HomeMy WebLinkAboutBolsa Chica Subcommittee Report and Recommendation Regarding Council/Agency Meeting Held: P/g/9-7 y4/6 i
Deferred/Continued to: c
IrApWed ❑ Conditionally Approved ❑ Denied City ClerWs Signature
August 4, 1997 Community Development Department ID Number: CD 97-41
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
SUBMITTED BY: MICHAEL T. UBERUAGA, City Administrator
PREPARED BY: RAY SILVER, Assistant City Administrator,�Rgd
HOWARD ZELEFSKY, Planning Director
SUBJECT: Bolsa Chica Sub-Committee Recommendation Regarding Third Party
Acquisition of the Bolsa Chica Mesa (Continued from July 7, 1997)
Statement of Issue,Funding Source,Recommended Action,Alternative Action(s),Analysis,Environmental Status,Attachment(s)
Statement of Issue:
On June 2, 1997, Councilman Harman submitted item H-3(a) recommending that the City of
Huntington Beach facilitate or promote acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa by an outside
third party for preservation as public open space. The City Council referred the item to the
Bolsa Chica Sub-committee for a recommendation.
The Bolsa Chica Sub-committee met on June 27, July 11, and July 23, 1997 to receive
information from representatives of the Amigos and Land Trust on their past acquisition
efforts and to explore opportunities for acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa. The Sub-
committee is recommending support of Councilman Harman's motion with modifications and
is also recommending that the City Council send letters supporting acquisition of the
Fieldstone property to the appropriate local, State, and federal agencies.
Funding Source: N/A
Recommended Action:
The Bolsa Chica Sub-committee recommends that the City Council adopt Councilmember
Harman's H-3a item from the May 19, 1997 agenda as modified:
i
Motion to:
1. Direct the Mayor and the City Administrator to
facilitate and promote the acquisition of the "Bolsa Chica Mesa" property `�
It is the intention of the City Council that this action be taken simultaneously with
attempts by the City to negotiate mitigation measures and "deal points" with Koll Real
Estate Group concerning the proposed development of the property.
In addition, the Bolsa Chica Sub-committee recommends that:
a) A letter be sent from the City Council to appropriate elected local, state and federal
officials indicating the City's support for acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa;
b) The Sub-committee continue its communications with the appropriate agencies and
parties to keep informed of opportunities for promoting acquisition of the Bolsa
Chic; and
-rl",
c) A letter be sent from the Mayor to Don Koll and other owners of property on the
Bolsa Chica mesa requesting a meeting with the Mayor Pro Tempore and City
Administrator to discuss potential acquisition.
2. Send a letter to the State Lands Commission and Lieutenant Governor expressing City
support for State acquisition of the Fieldstone property within the Bolsa Chica lowland.
Alternative Action(s):
Adopt Councilmember Harman's motion as stated in the May 19, 1997 agenda.
AQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACAN
MEETING DATE: Community Development DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: CD 97-41
Analysis:
The Bolsa Chica Sub-committee met on June 27, July 11, and July 23, 1997 to receive
information from representatives of the Amigos and Land Trust on their past acquisition
efforts and to explore opportunities for acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa. The potential
roles contemplated covered a range of levels of involvement; The Sub-committee explored
potential, local, state and federal funding options, including the feasibility of a bond initiative
as well as other options such as a land swap.
While the Sub-committee supports acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa as well as the
remaining privately owned parcels in the lowland to facilitate preservation of the entire Bolsa
Chica. The Sub-committee determined that the staff time and costs associated with leading
an acquisition effort would be cost prohibitive and felt that the that acquisition of the property
would more appropriately be lead by an outside party. They determined that the appropriate
role for the City was through support and promotion of the acquisition by contacting the
appropriate local, State, and federal agencies that the opportunities at the Bolsa Chica do
not end with the 880 acre acquisition and support efforts to acquire the Bolsa Chica mesa
and by meeting with Koll and the other property owners to determine if they would be
interested in selling their property. The Sub-committee unanimously recommended support
of Councilmember Harman's motion with incorporation of the following items:
• That a letter be sent from the City Council to appropriate elected local, state and
federal officials indicating the City's support for acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa.
(A copy of a draft letter of support has been provided in Attachment No. 1)
• That the Sub-committee continue its communications with the appropriate agencies
and parties to keep informed of opportunities for promoting acquisition of the Bolsa
Chica; and
• That a letter be sent from the Mayor to Don Koll and other owners of property on the
Bolsa Chica mesa requesting a meeting with the Mayor Pro Tempore and City
Administrator to discuss potential acquisition. (A copy of a draft letter has been
provided in Attachment No. 2)
In addition, the Sub-committee received public comments indicating that the State may be
contemplating acquisition of the Fieldstone property within the Bolsa Chica lowlands. The
Sub-committee agreed that acquisition of this property for incorporation into the wetlands
restoration project would be desirable and is recommending that the City Council send a
letter of support to the appropriate agencies. A copy of a draft letter of support has been
provided as Attachment No. 3.
Environmental Status: N/A
CD97-41.DOC -2- 07/25/97 2:34 PM
*QUEST FOR COUNCIL ACAN
MEETING DATE: Community Development DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: CD 97-41
Attachment Us :
City Clerk's
P. . - Number No. Description Draft letter from the City of Huntington Beach to appropriate elected
local, state and federal officials indicating the City's support for
acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa
2 Draft letter from the Mayor to Don Koll and other owners of
property on the Bolsa Chica mesa requesting a meeting with the
Mayor Pro Tempore and City Administrator to discuss potential
acquisition
3 Draft letter to the State Lands Commission and Lieutenant
Governor expressing City support for State acquisition of the
Fieldstone property within the Bolsa Chica lowland
RCA Author: JS
CD97-41.DOC -3- 07/25/97 2:34 PM
I� �' CITY OF HUNTINCTON OEACH:IT fCLERK
COUNCIL - ADMINISTRATOR COMM UNICATI CITY OF
I� II�GTON BEACRfOALIF.
HUNUNGTON SFACM e
AVG 36 AN 197
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
VIA: MICHAEL T. UBERUAGA, CITY ADMINISTRA OR
FROM: RAY SILVER, ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR GPI
DATE: AUGUST 4, 1997
SUBJECT: CORRECTION TO COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM C-1 RECOMMENDATION
In reviewing the Recommended Action for the RCA entitled Bolsa Chica Sub-Committee
Recommendation Regarding Third Party Acquisition of the Bolsa Chica Mesa, C-1, the
following correction is provided to modify the Motion:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: 1. Direct the Mayor and the City Administrator to immedia el
to facilitate and promote the acquistion of the "Bolsa Chica
Mesa" property. It is the intention of the City Council that this action be taken simultaneously
with attempts by the City to negotiate mitigation measures and "deal points" with Koll Real
Estate Group concerning the proposed development of the property.
In addition, the Bolsa Chica Sub-committee recommends that:
a) A letter be sent from the City Council to.appropriate elected local, state, and federal
officials indicating the City's support for acquisition of the Bolsa Chica Mesa;
b) The Sub-committee continue its communication with the appropriate agencies and parties to
keep informed of opportunities for promoting acquisition of the Bolsa Chica;
c) A letter be sent from the Mayor to Don Koll and other owners of property on the Bolsa
Chica mesa requesting a meeting with the Mayor Pro Tem and the City Administrator to
discuss potential acquisition; and
d) Send a letter to the State Lands Commission and the Lieutenant Govenor expressing City
support for State acquisition of the Fieldstone property within the Bolsa Chica lowland.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the above, please feel free to contact me.
cc: Department Heads
i
ATTACHMENT 1
Attachment No. 1
DRAFT
August 4, 1997
FirstName>wLastName», «JobTitle»
«Company»
Address 1»,«Address2»
«City>x State»«PostalCode»
SUBJECT: City of Huntington Beach Support for State/Federal Acquisition of the Bolsa Chica
Mesa
Dear«Title»«LastName»:
On behalf of the City of Huntington Beach,I would like to take this opportunity to encourage the State to
pursue acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa. As the public information/input process continues for
restoration of the 880 acres acquired earlier this year,the City believes that this is an ideal time to
incorporate the Bolsa Chica mesa into the planning activities. The City believes that the mesa is a
valuable resource, and provides a significant opportunity to provide a unique uplands open space area
that will be compatible and enhance the lowland restoration effort.
Bolsa Chica lowlands and mesa are a significant State resource which must be protected for public use.
The City strongly urges the State to consider acquisition of the mesa property and to continue its efforts
toward acquisition and restoration of the entire Bolsa Chica lowland area.
Sincerely,
Mayor Ralph Bauer
cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Michael T.Uberuaga, City Administrator
Melanie S. Fallon,Community Development Director
Julie Sakaguchi,Associate Planner
ATTACHMENT 2
Attachment No. 2
D R A FT
August 4, 1997
FirstName)mLastName», «JobTitle»
Company))
<<AddressI>,<<Address2»
City)m State)m Po stalCode»
SUBJECT: Acquisition of the Property on the Bolsa Chica Mesa
Dear<<Title»«LastName»:
As you may already be aware,the City of Huntington Beach has been contemplating its role in
supporting acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa. On August 4, 1997,the City Council directed that I set
up meetings with each mesa property owner,Mayor Pro Tempore Sullivan and myself to discuss
potential acquisition of their mesa property.
The City believes that the mesa is a important resource,and provides a significant opportunity to provide
a unique uplands open space area that will be compatible and enhance the lowland restoration effort.
The City believes that this is an ideal time to incorporate the Bolsa Chica mesa into the planning
activities while the public information/input process is underway for restoration of the 880 acres of the
Bolsa Chica lowland,acquired earlier this year. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss this issure
and will be contacting you to schedule a meeting within the next couple of weeks.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Uberuaga
City Administrator
cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Michael T. Uberuaga, City Administrator
Melanie S. Fallon, Community Development Director
Julie Sakaguchi, Associate Planner
ATTACHMENT 3
Attachment No. 3
DRAFT
August 4, 1997
FirstName»«LastName», <<JobTitle»
Company))
«Address l»,<<Address2»
City»«State)w Po stalCode»
SUBJECT: City of Huntington Beach Support for State/Federal Acquisition and
Restoration of the Fieldstone Property within the Bolsa Chica Lowland
Dear«Title)wLastName»:
It is the City of Huntington Beach's understanding that the State may be contemplating
acquisition of the Fieldstone property located within the Bolsa Chica lowlands. On behalf of the
City of Huntington Beach, I would like to take this opportunity to express the City's support for
State and federal acquisition and restoration of the Fieldstone property within the Bolsa Chica
lowland. As the public information/input process continues for restoration of the 880 acres
acquired earlier this year,the City believes that this is an ideal time to incorporate the remaining
41 acres into the restoration planning activities. The City is expressing its support for acquisition
of this property and urges your continued efforts to complete acquisition of the entire Bolsa
Chica lowland area.
Wetlands are recognized as a important resource to the State of California; yet over the years
more than 91% of the State's wetlands have been destroyed. Bolsa Chica has been identified as
one of the largest remaining coastal wetlands in the western United States. The City believes
that the Bolsa Chica is a significant natural resource, both locally and statewide, and has long
been in support of preservation and restoration of all of the Bolsa Chica wetlands. The City
believes that this is the ideal time to incorporate the Fieldstone property (while the the Bolsa
Chica Steering committee is still in the process of developing identifying plans for the restoration
y� , 3
of the 880 acre portion.) This is a unique opportunity to preserve and enhance the Bolsa Chica
ecosystem and resolve the lowland development issues which have been the source of much
controversy.
Once again, Bolsa Chica is a significant State resource which must be preserved and restored.
The City strongly urges the State Lands Commission to continue its efforts toward acquisition
and restoration of the entire Bolsa Chica lowland area.
Sincerely,
Mayor Ralph Bauer
cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Michael T. Uberuaga, City Administrator
Melanie S. Fallon, Community Development Director
Julie Sakaguchi, Associate Planner
Melanie Denninger, California Coastal Conservancy
Tom Yocom, US Environmental Protection Agency
Ruth Villalobos, Corps of Engineers
Jack Fancher, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Robert Hoffman, National Marine Fisheries Service
Patty Wolf, Department of Fish and Game
Fieldstone
I
RCA ROUTING SHEET
INITIATING DEPARTMENT: Community Development
SUBJECT: Bolsa Chica Sub-Committee Recommendation Regarding
Third Party Acquisition of the Bolsa Chica Mesa (Continued
from July 7, 1997)
COUNCIL MEETING DATE_: 1 August 4, 1997
RCA ATTACHMENTS STATUS
Ordinance (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable
Resolution (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable
Tract Map, Location Map and/or other Exhibits Not Applicable
Contract/Agreement (w/exhibits if applicable)
(Signed in full by the City Attomey) Not Applicable
Subleases, Third Party Agreements, etc.
(Approved as to form by City Attomey) Not Applicable
Certificates of Insurance (Approved by the City Attomey) Not Applicable
Financial Impact Statement (Unbudget, over $5,000) Not Applicable
Bonds (If applicable) Not Applicable
Staff Report (If applicable) Not Applicable
Commission, Board or Committee Report (If applicable) Not Applicable
Findings/Conditions for Approval and/or Denial Not Applicable
EXPLANATION FOR IVIISSING ATTACHMENTS.
REVIEWED RETURNED FORWARDED
Administrative Staff ( ) ( )
Assistant City Administrator (Initial)
City Administrator (Initial) ( )
City Clerk ( )
EXPLANATION FOR RETURN O'F ITEM: �
(Below
• . For
RCA -P,OUTING 9HEET
INITIATING DEPARTMENT: Community Development
SUBJECT: Bolsa Chica Sub-Committee Recommendation Regarding
Third Party Acquisition of't C ' a Mesa (Continued
rom July 7, 1997)
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: Augu ,
RCA ATTACHMENTS STATUS
Ordinance (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable
Resolution (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable
Tract Map, Location Map and/or other Exhibits Not Applicable
Contract/Agreement (w/exhibits if applicable)
(Signed in full by the City Attomey) Not Applicable
Subleases, Third Party Agreements, etc.
(Approved as to form by City Attomey) Not Applicable
Certificates of Insurance (Approved by the City Attomey) Not Applicable
Financial Impact Statement (Unbudget, over $5,000) Not Applicable
Bonds (If applicable) Not Applicable
Staff Report (If applicable) Not Applicable
Commission, Board or Committee Report (If applicabl Not Applicable
Findings/Conditions for Approval and/or Denial Not Applicable
EXPLANATION FOR M1§13ING ATTACHMENTS
J(P�—tx.- W'Xvl--
REVIEWED RETURNED FORWARDED
Administrative Staff ( ) ( )
Assistant City Administrator (Initial) ( ) ( )
City Administrator (Initial) ( ) ( )
City Clerk ( )
EXPLANATION FOR RETURN OF ITEM:
(Below • . For Only)
ti
Council/Agency Meeting Held: .7
Deferred/Continued to:
9'Wpproved ❑ C diti21a Ap � ❑ Denied CityClerk's Signature
Council Meeting Date: July 7, 1997 Department ID Number: CD97-36
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION :.
SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ,,,
SUBMITTED BY: MICHAEL T. UBERUAGA, City Administrator r„
PREPARED BY: MELANIE S. FALLON, Comunity Development Director/j�,,,/
SUBJECT: Acquisition of the Bolsa Chica Mesa by an Outside Third Party
(Continued from June 2, 1997)
Statement of Issue,Funding Source,Recommended Action,Alternative Action(s),Analysis,Environmental Status,Attachments)
Statement of Issue:
On June 2, 1997, Councilman Harman submitted item H-3(a) recommending that the City of
Huntington Beach facilitate or promote acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa by an outside
third party for preservation as public open space. The City Council referred the item to the
Bolsa Chica Sub-committee for a recommendation.
The Bolsa Chica Sub-committee met on June 27, 1997 and is recommending that the City
Council continue action on this item until August 4, 1997, or as soon as possible thereafter,
to allow the Sub-committee to hold at least two (2) meetings to receive information from
representatives of the Amigos and Land Trust to present information their past acquisition
efforts and to formulate a potential process (with associated cost estimates) for City
involvement in third party acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa.
y
Funding Source: N/A
Recommended Action: Motion to Continue action on the City's promotion of third party
acquisition of the Bolsa Chica Mesa to August 4, 1997, or as soon as possible thereafter, to
authorize the Bolsa Chica Sub-committee to hold at least two (2) more meetings to receive
information from representatives of the Amigos and Land Trust to present information on
their past acquisition efforts and to formulate a recommendation on a possible work program
(with associated cost estimates) for City involvement in third party acquisition of the Bolsa
Chica mesa.
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: July 7, 1997 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: CD97-36
Alternative Action(s):
Direct the Mayor and the City Administrator to take whatever actions are necessary to
facilitate and promote the acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa property by an outside third
party who is willing to preserve and protect the property as open space dedicated to
public use.
Analysis:
On June 2, 1997, Councilman Harman submitted item H-3(a) recommending that the City of
Huntington Beach facilitate or promote acquisition of the Bolsa Chica mesa by an outside
third party for preservation as public open space. The City Council directed staff to refer the
item to the Bolsa Chica Sub-committee and return with the Sub-committee's
recommendation.
The..City Council Sub-committee on the Bolsa Chica met on June 27, 1997 and received
public comments from nine parties, all requesting that the City take an active role in
promoting acquisition of the Bolsa Chica Mesa. The Sub-committee members agreed that it
would be helpful for the City to know which avenues had been pursued by these groups and
the responses received from each funding source and agency. The Sub-committee also
expressed concern over making a recommendation to the City Council without exploring the
possible roles for the City (and associated costs for City staffing and other resources) to
facilitate acquisition of the mesa.
The Sub-committee believes that this information is necessary to formulate an informed
recommendation to the City Council and is recommending that the City Council continue
action on this item until August 4, 1997, or as soon as possible thereafter, to allow Sub-
committee to hold at least two (2) more meetings to receive information from representatives
of the Amigos and Land Trust to present information their past acquisition efforts and to
formulate a recommendation on a potential process (with associated cost estimates) for City
involvement in third party acquisition of the Bolsa Chica Mesa.
Environmental Status: N/A
Attachment(s):
RCA Author: JS
CD97-36.DOC -2- 06/30/97 2:34 PM
Ui—U U UU".1V1 P
7H197 07;55:19 Orate; TV97 Time:07:65:13 Page 1 of 1
Julie 3001997
Chair Dave Sullivan and Conimittea mernbars Deitloff and Oreen:
I just wanted to tell you that when I was back in.Washington D.C. and_went to see John
Garamendi and Sen Feinstein's and Sen, Boxar's hides they all asked " Wliat is the City's
position on this."
I hope you realize that a strong backing by the City of Huntington Beach to acquire the
mesa will open many inore,doors than the two environmental groups: the Bolsa Chica
Land Trust and the Amigos de Bolsa Chica, As sueeessfiil as our combined efforts might
have been.
I, frankly, don't know what success the .Anni,gos have had because I haven't thought they
ware even trying to buy tile'• nws£i,
I Sincerely hope you will pass Harman's resolution and give the project the City's blessing
and I11LISc1O.
Rasp�etfilll�, ,
Eileen h4urphy
cc Harman
P
wic?'y `'' cl-i
.Z
yWa. 40
CITY OF HUNTIN ON BEACH
CITY COUNCIL C''."JIMUNICATION a 9�
6�
Q� 997
To. Connie Brockway, City Clerk A
FROM: Tom Harman, City Council Member
DATE: May 13, 1997
SUBJECT: H ITEM- FOR THE 5119197 COUNCIL MEETING RE;
ACQUISITION OF BOLSA CHICA MESA BY OUTSIDE THIRD
PARTY
Please place the following motion on the Council Agenda for May 19, 1997.
MOTION:
The Mayor and City Administrator are directed to immediately take whatever actions
are necessary to facilitate and promote the acquisition of the "Bolsa Chica Mesa"
property by an outside third party who is willing to preserve and protect the property as
open space dedicated to public use. It is the intention of the City Council that this
action be taken simultaneously with attempts by the city to negotiate mitigation
measures and "deal points" with KREG concerning the proposed development of the
property.
ANALYSIS:
In dealing with the Bolsa Chica Mesa property and the proposed development of the
property by KREG, the city has primarily focused its attention on how to mitigate the
impact the development will have on the city. For example, considerable staff time has
been spent discussing the impact the development will have on Huntington Beach
traffic, fire services, police services, and library services to name but a few.
In order for the city to be prepared for these impacts in the event the development does
in fact go forward, it is, in my opinion, entirely appropriate for staff and KREG to be
discussing mitigation measures and possible "deal points."
,r.
RECEIVED
CITY %ERN
;;ITY 3F
5/19/97
To; City Council -7 7
From : I lossie Horgan
i
Re: Co ncilman Harman H Item Acquisition of Bolsa Chica Mesa by outs a third
ply.
lul .
Z strongl .urge the Council to support Councilman Harman's.motion. Many o us in the
city haw been working diligently to preserve the Bolsa Chica Mesa. The ben is to this
preservation effort would enhance the City's appeal in many ways. Reasons y the Mesa
should b preserved are apparent. The following are some of the reasons to ve the
mesa fro housing development. 1. WE have enough development of housi 3 units in
this city. 2. the lack of revenues generated by housing developments is well c ocumented.
3. Prop isition 218 prohibits the city from granting services outside the city fc r a profit.
4. The Service Agreements have not been satisfactory from the city's financia
perspect ve. 5. The City Staff report clearly states that the services to the Ko
Develop nent will cost the city millions every year.
I
Therefo it is entirely appropriate to have this City Council support and work owards
preserva 'on of the Bolsa Chica Mesa which when preserved will make the Cit of
Hunting n Beach unique in its vision and leadership.
Sincere)),
Flo org
0
,iECEIYED
CITY CLERK
Marinka Horack NUNTING10, :i=c(H, CALIF.
21742 Fairlane Circle MAY 19 4 OS FIB '97
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
May 19, 1997
Mayor Ralph Bauer
HB City Hall, 2000 Main St.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Dear Mayor Bauer:
Huntington Beach surrounds one of Southern California's greatest natural
resources: the Bolsa Chica open space. The Bolsa Chica wetlands and mesa
are a haven for many forms of wildlife including six endangered species. No
other place in Orange County has nine miles of open P.C.H. coastlands to
drive. It is a priceless resource. It is a rare resource we all must protect and
preserve.
Congratulations to you for your leadership in protecting ALL of Bolsa Chica,
mesa as well as wetlands, for the mesa is an integral part of the ecosystem. The
endangered Belding's Savannah Sparrow will not nest in noisy areas and a
mesa construction zone and housing track is likely to scare them off forever.
The Great Blue Heron and Great Egret inhabit both the wetlands and mesa in
their hunting and nesting activities. These are only a few examples why the
mesa must remain open space.
Since some $90,000,000 is going to be spent to restore the wetlands it is
contradictory and wasteful to build 2,500 housing units right above them. The
real preservation plan is to preserve the mesa along with the lowlands.
Thank you for your courageous leardership.
Sincerely,
Marinka Horack