HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/08/2008 - Study Session - City CouncilREGULAR AJOURNED MEETING (STUDY SESSION) OF THE
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COSTA MESA
July 8, 2008
The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California met in a Regular
Adjourned Meeting (Study Session), on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at 4:35 p.m. in
the Conference Room 1A of City Hall, 77, Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. The meeting
was called to order by the Mayor.
ROLL'CALL:
Council Members Present: Mayor Eric R. Bever
Mayor Pro Tem Allan R. Mansoor
Council Member Linda Dixon
Council Member Katrina Foley
Council Member Wendy Leece
Council Members Absent: None.
Officials Present: City Manager Allan Roeder
City Attorney Kimberly Hall Barlow
Finance Director Marc Puckett
Administrative Services Director Steve Mandoki
Development Services Director Donald Lamm
Chief of Police Christopher Shawkey
Police Sergeant Robert Durham
City Clerk Julie Folcik
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Ed Guilmette, Costa Mesa, reported an alleged illegal home based business
operating in his neighborhood and requested relief from the situation.
2. Ernie Feeney, Costa Mesa, requested the Council to direct the City Attorney to
follow up with the City of Los Angeles regarding their lawsuit with Time Warner;
spoke in opposition to the business license tax.
3. Beth Refakes, Costa Mesa, expressed her opposition to an increase in the
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) or business license tax increase.
4. Ed Fawcett, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, expressed
opposition to the TOT and the Business License Tax ballot measure proposals,
pointing out that businesses have also experienced a decline in revenues and
have had to scale back business expenses.
II. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Time Warner cable service update.
Steve Mandoki, Administrative Services Director introduced Kristy Hennessey,
Vice President of Community Affairs, Time Warner Cable,, who responded to
questions from the Council relative to complaints. Council requested a report
back regarding resolution to complaints that have been .received -from the
community. No action was taken by the City Council. - - - =
2. "John Wavne Departure Noise Analvsis"- Thomas C. Edwards
Allan Roeder,- City Manager introduced Thomas C. Edwards, consultant to the
Newport Beach Airport Commission, who presented a draft report that was
described as a snapshot of the operations with a thorough assessment of the
departure and approach procedures of the John Wayne Airport; providing an
effort of identifying noise abatement issues and includes findings and potential
alternatives. He pointed out that John Wayne Airport is the second largest
airport operating in the region, and highlighted the alternatives presented in the
report. He along with the City Manager responded to questions from the
Council regarding the alternatives, departure procedures, timelines and future
activities.
3. Consideration Of Ballot Measure To Increase The Transient Occupancv Tax
(Visitor Tax) And/Or The Business License Tax.
Marc Puckett, Finance Director presented the overview in the consideration of
the proposed ballot measures, providing insight into the City's major revenue
sources, and a review of comparable communities revenue structures.
Discussion ensued amongst the Council and questions relative to sales taxes,
recession concerns, general versus specific tax ballot measures, structuring of
the business license, and revenues. No action was taken on this item which is
also scheduled to appear at the July 15, 2008 Council Meeting.
4. Citv Towinq Services Ordinance and New Tow Policv Guidelines and
Requirements
Kimberly Hall Barlow, City Attorney presented the report covering the history of
the regulations of towing operations and the purpose for the proposed
amendment. She responded to questions regarding . regulatory and non -
regulatory operations, towing practices and a future Request For Proposal for
tow operations. Sergeant Robert Durham was also available to answer
questions relative to parking of tow trucks on City streets, contracts with the tow
operators, and towing radiuses. There was no action taken on this item.
5. Emplovee 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
There were no comments by the Council.
IV. ADJOURNMENT:
The Mayor declared the City Council meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. The next
Regular Meeting will be held July 15, 2008.
L� P '�s
Eric R. Bever, Mayor
ATTEST:
Juliei*olcik, Crfy Clerk