HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-06 (6)Minutes
City Council/Redevelopment Agency
City of Huntington Beach
Monday, January 6, 2003
5:00 P.M. -'Room B-8
7:00 P.M. - Council Chambers
Civic Center, 2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, California 92648
An audiotape of the 5:00 p.m. portion of this meeting
and a videotape of the 7:00 p.m. portion of this meeting
are on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
Call to Order
Mayor Boardman called the regular meetings of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency of the City
of Huntington Beach to order at 5:00 p.m. in Room B8.
City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting Roll Call
Present: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
(Coerper arrived 5:07 p.m., Green arrived 5:18 p.m.)
Absent: None
(City Council/Redevelopment Agency) Study Session Held — League of California:Citie's
Grassroots Network Program Presentation Made by Regional Representative Ann Marie
Wallace (150.40)
City Administrator Ray Silver informed Council that the purpose of the Grassroots Network
Program is a grassroots lobby effort for protecting city revenues. City Administrator Silver
stated that the "Save our Services" fund is to finance the cost of any statewide ballot measure
campaign to preserve and protect city services and revenues. Mr. Silver informed Council that
as a part of the process the city may request employees to consider a voluntary payroll
deduction to assist in financing the cost.
Ann Marie Wallace, Regional Representative of the League of California Cities, clarified that the
League can take a position on a ballot measures, but never on a candidate.
Ms. Wallace thanked City Administrator Ray Silver for being an outstanding advocate for the
grassroots effort and instrumental in encouraging other city managers to participate in this
program.
Ms. Wallace made an oral presentation regarding an overview of the League's Grassroots
Network Program. She informed Council of her credentials and the background and history
behind this program, as well as the services the League has to offer, such as its website,
magazine, and online library. She encouraged everyone to sign up for the League's electronic
newsletter titled Priority Focus, which summarizes the weekly events that happened in
Sacramento.
(2) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 2
Ms. Wallace received confirmation from Councilmember Coerper that he would be attending the
Mayors and Councilmembers Institute, an educational conference held by the League.
Ms. Wallace distributed four late communications during the study session. She stated that
over the. next four years the League is focusing its advocacy efforts on accomplishing three
strategic goals: 1) Protecting city revenues; 2) Improving organizational effectiveness on all
legislative priorities and state ballot measures; and 3) Building on -going, organizational capacity
for city officials to be effective advocates. Ms. Wallace informed Council that there is a need for
improving public trust in government.
City Administrator Silver stated that the idea for the Grassroots Network came from City
Managers and that the grassroots program currently has fourteen regional representatives such
as Ms. Wallace throughout the state. City Administrator Silver stated that greater participation
at the local level is needed to promote legislation with our local officials.
Councilmember Cook confirmed that she serves on a League committee. She stated the public
should be involved and informed but that the League needs to supply better tools to educate
such as a video that councilmembers can present to citizens informing them of the process to
contact their representatives. Councilmember Cook stated that citizens want to know where
their tax dollars are going.
Ms. Wallace informed Council of various methods of informing the public such as letters to the
editor, local community papers, and local cable.
City Administrator Silver stated that it takes millions of dollars to get an initiative to qualify for the
ballot and that efforts in partnering with others such as the Fire and Police Unions and the
Unified School District has been difficult.
Ms. Wallace presented a video titled LOCAL (Leave Our Community Assets Local), which the
League has available for public review. She stated that the LOCAL Coalition is a statewide
coalition dedicated to protect funding for essential local services such as police, fire, public
health and emergency services as state lawmakers seek to resolve the state budget crisis. Ms.
Wallace stated the need for community involvement.
Councilmember Sullivan informed Council that in 1995 and 1996, when there was a possibility
of state budget cuts, the city and councilmembers met with State and local legislators to state
our position.
City Administrator Silver concurred with Councilmember Coerper that the councilmembers need
to go to Sacramento and voice their position to various legislators. City Administrator Silver
stated the Mayor Boardman would be going to Sacramento tomorrow.
City Administrator Silver reiterated the need to discuss the issues with our city employee unions
regarding establishing the voluntary payroll deduction program alluded to earlier in the meeting.
Mr. Silver spoke regarding the need to support the Action for Better Cities - "Save our Services"
Fund to sponsor a statewide ballot measure for the protection of city services and revenues.
Mayor Boardman thanked Ms. Wallace for her presentation.
(3) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 3
Motion to Recess to Closed Session — Approved
A motion was made by Cook, second Houchen to recess to Closed Session on the following items.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen; Hardy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
(City Council) Closed Session — Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 to meet with
its designated representatives, Agency Negotiators: William Workman, Assistant City
Administrator; Clay Martin, Director of Administrative Services; and Jim Engle, Acting Director of
Community Services regarding Labor relations matters — meet and confer with the
following employee organization: SCLEA. (120.80)
Reconvened City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting — 7:00 P.M. — Council
Chambers.
No Actions Taken Which Require a Reporting Pursuant to Government Code
§54957.1(a) (3) (B)).
Mayor Boardman asked City Attorney Jennifer McGrath if there were any actions taken by the City
Council or Redevelopment Agency in Closed Session that required a reporting. City Attorney
McGrath responded that there were no actions to report. .
City Council- Redevelopment Agency Roll Call
Present: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
Absent: None
Flag Ceremony/Pledge of Allegiance — Brownie Troop 324 from Hope View Elementary,
Huntington Beach. Leader Sandy Smallshaw.
Moment of Silence Observed
Mayor Boardman requested observation of a moment of silence to reflect on the agenda.
The City Clerk Announced Late Communications
Pursuant to the Brown (Open Meetings) Act, the City Clerk announced Late Communications
regarding agenda items that had been received by her office following distribution of the agenda
packet:
Communication from the League of California Cities titled Local Coalition 2003 Internal Talking
Points regarding the Study Session.
Communication from the League of California Cities titled Protect City Services and Revenues
NOW. ..City jobs depend on it regarding the Study Session.
(4) January 6, 2003 - CouncillAgency Minutes - Page 4
Brochure from the League of California Cities titled League of California Cities, which included a
variety of information regarding the Study Session.
A League of California Cities business card was distributed during the Study Session that
includes telephone numbers of various departments and the League's benefits and services.
Communication from Bob Polkow titled Loop Holes in Ethics received .January 6, 2003 stating
concerns regarding the Annual Review of the Code of Ethics.
Communication from the Economic Development Department received January 6, 2003 titled Late
Communication, Revised Pages to Resolutions Pertaining to Item F-1 (Community Facilities District
2003-1 (Huntington Center)).
Communication from Mark Bixby of 'Neighbors for Wintersburg Wetlands Restoration" received
January 6, 2003, titled Public Comments for January 6, 2003 City Council Mfg. stating his
opposition to Ordinance No. 3600 as currently written.
Communication from Keith Bohr dated January 6, 2003 opposing the proposed Ordinance No.3600
titled January 60' City Council Agenda Item-G2b Ordinance No. 3600 Changing Planning
Commission Meetings to One a Month.
Communication from Planning Department titled Estimated Cost Savings regarding the proposed
Ordinance No. 3600.
The Following Additional Late Communications Were Submitted During the Meeting:
Communication from Stephanie Pacheco titled Friends of the Shipley Nature Center.
Communication from Stephanie Pacheco titled It's their nature an article from the Orange
County Register regarding the Shipley Nature Center.
A communication from Bob Dingwall dated January 6, 2003 titled Ladies and Gentlemen of the
City Council in Opposition to the proposed Ordinance No. 3600.
The agenda item relating to Resolution No. 2003-1 and the Circulation Element provided in the
agenda packet was not printed in its entirety and a complete copy was distributed.
Public Comments
Bob Dingwall read from a Late Communication and spoke in opposition to proposed Ordinance
No. 3600 that amends Section 2.34.090 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code by reducing the
number of required Planning Commission meetings from twice monthly to once a month.
Dr. Gerald Chapman spoke in opposition to the proposed Ordinance No. 3600. He stated that by
reducing the Planning Commission meetings from twice a month to once a month would make it
difficult to find a quorum to hold any special meeting as necessary. Dr. Chapman asked from
where the proposed savings would come.
(5) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 5
Mark Bixby spoke in opposition to proposed Ordinance No. 3600 by reading from a Late
Communication which he submitted and is included in the Late Communication packet. Mr. Bixby
stated that in his opinion the ordinance as written would violate the Brown Act.
Dean Albright, Huntington Beach Tomorrow representative, spoke in opposition to proposed
Ordinance No. 3600 stating his belief the purpose is to take the public out of'the process, rather
than to cut back and save money. Mr. Albright spoke of various projects that in his opinion if the
city had not proceeded on, there would be a significant savings.
Keith Bohr spoke in opposition to proposed Ordinance No. 3600. Mr. Bohr stated that reducing the
number of Planning Commission meetings from two to once a month would delay even further the
processing time of a Conditional Use Permit application. He stated that the staff report did not
outline the potential savings and in his opinion staffs overtime is a large part of the cost. He offered
cost reduction alternatives.
Randy Kokal spoke in opposition to proposed Ordinance No. 3600. Mr. Kokal informed Council
that it is easier to cancel a scheduled meeting, which would result in a cost savings, than it is to add
a special meeting. He stated his belief that public participation would be affected at the special
meetings because the citizens would not be aware of the meeting date in adequate time. Mr. Kokal
stated that there are no cost savings by canceling work done by volunteers and he urged Council
not to approve this ordinance.
Dennis Davenport stated his belief that the Planning Commission is very important to the
development .of the city. Mr. Davenport announced that he is the Range Chairman of the NRA
(National Rifle Association) Members Council in Huntington Beach and spoke in support of building
a Police gun range. He stated that the issue needs to be studied, citing that no one city can afford
the cost of a state-of-the-art gun range. Mr. Davenport emphasized the need for law enforcement
officers to receive extensive training.
Terry Nelson, President, NRA Members Council of Huntington Beach, spoke in support of
conducting a study regarding building a Police gun range. Mr. Nelson stated that the funding grant
is still available and along with public funding and funding from other cities a study should be
conducted to decide the possibility of a new gun range.
Tom Livengood spoke in opposition to proposed Ordinance No. 3600 which would reduce the
number of required Planning Commission meetings from twice to once a month. Mr. Livengood
informed Council that he has been a member of the Planning Commission for fourteen years. He
stated that staff, commission, and Council have worked together in streamlining the review process
resulting in fewer projects requiring the commission's approval. Mr. Livengood requested that if this
ordinance is approved it should be amended to allow the Chair of the Planning Commission to call
special meetings and that there should be a ten day advance notice for regular meetings. He spoke
regarding the Zoning Administrator weekly meetings stating that they should be more accessible to
the public.
Debbie Borden spoke in opposition to the absence of the Invocation and offered a prayer.
Stephanie Pacheco, President of Friends of Shipley Nature Center, submitted two late
communications regarding the Shipley Nature Center. She extended an invitation for all to
attend upcoming events at the Center. Ms. Pacheco thanked the city for funding the landscape
design and thanked the Orange County Conservation Corporation for removal and restoration.
(6) January 6, 2003 - Councii/Agency Minutes - Page 6
Peter G. Albini spoke in opposition to the absence of the Invocation on the Agenda. Mr. Albini
stated that four Councilmembers have agreed that they would reinstate the invocation.
Steve Ray informed Council that he is looking forward to serving on the Planning Commission. He
stated that the previous speakers, Mr.. Bohr and Mr. Bixby have made suggestions which warrant
consideration. Mr. Ray urged Council to either deny or delay the proposed ordinance regarding
reducing the number of required Planning Commission meetings from twice to once a month so that
the new Planning Commission will have an opportunity to discuss this matter.
(City Council) Accepted as Amended Annual Review of City's Policy on the Code of
Ethics per City Council Resolution No. 6524 to Require that Elected Officers; All
Employees; Board, Commission and Committee Members Sign and Acknowledge that
they Understand the Code of Ethics (110.40)
The City Council considered a communication from Mayor Connie Boardman transmitting
Resolution No. 6524 adopted on October 4, 1993 which adopted a Code of Ethics and which is
required to be reviewed annually each January. The Code of Ethics establishes a standard of
conduct for all elected officials, officers, employees, and members of advisory boards,
commissions, and committees of the City of Huntington Beach. As required by Resolution No.
6524 the Code of Ethics is presented to the City Council, City Administrator, Chairpersons, and
City Department Heads for their review and distribution as specified.
Councilmember Coerper requested to amend the recommended action to require that Elected
Officers, all employees, Board, Commission and Committee members sign the Code of Ethics,
acknowledging that they understand the Code of Ethics:
A motion was made by Cook, second Hardy to approve the recommended action as amended
to require that each person sign acknowledging that they understand the Code of Ethics
(Elected Officers, all employees, Board, Commission and Committee members) and to direct
the City Clerk to record in the official minutes that the Code of Ethics was presented to the City
Council, the City Administrator, Chairpersons, and City Department Directors for review and
distribution as required. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
(City Council) Approved Appointment of Jim B. Engle to the Position of Director of
Community Services — Approved the Employment Agreement as Amended to Correct
Exhibit "A' Which Sets Forth Incorrect Salary Range (600.10)
The City Council considered a communication from the City Administrator recommending
Council approval of the appointment of Jim B. Engle to the position of Director of Community
Services, and transmitting an Employment Agreement between the City and Jim B. Engle.
Councilmember Coerper thanked Mr. Engle for his fine work as Acting Community Services
Director.
(7) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 7
A motion was made by Green, second Sullivan to:
1. Approve the appointment of .lira B. Engle to the position of Director of Community
Services;
and
2. Approve and authorize execution by the City Administrator and City Clerk of the
Employment Agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and Jim B. Engle for the
position of Director of Community Services as amended to correct Exhibit "A" which sets
forth incorrect salary range.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Prior to voting on the Consent Calendar, City Clerk Connie Brockway distributed a newly printed
Consent Calendar agenda item to Council that pertained to Resolution No. 2003-1 and the
Circulation Element, of which some of the pages had been inadvertently omitted.
Consent Calendar — Items Approved
On motion by. Cook, second. Houchen. Council approved the following Consent Calendar items, as
recommended. The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
(City Council) Approved Appointment of Jessica Lusso to the Youth Board — Term to
Expire June 2003 — Accepted Resignation of Sarah Watari from the Youth Board
(110.20) 1. Accepted the resignation of Sarah Watarli, at large member of the Youth Board and
2. Approved the appointment of Jessica Lusso to fill the remainder of the one-year term to
expire June 2003. Recommended by Council Liaisons Mayor Pro Tern Cathy Green and
Councilmember Jill Hardy. Submitted by Jim Engle, Director of Community Services. Funding
source: None.
(City Council) Approved the State of California Grant for California Law Enforcement.
Equipment Program (CLEEP) — High Technology Crime Unit - Police Department (340.80)
1. Accepted the grant titled California Law Enforcement Equipment Program (CLEEP) High
Technology Grant between the State of California and the City of Huntington Beach; and 2.
Appropriated $47,235.86, plus any accrued interest to be expended on equipment associated
with the High Technology Crime Unit. Submitted by the Police Chief. Funding Source: Fully
funded grant of $47,235.86. No matching or in -kind city funds required. Can be merged with
previous year's funds.
(a) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 8
(City Council) Adopted Resolution No. 2003-1 — Approving the Submittal of Six Projects
Consistent with City's Circulation Element for Funding Under the Combined
Transportation Funding Program (CTFP) - Orange County Transportation Authority
(OCTA) (800.45) Adopted Resolution No. 2003-1 "A Resolution of the City Council of the
City of Huntington Beach Approving the Submittal of Six Improvement Projects to the Orange
County Transportation Authority for Funding under the Combined Transportation Funding
Program. " Submitted by the'Public Works Director. Funding source: None required. (1. Heil
Avenue Widening (Silver Lane to Beach Boulevard); 2. Pacific Coast Highway Closed
Circuit TV Cameras (PCH at Seapoint Street, Main Street, Huntington Street, and Beach Blvd);
3. Pacific Coast Highway Transit Center (First Street to Huntington Street); 4. Coastal Zone
Bus Benches (Multiple Locations); 5. Arterial Coordination Project (Warner Avenue — PCH to
Beach Blvd) (Brookhurst Street — Garfield Avenue to PCH) (Goldenwest Street— PCH to
McFadden Avenue) (Edinger Avenue — Bolsa Chica Street to Beach Blvd) (Garfield Avenue —
E=dwards Street to Brookhurst Street) and B. Signal Coordination Project (Adams Avenue and
Victoria Street/Brookhurst Street). Project 6 is a joint project between the City of Huntington
Beach and the City of Costa Mesa. Costa Mesa would be the lead agency and would submit
the application to the OCTA.)
(City Council/Redevelopment Agency) Adopted City Council Resolution No. 2003-2 and
Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 343 — Revising Housing Rehabilitation Loan
Policies and Procedures — CDBGIHome Funds (Community Development Block Grant)
(340.70) - City Council Action: Adopted Resolution No 2003-2 "A Resolution of the City
Council of the City of Huntington Beach Approving That Certain Document Entitled Revised
Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Policies and. Procedures — Effective January 6, 2003"..
Redevelopment Agency Action: Adopted Resolution No. 343 - A "Resolution of the
Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach Approving That Certain Document
Entitled Revised Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Policies and Procedures — Effective
January 6, 2003." Submitted by the Economic DevelopmentlDeputy Executive Director. Funding
Source: Not applicable.
(City Council) Adopted as Amended Resolution of Intention No. 2003.3 to Establish the
Proposed Huntington Beach Community Facilities District No. 2003-01 (Huntington Center)
and to Schedule a Public Hearing as Amended for Monday, February 3, 2003 and Adopted as
Amended Resolution of Necessity No. 2003-4 to Incur Bonded Indebtedness (350.30)
The City Council considered a communication from the Economic Development Director
informing Council that Huntington Center Associates, LLC requests City assistance in forming a
Community Facilities District (CFD) for the redevelopment of Huntington Center ("Bella Terra").
CFD formations are increasingly common as they lower development costs by securing tax
exempt financing for the costs of public improvements. Huntington Center. Associates requests
the funding authority limit of $30,000,000 for the CFD. The final amount of the CFD bonds will
be established when City Council approves issuing the bonds some time in the spring of 2003.
Economic Development Director David Biggs presented a PowerPoint slide show titled
Formation of Community Facilities District No. 2003-1 (Huntington Center) which was included
in the agenda packet.
Economic Development Director Biggs informed Council that there is a revised page 3 to
Resolution 2003-3 and a revised page 2 to Resolution 2003-4, which was announced earlier as
a Late Communication by the City Clerk.
(9) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 9
A motion was made by Green, second Coerper to:
1. Adopt City Resolution 2003-3 (Resolution of Intention) as amended per Late
Communication. from Economic. Development scheduling the public hearing for Monday,
February 3, 2003, describing the proposed Community Facilities District No. 2003-1
(Huntington Center) and its boundaries, the types of public facilities to be funded, the
voting procedures, authorize the levy of special taxes, and establish the date and time
for a public hearing as amended to February 3, 2003) as required by Section 53322
of the California Government Code -"A Resolution of the Intention of the City Council of
the City of Huntington Beach with Respect to Establishment of Proposed City of
Huntington Beach Community Facilities District No. 2003-1 (Huntington Center)"
and
2. Adopt City Resolution 2003-4 as amended per Late Communication from Economic
Development scheduling the public hearing for Monday, February 3, 2003, declaring the
necessity for the proposed City of Huntington Beach Community Facilities District No.
2003-1 (Huntington Center) and that the bonded indebtedness of an amount not to
exceed $30,000,000 is necessary to finance the public facilities described in the
Resolution of Intention. "A Resolutionof the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach
Declaring Necessity for Proposed City of Huntington Beach Community Facilities District
No. 2003-1 (Huntington Center) to Incur a Bonded Indebtedness. "
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
(City Council) Adopted Ordinance No. 3597 Amending the Contract with PERS (Public
Employees' Retirement System) to Provide Benefits for Local Fire Members — Section
21574 (Fourth level of 1959 Survivors Benefits) (600.20)
After the City Clerk read by title, a motion was made by Hardy, second Green to adopt
Ordinance No. 3597 —An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Authorizing Amendment
to the Contract between the City Council and the Board of Administration of the California Public
Employees' Retirement System Regarding the Provision of Fourth Level of 1959 Survivor
Benefits for Local Fire Members. "(Resolution of Intent No. 2002-115 was adopted November
18, 2002.) (Introduction of Ordinance 3597 approved December 2, 2002.) The motion carried
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
NOES: None
ABSENT:_ None
(10) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 10
(City Council) Adopted Ordinance No. 3598 Amending Chapter 9.76 of the Huntington
Beach Municipal Code Relating to Discharging Weapons (640.10)
After the City Clerk read by title, a motion was made by Houchen, second Cook to adopt
Ordinance No. 3598 —An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Chapter 9. 76
of the Huntington. Beach Municipal Code Relating to Discharging Weapons. ``(Introduction of
Ordinance No. 3598 approved 12/16/02.) The motion carried .by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
(City Council) Approved Introduction of Ordinance No. 3599 Amending the Huntington
Beach Municipal Code to Repeal Regulations of Independent Expenditure Campaign
Committees (640.10)
After the City Clerk read by title, a motion was made by Sullivan, second Coerper to approve
introduction of Ordinance No. 3599 - "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Repealing
Section 2.07.050(b) of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Regarding the Contribution
Limitation to Independent Expenditure Committees Contained in the City of Huntington Beach
Campaign Reform Law."Submitted by the City Attorney. The motion carried by the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Green, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
(City Council) Approved Introduction as Amended of Ordinance No. 3600 Amending the
Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to Planning Commission Bylaws to Reduce
Number of Required Planning Commission Meetings from Twice Monthly to Once
Monthly and Directed Staff to Return to the Planning Commission for Adoption of the
Council Approved Change (640.10)
The City Council considered a communication from the Planning Director informing Council that
in an effort to reduce costs and streamline development processing, the Planning staff is
recommending that the City Council amend Section 2.34.090 of the Huntington Beach Municipal
Code to reduce the number of required Planning Commission meetings from twice monthly to
once a month or as needed.
Planning Director Howard Zelefsky gave a PowerPoint presentation titled Estimated Cost
Savings. Planning Director Zelefsky informed Council that the purpose of this ordinance is to
reduce the ongoing cost to the city budget.
Planning Director Zelefsky commended the public comments made by Mr. Livengood and Mr.
Ray as sound and stated the points should be placed in the legislative draft, such as requiring
the same amount of notice as a regular meeting and that a majority of the Planning Commission
could request a special meeting. He stated that since the council approved the streamlining of
the zoning code there has been a reduction of the applications being submitted to the Planning
Commission.
(11) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 11
Councilmember Jill Hardy stated her concerns regarding the timing of major projects that are
submitted to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Hardy stated that canceling a
scheduled meeting would result in the same budget savings.
Planning Director Zelefsky informed Council that the environmental review process affects the
timing when a project is submitted to the Planning Commission. He stated that the amount set
aside in the city budget for the Planning Commission meetings is not available to be used for
anything else.
Councilmember Hardy received clarification from Planning Director Zelefsky that study sessions
are invaluable and less costly than the televised regular meetings and that the Planning
Commission should decide when to have a study session. Planning Director Zelefsky informed
Council that there would be money set aside in the budget for special meetings of the Planning
Commission.
Mayor Pro Tern Cathy Green received clarification from City Administrator Silver that the
department heads are not paid overtime but staff are, and middle management receives
compensatory time. Planning Director Zelefsky informed Council that the reason why a variety
of staff attends the meetings is that the projects have numerous details and no one person
knows every issue.
Further discussion between staff and Council ensued and staff responded regarding: 1) how this
proposed ordinance would affect the city budget; 2) review of the Zoning Administrator meeting
hours; 3) how the. streamlined Zoning Code process has resulted in a reduced number of
Planning Commission projects and is more efficient; and.4) amending the proposed ordinance
by adding a majority of the Planning Commission with same notice as required for regular
meeting may call a special meeting.
City Attorney Jennifer McGrath stated that the City Council would have to modify the ordinance
that created the Planning Commission to permit the Planning Commission to change their
bylaws. City Attorney McGrath spoke regarding study sessions and confirmed that a study
session is considered a regular meeting.
Mayor Boardman stated that the Planning Commission and City Council approved the
streamlining of the Zoning Code. She stated her belief that most of the land has been built on
and that there are fewer large projects. Mayor Boardman informed staff that in her opinion
discussion of this proposed recommendation should have been brought to the Planning
Commission first and then to Council.
After the City Clerk read by title, a motion was made by Houchen, second Cook to:
1. Approve introduction of Ordinance No. 3600 as amended by adding a majority of the
Planning Commission with same notice as required for regular meeting - "An
Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending the Huntington Beach Municipal
Code by Amending Section 2. 34. 090 Relating to Planning Commission ByLaws;"
and
(Continued on the Next Page)
(12) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 12
2. Direct the Planning Department staff to return to the Planning Commission with the
necessary Bylaw changes for their adoption which implement the City Council approved
change to once a month regular meetings.
The motion carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:Sullivan, Boardman, Cook, Houchen,
NOES: Coerper, Green, Hardy
ABSENT: None
(City Council) Directed Staff to Take No Action on Formation of a Council Committee
Until After an Adjourned City Council meeting is Scheduled and Held to Determine if
Mayor Boardman Should Appoint a Council Committee Regarding the Proposed Gun
Range (120.25)
The City Council considered a communication from Councilmember Gil Coerper transmitting the
following Statement of Issue: There is a need for a further study and update concerning the
current status of the proposed gun range. This is an item of such importance that the City
Council may recommend that an ad hoc Council committee be established.
A motion was made by Coerper, second Sullivan to:
Direct the staff to schedule a Study Session on the proposed gun range;
and
2. Request that Mayor Boardman appoint a Council committee to address this issue more
completely.
Councilmember Cook stated that there had been a gun range committee and this issue had
been studied and the results were that the city has no place to put it and not enough funding.
City Administrator Ray Silver confirmed with Police Chief Kenneth Small that the two million
dollar grant for a proposed gun range is currently inactive. Police Chief Small informed Council
that City Administrator Silver recently requested the Police Department look into having a gun
range in our city and that there is a meeting scheduled for this week.
Mayor Connie Boardman voiced her concern that before a committee is formed she would like
to hear from staff as to the feasibility and a potential location for a gun range. She stated that
the city of Fountain Valley has shown an interest in establishing a gun range in their city.
A motion was made by Sullivan, second Cook to amend the motion made by Coerper, second
Sullivan to take no action on formation of Council Committee until after an Adjourned City
Council Meeting, (study session) is scheduled and held. The motion carried by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Sullivan, Coerper, Boardman, Cook, Houchen, Hardy
NOES: Green
ABSENT: None
(13) January 6, 2003 - Council/Agency Minutes - Page 13
Congratulations Extended to Youth Board Appointee (160.40)
Mayor Pro Tern Green congratulated Jessica Lusso on her appointment to the Youth Board and
announced the attendance at the swearing -in ceremonies for newly elected County officers.
Adjournment — City Council/Redevelopment Agency
Mayor Boardman adjourned the regular meetings of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency of the
City of Huntington Beach to Tuesday, January 21, 2003, at 5:00 p.m., in Room B-8, Civic Center,
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California.
ATTEST:
City Clerk -Clerk
City Clerk and ex-officio ClerkAf the City
Council of the City of Huntington Beach
and Clerk of the Redevelopment Agency
of the City of Huntington Beach, California
Mayor -Chairman