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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-05-06MINUTES CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Huntington Center Mall Community Room 7777 Edinger Avenue Huntington Beach, California Saturday, May 6, 1995 A videotape recording of this meeting is on file in the Office of the City Clerk Mayor Leipzig announced that this adjourned regular meetings of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach had been called to conduct neighborhood visits by City Council members, Planning Commissioners and Department Heads from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. discussion of the community visits will be held in the Community Room in the Huntington Center Mall. The time between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. is scheduled for invited speakers and public comments. Councilmember Bauer arrived at 9:00 a.m. and a quorum was reached. CALL TO ORDER The Mayor called the adjourned regular meetings of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to order at 9:00 a.m. CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ROLL CALL PRESENT: Harman, Bauer, Leipzig, Dettloff, (Green, Garofalo, Sullivan arrived later in the meeting) ABSENT: None Community Outreach Invited Speakers For May 6, 1995 Carla Rush - Principal Oceanview High School Eric Wershing - Oceanview High School Student Body President Wendy Weber - Golden West College Lieutenant Luis Ochoa - Huntington Beach Police Department Della Chadwell - North Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce - Huntington Center Mall Ray Silver - Assistant City Administrator - Edinger Avenue Corridor Study Alberto Angelini - California Transportation Authority (Caltrans) Les Jones - Public Works Director, City of Huntington Beach 23s Page 2 - Council/Agency Minutes - 05/06/95 Community Outreach Teams Scheduled For Neighborhood Walks Mayor Victor Leipzig and City Administrator Michael Uberuaga Councilmember Dave Sullivan and Assistant City Administrator Ray Silver Councilmember Shirley Dettloff and Deputy City Administrator Rich Barnard Councilmember Dave Garofalo and Public Works Director Les Jones Councilmember Ralph Bauer and Assistant Building Official Ross Cranmer Jan Halverson, Library Services Manager and Tom Huntley, Fire Department Division Chief/Operations Officer City Clerk Connie Brockway and Jim Engle, Deputy Director Beaches, Recreation & Development City Finance Director Dan Villella and Planning Commissioner Haydee Tillotson Councilmember Peter Green and Jim Hanggi, Public Information Specialist RECESS/RECONVENE CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Leipzig called a recess of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency meeting at 9:00 a.m. to conduct a walk of the neighborhood, Area 5, Northeast area of the City. The meeting was reconvened by the Mayor at 11:30 a.m. The Mayor reviewed the purpose of the meeting stating the area covered by the neighborhood walk was generally ranging from Springdale Street on the west.to the eastern boundary at the city and from Slater Avenue on the south to the northern boundary of the city. Discussion Of Community Visits Issues And Comments Reported On Included The Following (RD 118 & 128) - Mayor Leipzig and Citv Administrator Uberuaga reported on their visit to a residential area of the city stating that most of the residents were opposed to residential development near McDonnell Douglas. A comment had been made that perhaps the Police Department might have been too heavy-handed during the Fourth of July but everyone else was in support of the Police Department, felt the city was safe, however, car thefts were a concern. Many residents commented that they shopped at Westminster Mall. Cars on lawns were reported to be a problem as well as trucks in residential neighborhoods with the residents wanting the city to go out and do code enforcement. One person, a resident since 1966 living across from the park, wanted speed bumps to slow down traffic. Comments were made on the condition of streets and equipment at the park that needed repairs (except for Murdy Park). Ray Silver, Assistant City Administrator, reported on the Edwards to Springdale - Edinger to McFadden area, stating that the residents had stated they were generally very happy with the City. Concerns regarding the Dial -A -Ride Program, more opportunities needed to shop in the mall area and the need for the downtown area to provide uses to attract older residents were expressed. Mr. Silver also reported favorable comments on the City Fire Med Program. 2.3'7 Page 3 - Council/Agency Minutes - 05/06/95 RD 168, 169 & 261 - Councilwoman Dettloff reported that she and Rich Barnard, Deputy City Administrator, had met with neighborhood satisfaction from long-time residents. The shorter -term residents were interested in the schools and the aspect of safety in the city. Concern was expressed that school sites remain open space and provide recreational opportunities. The need for more median landscaping such as that along the park by the library was mentioned. Interest had been expressed in musical groups being a cultural part of the city. Rich Barnard, Deputy City Administrator, reported that people generally felt very safe. He stated that the residents were very appreciative of left turn lanes being put in, especially at Heil and Beach. The desire that the lake at Huntington Central Park be constantly filled was expressed as well as streets being slurry sealed. The opinion that city employees were paid too much and provided too many benefits was also expressed. RD 149 & 159 - Councilmember Garofalo reported on the question received regarding what happens if sales tax measure does not pass. Also an opinion received that no more development occur until downtown vacancy situation fixed. The need to expand library operation hours was expressed. A resident questioned why trash fees should be paid if the resident was gone for a five month period and not used the trash services. Councilman Garofalo stated that a businessman who pays taxes questioned why a business from out of town that delivers food to restaurants does not. Les Jones, Public Works Director, reported that the problems of sand bees at a local park had been mentioned and the resident knows the city can't spray because of children playing there. Better play equipment at College View Park was requested. The question was also raised as to why Edwards Street is a truck route and why does it stop at McFadden. He stated that the Public Works Department would get back to the resident on this question. Mr. Jones reported that a question had been asked as to whether the trucks along Edwards Street weaken the banks of the channel that runs down the center. He sated that Public Works would respond to the resident. RD 138, 139 & 232 - Ross Cranmer, Assistant Building Official, reported that there were resident concerns around the closed Gill School site regarding future development and how it will affect their homes including whether the development would cause parking problems in the neighborhood similar to what had occurred from apartments being constructed along Goldenwest Street and regarding density - where one story homes exist and then two stories are being built. Concern was expressed regarding the bankruptcy and opposition to the sales tax was stated. He reported a sense of community was seen in the Oakview area. Councilman Bauer reported on the visit to the Oakview Area stating that some of the mothers were interested in beginning a project to prepare and place planter boxes at their new neighborhood library. Councilman Sullivan arrived at the meeting. 238 Page 4 - Council/Agency Minutes - 05/06/95 RD 271 & 272 - Councilman Harman reported on the Oakview area Cinco de Mayo celebration being held. He reported on the clean-up campaign by the children and their excitement about the new Oakview Library. Councilmember Harman reported on a video that had been prepared by the Public Information Office to orient new residents to the Oakview community. He reported on the requests of the residents for larger dumpsters to accommodate refuse. He stated that vending trucks are getting trash receptacles. Councilmember Harman reported that the Beach View Mobilehome Park residents expressed concern with the Dial -A -Ride situation. Councilmember Harman stated they drove by the county toxic waste site at Nichols Street and reported that there is a real need for expanded hours. Police Lieutenant Luis Ochoa reported the residents concern for the need for more police officers and expanded hours at the community center. He stated vending trucks were still an issue and that there is a new ordinance pending which it is hoped will help resolve the issue. RD 251, 252 & 253 - Gail Hutton, City Attorney, reported that the residents expressed a feeling of safety in the city; very satisfied with parks; a need for slurry sealing and drainage problems was mentioned. She reported a comment had been made that TV Cables had created elongated potholes in the street. She stated concerns had been expressed regarding Rhone Lane - a street near Sun View School, which seems to be a street that is a real quick route to Huntington Beach Mall or between Heil and Edinger to get to the freeway, which causes a lot of traffic that residential neighborhoods should not have. She stated the residents had suggestions for more police enforcement of stopping at stop signs and keeping the traffic speed down to the 25 m.p.h. Tom Huntley, Fire Department Division Chief/Operations Officer, stated that he had met residents who were very pleased with paramedic service. Captain Huntley stated that there were mixed comments on the stop sign at Rhone and Kim, some had just wanted 25 m.p.h. speed signs; others liked the stop sign but wanted more police enforcement as people are not paying attention to it. RD 262 & 263 - Jim Engle, Deputy Director Beaches. Recreation and Development, reported that he and City Clerk Connie Brockway had visited an area near the vacant Rancho View School site and concern had been expressed regarding the criminal activity occurring when Little League was not using the site; that the area should be developed or the site used year -around. Police, Fire, paramedic, library and park services were favorably commented upon. The area where a pedestrian bridge had been removed, the removal which was welcomed by residents still had an accessway which had caused problems with misbehaving children and also some children playing in the area unable to get out and the neighbors having to get them out. Ingress and egress problems for residents near Beach Boulevard and Warner Avenue was expressed. Concern was expressed regarding a video arcade on Beach Boulevard because of vandalism, trash and noise problems. Mr. Engle reported that residents had expressed a need for a stop sign at Terry and Glenhaven Lane due to speeding by people as a short cut from Beach Boulevard to Newland and that there was concern that a child may be hit by a car. He stated that apparently a petition had been submitted some time ago and the people would like something done. Mr. Engle stated that some business owners of a strip commercial on Warner Avenue had stated that business was slow but they love Huntington Beach clientele and had overall satisfaction. One business owner stated that the kids from Ocean View School would hang out there after school but that they were very well behaved and did not cause problems. He reported that it had been commented that the City Council and city staff were very responsive. 239 Page 5 - Council/Agency Minutes - 05/06/95 RD 273 & 264 - Haydee Tillotson, Planning Commissioner, reported on the upgrading of the area occurring and the satisfaction of the residents. The drainage improvement and signal installation was appreciated. She stated that a mother reported she was happy to be able to send her children to the school nearest where she works. Expansion of Murdy Center hours was requested. Another resident suggested that if the city could supply a tree shredder the property owners could cut down their own trees. Many abandoned cars on driveways posed a problem and residents had complaints regarding run down houses that were rented. Dan Villella, Finance Director reported that a concern had been expressed that if Murdy Community Center hours had to be reduced it would-be during -the week rather than weekends when more parents could share the facilities. Complaints about the condition of some rental homes was of concern to residents. RD 241 & 242 - Councilmember Green reported on residents concerns regarding empty stores at the mall; also that many people would like to see an Automatic Teller Machine at the mall. He reported that Officer Bob had been transferred from the Oak View area to the mall and that many people from the Oak View area walk to the mall to visit with him which is a tribute to the Police Department. Jim Hanggi, Public Information Specialist, reported on their canvass of the mall and to the west near Golden West College. He stated overall, great comments had been received about the city. He stated some concerns had been expressed from Old World representatives about past dealings with the police. He reported a need was expressed for trash cans at bus stops. The need was stated for adjustments of the left -had traffic light at Edinger and Electric as well as the need for a bigger sign to promote Old World. Mayor Leipzig extended appreciation to all those who participated in the walking exercise. He stated he would like to issue a disclaimer as he believed it may be important for all the public to understand that the walking that is being done by Council, Planning Commissioners and staff is not intended to be a systematic survey of this section of the city; that reports are being brought back regarding tree limbs that need to be trimmed etc.; but that the purpose is not to identify every single problem at every single lot we have covered; that the purpose is a broader one of trying to ensure that elected and appointed leaders are familiar with the fact that there are people out in the community who rarely communicate with us and they also have concerns. It is our responsibility to get out there and go more than half way to meet them and get a feeling for their concerns as well. RECESS - RECONVENE CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Leipzig called a recess of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency meeting at 1:25 p.m. Mayor Leipzig reconvened the meeting of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency at 1:30 p.m. 2=4 0 Page 6 - Council/Agency Minutes - 05/06/95 Community Outreach Invited Speakers Carla Rush, Principal, Ocean View High School, thanked Council for the opportunity to speak and addressed Council regarding the school and some of the directions they are taking and help they need from the City Council and citizens of Huntington Beach. She spoke regarding the grant they were writing - Goals 2000 - a vision toward which schools must strive to prepare children for the primary purpose of school - to learn. She spoke regarding the goal of preparing students to go directly into the work force, value of a closed campus, code of honor and dress code. Ms. Rush introduced_ Eric Wershing, Ocean View student, who has been accepted at UCLA and who has been awarded the Alumni Scholarship. Eric Wershing, Ocean View Student, spoke regarding youth needs from the viewpoint of a poll he took of his friends. He suggested having establishment such as Denim and Diamonds where young people can socialize with one night a week to be family night - any ages. He stated that this would help solve concerns regarding teenage loitering in the downtown area. He spoke regarding young peoples desire to see some of the open land remain for them and their children. Mr. Wershing requested that the city solicit volunteers from the school as there are individuals and student groups who can help as a school service to their community. Wendy Weber, representing Philip Weston, President Goldenwest College, and herself a representative of Golden West College, spoke regarding operations of Golden West College, including budget reductions, goals and their methods of obtaining revenue including revenue from the Golden West Swap Meet. She spoke regarding the College For Kids that the college operates. Police Lieutenant Luis Ochoa spoke regarding improvements during the past two years in he Oakview area of the city including sidewalks installed and improvement of the general appearance. The most important issue for a police officer assigned to Oakview (assignments are voluntary) is wanting to be there. Attendance by the officers at Task Force Meetings and school functions and meeting the leaders of the community are valuable. Lieutenant Ochoa stated that Bill Fowler, Community Services Superintendent, does an admirable job chairing the Task Force Meetings as does the Code Enforcement employees who have worked hard to clean up the area. Lieutenant Ochoa informed the Council and audience that pending issues include a job center for day laborers and a larger substation at Slater Avenue which will provide better working conditions for the police officers, and a Child Guidance Center. Della Chadwell, Uptown Committee of the North Huntington Beach Business Association and Manager, Huntington Center Mall, spoke regarding the mall management's efforts to make the mall a community mall. She cited examples of the police substation, making the mall available for Girl Scout, Boy Scout, and YMCA functions as well as for the functions of other community groups, and a new post office substation on a trial basis. She spoke regarding working with the city on the landscaping of the Beach Boulevard/405 Freeway on and off ramps and on the efforts to secure an entrance into the mall at Center Avenue off the 405 Freeway off ramp as well as a location for a new pylon sign for the Mall. 241 Page 7 - Council/Agency Minutes - 05/06/95 Ray Silver, Assistant City Administrator, spoke regarding the critical issue of economic development. He reported on the Edinger Corridor Plan and the Council meeting on the Edinger Corridor which had been held in this same meeting room last week. Alberto Angelini, Caltrans representative, referred to a City of Huntington Beach Project Location Map - Caltrans, which had been distributed to Council. Discussion was held between Mr. Angelini and Councilman Garofalo regarding the Adopt -A - Highway Program where organizations and groups obtain sign recognition. Councilman Garofalo presented questions regarding when the street overhead signs will be put up again as the Beach Boulevard street widening is complete. Councilmember Sullivan presented questions regarding Caltrans plans on the pavement rehabilitation and drainage improvement on Pacific Coast Highway between Goldenwest Street and Warner Avenue and Mr. Angelini responded. Councilmember Sullivan questioned if the traffic light change cooperative project at Pacific Coast Highway and Warner Avenue would be completed by summer of 1995 and Mr. Angelini reported that Caltrans was only in the position to provide a portion of the funds and he believed it was to be implemented by the summer of 1995. Councilmember Sullivan stated his concern it be completed due to the dangerous condition. Mayor Leipzig presented questions regarding the landscaping project at Beach Boulevard and the 405 Freeway and Mr. Angelini reported that it was a city project with a Caltrans permit. Les Jones, Public Works Director, stated that the Department of Public Works is working with car dealers on a concept that goes further than the Adopt -A -Sign Program. He reported that the traffic light project at Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway is in the design phase and that there is a difference of opinion as to how the crosswalk will be configured and that the county is a one-third share participant and a decision will have to be made as to where that funding will be coming from. Mr. Jones reported on the 8.5 million dollar Gothard Hoover Project and Mr. Jones also reported on the water Master Plan and flooding issues as well as the Smart Street Project (Beach Boulevard) and the city's application for landscaping grants. Announcement Of Communications By City Clerk The City Clerk announced the following communications presented at this meeting and which are available to the public: A twenty-one (21) page packet of written comments from shoppers at the Huntington Center Mall submitted by Jan Metz of Lins Hallmark. Caltrans Huntington Beach Project Location Map. The team members who visited the various districts in the neighborhood visits had been provided with a packet of information from the Department of Community Development - Code Enforcement Section relative to their particular area. 242 Page 8 - Council/Agency Minutes - 05/06/95 PUBLIC COMMENTS Michaela Wakeman, Huntington Beach Girls Softball, informed Council that their group needs the city's help as they did ten years ago when the city had financially helped them to develop three fields at Circle View Elementary School. She spoke regarding the need for a playing site, stating that she believed the sites were not divided up unfairly. She provided her phone number to be reached regarding the matter. Chuck Beauregard, representing Save Our Kids, spoke regarding the need for soccer fields in the city. He stated the need for sports playing fields for girl's sports participants. Councilmember Bauer questioned staff as to whether it was still a policy for each quarter section to have a park or to use school space if the city does not have the money to buy the park at the time. Jim Engle, Deputy Director Beaches, Recreation and Development stated that it was more a goal than policy. Discussion was held. Meg Walker, Trustee, Ocean View School District, informed Council that Haven View School is to be leased for five years to Grace Lutheran Church and the park space will still be available; that their intent is to keep it open until the Bolsa Chica is developed. She spoke regarding the school's financial needs and that she did not believe it was in the best interests of the city to come forward with statements as to how the city could restrict the use of those facilities and how the facilities should be used. Discussion was held regarding school sites and their relation to youth sports and Jim Engle, Deputy Director Beaches, Recreation and Development reported. Councilmember Dettloff reported that the city's Planning Staff was meeting with the school district regarding the use of school properties. She requested that anyone interested in becoming part of the process contact her as input was needed. Mark Horvath, President, Huntington Beach Girls' Softball, spoke in support of a playing field for the group. He stated that no child who cannot afford to be a member of the team is turned away. He stated that he would like the issue to be on the Agenda. Chuck Beauregard, representing Save Our Kids, stated that needs of de -centralized sports should be met as well as the goal of youth sports in Central Park. He requested that a group be formed to work together on this issue. Mark Horvath, President, Huntington Beach Girls' Softball, informed Council of the difference in field specifications between girls and boys softball uses. On behalf of the Council the Mayor thanked all of the participants for their attendance at this community meeting. 243 Page 9 - Council/Agency Minutes - 05/06/95 ADJOURNMENT - CITY -COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY The Mayor adjourned the regular meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to Monday, May 8, 1995, at 5:00 p.m., in Room B-8 Civic Center. 4 , ATTEST: City Clerk/Clerk Clerk of the Redevelopment Agency and City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California 0 GL9 '� Mayor/Chairman 244