HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/01/1989 - Adjourned City Council MeetingJL
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COSTA MESA
NOVEMBER 1, 1989
The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California,
met in adjourned regular session November 1, 1989, at
6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 77 Fair
Drive, Costa Mesa. The meeting was duly and regularly
ordered adjourned from the adjourned meeting of October
19, 1989, and copies of the Notice of Adjournment were
posted as required by law. The meeting was called to
order by the Mayor, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag, and Invocation by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle.
ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Mayor Peter Buffa
Vice Mayor Mary Hornbuckle
Council Member Ory Amburgey
Council Member Sandra Genis
Council Members Absent: Council Member Edward Glasgow
Officials Present: City Manager Allan Roeder
Acting City Attorney Eleanor
Frey
Deputy City Manager/Development
Services Donald Lamm
Director of Public Services
William Morris
Transportation Services
Manager John Lower
City Clerk Eileen Phinney
Principal Planner R. Michael
Robinson
Senior Planner Alice Angus
Associate Planner Kim Brandt
The Mayor announced that Council Member Glasgow was
absent because his mother passed away a few days ago.
ORAL Richard Sherrick, 3146 Country Club Drive, Costa Mesa,
COMMUNICATIONS wanted to know the difference between two organizations:
Mesa Pride and Newport Mesa Pride. Council Member Genis
Mesa Pride and explained that Newport Mesa Pride's main function is to
Newport Mesa Pride fight drug abuse. Council Member Amburgey reported that
Mesa Pride was founded to promote projects for the wel-
fare of Costa Mesa.
Speed Humps Mr. Sherrick stated that the speed humps on Country Club
Drive should slow traffic down to 25 miles per hour. He
contended that humps being placed 350 to 400 feet apart
would not be adequate.
General Plan Gene Hutchins, 1808 Kinglet Court, Costa Mesa, General
Comments Plan Steering Committee member, referred to comments by
John De Witt who questioned the Mesa Verde Homeowners
Association's participation in the General Plan Steering
Committee, and Mr. De Witt not having received informa-
from the Association. Mr. Hutchins stated that John
De Witt was President of the Mesa Verde Homeowners
Association until June of 1989, and attended four meet-
ings at which he had the opportunity to give his input
to the Steering Committee.
Richard Sherrick, 3146 Country Club Drive, Costa Mesa,
mentioned the impact that development is having on the
residents of Costa Mesa. He pointed out that Mesa
Consolidated Water District has had to make -extensive
alterations and additions to their existing facilities,
of which -8-1/2 million dollars was directly related to
new development in Costa Mesa. Mr. Sherrick stated that
this amount was to be collected through impact fees from
developers. He claimed that the interest is being paid
by the Water District customers; therefore, customers
are subsidizing developments.
Mayor Buffa commentedd that Mesa Consolidated Water
District has another viewpoint.
Alvenos Opti, 952 Denver Drive, Costa Mesa, expressed
concern and frustration over increased traffic conges-
tion. He said that allowing high rise buildings will
greatly increase the traffic and pollution, and slow
down the fire, police, and paramedic response. He
stated that there would be higher water bills resulting
from the increase in the number of residents per square
foot.
Council Member Amburgey stated that the City has a very
low fire rating of Class Two, and thanked the devel-
opers, property owners, citizens on the north side in
particular, and Council for affording the City an oppor-
tunity to increase its fire apparatus and for building
the new fire station at the Civic Center, which will
bring about a reduction of home owner and business
insurance rates.
Nancy Vanderlinden, Mesa Consolidated Water District,
Manager of Research and Communications, reported that
the Board of Directors has agendized the General Plan
for its meeting at the District Office, 1965 Placentia
Avenue. She commented that the District did adopt a
development impact fee which is presently in effect,
and stated that the 1984 Master Plan changed the
District's direction by developing a plan which would
eliminate having to rely on any one source of water in
case of an emergency. She stated that the greatest
concerns of the Water District are emergency services
during an earthquake and drought situations and for
that reason the facility for local water production has
increased greatly. She pointed out that import water
is $231.00 per acre foot versus $92.00 per acre foot to
pump the ground water.
Tamar Goldman, 2324 College Drive, Costa Mesa, said that
Costa Mesa now is at the point where Los Angeles was
14 years ago in regard to suburban character change.
She opposed high density development.
PUBLIC HEARING The Mayor opened the public hearing, continued from the
General Plan meeting of October 19, 1989, to discuss the General Plan
Review Review Program:
Final Environmental Impact Report No. 1043.
General Plan Amendment GP -89-02:
Proposed goals, objectives, and policies.
Proposed land use building intensity standards.
Proposed land use element map amendments.
Amendments to the Master Plans of Highways and
Bikeways.
Final recommendations on remaining General Plan
Topics.
The Principal Planner requested additional direction
regarding Council's previous votes on Objective lA and
Policy 1 in regard to memo dated October 24 from the
Associate Planner. After rewriting the policy to see
how it would fit into the overall General Plan and the
Enviromental Impact Report as a mitigation measure, he
expressed concern on how the Council intended the words
"current park ratio" to be interpreted.
The Associate Planner stated that the first item which
needed additional clarification was Objective lA which
was adopted by Council at the previous meeting, and
defined as "Preserve the City's current ratio of park
lands and open space lands to population to provide
adequate relief from pressure of urban development".
She reported that. in staff's review of this objective,
they concluded that the words "park lands" referred to
community and neighborhood parks; therefore, the
objective was modified to read "Preserve the City's
open space lands and provide additional community and
neighborhood park lands in conjunction with future
population increases to provide adequate recreational
opportunities and relief from the pressure of urban
development".
The Associate Planner stated that in regard to Policy
No. 1, the words "existing ratio of park land" need
clarification. She explained that if it refers to
community and neighborhood park land, the current ratio
should be put in the policy itself, and based on the
current population and acreage in the City, the ratio
would be approximately 4.2 acres. She stated that in
order to implement this policy, additional park land
would have to be acquired in conjunction with future
development in order to maintain that ratio as the
population increases with General Plan build -out. The
Associate Planner estimated that 55 acres should be
set aside based on the present build -out population
numbers, and advised that since the current park dedi-
cation and in -lieu fee ordinance would not be adequate
for obtaining the 55 acres, additional types of mechan-
isms would be required to acquire park lands. She
further advised that if only new development would pay
for additional park land, an alternative policy could
be considered: "Maintain existing ratio of community
and neighborhood park land to population to the extent
feasible by requiring the maximum park land dedication
or payment of fees permitted under State law".
Motion to Adopt A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Amended Policy 1 Council Member Genis, to amend Policy No.l to read:
Failed to Carry "Maintain existing ratio of community and neighborhood
park land to population to the extent feasible by
requiring the maximum parkland dedication or payment of
fees permitted under State law".
Mark Korando, 582 Park Drive, Steering Committee member,
spoke about issues addressed at public workshops and in
the Opinion Research Survey: (1) existing open space
which the City has development control over be main-
tained as open space; and (2) existing ratio of park
land to population be preserved because of the pressures
of urbanization.
The staff answered questions from Council concerning the
number of park land acres per 1,000 residents.
Mayor Buffa opposed the motion because he was interested
in maintaining and increasing the available park land.
He stated that his understanding of staff's report is
that the mechanics of the proposal do not work. He
emphasized that Council should not allow degradation in
the ratio of park land to population from the current
status and that a mechanism be put in place which would
increase the available park land.
The motion failed to carry 2-2, Council Members Buffa
and Amburgey voting no.
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Buffa, seconded by Council
Staff Directed Member Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, directing staff to
to Reword Policy review Policy No. 1 again, and come back with wording
No. 1 which will specify how the City can maintain the exist-
ing ratio of park land to population with no degrada-
tion, and encourage the ratio to become more park land
rather than less to the population between now and
build -out.
The City Clerk read the following communications:
Judy and Clayton Sturtevant supported the General Plan.
Jean Marie Morton opposed the five-year City plan, and
suggested more places for outdoor recreation and better
air quality.
John W. DeWitt supported the alternative recommended by
the Planning Commission which allows for the most land
designation flexibility.
Patricia S. Wada opposed Alternative 2 land use amend-
ments for Site No. 6.
Lois M. Bennett opposed the five-year City plan and
suggested a plan for slower growth and development.
Lorin Haskins opposed the five-year City plan.
Mr. and Mrs. R. Churchill opposed the five-year City
plan and recommended aiming for low density and low
building heights.
James Ikeda opposed a zoning change from M1 to R1
at 1709 Whittier Avenue.
Mayor Buffa clarified that there is no five-year plan;
however, the Housing Element, which is one part of the
General Plan, must be updated every five years. He
stated that there is no time limit on the General Plan
or any of the alternatives being proposed; it can be
revised and updated next year, next month, or 10 years
frcm now. The Mayor reported that the State requires
every city to have a current, accurate General Plan,
but there is no five-year City plan.
The Associate Planner reported on the numbering system
used for the General Plan policies and objectives. She
stated that where there are alternatives to a policy
or objective that was originally proposed in the draft
General Plan, it is listed as the same number; for
instance, No. 28, there may be either a notation of PC,
for Planning Commission; SC, Steering Committee; TC,
Transporation Commission; and/or HS, Historical Society.
Those are all alternative policies to the original
policy contained in the draft General Plan. She
1
MOTION
Objective I -E
and Policies 26
through 32
Adopted
131
reported that there are additional policies which have
been inserted in the document with numbering such as
10A, 10B and 10C.
Staff answered questions from Council regarding Objec-
tive I -E and Policies 26-39A.
Jan Luymes, Steering Committee member, spoke about the
solid waste problem caused by increased population and
development.
There being no other speakers, Mayor Buffa closed the
public hearing for Objective I -E and Policies 26 through
39A. The Mayor asked for an umbrella motion for Poli-
cies 26-32 since there were no alternatives.
On motion made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Council Member Amburgey, and carried 3-1, Mayor Buffa
voting no, the following action was taken:
Objective I -E was adopted: "Conserve energy and
resources in the development and operation of public
and private buildings, facilities, and activities".
Policy 26 was adopted: "Require, as a part of the
environmental review procedure, an analysis of the
impacts of climatic conditions on proposed projects
and a discussion of appropriate mitigation measures".
Policy 27 was adopted: "Require analysis of avail-
able energy conservation measures in excess of Title
24 requirements, including consideration of modified
site and building design, in conjunction with or as a
mitigation measure of, EIRs and Negative Declarations
for major developments".
Policy 28 was adopted: "Consider effects of building
height on adjacent parcels to ensure minimum inter-
ference with solar access in the vicinity of all new
developments".
Policy 29 was adopted: "Continue the program of
replacing mercury vapor and other street lights with
highpressure sodium vapor".
Policy 30 was adopted: "Establish guidelines which
will encourage maximum consideration of local climatic
conditions in the development and operation of public
facilities".
Policy 31 was adopted: "Require, where feasible,
all new buildings and subdivisions to be designed
and oriented in such a way as to take maximum advan-
tage of the sun and winds for natural heating and
cooling".
Policy 32 was adopted: "Encourage publicity or
educational programs to promote 'energy conscious
ness' and disseminate information about conservation
techniques".
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Policy 33 Adopted Vice.Mayor Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
33 as recommended by the Planning Commission and the
Steering Committee: "Adopt regulations to require all
new heated swimming pools to be equipped with solar
heating and encourage retrofitting of existing swimming
pools with solar heaters".
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Buffa, seconded by Council
Policy 33A Adopted Member Genis, and carried 3-1, Council Member Amburgey
voting no, to adopt Policy 33A: "Encourage active
solar systems for either water and/or space heating in
all residential, commercial and industrial building
designs".
Mayor Buffa requested that staff review all approved
policies to determine if they can be.consolidated.
MOTION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policy 34 Adopted Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
34: "Encourage solar water heating for all new resi-
dences and encourage retrofitting of all existing
residences with wall and ceiling insulation and water
heater insulation".
MOTION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policy 35 Adopted Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
35 as recommended by the Planning Commission and the
Steering Committee: "Encourage a Citywide program for
regular house-to-house pick-up and separation of
recyclable materials".
MOTION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policy 36 Adopted Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
36: "Permit, encourage, and assist public and nonprofit
private organizations to establish, expand, or improve
collection stations for recyclable materials".
MOTION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded
Amended Policy 37 by Council Member Genis, to adopt amended Steering
Adopted Committee Policy 37: "Require large new office,
commercial, and industrial developments to establish
and maintain programs and facilities for on-site
collection of separated, recyclable waste materials.
Encourage collectors to provide pick-up service for
such recyclable materials, or to contract with refuse
disposal services which separate recyclable materials.
(The phrase "at transfer stations" was omitted.) The
motion carried 3-1, Council Member Amburgey voting no.
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Amended Policy 38 Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, to adopt amended Policy 38 as
Adopted recommended by the Planning Commission and the Steering
Committee: "Institute a program within City Hall to
separate all recyclable materials for recycling or
contract with a refuse.disposal service which separates
reyclable materials. (The phrase "at transfer stations"
was omitted.) The motion carried 3-1, Council Member
Amburgey voting no.
Motion to Adopt A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policy 39 Failed Council Member Genis, to adopt Steering Committee Policy
to Carry 39: "Encourage the County to construct or expand trans-
fer stations near or in Costa Mesa to reduce trips of
City -contracted trash collectors to replacement dump
sites after Coyote Canyon is closed and encourage Orange
County to investigate use of pyrolysis. Take steps to
ensure that the location of any transfer station does
not impact surrounding residential or commercial areas.
Prohibit the use of land for disposal dump sites in
Costa Mesa and work towards the prohibition of contigu-
ous areas for dump sites where there is possible ground
water contamination". The motion failed to carry 2-2,
Council Members Buffa and Amburgey voting no.
-f q_q
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Buffa, seconded by Vice Mayor
Amended Policy 39 Hornbuckle, to adopt amended Policy 39: "Prohibit the
Adopted use of land for disposal dump sites in Costa Mesa and
work towards the prohibition of contiguous areas for
dump sites where there is possible ground water contami-
nation". The motion carried 4-0.
MOTION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policy 39A Adopted Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
39A: "Participate with the County of Orange in the
implementation of the Orange County Solid Waste Manage-
ment Plan".
The Principal Planner answered questions from Council
regarding Objective I -F: "Work towards the orderly,
balanced utlization and conservation of the City's
coastal reources."
Frank Cole, 2482 Fairview -Way, Costa Mesa, was opposed
to having a small craft harbor adjacent to the east
levee of the Santa Ana River.
Jeffrey Childs, 1139 Aviemore Terrace, Costa Mesa,
acting President of the Marina Highlands Homeowners
Association, was opposed to a marina at the specified
location.
Scott Williams, Chairman of the Steering Committee,
spoke about the small craft harbor and pointed out that
the majority opposed it because of the traffic which
would be brought into the area, the pollution brought by
the traffic, and other generating pollution sources. He
stated that the people opposed to the marina favored a
low intensity development; those favoring it thought it
was acceptable if it were developed by the City, would
increase recreational opportunities, and that there
would be no commercial, or income producing, uses.
Mark Korando, Steering Committee member, spoke regarding
Policy 48 and recommended that the Gisler Avenue bike
trail connect with the Santa Ana River trail to give
more east -west connections through a predominently
residential area, and to provide more access to the
river trail.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the
public hearing for Objective 1-F and Policies
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Objective 1-F Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, to adopt Objective 1-F: "Work
Adopted towards the orderly, balanced utilization and conserva-
tion of the City's coastal resources". The motion
carried 4-0.
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Amended Policy 40 Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, to adopt amended Policy 40:
Adopted "Coordinate the planning efforts of the City with those
of the County of Orange and the City of Newport Beach,
and other appropriate agencies to develop uniform and
consistent policies regarding the future use and devel-
opment in the Santa Ana River lowlands extending from
the Pacific Ocean to the Fairview Regional Park Site".
(The addition is underlined.) The motion carried 4-0.
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Policy 41A Adopted Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, to adopt Steer-
ing Committee Policy 41A as a replacement for Policy
41: "Preserve and enhance existing wetlands areas."
13
MOTION
Policies 42
through 48 Adopted
Mayor Buffa stated that the marina is one of the great,
unfulfilled potentials of the City. He reported that
the County will adopt their Local Coastal Plan and all
indications are it will have no provision for a marina
of any kind.
The City Manager stated that at a Council study session
with the Marina Committee, specific direction was given
to the Committee to go back to the County and the City
of Newport Beach requesting resolutions of support for
the marina project, as well as to secure a letter of
endorsement from the private sector regarding underwrit-
ing of the project. He said that he sent correspondence
to the committee and others soliciting a status from
them so that they could help this Council make a deter-
mination, and that has not happened. He reported that
the County Coastal Plan will settle the issue of the
marina and at the present time, the marina is not
included in the plan.
On motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded
by Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, the following
action was taken:
Policy 42 was adopted: "Develop the Canyon Park site
as a low density, wilderness area combining hiking,
picnicking, and educational uses in a restored
natural environment".
Policy 43 was adopted: "Require the provision of
adequate on-site parking facilities to serve proposed
public recreation uses within the Coastal Zone".
Policy 44 was adopted: "Encourage the County of
Orange to acquire the remaining 5 -acre privately
owned parcel adjacent to the Santa Ana River".
Policy 45 was adopted: "Require that all public
recreation areas and facilities be available at the
lowest feasible cost to allow all economic segments
of the community to use and enjoy the recreational
opportunities provided in the Coastal Zone".
Policy 46 was adopted: "Review existing public works
facility planning efforts to ensure that adequate
water, sewer, and circulation systems are available
to serve uses in the Coastal Zone and to limit
planned capacities to conform to the demands created
by development which is consistent with the Coastal
Act".
Policy 47 was adopted: "Coordinate the development
of plans, policies, and design standards for projects
within the Coastal Zone with appropriate local,
regional, State, and Federal agencies".
Policy 48 was adopted: "Pursue adoption of a Local
Coastal Plan".
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Amended Policy Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, to adopt amended Steering Commit -
48A Adopted tee Policy 48A: "Participate with the County of Orange
to provide pedestrian and bike linkages between open
space and recreation facilities in and adjacent to the
coastal area to take advantage of coastal resources".
(The addition is underlined.) The motion carried 4-0.
1
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Amended Policy Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, to adopt amended Steering
48B Adopted Committee Policy 48B: "Preserve City views of coastal
resources". The motion carried 3-1, Council Member
Amburgey voting no.
RECESS The Mayor declared a recess at 8:35 p.m., and the meet-
ing reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
The Mayor presented Objective I -G, regulating oil
extraction activities within the City.
There being no speakers on Objective I -G, the Mayor
closed the public hearing.
Motion Made to A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Adopt Objective I -G Council Member Amburgey, to adopt Objective I -G and
and Policies 49 Policies 49 through 51.
through 51
Mayor Buffa opposed the motion because he wanted a more
stringent policy that would limit present oil extraction
activities in existing areas in the City and eventually
eliminate that activity altogether.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION A substitute motion was made by Mayor Buffa, seconded by
Objective I -G and Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, the following
Amended Policy 49 action was taken:
Adopted
Objective I -G was adopted: "Regulate oil extraction
activities within the City to attain a reasonable
accommodation of the need to recover a precious
resource with the need to protect other properties
and uses from the detrimental impacts of such activi-
ties and to work towards the eventual termination of
such activities within the community".
Amended Policy 49 was adopted: "Limit present oil
extraction activities to those portions of the City
overlaying the Newport and West Newport oil fields".
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Buffa, seconded by Vice Mayor
Amended Policy 50 Hornbuckle, to adopt amended Policy 50: "Continue to
Adopted allow oil extraction activities in those portions of the
City overlaying the Newport and West Newport Oil
Fields". The motion was carried, 4-0.
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Buffa, seconded by Vice Mayor
Policy 51 Adopted Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy 51:
"Establish development standards and review criteria to
minimize the impact of existing and future oil produc-
tion activities on other land uses existing or proposed
to be developed on properties containing producing oil
wells".
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
New Policy Mayor Buffa, and carried 3-1, Council Member Amburgey
Prohibiting Oil voting no, to add a new policy: "To the extent per -
Pipelines Adopted mitted by law,,prohibit the location of major oil pipe-
lines throughout the City".
The Mayor presented Objective I -H: "Provide spatial,
visual, and experimental opportunities for cultural
enjoyment and participation including both the perform-
ing and visual arts".
Scott Williams, Steering Committee member, reported that
citizen input was for arts and art projects, and clari-
fied the addition of the words "supported by private
J. 3(11__Z
donations" contained in the Steering Committee's recom-
mendation. He stated that citizens do not want public
funds used to put art objects in private developments.
The Mayor replied that Council did not want to see add-
itional support of the arts to the detriment of general
fund items, such as public services.
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Amended Objective Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, to adopt amended Steering Commit -
I -H Adopted tee Objective I -H: "Encourage the provision of spatial,
visual, and experiential opportunities for cultural
enjoyment and participation including both the perform-
ing and visual arts. (The addition is underlined.) The
motion carried, 3-1, Mayor Buffa voting no.
Comments on The Mayor called for general comments on the General
General Plan Plan.
Arthur Goddard, 2901 Palau Place, Costa Mesa, addressed
,the financial impact of the General Plan and associated
Environmental Impact Report, and asked about projected
costs of mitigations or the increased City budget which
would be attendant with increased services for a popula-
tion increase. He said that he was informed by someone
in the Finance Department that they had not been
involved in projecting costs for planned build -out. He
asked about major assumptions and analyses which have
been made to ensure the affordability of the Plan.
Mayor Buffa responded that the questions he asked were
part of another process, and that Council would not be
addressing calculations in the General Plan because the
assumptions used only work for a very short term.
The City Manager stated that the General Plan is only
goals and objectives, not necessarily those that must
be accomplished at a specific time, and the economic
analysis will be part of the Implementation Phase.
Council Member Genis was concerned about overall balance
of uses, stating that an inappropriate balance can lead
to financial disaster.
Dick Mehren, 1824 Kinglet Court, Costa Mesa, was con-
cerned about implementation of growth and development,
and the person responsible for giving the parameters to
staff.
The Deputy City Manager replied that the General Plan is
a staff -generated revision to the existing General Plan
which was written in 1981. He explained that the City
now has the original proposed text, changes which have
been made by staff designated in the plan by "M" for
modified, and new policies, corrections, and recommenda-
tions by the Steering Committee, designated "SC".
Alan Remington, 1164 Boise Way, Costa Mesa, commented
that 92,000 people will be affected by this plan and
asked if it could be submitted to the voters.
visual, and experimental opportunities for cultural
Mayor Buffa responded that the General Plan could be
submitted to the voters; however, the plan is a State -
mandated document developed over a period of four years,
containing a general vision of the City's future devel-
opment, and it does not imply that this is exactly what
is going to happen.
Council'Member Genis mentioned that the General Plan
provides the blueprint and framework for future
projects.
Mr. Remington suggested that Council put reasonable
limits into a resolution to determine whether the blue-
print passes the voters' scrutiny.
Vice Mayor Hornbuckle stated that there have been reduc-
tions in the proposed General Plan, and the public must
vote for Council Members who will adopt a plan satis-
factory to the citizens.
Jan Luymes, Steering Committee member, stated that when
she first became a member of the committee in 1987, they
were presented with several volumes of the General Plan
including three technical appendixes which represented
a draft of the updated plan, then five workshops were
conducted; however; the densities and intensities in the
present General Plan did not appear in the original
document. She stated that the Trip Budget was not
mentioned, and there is material in the General Plan
documents now before the Council that were not included
in the documents received by the Steering Committee in
December of 1987.
Richard Sherrick, 3146 Country Club Drive, Costa Mesa,
strongly objected to the General Plan. He stated that
the 63 percent of the electorate voted against Measures
"H" and "I". He asserted that the General Plan permits
not only what was limited by the measures, but allows a
50 -story building, probably at the Segerstrom Ranch.
Mr. Sherrick stated that responsible growth and traffic
control were voted for in Measure "G", and the Council
cannot allow unrestricted limits in the General Plan.
Vice Mayor Hornbuckle pointed out that Council is in
the discussion phase of the General Plan.
Frank Cole, 2482 Fairview Way, Costa Mesa, stated that
the voters defeated Measure "G" by 288 votes, and the
write-in votes passed it by 388 votes. He encouraged
the people to get involved and not depend on others to
make interpretations of documents.
Alan Remington, referring to the document which his wife
had written, stated that all the figures in the document
were exact figures from the Planning Commission's
report, no interpretations.
The Mayor disagreed with Mr. Remington and said that the
document spoke in adjectives, was wildly inaccurate, and
did not help the process.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the
public hearing for general comments.
MOTION On motion made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policies 52 Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, the following
through 55 Adopted action was taken:
Policy 52 was adopted: "Encourage the local arts
community to maintain and expand activities within
the Costa Mesa area".
Policy 53 was adopted: "Review alternative means
to acquire art through (a) encouraging developers
to incorporate visual art in the architecture,
f
N i,✓a
MOTION
Additional time
for Mark Korando
Approved
landscape, and display of art work; (b) encouraging
donation of art work to the City; and (c) encourag-
ing the location of performing groups within the
City".
Policy 54 was adopted: "Encourage the development
of private, permanent art and cultural facilities to
meet the City's cultural needs".
Policy 55 was adopted: "Encourage through develop-
ment standards the integration of art into major
commercial and industrial developments or redevelop-
ment projects".
The Mayor presented Goal II, Environmental Protection
and Preservation, and Objective II -A, "Work towards the
mitigation or prevention of potential adverse conse-
quences of natural disasters".
Mark Korando, Steering Committee member, suggested up-
dating the Geology Section -to incorporate the fact that
the Whittier quake has had recent movement, and it is a
potential concern in Costa Mesa. He advised that Los
Angeles had an earthquake drill (Newport -Inglewood
fault) and he asserted that this information should be
in the document to help the Council determine whether
the the City has the same earthquake potential as San
Francisco.
Jeffrey Childs, acting President of the Marina Highlands
Homeowners Association, stated that he was representing
Friends of the Santa Ana Wetlands and Seabluff Canyon
Homeowners Association, Mesa West Homeowners Associa-
tion, Oceanview Homeowners Association, Lexington Place
Homeowners Association, and also Newport Terrace Home-
owners. Referring to Goal II, existing environmental
conditions, air quality, and noise, a major threat is
the proposed 19th Street bridge and Bluff Road project
which will have a direct affect on air quality and
noise. In regard to flooding (Policy 61), he stated
that the 19th Street bridge and extension will have a
raised road which will create a damming effect on the
wetlands being planned by the Corps of Engineers.
He contended that this damming effect will cause loss
of homes. He believed that the Bluff Road project
will be another Costa Mesa death trap with curves and
changes in'elevation. He opposed the 19th Street bridge
and Bluff Road.
Council Member Amburgey asked Mr. Childs that if it
should become necessary for this City to build one of
the bridges, either the Gisler bridge or the 19th Street
bridge, which one did he recommend be constructed.
Mr. Childs asked if it was really necessary to build
either one; he was interested in a Newport Beach bridge.
Jan Luymes, Steering Committee member, presented their
proposals: Goal II, City work towards improvement of
air and water quality and reduced noise; Objective II -A,
concerning the flooding potential of the Santa Ana River
and river channels in the Mesa Verde area; should
resolve local storm drain problems before development.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Council Member Genis, and carried 3-1, Council Member
Amburgey voting no, allowing additional time for Mark
Korando to speak.
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Mark Korando, Steering Committee member, referred to
Policies 64 and 65 recommended by the Steering Commit-
tee, and suggested that action be taken.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the pub-
lic hearing for Goal II and Objective II -A.
MOTION On motion made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Coal II and Mayor Buffa, carried 4-0, the following action was
Objective II -A taken:
Amended Steering Committee Goal II was adopted:
"It is the goal of the City of Costa Mesa to protect
its citizens and property from injury, damage, or
destruction from environmental hazards, including
hydrologic, geologic, and climatic episodes, and to
work towards the improved noise abatement and
improved air and water duality". (Amendment is
underlined.)
Objective I -I --A was adopted: "Work towards the
mitigation or prevention of potential adverse
consequences of natural disasters".
MOTION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policy 56 Adopted Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
56: "Consider geologic hazard constraints in the devel-
opment of land use policies and public decisions relat-
ing to land development".
Motion to Adopt A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Policy 56A Failed Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, to adopt Policy 56A: "Require
to Carry geologic studies on oil-producing lands prior to devel-
opment to minimize detrimental effects on future
structures".
The Mayor opposed the motion because he wanted the
policy to read that Council would discourage development
on oil-producing lands.
The motion failed to carry 2-2, Council Members Buffa
and Amburgey voting no.
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Amended Policy Mayor Buffa, to adopt amended Steering Committee Policy
56A Adopted 56A: "Take steps to minimize detrimental effects of the
conversion of existing oil producing lands to other
uses". (Amendments are underlined.) The motion carried
4-0.
Motion to Add a Mayor Buffa made a motion that a new policy be estab-
New Policy was lished that would prohibit new development on sites on
Withdrawn which oil is currently being produced. The motion was
seconded by Council Member Genis, and later withdrawn
by the Mayor.
The Deputy City Manager/Development Services pointed out
that a difference between residential and industrial
areas must be made.
The Principal Planner referred to Policy 51 where devel-
opment -standards for properties which could be developed
will be established.
Mayor Buffa withdrew his motion.
MOTION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policy 57 Adopted Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
57: "Design all structures, including both critical and
110;
noncritical structures, to conform to the seismic design
requirements contained in the Uniform Building Code to
provide a minimum level of seismic hazard protection".
Motion to Adopt A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Amended Policy 57 Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, to adopt Steering Committee
Withdrawn Policy 58, amending the amount of vertical rise to 20
feet or greater.
In answer to Vice Mayor Hornbuckle's question, the
Principal Planner stated that the definition of a bluff
should be placed in the zoning ordinance.
Vice Mayor Hornbuckle withdrew her second and Council
Member Genis withdrew her motion.
MOTION A motion was made by -Council Member Genis, seconded by
Policy 58 Adopted Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
58: "Develop standards, review criteria, and other
methods to ensure that structures on or adjacent to
bluffs are set back sufficiently to preserve the natural
contour and aesthetic value of the bluff line and to
provide sufficient access for fire protection".
MOTION On a motion made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Amended, Policies Council Member Amburgey, and carried 4-0, the following
59 and 60, and action was taken:
Policy 61 Adopted
Amended Policy 59 was adopted: "Require geologic
surveys of all new development located on or adjacent
to bluffs". (Amendment is underlined.)
Amended Policy 60 was adopted: "Permit in 100 -year
flood plains only those new uses which are flood -
proofed or which can sustain periodic flooding".
(Amendment is underlined.)
Policy 61 adopted: "Require that new development
within the 100 -year flood plain elevate building pads
or floodproof sufficiently to protect the buildings
from a 100 -year flood".
MOTION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policy 62 Adopted Mayor Buffa, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy 62:
"Cooperate with local, State, and Federal flood control
agencies to reduce the potential for flood damage in the
City of Costa Mesa".
In response to Council Member Genis's question about how
Policy 62A differs from what is now being done, the
Director of Public Services stated that the referenced
Orange County maps are updated periodically, and the
information staff uses to determine how much flooding
there will be depends on the soil conditions which have
remained the same in Costa Mesa. He reported that it
depends on rain fall intensities and rain fall history
which does not change very much. He stated that the
third criterion used to determine flood run-off is the
type of development, that is, how much of the property
is developed with hard scape and soft scape; therefore,
residential development would absorb much more water
than a commercial development which would have more
building area and asphalt. He advised that any updates
refer to additional areas in the County which are now
being developed.
The Mayor requested a report on the Orange County
Hydrology Manual and the City's present relationship
to it.
MOTION
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded by
Policy 63 Adopted
Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
63: "Require developers to conduct site-specific seis-
mic design studies, including consideration of the
structure use and occupancy, for all critical structures
(schools, hospitals, high-rise structures over three
stories, emergency medical and disaster centers, and
important government facilities) to identify specific
seismic design parameters in excess of the Uniform
Building Code necessary to preclude the collapse of the
structure in the event of a major seismic episode".
MOTION
A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Policy 64 Adopted
Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, to adopt Policy
64: "Identify and publicize the extent of geologic and
seismic hazards within Costa Mesa and advise affected
residents and property owners of appropriate protection
measures".
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Amended Policy Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, to adopt amended
65 Adopted Steering Committee Policy 65: "Identify and publicize
the location of all public structures which do not meet
current seismic design criteria and which may pose
public health hazards in the event of a major earthquake.
To the extent feasible, so identify and publicize priv-
ate structures". (Addition is underlined.)
MOTION On a motion made by Council Member Genis, seconded by
Policies 66 and Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, the following
67 Adopted action was taken:
Policy 66 was adopted: "Encourage, through technical
assistance or development incentives, private prop-
erty owners to take adequate steps to protect their
property against seismic hazards".
Policy 67 was adopted: "Ensure that all vital or
critical City facilities are operated and maintained
in a manner to maximize their ability to remain
operational in the event of a major seismic
disaster".
Vice Mayor Hornbuckle asked about the minimum design
standard in Policy 68, the 100 -year storm, and its
meaning in relationship to that which is currently
being done in the City. The Director of Public
Services stated that normally the design of a flood
control facility for the 100 -year storm would only be
a major facility, such as that for the Santa Ana River.
He advised that standard practice is to have the local
drain systems designed for a 10 -year storm, which
would keep at least two traffic lanes dry. The
Director explained that the local system would empty
into a 25 -year storm tributary and that would empty
into either a 50- or a 100 -year major storm system,
such as the Santa Ana River.
The Acting City Attorney reported that in regard to
the 100 -year storm standard, the Subdivision Map Act
prohibits the City from imposing a higher standard on a
subdivider than provided in the City's own public facil-
ities. She stated that if the 100 -year storm standard
were adopted for private development, the City would
have to provide public facilities at a comparable level.
The Acting City Attorney further advised that the
Subdivision Map Act only applies to subdivisions, but it
would seem irrational to apply a higher standard for a
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smaller development than for a major development such
as a subdivision; therefore, she suggested that Council
could not apply it to public development, unless they
were prepared to construct enormous 100 -year storm
standard public facilities.
Discussion followed regarding downstream impacts,
on-site retention basins, and the 100 -year storm
standard.
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Genis, seconded
Amended Policy by Council Member Amburgey, and carried 3-1, Council
68 Adopted Member Amburgey voting no, to adopt amended Steering
Committee Policy 68: "Require all proposed development
projects to be designed to minimize both the volume and
velocity of surface runoff and permit no adverse down-
stream impacts due to increased runoff through the
proper design of subsurface drains, appropriate grad-
ing, on-site retention basins, or other appropriate
measures".
Mayor Buffa requested the City Manager and his staff to
prepare a seminar on earthquake preparedness, available
City services, what can be expected, and methods of
saving lives and property.
RECESS The Mayor declared a recess at 11:00 p.m., and the meet-
ing reconvened at 11:15 p.m.
MOTION A motion was made by Vice Mayor Hornbuckle, seconded
Policy 69 Adopted by Council Member Genis, and carried 4-0, to adopt
Steering Committee Policy 69: "Publicize the extent of
flood hazards within Costa Mesa and advise affected
residents and property owners of appropriate protection
measures. Develop an education program, such as the
Flood Awareness Program and emergency disaster plans for
flooding".
MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Buffa, seconded by Vice Mayor
Policy 69A Adopted Hornbuckle, and carried 4-0, to adopt Steering Committee
Policy 69A: "Strongly encourage County, State, and
Federal agencies to complete flood control improvements
to the Santa Ana River to protect Costa Mesa residents
and property located in the 100 year flood zone from a
potential major disaster".
COUNCIL MEMBERS Council Member Genis mentioned the Fairgrounds Master
COMMENTS Plan schedule and requested that Council take an
official City position. She reminded everyone to vote
on Tuesday, November 7, for the school board election
and issues that will affect them. She suggested that
meetings be held on Tuesday or Wednesday instead of
Monday which may encourage more public participation.
She read some items from the June, 1970, Costa Mesa
General Plan.
Council Member Amburgey mentioned that this Council is
presently addressing issues which the 1970 City Council
did not do very successfully as far as providing
improvements to mitigate traffic.
Vice Mayor Hornbuckle suggested that something be done
about the chairs for the City Council. She said that
her chair and Council Member Genis' chair needed repair.
The Mayor encouraged the citizens of Costa Mesa to vote
on November 7, 1989.
ADJOURNMENT At 11:25 p.m., the Mayor adjourned the meeting to Novem-
ber 8, 1989, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of
City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, to continue the
public hearing for the General Plan Review Program.
Mayor of the City Costa Mesa
ATTEST:
Gay Clerk of the City of Costa Me
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