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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-01-28MINUTES CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Talbert Room, Central Library 7111 Talbert Avenue Huntington Beach, California Saturday, January 28, 1995 An audio recording of this meeting is on file in the Office of the City Clerk The regular meetings of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach were called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Mayor Pro Tempore Sullivan. CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ROLL CALL PRESENT: Harman, Bauer, Sullivan, Dettloff, Green, Garofalo, Leipzig (arrived 9:00 a.m.) ABSENT: None CLOSED SESSION OF CITY COUNCIL The following closed sessions were called for the purpose of meeting in closed session of the City Council to consider the following items: Closed Session - City Council pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a), to confer with its attorney regarding pending litigation which has been initiated formally and to which the city is a party. The title of the litigation is regarding Orange County, U. S. Bankruptcy Court Case No. SA94-22272 JR administratively consolidated with Case No. SA94-22273 JR. Closed Session - City Council pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c) to confer with its City Attorney regarding pending litigation. Based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation. Number of potential cases 1. Potential class action lawsuit against various defendants in the Orange County Bankruptcy. Entered On The Record - City Administrator Not In Attendance In Closed Session No. 2 The City Administrator informed the City Clerk and requested it be Out in the record that he did not attend Closed Session No. 2 as he had requested an opinion of the City Attorney regarding any potential conflict of interest due to his son's employment with the firm of Merrill Lynch. IV, Page 2 - Council/Agency Minutes - 01/28/95 RECESS - RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY The Mayor called a recess of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency meetings at 8:30 a.m. He reconvened the regular meetings of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency at 9:20 a.m. in the Talbert Room. Mark Porter spoke regarding the Citizen's Commission on Goals and Objectives for the City of Huntington Beach that was formed 20 years ago and which had performed its job. He recommended the formation of another Citizen's Commission on Goals and Objectives. Jonathan Woolf -Willis congratulated Councilman Harman on his appointment to the City Council. REVIEW AND DEVELOPMENT CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The following material was a part of the Council Meeting packet made available to members of the Council, public and staff. Councilmembers Comments were submitted by the City Councilmembers for compilation for this meeting. Twenty six (26) comments from Council were submitted. Huntington Beach City Council Currently Approved City Goals - Ten (10). Huntington Beach City Council Currently Approved City Objectives - Fifteen (15). Proposed Goals and Objectives statements submitted by Councilmembers. City of Huntington Beach Organization Chart. The City Administrator stated that this workshop should have as a goal, one to ten City Council goals which the Council would like to leave the meeting knowing that they will work to achieve. He stated that he would like to have Council determine the procedure for Council meeting conduct and stated that he would like to share the feelings of the new Councilmembers with the other Councilmembers. Quality Service Mission Project By City Employees Commended The City Administrator presented a brief overview of some accomplishments from the last Council Workshop that had developed some broad goals and objectives. Using slides, he reviewed the Quality Service Mission project. Discussion was held regarding the fine job the city staff did in the development of the Quality Service Mission. The Mayor stated that he would like the Mission Plaque which is displayed in each department to reflect that the Mission Statement was developed by city employees. Page 3 - Council/Agency Minutes - 01/28/95 The City Administrator reviewed the Huntington Beach City Council currently approved City Goals and Objectives developed in the past. He reviewed how far along the city had proceeded, including Code Enforcement efforts. He stated that he would like to discuss Code Enforcement at a fourth Monday adjourned meeting (study session). Mr. Uberuaga stated that he was proud of the new evaluation process of city employees by their supervisors which was developed by the employees and which included training. Bob Franz, Deputy City Administrator/Administrative Services, presented an overview of city financial procedures. The Mayor asked the Councilmembers if they accepted the ten goals. Considerable discussion was held between Councilmembers regarding the process to use to evaluate City Council and staff efforts toward accomplishing goals. Councilmember Sullivan stated that he would like to hear the views of new the Councilmembers. Councilmember Garofalo stated that he would like to revisit the economic status of business in Huntington Beach with the same level of attention as the environmental concerns, specifically Bolsa Chica. He spoke of his support for the establishment of a Youth Complex in the City. He stated that regionalization not privatization is the driving issue to him. Councilmember Harman questioned what Councilmember Garofalo meant regarding regionalization versus privatization. Councilmember Garofalo responded relative to how he perceived a sharing of resources between governmental entities. Councilmember Green spoke regarding financial issues. He reviewed the committees and issues he has been involved with during the past two years when he was off the City Council. He recommended an evaluation be conducted as to how the City Council has met city goals. Councilmember Green stated that he would like Council to identify a process for efficient utilization of Council and staff resources. He reported on a meeting he had attended regarding regionalization. Councilwoman Dettloff spoke regarding financial issues, budget and city investments. She spoke regarding the importance of developing economic strategies that will attract new businesses. She commented on regulations and their impact on business and stated that she would like to explore forming a board or commission composed of business members to advise the Council. She spoke regarding the importance of what she stated was the least glamorous of city goals --- improvement of the city's infrastructure. Councilmember Dettloff stated that the Bolsa Chica must be taken out of the emotional area and looked at financially and socially. She spoke regarding the need to sit down with city committees and commissions and use them more effectively. She stated the Council needed to know what the level is of citizen volunteering and enhance volunteerism even more. Councilmember Dettloff stated she would like a review of the city charter. Page 4 - Council/Agency Minutes - 01/28/95 Councilmember Harman stated that he is impressed with Councilwoman Dettloff's list of items. He stated the importance of developing a youth complex in the city. Councilmember Harman stated that he would like to begin looking at development of Huntington Central Park. He stated that he is interested in a charter amendment; that in light of the Orange County bankruptcy, he would like the City Treasurer, City Attorney and City Clerk to be appointed; that it is a hot issue with the voters and he believed the time is right. Councilmember Bauer spoke regarding the organizational structure of Economic Development and the need for business retention and attraction. He spoke regarding his desire for a Performance Based Budget, completing the Bolsa Chica, completing and executing a Water Master Plan, and completing a General Plan. He commented on code enforcement and related police activities, downtown and in the Oakview area; etc; Councilmember Sullivan spoke regarding the need to always solicit input of those who elected the Council, not just once every four years. He spoke regarding the need to attract tourism to benefit our city, the Top of the Pier Improvements and need to increase sales tax revenue. He stated that he and Councilmember Garofalo had met with representatives of Huntington Center. Mobilehome parks and Affordable Housing were issues he believed important to the city. Mayor Leipzig stated that he would like to see a two year Budget. He spoke regarding the benefit of a Community Forum process between the Council and members of other city boards and commissions; even though it may be difficult to coordinate. The Mayor commented on the importance of re -engineering departments in permit processing and stated that he recommended the establishment of a Public Works Commission which he believed would benefit the city. He commended staff on the implementation of the Management Reporting Process. Mayor Leipzig stated his hope for improved communications between the council and other city boards and commissions. He spoke regarding the importance of attracting retail users and manufacturers, such as high-tech manufacturing to the City of Huntington Beach CONDUCT OF COUNCIL MEETINGS Considerable discussion was held by Council regarding matters relating to the conduct of City Council meetings. The Mayor stated that using Councilmember call lights was very important. Discussion was held regarding utilizing formal titles for each other, citizens and staff versus informal. The Councilmembers unanimously stated their preference for formal titles. Discussion was held regarding the portion of the Agenda devoted to Council comments. It was determined the present process would remain. Discussion was held regarding changing the Presentations section of the Council Agenda to 5 perhaps a special TV Program which would have greater coverage of the accomplishments for which the presentations were made. Page 5 - Council/Agency Minutes - 01/28/95 Discussion was held regarding the process for Closed Sessions. The Public Comments portion of the Council Agenda was discussed, including responses by Councilmembers and staff to the public during the Public Comments portion. It was determined that comments of the public may be able to be answered at the end of Public Comments and if not, the concern expressed can be referred to a study session. It was Council's consensus that grouping by the City Clerk of Public Comment Pink Slips according to subject matter would continue. Considerable discussion was held regarding the matter of Public Comments remaining the first item on the Agenda or to have Public Hearings first, immediately followed by Public Comments. Inquiry was made of the City Clerk relative to the wording of the legal notices for public hearing which call for the hearing to be held at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible. Councilmember Garofalo suggested that the Agenda for the first Council meeting of the month place Public Comments first and then Public Hearings, and the second Council meeting of the month have the procedure reversed. Discussion was held. Motion To Adopt Agenda Format Change - FAILED A motion was made by Garofalo, seconded by Green, that the Council meeting held on the first Monday of the month - - no change (Public Comments first, followed by Public Hearings); that the Council meeting held on the third Monday of the month have Public Hearings first, with Public Comments immediately following and that this process be tried for a six month period. The motion also included that this proposed procedure would be placed for Council action on a regular agenda. The motion FAILED by the following roll call vote: AYES: Green, Garofalo, Dettloff NOES: Harman, Bauer, Sullivan, Leipzig ABSENT: None RECESS - RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Leipzig called a recess of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency meetings at 1:00 p.m. The Mayor reconvened the regular meetings of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency at 1:15 p.m. The City Administrator spoke regarding a process to be used relative to the issues Council raised earlier in the meeting. Straw Votes were taken by Council. 5--2 Page 6 - Council/Agency Minutes - 01/28/95 Youth Sports Complex It was determined that construction of a Youth Sports Complex is a City Council Goal when financially feasible. Review City Charter Not to be Included as Goal Discussion was held by Council regarding whether there is a need to review the City Charter. Procedural regulations were reported on by the City Clerk. The City Attorney reported. The City Administrator asked whether Council wanted as a goal to explore revising the City Charter. The City Administrator asked for a count of Council as to whether they determine a review of the City Charter should be included as a goal. AYES: Harman, Leipzig, Dettloff NOES: Bauer, Sullivan Green, Garofalo ABSENT: None Council Direction To Complete the Community Forum Meetings For Entire City Council unanimously determined that the City Council would complete the coverage of the Community Forums for the entire city which will occur in about six month and then the issue of continuing community forums will be revisited. Exploration Of Establishment Of Public Works Body The Council determined that the city shall continue to explore the formation of a Public Works Body to include General Plan/Water/Infrastructure. The Council determined that they would like Transportation Commission deliberations to be integrated into reports that Council receives prior to taking action on items CITY COUNCIL RELATIONS WITH CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Mayor Leipzig urged Council to utilize their role as Council liaisons to board members. Councilmember Garofalo stated that he would like a list of Boards and Commissions and the term expirations. He stated that he would like to have the Boards and Commissions to have comments on items within their realm before the items are sent to Council. He also believed that commissions such as the Planning Commission should be aware that there are boards to assist them in their deliberations. 5-3 Page 7 - Council/Agency Minutes - 01/28/95 Management Reporting Program - Huntington Central Park Master Plan Improvements - Code Enforcement - Report To Be Presented On Need To Have Regional Presence It was determined unanimously to continue with the Management Reporting Program and the Huntington Central Park Master Plan Improvements and Code Enforcement. The City Administrator recommended an aggressive but reasonable Code Enforcement Program. Discussion was held regarding the City Council having membership on regional boards and committees and the need for the city to have a regional presence. The City Administrator stated that report would be presented. REVIEW CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS a Police'Chief„Loweriberg presented a binder to the City Council to acquaint the new Councilmembers and reacquaint -other members on Police Services. He presented slides on Crime control in Huntington Beach including the Crime Index 1988-93 - Rate per 100,000. The Police Chief distributed a document dated January 25, 1995 titled Proactive Crime Control Strategies addressed to the Police Chief from Sergeant Dan Johnson, Community Liaison Team. He reviewed many of the programs including the Police Lab, stating that because. the city has its own lab the police have a high clearance rate. New methods to combat crime were discussed. The Police Chief addressed tfie,�Rolice Department resource deficit. He- read letters of commerfdation from>the community in appreciation of police -officers' resporises,underdlfficult circumstances���'' �� �` V`' �` "`"'� Discussion was held regarding the number of police officers per 1,OOO.population The Police Chief was requested to have the Sergeant -at -Arms present during the entire Council meeting. Discussion was held between the Council, Police Chief and City Administrator regarding crime statistics, demographics of our city and the problem of youth and firearms; the need to prevent housing stock dilapidation and regional creeping crimes, gangs. The Mayor presented questions to the Police Chief regarding police functions and statistics, the need to get additional statistics where the city is looking beyond the overall crime rate and to focus on the police department and the Council's role in helping to meet the city's police needs. The Mayor stated that perhaps the Council could a have role in providing positive feedback to the police officers. The Mayor stated the importance of the Police Chief's promotion of Police Department programs such as the DARE program. Discussion was held regarding the importance of other departments promoting their programs. Council thanked the Police chief for his presentation. 51 Page 8 - Council/Agency Minutes - 01/28/95 CITY BUDGET The City Administrator spoke regarding the budget and requested the Council to review his twenty-one (21) page budget statement. He presented his observations on working together. Mayor Leipzig reviewed the procedure for the conduct of council meetings and discussion was held. ADJOURNMENT - CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY The Mayor adjourned the regular meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to the regularly scheduled meeting of Monday, February 6, 1995 at 5:00 p.m. in Room B-8, Civic Center, Huntington Beach, California. ATTEST: City Clerk/Clerk Clerk of the Redevelopment Agency and the City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California Mayor/Chairman 55