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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-24MINUTES CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH 5:00 P.M. - Room B-8 7:00 P.M. - Council Chamber Huntington Beach, California Monday, February 24, 1997 An audio tape recording of the 5:00 p.m. portion of this meeting and a video tape recording of the 7:00 p.m. portion of this meeting are on file in the Office of the City Clerk Call To Order Mayor Bauer called the adjourned regular meetings of the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach to order at 5:10 p.m. in Room B-8. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Roll Call Present: Julien, Harman, Dettloff, Bauer, Sullivan, Green, Garofalo Absent: None Motion To Recess To Closed Session - Approved (120,80) A motion was made by Harman, second Julien, to recess the City Council to closed session to consider the following items. The motion carried by unanimous vote. 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, Municipal Employees' Association, Management Employees' Organization, Huntington Beach Firefighters' Association, and Surf City Lifesaving Employees' Association. (120,80) Closed Session - City Council pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(c) to confer with its city attorney regarding pending litigation. (Based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation.) Number of Potential Cases 1 or 2. Subject: Challenge to Personnel Commission Decision in MEA/MEO vs. City of Huntington Beach. (120.80) 768 Page 2 - Council/Agency Minutes - 02/24/97 Councilmember Harman requested that any action taken in closed session be reported in public session subject to City Attorney's direction. Closed Session - City Council pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to confer with its attorney regarding pending litigation which has been initiated formally and to which the city is a party. The title of the litigation is Huntington Beach Firefighters Assn. vs. City of Huntington Beach; Orange County Superior Court Case No. 75 99 49. Subject: Huntington Beach Firefighters Assn. vs. City of Huntington Beach. (120.80) Reconvene The Mayor reconvened the adjourned regular meetings of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency in the Council Chambers. (City Council) Public Invited To Town Forum - Southern California's Transportation Needs - Thursday, February 27, 1997 Mayor Bauer invited the public to attend a town forum on Southern California's Transportation Needs - Regional Transportation. He stated that the town forum will be held Thursday, February 27, 1997 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The Mayor stated that city, county, and regional offices will be present at the meeting to answer questions. City Council/Redevelopment Agency Roll Call Present: Julien, Harman, Dettloff, Bauer, Sullivan, Green, Garofalo Absent: None Flag Ceremony and Pled a of Allegiance The Flag Ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance were led by Mayor Bauer. Late Communications Announced By The Citv Clerk The City Clerk announced that 23 communications had been received from members of the public, mainly in opposition to providing water services for the Koll Company's Bolsa Chica Project. The City Clerk announced a slide report from the Public Works Department received February 24, 1997 titled Solsa Chica Development --Sewer and Traffic Issues. The City Clerk announced a late communication from the Community Services Director dated February 24, 1997 titled Gun Range Options Video Show. 7-69 02/24/97 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 3 The City Clerk announced a slide report from the Fire Department received February 24, 1997 titled Status of Fire Service Negotiations for the Bolsa Chica. Later in the meeting, the City Clerk announced a slide report titled Bolsa Chica Development— Summary Report --City of Huntington Beach Issues --"Service Issues" submitted by the City Administrator. During the City Council meeting, the City Clerk announced that two additional communications had been handed to her from residents opposed to providing water to the Koll Development Company's Bolsa Chica Project. Public Comments Angelo Corso addressed Council in support of an indoor gun range. He stated that an outdoor gun range was preferable for safety factors and noise factor and also it would be unnecessary to take soil factors into consideration. Hugh Foster, director of the Golden West College Criminal .Justice Training Center, stated he was speaking on behalf of the Coast Community College District and Golden West College. He informed Council that the district is interested in a partnership with the city for the development of a range facility, particularly in Option No. 3 (the Center Avenue and Gothard- Hoover Extension). Dennis Davenport addressed Council regarding the needs of recreational shooters. He stated that the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) favored the gun range being located at the Huntington Central Park, but that they would cooperate with the city if another location is chosen. John Lynch, President of the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) Members' Council, addressed Council regarding a correction to the income projections for Option No. 1-46,400 overstated. He spoke regarding how they calculated their financial projections for Option No. 1 and Option No_ 2. He spoke regarding the income that would be available for other city activities. Mr. Lynch stated his personal preference for Option No. 1 (Rebuild existing site --large facility with baffling). Mr. Lynch responded to Councilmember Garofalo's question regarding the information contained in their report. Chuck McKinley, National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) Members' Council of Huntington Beach, stated the benefit of bringing more people to the city through the establishment of a gun range. He also spoke regarding the benefit of charity events which could be held at the gun range. Willy, Riddell addressed Council regarding the benefits of a gun range to the city, including cash benefits. 770 Page 4 - Council/Agency Minutes - 02/24/97 Thomas Lambert, member of Huntington Beach National Rifle Association (N.R.A.), addressed Council in favor of an indoor range in Central Park. He spoke regarding the city's obligation to train city employees. He stated a benefit of Central Park is that range use and other activities can be held at the same time, such as community fairs and safety seminars. Mr. Lambert stated that if the range were to be located at the college, people coming into the city would spend their money in Westminster; if located near Adams Avenue and the Santa Ana Riverbed, they will go to Costa Mesa. He stated that if the range has rifle shooting, it will be the only range in Southern California able to accommodate rifle shooting. Milton Vaught informed Council that establishment of a gun range in Huntington Beach will make the city unique in the county. Manny Rothstein, National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) member, Huntington Beach Council, stated that if the gun range is closed, the metallic lead becomes a waste that must be cleaned up under superfund regulations. He stated that if the gun range is left open, even if only on weekends, there will be no superfund requirement. Jeff Metzel spoke regarding his opposition to providing water services to the Koll Company Development. He stated that if Council decides to provide services, he would like to know when the fees from Koll Company will be due the city. He questioned how Koll Company is going to pay for the services and if there is going to be a surcharge, county doling out the money to the city, or will the residents of the area be charged double. Mr. Metzel stated that he believes the Koll Development ought to be annexed to the city and all fees paid to the city. Bernard Hoskinton spoke regarding a problem piece of property which he believed is owned by the city at Pearce and Bolsa Chica Streets. He stated that there were school children and pedestrians and no sidewalk, a large amount of traffic, and that the property is an eyesore with weeds. The Public Works Director stated that he would report on the matter. Mayor Bauer stated that he believes this property has been sold by the city. The City Administrator stated that he would prepare a report to Council. Tom Logan, Citizens' Bureau of Investigation, spoke in opposition to surcharges placed on water bills. He read Section 612 of the City Charter which he believes pertains to providing water services to the Koll Company. Mr. Logan requested the Council place the issue on the ballot. Vern Hail addressed Council in opposition to providing water services to the Koll Company Development. He spoke regarding issues relative to the difficulty of reaching an agreement to protect the city. Nancy Harris addressed Council and stated that surplus Colorado water will not always be available to California's demands which exceed its allotment according to Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt. Ms. Harris spoke against spreading the water supply too thin. She informed Council that the State of California has a year to come up with a conservation plan or have a cutback in water. Ms. Harris questioned if Huntington Beach residents want to give precious city water to a project that will only offer more destruction to their quality of life and to the health of the contiguous wetlands system. 771 02/24/97 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 5 Eileen Murphy addressed Council regarding Proposition 218 recently enacted by the voters and how she believes this proposition will affect the sale of water by the city to the Koll Company. ' Lois Vackar spoke regarding the reasons why the city should not sell water to the Koll Company, including loss of open space, domestic animals disturbing the wildlife, urban runoff poisoning the bay and loss of a habitat for the birds of prey. She spoke regarding the commentary Tom Logan had written to the newspaper regarding his research and to which she agreed with his conclusion that water should not be sold to Koll Company. She questioned how Council could want thousands of more people and cars on the city's overcrowded streets. Juana Mueller, Bolsa Chica Land Trust representative, stated that the Koll Company Development would be disastrous to the city and surrounding communities. She stated that time was needed to purchase the remainder of the Bolsa Chica. Buck Marrs, Bolsa Chica Land Trust representative, informed Council he was representing his wife, Barbara, and himself. He stated that the traffic congestion coming down Seapoint Drive going to Pacific Coast Highway will continue to be terrible and that congestion at Pacific Coast Highway and Warner will far exceed the traffic congestion on Goldenwest Street at Pacific Coast Highway. He spoke regarding the need for environmental groups to get together. He requested that the five Councilmembers who he perceives to be serious environmentalists stop the cement trucks in Huntington Beach. Mr. Marrs presented a letter from his wife regarding the issue. Marina Ho mb addressed Council and presented statistics. She read a portion of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) relative to the estimated growth in Huntington Beach and the need for five reservoirs. She stated that the city does not have a water surplus and should not provide water to any new development outside the city. Bob Biddle, Huntington Beach Tomorrow representative, addressed Council regarding his support for Gun Range Option No. 3 (New site "B"; smaller indoor -Center Avenue and Gothard Street Extension). He presented a document to the City Council dated February 24, 1997 titled Statement to the Huntington Beach City Council on Current Kofl Requests for City Resources. He read portions of the document to the Council and presented a slide report. Bob Winchell, Huntington Beach Tomorrow representative, addressed Council and requested that the City Council be adamantly proactive rather than reactive to the Koll Company Development Project issue. He requested that Council publicize its opposition and tell the Koll Company investors that it is not in their best interests to carry through with the Koll Company Development plans. Connie Boardman, Bolsa Chica Land Trust member, questioned if the Green Acres water is still going to be used for the Koil Company Project. She stated that the citizens did not want to subsidize the Koll Company Project. Ms. Boardman questioned the cost of a reservoir. She showed a rendering of what 2,500 units on the Bolsa Chica would look like. 772 Page 6 - CovncillAgency Minutes - 02/24/97 Bob Williams spoke regarding the time which he believes will come when water starts to be rationed. He stated that the community does not want to subsidize the Koll Company Development Project. Mr. Williams informed Council that he believes Council has to study the negative aspects as well as the positive, and the Boyle Report did not address the negative impacts. Nancy Donaven reviewed reasons presented by each speaker in opposition to providing water to the Koll Company. She stated that one of the soundest reasons is that the Council does not know who it will be dealing with as the Koll Company is reorganizing. She stated that in June there will be some idea as to how the company will be organized. Jan Vandersloot, Bolsa Chica Land Trust representative, spoke regarding the efforts of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust to obtain funding for the Bolsa Chica. He stressed the importance of the Koll Development Company Project conforming to standards of the City of Huntington Beach. He stated the importance of the Koll Development property being annexed to the city. Mr. Vandersloot informed Council that the new ownership of the company may be more in tune with the city's priorities. Jim Martin addressed Council in opposition to Gun Range Option No. 1 (Rebuild existing site -- large facility with baffling). Mr. Martin stated that Option No. 1 would present a noise problem. He informed Council that he would leave an article with the City Clerk regarding problems with an outdoor gun range experienced by the city of Redondo Beach. He stated his support for Option No. 3 (New site "B"; smaller indoor -Center Avenue and Gothard Street Extension). Mr. Martin expressed his opposition to the Koll Development on the Bolsa Chica. Thierry Koi in, Balsa Chica Stewards representative, informed Council of how his organization works to restore the Bolsa Chica by planting and providing cleanup chores. He stated that he believed the people of the city should be allowed to decide whether to provide water services to the Koll Company through a vote of the people. Kim Kennedy, Bolsa Chica Stewards representative, addressed Council regarding the work her organization performs to help the Bolsa Chica. She spoke regarding the feelings of the people toward preservation of the Bolsa Chica. Ms. Kennedy informed Council of the amount of good the Balsa Chica can do for the state and the City of Huntington Beach. Mark Stemmer addressed Council regarding the budget cuts which are preventing the participation of the Police Department personnel in the Huntington Valley Little League opening day and other civic activities. (City Council Discussion And Dialogue Regarding Agreements For Services To The Bolsa Chica Development Proiect (440,60) The City Council considered a communication from the City Administrator entitled City Council Work Study Session - February 24, 1997. 773 02/24/97 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 7 The City Administrator pointed out the various ownerships of the property in question. He reviewed a slide report with the City Council. The title of the slide report was Bolsa Chica Development --Summary Report --City of Huntington Beach Issues --"Service issues." Covered in the report were subjects including ongoing city cost/revenue, one-time city cost, fire service, police service cost, library service cost, and public works service areas. The City Administrator referred to the Public Economics, Inc. report approved by Council which Councilmembers did not have in front of them but which has been available for some time at City Hall. In response to a question by Council, Police Chief Lowenberg reported that the County Sheriffs' Department is not interested in talking to the city about the city providing police services to the proposed Koll Project. The Fire Chief reviewed his slide presentation titled Huntington Beach Fire Department - Status of Fire Service Negotiations forthe Balsa Chica. The report included information on city revenues, the effect on Sunset Beach/Surfside, and benefits of the Balsa Chica and Sunset/Surfside proposals. Discussion was held by Council regarding issues including relocation of fire services which would even out service and provide better response time and ongoing income stream from the county tax. The Public Works Director presented a slide report titled Bolsa Chica Development - Sewer and Traffic Issues. The report included information on sewer services from the Sanitation District of Orange County, traffic issues, timeline of Balsa Chica, Balsa Chica development, water service choices, local resources options, reservoir sizing for the Bolsa Chica Development, and information regarding required facilities for Southern California Water Company Service, Master Plan Water Pressure, Master Plan Water Storage, the Huntington Beach Water Master Plan, and the Master Plan Water Supply. The Public Works Director reviewed potential benefits to the City of Huntington Beach, cost to provide Balsa Chica Development water service, a summary of the Koll Company proposal for 2,500 dwelling units, and a summary of service options. In response to questions by Councilmember Green, the Public Works Director reported on the water quality of the Balsa Chica. Jeff Renna, Water Services Manager, reported on a question regarding slant drilling for water presented by Councilmember Green. Discussion was held regarding the Koll Company proposal to the city. In response to Councilmember Green, the Public Works Director stated that the Huntington Beach Ordinance Code does require Council to adopt a resolution stating that the city has surplus water. Mr. William R. Mills, Orange County Water District representative, clarified allocation procedures and water costs of the ground water basin. Councilmember Sullivan asked the City Administrator how Proposition 218 would impact the city's ability to place a surcharge on water and the City Administrator reported regarding possible effects. In response to a question by Councilmember Sullivan, Mr. Mills reported on the Green Acres Project for recycled water. Mr. Mills explained how his agency allocates water during drought conditions. 774 Page 8 - Council/Agency Minutes - 02/24/97 Councilmember Sullivan stated his concern with Page No. 6 of the Boyle Engineering Report which stated that the Water Master Plan will be delayed if the Balsa Chica Project is not approved. Councilmember Harman requested that staff return with reports on the question presented by Mr. Logan during Public Comments as to how the charter (Measure C) affects water service delivery. He also requested that staff report as to why they agree or why they disagree with Mr. Winchell's comment regarding the $24,000,000 buy in. He requested a report as to whether the city will be paying more money because the city will be using more imported water. Councilmember Harman requested a report on Mr. Williams' concern that there were no negative aspects. He requested a report on the capacity of the West Orange County Water Board (W.O.C.W_B.) pipeline. Mr. Stanley Sprague, representing the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), responded that they would provide their water to a private or public water company but not to a developer. He stated that the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) is not in the business of providing infrastructure; that the closest point is at Dale Street and Katella Avenue. The Fire Chief responded to Councilmember Garofalo's question regarding the low water pressure situation in Huntington Harbour as it affects the city's ability to fire flow and how it affects homeowners and industrial fire protection costs. The Public Works Director responded to Councilmember Garofalo's question regarding if mesa development does not occur, what would be his department's plan to mitigate the water storage requirements for that part of the City of Huntington Beach over the next 20 years. Mr. Sprague commented on the West Orange County Water Board, stating that the city of Fountain Valley has, for a number of years, wanted the West Orange County Water Board water resources and that the city of Garden: Grove is looking for a buyer of water. Mr. Sprague commented on Mr. Babbit's speech referred to earlier during Public Comments. He explained how water is available from other states and what California must do to participate. Mr. Sprague and Mr. Mills reported on how their agencies manage water and how the Koll Company Project would affect their water service ability. Mayor Bauer stated the reasons why he believed that the Koll Company should proceed with obtaining water from other sources other than the city as it is readily available. He stated that he believed fire and library services should be discussed. Councilmember Garofalo stated the reasons why he believes water service delivery to the Koll Company should be investigated as to whether it would benefit the city to sell water, Mayor Pro Tern Dettloff stated that it is very important that all of the upfront costs be paid by the developer, not paid by the city, with the city being dependent on the fees collected as the units are completed. She stated that the city must know from the landowner exactly what is going to take place relative to the plan for the Balsa Chica. She stated that the project must have benefits other than those which directly relate to the Water Master Plan and referred to 775 02/24/97 - City Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes - Page 9 the long list presented by the city to the Coastal Commission, most of which were not addressed. Mayor Pro Tem Dettloff stated the need to perform an update of the 1994 costs. She stated her agreement with Mayor Bauer that the city needs to know the financial position of the Koll Company and with whom the city is doing business. Mayor Pro Tern Dettloff stated she hoped that those who are working toward total acquisition of the Balsa Chica go forward with their plans. She stated the reason she takes exceptions to the statements regarding her position as set forth in the Huntington Beach Tomorrow newsletter. iaroposition 218 must be adjudicated. The City Administrator Mayor 13a� stated t responded to issues regarding Proposition 218. Discussion was held regarding providing instructions to the City Administrator relative to negotiations with the Koll Company. The City Attorney explained how the charter section referred to by Mr. Logan during Public Comments was not applicable in this regard. CouncilmerhberKi n4sta4k*xe believed a more reas �ou�bftrovide direction to the City Administrator would be in Mayor June when the composition of the Koll Company would be known. (City Council) Discussion And Dialogue Regarding Options For The Huntington Beach Gun Range (290.10) _ T The City Council determined that the following communications would be discussed at another meeting due to the late hour: Communication from the Community Services Director dated February 24, 1997 regarding the Study Session: Huntington Beach Gun Range Options, Council Subcommittee Report Communication from the Economic Development Department dated February 3, 1997 regarding Center Avenue Alternative for Gun Range Communication prepared by city staff and the Huntington Beach Chapter of the National Rifle Association dated January, 1997 entitled Huntington Beach Gun Range Options Council Subcommittee Report 776 Page 10 - Council/Agency Minutes - 02124197 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 Tuesday, February 25, 1997 at 7:30 a.m. in the Cielo Mare Room, Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort, Huntington Beach, California. ATTEST: GId�Mr�� City Clerk/Clerk City Cle a ex-o Ulo erk of a City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, and Clerk of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach, California gq�g Mayor/Chairman 777