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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-01Minutes City Council/Redevelopment Agency Meeting City of Huntington Beach Monday, December 1, 2008 6:00 PM - Council Chambers Civic Center, 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, California 92648 A video recording of the 6:00 PM portion of this meeting is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and is archived at www.surfcily-hb.oEg/government/agendas/ CALL TO ORDER Mayor Cook called to order the regular meeting of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency at 6:03 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Present: Hansen, Hardy, Bohr, Cook, Coerper, Green, and Carchio Absent: None POSTING OF COLORS - Color Guard, Newport Beach Recruiting Company, U. S. Army Recruiting Battalion: SFC Velasco, SSG Walker, SSG Rodriguez, SSG Hansen, SSG Tumilty, SSF Smith NATIONAL ANTHEM - Performed by SSG May, San Diego Recruiting Company PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Councilmember Carchio INVOCATION - Led by Father Christian Mondor, Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church, member of Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council. PRESENTATIONS BY MAYOR COOK Mayor Cook thanked Huntington Beach citizens for allowing her to serve as Mayor, and thanked City staff. She discussed her attendance at leadership conferences and the importance of mentors in her life, the opportunities she has been provided to learn more about water, sewer, transportation, and energy, particularly research on sustainable energy. She expressed appreciation to the Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the Green Expo event, and discussed future energy needs and infrastructure. She quoted from a 1936 speech by Winston Churchill to the House of Commons about a future period of consequences, and thanked her friends and family. Mayor Cook presented her fellow Councilmembers and other City elected officials with framed photographs of existing oil derricks off the coast of Huntington Beach. Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes December 1, 2008 Page 2 of 8 PRESENTATIONS BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO MAYOR COOK Connie Boardman, representing the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, offered appreciation and thanked Mayor Cook for her dedicated service, educated decisions and leadership. She also congratulated her on now being able to devote more time to her grandson Roman, and presented her with a gift. Ralph Bauer, 44 year resident and past Huntington Beach Mayor discussed Mayor Cook's strong presence with organizations such as the Southern California Association of Government (SCAG), Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the League of California Cities (LOCC). He gave thanks for her participation and service, and expressed admiration for her passion for energy and conservation. He concluded by offering his time to work with her on future projects. David Carlberg, Amigos de Bolsa Chica, thanked Mayor Cook for her service and presented her with a framed photograph. Steve Bone, President and CEO of Huntington Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau (HBCVB), thanked Mayor Cook for her contributions to the City and her support of the Centennial Celebration Committee. He presented her with an eco-friendly gift on behalf of the HBCVC Board of Directors. Ron Shenkman, representing the Centennial Celebration Committee, thanked Mayor Cook and presented her a gift basket. Bruce Shueman, representing Rainbow Disposal, presented Mayor Cook a new green waste (gardening) bin, and mulch made from recycled green waste at Rainbow. Joyce Riddell, representing the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce, invited Mayor Cook to attend an upcoming Chamber meeting that will recognize her for years of public service. She also expressed sentiments about Mayor Cook's dedicated leadership, creative thinking, their close friendship, and what a delight it is to work with her. Merle Moshiri, representing Residents for Responsible Desalination, thanked Mayor Cook for her support of the environmental community, recited a quote from Lord Halifax on service, and presented her with a gift of sea shells she collected from our local beaches. Dave Sullivan, representing HB Tomorrow, presented Mayor Cook with a proclamation that recognizes her years of public service, leadership and protection of the environment. He also discussed her recognition as a national leader in the area of peak oil, his pleasure in knowing her for over 20 years, and expressed appreciation for her integrity and sense of humor. Grace Winchell presented Mayor Cook with a floral spray to express appreciation for her service on behalf of herself and Nancy Donoven, Linda Scott, Vi Cowden, Margo Kuzee, Suzie Smith, Flossie Horgan, Marge Allen, Marinka Horack, Kelley Shanley and Eileen Murphy. Robin Everette, representing the Orange County League of Conservation voters, thanked Mayor Cook for her hard work and dedication, activism, environmental leadership, and protecting the Bolsa Chica and our coastline. She expressed appreciation for Mayor Cook's opposition to local desalination, involvement in the U.S. Mayors' Agreement on Global Warming, SCAG Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes December 1, 2008 Page 3 of 8 Energy and Environmental Committee, and the Association for Study of Peak Oil and Gas and Post Carbon Institute. She concluded by describing Mayor Cook as an inspiration, and stated she looks forward to working with her in the future. Larry Porter, Newport Beach resident, thanked Mayor Cook for setting a fine example as a public servant. ANNOUNCEMENT OF LATE COMMUNICATION Pursuant to the Brown "Open Meetings" Act, Joan Flynn announced the following late communication not included in the distribution of the City Council agenda packet: Agenda Item No. 3: Resolution No. 2008-75 submitted by Joan L. Flynn, dated December 1, 2008 entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Reciting the Facts of the General Municipal Election held on November 4, 2008, Consolidated with the County of Orange Declaring the Results and Such Other Matters as Provided by Law. " PUBLIC COMMENTS PERTAINING TO PRE -RECESS ITEMS ONLY Richardson Gray, Townsgrave Condos and Townhomes, spoke to the Council about Agenda Item No. 2, Reconsideration of Downtown Economic Development Committee, requesting that the focus be placed on late night noise downtown coming from local bar establishments. Bill Cuppy, Vice President of the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), spoke to Council about Agenda Item No. 2, Reconsideration of Downtown Economic Development Committee, requesting that the Council continue to support monthly EDC meetings to stay connected and continue to improve conditions downtown. Councilmember Hansen explained that the Council didn't necessarily intend to disband the Economic Development Committee (EDC), and asked Mr. Cuppy to describe the BID's position on having a second committee. Mr. Cuppy stated that the BID supports a second committee to focus on downtown image and noise. Craig Stewart, resident on Polk Circle, voiced concerns about vehicular traffic in his cul-de-sac near Newland and Yorktown and requested that the City install a "not -a -through -street' sign in a specific location. Mayor Cook requested that Mr. Stewart complete a Request for Council Follow -Up card and leave it with the Sergeant at Arms. COUNCILMEMBER ITEMS 2. (City Council) Submitted by Councilmember Gil Coerper regarding reconsideration of Downtown Economic Development Committee. Councilmember Coerper explained why he felt it was necessary to reopen discussions on the Downtown Economic Development Committee. Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes December 1, 2008 Page 4 of 8 A motion was made by Coerper, second Carchio to reconsider the creation of the new Downtown ad -hoc committee and the dissolution of the Downtown Economic Development Committee. Discussion ensued on the necessity of a second ad -hoc committee versus all-inclusive action on issues related to the downtown being handled by the existing Economic Development Committee (EDC). Council expressed opinions on the importance of public safety downtown, limited City staff resources, adding committee diversity to address non -routine issues, and allowing the EDC to form its own subcommittees. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hansen, Bohr, Coerper, Green, and Carchio NOES: Hardy, and Cook CITY CLERK'S REPORT 3. (City Council) Adopted Resolution No. 2008-75 Reciting the Facts of the General Municipal Election of November 4, 2008 and Declaring Results. City Clerk Joan Flynn thanked Neal Kelley, Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV) for providing election results in report form early for tonight's meeting and announced the following voting statistics: the whole number of votes (ballots) cast in the precincts except vote by mail voter ballots was 50,487, the whole number of vote by mail ballots cast in the city was 44,980, making a total of 95,477 votes (ballots) cast in the city. She reported the following votes cast for candidates who ran for City Council: Don Hansen 40,017, Keith Bohr 39,821, Devin Dwyer 33,593, Dan Kalmick 25,217, Bruce J. Brandt 18,486, Allen Baylis 12,258 and Erik Charles Eichler, 8,530. She reported the following votes cast for candidate(s) who ran for City Clerk: Joan L. Flynn 64,015. She reported the following votes cast for candidate(s) who ran for City Treasurer: Shari Freidenrich 63,646. Hansen, Bohr, Dwyer, Flynn and Freidenrich were elected for a full term of four years. She stated that voter statistic information by precinct is on file in the City Clerk's Office, thanked her staff for assisting the ROV in providing Early Voting at City Hall, and requested that Council adopt Resolution No. 2008-75. A motion was made by Green, second Coerper to adopt Resolution No. 2008-75, "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Reciting the Facts of the General Municipal Election held on November 4, 2008 Consolidated with the County of Orange Declaring the Results and Such Other Matters as Provided by Law." The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hansen, Hardy, Bohr, Cook, Coerper, Green, and Carchio NOES: None OATH OF OFFICE TO ELECTED AND RE-ELECTED COUNCILMEMBERS, CITY TREASURER AND CITY CLERK 4. Oath of Office to City Clerk - Mayor Cook administered the Oath of Office to newly elected City Clerk Joan Flynn. Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes December 1, 2008 Page 5 of 8 Oath of Office to Councilmembers - City Clerk Joan Flynn administered the Oath of Office to newly elected members of the City Council Keith Bohr, Devin Dwyer and Don Hansen. Oath of Office to the City Treasurer: City Clerk Joan Flynn administered the Oath of Office to newly elected City Treasurer Shari Freidenrich. ROLL CALL Present: Hansen, Hardy, Coerper, Bohr, Green, Dwyer, and Carchio Absent: None 5. Conducted Election of Mayor for Ensuing Year - City Clerk Flynn called for a motion to elect new a Mayor. A motion was made by Coerper, seconded by Hansen to elect Councilmember Keith Bohr as Mayor. The vote was approved by acclamation. Oath of Office to Mayor - City Clerk Flynn administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Mayor Keith Bohr. Outgoing Mayor Cook presented a gift (gavel set) to Mayor Bohr. Mayor Bohr presented a gift (rocking chair) to outgoing Mayor Cook. Conducted Election of Mayor Pro Tempore for Ensuing Year - Mayor Bohr called for a motion to elect a new Mayor Pro Tempore. A motion was made by Carchio, seconded by Coerper to elect Councilmember Cathy Green as Mayor Pro Tempore. The vote was approved by acclamation. Oath of Office to Mayor Pro Tempore - City Clerk Flynn administered the Oath of Office to newly elected Mayor Pro Tempore Cathy Green. Mayor Bohr thanked his wife Elizabeth, family, friends, staff and business associates for their continued support. Councilmember Hansen voiced enthusiasm for another 4 years in office and welcomed Devin Dwyer to the Council, thanking him for his service on the Planning Commission. He also recognized wife Sarah, his children, and members the community for their support. Councilmember Dwyer recognized Chris MacDonald for his dedicated support, discussed his interest in infrastructure and hopes of bringing something new to the Council, and concluded with giving thanks to his wife and daughter. City Treasurer Shari Freidenrich thanked the voters for electing her to a 4th term, with special thanks to her husband Clive. She also discussed the importance of safeguarding public funds and how she looks forward to working with the Council. City Clerk Joan Flynn thanked residents for their trust in her candidacy and discussed the accomplishments made in her office during her first term as City Clerk. She gave special thanks her mom and staff, and invited members of the public needing service to contact her office. Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes December 1, 2008 Page 6of8 RECESS Mayor Bohr recessed the meeting at 7:14 p.m. to a reception in meeting rooms adjacent to the Council Chambers. RECONVENE IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS Mayor Bohr reconvened the regular meeting of the City Council at 7:48 p.m. in the Council Chambers. ROLL CALL Present: Hansen, Hardy, Coerper, Bohr, Dwyer, Green, and Carchio Absent: None PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 Minute Time Limit) Suzette Clark, Cape Ann resident, voiced concerns about the Cape Ann affordable housing program and discussed the failing economy, asking what the City is doing to help its residents. She expressed frustration while stating her opinion that the City is holding fast to the restrictions affecting Cape Ann residents, and asked Council to consider assisting Cape Ann homeowners. Denise Young, Cape Ann resident, voiced concerns about the restrictions included in the Cape Ann affordable housing program. She discussed how density bonuses recently approved for other City projects would benefit Cape Ann residents, and repeated concerns related to home value tied to interest rates, inability to temporarily rent property, strict buyer qualifications and not being able to will property to loved ones who don't meet affordable housing program requirements. Councilmember Hardy requested that Ms. Young identify City projects approved with a density bonus, and Ms. Young stated she would email Councilmember Hardy the information. Hannelore Palmer, Cape Ann resident, voiced concerns about the Cape Ann affordable housing program and discussed life events that have made it necessary, but impossible for her to move due to the restrictions within the program including strict buyer qualifications, inability to will property to non -qualifying family members, temporary rent prohibited, and gaining no home equity. Dale Crain, President, Cape Ann Homeowner's Association, voiced concerns about the Cape Ann affordable housing program and discussed a recent dialogue he had with an interested buyer to educate them on affordable restrictions. He requested that Council take a decisive leadership role and change current policy and resolve standing legal issues and long-term affects on the City's affordable housing program. He asked for clear, transparent guidelines that once implemented, would seldom change. COUNCIL COMMITTEE / APPOINTMENTS / LIAISON REPORTS AND ALL AB 1234 DISCLOSURE REPORTING Mayor Bohr announced the appointment of Councilmember Joe Carchio as Council liaison to the Public Cable Television Authority (PCTA). Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes December 1, 2008 Page 7 of 8 CONSENT CALENDAR 6. (City Council) Approved and Authorized the City Administrator to execute the Employment Agreement between the City of Huntington Beach and Stephanie Beverage for the position of Director of Library Services. A motion was made by Green, second Hansen to a) approve the appointment of Stephanie Beverage to the position of Director of Library Services; and, b) approve and authorize the City Administrator to execute the "Employment Agreement Between the City of Huntington Beach and Stephanie Beverage" for the position of Director of Library Services. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hansen, Hardy, Coerper, Bohr, Dwyer, Green, and Carchio NOES: None 7. (City Council) Approved Agreement between the County of Orange and City of Huntington Beach to, accept funds from the Department of Justice's Federal Fiscal Year 2008 Edward Byrne Memoriai Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program; Approved Appropriation of up to $14,442; end, Authorized the Police Chief to execute the JAG Grant Agreement on the City's .3ehofl: / motion -was made by Green, second Hansen to a) approve and accept the JAG Grant betwOan the Cauhty of Orange and the City of Huntington Beach for federal fiscal year 2008; arid, b)- authorize the Police Chief to execute on the City's behalf the "Agreement to Transfer Funds for 2008 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program" between the County_af.,Urahge, and the City of Huntington Beach that is approved as to form by the City Attorney; and, c) approve the appropriation of up to $14,442 to be fully reimbursed by the grant from the Department of Justice via the County of Orange. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hansen, Hardy, Coerper, Bohr, Dwyer, Green, and Carchio NOES: None CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT City Administrator Fred Wilson introduced Stephanie Beverage, newly hired Director of Library Services. Ms. Beverage provided a brief professional bio and expressed how she looks forward to working with the Council. ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION 8. (City Council) Adopted Ordinance No. 3818 amending Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) Chapter 2.97 relating to the Citizens Participation Advisory Board (CPAB) by aligning the ;activities of the board to the grant year, and to revise the text to simplify the code. Approved for Introduction November 17, 2008. Council/Redevelopment Agency Minutes December 1, 2008 Page 8 of 8 A motion was made by Hansen, second Carchio to after City Clerk reads by title, Adopt Ordinance No. 3818, "An Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Chapter 2.97 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to the Citizens Participation Advisory Board (CPAB)." The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: Hansen, Hardy, Coerper, Bohr, Dwyer, Green, and Carchio NOES: None COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS (Not Agendized) Mayor Bohr provided a PowerPoint presentation that addressed City Council Goals, Objectives and Priorities for Council consideration in 2009. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Bohr adjourned the regular meeting at 8:15 p.m. to the next regularly scheduled meeting of Monday, December 15, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in Room B-8, Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California. City Ulerk and ex-officio CleW of theCity Council of the City of Huntingtoh Beach and Clerk of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Huntington Beach, California ATTEST: w Mayor-Chairrx l City Clerk -Cie`'