HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/25/1993 - Adjourned City Council Meeting;ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COSTA MESA
OCTOBER 25, 1993
The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in
:adjourned regular session October 25, 1993, at 6:30 p.m., in the
,Council Chambers of City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. The
meeting was called to order by the Mayor, followed by the Pledge
of Allegiance to the Flag, and invocation by Mayor Genis.
ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Mayor Sandra Genis
Vice Mayor Jay Humphrey
Council Member Mary Hornbuckle
Council Member Peter Buffa
Council Member Joe Erickson
'Council Members Absent: None
Officials Present: City Manager Allan Roeder
City Attorney Thomas Kathe
Deputy City Manager/Development
Services Donald Lamm
Public Services Director William
Morris
Transportation Services Manager
Peter Naghavi
Assistant to the City Manager
Rick Pickering
Deputy City Clerk Ruth Delaney
MINUTES 'On motion by Council Member. Buffa, seconded by Vice Mayor
October 4, 11, and Humphrey, and carried. 5-0 the minutes of the regular meeting of
18, 1993 October 4, 1993, special meeting of.October 11, 1993, and regular
meeting of October 18, 1993;- were approved as distributed.
ORDINANCES AND A motion was made, by Council -Member Buffa, seconded by Council
.RESOLUTIONS Member Hornbuckle, and carried 5-0, to read all ordinances and
resolutions by title only.
RED RIBBON WEEK Mayor Genis announced that Red Ribbon Week was currently being
observed and encouraged support of the fight against substance
abuse.
ORAL COMMUNI- Ernie Feeney, 1154 Dorset Lane, Costa Mesa, addressed the letter
CATIONS which was sent to Council from Jim Henwood, General Manager,
South Coast Plaza, requesting that Costa Mesa be a non-smoking
Smoking Prohibition city. She expressed the opinion that this action would place a
hardship on businesses, and suggested that a business owner should
have the right to make the smoking or non-smoking determination.
The City Manager responded to Ms. Feeney by stating that he had
turned this matter over to the Substance Abuse Committee because
they are researching ordinances on the subject.
Gang Problems Janice Davidson, 1982 Arnold Avenue, Costa Mesa, complained
about the gang problems in Costa Mesa, stating that the penalties
imposed on gang members were insufficient.
Wallace Avenue Linda Stobbe, 130 Cottonwood Lane, Seal Beach, showed a
Property photograph of the vacant house adjacent to property she owns at
2058 Wallace Avenue. She explained that the Wallace Homeowners
Association had been formed to confront problems in this area, and
outlined several of the hardships endured because of the proximity
of this rundown piece of property.
CONSENT On motion by Council Member Buffa, seconded by Vice Mayor
CALENDAR Humphrey, and carried 5-0, all Consent Calendar items were
MOTION/Approved approved in one motion as recommended.
Traffic Management The following Traffic Management Services Agreements with the
Services Agreements 32nd District Agricultural Association, executed by the Police Chief,
were ratified:
Ratified Fairgrounds Contract No. SA -48-931E, in an amount not to exceed
Interim Events $10,000.009 to provide traffic management for interim events
Contract SA-48-93IE at the Orange County Fairgrounds; and
Ratified 1993 Orange Contract No. SA -156-93F, in an amount not to exceed
County Fair Contract $112,000.00, to provide traffic management services for the
SA -156-93F 1993 Orange County Fair.
Ratified Agreement An agreement with the Orange County Humane Society, 21632
with Humane Society Newland Street, Huntington Beach, in an amount not to exceed
for Animal Shelter $39,000.00 per year, to provide animal shelter services, executed by
Services the City Manager, was ratified.
PUBLIC HEARINGS The Deputy City Clerk announced that this was the time and place
Santa Ana River set for the public hearing to consider the Santa Ana River Crossings
Crossings Coopera- Cooperative Study, conducted by the County of Orange in cooper-
tive Study ation with the cities of Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Huntington
Beach, and Newport Beach. The study evaluates current and pro-
jected traffic circulation needs and determines whether any or all of
the proposed crossings over the Santa Ana River can be removed
from the .Master Plan of Arterial Highways. The proposed bridges
include Banning Avenue/ 19th Street, Atlanta Avenue/Wilson Street,
and Garfield Avenue/Gisler Avenue. Also, an analysis on the need
to widen East 19th Street will be presented. The Affidavits of
Mailing and Publishing are on file in the City Clerk's office.
Communications opposing the bridges were received from Joyce
Thimsen, 3194 Gibraltar Avenue, Costa Mesa; Joseph and Mary
Garibotti, 1816 Jamaica Road, Costa Mesa; Ruth Rueger, .594
Knowell Place, Costa Mesa; Carri Barish, no address given; Wayne
Johnson, 339 Walnut Street, Costa Mesa; Sylvia Marson, 339
Walnut Street, Costa Mesa; Rodney and Heather Plascencia, 3213
Michigan Avenue, Costa Mesa; Mrs. R. B. Bennett, 3226 Minnesota
Avenue, Costa Mesa; Larry Weinheimer, 3078 Molokai Drive,
Costa Mesa; Karen C. Stephens, no address given; and Susan
Inouye, 1851 Elba Circle, Costa Mesa. A communication in favor
of the bridges was received from William C. Williams, 1817
Peninsula Place, Costa Mesa.
The Public Services Director presented a brief overview as he
reviewed the Agenda Report dated October 15, 1993, and introduced
the Transportation Services Manager, who in turn introduced Bob
Peterson, Manager, Transportation Planning, County of Orange
Environmental Management Agency. Mr. Peterson stated that the
study was initiated at the request of the City to evaluate the proposed
river crossings, and explained that the traffic models of the four
cities involved had been evaluated and the General Plan land use
from each city was used to complete the analysis. He reported that
15 river crossing alternatives were analyzed, and the conclusions
reached as a part of this study were: East 19th Street . between
Newport Boulevard and Irvine Avenue does not require widening;
Atlanta Avenue/Wilson Street crossing would be deleted from the
study; and construction of the Banning Avenue/19th Street and
Garfield Avenue/Gisler Avenue river crossings would help to
alleviate future increased volumes of traffic on adjacent streets. He
illustrated the intersection improvements that would be required to
coincide with construction of the bridges, and addressed the
environmental and technical issues.
The Transportation Services Manager made a presentation, stating
that City staff disagreed with the County in the following areas: (1)
the methodology which utilized the "rule of thumb" traffic capacity
numbers as a threshold .to identify the need for roadway segment
widening, and presented specific examples which illustrated the
differences in approach to street widening taken by the City as
opposed to that taken by the County; (2) the concept of borderline
roadway deficiencies, stating the City purports that the concentration
should be on intersection analysis to identify areas to be widened
instead of using an arbitrary five percent figure; (3) total
intersection mitigation costs reflected in the study are in error, and
may have been double counted; and (4) if the maximum average
daily traffic volumes reported for Pacific Coast Highway between
Brookhurst and 15th Streets had been used, this section would need
to be widened regardless of whether or not the bridges are built.
Supervisor Harriett Wieder, Second District, Orange County Board
of Supervisors, introduced the following persons from her staff. Al
Tello (transportation issues); Mary Lou Histed (liaison to the City
of Costa Mesa); and -Kathleen Campini (communications and public
relations). She also introduced Orange County Environmental
Management Agency personnel: Tom Mathews, Director of
Planning; and Ken Smith, Director of Transportation.
Ken Smith explained, that the Master Plan of Arterial Highways is
designed to ensure that there is an overall workable master plan of
roadways to connect. city boundaries and a feasible transportation
system for each of the land uses adopted by the County and the
cities. He stated that community input will be reported to the Board
of Supervisors, and then introduced additional County personnel:
Bob Peterson, Manager, Transportation Planning; Polin Modanlou,
Transportation Planning; Ron Tippets, Planning; Harry Persaud,
Chief, Transportation Long Range Studies; and Romy Archer,
Environmental Planning Division.
Supervisor Wieder stated that she was prepared to propose that the
County take no action on the Banning Avenue/19th Street and
Garfield Avenue/Gisler Avenue bridges; however, she will
recommend that the cities of Costa Mesa, Newport Beach,
Huntington Beach, and Fountain Valley, jointly adopt an alternative
plan of arterial highway improvements which provide a balanced
land -use circulation system without the construction of the bridges.
She stated that this plan must identify necessary right-of-way
acquisitions, scope of intersection and widening improvements,
environmental clearance, and agreement on construction financing.
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The following persons spoke in opposition to the proposed bridges:
Bob Hoffman, 360 East 19th Street, Costa Mesa, representing
Transportation Alternatives . Study Group; Roy Pizarek, 1923
Whittier Avenue, Costa Mesa, representing Transportation
Alternatives Study Group; Malcolm Ross, C. J. Segerstrom & Sons,
3315 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa; Jim Ferryman, 1025 Tulare
Drive, Costa Mesa, President, Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce;
Larry Cavenah, 12 Starburst Court, Newport Beach, representing
Newport Terrace Condominium Association; Jeffrey Childs, 1139
Aviemore Terrace, Costa Mesa, President, Marina Highlands
Homeowners Association; Gus Ayer, 10739 Los Jardines, Fountain
Valley, representing Green Valley Homeowners Association; Diann
Osterlund, 329 East 19th Street, Costa Mesa, representing East Side
Homeowners Association; Jon Ely, 22051 Hula Circle, Huntington
Beach, representing residents in the Banning Street neighborhood;
Nancy Olenick, 1720 Skylark Lane, Newport Beach; Janice
Davidson, 1982 Arnold Avenue, Costa Mesa; Neil Horgan, 2827
Nevis Circle, Costa Mesa; Heather Somers, 313 Robin Hood Lane,
Costa Mesa; and Nancy Palme, 1997 Kornat Drive, Costa Mesa,
representing Mesa Verde Homeowners Association.
RECESS The Mayor declared a recess at 8:35 p.m., and the meeting
reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
Public testimony continued with the following persons speaking in
opposition to the proposed bridges: Don Huber, 3221 Oregon
Avenue, Costa Mesa; Richard Mehren, 1824 Kinglet Court, Costa
Mesa; Agnes Dubberly, 110 The Masters Circle, Costa Mesa; Jim
Meehan, 3147 Country Club Drive, Costa Mesa; June McKinzie,
165 East 19th Street, Costa Mesa; Jim Toledano, 3165 Gibraltar
Avenue, Costa Mesa; John Moorlach, 3169 Madeira Avenue, Costa
Mesa; Sid Soffer, 900 Arbor Street, Costa Mesa; Alan Remington,
1164 Boise Way, Costa Mesa; Gene Hutchins, 1808 Kinglet Court,
Costa Mesa; Jan Vandersloot, 2221 East 16th Street, Newport
Beach, representing Stop Polluting Our Newport (SPON); Brahm
Walker, 379 East 19th Street, Costa Mesa; Janet Remington, 1164
Boise Way, Costa Mesa; and Dean Reinemann, 8 Sandflower Court,
Newport Beach.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
MOTION On motion by Council Member Erickson, seconded by Vice Mayor
Resolution 93-83 Humphrey, and carried 5-0, Resolution 93-83, A RESOLUTION OF
Adopted THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA,
CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF ORANGE TO
INITIATE THE PROCESS TO REMOVE THE 19TH
STREET/BANNING AND GISLER AVENUE/GARFIELD
BRIDGES, AND DOWNGRADE EAST 19TH STREET FROM
THE COUNTY MASTER PLAN OF ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS
(MPAH), was adopted, modifying Page 2, Paragraph 4, Line 2, by
replacing the word "downgrade". with the word "deletion", and
adding CALTRANS to the section regarding working cooperatively
with neighboring cities and the County, as well as entering into
cooperative agreements.
Mayor Genis requested that copies of the numerous letters which had
been received on this item be submitted to the County along with the
resolution. She stated for the record that the insanity of putting
more cars on Gisler or 19th Streets is recognized, especially when
one looks at the functioning of Harbor Boulevard and Gisler Street
and Harbor Boulevard/19th Street/Newport Boulevard, particularly
in the afternoons when it is necessary to sit through several cycles
of each traffic signal: She pointed out the alternative of adjusting
the future land use to cope with the ability to widen the streets,
versus turning the cities into highways in order to cope with new
development. '
The Deputy City. Clerk presented requests concerning the
outstanding debt of the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse. Patrons
Association; and funding of the City's Yuletide Pageant via the
Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse. The Assistant to the City Manager
reviewed the Agenda Reports dated October 21, 1993, and October
22, 1993.
'Hugo Hunzinger, representing the Civic Playhouse Patrons
Association, reported that the bingo games were initiated by the
Patrons Association to raise funds for the City and the Playhouse.
He stated that the nonsmoking ordinance for City buildings which
was enacted in 1991 severely affected the games. He referred
further questions to the Association treasurer.
Lee Jones, Patrons Treasurer, responded to questions from the
Mayor by stating that the Finance Department had not asked to
review their books; however, they were available upon request. He
stated that the payments made to the City were two of $500.00 each
against -the debt, which is currently $3,160.00; and $500.00 had
been expended for painting of the Playhouse building.
Chet Groskruetz, 1551 Pegasus Street, Santa Ana Heights, President
of the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse, asked that Council release the
funds earmarked for the Playhouse in accordance with the Memoran-
dum of Understanding (MOU) currently in effect. He complained
that the Playhouse is being denied their funding, now totaling
$23,687.50, because the Patrons owe the City money, and stated that
the Playhouse is a separate legal entity and should not be penalized
for the Patrons' actions.
Rex Thompkins, 1068 Salvadore Street, Costa Mesa, member of the
Board of Directors, Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse, related that the
Playhouse is striving to be self-supporting, and working within the
MOU. He stated that without the monies due, the Playhouse could
be forced to close.
Ernie Feeney, 1154 - Dorset Lane, Costa Mesa, referred to the
Agenda Report, Page 2, stating that the complaints of the Patrons
Association are not accurate. I She questioned forgiving a debt if
financial data had not'been provided, and pointed out that it was not
equitable to excuse this debt when other worthwhile organizations
cannot even obtain waiver of fees for use of City facilities.
Sid Soffer, 900 Arbor Street, Costa Mesa, stated that the support for
these types of groups should come from the community and not from
the City. He offered to assist the Playhouse in raising funds.
John Feeney, 1154 Dorset Lane, Costa Mesa, expressed his
objections to writing off the debt of the Patrons Association. He
suggested continuing this item because of the lack of proper financial
documentation.
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MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Hornbuckle, seconded by
MOU Reaffirmed; Vice Mayor Humphrey, to reaffirm the MOU which was designed
Release of Funds to help the Playhouse work towards financial independence; release
Approved funds owed the Civic Playhouse per the MOU, $23,687.50, which
includes the 1992 Yuletide Pageant; and hold the 1993 Yuletide
Pageant in abeyance, to be considered separately at budget time next
year.
Vice Mayor Humphrey suggested eliminating action on the 1993
funding for the Yuletide Pageant, and Council Member Hornbuckle
concurred. Mayor Genis opposed the motion because she felt it was
important that the original loan be repaid. The motion carried 3-2,
Council Members Genis and Erickson voting no.
MOTION On motion by Council Member Hornbuckle, seconded by Council
Patrons Debt Member Buffa, and carried 5-0, the outstanding debt to the City by
Continued to the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse. Patrons Association was continued
December 6, 1993 to the meeting of December 6, 1993; enlisting Mr. Soffer's aid in
assisting the Patrons Association to work out a means of repaying
the debt; and asking the Patrons Association to present this plan at
the December 6 meeting.
MOTION A motion was made by Council Member Hornbuckle, seconded by
1993 Yuletide Council Member Buffa, to eliminate funding for the 1993 Yuletide
Pageant Funding Pageant, because .it was not part of the budget discussions, and to
Eliminated reconsider the Pageant at budget time next year. The motion carried
5-0.
Mayor Genis stated for the record that a comment was made
regarding the problem with smoking prohibition; however, a letter
from Mr. Hunzinger attached to the December 7, 1990, staff report,
which was prior to the time of the deferred payment of the fees for
the Civic Playhouse, said, "We think that it noteworthy that we, the
CMC Playhouse Patrons Association have the only nonsmoking
bingo game in the State of California which is successful. We all
hope we can keep it that way." She also noted that the December,
1990, problem with not having the bingo games during December
was also prior to entering into the MOU. She clarified for the
Playhouse that they are released from producing a Yuletide Pageant
this year, and the City will provide a confirming letter.
NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented City Attorney's Report No. 93 -
Transportation 109A, and an ordinance relating to the Transportation Commission
Commission functions. The City Attorney referred to Exhibit A, stating that
Functions there should be a notation on the last item, Vehicle Parking District,
indicating appeal to the Planning Commission; on Page 3 of the
proposed ordinance, Line 2, change to read, "authority of", deleting
the words "or" and "the"; and deleting "recommendations of from
Line 3. He stated that the Planning Commission salaries are set by
resolution. Mayor Genis clarified that last year, all commission
salaries were cut by 25 percent. Council Member Hornbuckle
suggested dispensing with the use of a police officer at the Planning
Commission meetings, and the City Manager concurred.
MOTION On motion by Council Member Buffa, seconded by Council Member
Ordinance 93-17 Erickson, and carried 5-0, Ordinance 93-17, AN ORDINANCE OF
Given First Reading THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 10-42,10-43,10-45, 10-
47, 10-48, 10-221.3, 13-12, AND 15-13, AND REPEALING
SECTION 10-44 OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE
.RELATING TO THE TRANSPORTATION, COMMISSION
FUNCTIONS, was given first reading and passed to second reading,
including the City Attorney's modifications as noted above, and
stipulating that Planning Commissioners will be paid at the rate of
$75.00 per meeting, not to exceed $300.00 per month until the
ordinance takes effect.
NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a request from Council Member
AQMD Board Buffa for support of , his nomination to the South Coast Air Quality
Management District board.
MOTION On motion by Vice Mayor Humphrey, seconded by Council Member
Buffa Nomination Hornbuckle, and carried 5-0, Council supported the nomination of
Supported Council Member Buffa to the AQMD Board.
CITY ATTORNEY'S The City Attorney requested a closed session pursuant to
REPORTS Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to discuss the following:
Request for Closed Joseph A. Rose and Robert D. Christie v. City of Costa Mesa, et
Session: Rose/ al., United States District Court Case No. CV-91-2584(LMH); and
Christie v. City; Orange County Superior Court Case No. 70 39 37; and Jill Rosoff
Rosoff v. City v. City of Costa Mesa, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case
No. 70 73 35. Mayor Genis announced that closed session would
be held at the close of regular business.
COUNCIL
Council Member Buffa announced that Triangle Square received the
COMMENTS
American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.), Orange County chapter,
Triangle Square
award for architecture and is now in national competition.
K Mart Plaza
Council Member Hornbuckle reported that the K Mart Plaza on
Harbor Boulevard is , well worth visiting. She stated that the trip to
League of Cities
San Francisco for the League of Cities conference was a great
success. She expressed interest in making the City more "pedestrian
friendly".
Bridge Alternative
Vice Mayor Humphrey thanked everyone involved in the Bridge
Study
Alternative Study Program for their efforts to remove the bridges
and 19th Street from- the Master Plan of Arterial Highways.
DARE Fair Mayor Genis expressed thanks to those who worked on the DARE
Fair the previous Saturday, and the volunteers who were out
Ed Glasgow planting trees at that time, especially John DeWitt for his
coordinating efforts. She expressed sympathy to the family of
former Council Member Ed Glasgow who passed away recently.
ADJOURNMENT TO At 10:55 p.m., the Mayor adjourned the meeting to closed session
CLOSED SESSION in the first floor conference room to discuss the items listed under
City Attorney's reports.
MEETING The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 11:00 p.m., and the action
RECONVENED taken during closed session was announced.
MOTION Regarding Joseph A. Rose and Robert D. Christie v. City of Costa
Rose/Christie Mesa, et al., United States District Court Case No. CV -91 -
Settlement Authorized 2584(LMH); and Orange County Superior Court Case No. 70 39 37,
by a vote of 5-0, Council authorized settlement as outlined in the
City Attorney's confidential memorandum dated October 14, 1993.
MOTION Regarding Jill Rosoff v. City of Costa Mesa, et al., Orange County
Rosoff Settlement Superior Court Case No. 70 73 35, by a vote of 5-0, Council
Authorized authorized settlement as outlined in the City Attorney's confidential
memorandum dated October 22, 1993.
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ADJOURNMENT The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa
ATTEST:
Deputy Ci Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa
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