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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/13/2007 - Study Session - City CouncilREGULAR AJOURNED MEETING (STUDY SESSION) OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COSTA MESA November 13, 2007 The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California met in a Regular Adjourned Meeting (Study Session), on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, at 4:35 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 77, Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor. ROLL CALL: Council Members Present: Mayor Allan Mansoor Mayor Pro Tem Eric Bever Council Member Linda Dixon Council Member Katrina Foley Council Member Wendy Leece Council Members Absent: None Officials Present: City Manager Allan Roeder Assistant City Manager Thomas Hatch Assistant City Attorney Harold Potter Police Chief Christopher Shawkey City Engineer Ernesto Munoz Transportation Services Manager Peter Naghavi Police Lieutenant Allen Huggins Police Lieutenant Timothy Schennum Legislative and Public Affairs Manager Ann Shultz City Clerk Julie Folcik I. PUBLIC COMMENT David Kinkade, Costa Mesa, expressed gratitude to the Police Department for their apprehension of serious criminals in Costa Mesa over the last year. Judi Berry, Costa Mesa, expressed her concern regarding the proposed campaign contribution limit as it does not restrict the amount a union can spend on an election and she did not feel the proposal was fair as the restrictions should not only apply to individuals but also to the unions. Ted Stelle, Costa Mesa, commented that the request for sidewalk along portions of Broadway were for safety concerns however he indicated that while the residents of the street were supportive of the concept they were not supportive of the design proposed and felt that the sidewalks should be at the behest of the property owner. James R. White, Costa Mesa, encouraged the Council to support the placement of sidewalks along sections of Broadway pointing out that there is support of homeowners along the street and for the safety of the children. Beth Refakes, Costa Mesa, expressed concern for the suggestion of raised medians along Broadway, which would ultimately divert traffic to surrounding streets. Jim Fitzpatrick, Costa Mesa, support of sidewalks on Broadway, he pointed out that there is support from the neighbors for the sidewalks, asked Council to direct staff to work with neighbors on design options for the sidewalks. Jean Clark, property -owner in Costa Mesa, commented that if sidewalks are to be placed along Broadway that it should reach from Newport Boulevard to Irvine Avenue. She also expressed concern of the placement of medians in the middle of the street as it would cause inconveniences and ultimately hamper good traffic flow. Kristin Berkenfield, Costa Mesa, stated that she was in support of the placement of sidewalks along portions of Broadway for the safety of the children; and encouraged Council to continue working with the neighborhood. Jack McConville, Costa Mesa, supported traffic calming for Broadway neighborhood pointing out that there is a need to slow traffic and to be careful not to reroute the traffic issues to other surrounding streets. Steven Dewan, Costa Mesa, felt very strongly that the sidewalks along Broadway are needed as it is a matter of safety and at all costs should be provided. Danielle Barton, Costa Mesa, spoke in support of sidewalks asked Council to direct staff to give the homeowners solutions that won't disrupt homes or remove trees. Kathy Fitzpatrick, Costa Mesa, spoke in support of the sidewalks commenting that it is a safety issue. Barbara Kelly, Costa Mesa, strongly supports sidewalks along Broadway commenting that it is a safety issue, and shared her experience when her son was hit by a car on the street. Tony Peca, Costa Mesa, commented that the sidewalks along Broadway are a necessary as it is a matter of safety; felt that medians do not adequately address traffic issues and suggested stop signs. Ricci (last name inaudible), Costa Mesa, felt that stop signs along Broadway are needed and was also supportive of speed -bumps however, did not support medians as it would not slow down the traffic. Mike Moon, Costa Mesa, felt that medians along Broadway would not address the speeding issue and instead supported the placement of stop signs. Rachel (last name not given), Costa Mesa, supported the placement of stop signs along Broadway; did not support medians; and expressed the need to reduce, traffic along the street. Christian Olsen, Costa Mesa, felt that stop signs were a good idea but supported a physical barrier which would slow traffic. II. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION 1. Broadway Sidewalks/Conceptual Traffic Control Proposals and Status Ernesto Munoz, City Engineer, and Peter Naghavi, Transportation Services Manager, presented the staff report that addressed the Broadway sidewalk project and the traffic conditions along the street. The report pointed out that the project which covers the 350 through 400 blocks of Broadway is for the construction of missing sidewalks on both sides of the street. Mr. Munoz pointed out the challenges relative to reaching an agreeable solution with residences such as the private improvements that encroach into the public right-of-way; and meeting the American Disabilities Act minimum due to some of the obstructions. Relative to the traffic Mr. Naghavi reported on the measures taken in addressing traffic concerns along the street, the results of the analysis and options that have been considered as well as the potential outcome. Each responded to questions from the Council regarding such topics as the use of rubberized cement, encroachments; ADA compliance, tree removal, meandering sidewalks, budgeting, traffic calming issues, and the impacts on the surrounding areas. No action was taken. 2. ICE Proaram Update Lieutenant Allen Higgins presented the update, providing a brief history of ICE Program and a review of the past year since the implementation of the program. A detail was presented of the process followed in the arrest by the Police Department as well as the detail of the arrests made, the types of crimes, those that were booked and interviewed by the ICE officer an the detainers that were issued. He along with Police Chief Christopher Shawkey and Lieutenant Timothy Schennum responded to questions from the Council relative to such topics as the screening process, juveniles that are arrested, and the reentry of deported criminals. No action was taken on this item. 3. Campaign Finance Reform Thomas Hatch, Assistant City Manager, presented the staff report regarding a proposal for a voluntary campaign contribution or expenditure limit and the process for submission of a ballot measure. Discussion ensued amongst the Council. Mr. Hatch responded to questions from the Council and no action was taken on the item. 4. Emr)lovee of the Month The City Council reviewed applications for Employee of the Month, a preference was indicated, absent any objection. Announcement of the Employee of the Month would be made at a subsequent City Council meeting. III. COUNCIL MEMBERS REPORTS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS No reports were given. IV. ADJOURNMENT: The Mayor declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. The next Regular Meeting will be held November 20, 2007. Allan R. Mansoor, Mayor ATTEST: Juliel�olcik, City Clerk