HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/17/1998 - City CouncilREGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COSTA MESA
AUGUST 17, 1998
The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in
regular session August 17, 1998, 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 led by Council Member
Cowan, and invocation by the Reverend Joseph R. Robillard,
St. Joachim Catholic Church.
ROLL CALL Council Members Present:
Council Members Absent:
Officials Present:
Mayor Peter Buffa
Mayor Pro Tem Gary Monahan
Council Member Joe Erickson
Council Member Libby Cowan
Council Member Heather Somers
None
City Manager Allan Roeder
City Attorney Thomas Kathe
Deputy City Manager/Development
Services Donald Lamm
Public Services Director William
Morris
Community Services Director
Keith Van Holt
Acting Finance Director Marc
Davis
Acting Communications Director
Jerry Verwolf
Budget & Research Officer
Carol Jacobs
Deputy City Clerk Mary Elliott
MINUTES On motion by Council Member Somers, seconded by "Council
August 3 and Member Cowan, and carried 4-0, Council Member Erickson
August 5, 1998 abstaining, the minutes of the regular meeting of August 3,
1998, and adjourned regular meeting of August 5, 1998,
were approved as distributed.
ORDINANCES AND A motion was made by Council Member Erickson, seconded
RESOLUTIONS by Council Member Cowan, and carried 5-0, to read all
ordinances and resolutions by title only.
PRESENTATION
"Celebration of Mayor Buffa read a proclamation declaring the month of
Youth 'Month" October, 1998, as "Celebration of Youth Month".
PRESENTATION Mayor Buffa presented the Mayor's award to the following
Little League Costa Mesa National Little League Major Division "All Stars"
"All Stars" Award in recognition of their hard work and dedication: Mike Cahill;
Ryan Gleason; Chris Greeley; Kris Hartwell; Greg Hughes;
Adam Jorgenson; B. J. Larsen; Alex Pisarski; Eric Scheafer;
Matt Schirmer; Brett Via; and Scott Sankey; Bobby Estarda;
and Cullen Crom who were not in attendance. He also
recognized coaching staff members Dave Pisarski and Eric
Schirmer.
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ORAL COMMUNI- Roy Pizarek, 1923 Whittier Avenue, Costa Mesa, reported on
CATIONS/Newport a public forum conducted by the County of Orange, held at
Banning Ranch Newport Beach City Hall, on Wednesday, August 5, 1998,
Local Coastal where the Newport Banning Ranch Local Coastal Program
Program Public was discussed. He expressed his concerns for the impact
Forum that this project will have on the intersections of 17th
Street/Superior Avenue, 17th Street/Newport Boulevard, 19th
Street/Newport Boulevard, and 19th Street/Harbor Boulevard,
which were not addressed in the Environmental Impact Report
(EIR).
Extending 19" Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, stated
Street to Hunting- that on August 5, 1998, Council approved a study for
ton State Beach $189,158.00, to improve the City's westside, but have
denied a study to be conducted to determine the pros and
cons of extending ,19th Street to Huntington State Beach. He
believed that having direct access to the beach would be a
tremendous advantage in attracting new home buyers to
Costa Mesa.
Costa Mesa Job Tamar Goldmann, 2324 College Drive, Costa Mesa, urged
Center Council to retain the Costa Mesa Job Center, 1697 Placentia
Avenue, and not consider privatizing it because the City
would no longer be in control of the day-to-day operations.
She believed that the program serves the day laborers,
contractors, residents, and helps to minimize loitering in the
City.
ANNOUNCEMENT Mayor Buffa recognized the following persons who were in
attendance: Dave Brooks, Newport -Mesa Unified School
District Board Member; former Mayor Arlene Schafer; and
former Vice Mayor Jay Humphrey.
CONSENT On motion by Council Member Erickson, seconded by Council
CALENDAR Member Somers, and carried 5-0, all Consent Calendar items
MOTION/Approved were approved as recommended.
READING FOLDER The following Reading Folder items were received and
processed:
Claims Claims received by the Deputy City Clerk: Nellie Graves;
Gerald and Terry Ireland; Jae Lim; Herbert and Ann
Rosner; and Roger and Loretta Scott.
Alcoholic Beverage Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License Requests:
Control (ABC)
Licenses Hilgren Liquor, 250 East 17th Street, for a person-to-
person transfer of a Type 21 ABC license (off -sale
general).
Residence Inn by Marriott, 881 Baker Street, for a person-
to-person transfer of a Type 41 ABC license (on -sale beer
and wine).
Marriott Suites, 500 Anton Boulevard, for a person-to-
person transfer of a Type 47 (on -sale general for a bona -
fide eating place).
G�
WARRANTS The following warrants were approved:
Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1705 funding City operating expenses
1705 for $1,051,891.11.
Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1706, funding City operating expenses
1706/Payroll 816 for $673,740.21; and Payroll 816 for $1,488,340.09.
REJECTED CLAIMS The following claims were rejected:
Coulon Jill Coulon (alleged mistreatment by Costa Mesa Police
Department).
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Culbertson
John Culbertson (alleged loss of personal property due to
Police Department negligence).
ADMINISTRATIVE
ACTIONS/Accepted
Street improvements at 2252 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, in
Work at 2252
connection with i Encroachment Permit No. 14757, were
Fairview Road by
completed to the satisfaction of the Public Services
Hitch Crafters,
Department by Hitch Crafters, Inc. The work was accepted;
EP -14757
and the bonds we're ordered exonerated.
Accepted Work at
Street improvements at various locations within the South
Various Locations
Coast Plaza area,; in connection with Encroachment Permit
by I. C. G. Telecom
No. 13837, were completed to the satisfaction of the Public
Group, EP -13837
Services Department by I. C. G. Telecom Group, Inc., 161
Inverness Drive West, Englewood, Colorado. The work was
accepted; and the bonds were ordered exonerated.
Awarded Proposal
Item No. 1020,
Proposals received for Proposal Item No. 1020, Purchase and
Police Vehicle
Installation of 47 Police Patrol Vehicle Video Monitoring
'Video Monitoring
Systems, are on file in the City Clerk's office. The contract
Systems, to Eagle-
was awarded to Eagleye Technologies, Inc., 3373
eye Technologies
Alabama Highway SW, Rome, Georgia, for $199,714.00.
Adopted Resolution Resolution 98-74, was adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE
98-74, Authorizing CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA,
Police Chief to Ex- CALIFORNIA, TO AUTHORIZE OR RATIFY ACTION BY THE
tend Helicopter COSTA MESA POLICE CHIEF TO EXTEND THE AGREEMENT
Maintenance FOR HELICOPTER MAINTENANCE FOR THE ORANGE
Agreement; Ap- COUNTY SHERIFF CORONER DEPARTMENT; and the third
proved Amendment amendment to Agreement No. N1000000631, was
approved.
PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City` Clerk announced the public hearing,
Cable Television continued from the meeting of August 5, 1998, to identify
Franchise Agree- future cable -related community needs and interests, and
ment review the cable operator's past performance under the cable
television franchise agreement. The City Attorney
summarized his Report No. 98-44 dated July 7, 1998, and
opened the hearing for public comment on community needs.
The Acting Communications Director stated that the City
would benefit from an institutional -type network which would
connect all City facilities via fiber optics, and would ensure
the highest level of local government service to the
community. He reported that MediaOne has installed a video
display system that interfaces with the County of Orange
disaster. program, and it would be advantageous for Costa
Mesa Officials to have this type of video system.
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Dave Brooks, 2832 Boa Vista Drive, Costa Mesa,
representing the Newport -Mesa Unified School District, stated
that the district is very appreciative of the service provided by
MediaOne; however, the School Board is concerned about the
future needs of the students. He reported that many of the
class rooms are cable -ready, but equipment is needed to
utilize the system. Mr. Brooks asked that the City consider
becoming a partner with the School District to ensure that the
very best equipment is available for the students.
Sharon Blakely, 1800 Whittier Avenue, Costa Mesa, Principal
of Whittier Elementary School, stated that computer
technology can provide a positive effect on a child's
education; and envisions a school that can provide technical
computer training and usage not only for the students, but for
the community as well..
Karl Kimme, 1025 Victoria Street, Costa Mesa, fourth and
fifth grade teacher at Victoria Elementary. School, reported
that six years ago, Victoria Elementary was one of the first
schools in the district to have the network installed; however,
updated equipment is needed.
Andy Hernandez, 2650 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, Principal
of Costa Mesa High School, stated that support from
MediaOne provides the students the opportunity to gain
hands-on experience with the equipment. He would like to
continue to have a long-term relationship with MediaOne so
that students can develop lifelong skills.
Robert Barbot, 2985 Bear Street, Costa Mesa, Superintendent
of Newport -Mesa Unified School District, commended
MediaOne for providing technology throughout the district.
He asked that the district be included when the cable
contract is discussed so that their technology will be equal or
superior to any other district in the State of California.
MOTION On motion by Council Member Somers, seconded by Council
Continued to : Member Cowan, and carried 5-0, the public hearing was
September 8, 1998 continued to the meeting of September 8, 1998.
PUBLIC HEARING - The Deputy City Clerk announced the public hearing,
Hazardous continued from the meeting of August 5, 1998, to consider a
Materials Dis- resolution establishing fees for services provided by the City
closure Fees of Costa Mesa, specifically hazardous materials disclosure
fees. The Budget and Research Officer reviewed the Agenda
Report dated July 16, 1998. There being no speakers, the
Mayor closed the public hearing. Council Member Erickson
thanked.staff for their efforts in reducing the fees.
MOTION/Adopted A motion was made by Council Member Erickson, seconded
Resolution 98-75 by Council Member Cowan, and carried 5-0, adopting
Resolution 98-75, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING
AND ADOPTING SCHEDULES OF RATES, FEES, AND
CHARGES, FOR SERVICES BY THE CITY OF COSTA MESA.
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PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this was the time and
Fee for the Source place set for the public hearing to consider a resolution
Reduction and establishing a fee; to implement the City's Source Reduction
Recycling Element and Recycling Element (SRRE), to reauthorize the current fee
of $1.00 per ton. The Affidavit of Publication is on file in the
City Clerk's office. No communications were received. The
Public Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated
August' 10, 1998. There being no speakers, the Mayor
closed the public hearing.
MOTION/Adopted A motion was made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by
Resolution 98-76 Council Member Erickson, and carried 5-0, to adopt
Resolution 98-76,' A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A
FEE PERTAINING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CITY
OF COSTA MESA SOURCE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING
ELEMENT.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented the Santa Ana River
Santa Ana River Crossings (SARX) Study:
Crossings (SARX)
Study Cooperative Agreement No. C-7-0558 between the City
and the Orange County Transportation Authority.
Cooperative Agreements with the cities of Newport
Beach, Huntington Beach, and Fountain Valley, for the
SARX Study.
Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., 2100
West Orangewood Avenue, Suite 140, Orange, for an
amount not to,exceed $200,000.00, to prepare necessary
studies for a program level Environmental Impact Report
for SARX, contingent upon approval of the cooperative
agreements by the other participating agencies.
The Public Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report
dated August 7, 1998.
Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, disagreed
with the decision ; that City Council made five years ago to
attempt to have the 19th Street bridge deleted from the
Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways without
conducting a study to determine the pros and cons.
Roy Pizarek, 1923 Whittier Avenue, Costa Mesa, believed
that once the SARX Study has been completed, it can then
be determined if the 19th Street/Gisler Avenue bridges will be
needed. He felt that it was unfair that the cities of Newport
Beach, Huntington Beach, and Fountain Valley were not
contributing their fair share towards the SARX Study.
Jay Humphrey, 1'620 Sandalwood Street, Costa Mesa, felt
that it is important for this study to be completed in order to
determine if the, bridges are needed for Costa Mesa's proper,
future growth.
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Herman Basmaeijan, Vice President of Kimley-Horn and
Associates, Inc., 2100 West Orangewood Avenue, Suite 140,
Orange, reported that when they _ conduct the study it will
include an extensive community participation program, and
assured Council that they will do a good job for the City.
MOTION On motion by Council
Member Somers, and
taken:
Rescinded Coop-
erative Agreement
C-7-0558;
Approved New
Agreement
Approved Coop-
erative Agree-
ments with three
Cities
Approved Agree-
ment with Kimley-
Horn
Member Cowan, seconded by Council
carried 5-0, the following action was
Cooperative Agreement No. C-7-0558 was rescinded; the
new agreement was approved, and the Mayor and Deputy
City Clerk were authorized to sign on behalf of the
City.
Cooperative A,grgements with the cities of Newport
Beach, Huntington Beach, and Fountain Valley, were
approved, and the Mayor and Deputy City Clerk were
authorized to sign on behalf of the City.
Agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., was
approved, and the Mayor and Deputy City Clerk were
authorized to sign on behalf of the City.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented the conceptual design and
New Downtown location for the new Downtown Center Recreation Facility,
Center Recreation including replacement of the swimming pool; and a direction
Facility Design to the contractor, Martinez Amador Architects, Inc., 8405
Pershing Drive, Suite 201, Playa del Rey, to prepare plans and
specifications. The Community Services Director reviewed
the Agenda Report dated August 7, 1998.
Bill Amador, architect for the project, reported that the floor
plan has been revised to add a permanent gymnastics room
as opposed to having that activity take place in the
gymnasium. He stated that the master plan for the site was
established after addressing input from Childs -Pace, Save Our
Youth, Action Committee of Teens (ACT), Costa Mesa
Historical Society, and the library. He mentioned that after
further investigation of the site, a utility easement was found
that runs through the existing site; therefore, in order to avoid
extensive utility relocation, it is important to bypass this area.
He also noted that since Anaheim Avenue has had some
history of flooding, the building had to have the appropriate
floor elevation to avoid any potential flooding hazards. In
conclusion, Mr. Amador stated that the swimming pool has
been placed in an area which provides a visual connection
between the park and the existing plaza.
Council Member Somers disagreed with the design elements
of the proposal because the center will not have a more
consolidated and unified appearance.- She added that the
floor plan does not illustrate a visual point of access from
Park Avenue to the entrance of the gymnasium; and she
objected to the location of the swimming pool. She asked if
it would be possible to redesign ' the project to unify the
facility into one cohesive unit. Mr. Amador replied that he
could examine other alternatives; however, to tie the current
buildings in with the gymnasium and swimming pool facility
to create one image would be a scope far beyond that which
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is currently proposed. Regarding the proposed location of the
swimming pool, Mr. Amador stated that the pool will activate
the entire area and become a very pleasing visual feature.
Council Member Cowan was in favor of the layout of the
facility because she thought the plan worked very well on the
site. She suggested addressing the size and scope of the
library expansion and the space available for the Costa Mesa
Historical Society.,
Council Member Erickson liked the design of the facility,
agreed with having buffers to reduce noise from the
swimming pool area, and thought the parking would be
adequate.
John LeVere, 2184 Miner Street, No. C, Costa Mesa, stated
that other organizations could utilize the Childs -Pace and
kitchen areas whenever these facilities are not being used.
Sharon Clarke, 1860 Anaheim Avenue, Costa Mesa, President
of the Board of Directors for Childs -Pace Foundation, asked if
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds were being
used to construct this building. The City Manager responded
in the affirmative.' She suggested moving the doorway to the
kitchen so it would be more accessible for other users.
Barbara Beck -Jencks, 443 Flower Street, Costa Mesa, felt
that the swimming pool should be the same size or larger
than the existing pool, the same depth, but constructed with
steps, rather than ;ladders.
MOTION
A motion was made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by
Conceptual Design
Mayor Pro Tem Monahan, and carried 4-1, Council Member
Approved
Somers voting no, approving the conceptual design and
location for the new Downtown Center, including replacement
of the swimming pool; directing the contractor to prepare the
plans and specifications; authorizing continuation of the
agreement with the Childs -Pace program; and directing that
the design be examined further in terms of the Childs -Pace
facility and the most recent design for gymnastics space.
Council Member Somers opposed the motion because she felt
that the entire center should be more consolidated and,
therefore, the conceptual design should be reexamined.
RECESS
The Mayor declared a recess at 8:20 p.m., and reconvened
the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a request to enter into
Joint Use Athletic negotiations with the Newport -Mesa Unified School District to
Facilities at establish the necessary site specific agreements for
Estancia and Costa cooperative development and financing of joint use athletic
Mesa High Schools facilities at Estancia and Costa Mesa High Schools. The
Community Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report
dated July 28, 1998.
William Scott, Sr., 1901 Lanai Drive, Costa Mesa, thanked
Council for approving construction of the soccer fields for the
Costa Mesa Farm Sports Complex.
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William Scott, Jr., 1300 Adams Avenue, No. 126, Costa
Mesa, reported that the architect will be presenting modified
estimates of each and all components for the multi -use
facilities by late September, 1998; and that the Costa Mesa
Community Foundation and Newport -Mesa Unified School
District will be the sources for fund-raising.
.Leo Johnson, PJHM, 647 Camino de Los Mares, Suite 201,
San Clemente, architect for the project, stated that he has
worked on other projects for Newport -Mesa Unified School
District, and was available to answer any questions.
Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, thought
that this type of project will encourage young families to
reside in Costa Mesa.
MOTION/Staff On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Directed to Enter Member Erickson, and carried 5-0, staff was directed to enter
into Negotiations into negotiations with the Newport -Mesa Unified School
with School Dis- District to establish the necessary site specific agreements for
trict joint use athletic facilities at Estancia and Costa Mesa High
schools.
The Mayor thanked William Scott, Sr., and William Scott, Jr.,
for all their efforts in making this project a reality.
Council Member Erickson hoped that in the near future, a
joint meeting would be scheduled with the Newport -Mesa
Unified School District to discuss issues such as this one.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented an agreement with New
Energy Services/ West Energy, Post Office Box 61868, Phoenix, Arizona, to
Electric Power provide energy services at a discount of 2.25 percent from
Supply the cost of the baseline rate. The Public Services Director
reviewed the Agenda Report dated August 3, 1998. The City
Manager announced that he would be abstaining from any
discussion regarding this item and left the Chambers at 8:40
p.m.
The Public Services Director recommended that if Council
decides to enter into a contract with an energy service
provider, that it be for a short term, such as two years.
In response to questions from Council Member Somers, the
Public Services Director reported that the savings to the City
for the first year would be modest, approximately
$18,000.00; and as to the issue of hydroelectricity, which is
less costly, one hydroelectric supplier sent a letter of interest
but did not submit a proposal.
Kim Barone, Regional Affairs Manager, Southern California
Edison Company, 1325 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana,
appreciated the City staff's conducting the Request for
Proposal process in a fair manner. She stated that no matter
what decision Council makes for an energy provider,
Southern California Edison will continue to offer the City top
quality, reliable transmission and distribution services.
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Mayor Buffa believed that the there would not be a
tremendous savings to the City as the deregulation scenario is
structured; and thanked staff for analyzing a very complex
issue.
MOTION/Remained A motion was made by Mayor Buffa, seconded by Council
with Southern Member Cowan, and carried 5-0, to remain with Southern
California Edison California Edison as the electric power supplier for the City.
Mayor Buffa commended Southern California Edison for being
available to staff as well as Council as a source of information
during this long process and also for being a good partner
with the City over the years.
NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a resolution setting the
1998-99 Tax Rate 1998-99 tax rate for the 1974 Open Space Bond Issue. The
for 1974 Open Acting Finance Director summarized the Agenda Report dated
Space Bond Issue August 10, 1998.
MOTION/Adopted On motion by Council Member Erickson, seconded by Council
Resolution 98-77 Member Somers, 'and carried 5-0, Resolution 98-77 was
adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, SETTING THE TAX
RATE PER CENTUM AND LEVYING A TAX UPON ALL
PROPERTY WITHIN THE CITY OF COSTA MESA WHICH IS
TAXABLE TO MEET THE CITY'S OBLIGATION UNDER THE
1974 OPEN SPACE BOND ISSUE FOR FISCAL YEAR
1998-99.
NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented an ordinance adding Section
Prohibiting Self- 11-17 to Chapter 1 of Title 11 of the Costa Mesa Municipal
Service Tobacco Code prohibiting self-service tobacco products. Letters from
Products 27 teenagers were received supporting the ordinance. The
Community Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report
dated August 12, 1998.
Mayor Pro Tem Monahan asked what the cost would be for
the City to notify businesses of the proposed ordinance. The
City Manager replied that it would cost approximately
$600.00 to notify, an estimated 2,300 businesses Citywide
who display and sell tobacco products.
Responding to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Monahan, the
City Attorney stated that the ordinance could not be rewritten
for a particular area of regulation, but must be made across-
the-board for specific types of businesses.
Council Member Cowan believed that the issue deals with
easy access of tobacco products to minors, not the issue of
tobacco products being stolen.
Responding to Council Member Somers, the City Attorney
stated that a restriction could be placed in specific stores by
posting a sign that states "no one allowed under the age of
18"; however, possession of tobacco products by minors is
already illegal. He noted that the ordinance focuses on
unlawful access to; tobacco products for minors.
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Aivan Nguyen, 879 Congress Street, Costa Mesa, member of
the Camp Fire Boys and Girls of Orange County's "Speak
Out", an anti-smoking advocacy group, emphasized that the
proposed ordinance is not intended to prevent merchants
from selling tobacco products but to help enforce the current
law, State of California Penal Code 308. She reported that
"Speak Out" conducted a survey of 70 retail establishments
in the City and out of 70 attempted buys, 20 stores sold
tobacco products to minors.
Eva Varma, 879 Oak Street, Costa Mesa, member of the
"Speak Out" group, commented on tobacco displays being
placed in an area that is at eye level for children. She read a
letter from a merchant in Costa Mesa who supports the
proposed ordinance, and who has not experienced a
reduction in tobacco sales due to placing these products
behind the counter.
Becca Silva, 3338 Maryland Circle, Costa Mesa, showed
graphs illustrating that 78 percent of stores remained the
same in overall sales after the City of Carpinteria banned self-
service tobacco products. She noted that the positive effects
of adopting this ordinance far outweighs the disadvantages
and is not anti -business.
Linda Dixon, 260 Princeton Drive, Costa Mesa, stated that
she is proud of the youth in Costa Mesa for initiating an
ordinance that would prohibit self-service displays of tobacco
products. She thought that tobacco products should be
behind locked enclosures, in the same manner in which spray
paint cans are displayed.
Judy Valenzuela, 377 Freeman Avenue, Costa Mesa,
representing Camp Fire Boys and Girls of Orange County,
reported that she has been working with "Speak Out" on this
project for nine months and believes that they have done a
very thorough and comprehensive job in researching,
evaluating, and developing solutions to this problem.
Charlene Metoyer, 759 Allegheny Avenue, Costa Mesa,
Chairman, Child Care and Youth Services Committee,
expressed her support for the proposed ordinance. She
stated that even though there is an existing law that prohibits
minors from purchasing tobacco products, there needs to be
a regulation of self-service tobacco displays.
Diana Morelli, 3412 Geranium Street, Costa Mesa,
representing the Advisory Committee of Teens (ACT), urged
Council 'to adopt the proposed ordinance. She stated that
this_ ordinance could help reduce tobacco sales to minors by
at least 50 percent and eliminate shoplifting of tobacco
products.
Council Member Somers commended the youth of the
community for their hard work in compiling statistics,
researching, and preparing the reports.
Motion to Give A motion was made by Council Member Somers, seconded
Ordinance First by Council Member Cowan, to give the ordinance first
Reading reading.
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The Mayor opposed the motion because it is already illegal to
sell cigarettes to minors. He explained that since the youth
now have the attention of the press, they can do much more
to obtain their objective than the proposed ordinance can do.
Council Member Erickson opposed the motion because he
disagreed with those who believe that the only way to
prevent their peers; from smoking is to penalize the merchants
who lawfully sell -the tobacco products. He believed that
emphasis should be placed on enforcement and education.
Mayor Pro Tem Monahan opposed the motion because he
believed the logistics of the proposed ordinance will not be
effective. He suggested that the group continue to focus
their efforts on enforcement and education.
Council Member Somers commented that this ordinance
would not penalize the merchants who sell tobacco products,
and noted that no 'merchants attended the Council meeting to
state their opposition. She believed that Council was missing
out on an opportunity to make a statement to the community
which states that Council is willing to take tobacco products
out of the reach of minors.
Council Member Erickson emphasized that current law already
prohibit minors from purchasing tobacco products. He
pointed out that ' the number of teenagers killed in car
accidents, by alcohol use, and in sport activities, far outweigh
the number of teenagers killed by cigarettes.
Barbara Beck -Jencks, 443 Flower Street, Costa Mesa, asked
that the ordinance be rewritten.
Council Member Cowan supported the ordinance noting that
the purpose of the ordinance is to prevent easy access to
tobacco products for minors.
First Substitute A substitute motion was made by Council Member Cowan,
Motion to Direct seconded by Council Member Somers, to direct the City
City Attorney to Attorney to refine the ordinance and look at ways to address
Refine the limiting the availability of tobacco products in convenience
Ordinance stores, and excluding establishments such as the "Tinder
Box" which has a particular purpose as a tobacco shop.
Council Member Cowan believed that there is merit to the
ordinance, and felt that requiring merchants to have an
employee assist customers to obtain tobacco products would
deter minors from buying cigarettes.
The Mayor stated that he understood the seriousness of this
issue; however, he was not convinced that the last two
motions were capable of eliminating the problem.
First Substitute The first substitute motion, to refine the ordinance, failed to
Motion Failed to carry 3-2, Council Members Buffa, Monahan, and Erickson
Carry voting no.
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Second Substitute A second substitute motion was made by Council Member
Motion to Continue Somers, seconded by Council Member Cowan, to continue
to the September this item to the Council Study Session of September 14,
14, 1998, Study 1998.
Session
The Mayor opposed the second substitute motion because he
believed that efforts should be -focused on the issue of
enforcement of existing laws.
Council Member Erickson stated that this issue should be
handled by educating minors that it is illegal to steal and to
smoke, and to focus on enforcement.
Council Member Somers did not approve of spending City
funds for police to enforce the existing law prohibiting minors
from purchasing tobacco products.
Second Substitute The second substitute motion, to continue the item to the
Motion Failed to September 14, 1998, Council Study Session, failed to carry
Carry 3-2, Council Members Buffa, Monahan, and Erickson voting
no.
Original Motion The original motion, to give first reading to the ordinance,
Failed to Carry failed to carry 3-2, Council Members Buffa, Monahan, and
- Erickson voting no.
CITY ATTORNEY'S The City. Attorney presented an ordinance to repeal Section
REPORT/Prohibiting 11-10 of Chapter 1 of Title 11 of the Costa Mesa Municipal
the Sale of Horror Code concerning the sale of horror comic books. He
Comic Books summarized his Report No. 98-49, dated July 23, 1998.
MOTION/Ordinance On motion by Council Member Erickson, seconded by Mayor
98-21 Given First Pro Tem Monahan, and carried 5-0, Ordinance 98-21, AN
Reading ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA
MESA, CALIFORNIA, TO REPEAL SECTION 11-10 OF
CHAPTER I OF TITLE 11 OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL
CODE PROHIBITING THE SALE OF HORROR COMIC BOOKS,
was given first reading and passed to second reading.
CITY ATTORNEY'S The City Attorney requested a closed session pursuant to
REPORT/Request Government Code Section 54956.8, to discuss real property
for Closed Session: negotiations with Habitat for Humanity for 212 Del Mar
Habitat for Avenue, 570 and 574 Victoria Street, and 2159 Maple
Humanity Street. Council agreed that closed session would be trailed to
Negotiations the end of regular Council business.
CITY MANAGER'S The City Manager presented a request to appoint Acting City
REPORT/Acting Treasurer. He summarized the Agenda Report dated August
Treasurer Appoint- 13, 1998.
ment
MOTION/Appointed A motion was made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by
Jason Simpson as Council Member Somers, and carried 570, to appoint .Jason P.
Acting Treasurer Simpson as Acting City Treasurer.
ANNOUNCEMENT The Mayor thanked Marc Davis for his outstanding service to
the City as Acting Finance Director and Acting Treasurer and
wished him well in his new endeavors.
COUNCIL Mayor Pro Tem Monahan announced that there is a new
COMMENTS/O.C. minor league Pro 'Football team in Costa Mesa, the Orange
Steelers, Minor County ,Steelers, and their first scrimmage game will be held
Football League on Saturday, August 29, 1998, at Orange Coast College.
ADJOURNED TO
SPECIAL JOINT
MEETING
ROLL CALL
OLD BUSINESS
At 10:10 p.m., 'Mayor Buffa adjourned the regular City
Council ,meeting to a special joint City Council/Redevelopment
Agency meeting:
Agency Members Present:
Officials' Present:
Chairperson Gary Monahan
Vice Chairperson Libby Cowan
Agency Member Peter Buffa
Agency Member Joe Erickson
Agency Member Heather Somers
Executive Director Allan Roeder
Habitat for The Mayor adjourned the meeting to a closed session in
Humanity Conference Room- 1B to discuss real property negotiations
Negotiations with Habitat for Humanity.
COUNCIL MEETING At 10:30 p.m., Mayor/Agency Member Buffa reconvened the
RECONVENED special joint City Council/Redevelopment Agency meeting and
the action taken during closed session was announced.
MOTION/Directed By a vote of 3-2, Council/Agency Members Buffa and Somers
City Manager on voting no, directions were given to the City Manager on
Negotiations negotiations and ;terms of an agreement with Habitat for
Humanity, for properties at 212 Del Mar Avenue, 570 and
574 Victoria Street, and 2159 Maple Street.
ADJOURNMENT The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
Mayor of the City o a Mesa
ATTEST:
Deputy City C e k of the City of Costa Mesa
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