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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/03/2000 - City CouncilREGULAR MEETING -OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COSTA MESA January 3, 2000 The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in regular session January 3, 2000, 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 Monahan, and invocation by the Reverend Bill Gartner, Harbor Christian Fellowship. ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Mayor Gary Monahan Mayor Pro Tem Libby Cowan Council Member Joe Erickson Council Member Heather Somers Council Member Linda Dixon Council Members Absent: None Officials Present: City Manager Allan Roeder City Attorney Jerry Scheer Development Services Director Donald Lamm Public Services Director William Morris Assistant to the City Manager Ann Shultz Management Analyst Carol Proctor Deputy City Clerk Mary Elliott MINUTES On motion by Council Member Erickson, seconded by Council December 20, 1999 Member Somers, and carried 5-0, the minutes of the regular meeting of December 20, 1999, were approved as distributed. ORDINANCES AND A motion was made by Council Member Erickson, seconded by RESOLUTIONS Council Member Somers, and carried 5-0, to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only. ORAL COMMUNI- Mildred Nicholson, 2063 Republic Avenue, Costa Mesa, CATIONS/Sale of objected to the sale of fireworks for the millennium celebration, Millenium Fireworks and stated that the Costa Mesa Police and Fire Departments had recommended against this action. She reported that the festivities, including the fireworks, continued until early in the morning of January 1, 2000, which violated the 12:30 a.m. West Side Specific curfew. Ms. Nicholson felt that west side residents should be Plan allowed sufficient input into decisions being made regarding their neighborhood. Mayor Monahan responded that when the draft for the West Side Specific Plan is completed by the consultant, residents will have the opportunity to comment at Planning Commission and City Council meetings. Donald Nicholson, 2063 Republic Avenue, Costa Mesa, supported the above comments on fireworks, and noted that he had called the Police Department several times during the early morning of January 1, 2000, regarding their illegal use. Santa Ana Heights Russ Niewiarowski, 20102 (Cline Drive, Santa Ana Heights, read Annexation a letterregarding the proposed Santa Ana Heights annexation to Costa Mesa, and provided a copy for Council. He concluded that the plans should be abandoned by Costa Mesa, and supported annexation to the City of Newport Beach, who has P, roved to be financially able to service the Heights area pItoperly. He stated that continued efforts by Costa Mesa to annex the Heights area will be protested. Robert Hanley, 1601 Indus Street, Santa Ana -Heights, stated that a copy of the: petition submitted 'to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) had been given to the City, and asked that Costa Mesa release the Heights from its sphere of influence. Millard Comment Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, criticized Costa Mesa for becoming a "lump of coal", reporting that there are presently more persons of poverty level than in previous vears. Feeney Questions Ernie Feeney, 1154 Dorset Lane, Costa Mesa, indicated that City staff had recently prepared an extensive report on group homes and other facilities, identifying a satellite jail facility in the Mesa North neighborhood. She stated that the intent was to close this facility as it is an illegal operation, and asked if this had occurred. The Development Services Director replied that he would research the issue and keep her advised of new developments regarding the facility. Mrs. Feeney requested a copy of the staff report requested by Mayor Pro Tem Cowan on the "Fillmore Way slum", and asked the status of the graffiti removal machine.: - The Public Services Director reviewed problems incurred : while attempting to obtain information from the one company that manufactures the graffiti removal machine, and reported that staff is currently researching alternate methods. "Fillmore Way John Feeney, 1154 Dorset Lane, -Costa Mesa, addressed his Slum" comments to the "Fillmore Way slum", observing that the majority of the residents on that street are decent, hardworking citizens who should not be forced to exist in such dire conditions. He showed a picture of graffiti in the Fillmore Way alley, and commented that the number of gangs in the City has increased. Illegally Parked Cars Edward Carmona, 752 Center Street, Costa Mesa, reported that his neighbor at 757 Center Street parks two sports utility vehicles, a car, acid 'a flatbed trailer on the cemented -over area in front of the house. In addition; he stated that a 30 -foot recreational vehicle is parked at the curb. Mr. Carmona observed that residents in the neighborhood were striving to improve their properties, and the neighbor with the vehicles is a detriment to the newly refurbished area. Low -Cost Financing Rory Hughes, 2013 Republic Avenue, Costa Mesa, owner of for Homes two houses in the Freedom Home tract on the west side of Costa Mesa, reported that he is the owner of a mortgage banking firm in the City which provides low-cost financing for the acquisition of homes and home improvement loans. He indicated that his firm employs over 60 percent Hispanic, 10 percent Vietnamese, and 7 percent black. 2 �d Upgrading Costa Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, suggested Mesa making Costa Mesa an upscale coastal community like Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Huntington Beach. CONSENT The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar: CALENDAR Item No. 13, Agreement with Arroyo Associates, Inc., to provide a needs assessment of library services for the City. MOTION/Approved On motion by Council Member Erickson, seconded by Council Except Item No. 13 Member Dixon, and carried 5-0, the remaining Consent Calendar items were approved as recommended. WRITTEN COMMU- NICATIONS/ Resolution 00-1 was adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY Adopted Resolution COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, 00-1, Records AUTHORIZING RECORDS DESTRUCTION FOR THE CITY Destruction for City CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, PURSUANT Clerk TO ORDINANCE 75-60. READING FOLDER The following Reading Folder items were received and processed: Claim Claim received by the Deputy City Clerk: Theodore Walter Reynolds. Public Utilities Communication from M & A International Group, LLC, 9800 Commission South Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 208, Los Angeles, advising that it has filed an application with the Public Utilities Commission for authority to operate an on-call, door- to-door passenger stage between various airports, Amtrak train stations, and other points of interest in Southern California. WARRANTS The following warrants were approved: Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1777, funding City operating expenses 1777 for $369,105.80. Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1778, funding Payroll 926 for 1778/Payroll 926 $1,648,302.26, and City operating expenses for $750,987.43, including payroll deductions. ADMINISTRATIVE Street improvements at the intersection of 17th Street and Irvine ACTIONS/Accepted Avenue were completed to the satisfaction of the Public Work at 17th and Services Director by Delta Environmental Consultants, 27141 Irvine by Delta En- Aliso Creek Road, Suite 270, Aliso Viejo, in connection with vironmental, EP No. Encroachment Permit No. PS99-0607. The work was accepted, PS99-00607 and authorization was given to refund the $6,690.00 cash deposit. Accepted Work on Street ''improvements on Anton Boulevard, Bristol Street, Anton, Bristol, Sun- Sunflower Avenue, and Main Street were completed to the flower, and Main by satisfaction of the Public Services Director by Nielsen Dillingham Nielsen Dillingham, Builders, Inc., 5101 East La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, in EP No. 14969 connection with Encroachment Permit No. 14969. The work was accepted, and the bonds were ordered exonerated. Accepted Work at Street improvements at 1901 and 1903 Raymond Avenue were 1901/1903 completed to the satisfaction of the Public Services Director by Raymond by JMS JMS Raymond Street, LLC, Post Office Box 10757, Costa Raymond Street, EP Mesa, in connection with Encroachment Permit Nos. -PS99- Nos. PS99-00319 60319 and PS99-00356 (S-98-225). The work was accepted, and PS99-00356 nd the bonds were ordered exonerated. Accepted Work on Street improvements on Wilson Street, between Orange and Wilson by Emil Elden Avenues, were completed to the satisfaction of the Public Vossilev, Encroach- Services Director by Emil Vossilev, in care of Bobby E. ment Permit No. Alexander, 3126 Evelyn Street, La Cresenta, in connection with PS99-00481 (PA- Encroachment Permit No. PS99-00481 (PA -97-01A). The work 97-01 A) was accepted, and authorization was given to release the ments and Fifth 527,000.00 Certificate of Deposit. Awarded Bid Item Bids received for Bid Item No. 1039, three-year contract for No. 1039, Annual Annual Pest Control (Herbicides) Maintenance, are on file in the Pest Control, to Dr. City Clerk's office. The contract was awarded to Dr. Grow Grow Landscape Landscape Pest Control, 3310 Yorba Linda Boulevard, Suite 11851 Fullerton, for an annual amount not to exceed $33,639.60. Approved Renewal Renewal was approved of the agreement with PeopleSoft USA, of PeopleSoft Inc., Department CH10699, Palatine, Illinois, for an annual Agreement for amount of $109,128.53, effective March 19, 2000, through Technical Support March 18, 2001, for continued technical support. Adopted Resolution Resolution 00-2 was adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY 00-2, Groundwater COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, Replenishment SUPPORTING THE GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT SYSTEM System for County FOR THE COUNTY OF ORANGE, and supporting the efforts of of Orange the Orange County Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District to identify and develop alternative sources for safe, reliable water supplies for Orange County. Approved Increase An increase of $10,000.00 was approved to the contract with to Thomas Staffing Thomas Staffing, Post Office Box 19578, Irvine, to provide Contract; Approved temporary personnel services; and Budget Adjustment No. 00- Adjustment 00-52 52 was approved for $10,000.00. Approved Contract A three-year contract was approved -with Evercom, Inc., 10101 With Evercom to Linn Station Road, Suite 900, Louisville, Kentucky, to continue Provide Inmate Tele- to provide inmate telephone services in the jail facility, and the phone Services Mayor and Deputy City Clerk were. authorized to sign on behalf of the City. Approved Right -of- Right-of-way agreements were approved with AGL Investments, Way Agreements No. 5 Limited Partnership, 1050 171h Street, Suite 1200, With AGL Invest- Denver, Colorado, the lease holder of 555 Anton Boulevard, and ments and Fifth with Fifth Street' Properties, LLC, in care of Commonwealth Street Properties for Partnership Capital Management LLC, 633 West Fifth Street, 555 Anton/Two 72"d Floor, Los Angeles, owners of Two Town Center; and the Town Center Mayor and Deputy City Clerk were authorized to sign on behalf of the City. Agreement with Item 13 on the 'Consent Calendar was presented: Agreement Arroyo Associates with Arroyo Associates, Inc., 3871 East Colorado Boulevard, for Library Needs Suite 101, Pasadena, in the amount of $29,470.00, to provide Assessment a needs assessment of library services for the City of Costa Mesa. A communication was received from Tom Egan, member of the Library Needs Assessment Committee. Tom Egan, 1893 Parkview Circle, Costa Mesa, supported the selection of Arroyo Associates, Inc., to provide a needs assessment of library MOTION/Approved services.. On motion by Council Member Erickson, seconded by Agreement Mayor Pro Tem Cowan, and carried 5-0, the agreement was approved, 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 BIA Assessment place set for the public hearing to consider an ordinance Increase increasing the annual Business Improvement Area (BIA) assessment levied on the City's seven largest hotels from one percent to two percent. The Affidavit of Publication is on file in the City Clerk's office. The members of the BIA were notified of the public hearing. No communications were received. The Assistant to the City Manager summarized the Agenda Report dated December 14;=. 1999. MOTION A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cowan, seconded by Ordinance 00-1 Council Member Somers, and carried 5-0, to give Ordinance 00 - Given First Reading 1 first reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, INCREASING THE ANNUAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA ASSESSMENT LEVIED ON THE CITY'S SEVEN LARGEST HOTELS. Second reading and adoption are scheduled for the meeting of January 17, 2000. NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented the Committee Formation Cultural Arts and Application for a Cultural Arts and Historical Resources Historical Resources Committee. The Management Analyst reviewed the Agenda Committee Report dated December 20, 1999. Motion to Approve A motion was made by Council Member Somers, seconded by Committee Died Council Member Dixon, to approve the committee formation, directing staff to recruit for committee members, and appointing Council Members Somers and Dixon as committee liaisons. Council Member Dixon stated that the Agenda Report suggested that the committee be comprised of 15 members from specific areas of the community. She suggested that the membership be open to all residents and persons working in the City. Council Member Somers opposed the open membership concept, and Council Member Dixon withdrew her second. MOTION/Gave A motion was made by Council Member Dixon, seconded by Directions to Staff Mayor Pro Tem Cowan, to appoint Council Members Dixon and Somers as liaisons to the Cultural Arts and Historical Resources Committee, and directing staff to recruit 15 interested persons from the community as committee members. AMENDED MOTION Mayor Pro Tem Cowan suggested appointing the Recreation Appointed Staff Manager as staff liaison to the committee. The maker of the Liaison motion concurred, and the above was added to the motion. Council Member Erickson commented that the previous arts committee at times lacked the proper discretion in distributing funds, in one instance funding an offensive play at the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse. He asked, that the new committee display more sensitivity to persons in the community. 5. W Mayor Monahan concurred with Council Member Erickson in wishing the committee success, but opposed a 15 -member committee. He commented that the staff presentation and comments by Council Member Somers indicated that three Council Members had agreed upon the structure of the committee as presented in the staff report, and questioned a possible Brown Act violation. Mayor Pro Tem Cowan denied a Brown Act violation, stating that she had been given, as an individual, an opportunity to review some recommendations from the Management Analyst and did not discuss them with either Council Member Dixon nor Council Member Somers at any time. Council Member Somers concurred that the Brown Act was not violated, as each Council Member was acting individually. Council Member Dixon assured Council Member Erickson that his previous comments would be taken into consideration, and the committee will present an opportunity to offer art to the residents of Costa Mesa. i The City Attorney was of the opinion that there was no apparent violation of the Brown Act. The motion carried -4-1, Mayor Monahan voting no. NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City 'Clerk presented issues relating to Council Council Appointed appointed committees (Council Policy 000-2). The Assistant to Committees the City Manager summarized the Agenda Report dated (Council Policy December 15, 1999. 000-2) Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, observed that one of the City committees has not had a rotation of its members in some time, and suggested that a term limit or requirement for rotation be instituted to afford others an opportunity to serve. MOTION/Approved A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cowan, seconded. by Staff Recommen- Ciouncil Member Erickson, and carried 5-0, to approve the seven dations staff recommendations regarding Council appointed committees as contained in the Agenda Report dated December 15, 1999. i NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented the Santa Ana River Crossings SARX Study Update (SARX) Study update, Community Objective 98-134; West Side West Side Specific Specific Plan Status Report No. 13, Community Objective 98 - Plan Report No. 13 0i1: Report from the Latino Community Advisors Group Report from the University of California at Irvine (UCI) School of Social Ecology graduate class case study regarding west side demographics. The Public Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated December 15, 1999, reporting that the new traffic model based on the socioeconomic figures has been completed, and the data has been forward to the cities for review. Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, stated that the SARX Study addresses the issue of whether it is less expensive to construct the 19th Street bridge or to widen 1 1 1 Victoria Street, Adams Avenue, and Pacific Coast Highway. Mayor Pro Tem Cowan responded that the SARX Study addresses the alternatives of a build/no-build option for the 19th Street bridge and the Gisler Street bridge, and Victoria Street is not covered in this study. Rory Hughes, 2013 Republic Avenue, Costa Mesa, reported that the traffic on Victoria Street backs up from Hamilton and Brookhurst Streets in Huntington Beach to Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., and the reverse in the evening. He supported construction of the 19th Street bridge to assist in the movement of traffic. Michael Vorhees, owner of a building at 866 West 16' Street, Costa Mesa, commented that the commute from Newport Beach, via Superior Avenue, is deadlocked during the summer months and rush -'-:hours.. He asked why the City opposed construction of the 19th Street bridge. Council Member Somers replied that the original reasons for opposing the bridge was because it would bisect several residential communities. She stated that Mr. Graham touted the 19th Street bridge as the solution to traffic problems but neglected to mention that a bridge at Gisler Street, which is near Mr. Graham's residence, is also an option. The Development Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated December 28, 1999, regarding the West Side Specific Plan. He reported that release of the draft report has been delayed 30 days pending the presentation by the Latino community advisors and the UCI students. He added that the document is scheduled for presentation at the Council study session of February 14, 2000. Mayor Monahan stated that there will be several opportunities for public input. Mayor Pro Tem Cowan reported on her work with the Latino Community Advisors Group and their involvement in the west side study. ii Kristen Day, professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, UCI, reported that several. master students in urban planning spent the fall examining two questions posed by the City and the west side community: create a social profile of the west side which would provide more information to the .City on the nature of the current resident, business, and, community organization population who make up the west side, and how the specific plan addresses their needs now and in the future; and analyze some successful, local, multi -cultural commercial centers for guidance in planning west side commercial districts. She summarized the findings by stating that the west side is undergoing a dramatic transformation into a strong, Latino community, with Latinos soon to be in the majority. Ms. Day indicated that the students analyzed -Fourth Street in Santa Ana and Pacific Boulevard in Huntington Park, with the objective of using these sites as models for the west side. She reported that both areas are extremely successful in harnessing the economic potential of the Latino community, noting that time .is the key element for success. She provided a copy of the report for Council. ii Maria Elena Avila, representing the Latino Community Advisors Group, stated that she is proud of their community and thanked Council for allowing them to be a part of the governmental process. Mirna Burciaga, 1778 New Hampshire Drive, Costa Mesa, President of Madres Costa Mesa and member of the Latino Community Advisors Group, reported that more than 500 families and business people participated in living room dialogues to discuss the West Side Specific Plan, several community meetings were held in locations such as St. Joachim Catholic Church, Rea Community Center, and the Senior Center, and the Specific Plan emerged from these activities. She stated that the focus of the plan should be on the people who live, work, and own businesses on the west side. Manfredo Respier, 1127 Charleston Street, Costa Mesa, President of the Latino Business Council, and Chairman of the Latino Community Advisors Group, stated that the West Side Specific Plan should make a commitment to affordable, quality housing, addressing the needs of all neighborhoods and in persons who reside in apartments and in multi -tenant housing. He suggested that the City relax density restrictions to encourage landlords to improve their rental properties, and recommended that the City form a task force, which includes Latino representatives, to study the affordable housing issue. Mr. Respier addressed employment by stating that the draft version of the Plan incorporates changes that would displace or negatively impact existing west side businesses. He recommended maintaining existing businesses and the employment center on the west side. Laura Avella, 1995 Pomona Avenue, No. M, Costa Mesa, member of the ;Orange County Congregation Community Organization, mentioned potential offensive behavior and criminal activity on 19th Street near Pomona Avenue. She recommended restricting the sale of liquor in stores and bars; and improving street lighting to assure safety and security on the west side. Roberto Torres, 675 Beach Street, Costa Mesa, member of the Latino Community, Advisory Group, reported that residents of the west side showed an interest in having more parks with playground areas and after-school activity centers, especially in the neighborhoods with multiple apartment complexes. i Maria Elena Avila stressed the need for a vision of the long-term potential of the west side in terms of harnessing the economic spendable income: She asked that the Latino community be included in the process as the commercial plan is being developed. She, encouraged developing creative ways to implement improvements, such as facade upgrades, and suggested that Council affirm the process which has begun including the hiring of a community liaison. I Maria Elena Garcia, 809 Congress Street, Costa Mesa, a former Immigration and Naturalization Service agent and a real estate agent, stated that west side Costa Mesa residents are loyal to the City. Rory Hughes, 2013 Republic Avenue, Costa Mesa, suggested assisting Latinos to become bilingual. He observed that the Latinos working in his company are bilingual, have a good education, are trained in the field, and the average income is over $36,000.00 per year. Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, stated that the 19th Street bridge had not been. mentioned in the meetings held to discuss the West Side Specific Plan. He provided a photograph of 19th Street, and mentioned that the street will continue to be isolated unless the bridge is built. John Feeney, 1154 Dorset Lane, Costa Mesa, commented that housing is currently affordable if a person earns enough money, and observed that some employers in the City choose to exploit their employees by, paying poverty -level wages. He suggested that the Council consider a family living -wage ordinance. Patty Madueno, 1981 Wallace Avenue, No. C101, Costa Mesa, a member of the Orange County Congregation Community Organization, and apartment manager for Costa Mesa Family Village, an affordable housing complex for 72 families, thanked Council for their support. Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, a commercial real estate agent, commented that Costa Mesa is basically an ocean -oriented community, and opposed artificially keeping property values down by building affordable housing. He objected to subsidizing persons to live in Costa Mesa. Frank Gutierrez, business owner of property on 19th Street and Placentia Avenue, a Santa Ana resident, supported the study stating that it would be a positive influence on the Latino community and a viable commercial project employing the best of two cultures. Mayor Pro Tem Cowan thanked the graduate students at UCI for their efforts and the Latino Community Advisors Group for their hard work. She explained the criteria for affordable housing, and asked those in attendance to return durirmg the public hearing process. MOTION/Received A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Cowan, seconded by And Filed Council Member Dixon, and carried 5-0, to receive and file the reports. CITY MANAGER'S The City Manager reported that the agreement approved at the REPORT meeting of December 20, 1999, relative to future controls on Pacific Amphitheatre the Pacific Amphitheatre, has been agreed upon by all parties, Agreement but not yet fully executed. New Year's The City Manager commended staff for the hard work and Celebration preparation for the New Year 2000 celebrations. COUNCIL Council Member Somers thanked staff for the aforementioned COMMENTS preparation for the New Year, and thanked community members New Year for making the holiday safe and sane. West Side Specific Plan/General Plan Council Objectives Graffiti Removal ADJOURNMENT I Council Member Erickson recommended using some suggestions in a booklet, the "Core City in the New Economy", and thought it could be applicable to the West Side Specific Plan, as well as the City's General Plan. He asked when Council objectives would be discussed, and the City Manager responded that the objectives are on the agenda for the study session of January 10, 2000, along with the mid -year budget review and net revenue. Mayor Pro Tem Cowan stated that other cities have outside contracts for graffiti removal, and asked for comments on that option. She stated that outside contractors should have the ability to match paint which would negate the need for a graffiti removal machine. The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Mayor oft a City of Costa Mesa ATTEST: i Deputy ty.Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa I 1 1