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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/18/2000 - City CouncilREGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COSTA MESA DECEMBER 18, 2000 The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in regular session December 18, 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 Pro Tem Dixon, and invocation by Mayor Cowan, who included a prayer for Brian Wickman, a former reserve Costa Mesa Police Officer. ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Mayor Libby Cowan Mayor Pro Tem Linda Dixon Council Member Gary Monahan .Council Member Karen Robinson Council Member Chris Steel Council Members Absent: Officials Present: None City Manager Allan Roeder City Attorney Jerry Scheer Development Services Director Donald Lamm Public Services Director William Morris CDBG/HOME Coordinator Mike Linares Deputy City Clerk Mary Elliott MINUTES On motion by Council Member Monahan, seconded by Council December 4, 2000 Member Robinson, and carried 5-0, the. minutes of the regular meeting of December 4, 2000, were approved as amended. ORDINANCES AND A motion was made by Council Member Monahan, seconded_ by RESOLUTIONS Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, and carried 5-0, to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only. ORAL COMMUNI- Harvey Alexander Cochran, 2111 Doctors Circle, Apt. A-101, CATIONS Costa Mesa, Vice President of Californians for Disabilities Rights "Overnight Camping" Group, addressed the issue of homeless persons who sleep in City in City Parks parks, commenting that many of these persons are disabled. He suggested that the City adopt an ordinance which prohibits "overnight camping" in the parks, noting that homeless persons should be referred to alternate programs for assistance. Mr. Cochran proposed that Costa Mesa involve its citizens in a City clean-up program. Illegal Signage Eleanor Egan, 1893 Parkview Circle, Costa Mesa, showed a photograph of a Costa Mesa store which flagrantly violates the sign code. She indicated that the problem has existed at this location for 20 years, and the last action taken was November 12, 1992, wherein a Notice of Illegal Sign's was issued. She indicated that now was the time to eliminate this eyesore. Mayor Cowan asked the Development Services Director to investigate this complaint with a report to Council, and to supply Mrs. Egan with a copy. Janice Davidson, 1982 Arnold Avenue, Costa Mesa, concurred West Side Costa with Mrs. Egan regarding the sign problem. She recognized that Mesa ReLeaf Costa Mesa's planting of 2000 trees in the City by the year 1 1 1 2000 was a noble and successful event, but thought that the same amount of energy, time, and money could have been placed into renovating the west side. She proposed that a facilitator for the west side project should come from within City Hall, suggesting that the City Manager had excellent qualifications for the job. Tom Egan, 1893 Parkview Circle, Costa Mesa, proposed an outside facilitator for the west side project would be more appropriate. Noise Ordinance Joel Faris, 1863 Parkview Circle, Costa Mesa, addressed the issue Violation of noise pollution, objecting to loud automobile stereo music on Harbor Boulevard. He reported that the Police Department had indicated the difficulty in enforcing the appropriate code, and he asked that action be taken. Mayor Cowan directed the City Manager to ask the Police Chief to research current law and status of this issue. Costa Mesa Charities Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, referred to a Daily Pilot article about a charity in Costa Mesa which is expanding. He commented that if the charities were effective, the number of persons utilizing them would be diminishing each year instead of increasing. Mr. Millard stated that the "charity establishment" in Costa Mesa draws people to the City to the detriment of homeowners and citizens. In response to a question from Council Member Robinson, Mr. Millard reported that the Shalimar After School Program is the charity in question, and the program is being combined with the Someone Cares Soup Kitchen. Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, quoting the Rainbow Directory as her source, replied that the majority of people receiving food are children, approximately 42 percent. She indicated that Costa Mesa has four charities supplying food, which is a similar number as that in neighboring cities. Todd Russell, 900 Cedar Place, Costa Mesa, thought that property values are negatively impacted by a west side address. He concurred with Mr. Millard that people are drawn to Costa Mesa because of the number of charities. General Plan Mike Clifford, 666 West 19th Street, No. 709, Costa Mesa, commented that many developers have limited knowledge of the City's General Plan, and he resented attempts to violate the rules. He objected to the two General Plan Amendment screening requests on the agenda for December 4, 2000, and the sign variation for Zoning Application ZA-00-35 on this evening's agenda. He asked that traffic speeds and regulations be enforced on 19th Street. Skateboard Park Vanessa Cocroft, 587 Knowell Place, Costa Mesa, submitted copies of two articles which address skateboard parks. She mentioned that the Charle/Hamilton Skateboard Park cannot accommodate up to 100 users per day due to parking limitations. Ms. Cocroft expressed concern regarding a woman who was critically injured while jaywalking on Hamilton Street across from the proposed skateboard park. Small -Lot Residental Eric Bever, 1046 Westward Way, Costa Mesa, referred to the Moratorium; West small -lot residential moratorium extension, stating that errors of the Side Housing past should be addressed, such as the substandard housing on the west side. He suggested that full-scale redevelopment be considered. West Side Plan Doug Scribner, 321 Avocado Street, No. P, Costa Mesa, asked about the process to apply for the west side facilitator position. Mayor Cowan replied that Request for Proposals have been received for the position, and suggested that Mr. Scribner call City Hall and ask to be included on the list. TeWinkle School Daniel Boren, 1626-A Iowa Street, Costa Mesa, President of the Mesa Verde Villas Homeowners Association, provided an update on the field area near the fence ;at TeWinkle School, reporting that the Newport -Mesa 'Unified School District completed the installation of a sprinkler system. He addressed the field lighting at the school, suggesting that the City contact the School District Board regarding their intentions. Mayor Cowan asked the City Manager for a report on the maintenance issues in the Joint Use Agreement at TeWinkle School, and a status report on the field lighting. Mayor Pro Tem Dixon asked that a joint City Council/School Board'meeting be arranged. CONSENT The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar: CALENDAR Item No. 2, Notice of, Intention ,to Appeal or Solicit for Charitable Purpose from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to solicit funds at Mitsuwa Market from December 9 through 31, 2000; Item No. 7, Award of Bid Item No. 1056, Purchase of a Discreet Non -Linear Edit System, to Motion Media; and Item No. 8, Completion of 18th Street Rehabilitation, Project No. 00-02, by All American Asphalt. MOTION/Approved On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, seconded by Council Member Except Item Nos. 2, Steel, and carried 5-0, the remaining Consent Calendar items were 7, and 8 approved as recommended. WARRANTS The following warrants were approved: Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1827, funding City operating expenses for 1827 $465,088.84. Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1828, funding Payroll 025 for 1828/Payroll 025 $1,631,696.70, and City operating expenses for $1,416,151.37, including payroll deductions. REJECTED CLAIMS The following claims were rejected: Durkin Claim from Jereme Durkin (alleged false arrest and violation of civil rights by Police). Durkin Claim from Robynn Durkin (alleged false arrest and violation of civil rights by Police). BUSINESS PERMIT Item No. 2 on the Consent Calendar was presented: Notice of Request from Intention to Appeal or Solicit ;for Charitable Purpose from the Japanese Chamber Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 244 South San of Commerce Founda- Pedro Street, No. 504, Los Angeles, to solicit funds at Mitsuwa tion Market Place, 665 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, from December 9 through 31, 2000, to provide care for senior citizens. Harvey Alexander Cochran, 2111 Doctors Circle, Apt. A-101, Costa Mesa, commented on the number of persons who solicit funds in front of stores, and asked about the permits which are required. Council Member Monahan asked the City Attorney to provide a copy of the panhandling ordinance to City Council and the Police Department. Doug Scribner, 321 Avocado Street, No. P, Costa Mesa, rendered his opinion that businesses should regulate solicitation on their properties. 1 1 MOTION/Approved On motion by Council Member Monahan, seconded by Mayor Permit Cowan, and carried 5-0, the permit was approved pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9-127(d). ADMINISTRATIVE Item No. 7 on the Consent Calendar was presented: Bid Item No. ACTIONS/Bid Item 1056, Purchase of a Discreet Non -Linear Edit System. Doug No. 1056, Edit Scribner, 321 Avocado Street, No. P, Costa Mesa, urged Council System to reevaluate this item prior to accepting the one bid from Motion Media for approximately $40,000.00, and reported that he had purchased a similar piece of equipment several years ago at a much lower price. The City Manager replied that bid items are noticed, advertised in newspapers and trade journals. He reviewed the procedures used to check the bids, references, and price comparison using industry standards. Council Member Robinson asked if this item could be rebid since only one bid had been received, although two other bidders expressed interest in the project, and in light of Mr. Scribner's comments. The City Manager affirmed that the project could be rebid, and reported that the equipment is commercial, hundreds -of video productions are created on a monthly basis for cable, cable access, and training. MOTION/Rejected A motion was made by Council Member Robinson, seconded by Bids Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, and carried 5-0, to reject all bids, and to readvertise the project. 18th Street Rehabili- Item No. 8 on the Consent Calendar was presented: Completion tation, Project No. of 18th Street Rehabilitation (from Whittier Avenue to Anaheim 00-02 Avenue), Project No. 00-02, by All American Asphalt, 400 'East Sixth Street, Corona. Eleanor Egan, 1893 Parkview Circle, Costa Mesa, complimented the City on the work on 18th Street, stating that it was an enormous improvement. A video was presented which showed the completed work. MOTION/Accepted On motion by Council Member Monahan, seconded by Mayor Pro Work Tem Dixon, and carried 5-0, the work was accepted; the Deputy City Clerk was authorized to file a Notice of Completion; authorization 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 12 months thereafter. PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this was the time and place Appeal of ZA-00-35, set for the public hearing to consider an appeal of the Planning Hanford Hotels/ Commission's denial of Zoning Application ZA-00-35 from Young Holiday Inn Electric Sign Company, 1443 South Cucamonga Avenue, Ontario, authorized agent for Hanford Hotels/Holiday Inn, for a planned signing program to allow a 65 -foot tall, freeway -oriented, free- standing sign at 3131 Bristol Street in a C1 zone. Environmental Determination: Exempt. The Affidavits of Publishing and Mailing are on file in the City Clerk's office. No communications were received. The Development Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated December 6, 2000. Ken Person, Young Electric Sign Company, indicated that the position of the hotel provides limited visibility from the freeway, access roads, and the overpass. He reported that the sign code was studied prior to design, but noted the unique circumstances of this application. He stressed that they have attempted compromises which are in the best interest of the neighborhood but which still accomplish the goals identified for the hotel. He responded to questions from Council. Mike McGlone, President of Hanford Hotels, 4 Corporate Plaza, Suite 102, Newport Beach, reported that currently two percent of the occupancy for this Holiday Inn is "transient", or drive by business, while comparable locations have five to ten percent. He stated that the 65 -foot sign is necessary at this location, and noted that the hotel will be advertised as completely renovated, like -new property. The Development Services Director displayed a photograph which illustrated the location of the proposed sign in relation to adjacent neighbors. Mr. McGlone stated ,that the 65 -foot pole sign would be less obtrusive in the neighborhood than a sign placed on the building. Peter Trapolino, Vice President of Hanford Hotels, 4 Corporate Plaza, Suite 102, Newport Beach, identified the sign on the site plan., observing that it is over 200 feet from any residences. He stated that placement was decided in order to minimize impact on the residential area. Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, opposed the sign, stating that it would set a precedent. He suggested redesigning this sign in order to make the City more upscale. Harvey Alexander Cochran, 2111 Doctors Circle, Apt. A-101, Costa Mesa, informed Council' that measures can be taken to ensure that lighted signs do not disturb residents. He suggested several alternatives, and opposed an overload of freeway signs. Tom Egan, 1893 Parkview Circle, Costa Mesa, addressed degradation of the community as a result of this signage. Doug Scribner, 321 Avocado Street, No. P, Costa Mesa, suggested that the applicant contact residents in the neighborhood to determine the effect of the proposed sign. There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public hearing. Mayor Pro Tem Dixon stated that 65 -foot signs visually pollute an area, and opposed that image for the City. MOTION/Adopted A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, seconded by Resolution 00-86 Council Member Steel, and carried 5-0, to uphold the Planning Denying ZA-00-35 Commission's decision by adopting Resolution 00-86, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, DENYING PLANNED SIGNING PROGRAM ZA-00-35. Council Member Robinson supported the motion concurring with the comments made by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon. She believed that other 65 -foot signs would be requested which would not enhance the community. PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this was the time and place PA -00-50, Langford/ set for the public hearing to consider Planning Application PA-00- Segerstrom 50, Steven Langford Architects, Inc., 4 Executive Circle, Suite 190, Irvine, authorized agent for C. J. Segerstrom & Sons, 3315 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, for!an amendment to the master plan to allow a 665 -square -foot expansion to existing restaurant space in South Coast Plaza, located at 3333 Bristol Street, Space No. 1876, in a PDC zone. Environmental Determination: Exempt. The Affidavit of Publication is on file in the City Clerk's office. No communications were received. The Development Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated December 11,2000. Kevin Hale, 3501 East Camelback Road, Phoenix, Arizona, Regional Director for Z'Tejas Restaurants, reported that there are eight restaurants throughout the United States, approximately 7,500 square feet per restaurant with a ratio of 75 percent food, 25 percent liquor sales. There being no speakers, the Mayor closed the public hearing. MOTION/Adopted A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, seconded by Resolution 00-87 Council Member Robinson, and carried 5-0, to adopt Resolution Approving PA -00-50 00-87, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT PA -00-50, based on the findings contained in Exhibit A, and subject to the Conditions of Approved contained in Exhibit B. OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented the Fairview Park Annual Report. Fairview Park Annual The Public Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated Report December 11, 2000, and responded to questions from Council. MOTIONS/Gave A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, seconded by Directions to Staff Council Member Steel, and carried 4-0, Council Member Robinson abstaining, directing staff to report to Council at the meeting of February 5, 2001, on the master plan relative to the Canary Drive cul-de-sac park entrance. Council Member Robinson abstained due to the proximity of her residence to the Canary Drive entrance. The Public Services Director clarified that residents will be notified that this item will be on the February 5, 2001, agenda. Mayor Cowan indicated that there is an extensive list of persons interested in Fairview Park in addition to the residents adjacent to the park that she would appreciate having notified. MOTION/Received A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, seconded by Mayor and Filed Cowan, and carried 5-0, to receive and file the Annual Fairview Park Report. NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented Community Development Block CDBG Public Service Grant (CDBG) Public Service Grant Policies and Procedures. The Grant Policies and CDBG/HOME Coordinator summarized the Agenda Report date Procedures December 7, 2000, and responded to questions from Council. Mayor Cowan reported that she had attended the Redevelopment and Residential Rehabilitation (3R) Committee on November 20, 2000, and the vote was unanimous to recommend approval of the policies and procedures to City Council. MOTION/Adopted On motion by Mayor Cowan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, Policies and Proce- and carried 5-0, the grant policy and procedures were adopted. dures NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a request from Mayor Cowan for Harbor Boulevard consideration of City participation in replacing an existing, Block Wall damaged block wall adjacent to Harbor Boulevard between Princeton Drive and the Orange County Jeep dealership. Mayor Pro Tem Dixon noted her abstention on this item due to the wall being near her home. The Public Services Director summarized the Agenda Report dated December 11, 2000. Harvey Alexander Cochran, 2,111 Doctors Circle, Apt. A-101, Costa Mesa, suggested posting a reflecting sign, or an orange, white -striped barrier, at the end of cul-de-sacs to warn oncoming motorists. Richard Lambert 2528 Littleton Place, Costa Mesa, produced a letter from the City dated August 10, 1988, which states that the City. was considering the replacement of the same wall under discussion. He was in possession of a list of homeowners in the neighborhood who were interested in this issue, and provided several verbal comments. Ed Baume, 263 Bowling Green Drive, Costa Mesa, asked if the automobile insurance of the individual who hit the wall would pay for the repairs. He urged Council to restore the wall. Joel Faris, 1863 Parkglen Circle, Costa Mesa, suggested that the wall be repaired to enhance the appearance of the neighborhood. Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, supported Alternative No. 2 in the Agenda Report as the most appropriate because the homeowners would not be assessed. He proposed a plan to replace the entire wall. Henry Panion, 436 Swarthmore Lane, Costa Mesa, reported that the wall does not meet current building codes, and the recent accident is an opportunity to improve the situation. He noted that the aesthetic value of this wall to the community and the property values of the people involved weigh heavily into the consideration. Marie Maples, 461 Swathmore Lane, Costa Mesa, stated that she has had six occurrences with ;automobiles damaging her home because of the instability of the 'block wall. She related the details of these incidences. MOTION/Approved A motion was made by Mayor Cowan, seconded by Council 1 Alternative 5 Member Steel, to approve Alternative No. 5 as follows, based upon a finding of public health, safety, and welfare: "Reconstruction of the existing wall with an eight -foot high slumpstone wall along Harbor Boulevard, between Princeton Drive southerly to the Orange County Jeep dealership. All expenses will be shared equally by the City and the property owners. A portion of this cost may be recovered through the insurance company of the owner of the vehicle that damaged a segment of this wall. The City will front all costs associated with the reconstruction at the owner's option to pay his/her share upon the completion of work with no interest, or defer his/her share until resale of their property at a fixed. annual interest rate or as adjusted by, the consumer price index (CPI) annually to the year of sale of the house. This option would require that the City enter into a deferred loan agreement with the property owners, which would be recorded on the property deed." SUBSTITUTE A substitute motion was made; by Council Member Monahan, to MOTION/ To Approve approve Alternative No. 6. The motion died for lack of a second. Alternative 6 Died Council Member Steel suggested obtaining input from the affected property owners. Council Member Robinson supported Alternative No. 5 but asked that stronger language be included regarding pursuit of the vehicle owner's insurance company for compensation. She believed that the statement, "A portion of this cost may be recovered through the insurance company of the owner .of the vehicle...", should be amended by a stronger statement that the City will go after the insurance company of the vehicle owner. The maker of the motion agreed to the addition of this amendment, and the seconder concurred. The amended motion carried 4-0, Mayor Pro Tem Dixon abstaining. RECESS The Mayor declared a recess at 8:50 p.m., and reconvened the meeting at 9:00 p.m. NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a request for City Council Planning Commission direction to fill the unexpired term of Planning Commissioner Chris Appointment Fewel. The City Manager reviewed the Agenda Report dated December 12, 2000. Mayor Cowan thanked Commissioner Fewel for his dedication to the City. She expressed an interest in revising the current ordinance to allow each City Council Member to appoint his/her own representative to the Planning Commission and to the Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission. Mayor Cowan observed that this is a good opportunity to change the conduct of City business, and to allow each Council Member to have a commissioner who reflects his/her point of view. She suggested, in the interim, to conduct a recruitment through public notice, to accept letters of application from the public for both commissions, have Council review the applications individually, interview the applicants, and present the names for appointment at the meeting of January 15, 2001. She reiterated that Council Members would each appoint a member to the two commissions which would not require ratification by the City Council. Council Member Monahan clarified with the Mayor that her intent was to have a full recruitment for both commissions. Mayor Cowan explained her proposal. Council Member Monahan stated that he would be hesitant to change the existing selection process because under the proposed system, an individual commissioner would attempt to please one Council Member, the majority of Council Members would have no recourse should one commissioner prove unacceptable, and the process could become very political. Mayor Cowan responded by mentioning the slowness with which both commissions adjust to Council direction, and felt that the change would aid in this process. Council Member Steel originally supported the concept but concurred with the concerns expressed by Council Member Monahan. He understood Mayor Cowan's proposal which he suggested would appoint commissions who are more up-to-date with current trends. Council Member Robinson concurred with many of the comments made by Council Members Steel and Monahan, but acknowledged Mayor Cowan's concern regarding the positive aspect of commissioners moving in the same direction as Council, stating that the City would run more smoothly. She felt that even though a Council Member would appoint a member to each commission, it still should take three members to remove the commissioner, which would give a measure of control to Council. Mayor Pro Tem Dixon noted that other cities are using this system for appointments, and thought that this concept would aid the City to progress. Council Member Steel added that he believed in diversity. Council Member Monahan reiterated that he would feel more comfortable with a majority of the Council making the decisions. FM Tom Egan, 1893 Parkview Circle, Costa Mesa, supported the proposed change, commenting that the commissions would be more responsive to Council. He stated that it is a worthy experiment. Harvey Alexander Cochran, 2111 Doctors Circle, Apt. A-101, Costa Mesa, asked if a deputy commission could be appointed to fill an unexpired term in the event someone resigned. Motion to Change A motion was made by Mayor; Cowan, seconded by Mayor Pro Procedure for Tem Dixon, to revise. the ordinance dealing with appointment of Appointment Failed commissioners to allow each City Council Member to appoint a to Carry member to the Planning Commission and the Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission, and any other commission, that they serve at the pleasure of the appointing City Council Member, and in the interim to accept letters of application from the public to be reviewed by individual Council Members, individual appointments be made, and the appointments be approved at the meeting of February 5, 2001, designating that this is the end of the term for all current commissioners, and appoint a public representative to the Costa Mesa Senior Center Board of Directors. Council Member Robinson reiterated her concern about the intent of "serving at the pleasure of :.." stating that the City would be better served if a mechanism of control were established. Mayor Cowan accepted the suggestion,, and amended the motion to read, "serve at the pleasure of the City Council but could be removed if the majority of the City Council so desires." The seconder concurred with this amendment. After discussion, Mayor Cowan withdrew the amendment to the, motion, and the seconder agreed. The motion failed to carry 3-2, Council Members Monahan, Robinson, and Steel voting no. , MOTION/To Solicit A motion was made by Council Member Monahan, seconded by Applications Council Member Steel, to immediately solicit applications for the unexpired term of Commissioner Fewel, as well as applications for the terms that are coming due. Mayor Pro Tem Dixon opposed the motion, suggesting that all Planning and Parks commissioners and the person who currently sits on the Costa Mesa Senior Citizen Center Board reapply, all applicants be interviewed, and selections made. Council Member Monahan agreed to add the Senior Center representative to the motion. SUBSTITUTE A substitute motion was made by Council Member Robinson, MOTION/To Appoint seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, to allow each City Council Commissioners Member to appoint a commissioner, and that those commissioners Failed to Carry serve at the pleasure of each Council Member, and a majority of Council would be required to remove the commissioner. The motion failed to carry, Council Members Cowan, Monahan, and Steel voting no. SECOND SUBSTI- A second substitute motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, TUTE MOTION seconded by Mayor Cowan; to ask all current Planning Gave Directions for Commissioners and ,Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Soliciting New Commissioners to reapply, be interviewed by City Council who will Commissioners appoint five commissioners to each commission, and will appoint a representative from the public to the Costa Mesa Senior Center Board of Directors. The motion carried 4-1, Council Member Monahan voting no. 1 1 1 1 1 1 The City Manager. asked that all affected individuals be notified prior to public notification. CITY MANAGER'S The City Manager presented his report on the recent energy REPORT shortage, stating that the City has been in contact daily with the Energy Crisis State Department of Emergency Services and with Southern California Edison. He reported that in the last few weeks, multiple Stage 2 alerts have been experienced, and the City has self - implemented a full series of energy reduction efforts. He reported that information regarding this situation will be on the City's website and cable television. Council Member Robinson reported on a function which she had attended wherein the power was lost. COUNCIL Council Member Robinson asked that the $430.00 fee to residents COMMENTS to appeal Planning Commission decisions be reviewed, noting that Appeal Fees it is prohibitive to persons on a fixed income. She mentioned that there had been violations of the Conditions of Approval for the Target Violations Target Greatland on Harbor Boulevard, and requested enforcement. She requested that the notification area for projects be extended beyond the 300 -foot range. Council Member Neighborhood Signs Robinson recommended signage in high cut -through neighborhoods, cautioning drivers to slow down because children are at play. She indicated that these signs have been requested by numerous individuals, and asked that the cost for the signs be determined. Charter City Investi- Council Member Monahan, for the interest of Council Member gation Steel, asked the City Attorney to investigate the matter of Costa Mesa becoming a charter city, initiating districts, and having a directly elected mayor. Crime Statistics Mayor Pro Tem Dixon reported that the December 12, 2000, Orange County Register indicated that crime in Costa Mesa is down seven percent from last year, while crime went up 1.3 percent in the California Crime Index. She presented a chart which illustrated the drop in crime, and thanked the Police Department and residents for making Costa Mesa a safer place in which to live. Graffiti Machine Mayor Pro Tem Dixon provided an update on the City's graffiti machine which has been in use since May, 2000, and has proven very successful. She wished staff, residents, and Council Members a happy holiday. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Cowan declared the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. ayor of the City of Costa Mesa ATTEST: Deputy Cit lerk of the City of Costa Mesa 273