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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/16/1998 - City CouncilREGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF .COSTA MESA NOVEMBER 16, 1998 The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in regular session November 16, 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 Mayor Pro Tem -Monahan, and invocation by Minister Andrew Wall, Church of Christ. ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Mayor Peter Buffa Mayor Pro Tem Gary Monahan Council Member Joe Erickson Council Member Libby Cowan Council Member Heather Somers 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 Acting Communications Director Jerry Verwolf Deputy City Clerk Mary Elliott MINUTES A motion was made by Council Member Erickson, seconded November 2, 1998 by Council Member Cowan, and carried 5-0, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 2, 1998, with the following modifications: delete the comment "that there are no variances involved with the project", as referenced on line 7, paragraph 2, page 1, regarding PA -98-50, Harbor Center; and regarding Community Ambulance Transport Service Needs, paragraph 9, page 5, reflect in the motion that it was Council's intent to approve Budget Adjustment No. 99-38 for $30,000.00. ORDINANCES AND A motion was made by Council Member Erickson, seconded RESOLUTIONS by . Council Member Somers, and carried 5-0, to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only. PRESENTATION Beikoku Ueki Sentei Kai Proclamation PRESENTATION 1999/2000 Grand Jury Recruitment Mayor Buffa read a proclamation recognizing Beikoku Ueki Sentei Kai, a division of Orange Coast Optimist Club, for their commitment and dedication in maintaining the City Hall's Japanese garden for 24 years. The Mayor presented the document to Hirozo Imai, Chairman of the Club, who introduced four other club members. Mayor Buffa announced that a presentation would be given by Judge Frances Munoz, Harbor Justice Center, 4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, regarding the 1999/2000 Grand Jury Recruitment. Judge Munoz outlined the process and requirements for the Grand Jury selection and stated that applications are currently being accepted through January 29, 1999, for the 1999/2000 Grand Jury. Mayor Buffa stated that the public can obtain an application through the City Manager's office. PRESENTATION Mark Korando, 582 Park Drive, Costa Mesa, representing Habitat for Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, commended the Humanity volunteers, City staff, and the community for their support in building the Habitat for Humanity house at 212 Del Mar Avenue. He presented Council with t -shirts from Habitat for Humanity and their ten-year anniversary commemorative pins. Mayor Buffa felt that the single-family home is a fine addition to the neighborhood and recognized the Synder Langston Company for donating their expertise and resources towards the project. ORAL COMMUNI- Suzanne Gadow, 863 West 20th Street, Costa Mesa, CATIONS/West President, 19th to the Beach Committee, stated that the West 19th Street Ex- 19th Street bridge! should be considered in any revitalization tension plan for that area. She asked if Council would consider recognizing their committee as an official City committee. Mayor Buffa explained that a Council Member would need to request that this item be placed on a future agenda for Council consideration. The following persons supported the extension of West 19th Street: Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa; Phil Morello, 1715 Samar Drive, Costa Mesa; Jo Ann Reinholt, 1823 Tanager Drive, Costa Mesa, owner of property on the west side of Costa Mesa; and Cathy Waters, 1925 Wallace Avenue, Costa Mesa. i The following persons opposed the extension of West 19th Street: Sandi Ames, 1930 Whittier Avenue, Costa Mesa; Ed Feierabend, 9681 ;Melinda Circle, Huntington Beach; Jeffrey Childs, 1139 Aviemore Terrace, Costa Mesa, Acting President, Marina -Highland Homeowners Association; Roy Pizarek,_ 1923 Whittier Avenue, Costa Mesa; Jeff McConville, 466 East 19th Street, Costa Mesa; Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa; and Peter Campbell, 215 East 19th Street, Costa Mesa. Council Member Cowan stated that the community will have an opportunity to ;review alternatives to the bridges after the Santa Ana River Crossings (SARX) Study and the West Side Specific Plan have been completed. She also encouraged residents to participate in the community input process with these two studies.' City Procedures Tamar Goldmann, ; 2324 College Drive, Costa Mesa, asked about the procedure for the request for rehearing of Planning Application PA -98=50, Harbor Center. The Mayor responded that it would be explained when the item is announced. "World AIDS Ric Uggen, 928 Mackenzie Place, Costa Mesa, spoke on Day" behalf of the AIDS Services Foundation of Orange County, and asked that Council recognize December 1, 1998, as "World Aids Day" ,in the City of Costa Mesa. He introduced Denise Lawigre, 2637 Elden Avenue, Costa Mesa, an HIV victim. 1 RECOGNITION Mayor Buffa recognized former Mayor Pro Tem Jay Humphrey; and Jim Ferryman, President, Newport -Mesa Unified School District, and Sanitary District Board Member. CONSENT On motion by Council Member Erickson, seconded by Council CALENDAR Member Cowan, 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: Carol Gladych; Dewayne Neufeld; and Melvin Potts. Alcoholic Beverage Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License Requests: Control (ABC) Licenses New Cost Market, 2228 Newport Boulevard, for a person- to-person transfer of a Type 20 ABC license (off -sale beer and wine). Clubhouse Restaurant, 3333 Bristol Street, Suite 2802, for a person-to-person transfer of a Type 47 ABC license (on - sale general for a bona fide eating place). BUSINESS PERMIT Notice of Intention to Appeal or Solicit for Charitable Purpose Approved Permit from Keiro Services/Japanese Chamber of Commerce, 325 for Keiro Services/ South Boyle Avenue, Los Angeles, by soliciting funds inside Japanese Chamber the Yaohan Supermarket, 665 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, of Commerce from December 1 through December 31, to provide care for senior citizens in the Los Angeles and South Bay areas, was approved pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9-127(d). WARRANTS The following warrants were approved: Warrant Resolution Approved Warrant 1718, funding City operating expenses for $645,137.75; and 1718/Payroll 822, Payroll 822 for $1,499,904.97, and Warrant Resolution 1719, and Warrant 1719 funding City operating expenses for $238,217.17. REJECTED CLAIM The claim from Chris Harrison Decker (alleged misapplication Decker of Megan's Law by Police Department), was rejected. ADMINISTRATIVE An agreement was approved with the City of Newport Beach, ACTIONS/Approved 3300 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, for the processing Agreement with of parking citations and associated administrative reviews and City of Newport hearings, for a five-year period ending June 30, 2003, and the Beach for Parking City Manager was authorized to sign on behalf of the Citation Hearings City. Approved Agree- An agreement was approved with Tatsumi and Partners, ment with Tatsumi 20250 Acacia Street, Newport Beach, for $26,552.00, for for Design of Field design of field improvements at TeWinkle Middle School, and Improvements at the Mayor and Deputy City Clerk were authorized to sign on TeWinkle School behalf of the City. Accepted 1-405/ 1-405/Harbor Boulevard/South Coast Drive Street Harbor Blvd./South Improvements, Project No. 97-03, Federal Project No. STPLN- Coast Dr., Street 5312(013), were completed to the satisfaction of the Public Improvements, Services Director on April 22, 1998, by Palp, Inc., doing Project. No. 97-03, business as Excel Paving Company, 2230 Lemon Avenue, by Palp, Inc. Long Beach. The work was accepted; the Deputy City Clerk was authorized to file a Notice of Completion; authorization 99 100 PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this was the time and Appeal from Paul place set for the public hearing to consider an application from Lavelle of Green Paul Lavelle, 223 Elmira Street, Huntington Beach, Fee Increase at representing the Costa Mesa Men's Club, appealing the City Costa Mesa Golf Manager's decision to increase the green fees at the Costa Course Mesa Golf Course. The Affidavit of Publication is on file in the City Clerk's office.A communication was received from Mr. Lavelle withdrawing his appeal. MOTION On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council Withdrawn Member Erickson, and carried 5-0, the application was withdrawn. OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a request from Orlo Ray Paff, Request for Re- 2371 Cornell Drive, Costa Mesa, for rehearing of Planning hearing from Orlo Application PA -98-50, Nadel Architects, Inc., 3080 Bristol Paff, PA -98-50, Street, Suite 500, Costa Mesa, authorized agent for I.C.I. Harbor Center Holdings/SRP II, 2222 17t'' Street, Santa Ana, for a master plan review for a 320,000 -square -foot commercial center, with a variance to allow excess building height (30 feet permitted, 50 feet proposed); a conditional use permit for off- site parking; and minor conditional use permits for outdoor display in front of the home center and drug store, outdoor display of seasonal items, and a drive-thru restaurant, located at 2300 Harbor Boulevard in a C1 -S zone. Environmental Determination: Negative Declaration. City Council approved the project on October 19, 1998. Mr. Paff's request for rehearing was based on the following: "1. Air Quality - the State of California is presently looking into toxic diesel fumes. 2. Environmental concerns - no Environmental Impact Report (EIR). A. Old dry cleaning shop/carbon tetrachloride residue. B. Removal of asbestos from old buildings. C. Removal of three transformers (are they leaking)." was given to release retention monies 35 days thereafter; the Labor and Material Bond was ordered exonerated 7 months thereafter; and the Performance Bond was ordered exonerated 6 months thereafter. Accepted Street Street and storm drain improvements at 3150 Bear Street, in Improvements at connection with Encroachment Permit No. 14455, were 3150 Bear Street completed to the satisfaction of the Public Services by Trinity Broad- Director by Trinity Broadcasting Network, same address. casting Network, The work was accepted; and the bonds were ordered EP -14455 exonerated. Approved Agree- A right -of -entry agreement was approved with the Costa Mesa ment with Costa Sanitary District for Fairview Park sewer improvements, Mesa Sanitary including a provision to grant an easement for the sewer line District for Fair- upon completion of the improvements, in connection with the view Park Sewer Orange County Model Engineers (OCME) "Goat Hill Station" Improvements rest room; and the Mayor and Deputy City Clerk were authorized to sign on behalf of the City. PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this was the time and Appeal from Paul place set for the public hearing to consider an application from Lavelle of Green Paul Lavelle, 223 Elmira Street, Huntington Beach, Fee Increase at representing the Costa Mesa Men's Club, appealing the City Costa Mesa Golf Manager's decision to increase the green fees at the Costa Course Mesa Golf Course. The Affidavit of Publication is on file in the City Clerk's office.A communication was received from Mr. Lavelle withdrawing his appeal. MOTION On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council Withdrawn Member Erickson, and carried 5-0, the application was withdrawn. OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a request from Orlo Ray Paff, Request for Re- 2371 Cornell Drive, Costa Mesa, for rehearing of Planning hearing from Orlo Application PA -98-50, Nadel Architects, Inc., 3080 Bristol Paff, PA -98-50, Street, Suite 500, Costa Mesa, authorized agent for I.C.I. Harbor Center Holdings/SRP II, 2222 17t'' Street, Santa Ana, for a master plan review for a 320,000 -square -foot commercial center, with a variance to allow excess building height (30 feet permitted, 50 feet proposed); a conditional use permit for off- site parking; and minor conditional use permits for outdoor display in front of the home center and drug store, outdoor display of seasonal items, and a drive-thru restaurant, located at 2300 Harbor Boulevard in a C1 -S zone. Environmental Determination: Negative Declaration. City Council approved the project on October 19, 1998. Mr. Paff's request for rehearing was based on the following: "1. Air Quality - the State of California is presently looking into toxic diesel fumes. 2. Environmental concerns - no Environmental Impact Report (EIR). A. Old dry cleaning shop/carbon tetrachloride residue. B. Removal of asbestos from old buildings. C. Removal of three transformers (are they leaking)." 1 1 1 Communications were received from the following: two letters from Robert Adelson, 2366 Rutgers Drive, Costa Mesa, supporting Council's approval of the project on October 19, 1998; Kendig and Alpert, Attorneys at Law, 611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1110, Costa Mesa, representing Orlo Paff and "Neighbors of Harbor Center", asserting that based on the environmental impacts of the project, a Negative Declaration is an inappropriate tool for evaluation of a project which will create substantial environmental impacts; and three letters from Rutan & Tucker, Attorneys at Law, 611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1400, Costa Mesa: one letter dated November 12, 1998, providing reasons for their assertion that Orlo Paff failed to satisfy the jurisdictional requirements necessary to obtain a rehearing of PA -98-50, along with attachments related to previous public hearings on the project; one letter dated November 13, 1998, stating that the letter from Kendig and Alpert dated November 11, 1998, does not satisfy the rigorous jurisdictional requirements of Costa Mesa Municipal Code Section 2-304; and one letter dated November 16, 1998, objecting to additional expert testimony. Mayor Buffa explained that a request for rehearing allows a member of the public or a Council Member to introduce new and pertinent information to be considered that was excluded at the previous City Council and Planning Commission meetings; and that if Council does grant the request for rehearing, a future meeting date will be scheduled for the rehearing. The Deputy City Manager reviewed the Agenda Report dated October 29, 1998, and stated that staff is of the opinion that there is no legal basis to conduct a rehearing because Mr. Paff and, his attorney have not raised any new issues or presented new evidence. Orlo; Ray Paff, 2371 Cornell Drive=Costa Mesa, stated the following: the City Council did not act responsibly in representing the local residents regarding the redevelopment of Harbor Center; did not consider the impact of the redevelopment on traffic congestion; there are flaws and contradictions in the City's initial .study of environmental impact and negative declaration; and an EIR must be conducted to properly study . the impacts of this redevelopment on the community. Mr. Paff also mentioned that "Neighbors of Harbor Center" have retained David Kendig as the attorney representing them in this matter. 101 Mayor Buffa explained that testimony will be taken from Mr. Kendig, attorney for Mr. Paff, but not on behalf of the "Neighbors of Harbor Center" group who were not included in the request for rehearing that was filed by Mr. Paff. David Kendig, Kendig and Alpert, Attorneys at Law, 611 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1110, Costa Mesa, representing Orlo Paff, stated that he also represents "Neighbors of Harbor Center". Mr. Kendig contended that a rehearing should be granted because this is the public's final opportunity to convince the City to comply with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) without resorting to litigation. He added that a mitigated negative declaration for this project is 101 1®2 improper under CEQA because it may still have significant environmental impacts; the City's findings that there will be no noise, pollution; or traffic impacts from this project are not supported; the City failed to adopt an adequate mitigation monitoring program; and overlooked the requirement for Environmental Impact Reports under certain circumstances. Mr. Kendig asserted that the record in this matter reveals several potential impacts, even after the mitigation measures are considered: construction noise impacts; post -construction noise; the City's waiting until after the project is complete to determine whether; or not there is going to be too much noise which violates CEQA requirements; the traffic impacts are grossly understated; diesel exhaust will increase in nearby neighborhoods; and mitigation of construction air impacts recommended by the air quality consultant were not adopted. Council Member Somers asked if an alternative site plan of the project was ever submitted for staff to review. The Deputy City Manager replied that other plans were never submitted for formal review; however, at the request of the Planning Commission and the citizens, the applicant was asked to look at alternative designs. Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa, believed that the request 'for rehearing should be granted for the following reasons:i speakers were limited to two minutes, which is not enough time to cover the issues; further investigation of air quality; and discussion on whether the zoning is appropriate for the project. Sam Wakeley, 2527 Loyola Road, Costa Mesa, believed that sanitary conditions have not been taken into consideration, such as odors from the fertilizer at the garden shop. He also felt that the Home, Depot location is inappropriate in an area surrounded by residences. Jay Humphrey, 1,620 Sandalwood Street, Costa Mesa, suggested that Council delay voting on this item until the next meeting when the newly elected members of Council are seated. He commended Mayor Buffa for serving the community with his years of leadership and guidance. Scott Bell, ICI Holdings/SRP II, 2222 East 17t' Street, Santa Ana, stated that under Section 2-304, the City can only grant the rehearing if: the person requesting the rehearing demonstrates than they have presented new evidence or arguments which in the exercise of reasonable diligence could not have been produced or which were excluded at the hearing. He believed that the City Council should not grant Mr. Paff's rehearing request because Mr. Paff did not satisfy the requirements under Section 2-304. Mr. Bell addressed the issues raised by Mr. Paff: diesel emissions impacting the air quality; demolition'of the dry cleaning shop; asbestos removal; and removal of transformers. Mr. Bell stated that diesel emissions were discussed at both the Planning Commission and City Council public hearings and Mr. Paff could have addressed the air quality issues at those times. As to the demolition of the dry cleaning shop and asbestos removal, ;Mr. Bell stated that it was readily apparent that any person visiting the site would have noticed that asbestos removal was being done, and it was addressed at the previous public hearings. Regarding the removal of transformers, Mr. Bell commented that it should have been apparent to anyone visiting the site that three transformers are located on the property, and he asserted that Mr. Paff would have noticed all of these items if he would have simply visited the site prior to the public hearings. Based upon this information, Mr. Bell was of the opinion that Mr. Paff did not provide any grounds to justify a rehearing. In response to a question from Mayor Buffa, the City Attorney stated that he has reviewed this project and concurs with the Planning Department staff's determination that an EIR was not necessary, and also concurred with the City Council's approach for a mitigated declaration. The Deputy City Manager responded to Council Member Erickson's question regarding the project being a permitted use in a commercial zone by stating that he is of the opinion that the C1 -S zone allows the proposed uses by means of the master plan process which is similar to the standard conditional use permit, but is called a master plan in the C1 -S zone. Council Member Erickson felt that there were no new grounds for a rehearing, or findings to support another hearing. MOTION/Denied A motion was made by Council Member Erickson, seconded Request for Re- by Mayor Pro Tem Monahan, to deny the request for hearing rehearing. Mayor Buffa was of the opinion that there was no basis to grant the rehearing for the following reasons: air quality was discussed extensively at both the Planning Commission and the City Council meetings; and the impacts from diesel fumes have also been discussed in great detail. He noted that the dry cleaning shop and possible toxics are handled through the Air Quality Management District (AQMD) which specifically addresses removal of asbestos; and the three transformers on the site belong to Southern California Edison Company. Council Member Somers opposed the motion because she believed that a project of this size with 50 or more Conditions of Approval requires an EIR. The motion carried 4-1, Council Member Somers voting no. OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a request for systems Systems Acquis- acquisition and implementation for Phase III of the City's ition and Implemen- computer master plan: agreement with Fire Information tation for Phase III Support Services, 23772 Hobart Bay, Dana Point, in an of the City's amount not to exceed $55,392.50, for consulting services in Master Plan connection with fire records management applications upgrade of the City's computer master plan; procurement of a Compaq Server for the Fire Department records management system; and an agreement with 1St Priority Computers, 3303 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, for $24,562.11, for the Compaq Server services. The Acting Communications Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated November 6, 1998. 103 104 MOTION/Approved Agreements with Fire Information Support Services and 1St Priority Computers, and Procurement of a Compaq Server On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council Member Somers, land carried 5-0, the following action was taken: Agreement with Fire Information Support Services was approved; and the City Manager and Deputy City Clerk were authorized to sign on behalf of the City. Procurement of a Compaq Server for the Fire Department records management system was approved. Agreement with 1St Priority Computers was approved; and the City Manager and Deputy City Clerk were authorized to sign on behalf of the City. NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented City Attorney's Report No. Regulation of Signs 98-78 regarding regulation of signs in the public right-of-way and on public and private property. The City Attorney summarized his report dated November 6, 1998. Council Member Cowan was concerned about the public right- of-way being inundated with signs especially during election season, and wase interested in establishing an exemption process. The City, Attorney responded that the City currently regulates a whole series of signs by content. Mayor Buffa stated that the City now prohibits arts groups from listing their corporate sponsors on banners. The City Attorney stated that a zone could be created where banners would be allowed as long as they focus on commercial transactions such 'as sporting, theatrical, or holiday events, and that listing corporate sponsors supporting a particular event would be permissible through a permit process. Council Member Somers asked what type of enforcement would be required; for the permit and/or exemption process. The City Attorney, replied that after Council has selected an option amending the sign ordinance, he will provide a report outlining the administrative burdens associated with these two processes. He stated that other cities have created a template approach for their sign permits in which the physical characteristics of the sign are evaluated, not the content. Roy Pizarek, 1923'Whittier Avenue, Costa Mesa, thought that an exemption for neighborhood signs that advertise meetings, such as the Santa! Ana River Crossings (SARX) Study or the West Side Specific Plan, would more effectively inform the community of the meetings. Ernie Feeney, 1154 Dorsett Lane, Costa Mesa, stated that it is difficult for a driver to see on -coming traffic when making a left-hand turn onto a street because of signs placed in the center medians. She believed that visibility is impeded if signs are not placed responsibly in the six-foot setback. She believed that enforcement would be a problem if exemptions were allowed. Mayor Buffa felt that establishing a permit process for all signs would create administrative and enforcement problems. 1 los MOTION/Staff A motion was made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Directed to Bring Council Member Erickson, directing staff to bring back Back Ordinance language for an ordinance based on Option B, that is, by Language for exemption, not by permit. Option B At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Monahan, Council Member Cowan clarified that the intent of her motion was for staff to re-examine exemptions so that the content regulations can be removed; and to provide us with information and examples from other cities on the types of exemptions that they allow. Mayor Buffa asked the maker of the motion if she would consider including in her motion that arts organizations would be allowed to list their corporate sponsorship on their banners. The maker of the motion and the seconder concurred. Council Member Somers opposed the motion because she preferred prohibiting all signs in the public rights-of-way. The motion carried 4-1, Council Member Somers voting no. RECESS The Mayor declared a recess at 8:45 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 8:55 p.m. NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented City Attorney's Report No. Council Policies on 98-79, an ordinance amending Section 2-4 of the Costa Mesa Appointed Com- Municipal Code for City Council policies on appointed missions, Boards, commissions, boards, and committees. The City Attorney and Committees summarized his report dated November 6, 1998. Council Member Somers suggested that the following language be included in the proposal: that all committees have five voting members, resulting in a quorum of three members; with each committee having two alternates. She believed that when there are too many voting members on a committee, it creates difficulty in maintaining a quorum. Mayor Buffa agreed that there are some committees that have too many members; however, he noted that certain committees have requirements for representation from the business community, homeowner associations, etc., which would not fit into a five -member committee. MOTION/To Give A motion was made by Council Member Somers, seconded by First Reading to Mayor Buffa, to give first reading to the ordinance and to Ordinance direct staff to come back with a written statement regarding the proposal. Council Member Cowan disagreed with having committees restricted to five voting members because it would reduce the opportunity for citizens to participate in local government. She stated that her concern is that when vacancies occur on a committee, it creates a problem with having a quorum, thereby delaying formal action. SUBSTITUTE A substitute motion was made by Council Member Cowan, MOTION/Gave seconded by Council Member Erickson, to give first reading to First Reading to Ordinance 98-25, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF Ordinance 98-25 THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, TO AMEND SECTION 2-4 OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE FOR CITY COUNCIL POLICIES ON APPOINTED COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES. Council Member Somers felt . that five voting members on a committee with no; less than three members to make a quorum does not limit the number of people who can be active on a committee, in fact, she encouraged members of the community to be as involved as possible. Council Member Cowan responded to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Monahan by stating that her interest in this issue is to give committees the ability to vote on items that need immediate action and not be burdened by vacancies. In response to a question from Mayor Pro Tem Monahan, the City Attorney explained that a policy could be established which states that ;during committee vacancy periods and the City's recruiting process, the quorum could be adjusted downward to reflect that the committee constitutes the existing membership, but the number of members cannot go below three. Phillip Schwa rtze, ;commented on the new additions to the project, such as the" office and parking structures, and the hotel and restaurants. He reported that the project exceeded the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) after the hotel and the health club were added. In regard to the vehicle trips, he pointed out that the hotel and the health club are uses that operate during off- peak hours and will not interfere with the main intersections. MOTION/Directed A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Monahan, seconded Staff to Proceed by Council Member Erickson, and carried 5-0, directing staff to process the General Plan Amendment. Council Member Somers supported the motion; however, she felt that the plan must maintain the trip budget as outlined. COUNCIL Council Member 'Somers recognized Fire Engineer Bobby COMMENTS/ Masuzumi for being nominated for the Monsignor John Firefighters _"Over- Sammon award; members of the fire department who were achievers Banquet" honored at the Overachievers Banquet for the Orange County Recognition Fire Authority, and the entire Costa Mesa Firefighters Association for being nominated for the Organization of the Year award. i C 1 The substitute motion carried 3-2, Council Member Somers and Buffa votingi no. Second reading and adoption is scheduled for the meeting of December 7, 1998. NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a General Plan Amendment General Plan Screening request j from Phillip Schwartze, 31682 EI Camino Amendment Real, San Juan Capistrano, authorized agent for Robert Vogel, Screening Request McCarthy Cook/Blackstone LLP, 535 Anton Boulevard, Suite for South Coast 150, Costa Mesa, ifor property located at 535, 555, and 575 Metro Center Anton Boulevard (South Coast Metro Center), to create a site- specific floor area ratio in the Urban Center Commercial land use designation. The Deputy City Manager summarized the Agenda Report dated November 9, 1998, and showed an overhead transparency of the properties. Phillip Schwa rtze, ;commented on the new additions to the project, such as the" office and parking structures, and the hotel and restaurants. He reported that the project exceeded the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) after the hotel and the health club were added. In regard to the vehicle trips, he pointed out that the hotel and the health club are uses that operate during off- peak hours and will not interfere with the main intersections. MOTION/Directed A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Monahan, seconded Staff to Proceed by Council Member Erickson, and carried 5-0, directing staff to process the General Plan Amendment. Council Member Somers supported the motion; however, she felt that the plan must maintain the trip budget as outlined. COUNCIL Council Member 'Somers recognized Fire Engineer Bobby COMMENTS/ Masuzumi for being nominated for the Monsignor John Firefighters _"Over- Sammon award; members of the fire department who were achievers Banquet" honored at the Overachievers Banquet for the Orange County Recognition Fire Authority, and the entire Costa Mesa Firefighters Association for being nominated for the Organization of the Year award. i C 1 1077 SARX Meetings Council Member Erickson reported that last week, he and Council Members from Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Fountain Valley met with the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA), for their first elected officials meeting regarding the SARX Study. He stated that there will probably be three to four public meetings at which citizens can participate in the discussion, with an estimated completion by summer, 1999. He encouraged citizens to direct their concerns about the EIR to OCTA when a public hearing date has been scheduled. ADJOURNMENT The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. G t" 7 L7 .; Mayor of thd City of Costa Mesa ATTEST: 1. Deputy City rk of the City of Costa Mesa 1