authorized
warrants to be drawn on the Treasury for the same.
P. Approved Navy Contract N62474-84-L-008 to provide
water service to the Naval Weapons Station, and
authorized the City Manager to execute the Contract
on behalf of the City.
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AYES: Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
NOES: None Motion carried
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM "Q" - AGREEMENT - PIER TELESCOPES
Councilmember Risner inquired as to the number of telescopes
being considered, stated her feeling that there should
be no more than one, and expressed concern with the telescope
base design from a safety standpoint, suggesting that it
be flat based for direct mounting on the pier. Mr. Joseph
reported he had been informed that the base is designed
in this manner in order to: 1) allow small children to
step up to use the telescope; and 2) for safety reasons,
whereby the base extends past the width of the telescope,
therefore avoiding intrusion into pedestrian traffic by
the telescope itself. He reported that installation of
two telescopes was being considered, as once existed on
the pier, and verified that there is no expense to the
City relating to this matter. Councilmember Risner moved
to limit the number of telescopes to one; there was no
second to the motion. The Assistant City Manager offered
to investigate alternative telescope designs. Wilson moved, I
second by Clift, to approve the agreement between the City
and SEE Scopes for the placement of telescopes on the pier
on a fifty/fifty revenue share basis, and authorize the
City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the
City.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Wilson
Risner Motion carried
ITEM "R" - MERCHANT PARKING AGREEMENT
Councilman Grgas recommended that section one of the Rules
and RegUlations be amended to reflect no overnight parking
between 1:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. as opposed to 3:00 a.m.,
and inquired as to the procedure for issuance of the permits.
The Assistant City Manager responded that in the past the
Association has announced the availability of the permits
to its membership, placed an ad in the newspaper, and
distributed them on a first come basis. The City Manager
explained that some of the problems associated with
availability of the permits will be eliminated by over-
selling, also, that a number could be retained for
distribution later in the agreement period as the need
arises. Mr. Grgas further recommended that the agreement
be for a period of six months rather than a year and pending
further decisions relative to the downtown revitalization.
Mr. Joseph reported that the cost of the parking permits
to the City is approximately $50. Councilmember Risner
referred to the expanded use of municipal parking areas
under this program, and recommended that merchant parking
in the Main Street lot located in the one hundred block
be limited to the easterly (Tenth Street) portion of that
lot. Grgas moved, second by Clift, to approve the Merchants
Parking Agreement and Rules and Regulations as modified.
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AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
At the request of the City Manager, the Council, by unanimous
consent, amended the agenda to include a report from the
Finance Director.
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REPORT - 1984 TRAN ISSUE
The City Manager presented a report from the Finance Director
regarding the 1984 TRAN Issue that was completed on October
4th by delivery of $2,500,000 in Notes to the Bank of America
and receipt from them of $2,480,552, representing the
proceeds of the sale, less $2l,000 expenses, plus accrued
interest of $1,552. He reported further that the Notes
were sold at 7.45 percent and assuming interest earnings
of $271,000, the City would realize a net gain of $84,750
over the $186,250 interest paid on the TRAN. Members of
the Council commended the staff for their efforts towards
the 1984 Issue.
Mayor Brownell declared a recess at 8:28 p.m. The meeting
reconvened at 8:42 p.m. with Mayor Brownell calling the
meeting to order.
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CERTIFICATE OF EXAMINATION - REFERENDUM PETITION - ORDINANCE
NUMBER 1170 - CITY OF SEAL BEACH BIXBY OLD RANCH BUSINESS
PARK SPECIFIC PLAN
Councilmember Risner requested the right of personal
privilege to make a statement regarding recent articles
appearing in the News Enterprise relating to the Bixby
project, and authored by the Editor of that paper, which
she deemed to be biased, containing personal attacks,
numerous misquotes and inaccuracies. Mrs. Risner also
referred to fliers with a reprint of the news articles
being distributed in the City.
The City Clerk presented the Certification of Examination
of the Referendum Petition to Ordinance Number 1170 as
follows:
"I, Joanne Yeo, City Clerk of the City of Seal Beach,
California, do hereby certify that a Referendum petition
protesting the adoption of Ordinance Number 1170, "City
of Seal Beach Bixby Old Ranch Business Park Specific Plan",
was filed in the office of the City Clerk on August 28,
1984, that said petition consisted of ninety-three (93)
sections and contained an actual total of three thousand
twenty-one (3,02l) signatures affixed thereto. That the
number of registered voters of the City as last reported
to the Secretary of State by the County Clerk (Registrar
of Voters) was eighteen thousand three hundred eighty-five
(18,385), verified on August 28, 1984, ten percent (10%)
of which being one thousand eight hundred thirty-nine
(l,839), the requisite number of valid voter signatures
required to qualify the referendum petition pursuant to
the California Elections Code.
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I do hereby further certify that the results of the
examination of said petition are as follows:
Total petition Sections Examined 63
Total signatures affixed thereto and
subject to examination 2218
Total valid signatures as determined
from the records of registration 2070
,
Total number of signatures deemed
to be invalid l48
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Pursuant to the above stated facts, I, Joanne Yeo, City
Clerk of the City of Seal Beach, California, do hereby
declare and certify the Referendum Petition protesting
the adoption of City of Seal Beach Ordinance Number ll70
to be sufficient.
DATED THIS 26th day of September, 1984.
Joanne M. Yeo, City Clerk
City of Seal Beach"
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The City Clerk reported that the City Council, upon submittal
of the Certificate of Examination, has the following options:
I) repeal Ordinance Number 1170 in its entirety; 2) call
a Special Election at the October 8th meeting; or 3) postpone
the order of a Special Election until a later date. The
City Clerk stated election documents necessary to call
an election had been provided to the Council for their
consideration, and recommended that if it was the intent
of the Council to call an election, that the order be
postponed until the next regular Council meeting so that
the election date would fall in late January. Risner moved,
second by Grgas, to receive and file the Certificate of
Examination. Councilman Clift expressed his feeling that
it may have been shown that nearly three thousand qualified
persons supported the referendum if it had been necessary
to examine the entire petition.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
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Mayor Brownell recommended that discussion on this matter
be limited to a half hour for each opposing viewpoint.
The City Attorney clarified that pursuant to the Elections
Code, after the Certification of Examination is presented,
the Council must then reconsider the Ordinance, decide
whether or not to repeal the Ordinance, and if a decision
is made not to repeal, then the only other option is to
call an election. He explained that the Code does not
specify when an action to repeal must take place, also
that it is within the authority of the Council to postpone
calling an election until a later date, noting that should
a motion to repeal the Ordinance fail, the Ordinance would
remain suspended until such time as an election is held.
Mr. John FOllis, 4372 Elder Avenue, referendum proponent
and co-chairman of the Concerned Citizens of Seal Beach,
expressed his opposition to Ordinance 1170 and requested
Council action for its repeal, stating he had no objection
to development of the parcel, however any development should
be within the thirty-five foot height limit and comply
with other City development regulations. Mr. Marsh Blu,
4409 Ironwood, petition circulator, referred to the number
of signatures gathered on the petition and the ease of
obtaining same, and stated his feeling that the citizens
do not want seventy foot buildings and the density of the
Bixby project. He stated he had suggested to Councilmember
Risner that a meeting be held regarding the Bixby project,
which was arranged and held, however not as he had
specifically proposed, that his stated objective was to
find a compromise area where another project could be
submitted and have citizen support. Mr. Blu asked that
Ordinance Number 1170 be repealed. Mr. Jay Covington,
4260 Dogwood Avenue, stated he felt that the meeting that
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had been arranged to discuss the proposed Plan, with Bixby
in attendance, was appropriate and useful, and represented
a last effort to determine if there was a basis for
reconciliation of both sides. Mr. Covington stated he
wished to request Council repeal of Ordinance 1l70, stating
the potential of City liability as his main concern, and
citing ultimate assessment of taxpayers as a means to satisfy
City liability in the event of a disaster. As requested
by Council, the City Attorney responded to the matter of
liability for the City and its taxpayers, noting that he
had previously addressed this issue to the Council by
memorandum. Mr. Stepanicich summarized that at the present
time reference can only be made to existing law as to what
the City's rights or obligations would be, that there is
statutory immunity for the City from liability in those
cases where it acts in a legislative or discretionary manner.
He stated that in this case the City is acting in a
legislative capacity in a discretionary manner in approving
or disapproving the Plan. He added that if one were to
presume that at some time in the future the legislature,
for one reason or another, repealed the immunity, it would
become a question as to whether the City was negligent
or not and therefore there would be a review of the record
before the City Council. He stated that due to the fact
that the proposed Specific Plan was consistent with the
Orange County Airport Land Use Plan, and based upon the
environmental studies that were done at the request of
the City and received by the Council, it was their opinion
that the City had acted reasonably in investigating and
researching the matter prior to the time that it took action,
so that the risk of liability from a point of view of
negligence does not seem to be a severe one. The City
Attorney referred to the second issue, whether or not
individual taxpayers would be found liable in the case
of a crash on that property, and reported they were not
aware of any law where an individual taxpayer could ever
be held liable in the case of a judgement against the City,
such judgement would be strictly against the City government
itself, not against its individual residents or taxpayers.
He stated additionally that should there be a crash at
that site the City would more than likely be involved in
litigation, however the question would then become whether
or not the City would be held liable, and on that basis
it was felt that the chance of liability was not a serious
one under existing California law. He further clarified
that under Proposition 13 there can not be a real property
tax exceeding the present one percent limitation, and under
existing law, assessments are available to cities with
respect to capital improvements and maintenance districts
of improvements, explaining that there are no procedures
set forth for assessment of court imposed liability. Mr.
Van Tarver, 4380 Elder Avenue, and Mr. Ken Radcliff, 4880
Hazelnut Avenue, expressed their opposition to the
development, the height of the buildings, commented on
citizen support of the referendum, newspaper articles
relating to the Bixby project, and urged that Ordinance
Number 1170 be repealed. Mr. Frank Laszlo, 4480 Candleberry
Avenue, stated his perception of what citizens would consider
an acceptable development on this site: I) the original
project approved in 1980, nine acres of commercial and
nine acres of light manufacturing; 2) any project that
is allowed under the Code without variances or minor
variances; 3) garden office buildings within the height
limit; and 4) any combination of the above.
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Mr. Howard McCurdy, 13922 EI Dorado Drive, commenced by
stating aircraft patterns can be traced directly over his
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Leisure World residence, referred to the various objections
raised regarding this project, expressing his feeling that
traffic would possi9ly be the only valid argument against
the project and noted that any project will generate
additional traffic. Mr. McCurdy stated the thirty-five
foot height limit has long since been broken, referred
to Leisure World's request for a height variance some years
back which ultimately cost its residents about two and
one-half million dollars due to delays and increased
construction costs and substantially increased the cost
of the condominiums. He expressed his feeling that the
height limitation should be raised for everything north
of the Hill, and suggested that it will be necessary for
Leisure World to construct high-rise at sometime in the
future in order to maintain housing for the elderly. Mrs.
Barbara Lukinovich, 70l Marvista Avenue, stated her support
for the project, and that citizens in favor of the
development will express their views at the polls if an
election is called to resolve this matter.
Councilm~mber Wilson reported that of the persons she has
spoken with that had signed the petition, they did not
understand that the petition was for anything other than
placing the issue on the ballot, and that they were not
opposed to the height or the project. Counci1member wilson
stated she has reassessed and studied the project thoroughly
and still feels it will be an asset to Seal Beach. She
stated she has heard almost unanimous support for the
project from Leisure World and College Park West, also
from persons in Rossmoor and that portion of College Park
East in District Two. Mrs. Wilson expressed her feeling
that any threat from the air would have been to Leisure
World rather than the eighteen acre Bixby site, that Leisure
World has lived in harmony with the Armed Forces Reserve
Center since its existance, that the traffic study is
authentic and acceptable and that traffic changes proposed
will have a positive effect on traffic in the area, and
that the proposed building height for that particular site
under the Specific Plan is legal and far superior to a
possible seventy-five foot manufacturing development under
the General Plan. Mrs. Wilson expressed her respect for
the validity of the referendum process, however stated
the persons initiating the referendum become responsible
for the cost of a special election rather than the Council.
councilmember Wilson stated she feels strongly that once
the Bixby land is developed, residents of the area will
be pleased with the asthetic improvement and the added
revenue to the City. Mayor Brownell reported for the record
that he had received a communication from James Hagadorn,
408 Emerald Place, making reference to his letter to the
editor published September 20, 1984 in the News Enterprise,
urging the Council to reconsider their vote in favor of
the Bixby Specific Plan. Councilman Clift referred to
the location of the Bixby property in relation to the A.F.R.C.
and Leisure World, citing the greater potential for a crash
at the eighteen acre location, also the reference made
to the possibility of building a seventy-five foot high
structure on the M-I zoned portion of that site, to which
he expressed his disagreement with the legal opinion of
the Code provisions. He made further reference to a 1975
Council action rezoning the eighteen acre Bixby parcel,
which used nine acres to describe the area rezoned M-l,
and noted that the Code states that a building in excess
of thirty-five feet is only allowed on sites of ten acres
or more, and expressed his feeling that the intent of the
Council was to prohibit any building exceeding thirty-five
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feet on that site. Councilmember Risner expressed her
respect for the referendum process, noting that the petition
reflects the wishes of its signers to express their views
on this project or support resolution of the matter through
the election process, stating however that the majority
of the City's registered voters have yet to express their
opinion, therefore the petition would not mandate a change
of her position on the project. Mrs. Risner stated that
concerns expressed relating to the project have been studied
and mitigated in the best possible way, she referenced
testimony relating to air traffic safety to which the Deputy
Attorney General presented a statement on behalf of the
AFRC and the FAA had given approval, and reviewed the
numerous conditions placed on the project and resulting
amenities to the City. Counci1member Risner referred to
the 1980 development plan for the Bixby site that would
result in more traffic, retail/commercial use that would
dilute downtown and Rossmoor business, and pointed out
that Bixby will not build corporate offices that are not
visible from the freeway. Councilman Clift stated that
concern lies with persons on the ground, noting that the
FAA's concern is with airspace, expressing his feeling
that if the thirty-five foot height were maintained, the
density would be spread out, thereby reducing the number
of persons within a building. He mentioned the AFRC Master
Plan that had been submitted, then withdrawn by the Deputy
Attorney General, which set forth a new orientation of
the APZ's which allowed one-third of the site to be free
of that zone. Mr. Clift referred to a conversation he
had with Deputy Attorney General Blake regarding possible
legal response from Bixby if this Plan were turned down
and in some way implicate the Air National Guard in that
action, and a discussion relating to the 1980 approved
Plan, which Bixby ultimately withdrew and redesigned.
Councilmember Risner stated it was her understanding that
if the Council made a determination to deny the Plan on
the basis of air safety, that action would leave the City
open for an inverse condemnation suit by Bixby. The City
Attorney responded that the question had come up at the.
Planning Commission level as to whether or not the City
could impose an air crash zone on the property and it was
the opinion that if the City took action to down zone the
property to the extent where there was no economic use,
the City could be subject to an inverse condemnation suit.
He also confirmed that there are no APZ's on that site
at this time. A member of the audience stated APZ One
and Two zones exist at the federal level for the land leased
to the Air National Guard. Councilman Clift reported
communication with the Aviation Division of CalTrans in
Sacramento prior to the July 9th meeting, during which
he was advised that they were in receipt of correspondence
regarding establishment of .the APZ's as part of the AFRC
Master Plan, to which the CalTrans representative said
he concurred, also, that the representative had advised
he would be in attendance at the JUly 9th meeting. Mr.
Clift reported that he was later informed that the CalTrans
representative had been at the AFRC, however had returned
to Sacramento, and stated he could only assume that the
Ca1Trans representative had been advised by the Deputy
that this matter was under the reigns of the State National
Guard, therefore the representative chose not to attend
that meeting.
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Risner moved, second by Wilson, to hold over a final decision
to call a special election until next meeting. The City
Attorney clarified that a motion for the repeal of Ordinance
Number 1170 was not necessary, that the entire matter would
be returned for consideration at the next meeting.
10-8-84
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
APPOINTMENT - SEAL BEACH ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AUTHORITY
Councilman Grgas moved to appoint Ms. Mitzi Morton to the
Seal Beach Administration Building Authority representing
Councilmanic District One for the unexpired term ending
July 1986. Councilmember Wilson seconded the motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
I
APPOINTMENTS - CABLE COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION
Mayor Brownell moved to appoint Mr. Howard McCurdy to the
Cable Communications Foundation representing Councilmanic
District Five for the full term of two years. Mrs. Wilson
seconded the motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
Councilmember wilson moved to appoint Mrs. Teri Jones to
the Cable Foundation from District Two for the full term
of two years. Mrs. Risner seconded the motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
Councilman Grgas moved to appoint Mr. Peter Arnold to the
Cable Foundation representing District One for the full
term of two years. Councilmember Risner seconded the motion.
AYES:
NOES:
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
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The City Attorney reported that an organizational meeting
of the Foundation can not be held until approval is received
for the entity from the State Tax Board.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Brownell declared oral communications open. Councilman
Grgas reported he had attended a recent meeting of the
Seal Beach Homeowners Association and that a letter would
be forthcoming from the Association requesting City
assistance regarding the Happy Holiday Hotel on Seal Beach
Boulevard and the surrounding two block area, and that
the Association would also be suggesting that a Citizens
Committee be formed to assist in future plans for that
area. Mr. Grgas also reported trucks are again parking
on Seal Beach Boulevard. Councilman Clift reported concerns
expressed by his constituents regarding the operation of
motor vehicles in residential areas as it relates to the
potential of accident or serious injury. He reported that
a letter has been completed for forwarding to all residents,
bringing this matter to attention and requesting evaluation
and discussion of driving habits. Mr. Brian Sweeney, 140 -
lOth Street, stated his prev~ous involvement with the I
Zoeter School Cultural Center Board, the goal being to
formulate a plan to retain the Zoeter site as public use.
Mr. Sweeney reported he had received inquiries from parents
regarding the status of the Zoeter site, and suggested
that any Council discussion of this matter should include
interested public. Councilmember Risner stated it may
be timely to commence public discussions relative to the
Zoeter site. In response to Council discussion, the City
Manager reported that in his discussions with persons
10-8-84 / 10-22-84
I
involved with the preschool and day care operations a
statement was made that they would be included in any
proposal made by the Zoeter School Cultural Center Non-
profit Group regarding lease the facilities, that he had
not spoken on behalf of the City. Mr. Sweeney asked if
a date has been established for submittal of plans by the
Cultural Group for the Zoeter site. The City Manager
responded that nothing definite was forthcoming to his
knowledge. There were no other oral communications; Mayor
Brownell declared oral communications closed.
CLOSED SESSION
The City Manager reported the Closed Session was no longer
necessary.
ADJOURNMENT
Wilson moved,
at 10:45 p.m.
AYES:
NOES:
second by Risner, to adjourn the meeting
Brownell, Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
None Motion carried
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Approved: ~-'
f',
i
,
~'..v ~..I' J.... _..rJ~.e _
Mayor
/
Attest:
'/1--1
, .
, '
.
Seal Beach, California
October 22, 1984
The City Council of the City of Seal Beach met in regular
session at 7:00 o'clock p.m. with Mayor Brownell calling
the meeting to order with the Salute to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
Present:
Mayor Brownell
Councilmembers Clift, Grgas, Risner, Wilson
Absent:
None
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Also present: Mr. Parker, City Manager
Mr. Stepanicich, City Attorney
Mr. Joseph, Assistant City Manager
Mr. Baucke, Director of Development Services
Sgt. Stearns, Police 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