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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-04-08MINUTES CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH Council Chamber, Civic Center Huntington Beach, California Monday, April 8, 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 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Roll Call Present: Harman, Leipzig, Bauer, Sullivan, Dettloff, Green, Garofalo Absent: None Pledge Of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was given by those present in the Council Chamber. Introduction Of 1996 Waitakere, New Zealand Student Ambassadors - Sister City Association (150.30) The 1996 Waitakere, New Zealand Student Ambassadors were introduced to the City Council and audience by representatives of the Sister City Association. "(City Council/Redevelopment Agency) Study Session No 3 - General Plan Amendment No 94 2 Environmental Impact Report No 94-1 - Comprehensive Update Of The Huntington Beach General Plan Continued From March 11 1996 City Council Study Session (440.50) Presented for City Council consideration was a staff report submitted by Melanie Fallon, Community Development Director, dated April„8; -1996. 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 citizen's 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. General Plan Amendment No. 94-2 and Environmental Impact Report No. 94-1 is the comprehensive update of the city's General Plan which includes the review and certification of an Environmental Impact Report. The City Council to date, has conducted two Study Sessions on the update of the draft General Plan (February 26 and March 11), and a public hearing on March 25, 1996. At the City'Council study session on March 11, 1996 the Council continued the Study Session on the Draft General Plan to the meeting of April 8, 1996. 194 Page 2 - Council/Agency Minutes - 04/08/96 Attached to the staff report is a packet of communications received from the public regarding the proposed General Plan Amendment. Late Communications Regardinci The General Plan Amendment And Environmental Impact Report No. 94-1 Were Announced By the City Clerk (440.50) Pursuant to the Brown Act, the City Clerk announced the following late communications regarding agenda items which had been received following the distribution of the agenda. Slide Presentation pertaining to the Draft General Plan, Study Session No. 3 Communication from Hank Cunningham, Cunningham and Associates, Consultants, dated March 26, 1996, regarding the Economic Development Element Communication from Jerry Dominguez, Region Manager, Southern California Edison Company regarding the Edison Generating Station Fax and communication from Jon Ely dated March 29, 1996 and April 3, 1996, regarding the Edison Generating Station Community Development Department Staff Presentation The Community Development Director, Melanie Fallon, introduced Linda Niles, Senior Planner; Brian James, Senior Planner; Bruce Gilmer, Associate Traffic Engineer; and Jim Otterson, Traffic Engineer. Linda Niles, Senior Planner, informed Council of the Community Development Department's presentation outline including public hearing procedure, proposed language changes, review of March 25, 1996 Council actions, issues from March 25, 1996 public hearing, and Circulation Element, Land Use Element and Land Use Changes. She presented slides and reviewed the procedure used and actions taken at previous meetings and the procedure for this meeting. Ms. Niles presented a slide report which reviewed proposed language changes in the Land Use Element Page Nos. 220 through 225 including the Americans With Disabilities Act language; corrections in the Land Use Table LU. 4 and language regarding exiting mobilehome parks. Mobile Home Overlay Councilman Garofalo proposed that wording be included in the Mobilehome Overlay relative to the density cap remaining at its current density and staff stated that this was a good suggestion. Senior Planner Niles presented a review of the March 25, 1996 actions and issues from the public hearing. 196 04/08/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 3 Public Comments On Previous Straw Vote Items (440.50) Jerry Dominguez, Regional Manager, Southern California Edison Company, stated that he had met with Senior Planner Brian James and had presented a letter to Council. He spoke regarding the proposed General Plan and his concern with aspects of the proposed amendment including the fact that he believed his company was being discouraged from using the permit process. Mr. Dominguez stated that the letter before Council summarizes the issues of concern. Discussion was held between Councilman Garofalo and Mr. Dominguez regarding landscaping plans of the Southern California Edison Company. The Community Development Director read proposed changes to Page No. 243. Mr. Dominguez was questioned by Councilman Bauer regarding the areas of the document that he believed discouraged use of the permit process. The Community Development Director referred to Page No. 243 UD 2.2.5 "Discourage the construction of new and or expansions of existing industrial and utility facilities that visually impair the city's coastal corridor and entry nodes (1-UD 2 and I-UD 6) as discussed. Councilman Bauer stated that wherever this appears in the document he would recommend changes such as set forth by the Community Development Director be made. Councilman Bauer questioned if a type of landscaping could be used for Magnolia Avenue and Newland Street as the fence which has been used on Pacific Coast Highway between Goldenwest Street and the cliffs which has, although not perfect, improved the area. He requested that the full Council be advised of the status of the area of the power plant which is the gateway to the city, as construction is now proceeding. Councilman Bauer also requested that grants be explored as well as establishing a cooperative effort with the Southern California Edison Company. Discussion was,held between. Councilman Bauer and the Community Development Director. Councilman Bauer asked the Community Development Director if she could update the Council on. meetings attended on such issues. The Community Development Director stated that the Council was welcome to sit in on meetings held on Southern California Edison and County Sanitation District issues. Councilwoman Dettloff stated her agreement that on Page No. 248 the word 'discourage' should be changed. Jon Ely addressed Council and stated that he believed "discourage" should be used as it is a stronger word but that he does not have an objection to the proposed language. Mr. Ely spoke.regarding the future of such facilities and the importance of proper planning so that visual impairment does not occur. He stated that as the Edison Plan -is not 300 feet near anyone that a public hearing must be held and the community must be made aware rather than have the Zoning Administrator "rubber stamp". 196 Page 4 - Council/Agency Minutes - 04/08/96 Senior Planner Niles read the portions where a public hearing could be placed in the document. Councilman Harman questioned whether the word "explore" on Page No. 242 should be more definitive. Senior Planner Niles stated staff would report back with recommended wording. Councilman Garofalo questioned if there was a relationship in the city ordinances between the height of a project and the notification process. The Community Development Director reported on the public hearing requirements. Straw Vote - Accepted Modified Wording Motion A motion was made by Leipzig, second Dettloff, that a straw vote be taken to accept the modified wording and as modified further (LID 2.2.5) and leaving out specific examples and making them generic examples; also when easy and convenient, to introduce some positive language. The motion carried unanimously. Herb Fauland, Senior Planner, reviewed the Circulation Element. He reviewed the Proposed Language Changes. He referred to changes on classifications of road ways. Traffic Engineer Otterson presented a review of the Circulation Element including Traffic Modeling. Councilman Green asked if consideration was given to conservation of fuels when determining trips. l Traffic Engineer Otterson reported on how they did in a round -about -way and not directy. He reported on trip generation rates and reviewed the Level of Service Tables. Traffic Engineer Otterson reviewed the Department of Public Works December.12, 1995 reply to a letter received by the Planning Commission, dated November 27, 1995, from Mr. John F. Scott regarding what Mr. Scott believes to be deficiencies. Councilman Garofalo asked a question relative to the traffic modeling as it affected the economic aspects of the General Plan Amendment. Senior Planner James reported. Councilman Garofalo stated that he believed the city is an island where people can get around the city but if they could get through the city, the city would be helped economically. Councilman Garofalo referred to the late communication from Cunningham and Associates, consultants. Councilman Harman questioned the charts showing streets currently, and those streets to be widened. He presented questions regarding the physical ability to widen lanes such as in Bolsa Chica area. 197 04/08/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 5 Mr. Otterson reported that in the areas that staff considers to be a tight fit, the word "potential," rather than "proposed" be used. Senior Planner Fauland referred to material in their binder in the Circulation Element Page 312-13 - Table CE-1, regarding identified road way capacities and the potential road way segments using Adams Avenue as an example of potential need for right-of-way if the land use generates that type of activity. He reported on the reasons why the Planning Commission had not made a formal recommendation on a Traffic Modeling Scenario. The Community Development Director.stated that she believed the state or county may not mandate this particular standard but that the city must have a standard and that there may be flexibility and would like to return to Council. The City Administrator reported on the Gothard-Hoover Connection issue. Councilwoman Dettloff presented questions regarding the Circulation Element and confirmed that small decisions made now affect the end plan. Discussion was held regarding the feasibility of the Hoover-Gothard Connection ever being done. The Traffic Engineer reported on this issue. Discussion was held regarding Traffic Modeling Scenarios 1, 2, and 3 on Page Nos. 159, 176 and 183 of the General Plan. Motion To Continue General Plan Amendment No 94-2 And Environmental Impact Report No 94-1 To May 6, 1996 - Approved A motion was made by Garofalo, second Dettloff, to continue the General Plan Amendment No. 94-2 and Environmental Impact Report No: 94-1 to the final City-Couhcil Study Session scheduled for May 6, 1996. The motion carried unanimously with Councilman Green out of the room. Councilman Garofalo stated that he would like the Gothard-Hoover issue revisited and a city strategy developed; that the City Administrator return with an action plan to expedite the Gothard-Hoover Extension. Senior Planner James reviewed the Land Use Element. and reported on recommended language on Page Nos. 223 and 224. He presented slide photographs of projects in the city and mixed uses in the City of Santa Monica. The Community Development Director addressed Council regarding mixed use and stated that she knows the city can do better, citing policy set forth in the General Plan Amendment. She gave reasons why mixed use is desirable including pedestrian uses, bus corridors encourage mass transit, and solutions to urban sprawl. She cited San Diego, San Francisco and Boston as good examples. The Community Development Director spoke regarding the American dream of single family residential which she stated will always be there but that mixed use should too, become a part of the American dream. Page 6 - Council/Agency Minutes - 04/08/96 Senior Planner James responded to Councilwoman Dettloff and stated that Beach Boulevard, north of Warner Avenue all the way up and including the mall are the major areas recommended for mixed use. He also cited areas where the Planning Commission did not agree with the General Plan Advisory Committee relative to mixed use south of Warner Avenue. Councilman Garofalo thanked the Community Development Director. He stated that he believes the city must find a project to implement the dream the Community Development Director envisions. Councilman Bauer stated what he believed the nature of Huntington Beach; that of a city of single family detached homes. He cited the difference between Santa Mionica and Huntington Beach. Councilman Green questioned the Community Development Director as to what the components are to good mixed use. The Community Development Director replied that extensive pre -planning was done in Santa Monica. She reported further. Councilman Green inquired regarding plans for Single Room Occupancy. The Community Development Director reported. She reported on mixed use to revitalize Beach Boulevard which would never be able to have a demand for all the commercial available. Councilman Leipzig stated that he agreed with Councilman Bauer relative to mixed use. The City Administrator reported on mixed use. Senior Planner James reported on Major Issues and the correlation of development with public .Services and infrastructure. Discussion was held between Councilman Bauer and Mr. James regarding whether development has been stopped because of inadequate infrastructure. Planning Director Zelefsky presented the example at the southwest corner of Goldenwest Street and Warner Avenue where the sewer lift station has to be done. Also that traffic signals on projects must be put in on developments in the city. Councilman Bauer confirmed that the Growth Management Element adopted some time ago was included, with a few recommended changes and that it would be an attachment. The City Administrator reported on the Growth Management Plan as it relates to Police and Fire responsibilities, citing the need to modify if the city is not meeting the standards. Discussion was held regarding the loss of commercial - industrial in relation to the loss of residential - what has the city gained? 199 04/08/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 7 The Planning Director addressed the issue stating that a more definitive picture needs to be presented to Council Councilman Garofalo stated that he believed the wrong tool of measurement was being used. He stated that he believed the city must strive toward the highest and best use of industrial. Councilman Garofalo requested a bench mark on single family - multi -family that shows where we are today and where we propose to go. Councilman Leipzig stated that he believed the city will find it is the intensity of uses being changed, not so much the use. He requested that something that has never been presented before be presented, which is what would be realistically possible under the existing General Plan, because that has to be taken into consideration before the city compares it to what is being planned. Extensive discussion was held regarding the time anticipated for parcel recycling and development of the remaining acreage in the city. Councilman Garofalo stated that there needed to be a plan to rehabilitate the strip mall sites. Land Use Maps Senior Planner James reviewed the individual Land Use Changes, referring to the matrix in the staff report. He presented photographs on a slide of various areas in the city. Discussion was held regarding the land at Indianapolis Avenue and Bushard Street (Area No. 52 and Area No. 40). Planning Director Zelefsky reported on policy regarding parcels which could be designated either of two ways and recommended that this policy of one acre exception in the current General Plan be discontinued. The Community Development Director reported that she believed the City Attorney's Office position would be that the Land Use has to be designated for the property owner and the surrounding property owners. She reported on Area No. 52. Councilman Leipzig presented a review of the legality of the one acre exception policy. Councilman Harman presented questions on Area No. 52 and the other areas that are inconsistent. Discussion was held regarding efforts which should be made to reconcile land use on Area No. 52. Councilman Leipzig asked if "Planning Reserve" could be used for these types of areas such as No. 40 or No. 52. The Community Development Director stated she would like to bring this back with the City Attorney's input. 200 Page 8 - Council/Agency Minutes - 04/08/96 Councilman Harman requested that legal consequences be reported on, if the city attempts to change to residential after 25 yeas of commercial. Senior Planner James continued with the land use presentation utilizing slide photographs. Councilman Garofalo questioned Area No. 74 as to the difference between the Planning Commission, staff, and GPAC Committee. Mr. James reported that there will be a public hearing on the entire General Plan Amendment which includes all areas. Councilman Bauer presented questions regarding the areas at Huntington Harbour near the Harbour Bay Club as it relates to a builder wanting to build residential but that the people believe the Coastal Commission or someone indicated what was originally a beach there should still continue to be a beach and there is not a beach there currently. Also at issue with the residents is a recreational easement designated by the State Lands Commission. Brian James, Senior Planner, referring to Area No: 77 Page No. 43 stated that some residents had raised concerns. He presented staff's recommendation. Councilman Bauer stated that the tennis courts, the club, the original beach, the parking lot and the adjacent area needed to be ironed out. He requested it be studied and if necessary set for future public discussion. The property owner of Area No. 52 stated that he had been under a misunderstanding as he was under the impression the inconsistency on his property could remain. Motion To Continue General Plan Amendment No. 94-2 And Environmental Im act Re ort No. 94-1 To May 6 1996 A motion was made by Green; second Garofalo, to continue the General Plan Amendment No. 94-2 and Environmental Impact Report No. 94-1 to the final City Council Study Session schedule for May 6, 1996. The motion carried unanimously. Public Comments Mary Hodge spoke in support of funding for senior services provided by the Senior Outreach Program and cited the needs of her 96 and 85 year old friends that are being met by these programs and which allow them to live independently. She stated that she too welcomed the monthly surplus food program and the yoga classes. Harold Schecter, Council on Aging President, spoke in support of senior services as senior needs will increase in the future. He cited the reasons why he believes it is undesirable to have a senior site at a school site that it should be at the Central Park. Councilman Garofalo stated that he believed Mr. Schecter is representing the group extremely well. 201 04/08/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 9 Wade Hawley stated that he wished to clarify questions from the last meeting regarding the Library. He responded to Councilman Greens questions regarding construction of the Library. Mr. Hawley referred to. the loan of Park Acquisition and Development funds for the Art Center and stated that if the Library should be required to repay, so should the Art Center be required to do so. He stated that he believed the issue of parking meters will be divisive to the community and that their opposition will be communicated. Discussion was held between the Council and Mr. Hawley. The City Administrator stated that he has requested a complete report from the Administrative Services Director. Ron Hagan, Community Services Director, stated that both the Library and the Art Center are able to use Park Acquisition and Development funds. He stated that a comprehensive parking plan will be provided. Recess - Reconvene The Mayor called a recess of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency at 9:30 p.m. The Mayor reconvened the meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency in the Council Chamber at 9:40 p.m. The City Administrator stated that the closed session on labor relations would be eliminated. (City Council/Redevelopment Agency) Budget Study Session - Review of Potential Expenditure Reductions For Departments (320.20) Discussion was held between the City Administrator and Council regarding procedures by which to determine budget priorities. Police Department Report The Police Chief presented a slide report titled Huntington Beach Police Department Budget Presentation, dated April 8, 1996. He reviewed the areas of reduction listed in his report and the Management Criteria for Determining Proposed Cuts. In response to Councilman Garofalo, the City Administrator stated that $4,000,000 was the shortfall. Councilwoman Dettloff stated that she believed the Council must set its priorities. She stated that it was extremely important for Council to know its absolute priorities so that the community groups as well as Council will not have divisiveness. She stated that consideration of fee increases should also be explored in order to maintain required services. 202 Page 10 - Council/Agency Minutes - 04/08/96 Community Services Budget Report Community Services Director Hagan presented a slide report and the different budget options and reported on the Budget Reduction Exercise - Community Services Document which had been announced earlier in the meeting by the City Clerk. He recommended Option A - Across the Board Cuts. Considerable discussion was held regarding revenue producing programs. The City Administrator reported on the reasons why budget cuts should not be made along the lines of revenue generating departments and those departments that do not generate revenue. Effects of reduction of the Marine Safety Program was discussed at the request of Mayor Sullivan. Councilman Bauer stated that fees must be charged for services provided. He requested the City Administrator present $2,000,000 in cuts and $2,000,000 in revenues for Council consideration. (City Council) Appointment to Fourth of July Executive Board Announced Sherry Garrels (110.20) Councilman Leipzig announced the appointment of Sherry Garrels to the Fourth of July Board. (City Council) Proposed Selection Plan For City Treasurer Reinstatement Of Salar1r Range Resolution No 96-32 (720.10) The City Council considered a communication from Deputy City Administrator Franz transmitting the proposed selection plan to fill the vacant City Treasurer position by interim appointment and transmitting Resolution No. 96-32 which re-establishes the previous salary for the City Treasurer position. A motion was made by Leipzig, second Green, to adopt the proposed selection plan for the City Treasurer and to adopt Resolution No. 96-32 - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH REINSTATING THE SALARY OF THE CITY TREASURER." The resolution re-establishes the salary for the City Treasurer position from Range 552 (S5,931 - $7,348 per month) to its former Range 531 (S5,342 - $6,618 per month) effective April 8, 1996. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Harman, Leipzig, Bauer, Sullivan, Dettloff, Green, Garofalo NOES: None ABSENT: None 203 04/08/96 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 11 Recess - Closed Session The Mayor called a recess of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency to consider the following closed session items: Closed Session - 'Redevelopment Agency pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 to give instructions to the Agency's negotiator, David Biggs, Economic Development Director, regarding' negotiations with Wayne Comeau, et al., Allan Crossley, et al., Toyota of Huntington Beach (Lessee), concerning the lease of the property located at 18861 Beach Boulevard, A.P. No. 159-111-07, and 18881 Beach Boulevard, A.P. Nos. 159-111-08/09. Instruction will concern price and terms of payment. Subject: Property Negotiations (Possible Leasehold Interest). (400.50) Closed Session - City Council pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 to give instructions to the City's negotiators, Michael Uberuaga and Ron Hagan regarding negotiations with H.B.P.O.A. concerning the lease of the property located at 18221 Gothard Street. Subject: H.B.P.O.A. Lease of Gun Range. Instruction will concern price and terms of payment. (120.80) Reconvene The Mayor reconvened the meetings of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency. Adjournment City Council/Redevelopment Agency The Mayor adjourned the adjourned regular meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to Monday, April 15, 1996, at 5:00 p.m., in Room B-8, Civic Center, 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, California. 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 204