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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-11MINUTES CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH 5:00 p-m. Room B-8 7:00 p.m. Council Chamber Huntington Beach, California Monday March 11, 1996 Call to order Mayor Sullivan 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 Room B-8. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Roll Call Present: Harman, Leipzig, Bauer, Sullivan, Green, (Dettloff arrived at 5:10 p.m.), (Garofalo arrived during the closed session) Absent: None Recess - Closed Session The Mayor called a recess of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency at 5:05 p.m. to consider the following closed session items: Closed Session - City Council pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c) to confer with its attorney regarding pending litigation with the Huntington Beach Police Officers Association. Lease of Gun Range. Based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation. (120.80) Reconvene The Mayor reconvened the regular meetings of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Pledge Of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was given by those present in the Council Chamber. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Roll Cali: Present: Harman, Bauer, Sullivan, Leipzig, Dettloff, Green, Garofalo Absent: None 1219 Page 2 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/11/96 Late Communications Announced By The City Clerk Pursuant to the Brown Act, the City Clerk announced the following late communications and stated copies were available at her desk and in her office the following morning. Communication from Richard Wright, President, Huntington Beach Police Officer's Association, dated March 11, 1996, in support of the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association Gun Range Communication from Melanie Fallon, Community Development Director, dated March 6, 1996, regarding the Utility Facilities Element in the General Plan Slide Presentation from Community Development department regarding the Draft Genera! Plan, Study Session No. 2 Communication received from Administration from adjacent homeowner stating concern regarding the gun range and presenting recommendations Copy of the City Budget Slide Presentation, dated March 11, 1996, from Administrative Services Department Passing Of Bill Reyfus Announced Councilman Garofalo announced the recent passing of Bill Reyfus, a member of our community who contributed to charitable causes for 25 years. Huntington Beach Police Officer's Association Gun -Ran a (600.10) Mayor Sullivan reported that the Council Committee had presented its recommendations which the City Council had considered in Closed Session earlier this evening. He spoke regarding Council's concern regarding the issue. The following late communcation was announced earlier in the meeting by the City Clerk: Communication from Richard Wright, President, Huntington Beach Police Officer's Association, dated March 11, 1996, in support of the Huntington Beach Police Officers' Association Gun Range Communication received from Administration from adjacent homeowner stating concern regarding the gun range and presenting recommendations 130 03/11/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 3 The City Administrator spoke regarding the short- term and long-range measures. He stated he wished the public to be aware that some safety measures have been implemented. The City Administrator referred to a letter just received from the Huntington Beach Police Officer's Association and announced by the City Clerk at the beginning of the meeting. The City Administrator, referring to said letter, stated that a negotiation process would commence between staff and the Police Officer's Association. Public Comments Dennis Davenport addressed Council regarding the police gun range and stated reasons why he believed Mayor Sullivan, as a member of the Council Committee, had blocked attempts for improvements at the gun range. He requested the Council Committee be disbanded and other Councilmembers appointed. Councilman Garofalo stated that Council and staff have come a long way in making resolution of this issue and urged positive comments. The City Administrator spoke regarding the procedure for the negotiation process. In response to a question by the Mayor, the Community Services Director reported that at no time did Mayor Sullivan hinder negotiations. Chuck McKinley stated he was encouraged by the report presented by the City Administrator at this meeting; however, he would return to address Council if matters were not resolved. Willy _Riddell questioned and the City Administrator responded regarding the anticipated time frame for negotiations. Mr. Riddell spoke regarding aspects related to the gun range property deed. Ed Carbury passed a plaque to Council showing the charity work accomplished by the National Rifle Association and stated the possibility that such work could be accomplished at the gun range. Joe Guarnera stated that it was likely the bullet came from the range, however, not proven conclusively. He stated the excellent safety record of the range. Mr. Guarnera informed Council of various government agencies which use the range. He stated that the range was a recreational use as are other recreational uses in the city such as the Frisbee Golf Course. Ronald Kinum distributed a communication tit4ed Shooting Range Controversy and read from the letter. The City Clerk announced that Mr. Kinum's letter was available to the public. Hugh Foster addressed Council and stated his support for the gun range. 131 Page 4 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/11196 Kevin Brooks informed Council that he was the resident in the home on Ford Drive where the bullet lodged. He stated his concern with some of the speaker's comments. Mr. Brooks stated that any plans have no effect on existing safety hazards. He challenge all parties to set aside their differences and resolve the problem before another accident occurs. Jim Curtis urged closure of the gun range stating that it is an incompatible land use and that it was an undeniable threat to health and safety. He stated that the elective officials of other cities have chosen not to have such facilities and the Huntington Beach Police Officer's Association will find another site. He urged council to avert a tragedy and close the gun range. Jim Martin stated that he did not understand why the Council did not close the gun range. He stated the danger of the gun range. Mr. Martin stated that the gun range no longer fits in the community. He stated that in other cities which own a gun range the city owns the range not the police association. Recess - Reconvene The Mayor called a recess of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency at 8:05 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:20 p.m. in the Council Chambers. (City Council/Redevelopment Agency) Study Session - Discussion And Review Of 1996- 97 Budget Revenue Alternatives (320.20) The City Council considered a communication from the City Administrator transmitting a summary and brief narrative description of 36 potential new revenue sources that could be utilized to address over $5 million General Fund Budget needs. The presentation scheduled for this Council meeting included: (1) Brief Review: Budget Issues and Alternative Solutions, (2) Review of List of Revenue Alternatives, and (3) City Council Discussion. The following late communcation was announced earlier in the meeting by the City Clerk: Copy of the City Budget Slide Presentation, dated March 11, 1996, from Administrative Services Department The City Administrator distributed a copy of the communication from Councilman Bauer titled Some Thoughts On The Budget, dated February 13, 1996. The City Administrator encouraged individual Councilmembers to submit their thoughts on the city budget. He presented a slide report which included a review of budget issues, alternative solutions, revenue alternatives and timetable. He reviewed city revenue taken by the state, a summary of General Fund needs and projected General Fund shortfalls. Discussion was held between Council and the City Administrator regarding the revenues that the state has taken from the city. 132 03/11/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 5 Deputy City Administrator Franz reported on the budget procedure. In response to Councilman Bauer, Deputy City Administrator Franz stated that $500,000 per year has been lost as a result of the bankruptcy. The City Administrator reported that the state action was the primary reason for the shortfall together with the current economy and the Orange County bankruptcy. The City Administrator reviewed alternative solutions which included service reductions, revenue increases, salary/benefit cost reductions, better efficiency through privatization, regionalization and productivity improvements. Deputy City Administrator Franz reported on revenue sources which are being compiled by the Community Services Director. The City Treasurer reported on the city's Business License Tax and the feasibility of fee revisions. At the request of Councilman Harman, the City Treasurer reported on enforcement of businesses obtaining business licenses. Councilman Harman spoke regarding the procedure of Newport Beach by which they doubled the number of businesses complying. Councilman Garofalo spoke regarding having an outside agency perform this function for the City_ Mayor Sullivan stated that he would like information on the city's most recent increases. The Director of Administrative Services reviewed the feasibility of a sewer maintenance fee. Councilman Garofalo stated that he did not believe the budget had been put in the big picture such as a bond issue; also that reducing levels of services had not been adequately addressed. Councilman Leipzig stated that he believed the sewer fee paralleled the Water Master Plan process and was not a General Fund issue. The City Administrator stated that the city must be careful not to mix infrastructure, capital and administrative aspects. The City Administrator stated that it is a very tough process to find $3,000,000; that revenue must be increased or real cutbacks made. Councilman Bauer stated that he believed Council should go through the budget to determine what they believed could be cut; that it is not just staff's job to do so. 133 Page 6 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/11/96 Councilman Green presented questions regarding the sewer maintenance costs and where the funds are derived, as well as what a new fee would cover. Councilman Green suggested that maintenance as well as capital expenditures should be covered. The Public Works Director responded that he would bring information to a future meeting. Discussion was held regarding parking meter fees. Councilman Harman stated that he believed parking meters at the library should be looked at. Parking meters were discussed and the fact that must be taken into consideration is that following meter installation, parking tends to spill into adjacent neighborhoods. The Police Chief spoke regarding the long turn -around time for County Sheriff's laboratory and he spoke regarding the possibility that the Huntington Beach Police Department may be able to generate new revenues by performing laboratory work_ OTHER 21 T.D.T. Transient Occupancy Tax/Bed Tax): 1 % Additional 100,000 22 Increase Beach Parkin Fee $1 300,000 23 Oil Pipeline Franchise Fee Increases ? 24 Business License -Rental Units: Single Family and Duplexes 200,000 27 Fee: False 911 Calls 200,000 31 Entertainment Fee 275,000 33 Local Option Cigarette Tax 36 Sale of City Property The City Council determined that Items No. 1 through No. 8 of Revenue Sources would return for further consideration: Estimated New General Fund Ref # Recommended for Further Consideration Annual Revenue 1 Parking Fee Changes: Meters/Structure $ 300,000 2 Business License - S10 Per Year Increase 160,000 3 Sewer Maintenance Fee 1,100,000 4 New Parking Meters- Brookhurst and Magnolia 45,000 5 Parking Meters Beach Blvd. 20,000 6 Contract Scientific Investigation Lab Service to Other Agencies ? 7 State Parks Water Use Surcharge ? F8 U date Charges for Current Service 50,000 134 03/11/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 7 Items Nos. 10,12,13, and 16 through 20 to receive further report 10 Storm Drain Maintenance Fee $1,040,000 12 Refuse Fee: 50 Cents Per Month Increase 250,000 13 Barrel Tax, (Oil): 1 Cent Additional 30,000 16 Community Enrichment Library Fee Increase ? 17 New Parking Meters - Inland side of P.C.H. 100,000 18 Parking Meters - Central Park/Libra 200,000 19 Revenue Audits/Revenue Collections ? 20 Lease of City Property ? (City Council/Redevelopment Agency) Study Session- General Plan Amendment No. 94-2 - (Environmental Impact Report No. 94-1 - Comprehensive Update of the Huntington Beach General Plan (440.50) The City Council considered a communication from the Community Development Director transmitting material covering the following issues regarding the proposed General Plan Amendment. The following late communcation was announced earlier in the meeting by the City Clerk: Communication from Melanie Fallon, Community bevelopment Director, dated March 6, 1996, regarding the Utility Facilities Element in the General Plan Slide Presentation from Community Development department regarding the Draft General Plan, Study Session No. 2 Howard Zelefsky, Planning Director, reported on the issues to be covered: Overview, Major Issues, Environmental Impact Report, Urban Design Element, Historic and Cultural Resources Element, Recreation and Community Services Element, Public Facilities and Public Services Element, Environmental Resources and Conservation Element and Economic Development Element. Linda Niles, Senior Planner, introduced Mr. Jeff Riley, Viacom Company, and Brian James, Senior Planner, Brian James reviewed the General Plan Amendment issues brought up on February 20, 1996. Linda Niles, Senior Planner, reported on the Environmental Impact Report procedure and reported on the Environmental Impact Report and mitigation issues. She spoke regarding the procedure to weigh adverse effects versus benefits_ Mr. Riley, consultant, responded to Councilwoman Dettloff regarding the current General Plan and the proposed General Plan relative to impacts on the environment, 135 Page 8 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/11196 Brian James, Senior Planner, reviewed how to use the General Plan and referred Council to Statutory Requirements on Page No. II-1. He also reviewed Page No. 11-13 (Issues) and Page No. II-23 (Goal, Policies and Objectives). Mr. James referred to the Implementation Measures which bind the city. He also reported on the Implementation Matrix. Councilman Bauer questioned who would serve as a "policeman" to insure that the procedures are carried out and discussion was held, including discussion on ensuring that setbacks are required, such as for walls to soften effect. The Planning Director stated that perhaps there should be a section on the City Council Request For Council Action captioned "How does this item relate to the General Plan". Councilman Bauer stressed the need for ugly development not to happen. Councilman Leipzig stated that the Design Review- Board has a role in aesthetics but not for the entire city. Councilman Garofalo stated that he believed a proposed General Plan should be compared with the Goals and Objectives, the budget and economic potential of the community. Brian James, Senior Planner, referred to Page No. II-28 of the Land Use Map and Sub Area Map. Linda Niles, Senior Planner, reviewed the Urban Design Element. She stated that Mike Mudd, Cultural Services Manager, was in the audience in case the Council had a question on Urban Art. Councilwoman Dettloff questioned how Specific Plans fit into General Plans, Councilwoman Dettloff questioned what kind of ordinance could be implemented on public art and Senior Planner James stated that it was in the Historical and Cultural Section of the General Plan and would be worked out at a later date. Councilman Harman presented questions regarding the area at Pacific Coast Highway at the Southern California Edison Plant and tank farm and the need to improve the area. Herb Fauland, Senior Planner, referred Councilman Harman to the specific language in the document. Daryl Smith, Park, Tree, and Landscape Division Superintendent, reported on how the city coordinates arterial highways, landscape medians and aboricultural landscape specifications. He stated that they were referred to in the General Plan. Mr. Smith stated that these specifications are again being re -done, The Historical and Cultural Resources Element was reviewed by Linda Niles, Senior Planer and Mike Mudd, Cultural Services Manager. 136 03/11/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 9 Discussion was held regarding Councilman Harman's concern as to how the implementation would be done so that parts would not be forgotten. Linda Niles, Senior Planner, reviewed the Recreation and Community Services Element. The Environmental Resources and Conservation Element was reviewed. She stated it was the goal to treat all environmental issues equally. Councilman Leipzig asked if the documents referral to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) left the city without any local standards of its own as he would not like the city to rely only on state and federal laws as these laws are subject to changes with which the city may not agree. The Planning Director reported. Councilman Bauer asked how does the city make- sure that someone on staff knows all the environmental rules to follow. The Planning Director spoke regarding the system of checks and balances which have not changed much in 23 years. He used the Alquist-Priolo Act as an example. Councilman Bauer asked how the process works; does the staff member go to a reference book; how does the staff know the environmental regulation exists in order to see that it is implemented. Mr. Riley, Viacom representative, reported on the issue. Linda Niles, Senior Planner, stated every project is sent to each department for professional review. Herb Fauland, Senior Planner, reviewed the Economic Development Element. He stated that the Edinger Corridor report should be presented soon. The Economic Development Director stated the work is being done on the Edinger Corridor. Discussion was held by Council. Linda Niles, Senior Planner, reported on the proposed public hearing schedule. It was the consensus of the Council to proceed as outlined. 137 Page 10 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/11196 ADJOURNMENT - CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY The Mayor adjourned the adjourned regular meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to Monday, March 18, 1996 at 8:00 p.m., in Room B-8, Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. ATTEST: City Clerk/Clerk 138 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