HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/2003 - City Council1_S6
ROLL CALL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COSTA MESA
May 19, 2003
The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in
regular session May 19, 2003, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. The meeting
was called to order by Mayor Monahan, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag led by Council Member Mansoor, and an
opening prayer by Mayor Monahan.
Council Members Present: Mayor Gary Monahan
Mayor Pro Tem Chris Steel
Council Member Allan Mansoor
Council Member Mike Scheafer
Council Members Absent: Council Member Cowan
Officials Present: City Manager Allan Roeder
Acting City Attorney Tom Wood
Development Services Director
=
-Donald Lamm
_Public Services Director William
Morris
_ = .- Manning and Redevelopment
Manager Mike Robinson
— - -= ._Associate Planner Claire Flynn
_ Management Analyst Carol
Proctor
Deputy City Clerk Julie Folcik
MINUTES/April 14, On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Steel, seconded by Council Member
April 21, and May 5, Mansoor, and carried 4-0, Council Member Cowan absent, the
2003 Meetings minutes of the special joint meeting of April 14, 2003, the special
meeting of April 14, 2003, and the regular meetings of April 21,
and May 5, 2003, were approved as distributed.
ORDINANCES AND A motion was made by Mayor Monahan, seconded by Mayor Pro
RESOLUTIONS Tem Steel, and carried 4-0, to read all ordinances and resolutions
by title only.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Michael Szkaradek, 1555 Mesa Verde Drive East, Costa Mesa,
Traffic Hazards advised of the traffic hazard created by the newly installed gate on
Golf Course Drive at the Vista Del Lago complex. He explained
that the required key or pass access creates a back-up of vehicles
onto the street. He also reported he has observed, at the end of
each month, several vehicles and moving vans, parked in the red
zones outside of the complex with their emergency lights flashing,
Election Ballots making it difficult to get into or out of the complex. Mr. Szkaradek
suggested that the Council explore the state election code
procedure that allows for the names of the candidates for City
Council to be rotated on the ballots and recommended the rotation
for the next two election ballots, stating that there have been two
council members, since 1984, who may have won the election due
to the advantage of their ballot positions.
Paularino Park Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No. 264, Costa Mesa,
reported a continuing problem of individuals playing soccer at
Paularino Park, which does not have a ball field, and was
After School Daycare concerned of the dangers created as a result. He also spoke of
the after-school daycare at Paularino School stating that he has
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seen "gang members" hanging around the children and the
teachers and suggested limiting the access of the school grounds,
after the school closes for the day, to only that of the school
children.
Council Agenda Sandy Johnson, 344 Cabrillo Street, Costa Mesa, requested that
the Council agenda not be overloaded with important business, as
decisions of great significance should not be made in the early
Mobile Home Parks morning hours. Regarding the EI Nido and Snug Harbor Mobile
Home Park Conversions, she asked the Council to consider the
senior citizens and disabled people that would be displaced, and
the affordable housing that would be eliminated. Ms. Johnson also
commented that the proposed development at 1901 Newport
Boulevard was too dense, and would likely cause an increase in
traffic problems.
1901 Newport June McKenzie, 165 East 19th Street, Costa Mesa, commented on
Boulevard the density and the height of the condominiums proposed at 1901
Newport Boulevard. She disagreed with the approved parking
variance for the project stating it will cause a hardship on the
residents of the surrounding streets. She suggested reducing the
project density and thereby the traffic density in an already very
impacted area.
Centerline Project Frank Forbath, 2880 Club House Road, Costa Mesa, announced
that Centerline will be on the ballot for the City of Irvine on June 3,
2003, and expounded on the benefits of Centerline to Costa Mesa
businesses, South Coast Plaza, and, Metro Point, pointing out that
it could reduce traffic, parking, and pollution. He asked Council
Members, staff and residents of Costa Mesa to make a phone call
to encourage Irvine residents to vote in support of the Centerline
project on June 3, 2003, by voting yes on Measure "A" and no on
Measure "B."
1901 Newport Sharon Sutton, 891 Joann Street, Costa Mesa, supported the
Boulevard request for rehearing of the 1901 Newport Boulevard project due to
the new evidence provided at the previous meeting, and opposed
the density and the approved variances. She suggested that
changes could be made to the project to reduce the impacts but
thought Council had "made up its mind" regarding the rehearing.
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, stated the 1901
Newport Boulevard project represents an acceleration of density,
and provides the developer with considerable entitlements to the
property that were not previously allowed. She expressed concern
that the General Plan, which offers a consistent vision and plan for
the City can be easily changed to suit the project and suggested
that the City facilitate a community wide visioning or a General
Plan hearing process to gather community opinion as to the type of
changes that the community would be agreeable to under the
general plan.
Long Beach Airport Dennis Ashendorf, 3210 Montana Avenue, Costa Mesa, suggested
that the City Council schedule a presentation from Chris Kuntz, the
Manager of Long Beach Airport, regarding the proposed increase
in flights at the Long Beach Airport. He explained that currently a
noise study review to allow more aircraft is being conducted, with
results to be completed by October 15, 2003, and a decision to be
made by November 1, 2003. He felt that the presentation would
offer a better understanding of the issues but also offered the
website, www.onlinehb.com/lqb, where a power point presentation
could be accessed for more information. He explained that the
UNK
airport is one of six airports with grandfathered ordinances
explaining that the ordinances for Long Beach are based on noise
and not on the number of aircraft allowed.
Council Member Mansoor confirmed with the City Manager that the
City is awaiting documentation from the Orange County Regional
Airport Authority (OCRAA) on efforts made, since January, relative
to the concerns in protecting residents on the Westside and Mesa
Verde area from the overflights into Long Beach Airport. The City
Manager stated that a presentation by OCRAA will be scheduled to
present information on the status of the proceedings.
1901 Newport Kathleen Eric, no street address given, expressed her support of
Boulevard the rehearing for the 1901 Newport Boulevard project and less
density for the Westside.
Barbara Beck, 443 Flower Street, Costa Mesa, thanked Mayor Pro
Tem Steel for attending the Costa Mesa High School drunk driving
simulation program. Ms. Beck was in favor of the rehearing on the
1901 Newport Boulevard project, due to density of the project and
the added concern for the children who would be living in the
complex and would not have a place to play and pointed out that
the complex is surrounded by three major intersections.
Chris Generic, no street address given, expressed his support of
the rehearing regarding the 1901 Newport Boulevard project, and
described it as a "radical departure from the General Plan that is
over the top" and felt that it would set a bad precedent for future
development.
Wendell Mayberry, 414 Bernard Street, Costa Mesa, a resident
that lives directly behind the 1901 Newport Boulevard project
stated that he supports the project, in concept, but as proposed the
project was "too tall and too dense for the area", and will cause
further traffic problems.
Lion's Park Beth Refakes, 320 Magnolia Street, Costa Mesa, complimented
the City on the recently installed marker at the entrance to Lion's
Park, which greatly' enhances the appearance of the park
entrance, and will be: helpful to new residents of the area. She
Online Agenda expressed her appreciation of the availability of the council agenda
Reports reports on the City's website. To an inquiry by Ms. Refakes, the
City Manager advised of the intention to include the agenda reports
for the City Planning, Commission, the Redevelopment Agency,
Centerline and the Parks Commission, on the city's website. She also
commented about Centerline and expressed concern that the
project has been "embraced by City officials but without adequate
1901 Newport input from the community", and suggested that the City conduct
Boulevard town hall meetings to solicit input from residents to insure that
there is a need for the project. She also supported a rehearing for
1901 Newport Boulevard, due to the density of the project.
In response to Council Member Mansoor the City Manager
reported that an official position has been made by the City Council
in support of the Centerline project and reported on the status of
the alignment.
1901 Newport Katharine Bequette,' .2349 College Drive, Costa Mesa, in
Boulevard supporting the rehearing for 1901 Newport project, made a
comparison with the. Costa -Newport, a senior citizen housing
project, and advised of the experiences of the neighbors she had
interviewed that lived behind the complex. She reported that
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neighbors had expressed complaints of the invasion of privacy,
noise issues, as well as the concern of skateboarders in the
underground parking facility. She also advised of her personal
experience of the shadowing effect from the "unsightly" brick wall
from the Home Depot Center directly across from her home.
Eileen Jones, 2995 Ceylon Drive, Costa Mesa, commented on the
enormity of the proposed project at 1901 Newport Boulevard. She
detailed her difficulties in traveling the area due to the current
traffic and surmised that it will increase. She expressed concern
that approval of the project would set a precedent for higher
density on small parcels of land throughout the City and felt is was
a departure from the vision of the City when she had first moved to
Costa Mesa.
"The Democratic Idea" Irene Shannon, 1640 Newport Boulevard, No. 17, Costa Mesa,
read an excerpt from a sermon that was written in 1850 regarding
"The Democratic Idea".
1901 Newport Tamar Goldmann, 2324 College Drive, Costa Mesa, shared her
Boulevard concern regarding the 1901 Newport Boulevard project, and asked
that the City's development standards be reexamined with
emphasis on the impact and parking issues. She discouraged the
use of Los Angeles as a standard for urbanization and encouraged
the use of standards that suit a "suburban way of life."
19th Street Bridge Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, welcomed
newly appointed Council Member Scheafer, and proceeded to ask
Council to reexamine the 19th Street Bridge for the economic and
social impact for the Westside. He commented that the City needs
Fairview Park more access to recreation and thought that the lower parking lot
and the Canary Drive access to Fairview Park should be
reconsidered. He further suggested the consideration of issues
such as the absence of soccer fields, the repair of potholes, and to
assess the potential long-term benefits of proposed projects.
Regarding the 1901 Newport Boulevard project, Mr. Graham
recommended that Bernard Street be extended to Newport
Boulevard for better traffic flow.
Childs' Comments Jeffrey Childs, 1139 Aviemore Terrace, Costa Mesa, addressed
the Council encouraging "equal treatment for everyone under the
law," and reiterated his objection to the proposed building
restrictions for Aviemore Terrace residents.
Mobil Home Parks Terry Shaw, 420 Bernard Street, Costa Mesa, reiterated the need
for Council to help the citizens who live in mobile home parks. He
Development Projects felt that there was subjectivity in the approval of projects,
recommended the following of established guidelines, and asked
that the same criteria be applied equally to all projects. He also
advised that neither he nor his neighbor, Mr. Mulberry, were
contacted by the developer for 1901 Newport Boulevard as was
reported.
1901 Newport Shannon Lamar, 209 Rose Lane, Costa Mesa, shared her
Boulevard experience and observation of the rapid changes in the traffic in
the area due to Newport Boulevard congestion problems and
further commented that the additional impact of the 1901 Newport
Boulevard project will cause a decline in the quality of life in Costa
Mesa. She asked that Costa Mesa not become "urbanized" like
Los Angeles.
Parking Variances Don Elmore, 2209 Wallace Avenue, Costa Mesa, asked that
variances not be given for new developments in the City, observing
that parking variances have been granted for every project that has
been approved which has contributed to the current parking
Red Light Cameras problems. Mr. Elmore inquired about the installation of the red
light cameras throughout the City. The Public Services Director
confirmed a camera installation at Harbor Boulevard and Adams
Avenue and commented that it was close to completion. The City
Manager also reported that the following locations are being
considered for additional red light cameras: 19th Street and
Newport Boulevard, Fair Drive and Del Mar Avenue/Newport
Boulevard, and Harbor Boulevard at Baker Street.
View Preservation Robert Reeder, owner of property at 1127 and 1131 Aviemore
Terrace, Costa Mesa, provided a photograph illustrating the view
behind/above a two-story home located on Aviemore Terrace, and
concluded that the views would not be obstructed unless three
story homes were built. Therefore, he requested that Aviemore
Terrace not be included in the view preservation area of the
proposed view preservation ordinance.
CONSENT On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Steel, seconded by Council Member
CALENDAR Mansoor, and carried 4-0, 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: Antimite Assoc.,
Inc.; Isamu Bannai; Mary Jane Blanchard; and Scott Hagen.
ABC Licenses Request for Alcoholic;Beverage Control (ABC) Licenses from:
Sensasian Restaurant, 585 Anton Boulevard, for a premise -to -
premise and person-to-person transfer of a Type 47 (on -sale
beer and wine .for a bona fide eating place) and a Type 58
(caterer's permit) ABC License.
Ahhh Wasabi (formerly Bangkok Thai), 1969 Harbor Boulevard,
for a person-to-person transfer of an existing Type 41 ABC
License (on -sale beer and wine for a bona fide eating place).
Marina Liquor, 895 West 19th Street, for a person-to-person
transfer of an existing Type 21 ABC License (off -sale general).
WARRANTS The following warrants were approved:
Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1952, funding City operating expenses for
1952 $1,176,409.98.
Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1953, funding Payroll No. 310 for
1953/Payroll No. 309A $2,032,430.45, Payroll No. 309A for negative $495.61, and
and No. 310 City operating expenses for $593,071.17, including payroll
deductions.
ADMINISTRATIVE Resolution 03-31 was adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
ACTIONS/Adopted COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA,
Resolution 03-31 to AUTHORIZING THE FIRE CHIEF AND/OR POLICE CHIEF TO
Obtain Federal Grant EXECUTE ANY ACTIONS NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF
OBTAINING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER THE
STATE DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM.
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Final Map and Sub- The Final Map and Subdivision Agreement for Tract No. 16416,
Division Agreement for located at 1325 Sunflower Avenue, to subdivide one lot into 98
Tract No. 16416 lots, consisting of 73 lots for residential use and 25 lots for private
streets and common open space, were approved, and the City
Engineer, Mayor, and Deputy City Clerk were authorized to sign on
behalf of the City.
Accepted Street Im- Street. improvements at 140 East 19th Street were completed to the
provements at 140 satisfaction of the Public Services Director by Joseph Cefalia, 818
East 19th Street by West Balboa, Newport Beach, in connection with Encroachment
Joseph Cefalia, PS01- Permit No. PS01-00114 (PA -00-07). The work was accepted, and
00114 (PA -00-07) the bonds were ordered exonerated.
Accepted Street Im- Street improvements at 199 Mesa Drive were completed to the
provements at 199 satisfaction of the Public Services Director by Temir Sacuy, 199
Mesa Drive by Temir Mesa Drive, Costa Mesa, in connection with Encroachment Permit
Sacuy, PS02-00079 No. PS02-00079 (DR -99-26). The work was accepted, and the
(DR -99-26) bonds were ordered exonerated.
Rejected Bids for Bids for Construction of Picnic Trellis and Other Site Improvements
Construction of Picnic at Mesa Verde Park, 1795 Samar Avenue, Project No. 03-08 are
Trellis, Project 03-08 on file in the City Clerk's Office. Staff was directed to reject all
bids, and readvertisement of the project was authorized.
Approved Purchase of Purchase of three traffic signal controller cabinets was approved
Traffic Signal from Econolite Control Products, Inc., 3360 La Palma Avenue,
Controller Cabinets Anaheim, for $35,764.38.
Adopted Resolution Resolution 03-32 was adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
03-32/Sole Source COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, TO
Purchase from Myers
AUTHORIZE AND AWARD A SOLE SOURCE PURCHASE OF
Power Products, Inc.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL BATTERY BACK-UP SYSTEMS; the
agreement was approved with Myers Power Products, Inc., 9603
John Street, Santa Fe Springs, for $171,792.07, and the Mayor
and Deputy City Clerk were authorized to sign on behalf of the
City.
PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Monahan announced that a minor design issue was
Application Withdrawn
resolved between the applicant and the neighbors and therefore
Minor Design Review
withdrew his application appealing the Planning Commission's
ZA-02-60/256 Rose
approval of Minor Design Review ZA-02-60 for Jeff Mayland,
Lane
authorized agent for John Rice, for a second -story addition to an
existing single-family residence, with an exemption from garage
width requirements due to inadequate garage dimensions (20'
required; 19' exists), located at 256 Rose Lane, in an R1 (Single -
Family Residential) zone. Environmental Determination: Exempt.
PUBLIC HEARING
The Deputy City Clerk announced that this is the time and place
Ordinance Amending
set for the public hearing to consider an ordinance amending Title
Title 13/Accessory
13 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code regarding review
Apartments
requirements for accessory . apartments (second units).
Environmental Determination: Exempt. The Affidavit of
Publication is on file in the City Clerk's Office. The Development
Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated May 8, 2003,
and responded to questions from Council.
Don Elmore, 2209 Wallace Avenue, Costa Mesa, reported to the
Council that a neighboring property has a "granny unit" that is built
on the property line and showed an illustration. He encouraged
setback requirements for all residential structures.
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The Development Services Director responded that currently there
is a setback requirement but indicated that there was a period of
time (1950's and 1960's) when a zero setback for garages and
accessory buildings was allowed.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
MOTION/Ordinance A motion was made ,by Council Member Mansoor, seconded by
03-4 First Reading Council Member Scheafer, and carried 3-1, Mayor Pro Tem Steel
Accessory Apartments voting no, to give Ordinance 03-4 first reading: AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF .COSTA MESA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 13 OF THE COSTA MESA
MUNICIPAL CODE 'REGARDING REVIEW REQUIREMENTS
FOR ACCESSORY APARTMENTS. Second reading and adoption
are scheduled for the meeting of June 2, 2003.
PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this is the time and place
Master Plan Review set for the public hearing to consider Master Plan Review PA -03 -
PA -03-01 Orange 01 for Gruen Associates, authorized agent for Kerry
County Performing Madden/Orange County Performing Arts Center symphony hall,
Arts Center Symphony located at 615 Town Center Drive in a TC (Town/Country) zone.
Hall Environmental Determination: Final Program Environmental
Impact Report No. 1047. The Affidavits of Publication and Mailing
are on file in the City Clerk's Office. The Development Services
Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated May 1, 2003.
Jerry Mandell, President, Orange County Performing Arts Center,
615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, showed a videotape of the
groundbreaking ceremony, gave a brief presentation, and advised
that the new Orange County Performing Arts Center and
Symphony Hall will be "the preeminent performing arts center in
the country" in performance capabilities.
Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No. 264, Costa Mesa,
suggested the name be changed to the "Costa Mesa Performing
Arts Center."
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
MOTION/Adopted A motion was made by Council Member Mansoor, seconded by
Resolution 03-33 Mayor Pro Tem Steel,, and carried 4-0, to adopt Resolution 03-33:
Approving PA -03-01 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MASTER PLAN PA -
03 -01.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 5, 2003,
Bid Item No. 1073 Award of Bid Item No. 1073, Purchase of Five New 2003 Hybrid
Purchase of Five Gasoline/Electric 4 -Door Sedans. The Public Services Director
Sedans reviewed the Agenda Report dated May 8, 2003, and he and the
City Manager responded to questions from Council.
Don Elmore, 2209 ',Wallace Avenue, Costa Mesa, requested that
that the City aggressively seeks solicitation from Costa Mesa
businesses, for all future city bids.
MOTION/Awarded to On motion by Council Member Mansoor, seconded by Council
Tustin Toyota Member Scheafer, and carried 4-0, Bid Item No. 1073, Purchase of
Five New 2003 Hybrid Gasoline/Electric 4 -Door Sedans, was
awarded to Tustin Toyota, 44 Auto Center Drive, Tustin, for
$105,454.93, and staff was directed to prepare an ordinance to
amend the municipal code to provide for a local preference in the
purchase of certain supplies and services, not in conflict with
applicable state law.
RECESS The Mayor declared a recess at 8:00 p.m., and reconvened the
meeting at 8:10 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 5, 2003,
Westside Bluffs Westside bluffs general plan amendment/rezone study and
General Plan Amend- consultant contract status report. The Planning and
ment/Rezone Study Redevelopment Manager reviewed the Agenda Report dated May
6, 2003, and responded to questions from Council.
Dan Gribble, property/business owner on 18th Street, urged
Council to proceed with Alternative 3, terminate the project, for the
reasons as stated in the report but also suggested that this would
be responding to the interests and rights of business owners in the
area and not to that of special interests outside of the area. He
further commented that the Westside industrial base is vital to the
City's employment base and tax revenues. He protested the
second alternative, to proceed with rezoning without a study, and
offered that he is a member of Community Redevelopment Action
Committee (C.R.A.C.) and was concerned as to the purpose of the
committee if the committee's input was to be overlooked and a
study not conducted. Upon response from the Planning and
Redevelopment Manager describing City Council Objective 03-02,
Mr. Gribble urged the Council to terminate the rezoning option,
reiterating his protest based upon the rights of the
industrial/business property owner in the area and asked the
Council "to let the market conditions prevail."
Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No. 264, Costa Mesa,
advised the Council that that there is an exorbitant amount of
pollution coming from the factories located on the Westside,
indicating that it is causing health problems for the area residents.
He requested that the City become more "intolerant" of the
industrial activity in residential neighborhoods, addressed the need
for a better balance of residential and commercial within the City
and implored the Council to support the rezoning of the bluffs to
residential.
Terri Breer, 956 Magellan Street, Costa Mesa, encouraged the
Council to support Alternative 3, terminating the project, stating
that other alternatives do not offer the option of conducting a study.
She argued that the Community Redevelopment Action Committee
(C.R.A.C.) has not completed their work nor would they have had
an opportunity to provide comment before the proposed
implementation. She further commented that the proposal should
follow rather than precede the study, and encouraged the Council
not to proceed without hearing from the committee.
Mary Warwick, 1042 West 18th Street, Costa Mesa, reported that
the map included in the Agenda Report has her property listed as
"vacant", and informed the Council that she has lived at her
address since 1960 and requested that the error be corrected.
Mike Harrison, 201 Paularino Avenue, Costa Mesa, a
representative of Trico Realty, landlord of a number of industrial
businesses on the Westside for 30 years, spoke in support of
Alternative 3, to terminate the project. He commented that he had
doubts of the economic feasibility of the proposal, felt that a study
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is prudent and that C.R.A.C. should be allowed to meet on the
topic to formulate recommendations.
Paul Johnson, 1042 West 18th Street, Costa Mesa, a residential
property owner, supported Alternative 3, terminate the project,
stating that without factual information he did not feel it warranted
immediate action. Mr. Johnson informed the Council that there
was a previous attempt to rezone the area, and submitted a
videotape from a 1991 City Council meeting that illustrated the
concept was not supported.
Eva Marin, 1780 Placentia Avenue, No. 20, Costa Mesa, informed
the Council that she is also a member of C.R.A.C. She stated her
reason for joining the committee was to try to make a difference in
her community, and commented that she would consider it a waste
of her time if the Council were to render a decision before receiving
recommendations from the committee. She also felt that there are
"good neighbors" both industrial and residential and encouraged
the City to focus on those (industrial and residential) that do not
advance the quality of life in the area.
Katharine Willis, 1036 West 18th Street, Costa Mesa, expressed
her concern of her home being "taken away." She reported that
she recently replaced the roof on her house and is making
improvements when and where she can but was distressed that
the rezoning may require her to lose her house.
Don Elmore, 2209 Wallace Avenue, Costa Mesa, supported
rezoning the bluff area and commented that he has, through the
years, seen an increase in pollutants in the air, which come from
the industrial area on the Westside.
Sylvia Branson, 900 West 19th Street, Costa Mesa, recommended
that Council consider the hiring of a consultant to gather the facts
and to conduct a study, and encouraged the Council to be open to
new ideas for the improvement of the Westside.
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, expressed her
support for the proposal to rezone the area to residential, advising
that the area was once a residential zone and claimed it to be
"some of the most beautiful property in the City".
Paula Litten, 1161 Gleneagles Terrace, Costa Mesa, supported
rezoning of the Westside bluffs for future residents.
Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa, stated that if
a study were conducted, the proposed development of Banning
Ranch would need to be considered, and suggested that the City
consider purchasing the Banning property. She also informed the
Council that more development is predicted as developers are of
the opinion that the City of Costa Mesa is easier to do business
with than other surrounding cities.
Council Member Mansoor emphasized that the discussion was
about the possibility of an overlay and was not meant to discuss
redevelopment, or imminent domain. The Council Member
indicated that an overlay offered another zoning option and gave
the example of the overlay zone that presently exists west of
Whittier Avenue. He stated that he would like to look at incentives
that encourage residential development and that the re -circulating
for the Request For Proposal would be funded from the next
budget.
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Mayor Pro Tem Steel emphasized that it is not the City's intention
to "take over anyone's home or residential property." He supported
re -circulating the Request for Proposals and opposed the
alternative to terminate the proposal.
To Mayor Monahan's inquiry, the Planning and Redevelopment
Manager responded that staff could conduct a study of the overlay
concept, to include additional background and details of the
implementation process but that further details as to land use
alternatives or phasing plans and options would require a
consultant. Mayor Monahan was supportive of the new alternative
presented but felt further study was necessary.
MOTION/Gave A motion was made by Mayor Monahan, seconded by Mayor Pro
Direction to Staff Tem Steel, and carried 4-0, directing staff to prepare a study of the
Westside Bluffs General Plan Amendment, overlay concept and
rezoning, with the study to include staff proposed incentives (i.e.
fee waivers), and the economic tradeoff (gains and losses in
revenue); approved recommended Processing Alternative and
directed staff to initiate a general plan amendment to the text of the
Light Industrial land use designation, for the industrial area
between Whittier and Monrovia Avenues; to establish an
underlying residential designation that could be activated by a
developer -initiated specific plan; and referred the study, Request
for Proposal and processing alternative to the Community
Redevelopment Action Committee (C.R.A.C.) for
recommendations, to be reviewed by the Planning Commission
and the City Council.
Council Member Scheafer supported the motion expressing that it
was important to have the C.R.A.C. Committee review and provide
recommendations. He supported the incentives concept as
proposed by Council Member Mansoor.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 5, 2003,
Request for Rehearing Request for Rehearing from Council Member Mansoor and a
for 1901 Newport, Request for Rehearing from Costa Mesa Citizens for Responsible
Kennedy/Rutter Growth, regarding the City Council's approval at the Special Joint
Development Meeting of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency on April
14, 2003, of the Kennedy/Rutter Development, a 161 unit
residential condominium project at 1901 Newport Boulevard,
including Final Environmental Impact Report No. 1050; General
Plan Amendment GP -02-04; an ordinance amending Title 13 of the
Costa Mesa Municipal Code; Final Master Plan PA -02-11; and the
inclusionary housing plan. Communications were received from
Sydney Gielow, 3018 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, expressing
opposition to the project; Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa
Mesa, sharing a letter she had submitted to the Daily Pilot Editor
regarding remarks from Mr. Dave Eadie; and Barbara Marcks, Post
Office Box 10704, Costa Mesa, supporting the rehearing.
Council Member Mansoor reiterated his general concerns
regarding the density, and the shade and shadow effects,
expressing that the information was inconclusive.
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, Vice President of
Costa Mesa Citizens for Responsible Growth, made a presentation
detailing major points of the agenda reports and the EIR that she
considered contradictory: that the "shade and shadow" was in
violation of the General Plan and that the analysis was inaccurate
in its claim of the amount of time that shadow appeared on the
properties on Bernard Street and emphasized the need to consider
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the sensitive landscape of those properties; that there was an
intrusion of the privacy of the surrounding residential neighborhood
illustrating that the secluded back yards would be in the view of the
third and fourth story windows; that the outdoor living areas would
be significantly impacted by noise in excess of the acceptable
noise level which would not be in compliance with the City's Noise
Policy, as stated in the General Plan; and advised that no minor
modification was sought for building encroachments into the
setback and showed ' plans of an area of ' the building that was
projecting into the 20, feet setback. She responded to questions
from Council.
Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa, consultant for
Costa Mesa Citizen's for Responsible Growth, detailed "privileges"
granted to the project stating that the floor area ratio (.70
permitted) for nonresidential use was in excess of the .35 allowed;
that the density in the number of units granted was in extreme
excess of that which is allowed; reemphasized the encroachment
into the required setbacks; commented on the additional height
allowance; the lack of information on the site coverage of the
proposed building; and that the parking variance that was granted
lacked adequate guest and open space parking. She further
discussed the shade and shadow analysis, advising that it was
based on the Los Angeles standard, and that it was not a policy
standard. She also commented on the Growth Inducing Impact, of
the project, setting a precedent in future development projects.
The Associate Planner reviewed the Agenda Report dated May 7,
2003, reported that the comprehensive reports and documents that
were presented for the hearing on April 14, 2003, discussed or
included information that was being addressed at the rehearing
request and clarified .the following details for the Council: That
concurrent processing was allowed; that the Draft EIR documented
the order of the approval of the actions; that the Draft EIR was
circulated to the required agencies for review and that City staff
responded to the letters of comment, as required; that the findings
indicated that there were less than significant impacts; that the
number of parking spaces with garage doors is sufficient and that
the CCR's are to . include a requirement for parking use only, and
not for storage; that the plan approved by Council meets the open
space requirements; that the 20 foot setback allows for such
architectural features as roof overhangs, and stating further that
the all the information 'previously analyzed is in compliance with the
Municipal Code. Dana Privitt, Bonterra Consulting, 151 Kalmus
Drive, Suite E-200, Costa Mesa, also responded to questions from
Council and clarified the issue of noise, stating that the Draft EIR
does identify a few 'areas where the noise does exceed the
requirement but indicated that minor mitigating measures are to be
implemented. She also explained that the Growth Inducing Impact
was not found to impose new significant burdens on the utilities or
public services associated with the project. She further explained
that the project does not remove obstacles for future growth, and
advised that the amended language, in the General Plan and the
Zoning Ordinance, would not apply to other properties. She also
stated that the 2002 General Plan would not allow the density on a
"city-wide basis." She further advised that the project would
provide for a portion of the housing needs to be met, as set forth in
the Regional Housing Needs Assessment of the General Plan,
which indicates the need to construct 1,268 new housing units.
In response to a question from Council Member Monahan
regarding mitigating the noise levels, Matt Jones, Consultant from
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Mestre Greve, 2280 Newport Center Drive, Suite 230, Newport
Beach, advised of the recommendations that have been provided
regarding noise barriers and materials selection that would help in
effectively blocking and mitigating noise.
Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa, commented
that the Environmental Impact Report does not appear to reference
the height of the barriers that would be required, and stated that
the noise mitigations are listed but were not specifically identified.
Heather Somers, 313 Robin Hood Lane, Costa Mesa, listed
deficiencies that she saw with the EIR, including the lack of
findings of "special circumstances" for parking; the exclusion of a
weekend traffic flow study; the shadow effect analysis on
surrounding properties; and the permitting of five stories, not
allowed under the General Plan. She stated that the project is
located in the Redevelopment Zone and questioned the legality if
the 40 percent of Moderate and Low Moderate housing is not met;
that a traffic and circulation study lacked the inclusion of assessing
the project area at full capacity of both the commercial and
residential uses, and pointed out in EIR where it was indicated that
five (5) intersections, in the area, were currently identified "at
failure." She stated she would support the downscaling of the
density in the project.
Terry Shaw, 420 Bernard Street, Costa Mesa, requested that
Council grant the rehearing.
Beth Refakes, 320 Magnolia Street, Costa Mesa, stated she felt
that the project deserved a rehearing and that the accumulative
effect of the traffic has not been adequately addressed.
Tamar Goldmann, 2324 College Drive, Costa Mesa, urged Council
to grant the rehearing as "new" information had been presented
and expressed the need to review the EIR for accuracy. She
commented that the process is an open and objective analysis of
the project but questioned the objectivity of the analysis by the
City, claiming that she felt that the City had acted as an advocate
of the project.
Dave Eadie, Rutter Development, 18012 Cowan, Suite 200, Irvine,
disagreed that new information was produced and quoted the
Costa Mesa Municipal Code Section 2-304, regarding procedures
for rehearing, "...to justify a rehearing the applicant must show in
the application that there is new relevant evidence, which, in the
exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or
was properly excluded." He felt that the staff and the consultants
had successfully pointed out that the EIR and the issues presented
in the staff reports were well thought-out and dispelled the
misinformation.
Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa, presented
her rebuttal to the staff presentation stating that the needs
specified in the Certified Housing Element are being met, "without
the project"; that the drainage areas are not considered "open -
space"; and questioned the sufficiency of the that the parking with
or without the garage doors.
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, reemphasized the
need for a rehearing based on the issues of the building
encroachments, the noise mitigation that was not included in the
EIR, and the noncompliance of the EIR with CEQA requirements.
WE3 E
She announced that an attorney had been retained by the Costa
Mesa Citizens for Responsible Growth to represent them in the
process.
MOTION/To Grant A motion was made by Council Member Mansoor, seconded by
Rehearing Failed to Mayor Pro Tem Steel, to grant a rehearing based on the new that
Carry evidence was presented and that it could not have been submitted
prior to the Council's approval, and by using due diligence due to
the volume and the complexity of the data considered.
Mayor Monahan opposed the motion, stating that although there
was a lot of information presented, he felt much of it was
"rehashing", and not new relevant evidence. He stated that the
EIR "is sound"; that the mitigation measures are in place; and there
was not enough evidence to warrant a rehearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Steel stated that although he initially voted for the
approval of the project he had some reservations, based on the
information provided during the request and supported a rehearing.
The motion failed to carry 2-2, Mayor Monahan and Council
Member Scheafer voting no.
The Acting City Attorney advised that the tie vote constituted no
action and that it has been the practice and procedure of the City
Council to refer the matter for reconsideration to the next meeting
of the City Council, which will be held on June 2, 2003.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 5, 2003,
New Official Flag a proposed new official City of Costa Mesa flag. The Management
Analyst reviewed the Agenda Report dated March 11, 2003.
MOTION/Approved A motion was made by Council Member Scheafer, seconded by
New Official City Flag Mayor Pro Tem Steel, and carried 4-0, to approve official flag
design No. 1.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 5, 2003,
Temporary Recyclable an ordinance amending Sections 13-73 and 13-74 of the Costa
Receptacles Mesa Municipal Code to exempt temporary receptacles used for
the collection of recyclable products. The Public Services Director
reviewed the Agenda Report dated April 24, 2003,
Beth Refakes, 320 Magnolia Street, Costa Mesa, expressed her
opposition to the ordinance and provided photographs of prior
"temporary" dumpsters that have been placed in her neighborhood.
She commented that they are "eyesores" and created "blight" on
residential neighborhoods and negatively impacts adjacent
residents.
Council Member Mansoor agreed that dumpsters are not the most
attractive, but are temporary.
MOTION/Gave A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Steel, seconded by Council
Ordinance 03-5 First Member Mansoor, and carried 4-0, to give Ordinance 03-5 first
Reading reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 13-73
AND SECTION 13-74 OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE
TO EXEMPT TEMPORARY RECEPTACLES USED FOR THE
COLLECTION OF RECYCLABLE PRODUCTS. Second reading
and adoption are scheduled for the meeting of June 2, 2003.
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NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented Theater and Arts District Plan
Theater and Arts Progress Report. The Planning and Redevelopment Manager
District Plan reviewed the Agenda Report dated May 8, 2003,
MOTION/Received On motion by Mayor Monahan, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Steel,
and Filed Report and carried 4-0, the report was received and filed.
NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented Downtown and Eastside
Committee Appoint- Transportation Ad Hoc Committee Appointments. The Public
ments Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated May 7, 2003.
MOTION/Appointed A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Steel, seconded by Council
Jessica Palanjian and Member Mansoor, and carried 4-0, to approve the appointment of
Sharon Courtway Jessica Palanjian and Sharon Courtway to the Downtown and
Eastside Transportation Ad Hoc Committee.
CITY MANAGER The City Manager was pleased to announce the success of the
REPORT/Neighbors Neighbors -for -Neighbors event held recently. He showed pictures
For Neighbors of the many volunteers who turned out to help clean up homes and
many of the before and after shots of the projects at various
Public Safety Expo. locations throughout the City, as well as the cleanup efforts at
Canyon Park. He also reported that the the Public Safety Expo.,
which was held at Fire Station No. 4, was a success and thanked
Fire Fighter Shawn Brosamer for an excellent job in coordinating
the event.
COUNCIL Council Member Scheafer announced that the Costa
COMMENTS/Fish Fry Mesa/Newport Harbor Lion's Fish Fry would be held on Friday,
May 30th through Sunday, June 1, 2003, and thanked staff for their
assistance "in bringing him up to speed," and thanked his wife
Sandy for her support.
Council Member Mayor Pro Tem Steel thanked Council Member Scheafer for his
Scheafer service to the Council.
Scottish/Highland Mayor Monahan announced that the Scottish/Highland Games
Games would be held at the Orange County Fairgrounds, over the
weekend.
ADJOURNMENT The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 12:25 a.m.
Mayor of th ity osta Mesa
ATTEST:
Deputy - y Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa