HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/02/2003 - City Councilo��x'_j
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COSTA MESA
June 2, 2003
The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in
regular session June 2, 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 the Mayor, and invocation by
Reverend Barbara Stewart, St. John the Divine Episcopal Church.
ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Mayor Gary Monahan
Mayor Pro Tem Chris Steel
Council Member Libby Cowan
Council Member Allan Mansoor
Council Member Mike Scheafer
Council Members Absent: None
Officials Present: City Manager Allan Roeder
Acting City Attorney Tom Wood
Assistant Development Services
Director Perry Valantine
Public Services Director William
Morris
Administrative Services Director
Steve Hayman
Finance Director Marc Puckett
Personnel Manager Howard
Perkins
Planning and Redevelopment
Manager Mike Robinson
Associate Planner Claire Flynn
Associate Engineer Gary LaForge
Management Analyst Carol Proctor
Deputy City Clerk Julie Folcik
ORDINANCES AND A motion was made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by
RESOLUTIONS Mayor Monahan, and carried 5-0, to read all ordinances and
resolutions by title only.
PRESENTATION
Mayor Monahan announced that Cindy Lightner had been selected
Mayor's Award
as the recipient of the Costa Mesa Mayor's Award. He commended
Ms. Lightner for her selfless life-saving effort by administering CPR
when a woman collapsed from cardiac arrest at Woodland
Elementary School:
PRESENTATION
Mayor Monahan-- congratulated Thanh Bui, MIS Division of the
Employee of the Month
Administrative SerV es- Department, for his efficient administration
of the City's website and _ de_velopment of the Council Agenda
Reporting System, -as yrell_as his assistance to residents and City
employees in their cc;feetidn'and-distribution of information.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Hildegard Gonzales, 9932 Pomona Avenue, Costa Mesa,
Opening Invocation
expressed her disappointment that the opening invocation did not
include the servicemen and women who are still fighting on the
C.R.A.C. Meetings
"front lines" and are in danger daily. Ms. Gonzales reported she
attends the Community Redevelopment Action Committee meetings
and that the membership of the committee has declined from 75
members to 29 members. She felt good- representation is needed
to address the issues that concern Westside residents including
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that of blighted areas, and the excess of charities. She also
Shopping Carts advised that she has seen shopping carts from as far away as
Target, on Pomona Avenue, near her home..
Gang Graffiti Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No. 264, Costa Mesa,
reported graffiti on a wall, painted over a week ago, on Fairview
Road past Baker Street, that he identified as "gang graffiti," and
claimed that it is proof of the gang problems in the city. He
Paularino School discussed the after-school program at Paularino School that is run
by the City, and advised of the gang members "mixing" with young
children, as well as adults. Mr. Millard felt that there is overuse of
Sports Fields the sports fields within the City, and suggested that the
redevelopment of the Westside include sports fields.
C.R.A.C. Committee Phyllis Atkinson, 2871 Alanzo Lane, Costa Mesa, thanked Council
Member Mansoor and the Community Redevelopment Action
Committee for keeping the changes in the General Plan in the
public eye. She discussed the current traffic issues at Newport
Boulevard and asked Council to solve these issues instead of
adding to them by approving the 1901 Newport Boulevard project.
19th Street Bridge Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, commented
that the economic and social implications should be considered
before Council moves ahead without a 19th Street bridge. He
showed photographs of 19th Street depicting the current traffic
backups near Triangle Square.
1901 Newport Jay Humphrey, 1620 Sandalwood Street, Costa Mesa, discussed
Boulevard Plaza his concerns regarding the 1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza project,
Project asking if the statement was repealed in the General Plan that states
"do not use the bridges as planning vehicles to mitigate traffic". The
Planning and Redevelopment Manager responded that the policy
has not been amended, and the deletion of the bridges has been
taken into account in the traffic studies that have been done for the
project. Mr. Humphrey reported that the area is currently impacted
by traffic from the 55 Freeway and Harbor Boulevard, and felt that
moving forward with this project would require a 19th Street Bridge
to mitigate the increase in traffic. He also commented that there is
an unresolved parking problem associated with the project.
Mary Ellen Goddard, 2901 Palau Place, Costa Mesa, stated the
1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza Project, when completed, would be
overdeveloped, will cause traffic problems for the residents in the
neighborhood, and that the density will cause parking problems.
Gordan Pate, 2973 Ceylon Drive, Costa Mesa, protested the
"trashing of the zoning and General Plan" by allowing the developer
of the 1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza Project to more than double
the density of residential units allowed (from 20 units per acre to 45
units. per- acre), and advised that the existing office building would
have twice the density allowed for the area. He disagreed with
granting a- variance to the developer for 40 fewer parking spaces,
asked Council to reject the project and to adhere to the zoning
regulations and General Plan for all future projects.
Wendy Leece, 1804 Capetown Circle, Costa Mesa, reported the
1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza Project would create negative
impacts on the City, including increased traffic, ingress/egress, as
well as setting a precedent for changing the zoning and the General
Plan. She asked that Council listen to the -citizens of the City, add
stated the Bernard Street residents have legitimate concerns
regarding their quality of life and their property values.
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1901 Newport June McKinzie, 165 East 19th Street, Costa Mesa, questioned the
Boulevard Plaza Council's approval of the 1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza Project
Project since they had denied the Kohl's Department Store Project. She
described the approved development as a high-density project on a
small piece of land, and claimed that the impact created would be
"mammoth."
Carolyn Harvey, 674 Center Street, No. B, Costa Mesa, agreed with
aforementioned concerns regarding 1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza
Project, and asked Council to grant the rehearing.
Terry Shaw, 420 Bernard Street, Costa Mesa, stated that he
opposed many of the recent planning and development decisions,
and did not understand how some projects were denied, while
similar projects were approved in the City. He inquired as to the
days and hours of construction for the 1901 Newport Boulevard
Plaza Project. The Planning and Redevelopment Manager
responded that the residential noise requirements, as is indicated in
the Costa Mesa Municipal Code, would be followed.
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, advised the Council
of the parking impact for the 1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza
Project, should each 'venue have a weekend function held at the
same time. She indicated that there would be over 1350 parking
spaces needed with only 448 provided. She also asked that
Council consider the added traffic at the location.
Tamar Goldmann, 2324 College Drive, Costa Mesa, questioned
Mayor Monahan's decision to limit the time for the applicants to
address their request ,for rehearing of the 1901 Newport Boulevard
Plaza Project to ten minutes, stating it was unfair. Ms. Goldmann
expressed there are many issues involved in the project including
privacy, "shade and shadow", increase in density, parking, traffic,
noise, pollution, and construction limitations.
Arlene Jones, 2995 Ceylon Drive, Costa Mesa, reported that the
traffic on Harbor Boulevard the previous week, due to the opening
of the new Ikea store, was "deplorable." She expressing that the
1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza Project would, likewise, create
additional traffic problems and requested that Council grant the
rehearing.
Heather Somers, 313 Robin Hood Lane, Costa Mesa, inquired as to
the agreement with the developer for the 1901 Newport Boulevard
Plaza Project, located in a redevelopment zone, that dictates that
he will build a ratio proportionate number of low income housing,
and stated that they should be located on project site. Mayor
Monahan confirmed with the Planning and Redevelopment
Manager that there would be 14 units within the downtown area, as
required, and that it has been included as an amendment to the
inclusionary housing plan. Ms. Somers stated there are "holes" in
the EIR, questioned the subsidizing of the developer by allowing
him to build twice the maximum allowed density. Quoting the EIR
that "the PDC zone allows residential uses based on compatible
uses listed in the General Plan for the applicable land use
designation subject to FAR limits," she commented that the project
is double the FAR limits and asked Council to grant the rehearing.
Wendell Maberry, 414 Bernard Street, Costa Mesa, expressed his
opposition to the 1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza Project in that it is
too dense, too tall, and should be scaled down by at least 50
percent.
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1901 Newport Dave Russell, a business owner at 1924 Harbor Boulevard, Costa
Boulevard Plaza Mesa, commented that he was not notified regarding the 1901
Project Newport Boulevard Plaza Project, and asked Council to reconsider
the rehearing.
Paul Flanagan, 3090 Bali Circle, Costa Mesa, commented about
the summary provided by staff regarding the rehearing request of
the 1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza Project, and advised the Council
that it is not required to adopt the suggested action, but that it is at
the Council's discretion. He stated that the project will increase
noise, traffic, pollution, and will not provide the expected cushion
against the coming budget shortfall.
Mobile Home Park Irene Shannon, 1640 Newport Boulevard, No. 17, Costa Mesa,
expressed her sadness at losing a friend and neighbor, and the
problems she and her neighbors are having regarding the EI Nido
Trailer Park, where -she is living, and encouraged other individuals
to speak up regarding the problems.
Affordable Senior Anne Hogan-Shereshevsky, 2152 Elden Avenue, No. 1, Costa
Housing Mesa, discussed a Daily Pilot Article regarding the housing element
in Newport Beach, expressing the importance of affordable housing
for Senior Citizens in Costa Mesa. Ms. Hogan Shereshevsky asked
that there be enough Police personnel available to monitor the use
Fireworks of Fireworks in the City, and expressed her gratitude to Council
Member Scheafer for the Fish Fry she attended, and enjoyed.
Fish Fry
Centerline Project
Stop Signs
Hamilton Street
Community Garden
Beth Refakes, 320 Magnolia Street, Costa Mesa, congratulated
Mayor Pro Tem Steel on the final resolution of his legal difficulties.
She appreciated the return of the Fish Fry, and expressed her
concern that City officials are embracing the Centerline project
without adequate input from residents, believing there are many
unanswered questions concerning the liability of the project. Ms.
Refakes expressed her opposition to the 1901 Newport Boulevard
Plaza Project.
Kris Gold, 2559 Elden Avenue, No. E, Costa Mesa, thanked the
Public Services Department for the placement of stop signs at Del
Mar and Elden Avenues, and for the resurfacing of Elden Avenue.
Ms. Gold stated she is a member of the Community Garden on Del
Mar Avenue, spends many hours volunteering there, and would like
Council to reconsider the Hamilton Street Community Garden.
Kimberly Slater, 2184 Miner Street, Costa Mesa, requested Council
to grant a rehearing of the Hamilton Street Community Garden
project.
Michael Odegaard, 104 Lexington Lane, Costa Mesa, discussed his
interest in the Hamilton Street Community Garden, and advised of
the benefits of Community Gardens in that it promotes family and
community interaction, creates educational opportunities, and
stated that gardening is a quiet activity, good exercise, and a
constructive recreation.
Fish Fry Sandy Johnson, 344 Cabrillo Street, Costa Mesa, thanked the
Lion's Club, and the City for the return of the Fish Fry. She asked
Community Garden Council to reconsider the Hamilton Street Community Garden. Ms.
Johnson expressed the importance for the Council to consider the
residents at the EI Nido Trailer Park who will be displaced, and she
also opposed the 1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza Project.
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Beck Comments Barbara Beck, 443 Flower Street, Costa Mesa, thanked Council for
the return of the Fish Fry, and asked them to reconsider the
Hamilton Street Community Garden. She expressed her opinion
that a good reason for considering the hearing of 1901 Newport
Boulevard Plaza Project was that many people were not available to
attend the previous hearings, and she also felt it would be a better
project at half of the density
Kona Lanes Tim Cromwell, 2029 Swan Drive, Costa Mesa, requested that
Council adopt an emergency ordinance halting the demolition of
Kona Lanes. He also recounted an incident, on Memorial Day, at
Little League Fields the Little League field where his team routinely practices, stating he
did not understand why he was confronted by a Recreation
employee who asked to see his permit was for use of the field.
CONSENT The following items were removed from the Consent Calendar:
CALENDAR Item No. 5, Costa Mesa Senior Center; and Item No. 8, Cooperative
Agreement No. C-3-0209 with the Orange County Transportation
Authority.
MOTION/Approved On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Mayor Pro
Except Item Nos. 5 Tem Steel, and carried 5-0, the remaining Consent Calendar items
and 8 were approved as recommended.
READING FOLDER The following Reading Folder items were received and processed:
Claims Claims received by the Deputy City Clerk: William Burns, Jr.;
Sally Chung; Valerie Garcia; Kirk Kelly; Barbara Piner; Sergio
Ramos Sanchez; and Robert Waite.
Alcohol Beverage Request for Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License from:
Control License
AK Market, 1178 Sunflower Avenue, Suite E, for a person-to-
person transfer of an existing Type 20 ABC license (off -sale
beer and wine).
WARRANTS The following warrants were approved:
Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1954, funding City operating expenses for
1954 $934,209.10.
Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1955, funding Payroll No. 311 for
1955/Payroll No. 310A $1,983,824.94, Payroll No. 310A for negative $380.34, and City
and No. 311 operating expenses for $919,453.48, including payroll
deductions.
ADMINISTRATIVE Resolution 03-34 was adopted: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
ACTIONS/Adopted COUNCIL OF THE ' CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA,
Resolution 03-34 to REQUESTING THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT
Allow Employment of SYSTEM TO ALLOW THE EMPLOYMENT OF RON MOLENDYK
Ron Molendyk BEYOND THE 960 -HOUR LIMIT OF EMPLOYMENT.
Approved purchase of The purchase of software licenses was approved from CompuCom,
Software Licenses 10415 Old Placerville, Suite 235, Sacramento, for $114,111.52, to
From CompuCom comply with the Software Protection Agency (SPA) and Microsoft
rules and guidelines, and the City Manager was authorized to sign
the purchase orders.
Awarded Contract for Bids for Newport Boulevard/Victoria Street Improvement, Project
Newport Blvd./Victoria No. 03-09, are on file in the City Clerk's Office. The minor
Street Improvement to irregularities were waived in the bid submitted by Palp, Inc., Doing
Excel Paving Company Business As Excel Paving Company, the contract was awarded to
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Palp, Inc., Doing Business As Excel Paving Company, 2230 Lemon
Avenue, Long Beach, for $255,519.92, and the Mayor and Deputy
City Clerk were authorized to. sign on behalf of the City.
Costa Mesa Senior Item No. 5 on the Consent Calendar was presented: Extend the
Center Corporation contract with the Costa Mesa Senior Center Corporation for the
operation of the Senior Center for one year, with one optional one-
year renewal; direct staff to continue to study the feasibility of
alternate service delivery options for programming and operations
of the Senior Center.
MOTION/Approved On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Extension of Contract Member Scheafer, and carried 5-0, the contract extension was
approved, and the Mayor was authorized to sign on behalf of the
City; staff was directed to prepare a completed study of the
feasibility of alternate service delivery options for programming and
operations of the Senior Center, and to return to the February 9,
2004, Study Session with a report and an update.
Cooperative Agree- Item No. 8 on the Consent Calendar was presented: Cooperative
ment C-3-0209 with Agreement No. C-3-0209 with the Orange County Transportation
OCTA Authority (OCTA) supporting Preliminary Engineering of the
Centerline Light Rail System.
Mayor Monahan reported that an election was scheduled to be held
in the City of Irvine on June 3, 2003, regarding the Centerline Light
Rail System, and that he would like to continue the item until the
next meeting when the results of the election will be known. He
also advised that the route design through Costa Mesa is still under
discussion.
Mayor Pro Tem Steel supported the continuance to the next Council
meeting and stated that he would also like to consider the
undergounding of the Centerline Light Rail System.
Council Member Mansoor felt that the cost of the Centerline Light
Rail System would outweigh the benefit to Costa Mesa, and
speculated that it would not reduce traffic, and was simply an
alternative to the use of busses.
Council Member Cowan expressed her support of the Centerline
Light Rail System, and commented that it represents a long-term
vision for the transportation system in Orange County. She advised
that the project is paid for through Measure M funds, and that there
have been several hearings held regarding this project since 1996.
Council Member Mansoor stated that rail projects of this type are
beneficial to high-density areas, but felt that it would be less
effective in the Orange County area.
MOTION/Continued to A motion was made by Mayor Monahan, seconded by Council
June 16, 2003. Member Cowan, and carried 5-0, to continue the Cooperative
Agreement to the June 16, 2003, Council meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this is the time and place set
General Plan Amend- for the public hearing to consider General Plan Amendment GP-03-
ment GP -03-01 01 and the 2003 Local Implementation Plan for the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Environmental
Determination: Exempt. The Affidavit of Publication is on file in the
City Clerk's Office. The Public Services Director reviewed the
Agenda Report.dated May 14, 2003, and the Associate Engineer
provided a presentation.
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Council Member Cowan requested that staff regularly update the
Council on the anticipated costs of infrastructure for such things as
the implementing of the Master Plan of the drainage system.
Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa, encouraged
Council to approve the General Plan Amendment, expressing that
there is a need for further work to be done in this area. In response
to a question from Ms. Genis, the Public Services Director stated
adding Fairview Park ,to the Natural Community Conservation Plan
is under consideration.
Paul Flanagan, 3090; Bali Circle, Costa Mesa, questioned several
items of the 2000 General Plan, and thought that this may be
premature, at this time.
Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, reiterated that
a lower parking lot is needed at Talbert Park.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
MOTION/Adopted On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Mayor Pro
Resolution 03-35 Tem Steel, and carried 5-0, Resolution 03-35 was adopted: A
Approving GP -03-01 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA
MESA, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GP -03-01 FOR NEW GENERAL
PLAN POLICIES IN: THE LAND USE AND CONSERVATION
ELEMENTS RELATED TO WATER QUALITY/CONSERVATION
AND AUTHORIZATION TO SUBMIT THE DRAFT LOCAL
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR ADOPTION BY SANTA ANA
REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD.
RECESS The Mayor declared at recess at 8:15 p.m., and reconvened the
meeting at 8:25 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 5, 2003,
Shopping Cart Shopping Cart Ordinance. A communication was received from
Ordinance Nick Verdugo, Director of Store Operations and Administration for
Ralphs Grocery Company, . expressing his opposition to the
proposed ordinance. The Acting City Attorney summarized the
Agenda Report dated May 22, 2003, and responded to questions
from Council.
Council Member Cowan expressed her support of the proposed
ordinance and advised that she had worked closely with the City
Attorney's Office, the Development Services Department, the Police
Department, and the California Grocer's Association on the
ordinance and its alternatives.
Mayor Pro Tem Steel complimented Mayor Monahan, Council
Member Cowan, and; former Mayor Dixon for their time and hard
work on this issue. He commented that it appeared that other cities
surrounding Costa Mesa did not have the problems with abandoned
shopping carts, and speculated as to the cause of the problem in
Costa Mesa.
Council Member Cowan replied that the City of Irvine, in addition to
many cities in the , State of California, have problems with
abandoned shopping :carts. She advised that a previous ordinance
was adopted in Costa' Mesa similar to the "zero tolerance" law, and
that it was "kicked back" from the State of California.
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Gilbert Canizales, California Grocery's Association, 555 East Ocean
Boulevard, Long Beach, thanked Council Member Cowan for
including them in the discussions on this issue, and is in support of
the ordinance, and suggested that the effectiveness of the
containment/retrieval system be reviewed in three to six months.
Irene Shannon, 1640 Newport Boulevard, No. 17, Costa Mesa,
stated that lack of transportation was part of the problem. She
mentioned that she is no longer able to drive to the grocery store
and needs a shopping cart to bring her groceries home.
Jay Humphrey, 1620 Sandalwood Street, Costa Mesa, stated that
he was supportive of the ordinance. He offered an alternative
method of retrieval of the carts describing a system utilized in the
City of Victoria, British Columbia. He commented that it also
offered an incentive as it was a cart rack, similar to the baggage
cart racks located in airports and indicated that upon the return of
the shopping cart, the consumers $2.00 token is retrieved,
therefore, providing an incentive to returning shopping carts.
Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No. 264, Costa Mesa,
referred to the City of Stockton's ordinance found in the agenda
report attachment, stating it was "far superior" to the draft ordinance
being considered, describing it as vague.
Beth Refakes, 320 Magnolia Street, Costa Mesa, commented that
she would like the "waiver" eliminated, and to require that all stores
implement their own retrieval program that must meet the City's
standard and that Civil citations be issued if more than five carts are
abandoned from any one store. Ms. Refakes felt that each store
should have to provide proof that all their shopping carts are clearly
identified or they would receive a citation. She added that the all
future stores should be required to have an effective shopping cart
retrieval program in place, which meets the City standards, before
they are issued any Conditional Use Permit.
Heather Somers, 313 Robin Hood Lane, Costa Mesa, supported a
consolidation of some of the alternatives presented, commenting
that it should not be the City's responsibility to monitor the stores
property. She mentioned has a system, utilized by Smart and Final
that will not allow the shopping cart to be removed from the parking
lot. Ms. Somers also suggested that the City work with other cities
to pass legislation regarding abandoned shopping carts.
Joe Grisham, 457 Sonora Road, Costa Mesa, stated that the
proposed ordinance would punish the storeowner, making him the
"victim," and explained that it is the stores that are losing their carts.
He noted it is against state law to remove a shopping cart from the
premises, and inquired as to how many prosecutions against
individuals, who have removed carts, there have been. Council
Member Cowan responded there. have none, advising that it is the
storeowner's responsibility to press charges, but that they are
reluctant to bring charges against their customers.
Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa, commented
on the lack of concern by the markets to retrieve the carts. She
recounted her experience when reporting an abandoned shopping
cart, located on her street, stating that the market personnel gave
her the "runaround."
Robert Graham, 3260 Dakota Avenue, Costa Mesa, expressed he
has used the cart system at the airport, and thought it would work
well for the City.
Council Member Cowan stated this has been an ongoing discussidn
over several years, and believes that the draft ordinance is well
done.
MOTION/Gave On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Ordinance 03-6 First Member Scheafer, first reading was given to Ordinance 03-6: AN
Reading ORDINANCE OF THE CITY Council OF THE CITY OF COSTA
MESA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER I, ARTICLE 1 OF
TITLE 15 OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING
TO THE REGULATION OF SHOPPING CARTS, second reading
and adoption is scheduled for the meeting of June 16, 2003; with a
review of the Ordinance in one year.
Council Member Mansoor advised that he had met with Mr.
Canizales to discuss the issue. He stated that he disagreed with
the draft ordinance presented, as well as the Stockton Ordinance,
stating that they are both lacking of elements.
Substitute Motion A substitute motion :was made by Council Member Mansoor,
Failed to Carry seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Steel, to adopt Alternative No. 2, in
the Agenda Report, to provide a three month grace period during
which warnings will be issued to the store, that enforcement and the
issuing of citations will be done by the Police Department and that
the stores will prosecute any offenders removing carts. The motion
failed to carry 3-2, Mayor Monahan and Council Members Cowan
and Scheafer voting no.
The original motion was presented and carried 3-2, Mayor Pro Tem
Steel and Council Member Mansoor voting no.
Mayor Pro Tem Steel reiterated his belief that the real answer to the
problem is for Council to address and resolve the main sources of
the conditions involving abandoned shopping carts.
Mayor Monahan agreed that the burden should not be on the City,
but felt that several years has been spent working on a solution to
the problem, and that spending some money to remove the
abandoned shopping carts was warranted.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 19, 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 in opposition of the
project from: Terry Shaw, 420 Bernard Street, Costa Mesa; and
Barbara Marcks, Post Office Box 10704, Costa Mesa; and an
additional communication was received from William Ross, 520
South Grand Avenue,' Suite 300, Los Angeles, expressing the lack
of adequate grounds to grant the rehearing.
Mayor Monahan confirmed Costa Mesa Citizens for Responsible
Growth would be given 10 minutes of testimony, and Rutter
Development would be given five minutes in which to respond.
Council Member Mansoor commented he appealed this project due
to the density issues, traffic, and "shade and shadow."
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, Vice President of
Costa Mesa Citizens for Responsible Growth requested additional
time as this was the first time a full Council would hear this request.
MOTION/To Grant 20 A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Steel to grant 20 minutes to
Minutes Died for Lack Costa Mesa Citizens for Responsible Growth for their testimony,
of Second died for lack of a second.
Robin Leffler, 3025 , Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, Vice President of
Costa Mesa Citizens for Responsible Growth, expressed there have
been three arguments made by Costa Mesa Citizens for
Responsible Growth: there is conflicting information in the EIR,
there is a significant impact shown and described in the EIR, and
that the 1901 Newport Boulevard Plaza Project does not conform to
the General Plan because of these impacts. She pointed out that
that the EIR identifies the areas to examine: `the front yard, shadow
sensitive uses shaded by project related structures, sensitive land
uses and adequate sunlight for gardening and landscaping." She
quoted the standard from EIR that "if the project would pass shade
or shadow onto sensitive land uses for more than two hours
between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., this threshold is applied to the
project and there is no significant impact." She advised that the EIR
also states that "from 10:00 a.m. through 2:40 p.m. shadows would
fall on the front yards of the Bernard Street residences, shadows
begin to fall on the rooftops at about 3:00 p.m.," She identified this
as a significant impact identifying five hours of shadow on the front
yard and in the significance window. Ms. Leffler displayed
photographs to illustrate the issue of the invasion of privacy from
third and fourth story windows. She felt that the all the information
provided, including the cumulative parking issue, based on the
worse case scenario, the density and growth issues, and the 19th
Street bridge, was new information and supported a rehearing.
Douglas Carstens, Chatham, Brown, and Associates, 3250 Ocean
Park Boulevard, Suite 300, Santa Monica, Attorney for Costa Mesa
Citizens for Responsible Growth, stated that the project requires
closer examination, commenting that once built it is permanent. He
asked Council to vote in favor of the rehearing in order for the
questions and inconsistencies that have been expressed regarding
the EIR could be answered and understood.
Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa, consultant for
Costa Mesa Citizens for Responsible Growth, confirmed that the
spreadsheet that was provided to Council summarized and clarified
the issues that need to be addressed. Ms. Genis requested that
Council rehear the project and take measures to ensure that the
inclusionary housing will be identified and provided in a timely
manner.
The Acting City Attorney confirmed for Council Member Mansoor
that the details of the inclusionary housing element would be
dictated in the agreement. He advised that there are factors that
will need to be considered before the conditions of the agreement
are finalized. He stated that it is the City's intention to include the
necessary provisions; that would place the responsibility on the
developer to meet the:'inclusionary housing element requirement.
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, Vice President of
Costa Mesa Citizens for Responsible Growth, pointed out that there
was not a site plan available from the Development Services
Department for anything except the first floor, and inquired that if
the wall encroaches two feet, is there another variance required, or
is it included in the four feet encroachment for the patio.
The Associate Planner responded that Council approved a 20 -foot
perimeter open space setback for the property, and affirmed that
there is no encroachment of the building pad or the building,
besides the minor modification approved, that would allow a four -
foot encroachment into the 20 -foot setback area, provided for the
balcony and private patio areas.
William Ross, 520 South Grand Avenue, Suite 300, Los Angeles,
Attorney for Rutter Development, stated that Rutter Development
has done everything the City has requested of them. He
commented that although they have not always agreed with City
staff or the positions advanced with respect to analysis of this
project, that compliance with CEQA has been completed, and that
the proper procedures for notice for the Planning Commission
hearings of December 9, 2002, and January 16, 2003, were
complied with. He 'reported that the time was extended for an
additional 45 days to comment on the draft EIR and was certified on
February 24, 2003, by the Planning Commission, and advised that
more than 90 days elapsed from the Planning Commission's last
hearing on the matter until City Council held their first hearing on
the project. He summarized his letter dated June 2, 2003, which
was presented to Council.
Darryl Zerfas, Traffic' Engineer, Austin Foust Associates, advised
that the traffic analysis was prepared in a manner typical for
projects of this type: the study includes a summary of existing traffic
conditions, and analyzes future conditions both with and without the
proposed project, forecasts of future conditions were prepared for a
timeframe of approximately two years from the present, and
forecasts were prepared for long range conditions which correspond
about 20 years from the present and are based on build out of the
City's General Plan. 'He stated that the long range forecasts were
prepared for two scenarios, one of which is consistent with the
City's circulation e,lernent, and includes an extension of the 55
Freeway, and the 19th Street Bridge, and another scenario was
prepared which does;not include the extension of the 55 Freeway,
nor does it include the 19th Street Bridge. Mr. Zerfas explained
there were a couple special cases that were analyzed for the
project; one of which was a hypothetical setting in which the 1901
Newport Boulevard office building were to become 100% occupied;
and a special analysis was prepared for weekend conditions due to
the higher than typical proportion of traffic that the project area
experiences on the weekends. He commented that parking was
addressed in the project's EIR and a parking study for the special
uses, such as the nightclub and the restaurants that are going into
the office building, was prepared as part of the processing of the
nightclub proposal. He further advised that in each of the studies
conducted, City code requirements were used to evaluate the
proposals. Regarding to the proposed residential units, the number
of spaces required by City code was met, he however pointed out
that a variance was required due to the individually enclosed
garages that were being proposed. He stated that it was deemed
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appropriate of placing a condition of approval specifying that the
project's CC&R's would prohibit the residents from utilizing the
enclosed spaces for anything other than parking vehicles.
Matt Jones, Mestre Greve Associates, commented on air quality,
vehicular emission factors, Ambient Air Quality Standards, and the
consistency with the Air Quality Management Plan.
MOTION/Granted On motion by Council Member Mansoor, seconded by Mayor Pro
Rehearing for 1901 Tem Steel, and carried 3-2, Mayor Monahan and Council Member
Newport Boulevard Scheafer voting no, a rehearing was granted for July 7, 2003, based
Plaza Project on new information provided, and lack of clarification on "shade and
shadow" issues, and an expenditure was authorized for the EIR to
be reviewed by an independent party, with a report provided to
Council two weeks prior to the hearing. .
Council Member Cowan supported the rehearing stating that new
information was provided regarding "shade and shadow", and she
would like to review the information again. She expressed this
project is a good project and believed it will be upheld at the
rehearing.
Council Member Scheafer stated that he did not support the
rehearing, that he appreciated the spreadsheet that was provided,
and expressed his appreciation of staff responding to his questions
regarding the project.
Mayor Monahan reiterated he did not support the rehearing
commenting that the EIR "stands on its own," and felt that there had
been adequate time to bring forward this information prior to the
hearing on this project.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 5, 2003,
Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Budget Development Strategies. The
Budget Development Finance Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated May 7, 2003,
Strategies and responded to questions from Council.
Council Member Cowan referred to the Agenda Report and felt that
regarding maintenance priorities, that Item Nos. 4 and 5 should be
reversed. She stated that for the Study Session on Monday, June
9, 2003, where Council would be reviewing strategies for additional
cuts if needed in the 2003-2004 Budget, that she would like to focus
on service or program cuts, as opposed to across the board cuts,
should it become necessary.
Council Member Mansoor agreed with Council Member Cowan, that
Council would need to be specific on selected cuts, and also
encouraged staff to look at the existing City provided programs and
services.
Mayor Pro Tem Steel concurred,. and added that, he would like
consideration of a hiring freeze, should it be necessary.
Council Member Mansoor commented he would like the City to "get
into the habit" of preparing net revenue at the beginning of the
budget year as opposed to the end of the budget year.
Beth Refakes, 320 Magnolia Street, Costa Mesa, stated that the
strategies presented should be used in combination, and
questioned why the City would have any "sub -par' performing
employees. She commented there are programs in the City that
should be reviewed and eliminated, and the business license fees
should be increased. The City Manager responded the City does
not usually retain "sub -par" employees, but explained that when a
hiring freeze is implemented, these employees might continue to be
employed by the City during that time, as they cannot be replaced.
Mayor Monahan confirmed that any tax increase would need to be
placed on the ballot.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a request for rehearing from
Request for Rehearing Council Member Cowan of the decision of the City Council at its
Hamilton Street regular meeting of May 5, 2003, to oppose the award of the contract
Community Garden for Site Improvements for the Hamilton Street Community Garden,
523 Hamilton Street.
Council Member Cowan stated that she had requested Council hold
a rehearing of this item, as she was not sure that each Council
Member understood the history of the property advising that it dates
back to 1975. She also advised that the Community Garden, and
its design, were the result of much community input.
Mayor Pro Tem Steel -supported the rehearing commenting that it is
the best solution for the property.
The Public Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated
May 22, 2003, and responded to questions from Council.
Council Member Mansoor expressed opposition to a Community
Garden, but would instead prefer a "tot -lot", with greenscape, and a
decorative low fence around the perimeter, presenting a "nicer
image of the Westside."
Council Member Scheafer commented that he would not support a
community park at this location, as there is too much traffic, and
expressed a concern of the safety issues for children.
Kris Gold, 2559 Elden Avenue, No. E, Costa Mesa, expressed the
property has been vacant since it was purchased by the City in
1975, and discussed her experience with the Del Mar Community
Garden and the beauty of it, asking Council to reconsider this site
for a Community Garden. Ms. Gold did not believe the Community
Garden would cost the City $75,000.00.
Robin Leffler, 3025 Samoa Place, Costa Mesa, reiterated that
community gardens provide a piece of property for people who long
to garden, but do not have the space. She felt that it was needed in
the community.
Terry Shaw, 420 Bernard Street, Costa Mesa, asked Council to do
something with this property. He and supported either a park, or a
community garden, but something that would be nice for the
Westside.
Sandra Genis, 1586 Myrtlewood Street, Costa Mesa, stated that a
Community Garden at this location would be well used and an
improvement to a vacant lot.
Ron Gold, 2559 Elden Avenue, No. E, Costa Mesa, said this is
currently an ugly vacant lot, and whether it is turned into a park, or a
community garden, it ,would be a buffer zone from the surrounding
commercial property, ;and the residential property. He shared his
feelings of eating the fresh vegetables that he grows at the Del Mar
Community Garden.
Martin Millard, 2973 Harbor Boulevard, No. 264, Costa Mesa, did
not believe that the City should be "entangled" in the ownership of a
community garden, but instead felt the property could be leased to
interested participants, within the City, to take care of the property,
thereby relieving the City of liability.
Jim Kerins, 3075 Molokai Place, Costa Mesa, reiterated the
importance of a community garden for recreation, and community
interaction.
Beth Refakes, 320 Magnolia Street, Costa Mesa, stated she is an
avid organic gardener and understood the need for a community
garden, but was concerned with the cost to the City, as well as the
estimated yearly maintenance fees.
Katrina Foley, 2778 Lorenzo Avenue, Costa Mesa, encouraged
Council to vote in favor of the rehearing.
MOTION/Granted On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Request for Rehearing Member Scheafer, and carried 4-1, Mayor Monahan voting no, the
request for rehearing was granted.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 19, 2003,
Ordinance 03-4 second reading and adoption of Ordinance 03-4. The Assistant
Review Requirements Development Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated
Accessory Apartments May 22, 2003.
MOTION/Adopted On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Ordinance 03-4 Member Mansoor, and carried 4-1, Mayor Pro Tem Steel voting no,
Ordinance 03-4 was given second reading and adopted: 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.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of May 19, 2003,
Ordinance 03-5 second reading and adoption of Ordinance 03-5. The Public
Temporary Recycle Services Director reviewed the Agenda Report.
Receptacles
Beth Refakes, 320 Magnolia Street, Costa Mesa, commented that
dumpsters, whether temporary or permanent, are "eyesores", create
blight on residential neighborhoods, and are a negatively impact on
adjacent property owners. She asked that Council reconsider
adoption of the ordinance.
MOTION/Adopted On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Mayor Pro
Ordinance 03-5 Tem Steel, and carried 5-0, Ordinance 03-5 was given second
reading and adopted: 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.
NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented appointments to the Advisory
Committee Appoint- Committee of Teens (ACT); Child Care and Youth Services
ments Committee; Cultural Arts Committee; Fairview Friend/Fundraising
Committee; Historical Preservation Committee; and Human
Relations Committee. The Management Analyst reviewed the
Agenda Report dated May 19, 2003, and responded to questions
from Council.
ey
MOTION/Advisory On motion made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Mayor
Committee of Teens Monahan, and carried 5-0, staff was directed to provide a report
during budget deliberations on the status of the Advisory Committee
of Teens (ACT).
MOTION/Appointed
A motion was made: by Council Member Scheafer, seconded by
And erson/Blotti/Hanold
Council Member Mansoor, and carried 5-0, Ingrid Anderson, Gloria
To Child Care & Youth
Services
Blotti, and Regan Hanold, were appointed to the Child Care and
Youth Services Committee.
MOTION/Reappointed
A motion was made; by Council Member Cowan, seconded by
Baker/Erick/Raab to
Mayor Pro Tem Steel, and carried 5-0, to reappoint Ted Baker,
Cultural Arts
Kathleen Erick, and Karen Raab to the Cultural Arts Committee.
MOTION/Appointed
A motion was made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by
Wood/Peterson to
Mayor Pro Tem Steel; and carried 5-0, to appoint Kimberly Wood as
Fairview Friend/Fund-
an "at large" member, and Troy Peterson as the Harbor Soaring
raising Committee
Society Member to the Fairview Friend/Fundraising Committee.
MOTION/Appointed A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Steel, seconded by Council
Eric to Historical Member Cowan, and: carried 5-0, to appoint Kathleen Eric to the
Preservation Historical Preservation Committee.
MOTION/Appointed A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Steel, seconded by Council
Drew/Stoyanoff to Member Cowan, and carried 5-0, to appoint Dr. Rendell Drew, and
Human Relations Karen Stoyanoff (alternate member), to the Human Relations
Committee.
NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented an ordinance amending Title 2 of
Ordinance Regulating the Costa Mesa Municipal Code regarding the regulation of at -will
At -will Employees employees, and revisions to Council Policy 300-2 regarding auto
allowance provisions, for executive management staff. The
Personnel Manager reviewed the Agenda Report dated May 19,
2003, and he and the: Administrative Services Director responded to
questions from Council.
MOTION/Gave First On motion by Mayor Monahan, seconded by Council Member
Reading to Ordinance Cowan, and carried 5-0, Ordinance 03-7 was given first reading:
03-7/Approved Council AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
Policy Revisions COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE
COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING THE
REGULATION OF AT -WILL EMPLOYEES, second reading and
adoption is scheduled for the meeting of June 16, 2003; and the
revisions to Council Policy 300-2 regarding auto allowance
provisions for executive management staff were approved.
NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a resolution agreeing to a property
Property Tax Distribu- tax distribution to the; City of Newport Beach for the proposed Bay
tion for Bay Knolls Knolls reorganization. The Assistant Development Services
Director reviewed the Agenda Report dated May 21, 2003.
MOTION/Adopted A motion was made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by
Resolution 03-36 Council Member Scheafer, and carried 5-0, to adopt Resolution 03-
36: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, AGREEING TO A PROPERTY TAX
DISTRIBUTION TO THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH FOR THE
PROPOSED BAY KNOLLS REORGANIZATION.
CITY ATTORNEY The Acting City Attorney presented a request for a closed session
REPORT pursuant to Section 54956.9 (a) of the California Government Code
to be held to confer; with legal counsel, Tom Wood, Acting City
Attorney, regarding existing litigation of one case. Case name:
Costa Mesa v. Manion, No. 01 CC16624 (OCSC).
Attorney, regarding existing litigation of one case. Case name:
Costa Mesa v. Manion, No. 01 CC16624 (OCSC).
MOTION/Approved A motion was made by Mayor Monahan, seconded by Mayor Pro
Recommendation Tem Steel, and carried 5-0, the recommendation of the Acting City
Attorney in the Confidential Memorandum dated May 28, 2003, was
approved.
CITY MANAGER The City Manager expressed his thanks to Council on behalf of staff
REPORT for getting their budget questions in early, and for setting up
meetings and working together to get the answers in a timely
manner. He also reiterated the Budget is available on the City's
website for the public to view.
ANNOUNCEMENT Mayor Monahan announced the Budget Study Session would be
held on Monday, June 9, 2003, immediately following the
Redevelopment Agency Meeting, which will commence at 2:00 p.m.
COUNCIL Council Member Cowan requested an update on traffic control, and
COMMENTS/Orange sound monitoring, for the concerts to be held at the Pacific
County Fair/Pacific Amphitheater as part of the Orange County Fair and wished to have
Amphitheater included information on the parking situation at Orange Coast
College and how their swap meet will be affected. She requested
Mobile Home that a request for staff time to work on a Mobile Home Ordinance
Ordinance for the City to include conversion requirements be agendized for the
July 7, 2003, Council Meeting. Council Member Cowan stated she
Council Policy would also like to look at creating a Council Policy regarding
projects being pulled from the Consent Calendar. She asked if
IKEA Grand Opening IKEA had any responsibility for reimbursement of the traffic control
costs for their grand opening the previous week. The City Manager
replied that he would research the requested information.
ADJOURNMENT The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 11:10 p.m.
Mayor of the (ity of Costa Mesa
ATTEST:
Deputy ity'Clerk of the City of Costa Mesa