Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-03-25MINUTES CITY COUNCILJREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH 5:00 P.M. - Council Chamber Huntington Beach, California Monday, March 25, 1996 Call To Order Mayor Sullivan called the adjourned regular meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to order at 5:25 p.m. in the Council Chamber. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Roll Call Present: Harman, Leipzig, Sullivan, Dettloff, Green, Garofalo Absent'. Bauer Pledge Of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was given by those present in the Council Chamber. Late Communications Announced By City Clerk Pursuant To The Brown Act Pursuant to the Brown Act, the City Clerk announced that the slide report titled Budget Study Session, dated March 25, 1996, received from the City Administrator's Office had been distributed to Council following distribution of the City Council Agenda. (City Council/Redevelopment Agency) Public Hearing - General Plan Amendment No. 94-2 - Environmental Impact Report No. 94-1 - Comprehensive Update Of The Huntington Beach General Plan The Mayor announced that this was the meeting set for a public hearing to consider the following: The City of Huntington Beach is in the process of rewriting the General Plan. The General Plan is the "constitution" for the city. The "constitution" contains the citizens' vision for the future of the city and translates their hopes and aspirations into a broad set of goals and policies. These policies are then utilized to help guide decisions for the next 20 years. 166 Page 2 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/25/96 A communication from the Community Development Director, dated March 25, 1996, titled General Plan Amendment No. 94-2/Environmental Impact Report No. 94-1 (Comprehensive Update of the Huntington Beach General Plan including a Slide Report of Draft General Plan Public Hearing No. 1 was distributed to Council. The City Clerk had received and distributed to Council a communication dated March 21, 1996 from ,ton Ely regarding the visual quality of the city, specifically the Coastal Pacific Coast Highway corridor between the Santa Ana River and Beach Boulevard. Melanie Fallon, Community Development Director, introduced Linda Niles, Senior Planner. Jeff Riley, Envicom Consultant; Herb Fauland, Associate Planner; and Brian James, Senior Planner; were introduced by Ms. Niles. Senior Planner Niles, stated that the public hearing procedure would be reviewed as well as the issues that were raised at the February 26th and March 11th Study Sessions and the issues and alternatives in the Environmental fmpact Report, Public Hearing No. 1 • Overview • Public Hearing Procedure • Environmental Impact Report Air Quality Element Noise Element Environmental Hazards Element Hazardous Materials Element • Utilities Element • Urban Design Element • Recreation and Community Services Element • Historic and Cultural Resources Element • Public Facilities and Public Services Element • Environmental Resources and Conservation Element • Economic Development Element • Housing Element (Update to occur at later date) • Growth Management Element (Update to occur at a later date) • Coastal Element (Update to occur at a later date) Brian James, Senior Planner, addressed issues regarding noise impacts of the Police Gun Range, stating that staff believed the Gun Range should be discussed under the Noise Element. He addressed the Utilities Element stating that staff has recommended additional language. He presented additional proposed alterations to the proposed General Plan that were in the report and also to which the Slide Report referred. Senior Planner Niles reviewed the Environmental Impact Report using the Slide Report. She reported on proposed alternatives. She referred to differences in the current development standards and proposed standards such as plans for less residential housing for the city than previously planned. She spoke regarding Mitigation Measures and Statement of Overriding Considerations. Ms_ Niles stated that an area that was not feasible to be reduced to below significant impact levels was along Pacific Coast Highway from North of Beach Boulevard to south of Brookhurst Street as traffic cannot be mitigated. 167 03/25/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 3 She stated that the level of development permitted under the General Plan would inevitably result in added development and increase in emission concentration which currently exceeds state standards, so although the implementation of the Air Quality Element would serve to minimize this increase, the presence of carbon monoxide hot spots at busy intersections around the city would never fully be mitigated. Ms. Niles reported that even with the implementation of the General Plan an inevitable increase in ambient noise levels will occur; that the effectiveness of the policies in the General Plan will serve to reduce those noise levels for new development, and redevelopment, however for existing structures, it was questionable as to whether the new noise concern could be mitigated. In response to Councilman Leipzig, Ms. Niles stated that Air, Noise and Traffic Impacts can be reduced from what would be permitted under the existing General Plan. The public hearing on the Environmental Impact Report was opened. No speakers were present and this portion of the hearing was closed. Senior Planner James reported on the utility expansions as it relates to the Air Quality Element. Councilman Harman gave reasons why he did not believe all Cal Resources, an oil company, should be designated as a utility. Discussion was held and Senior Planner Niles stated it yvould be a good addition of utility companies and industrial uses. Senior Planner James reported on aspects of the Noise Element, stating staff was recommending approval as modified by the Planning Commission. Councilman Harman spoke regarding Impact Noise and Ambient Noise and questioned if there was an Impact Noise Ordinance on the books Senior Planner Niles stated that an ordinance was being developed now and would be part of the General Plan. Councilman Harman spoke regarding the need for more specific language as it relates to noise from parties. At the request of Councilman Harman, Associate Planner Fauland, stated that leaf blowers are covered under city code and Mr. Riley could contact the Land Use Division of the Community Development Department. The Community Development Director reported on leaf blower use. Senior Planner ,lames reported that staff would have to work in coordination with the Federal Aviation Authority on the airplane banner issue. 1 a+$ . Page 4 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/25/96 Associate Planner Fauland referred to the section of the proposed General Plan where airplane noise might be addressed. Senior Planner Niles reported on the Environmental Hazards Element and stated that staff recommended approval. The public hearing on the Environmental Hazards Element was opened. No speakers were present and this portion of the hearing was closed. Senior Planner Niles reported on the Hazardous Materials Element stating that staff is recommending approval as modified by the Planning Commission, The public hearing on the Hazardous Materials Element was opened. No speakers were present and this portion of the hearing was closed Associate Planner Fauland reported on the Utilities- Element. He informed Council that a letter had been received from Jon Ely and placed in the City Council packet. At Councilman Green's request, Mr. Fauland reported on staff's recommendation relative to Mr. Ely's suggestions on the proposed Utilities Element. The public hearing was opened on the Utilities Element. John Ely addressed Council regarding his communication. He stated that the Huntington Beach State Park was the Number 1 visited State Park in the State and was nearby the visually blighted Edison Company site. He gave reasons why he believed the Utilities Element is inadequate. He informed Council that he believed the element should be more personalized and presented reasons. The Community Development Director reported on the appeal filed by Councilman Harman of a pending commercial tower. Councilwoman Dettloff spoke regarding the Orange County Sanitation District's efforts underway on landscaping issues that had temporarily been delayed due to the county bankruptcy. She stated that she believed the word "discouraged" should be put under Section 2.9. Councilman Harman thanked Mr. Ely for his report and the time it took to prepare. Councilman Harman stated that he agreed with Mr. Ely's concerns such as if the power plant is sold and output is increased. Councilman Leipzig spoke regarding the additional landscaping plans of the Grange County Sanitation District. He stated that he believed the power plant landscape standards were a more difficult situation. 169 03125/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 5 Floyd Crabill, property owner on Glencoe Avenue, stated that he believed Glencoe Avenue and also Alhambra Drive were the worst kept streets and hoped that curbs and gutters could be installed. He stated that he had been assessed $2,000 for this 10 years ago when he was in escrow on the property. Mr. Crabill spoke regarding the problem of stagnant water in the area. Senior Planner Niles stated that she would report on what she believed may be planned improvements on Alhambra Drive. Councilman Harman asked the other Councilmembers why they believed Mr. Ely's recommendations should be in the Urban Design Element rather than the Utilities Element. Councilman Leipzig reported. Councilman Harman stated he was concerned if the language was not put in the Utilities Element it could be overlooked when a utility company was making application_ Associate Planner Fauland stated that staff would recommend that it be put in the Urban Design Element and presented reasons. Councilman Garofalo stated that he believed in landscaping but did not want to restrict ability to produce energy. Following discussion, Senior Planner Niles stated that staff would return with revisions. Discussion was held regarding the process by which the utilities companies can expand. Associate Planner Fauland reported on the Urban Design Element stating that staff recommended approval as modified by the Planning Commission. He referred to Mr. Ely's communication. He stated that staff would meet with the utility companies. Jon El y addressed Council and stated that he favored the language in his report but did not agree with the word suggested "discourage". He spoke regarding procedure and stated that he had not received a notification on the desalinization plant and that notifications were sent out by the utility company. He stated that the General Plan is a directional policy tool that staff must be able to follow and not to return to the Council to see what is desired. Mr. Ely stated that he would like to see what was done in the Redondo Beach area regarding utilities to be placed in the Huntington Beach General Plan; that the City of Redondo Beach also had Woody Tescher as their consultant. In response to Council, Mr. Ely stated that he would provide the City of Redondo Beach language to staff. Mr. Ely stressed that notification requirements should be in place. Bill Riley spoke in opposition to the ugly block walls and particularly the addition to the walls made by residents that he believed were illegal. He stated that he believed the wording regarding block walls was vague and that the Code Enforcement Division should be given more power as he does not believe it should be allowed in south Orange County. 170 Page 6 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/25/96 The Community Development Director reported that this is a Code Enforcement issue. There were no further speakers to the Utilities Element and this portion of the public hearing was closed. Senior Planner James reported on the Historic and Cultural Resources Element. Councilman Harman asked if the General Plan gave direction regarding historical buildings that may be in the way of street widening. Senior Planner James reported on S. 1.3.6 and 1.3.7, however, he stated these sections did not specifically address street expansion. The public hearing on the Historic and Cultural Resources Element was opened. Richard Harlow, representing Bill Anderson owner df three lots on Palmdale Street, the site of Primo Roofing Company, spoke regarding the reasons for these objections to an historical overlay in that area, Discussion was held between the staff and Councilman Garofalo regarding the issues raised by Mr. Harlow. Associate Planner Fauland presented an example of the Slater House; how it was preserved to house a related architectural firm; and that such integrated use was what had been in mind. Ms. Niles stated that this is an area that should be set aside for a report. Further discussion was held regarding reasons for why this area was used for an example rather than the downtown area. There being no one further to speak on this element, the Historic and Cultural Resources Element portion of the public hearing was closed. Senior Planner James reported on the Recreation and Community Services Element of the General Plan as notified by the Planning Commission. Shirley Carey, Community Services Commission member, urged Council support. She spoke regarding the Community Services Commission formed on the Youth Sports and Senior Citizen issues. Ms. Carey stated that it was important to look at both city and school issues. There being no one further to speak, the Recreation and Community Services Element portion of the public hearing was closed. Councilman Harman spoke regarding what some members of the community believed to be a shortage of youth sports facilities but enough facilities for adult sports. Senior Planner James stated it referred to all segments of the population. 171 03/25/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 7 Senior Planner Niles reported on the Public Facilities and Public Services Element of the General Plan. She spoke regarding meetings held between the schools and staff regarding development on school sites.. The public hearing on the Public Facilities and Public Services Element was opened. There were no speakers to the Public Facilities and Public Services Element present and this portion of the public hearing was closed. Senior Planner Niles reported on the Environmental Resources and Conservation Element and reviewed the word changes on Major Issues. The public hearing on the Environmental Resources and Conservation Element was opened. Bob Biddle, Huntington Beach Tomorrow President, stated that he strongly urged that Mr. Ely's recommendation be used as other cities do this. Mr. Biddle stated that the Huntington Beach Tomorrow organization opposed linking the city's General Plan to the California Environmental Quality Act as CEQA can be disbanded by the state and the city's requirements should stand on it's own. Discussion was held between Council and Mr. Biddle regarding the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Senior Planner Niles reported on staff's intent and presented recommendations. She stated that she believed this is an area that should be set aside for future staff review. There being no one present to speak further on the Environmental Resources and Conservation Element, the public hearing was closed. Associate Planner Fauland stated that the Housing Element would be updated within the next several months and would return to Council. He stated that the Growth Management Element was being reviewed to determine if it should be brought up for future review from the date of 1992 when it was done. He reported on the update of the Coastal Element which was planned. A motion was made by Green, second Dettloff, to approve the recommended action on all Elements including the Environmental Impact Report and with the following exceptions of items to return after review by staff: Noise - Impact noise directly adjacent to residential areas. Environmental Resources and Conservation - CEQA issues as it relates to city's own stand alone regulations. 17.2 Page 8 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/25196 Utilities Element - Landscaping and aesthetics as it pertains to the Orange County Sanitation District and Southern California Edison Plants, etc., as addressed in Mr. Ely's report and schedule the presence of utility company representatives. The motion carried unanimously with Councilmember Bauer absent. A motion was made by Leipzig, second Dettloff, that the next public hearing on the General Plan begin at 6:30 p.m. The Community Development Director and the City Clerk informed the City Council that 9,000 notifications of the pubic hearings had been mailed to city residents. The motion and second were withdraw. Public Comments Rosemary Cowell addressed Council and requested that a standard of care for those who depend on senior services such as the Meals on Wheel Program be set and requested that services not be cut. Tom Logan spoke in opposition to Ballot Measure GG (Youth Sports Facilities, Senior Citizen facility site and beach improvements) and presented reasons. Wade Hawley spoke regarding the communications from the Library Board and affiliates which included recommendations for an increase in the Community Development Enrichment Fee. He spoke in opposition to proposed parking meters at the library. Discussion was held between Council, Mr. Hawley, and Library Director Hayden on the parking meter issue. The Library Director responded to Councilman Green's questions which included issues relative to the retirement of Library Bonds. Councilman Garofalo stated that he would encourage the Huntington Beach citizens to vote on March 26, 1996, as it is predicted by the Secretary of State that it may be the lowest turnout ever recorded, Recess - Reconvene The Mayor called a recess of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency meetings at 7:55 p.m. The meetings were convened at 8:05 p.m_ 1 '73 03/25/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 9 (City Council/Redevelopment Agency) Budget Study Session - Review Of Alternative Solutions To Future Years' Budget Shortfalls The City Administrator distributed a late communication titled Sewer Maintenance Program, City of Huntington Beach, Public works Department (Slide Report). The late communication (Slide Report) titled Budget Study Session, dated March 25, 1996, had been announced earlier in the meeting by the City Clerk. The City Council considered a communication from the City Administrator transmitting summaries listing Potential Revenue Increases and Potential Expense Reductions as discussed at the past two Budget Study Sessions. No final decisions were needed on any specific revenue or expense issues; however, policy direction was needed from the City Council on addressing the long-term budget issues. Tentative subjects for this study session were: Review Cause of Budget Problems Looking Back: Past Budget Reductions Looking Ahead: 5 Year Projections Review Alternative Solutions Expense Reduction Revenue Increases Review Options City Council Discussion Communications were received, dated March 20, 1996, from the Library Board, Library Board Chair and President of the Library Patrons Foundation recommending an increase in the Community Enrichment Library Development Fee to assist in revenue shortfalls. Communications were received, dated March 20, 1996, from the Library Board of Trustees and the Presidents of the affiliated groups informing Council of a recommendation from the affiliated groups requesting that all other options be studied prior to consideration of parking meters at the Central Library. The City Administrator presented a lengthy report and reviewed the Slide Report. Discussion was held between Councilman Green and the City Administrator. Councilman Green stated that he believed in increasing fees for services rendered so that the General Fund would not be depleted. The City Clerk announced that the late communication titled Sewer Maintenance Program, City of Huntington Beach, Public Works Department (Slide Report) had been distributed to Council. The Public Works Director presented a staff report on the Slides Report 174 Page 10 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/25/96 Councilman Garofalo, at the request of Councilwoman Dettloff, reported on the concept of using a General Obligation Bond. Councilman Leipzig stressed the importance of infrastructure needs and presented examples by referring to sewer related issues. Councilmen Leipzig and Harman stated that they wished to see more facts and details prior to making decisions. Councilman Harman stated that he would like to see another look at reducing expenditures prior to raising revenues, Discussion of sales of property were held and Deputy City Administrator Franz reported that there were limited areas such as rights -of -way on some property along Utica Avenue. He reported on reviewing the terms of leases. Councilwoman Dettloff stated that she believed a Study Session may be needed regarding the impact of Budget cuts, citing the impact that she knows there would be if, for example, five Senior Outreach personnel were cut. Discussion was held between Councilman Garofalo and Councilman Leipzig regarding steps needed to develop a budget. Further discussion was held regarding the process of balancing the budget. The City Administrator stated that more information and recommendations would be provided to Council at a future meeting, such as possible service cuts and revenue sources. (City Council/Redevelopment Agency) Council Resolution No. 96-26 and Agency Resolution No. 271 Adopted Establishing The Time Of City Council And Redevelopment Agency Meetings And Meeting Procedures .- The City Council considered a communication from the City Administrator and City Clerk transmitting pursuant to Council direction, Agency Resolution No. 271 and Council Resolution No. 96-26 which would change the starting time of the business and public comments (televised) portion of the Council/Agency meetings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. due to the amount of time consumed by Closed Session items causing the meetings not to begin on time and the public to wait. A motion was made by Green, second Dettloff, to adopt Council Resolution No. 96-26 - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH FIXING THE TIME OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS."; and Agency Resolution No. 271 - "A RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH FIXING THE TIME OF REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETINGS." and thereby: 17S 03/25/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 11 1. Change the time for regular meetings of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency to begin at 5:00 p.m. with the televised/business and public comments portion of the meetings to begin at 7:00 p.m., and, 2. Reaffirm that no meeting of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency shall continue beyond 11:00 p.m. without a majority vote of the Council/Agency, and, 3. Items not acted upon will be carried forward to an adjourned meeting to be called by the City Council/Redevelopment Agency to commence at a time and place to be announced at the time of adjournment, and, 4. The fourth Monday of each month would no longer be set as a regular meeting at a regular set time; however, the City Council/Redevelopment Agency would at such times as meetings on the fourth Monday are necessary, adjourn to the fourth Monday of the month at a time and place as may be called for in the order of adjournment. The motiory carried b the followli g roll call vote: AYES: Harman, Leipzig, Bauer, Sullivan, Dettloff, Green, NOES: Garofalo ABSENT: None (City CouncillRedevelopment Agency) Opposition To Senate Bill 1626 (Senator Kopp) - Additional Restrictions Upon Redevelopment The City Council considered a communication from the Economic Development Director regarding Senate Bill 1626 which would place additional restrictions upon redevelopment including the payment of in -lieu taxes for Agency -held property. David Biggs, Economic Development Director, reported that there are some good elements but the portion of the bill regarding payment of in -lieu taxes would cost the city thousands of dollars. He presented examples. Councilman Garofalo recommended that Senator Ross Johnson and the League of Cities be enlisted to assist the city on this issue. On motion by Harman, second Dettloff, Council opposed Senate Bill 1626 and authorized the Mayor to transmit, on behalf of the city, position letters in opposition to Senate Bill 1626, to the appropriate party's. 176 Page 12 - Council/Agency Minutes - 03/25/96 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. ATTEST: City Clerk/Clerk 177 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 G�rC.r Mayor/Chairman