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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-09-12APPROVED MINUTES JOINT MEETING HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION & RECREATION & PARKS COMMISSION Room B-8, Civic Center Huntington Beach, California TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1978 - 7:00 P.M. PLANNING COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Higgins, Russell, Stern, Finley, Cohen, Bazil, Paone RECREATION & PARKS COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Cooper, Duarte, Nemoede, Jensen, Kennedy, Mossteller, Vander Molen RECREATION & PARKS COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Costa, Osness, Osterlund, Roop DISCUSSION OF PARKS ISSUES IN SEACLIFF AREA: Acting Planning Director Jim Palin explained that the purpose of this session was to solidify policy direction from the two Commissions relative to park needs and planning in the Seacliff area. He noted that while the immediate concern was being generated by Seacliff IV, the issues involve the whole Huntington Beach Company area from Garfield to Palm. Monica Florian presented a summary of background information regarding parks planning in the area. She reviewed existing plans calling for four park sites in the vicinity and discussed the uncertainty of school district plans. Mrs. Florian discussed the approximate 14.5 acres of park dedication currently owed or proposed by Huntington Beach Company developments and reviewed several of the options being considered for disposition of this debt: 1. prepare a comprehensive master plan for the area prior to commit- ment on any park acreage 2. utilize all acreage to secure a foothold on the regional linear park 3. secure neighborhood park sites in proximity to developed areas and devote only excess acreage to the linear park 4. utilize 10 acres of the existing and proposed park dedication to complete park commitments at Main/17th and Palm/Goldenwest with remaining land for the linear park or neighborhood park. Recreation and Parks Director Norm Worthy expounded further on proposed number 4 and Mr. Moffet of the Huntington Beach City Schools District explained the uncertainty of future school site locations in the area. The two Commissions debated the merits of a neighbor- hood park at Palm and Goldenwest. Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission & Rec & Parks Commission Tuesday, September 12, 1978 Page 2 Commissioner Higgins stated that neighborhood park needs should be satisfied as development occurs and that the linear park might or might not be a part of that. Commissioner Paone felt that the linear park could serve as a neighborhood facility but not necessarily fulfill total neighborhood park need. Commissioner Stern felt that the Palm and Goldenwest site was undesirable as a park because it does not really serve Seacliff nor does it meet the greater park needs of the Townlot Area. Commissioner Stern requested that some attention be given to identifying an appropriate site for a Townlot park. Recreation and Parks Commissioner Kennedy stated that the current parks plan had been developed over time with the needs of the entire community in mind and said that it was improper for the Planning Commission to judge the Palm-Goldenwest site and the Main-17th site solely in relation to the Seacliff area. Recreation and Parks Commissioner Vander Molen expressed concern that land use and population projections had been changing in the Seacliff area without the Recreation and Parks Commission or the School District being advised. She felt that no decision be made until further analysis is made. Commissioner Russell agreed, saying that decisions on parks in Seacliff should be made in the context of the overall City Parks Plan. Mrs. Florian summarized the direction being given to staff: 1. The formulation of an overall parks plan for Seacliff is desirable but should not halt current decision making on development or parks in the area. 2. The Commissions support the concept of the linear park and should assist the County in its planning especially by determining the ultimate alignment of 38th Street. 3. A rigid distinction between the regional linear park and neighborhood parks is unnecessary and undesirable. A linear park can assist in 'illing neighborhood park needs but it should not totally rL-place the idea of individual neighborhood parks. 4. There is not yet agreement as to the disposition of park dedi- cations generated by Huntington Beach Company development. The Planning Commission generally feels that the dedication should be used within the Seacliff area to serve those residents directly. However, the Planning Commission concurs with the Recreation and Parks Commission that any decision be made keeping the overall City Parks Plan in mind. The Recreation and Parks Commission is generally supportive of the existing parks plan in regard to Main/17th and Palm/Goldenwest. The Recreation and Parks Commission adjourned. 1 -2- 9/12/78 - PC 1 Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission & Rec & Parks Commission Tuesday, September 12, 1978 Page 3 The Commission recessed for 15 minutes. The Commission reconvened. Commissioner Paone suggested that a subcommittee be formed to work directly with the Huntington Beach Company on future planning of the whole Seacliff area including 38th Street alignment, park and school needs, and ultimate density. Commissioner Bazil suggested that park sites be secured on the basis of the imminence of development. He felt this made the Main/17th site more critical than the linear park. Chairman Finley stated that due to Proposition 13, the whole concept of neighborhood parks and schools should be reanalyzed. Commissioner Russell felt it was critical that the school sites be determined prior to commitment on park sites. He also recommended that Council liaison be a member of the subcommittee. Chairman Finley appointed Commissioners Paone, Bazil, and Stern to the subcommittee with Commissioner Russell as alternate. Councilman Mandic agreed from the audience to participate. 38th STREET ALIGNMENT Associate Planner Bryan Austin reviewed possible alingment alter- natives for 38th Street. Commissioner Bazil, Stern, and Higgins suggested that Seacliff IV be required to provide full dedication of 38th Street as a condition of approval. The Commission also suggested that a Plan of Street Alignments for 38th Street to Garfield be approved soon and that a plan for 38th Street be approved by Resolution north of Garfield. The Commission felt the street should be above the bluff, not below. SEACLIFF DRAINAGE REPORT City Engineer Mike Z3mbcry reviewed drainage concepts in the Seacliff area. He state] that the current proposal takes care of existing development I)lans but future development will necessitate addition of more retention basins. Commissioner Stern asked if a storm drain system in 38th Street would be another option. Mr. Zambory agreed but stated that it would be very expensive and require a pump station which the City really doesn't want. -3- 9/12/78 - PC Minutes: H.B. Planning Commission & Rec & Parks Commission Tuesday, September 12, 1978 Page 4 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 78-2 Mr. Austin summarized the areas of concern contained in the upcoming General Plan Amendment. Acting Planning Director Palin requested Planning Commission approval to initiate revocation of Precise Plan of Street Alignment 70-4, Atlanta -Lake Street. Commissioner Stern opposed the action but the Commission approved the request. Mr. Palin announced details of the upcoming bus tour with the City Council. Chairman Finley requested information on septic tank requirements. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m. to September 16, 1978 at 8:30 A.M., City Hall Parking Lot for bus tour. 'JcIrMes W. Palin Acting Secretary Ru h Finley Chairman -4- 9/12/78 PC 1