HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/05/2001 - City CouncilREGULAR MEETING .OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COSTA MESA
NOVEMBER 5, 2001
The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in
regular session November 5, 2001, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, 77 Fair ;Drive, Costa Mesa. The meeting
was called to order!by by the Mayor, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag' led by Council Member Steel, invocation by
the Reverend Karen Stoya'noff, Orange Coast Unitarian
Universalist, and commentary on Veterans Day by Ralph Holmes,
Freedom Committee.
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: ;None
Officials Present: ;City Manager Allan Roeder
City Attorney Jerry Scheer
;Development Services Director
Donald Lamm
:Public Services Director William
Morris
;Planning and Redevelopment
Manager Mike Robinson
'Senior Planner
_Kim Brandt
;Transportation Services Manager
Peter Naghavi -
.Deputy City Clerk Mary Elliott
MINUTES On motion by Council Member Monahan, seconded by Council
October 15, 2001 Member Robinson, and carried 5-0, the minutes of the regular
meeting of October 15, 2001, were approved as distributed.
ORDINANCES AND A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon, seconded by
RESOLUTIONS Council Member Robinson, and carried 5-0, to read all ordinances
and resolutions by title only.
PRESENTATION Marc Puckett, Finance Director; commended Purchasing Division
Purchasing Division members Cyndy West, Purchasing Supervisor, Debbie Dobrott,
Award Buyer, Rick Rolsheim; Storekeeper, and Amanda Koh, Accounting
Specialist I, for their receipt, of the "2001 Achievement of
Excellence in Procurement" award, which is conferred upon
governmental and nonprofit agencies in the United States and
Canada to recognize organizational excellence in public or
nonprofit procurement.
PRESENTATION Mayor Cowan congratulated John Downey, Kayoko Hayman, and
Employees of the Adam Silva, members of the Management Information Services
Month Division of the Administrative, Services Department, on being
named Employees of the Month for November, 2001, in
recognition of their hard work, diligence, and patience in providing
technical support to the City, and efforts in handling network and
computer operations. '
PUBLIC COMMENTS Velta Nadine Andreen, 2769, Cibola Avenue, Costa Mesa,
Home Ranch Project secretary of the Mesa del Mar ;Homeowners Association, opined
1
1
1
that the $2 million to be directed to the Newport -Mesa Unified
School District in connection with the Home Ranch project is in
poor taste.
Janice Davidson, 1982 Arnold Avenue, Costa Mesa, asked if west
side residents will be provided the opportunity to address the
Home Ranch project. Mayor Cowan replied that it will be
determined this evening if an additional meeting will be held on
November 13, 2001, and any group expressing an interest in
speaking will be contacted. Mrs. Davidson stated that the homes
built for this project will not be sold due to Costa Mesa crime
statistics, and complained about persons who loiter in the City.
Millard Comments Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No. 264, Costa Mesa,
complained about the "National Hispanic Heritage Month"
proclamation presented at the meeting of October 15, 2001, stating
that he had requested the City to also recognize European
American Month. He noted the inequality of honoring one ethnic
group and not another, addressed the decline of west side Costa
Mesa, and objected to a bright pink building in his neighborhood at
Baker Street and Fairview Road, which houses a shoe store. He
raised concerns regarding trashcans recently purchased by the
Costa Mesa Sanitary District.
Navy -Marine Corps Karen Eisenberg, 33 Burning Tree Road, Newport Beach,
Relief Fund introduced her son Kevin who wished to sell United States flags to
collect monies for the Navy -Marine Corps Relief Fund. She asked
that the since the function is nonprofit, all but the $35.00 fee be
waived, and noted the location for the sale at 1781 Newport
Boulevard. Mayor Cowan suggested that Ms. Eisenberg submit
her request to the City in writing.
EI Toro Airport Ralph P. Morgan, 206 East 15th Street, Costa Mesa, reported that
the Federal Aviation Administration recently ruled that commercial
flights originating from EI Toro are safe. He provided a tentative
schedule for transfer of the base to the County of Orange which
begins January 1, 2002.
Santa Ana Heights Margaret Morgan, 206 East 15th Street, Costa Mesa, referencing
Annexation the above decision, indicated that several South County cities and
the EI Toro Reuse Planning Authority (ETRPA) are threatening to
sue. She addressed the City's attempts to annex the pockets of
land in Santa Ana Heights, and the attendant prezoning. She
urged Council to consider the fairness of the proposal. Mayor
Cowan responded that Council has considered the concerns
regarding this issue, and also discussed the Santa Ana Specific
Plan. The Planning and Redevelopment Manager added that a
General Plan Amendment will be initiated in February, 2002, to
bring the City's General Plan into conformance with the Santa Ana
Heights Specific Plan.
City Streets The resident at 2784 Cibola Avenue, Costa Mesa, commented on
the state of disrepair of City streets in the Mesa del Mar area,
reporting that there was only a 30 percent response from the
Pothole Hotline. He indicated that the City's Engineering Division
had reported that these streets will be repaired in the year 2007,
and did not think they will survive. Mayor Cowan asked him to
contact the Public Services Director for resolution.
Westways Article Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, read an article
from a copy of Westways magazine, an Automobile Association
periodical, entitled "Metropolitan Adventure, Costa Mesa Provides
I
a Feast for the Senses". He commented that the C. J. Segerstrom
organization has contributed to; the assets found within the City,
such as the Nouguchi Garden, the Performing Arts Center, South
Coast Plaza, and South Coast Repertory Theatre. Mayor Pro Tem
Dixon thanked Mr. Graham for: onducting tours of Fairview Park
on weekends.
Millard Comments The resident at 1846 Kinglet Court, Costa Mesa, observed that the
Questioned objectionable comments made by previous speaker Martin Millard
on this occasion and at previous meetings, do not represent the
opinions of the majority of citizens of the City Costa Mesa, nor do
they reflect his feelings.
CONSENT On motion by Council; Member Monahan, seconded by Mayor Pro
CALENDAR Tem Dixon, and carried 5-0, all Consent Calendar items were
MOTION/Approved approved as recommended.
READING FOLDER The following Reading. Folder items were received and processed:
Claims Claims received by the Deputy City Clerk: Emily Cotton; Kyle
Cotton; Lelah Cotton; Philip Cotton; Shirley Cotton; Stuart Gray;
and Jayne Hubener
Alcoholic Beverage Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License requests:
Licenses
Club Shiki, 891 Baker Street,: Suite 10A, for a person-to-person
transfer of a Type 48 ABC license (on -sale general for a public
premises).
Round Table Pizza; 1175 Baker Street, Suite A1, for a person-
to-person transfer of a Type 41 ABC license (on -sale beer and
wine for a bona fide' eating place).
Little Knight, 436 East 17th Street, for a stock transfer of a Type
48 ABC license (on -,sale general for a public premises).
Imperial Dragon, 3033 Bristol Street, Suite O, for a person-to-
person transfer of a Type 41 ABC license (on -sale beer and
wine for a bona fide! eating place).
Wingnuts, 3030 Harbor Boulevard, for premise -to -premise and
person-to-person transfers of; a Type 47 ABC license (on -sale
general for a bona fide eating place).
Carefree International Enterprises, 670 West 17th Street, Suite
87, for original Type 9 (beer and wine importers), Type 12
(distilled spirits importer), Type 17 (beer and wine wholesaler),
and Type 18 (distilled spirits wholesaler) ABC licenses.
WARRANTS The following warrants were approved:
Warrant Resolution Warrant Resolution;1871, funding Payroll 121 for $1,797,380.34,
1871/Payroll 121 and City operating expenses for $2,017,953.48, including payroll
deductions.
Warrant Resolution Warrant Resolution,' 1872, funding City operating expenses for
1872 $776, 391.34.
Warrant Resolution Warrant Resolution .1873, funding Payroll 122 for $1,809,467.52,
1873/Payroll 122 and City operating expenses ;for $602;728.31, including payroll
deductions.
ADMINISTRATIVE Bids received for Bid Item No. 1064, One New 2002 Alternate Fuel
ACTIONS/Awarded 1800 -Gallon Water Truck, are on file in the City Clerk's office. The
Bid Item 1064, Water contract was awarded to Los Angeles Freightliner, 2429 South
Truck, to Los Angeles Peck Road, Whittier, for a total cost of $74,786.68.
Freightliner
Adopted Resolution Resolution 01-75 was adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
01-75, Authorizing COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA,
Benefits for Em- PROVIDING FOR ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY PARTIALLY PAID
ployees Called to MILITARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE AND CONTINUATION OF
Active Duty in the BENEFITS FOR CITY OF COSTA MESA EMPLOYEES CALLED
Armed Forces TO ACTIVE DUTY WITH THE ARMED FORCES.
Approved Budget Budget Adjustment No. 02-045 was approved for $817,690.00 for
Adjustment 02-045, traffic congestion relief funds (Assembly Bill 2928) for a street
Traffic Congestion maintenance project to rehabilitate Santa Ana Avenue, 19th Street,
Relief Funds and Orange Avenue. -
Accepted Work by Baker Street and Arlington Drive Sidewalk, Project No. 01-06, was
Baker and Arlington completed to the satisfaction of the Public Services Director on
Sidewalk, Project September 26, 2001, by S. Parker Engineering, Inc., 10059
01-06, by S. Parker Whippoorwill Avenue, Fountain Valley. The work was accepted;
Engineering 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.
Accepted Street Im- Street improvements at 2300 Harbor Boulevard were completed to
provements at 2300 the satisfaction of the Public Services Director by Mercer
Harbor by Mercer, Construction Company, 42690 Rio Nedo Way, Suite D, Temecula,
Encroachment Permit in connection with Encroachment Permit No. PS99-00200 (PA-98-
PS99-00200 (PA -98- 50). The work was accepted, and the bonds were ordered
50) exonerated.
Accepted Street Im- Street improvements at 2300 Harbor Boulevard were completed to
provements at 2300. the satisfaction of the Public Services Director by Harbor Center
Harbor by Harbor Partners L.P., 2222 East 17th Street, Santa Ana, in connection with
Partners, Encroach- Encroachment Permit No. PS99-00316 (PA -98-50). The work was
ment Permit PS99- accepted, and the bonds were ordered exonerated.
00316 (PA -98-50)
Accepted Street Im- Street improvements at 2300 Harbor Boulevard were completed to
provements at 2300 the satisfaction of the Public Services Director by Harbor Center
Harbor by Harbor Partners L.P., 2222 East 17th Street, Santa Ana, in connection with
Partners, Encroach- Encroachment Permit No. PS99-00347 (PA -98-50). The work was
ment Permit PS99- accepted, and the bonds were ordered exonerated.
00347 (PA -98-50)
Accepted Street Im- Street improvements at 289 Mesa Drive, were completed to the
provements at 289 . satisfaction of the Public Services Director by Morgan
Mesa by Morgan, En- Development, Inc., 480 Old Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, in
croachment Permit connection with Encroachment Permit No. PS00-00007 (Tract No.
PS00-00007 (Tract 15855). The work was accepted, and the bonds were ordered
15755) exonerated.
Accepted Street Im- Street improvements at 2450 Elden Avenue were completed to the
provements at 2450 satisfaction of the Public Services Director by Infinity Homes CMI
Elden by Infinity, LLC, 10945 South Street, Suite 301, Cerritos, in connection with
Encroachment Permits Encroachment Permit Nos. PS01-00005 and PS01-00120 (Tract
PS01-00005/PS01- 15995). The work was accepted, and authorization was given to
00120 (Tract 15995) refund the cash deposit of $16,843.00.
Approved Agreement An agreement was ;approved. with Mesa Consolidated Water
with Water and District and Newport -Mesa Unified School District, to amend the
School Districts for access and usage easement and City park usage for Lindberg
Lindberg School and School and Lindberg School Park, and the Mayor and Deputy City
Park Clerk were authorized :to sign on; behalf of the City.
Open Space Ease- The following action was taken in connection with Open Space
ments Eastments:
Adopted Resolution
Resolution 01-76 was adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
01-76, Approving
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA,
First Amendment to
APPROVING THE, FIRST AMENDMENT TO OPEN SPACE
Open Space Ease-
EASEMENT, for the eastern portion of the South Coast
ment
Repertory Theatre: property and property for the proposed
Symphony Hall and Art Muse',um/Academy, and the Mayor was
authorized to sign the amendment.
Adopted Resolution
Resolution 01-77 was adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
01-77, Approving
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA,
Third Amendment to
APPROVING THE 1 THIRD AMENDMENT TO OPEN SPACE
Open Space Ease-
EASEMENT, for property between the Imperial Bank Building
ment
and the Westin South Coast Plaza Hotel, and the Mayor was
authorized to sign the amendment.
PUBLIC HEARINGS On motion by Mayor Cowan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dixon,
and carried 5-0, the following public hearings were continued to the
meeting of November 19, 2001:
MOTION/Continued Continued from the meeting: of October 1, 2001, to consider
R-01-04, PA -01-26, Rezone Petition R-01-04, for Fritz Howser and Michael Schrock,
and DR -01-22 to authorized agents for Phil Wade, to rezone property at 257 Cecil
November 19, 2001 Place from R1 to PDR -LD; and Planning Application PA -01-26,
for a planned development to allow construction of two
additional two-story, single-family dwellings behind an existing
single-family dwelling at the above address. Environmental
Determination: Exempt.
Application from Gary Johnson, appealing certain conditions of
approval imposed by the Planning Commission for Development
Review DR -01-22, to legalize:the conversion of the first floor of
an existing two-story accessory structure to a granny unit,
originally approved as a first floor recreation room and a second
floor accessory apartment in an R1 zone. Environmental
Determination: Exempt.
PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced the public hearing continued
Segerstrom Home from the special meeting of October 29, 2001, to consider the
Ranch Segerstrom Home Ranch. The, 93 -acre site is currently used for
agricultural purposes with a limited number of buildings, and the
site is bordered by Sunflower Avenue to the north, San Diego
Freeway (1-405) to the south, Fairview Road to the east, and
Harbor Boulevard to the west in.the City of Costa Mesa. The City
Council will consider the following items:
Final Program Environmental Impact Report #1048 for
Segerstrom Home Ranch (SC- H# 2000071050).
General Plan Amendment :GP -00-05, to amend the 1990
General Plan text and figures to change the land use
designation from Industrial Park and Medium Density
Residential to High Density; Residential, Industrial Park, and
Commercial Center on 93.34 acres; establish a site-specific
1
floor area ratio of 0.41 for the Commercial Center component;
establish a site-specific density of 29 dwelling units per acre for
the High Density Residential component; increase the trip
budget; increase maximum building area (961,060 square feet
of industrial uses and 366 dwelling units allowed; 791,050
square feet of office and office -related uses, 252,648 square
feet of industrial uses, 308,000 square feet of retail uses
(IKEA), and 464 dwelling units proposed); amend the Master
Plan of bikeways to delete the proposed grade -separated bike
trail undercrossing of the 1-405 and related links between Gisler
Avenue and South Coast Drive.
Specific Plan Amendment SP -00-02, to amend the North Costa
Mesa Specific Plan text and figures to increase the size of Area
1 (Home Ranch) to include the 30.5 acres located north of
South Coast Drive; modify Area 1's land use designations, trip
budget, maximum` allowable floor area ratio and building square
footage, and development standards.
Rezone Petition R-00-02, to rezone 93.34 acres from Planned
Development Industrial (PDI) and Planned Development
Residential -Medium Density (PDR -MD) to Planned
Development Industrial (PDI), Planned Development
Commercial (PDC), and Planned Development Residential -
North Costa Mesa (PDR -NCM).
Master Plan PA-99-34/Minor Conditional Use Permit ZA-01-36,
for a final master plan to allow the construction of a 308,000
square -foot retail, 45 -foot tall building (IKEA) located at the
southeast corner of Harbor Boulevard and South Coast Drive,
with a minor conditional use permit to allow compact parking
spaces.
Development Agreement DA -00-01, to establish a development
agreement for the Segerstrom Home Ranch project.
Additional communications were received since the meeting of
October 29, 2001, in support of the Home Ranch project from
Costa Mesa residents L. J. Moody, 3315 Nevada Avenue; two from
Doug Sutton, 2739 Canary Drive; Andrew G. Gall, Jr., 1106
Mission Drive; Gilbert J. Luft, 3084 Promenade; Juli Roberts and
Richard Swartz, 604 Shasta Lane; Thomas and Barbara Schworer,
1815 Kinglet Court; Ailsa Lambert, 2323 Elden Avenue, No. 17;
and John Stephens, no street address given. Communications
were received opposing the project from Costa Mesa residents
Judith Wilson, Wimbledon Village; Barry and Peggy Samuels,
3074 Fernheath Lane; Gwendolyn T. Ortiz, 3146 Killybrooke Lane;
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa Citizens for
Responsible Growth; and Marc DiDomenico, 381 La Perle Lane.
Communications were received from Janice Davidson, 1982
Arnold Avenue, Costa Mesa, Chairwoman of Citizens for
Improvement of Costa Mesa (CICM), requesting an hour or less to
rebut Home Ranch; Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No.
264, Costa Mesa, stating that if Costa Mesa United is allowed to
have a block of time to support Home Ranch, then CICM and the
Westside Improvement Association (WIA) should also be given
blocks of time equal to that granted to Costa Mesa United; Kristen
Caspers Petros, 2135 Iris Place, Costa Mesa, Vice -Chair of the
Historic Preservation Committee, supporting the Segerstrom plans
to preserve and maintain significant historic buildings which have
high historic rankings; Cindy Brenneman, 1856 Elba Circle, Costa
Mesa, President of Mesa Verde Community, Inc., supporting the
Home Ranch development only ;within the intensities of the current
General Plan as specified in the North Costa Mesa Specific Plan
for this area; Tim Cromwell, ,2029 Swan Drive, Costa Mesa,
supporting the development only if the existing streets and the 1-
405 Freeway are expanded and! improved; and Del J. Heintz, 1151
Aviemore Terrace, Costa Mesa, Costa Mesa United (CMU)
Steering Committee,! withdrawing their request for an allotted
portion of time for the;November 5, 2001, meeting; and if Council
decides to allow other groups specific time as a group or
committee, requesting that CMU be given the same opportunity
and amount of time atthe meeting of November 13, 2001.
The Planning and Redevelopment Manager and the Senior
Planner summarized the Agenda Report dated October 30, 2001,
and responded to questions from Council. Council Member
Robinson stressed that she had asked for clarification from staff
regarding the perpetual fiscal deficit with the existing General Plan
land use designation. The Planning and Redevelopment Manager
replied that the IKEA and Home Ranch projects have a higher
percentage of income: producing, land uses, retail not only provides
a property tax but also the sales; tax, and the existing General Plan
Medium Density Residential and Industrial Park designations do
not have that degree of revenue ;producing uses.
Dana Privitt, Bon Terra Consulting, 151 Kalmus Drive, Suite E-200,
Costa Mesa, environmental coordinators and consultants to the
City on the Home Ranch project, described the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) utilized in the process, the
findings of the environmental impact report, and the progress to
date. She reported that it is the. City's responsibility to assure that
all of the measures adopted to mitigate the impacts associated
with the project are implemented.
The Transportation Services Manager provided a "before and
after" comparison of traffic conditions in a short term look at the
issues (IKEA store only), and a long term view of the Home Ranch
buildout which includes IKEA, office buildings, residential, and an
industrial park. He reported that:the trip fee will be received at the
beginning of the project, and the monies will be used to perform
the mitigations. He ;indicated ;that the City is working with the
developer and the California' Department of Transportation
(CALTRANS) to assess the needs and determine a design for the
Susan Street off -ramp; to the 1-405 Freeway. He stressed that this
off -ramp is not a reguirement'of the project under any of the
alternatives but was offered by the developer, is strongly supported
by the City, and would; be 100 percent funded by the developer.
JoAnne Aplet, JHA Environmental Consultants, 1101 Chantauqua
Boulevard, Pacific Palisades,; reviewed general air quality
information, including the current standards and procedures
followed in developing an air quality analysis. The Planning and
Redevelopment Manager reported that Orange County has a long
history of governmental cooperation regarding air quality issues.
Matt Jones, Mestre-Greve Associates, 280 Newport Center Drive,
Newport Beach, noise consultant for the City, summarized the
noise impact from on; and off-site activities. He noted the most
critical area as the IKEA loading dock, located across the freeway
from the nearest residences, which would have to generate
extremely high levels of noise to approach the ordinance limits.
RECESS The Mayor declared a recess at 7:50 p.m., and reconvened the
meeting at 8:00 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENT Mayor Cowan announced that Council Member Monahan had
asked to be excused from the remainder of the meeting and had
left the Council Chambers.
Carol Hoffman, representing C. J. Segerstrom and Sons, 3315
Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, stated that they had contacted each
person who had written a letter regarding the project in order to set
up a meeting, and had participated in over 20 community
meetings. She confirmed that Fairview Road would not be
widened, only the bridge, and encouraged the recognition of
community priorities. As a result of the outreach program, Ms.
Hoffman felt that the plan has demonstrated a response to the
community's desire for high paying jobs, home ownership, traffic
solutions, historic preservation, and enhanced public safety.
Scott Stowell, Division President, Home Building Division, Standard
Pacific of Orange County, 15326 Alton Parkway, Irvine, the
selected builder for the Home Ranch project, expressed
confidence that the plan is responsible and is appropriate for Costa
Mesa. He commented on the price range of the proposed homes
and the need for campus -style type corporate opportunities.
Paul Wilkenson, Linscott, Law, and Greenspan, 1580 Corporate
Drive, Costa Mesa, traffic engineering consultant, addressed
freeway improvements, and stated that CALTRANS and Orange
County Transportation Authority (OCTA) find significant benefit in
the project. He commented on the project's traffic impact on the
eight intersections involved.
Paul Freeman, representing C. J. Segerstrom and Sons, 3315
Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, stated that the developer is
requesting recalibration of the trip budget so that the proper types
of buildings may be constructed. He stipulated that they are not
asking for an increase in the maximum Floor ::Area Ratio (FAR)
allowed for office, height limits, nor density of residential
development. He felt that the increase requested is conservative,
approximately one percent in daily trips. Mr. Freeman reported
that they have attempted to address all issues that have been
raised, noting that the Planning Commission had unanimously
certified the EIR. He believed that the project would be a Citywide
public benefit. He responded to questions from Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Dixon expressed concern regarding the 20 -year
development agreement, asking that ten years be considered. Mr.
Freeman replied that 20 years is a common length of time for that
type of agreement, suggesting that it is important to ascertain that
the project benefits justify that length of time.
The following Costa Mesa residents supported the Home Ranch
project: Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, stated that the
potential pollution is overrated, and commented on the $2 million
which will be directed to the Newport -Mesa Unified School District,
new homes, and new jobs; Tom Egan, 1893 Parkview Circle,
thought that Home Ranch is a responsible project in the right part
of town at the right time, and suggested where funds from the
project could be directed for improvement of the City; Jeff Fox,
1219 Las Arenas Way, commented that Home Ranch would be
good for the City with the income benefiting the schools; Forrest
Werner, 992 Azalea Drive, member of Costa Mesa United, an ad
hoc group of individual community activists who support the
project, claimed that their objective is for the future well-being of
the City; James Bieber, 3028 Royce Lane, indicated that the
project would be a boost to the economy; Henry Panian, 436
Swarthmore Lane, suggested that this proposal offers the citizens
of Costa Mesa a significant opportunity to provide a sound, stable,
and secure financial base, noting the City's responsibility to ensure
that all citizens will have future health services, safety measures,
maintenance of park ' and recreation programs, continued street
improvements, and other services upon which quality of life
depends; Chris Ludlow, 1915 Sumba Circle, observed that the
project is a high quality development which is well-suited to its
location; Steven Dewan, 439 Broadway, felt that the project is
positive for schools, housing, and the tax base; Lisa Reedy, 2747
San Carlos Lane, a member of Costa Mesa United, felt that the
entire City will benefit from the project; John Rule, member of
Costa Mesa United, commended the Segerstrom organization for
their donation to the Newport -Mesa Unified School District; Bonnie
Saryan, 751 Olympic Avenue, member of Costa Mesa United,
commented on a potential IKEA gift of furniture to the Newport -
Mesa Unified School District; Del Heintz, 1151 Aviemore Terrace,
member of Costa Mesa United, stated that the Home Ranch
people have given concessions to mitigate the needs of the City;
Hanje Meissner, 1989 Continental Avenue, acknowledged the
positive changes to the project,, and appreciated the Segerstrom
company sharing the, profits with the City; and an unidentified
resident, no address given.
The following Costa Mesa residents opposed the project: Ed
Keane, 2777 Lorenzo Avenue; ;expressed concern regarding the
additional traffic; Gilbert Collins; 3159 Sharon Lane, president of
the Halecrest Hall of Fame Homeowners Association, reported the
board's recommendation that the request to amend the General
Plan and North Costa Mesa Specific Plan allowing the Home
Ranch project as proposed be denied, and outlined concerns
regarding traffic problems which are not mitigable, emissions which
will not meet standards, an antiquated approach to urban run-off,
light and noise pollution, inadequate concern for accessibility by
pedestrians and bicyclists, and ;low-income housing issues; Erna
Batham, 1103 EI Camino Drive, member of the Mesa del Mar
Homeowners Association, addressed traffic concerns; Phyllis
Atkinson, 2871 Alanzo Lane, objected to the potential traffic
problems, and submitted a letter from Sally Granite, 1275 Conway
Avenue; and Allan Mansoor, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No. 406,
commented that IKEA is "bad" for Costa Mesa and must be
decided on its own merit, and proposed looking at the entire city to
ascertain how all issues tie into the picture.
Steve Dzida, 1846 Kinglet Court, Costa Mesa, disagreed with
opponents to the project who cited pollution as an issue, and
observed that they are not opposed to this project specifically but
to any project. He supported the project noting its quality, and
voiced his opinion that it will 'serve the neighborhood and the
community well for decades.
Donn Hall, 3080 Johnson Avenue, Costa Mesa, commented that
property rights is one of the freedoms that makes this country
great, and felt that the persons opposed to the project have no
more or less right to the streets than the proponents of the project.
James Wright, 3490 Wimbledon Way, vice president of the
homeowners association, asked' that the project proceed after the
mitigations have been completed, stating that he is opposed to
traffic, air, and noise pollution.
Jim Toledano, 974 Modjeska Circle, Costa Mesa, thought that the
promises of previous Councils should be considered.
RECESS
The Mayor declared a recess at 10:00, and reconvened the
meeting at 10:10 p.m.
Costa Mesa residents supporting Home Ranch were Mike Betz,
361 East 18th Street, who thought that the project would help
rejuvenate Costa Mesa; Craig Raber, 362 East 18th Street, No. 6;
Darnell Wyrick, 1806 Hummingbird Drive, reporting that he has
revised his opinion since the project has been changed, stating
that it serves the best interest of the multitude of the citizens of the
City while providing for future needs of the community; Chris Ling,
1776 Panay Circle; ,Weil Horgan, 2827 Nevis Circle, proposing that
the project sign include the City of Costa Mesa name; Debra
Stroman, 623 Lakeview Lane, commented that she has been
looking for a new home in Costa Mesa; Larry Stroman, 623
Lakeview Lane, echoed his wife's desire to purchase an affordable
home in the City; and Doug Sutton, 2739 Canary Drive, spoke of
the financial benefits of the project to the City, including
improvements to the infrastructure and schools, and suggested
that the City direct $300,000.00 per year to support Citywide
extended school programs, direct $100,000.00 per year to support
and develop programs to enrich the high school experience for
students performing in the top one-third of their class, direct
$300,000.00 yearly to speed up road maintenance and street
improvement programs, and direct $200,000.00 yearly for City
beautification projects.
Costa Mesa residents opposed to the Home Ranch project were
David Stiller, 2879 Regis Lane, did not think that enough
information had been provided in order to make a final decision,
and did not concur that this plan was the best for that property; Jay
Humphrey, 1620 Sandalwood Street, explained his concerns;
Laurie Stoutenborough, 205 Flower Street, had traffic issues, and
questioned the school endowment portion of the project; Robin
Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, felt that the City was reactive when
dealing with this developer; Ambika Hanna, 3111 Platte Drive,
objected to the potential noise and closeness of the project to
residential, stating that the IKEA store is too large and unattractive
for the area; Arlene Jones, 2995 Ceylon Drive, expressed concern
regarding the potential traffic generated by the IKEA store; Gordon
Pate, 2973 Ceylon Drive, supported the current General Plan as
being best for the City, noting that he had concerns regarding the
Segerstrom plan, foremost being air quality; Martin Millard, 2973
Harbor Boulevard, No. 264, indicated that he is pro development
but opposed this project because of quality of life issues, such as
diesel pollution; Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street,
questioned the fiscal impact report; Bill Willis, 2968 Ceylon Drive,
objected to the project because of the possibility of a bridge being
constructed on Gisler Street; and John Feeney, 1154 Dorset Lane,
addressed slums created by individuals who are paid poverty level
wages by employers such as IKEA.
Maureen DiDomenico, 941 Coronado Drive, Costa Mesa,
commented that it has been her experience with C. J. Segerstrom
and Sons that they tend to under estimate parking needs, and
suggested that since this is not the case with the IKEA store, all
projections should be doubled.
Gene Hutchins, 1808 Kinglet Court, member of the 1992 General
Plan Steering Committee, addressed traffic issues, and
commented that traffic reserves .will be depleted in the area of the
Home Ranch project.
Mayor Cowan expressed her appreciation for the public
participation in this hearing. She indicated that with the volumes of
reading material and public testimony, she felt enough information
has been forthcoming upon which to base a decision. Council
Member Steel and Mayor Pro Tem Dixon concurred that a
sufficient amount of ; information had been obtained. Council
Member Robinson wanted to receive additional public comment
from community organizations wishing an opportunity to speak.
She added that there are still unanswered questions on which she
will work with staff to resolve. She proposed retaining the 4 -minute
time limit. Mayor Cowan asked that the hearing be limited to "new
faces".
MOTION/Convene a A motion was made by Mayor Cowan, seconded by Council
Special Council Member Steel, and carried 4-0, Council Member Monahan absent,
Meeting on November to convene a special Council meeting on Tuesday, November 13,
13, 2001 2001, at 5:30 p.m., to continue public testimony on the Home
Ranch project, and to hold the time open until 8:00 p.m. or earlier if
public comments have been completed, and encouraging speakers
who have not already spoken.
The Planning and Redevelopment Manager announced that the
Planning Commission, meeting for November 13, 2001, will be held
at 6:30 p.m., in the Downtown Recreation Center. Mayor Cowan
clarified that the special Council imeeting will be held in the Council
Chambers of City Hall;
Mayor Pro Tem Dixon; asked CA. Segerstrom representative Paul
Freeman about the ;provision in the Development Agreement
anticipating transactions between C. J. Segerstrom and Sons and
Mesa Consolidated Water District for placement of a 20 -million
gallon water reservoir, to be buried underground with the top
surface structurally reinforced to allow for public use, with the 6.5 -
acre surface rights being provided to the City at no cost. Mr.
Freeman indicated that should the agreement with the Water
District not occur, C. J. Segerstrom would be open to discussion
about disposition of the property.
Council Member Robinson noted that Citizens for the Improvement
of. Costa Mesa had 'requested: for a specific block of time to
address the Home Ranch project, and asked that they be informed
of the special meeting ,on November 13, 2001.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of October 15,
Rezone Petition 2001, second reading; and adoption of Ordinance 01-27, rezoning
R-01-03 2072 and 2080 Newport Boulevard by adoption of Rezone Petition
R-01-03.
MOTION/Adopted On motion by Council,Member Robinson, seconded by Mayor Pro
Ordinance 01-27 Tem Dixon, and carried 4-0, Ordinance 01-27 was given second
reading and adopted:, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, REZONING 2072
AND 2080 NEWPORT BOULEVARD FROM R2 -MD TO C1 BY
ADOPTION OF REZONE PETITION R-01-03.
COUNCIL Council Member Steel reassured his constituents that he will
COMMENTS review the videotapes from the special meeting of October 29,
1
1
Civilian Police 2001, since he was not able to attend, and will meet with persons
Academy representing both sides of the issue. He reported that he had
attended the civilian police academy on Monday evenings for three
hours, and highly recommended attendance for all. He proposed
Maple Park Rename changing the recently named Maple Park to reflect the names of
the two individuals who died in an accident while performing
service for the City. He commented on the Buena Park anti -
Gang Ordinance gang/drug ordinance, stating he would like to see the revised form
considered by Council. Council Member Steel proposed moving
ahead with the consultants report on economic and physical blight.
He proposed that City Hall be more responsive to citizens
complaints. He complimented Mayor Cowan on her leadership
during the Home Ranch hearings.
Community Cleanup Mayor Pro Tem Dixon announced that on Saturday, November 10,
2001, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., the Keep Costa Mesa
Beautiful Committee will conduct their first community cleanup on
West 19th Street. She reported that sign-up will occur at the Smart
School Board Meeting and Final store and the Vista Shopping Center. She reported that
she and Council Member Robinson attended the Newport -Mesa
Unified District Board liaison meeting on Friday, November 2,
2001, highlighting a positive report on school resource officers at
Costa Mesa and Estancia High Schools; TeWinkle and California
Schools will benefit from Measure A funds to improve the playing
fields; the crossing guard program is going well; and school test
results have improved. Mayor Pro Tem Dixon revealed the name
City Newsletter chosen by the Newsletter Committee as, "Costa Mesa Live from
City Hall", and delivery of the first issue is expected around
December 8, 2001.
Council Member Robinson added a highlight from the School
Board meeting, the School Board committed to maintaining the
property at Balearic Center.
Orange Coast College Mayor Cowan thanked staff for the counting machines which are
Swap Meet being utilized near Orange Coast College swap meet to track the
traffic impact. She indicated that additional research is being
conducted on this subject, as well as other cities are being
contacted. She asked the City Manager for a brief update on the
Utility Undergrounding Orange County Fairgrounds and the Pacific Amphitheatre. She
addressed the Placentia Avenue and 19th Street improvements
regarding the undergrounding of utilities, expressing an interest in
landscaped medians along 19th Street, as well as Placentia
Avenue. She asked the City Manager to provide a report.
ADJOURNMENT The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 11:45 p.m.
Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa
ATTEST:
qui
Deputy City lerk of the City of Costa Mesa