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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-07-24MINUTES CITY COUNCILIREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Rooms B-7 and B-8, Civic Center Huntington Beach, California Monday, July 24, 1995 Mayor Leipzig called the regular meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to order at 5:00 p.m. in Rooms B-7 and B-8. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Roll Call PRESENT: Harman, Bauer, Sullivan, Leipzig, Dettloff, Garofalo, Green (arrived 5.35 p.m.) ABSENT: None Closed Session The Mayor called a recess of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency at 5:05 p.m. for the purpose of considering the following Closed Session item. Closed Session - City Council pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 to meet with its designated representatives William Osness, Personnel Director, and Daniel Cassidy, Esquire, Liebert, Cassidy and Frierson, regarding Labor Relations Matters - Meet and Confer with the following employee organizations: Marine Safety Officers Association, Police Officers Association, Police Management Association, Municipal Employees Association, Management Employees Association, Huntington Beach Fireman's Association and Surf City Lifeguard Employees Association. (120.80) Reconvene Council/Redevelopment Agency The Mayor reconvened the regular meetings of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency at 5:10 p.m. in the Council Chamber. City CouncillRedevelopment Agency Roll Call PRESENT: Harman, Bauer, Sullivan, Leipzig, Dettloff, Garofalo, Green (arrived 5:35 p.m.) ABSENT: None 384 Page 2 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - 07/24195 An audio tape recording of this meeting is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. Motion That Need To Take Action Arose After Posting Of The City Council Agenda - Adopted - Huntington Beach -Fountain Valley Independent Vs. City Of Huntington Beach Closed Session Required A motion was made by Harman, second Bauer, to make a determination that the need to take action on the issue of the litigation regarding the Huntington Beach - Fountain Valley Independent vs. City of Huntington Beach arose subsequent to the agenda being posted as specified in Government Code Section 54954.2(b)(2). The motion carried by unanimous vote. Recess - Reconvene City Council/Redevelopment Agency Mayor Leipzig called a recess of the City Council Redevelopment Agency meeting at 5:12 p.m. The Mayor reconvened the regular meeting of the City Council Redevelopment Agency at 6:15 p.m. in Room B-7 and B-8, Civic Center. Planning Commission Roll Call Holden, Livengood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Tillotson, Speaker City Council/Redevelopment Agency Roll Call PRESENT: Harman, Bauer, Sullivan, Leipzig, Dettloff, Green, Garofalo ABSENT. None Joint City Council - Planning Commission Study Session On The "Vision" For The Draft General Plan - Council Action Deferred (440.50) The City Council considered the agenda communication from the Community Development Director transmitting the Issues Statement, Vision Statement and Planning Principles which contain the basic visions, issues, issues and opportunities utilized in the creation of the Draft General Plan created by the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) at the beginning of the General Plan update process, using a combination of public, GPAC, City Council, Planning Commission and city staff input. The action recommended by the Community Development Department is as follows: Review and approve the Vision Statement for the comprehensive update of the Huntington Beach General Plan as established by the General Plan Advisory Committee and establish a joint Council Committee to oversee the update of the General Plan. 385 Page 3 - Council/Agency Minutes - 07/24/95 Public Comments There was no one present to address Council. Late Communications Announced During The Meeting By The City Clerk The City Clerk announced pursuant to the Brown Act, the following late communications which had arrived since the agenda printing: Communication dated July 24, 1995 to Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers from the Community Development Director - Subject: Joint City Council and Planning Commission Study Session on the "Vision" for the Draft General Plan Communication titled Vision Statement - General Plan dated July 24, 1995 Communication titled City of Huntington Beach General Plan Update - Planning Commission Review Schedule Slide Report titled General Plan Update Visioning Process - Joint Study Session July 24, 1995 Communication dated June 30, 1993 titled Visual Preference Survey Analysis Communication dated June 20, 1995 from the Governor's Office regarding Senate Bill (Killea) - Orange County Bankruptcy Communication titled Financial and Legal Update - Presentation from the Office of the Chief Executive Officer - Salomon Brothers, dated July 18, 1995 Communication titled Draft Copy, Orange County's Legislative Delegation Plan Vision For The Draft General Plan - Council Action Deferred The City Council considered the agenda communication from the Community Development Director transmitting the Issues Statement, Vision Statement and Planning Principles which contain the basic visions, issues, issues and opportunities utilized in the creation of the Draft General Plan created by the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) at the beginning of the General Plan update process, using a combination of public, GPAC, City Council, Planning Commission and city staff input. Mayor Leipzig introduced Jack Bowiand and Dr. Gerald Chapman, representatives of the GPAC Committee, and Wood Tescher, consultant, ENVICOM Corporation. The Mayor then turned the meeting over to Melanie Fallon, Community Development Director. Page 4 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - 07/24/95 The Community Development Director informed Council that it was staff's intention to spend time with the Planning Commission and City Council to let the two key GPAC members share the process by which the General Plan was formulated and how the vision was created. She stated staff's strong support for the public participation process that staff has embarked upon. Ms. Fallon reviewed the state law on the preparation of the General Plan and the public input process She requested that comments be made by the City Councilmembers and Planning Commissioners following he presentations so that the comments can be recorded. Linda Niles, Senior Planner, referred to the June 30, 1993 Visual Preference Survey Analysis and a Slide Report titled General Plan Update Visioning Process and City of Huntington Beach General Plan Update - Planning Commission Review Schedule. Ms. Niles informed Council that a study session would be held prior to every public hearing on an element of the proposed General Plan. Woody Tescher, ENVICOM Corporation, stated that the plan before Council is the view of the citizens of Huntington Beach, not written as a staff plan and that it is the city's constitution. He spoke regarding the diligence of the General Plan Advisory Committee. Mr. Tescher reported on the efforts made to keep the plan from turning inwards; that the General Plan Advisory Committee went again out into the community at different points to gather input. Jack Bowland, Chairman of GPAC, presented background information on the development of the proposed General Plan. He read the names of the persons and groups who had worked on the General Plan, stating that easily over 50,000 people were represented through this process. Dr. Gerald Chapman, GPAC member, used slides and photographs to review the General Plan Update Issues Statement document dated July, 1992. Mr. Tescher clarified the meaning of the wording "no consensus" appearing after some of the statements in the Vision Statement. He stated this meant that there were a number of items on which there may have been split opinions in the voting and which were ultimately resolved in later discussion of the plan. Councilman Bauer stated his concerns as to how the execution of the General Plan will be implemented to maintain quality of life. The Community Development Director responded that if it is known, believed in, followed and kept on desks, there will be a greater chance for implementation. She responded to Councilman Bauer regarding aspects of the economic issues involved. At the request of the Mayor, Planning Commissioner Gorman reported on the Planning Commission's study sessions on the proposed general plan, the public hearing that had been held by the Planning Commission and the procedures used as well as procedures to be used for future public hearings. Planning Commissioner Hoiden stated that he believed there were policies that will take away from the economic position of the General Plan such as new fees for development in addition to building fees. He believed this issue needed discussion. 387 Page 5 - Council/Agency Minutes - 07/24/95 Planning Commissioner Speaker stated that he believed the proposed General Plan needed to have room to grow, that the General Plan was in fact very specific, perhaps too specific and that it should be kept a little more open and broad. Planning Commissioner Kerins stated his concern as to whether the policies, procedures, and implementation programs satisfy the vision. Are new ones needed? Is revision needed, and will they serve for ten to twenty years? Planning Commissioner Livengood stated that he believed the Vision Statement should be looked at as a foundation of actions that were taken. He referred to Page No. 3 - Population Forecasts, and stated that staff has been asked to report back on evaluations of population comparisons on the old and new general plan as well as other evaluations of dates and figures. He cited a section on Page No. 6 regarding `route beach traffic onto other streets" and on Page No. 17 "Medium High Density from Beach Boulevard to Newland Street." He stated he believed that direction was needed on these types of statements; to modify or to be kept as is, as this is the foundation on which the General Plan will be built. Planning Commissioner Tillotson stated the importance of implementation of all of the elements. Planning Commissioner Gorman stated that he believed there is too much emphasis on residential and that more emphasis should be placed on commercial. Councilman Harman presented questions regarding building height determination and the section under the school portion regarding potential development sites to subsidize school programs. Councilman Harman stressed that he believed that closed school sites should be used for public uses. He stated that "no consensus" disturbs him. The Community Development Director clarified the "no consensus" designation on the Vision Statement. Dr. Chapman spoke regarding the school representatives input. Councilman Harman stated concern regarding Page No. 4 - "active versus passive use of parks" and how the word "encourage" active uses is interpreted. Mr. Bowland addressed the GPAC's intent stating that as Council gets into the General Plan it will be seen that the word "encourage" is translated into other terms which he believes Council will find more comfortable and show that active use as well as passive use is to be allowed. Councilman Garofalo questioned whether the General Plan is prepared for the costs it will take to implement. He stated that the question must be asked if the General Plan maximizes economic potential - least cost to taxpayers. Councilman Green stated that he believed there should be a section on the City Council Request for Council Action (RCA) Agenda Document Report showing how the subject of the Request for Council Action relates to the General Plan. He stated this same procedure could also be done for the Planning Commission. Page 6 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - 07/24/95 Councilwoman Dettloff stressed Council appreciation to the General Plan Advisory Committee for the commitment to the community which they have fulfilled. Councilwoman Dettloff stated that she believes the addition of other elements such as economic element will help implement the plan. She stated that if the document is right it will lessen the need for amendments. Councilman Bauer cited items he believed must be considered including setting priorities, dealing with deferred maintenance of infrastructure, and affordable housing that can be developed through existing housing --not necessarily by building new housing. Councilman Sullivan cited areas to be considered such as the feasibility of a convention center, need for better uses downtown, an explanation for residential nodes on Beach Boulevard, auto access to Main Street and preservation of school sites. Mayor Leipzig stated his vision was to have the intensity remain low/moderate density, not overgrowing itself --not developing a true urban character --not looking like a small version of a big city. The Mayor stated he wished to see the balance of geographic uses in the city preserved and promoted, particularly open space natural areas such as our wetlands and a balance of industrial and commercial as well as residential uses of different kinds. He stated a balance of good planning creates business opportunities. He stated his concern that high density residential swallows other uses. Discussion was held regarding the schedule of Planning Commission and City Council hearings. The Community Development Director reported on how the state law affects the process. Dr. Chapman stated that the concerns expressed by Council were similar to those of the GPAC when they began. He cited the limitations including existing Development Agreements and state and federal laws. Jack Bowland, spoke regarding his agreement with Dr. Chapman. He stated that he believed the General Plan will answer Council's questions. He spoke regarding the difficulties and challenges involved in the combined effort of the committee members, staff and ENVICOM Corporation. Mr. Bowland stated that he considered it an "operating plan". The Community Development Director stated that she believed Councilman Bauer's suggestion to hire a top notch urban planning design firm was a good suggestion and that it could possibly be done for less than $5,000. Councilman Bauer gave reasons why he believed it would be valuable. Considerable discussion was held regarding this proposal. Discussion was held regarding the recommendation to approve the Vision Statement, and it was determined that action would not be taken at this time. Recess - Reconvene City Council/Redevelopment Agency Mayor Leipzig called a recess of the City Council Redevelopment Agency meeting at 8:15 p.m. The Mayor reconvened the regular meeting of the City Council Redevelopment Agency at 3025 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Page 7 - Council/Agency Minutes - 07/24195 Report From City Administrator - Potential State Legislation Pertaining To Orange County Bankruptcy City Administrator Mike Uberuaga announced that he had just distributed documents relating to the Orange County Bankruptcy including: a communication dated June 20, 1995 from the Governor's Office regarding Senate Bill 10XX (Killea) - Orange County Bankruptcy, together with a communication titled Financial and Legal Update - Presentation from the Office of the Chief Executive Officer Salomon Brothers, dated July 18, 1995, and a communication titled Draft Copy, Orange County's Legislative Delegation Plan. The City Administrator referred to the aforementioned Financial and Legal Update communication which included an idea of solving the county problem by taking property and/or sales tax revenues from the cities. He reviewed Senator Lucy Killea's proposed legislation and read excerpts. Mr. Uberuaga spoke regarding the committee that he serves on with other city managers to develop a plan to put on the table and stated it was extremely important that cities become proactive rather than reactive. He stated that he did not believe the Council should rely on the numbers of the firm of Arthur Anderson but should rely on Price Waterhouse figures. Mr. Uberuaga reported that there will be a meeting of elected officials August 3, 1995 regarding the Bankruptcy and Settlement Agreement. Mayor Leipzig stated that he believed a letter of outrage should be sent regarding any county attempt to get the city's property tax funds. Planning Commissioner Holden, at the request of Councilman Garofalo and with the permission of the Mayor, addressed Council stating that citizens' backup in responding will make a difference in the city being heard by the county. Councilman Bauer stated the need to develop a plan and to gain city representation. Discussion was held regarding the issue of changing the Settlement Agreement. The City Administrator spoke regarding the issues including legalities involved. He stressed the city's need for grass root support from its citizens and organizations for the plan to be developed. The City Administrator, at the request of the Mayor, presented the financial impact report. Motion Adopted - Stating City Council Outrage Regarding County Proposals To Take City Salesfiax/Property/Tax A motion was made by Sullivan, second by Bauer, that the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach is outraged by and opposed to proposals to take any of the city's sales tax or property tax in order to resolve the Orange County Bankruptcy for which the city had no part in creating and that the press be informed of this motion. The motion carried by unanimous vote. 390 Page 8 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - 07/24/95 Motion Adopted-- To Invite Assembly Speaker Allen To Address State's Perception of Orange County Bankruptcy and for Staff to Develop Community Campaign to Communicate with State Legislature Regarding Sales Tax/Bankruptcy Issue A motion was made by Garofalo, second Greed, to direct: 1. Mayor Leipzig and Councilmember Bauer to make a courtesy call on the Assembly Speaker, Doris Allen, at the earliest possible convenience and during that meeting invite her to Channel 3 immediately for an interview on the state's perception of the Orange County Bankruptcy, and 2. Direct staff to develop a community campaign to communicate with the state legislature on the sales tax and property tax issues. The motion carried unanimously. Discussion Regarding Appointment Of City Treasurer Councilmember Garofalo spoke regarding the need for Council to be proactive on the appointment of a City Treasurer at such time as the resignation of City Treasurer Watson is effective. He stated that he would like to see the advertisements before they are issued and the whole campaign that is being developed. Councilman Garofalo stated that he believed a Council Committee was needed and proceeded to make a motion to form such committee. The City Administrator reminded Council that the item was not on the agenda and reported that a committee was formed that was working with the City Attorney's Office (Harman, Leipzig, Sullivan) and had met last week. Following brief discussion the City Administrator stated that he would report on August 7, 1995. 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, August 7, 1995 at 5:00 p.m. in Room B-8, Civic Center. ATTEST: 391 City Clerk/Clerk City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, and Clerk of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach California Mayor/Chairman