HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/15/2004 - City Council1
1
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COSTA MESA
MARCH 15, 2004
The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in
regular session March 15, 2004, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. The meeting
was called to order by the Mayor, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag led by Mayor Pro Tem Mansoor, and a
moment of solemn expression led by the Reverend Dennis Short,
Harbor Christian Church.
ROLL CALL Council Members Present
Council Members Absent:
Officials Present:
Mayor Pro Tem Allan Mansoor
Council Member Libby Cowan
Council Member Chris Steel
Council Member Mike Scheafer
Mayor Gary Monahan
City Manager Allan Roeder
Acting City Attorney Tom Wood
Development Services Director
Donald Lamm
Public Services Director William
Morris
Finance Director Marc Puckett
Senior Planner Kim Brandt
Assistant Planner Wendy Shih
Deputy City Clerk Julie Folcik
MINUTES On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mansoor, seconded by Council
February 19, 2004 Member Steel, and carried 3-0, Mayor Monahan absent, Council
Member Cowan abstaining because she was not in attendance,
the minutes of the regular meeting of February 17, 2004, were
approved as distributed.
ORDINANCES AND A motion was made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by
RESOLUTIONS Council Member Scheafer, and carried 4-0, to read all ordinances
and resolutions by title only.
PRESENTATION Mayor Pro Tem Mansoor congratulated the Orange Coast College
Orange Coast College Dance Team on being named National Champions of the United
Dance Team Procla- Dance Association for the seventh time in eight - years. He
mation provided certificates for Dance Team members Courtney Zoe
Hischar, co -captain, Crystal Wosik, co -captain, Kaysie Fisher,
Danae DiPilla, Carissa Whitson, Becki Holmes, Lindsey Tuer, Kristi
Fair, Kristin Lorenz, Kristin Francy, Shea Forbes, Jessi Stones,
Jessica Bryan, Jamie Tassell, Michelle Darofal, Mairena Cortes,
and recognized coaches Dan Sapp and Mike Reynolds.
PUBLIC COMMENT Martin Millard, Costa Mesa, addressed gang graffiti on Fairview
Millard Comments Road in Mesa North blaming gang members who reside in the
"Fillmore Slum", and challenged Council to improve the situation.
He reported his attendance at the Orange Coast College swap
meet, noted that used cars are being sold, and asked if the City is
receiving the correct sales tax revenue. He objected to the
vendors competing with the City's fixed -location merchants. Mr.
Millard indicated that a soccer game was currently underway at
Paularino Park, which is not a sports field, and asked the City to
place a sign prohibiting sports in the park. Council Member Steel
concurred with Mr. Millard's comments.
411.5
Police Chief Commen- Janice Davidson, Costa Mesa, commented on the' talent of the
dation Orange Coast College Dance Team. She commended Police
Chief John Hensley for his involvement in the community, and
indicated her support for the new black and white police cars.
Costa Mesa Gangs/ John Feeney, Costa Mesa, addressed the aforementioned graffiti
Graffiti on the east side of , the Fairview Road wall, behind the Hoag
Hospital facility on Baker Street, up to Paularino Avenue and
around the corner, and advised that this has been an on-going
situation. He concurred with a comment previously made by Mrs.
Davidson that the problems of the west side of Costa Mesa are
spreading to the remainder of the City, and felt that the City has
never committed to the elimination of gangs. He asked that the
City not depend on the "revolving door" justice system but
proposed setting a date by which time gangs will be eradicated.
Mobile Home Park Irene Shannon, Costa Mesa, a resident of EI Nido, commented on
Closure the closure of the EI' Nido and Snug Harbor Mobile Home Parks
which will be considered at the City Council meeting of April 5,
2004.
Code Enforcement Melissa Harrison, Costa Mesa, encouraged residents to become
involved with ridding the City of gangs. In reference to City
Municipal Code violations, she asked the Acting City Attorney if
prosecution and conviction of the violation were not necessary. He
replied that a civil citation is a means to obtain code enforcement
without going through the criminal justice system, and suggested
that Ms. Harrison contact him the next day for further discussion
regarding this matter. Ms. Harrison requested a copy of the
ordinance(s), which enacted the Costa Mesa Municipal Code.
CONSENT The following item was removed from the Consent Calendar: Item
CALENDAR No. 8, Amendment to the agreement with SWCA Environmental
Services, for archeological services for multi-purpose trails in
Fairview Park.
MOTION/Approved On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Except Item No. 8 Member Steel, and carried 4-0, the remaining Consent Calendar
items were approved- as recommended.
READING FOLDER The following Reading Folder items were received and processed:
Claims Claims received by the Deputy City Clerk: Enterprise Rent -a -Car;
and Robert Gregg Bla'ttenberger.
Alcoholic Beverage Request for AlcoholicBeverage Control Licenses from:
Control Licenses
Shakey's Pizza, 2216 Newport Boulevard, for a person-to-
person transfer of; a Type 41 ABC License (on -sale beer and
wine for a bona fide eating place).
Arco, 3201 Harbor; Boulevard, for a person-to-person transfer of
a Type 20 ABC License (off -sale beer and wine).
Yamato Express, 212 East 17th Street, for an original Type 41
ABC License (on -sale beer and wine for a bona fide eating
place).
La Cosina de Isabel, 841 West 19th Street, for a person-to-
person transfer of a Type 41 ABC License (on -sale beer and
wine for a bona bide eating place).
1
1
1
7
Public Utilities Southern California Edison Company filed Application No. U 338-E
Commission with the Public Utilities Commission for authorization to replace
San Onofre Nuclear Generation Station steam generators; to
establish ratemaking for cost recovery; and to address other
related steam generator replacement issues.
Follow-up Reports The following concerns received follow-up reports from staff:
Staff responded to comments from the meeting of February 17,
2004, by [gal Israel, operator of a construction business located
at 2280 Newport Boulevard, who stated that he had not be
granted "due process" because he was denied a public hearing
prior to a criminal complaint being filed against him.
Staff replied to comments from Mari Erin Roth, 990 Oak Street,
at the meeting of February 17, 2004, regarding the landscaping
on Victoria Street, west of Placentia Avenue on the south side
of the street.
WARRANTS The following warrants were approved:
Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1995, funding Payroll No. 405 for
1995/Payroll 405 and $1,902,759.19, Payroll No. 404A for negative $1,359.65, and
404A City operating expenses for $1,138,345.94, including payroll
deductions.
Approved Warrant Warrant Resolution 1996, funding City operating expenses for
1996 $1,001,834.99.
ADMINISTRATIVE Installation of Traffic Signal at Victoria Street/Maple Street, Federal
ACTIONS/Accepted Project No. STPLH-5312 (041), City Project No. 03-13, was
Work for Traffic Signal completed to the satisfaction of the Public Services Director on
at Victoria Street/ January 14, 2004, by Pouk & Steinle, Inc., Post Office Box 3039,
Maple Street, Project Riverside. The work was accepted; the Deputy City Clerk was
No. 03-13, by Pouk & authorized to file a Notice of Completion; authorization was given
Steinle to release retention monies 35 days thereafter; the Labor and
Material bond was ordered exonerated 7 months thereafter; and
the Performance Bond was ordered exonerated 6 months
thereafter.
Accepted Street Im- Street improvements at 3565 Harbor Boulevard were completed to
provements at 3565 the satisfaction of the Public Services Director by HCI, Inc., 11201
Harbor by HCI, Inc., Harrel Street, Mira Loma, in connection with Encroachment Permit
EP PSO-00373 No. PSO-00373. The work was accepted; and the bonds were
ordered exonerated.
Awarded Sunflower Bids for Sunflower Avenue Bike Trail Installation, Project No. 04 -
Avenue Bike Trail, 01, are on file in the City Clerk's office. The contract was awarded
Project No. 04-01, to to Palp, Inc., doing business as Excel Paving Company, 2230
Excel Paving Lemon Avenue, Long Beach, for $18,555.00 (base bid plus
additive bid), and the Mayor and Deputy City Clerk were authorized
to sign on behalf of the City.
Approved Amendment An amendment was approved to the agreement with LSA
to Agreement with LSA Associates, 20 Executive Park, Suite 200, Irvine, to prepare -an
for EIR for Pacific Environmental Impact Report for the Pacific Medical Plaza
Medical Plaza, GP -02- (1626/1640 Newport Boulevard) General Plan Amendment GP -02-
06 06, increasing the amount by $23,000.00, to a total amount of
$104,500.00, and the Mayor and Deputy City Clerk were
authorized to sign on behalf of the City.
son U49
Approved Leave for A request was approved for a ninety -day Leave of Absence without
Ortiz pay for Crime Scene Specialist Martha Ortiz, Police Department.
Amendment to Agree- Item 8 on the Consent Calendar was presented: Amendment to
Ment with SWCA the agreement with, SWCA Environmental Services, Inc., for
Environmental for archeological services for multi-purpose trails,in Fairview Regional
Archeological Services Park. Mayor Pro Tem Mansoor expressed frustration with the
for Fairview Park funding approval requirements imposed by the State of California
Trails Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway
Administration. Council Member Steel relayed a request that the
cement in the park be'"tan" as it is less intrusive.
MOTION/Approved On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mansoor, seconded by Council
Amendment Member Steel, and carried 4-0, the amendment was approved with
SWCA Environmental Services, Inc., 23392 Madera, Suite L,
Mission Viejo, increasing the amount by $6,000.00 to a total
amount of $30,917.00, and extending the term of the agreement
three months to July' 15, 2004, and the Mayor and Deputy City
Clerk were authorized', to sign on behalf of the City.
PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this is the time and place
DA -03-06, South set for the public hearing to consider Development Agreement DA -
Coast Plaza; DA -00- 03-06 for Paul Freeman, authorized agent for South Coast Plaza,
02, Segerstrom Town for the annual review and amendment of the Segerstrom Town
Center Center Development', Agreement ((DA -00-02), located east of
Bristol Street, south of Sunflower Avenue, west of Avenue of the
Arts, and north of Anton Boulevard, excluding the Segerstrom
Center for the Arts. Environmental Determination: Exempt. The
Affidavits of Publishing and Mailing are on file in the City Clerk's
office. No communications were received. The Senior Planner
reviewed the Agenda Report dated March 10, 2004.
Paul Freeman, C. "J. Segerstrom and Sons, Costa Mesa,
responding to a question from Council Member Cowan regarding
designating portions of the parking structure for discount parking,
stated that the revenue bond financing for the parking structure
does not include a provision for discount parking, a situation which
they are now working; with the City to remedy He added that the
newly proposed parking structure would provide improved access
to the new and old concert halls, as well as South Coast Repertory
Theatre, and would be more convenient for Costa Mesa residents.
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
MOTION/Gave On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Mayor Pro
Ordinance 04-3 First Tem Mansoor, and carried 4-0, South Coast Plaza was determined
Reading and found to be in igood faith compliance with the terms and
conditions of Development Agreement DA -00-02; Ordinance 04-3,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. DA -00-02 FOR
SEGERSTROM TOWN CENTER, was given first reading and
passed to second reading; and future annual reviews of the
development agreement were delegated to the Planning
Commission. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance 04-3 are
scheduled for the meeting of April 5, 2004.
PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this is the time and place
PA -02-26, Mellott/ set for the public hearing to consider an extension of time for
Millian Planning Application PA -02-26 for F. Earl Mellott, authorized agent
1
1
for Dr. Ken Millian, for a master plan to allow construction of a
6,000 square foot addition to the existing Newport Harbor Animal
Hospital with minor conditional use permits to allow a reduction in
required parking (46 spaces required; 39 proposed) and to allow
compact parking spaces (a maximum of 10 percent allowed; 10
percent proposed), located at 125 Mesa Drive in a Planned
Development Commercial (PDC) zone. Environmental
Determination: Exempt. The Affidavits of Publishing and Mailing
are on file in the City Clerk's office. No communications were
received. The Assistant Planner summarized the Agenda Report.
Mike Berry, Costa Mesa, commented on the proposed reduction in
the number of parking spaces, and referred to the parking problem
that exists at this location.
Martin Millard, Costa Mesa, thought that the parking situation in the
City is deteriorating because "we keep making changes to the
rules". He suggested retaining the original required parking
spaces.
Earl Mellott, Garden Grove, the architect, indicated that the project
contains four compact parking spaces which is allowed by the
building code, and the compact spaces are located in the back of
the facility and are used mainly by employees. He added that in
the front of the building, there is approximately twice the amount of
parking than there was previously.
In response to a question from Council Member Steel, Dr. Ken
Millian indicated that the parking spaces are not occupied for long
periods of time during the day because people drop off and pick up
their pets, and then leave.
Jay Humphrey, Costa Mesa, asked if the proposed building would
"take away" existing "free land". Mr. Mellott responded in the
affirmative, and Mr. Humphrey questioned why the City does not
require subterranean parking in lieu of using the additional land.
He cited The Courtyards and Triangle Square as examples of
projects which are "over -parked".
There being no other speakers, the Mayor closed the public
hearing.
MOTION/Adopted On motion by' Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Resolution 04-22 Member Scheafer, and carried 4-0, Resolution 04-22 was adopted:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN EXTENSION OF
TIME FOR PLANNING APPLICATION PA -02-26, to expire on
January 6, 2005, subject to conditions.
PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this is the time and place
Small -Lot Develop- set for the public hearing to consider a proposed ordinance
ments amending Title 13 of the Costa Mesa Municipal Code clarifying
minimum lot size and common lot requirements in small -lot
developments located in residential and planned development
zoning districts. Environmental Determination: Exempt. The
Affidavit of Publication is on file in the City Clerk's office. No
communications were received. The Senior Planner reviewed the
Agenda Report dated March 10, 2004.
There being no speakers, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
450
MOTION/Gave On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Ordinance 04=4 First Member Steel, and carried 4-0, Ordinance 04-4 was given first
Reading reading and passed to second reading: AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING TITLE 13; OF THE COSTA MESA MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING MINIMUM LOT SIZE AND COMMON LOT
REQUIREMENTS W SMALL -LOT RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
LOCATED IN RESIDENTIAL AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
ZONING DISTRICTS. Second reading and adoption are
scheduled for the meeting of April 5, 2004.
PUBLIC HEARING The Deputy City Clerk announced that this is the time and place
Whittier College Bonds set for the public hearing to consider a resolution approving the
issuance and sale of the City of Whittier Variable Rate Demand
Revenue and Revenue Refunding Bonds (Whittier College), Series
2004, pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, in
an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $60,000,000.00 for
the purpose of acquiring the land and facilities (including
equipment and furnishings) currently leased by Whittier College for
its Costa Mesa campus, 3333 Harbor Boulevard and the planning,
constructing, equipping, and furnishing of new facilities at the
Costa Mesa campus to provide office, classroom, and multi-
purpose space to support programs of Whittier College. The
Affidavit of Publication is on file in the City Clerk's office. No
communications were'received. The Finance Director summarized
the Agenda Report dated March 2, 2004.
Carlos Banuelos, Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, Attorneys at
Law, Newport Beach, explained that Whittier College intends to
purchase the property in Costa Mesa currently leased for its law
school, and reported that the hearing is a procedural requirement
to keep the City advised of the financing activity. He stressed that
the City is not a party) to any agreement with respect to the bonds
nor will it incur any liability whatsoever.
Ernie Park, Bewley, 'Lassleben & Miller, LLP, Whittier, general
counsel and member of the Board of Directors of Whittier College,
3333 Harbor Boulevard, Costa Mesa, advised that the hearing is a
requirement of the Internal Revenue Service code, reiterated that
their intention is to purchase the property in Costa Mesa, and
observed that full financial responsibility for the bonds is borne by
the college.
Neal Cogan, Vice President and Dean of Whittier Law School,
Costa Mesa, reported that 875 day and evening students are
enrolled at the school, and mentioned the school's service to the
community. He reported that the school hosts five clinics, and
does pro bono work for Costa Mesa residents.
Council Member Cowan commended the school for their purchase
of the property, and remarked that they are an asset to the City.
Council Member Scheafer expressed his concurrence.
MOTION/Adopted On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
Resolution 04-23 Member Scheafer, and carried 4-0, Resolution 04-23 was adopted:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE AND
SALE OF THE CITY'OF WHITTIER VARIABLE RATE DEMAND
REVENUE AND REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS (WHITTIER
COLLEGE), SERIES 2004 IN AN AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT NO TO EXCEED $60,000,000.00 FOR THE PURPOSE
OF ACQUIRING THE LAND AND FACILITIES (INCLUDING
1
1
1
1
EQUIPMENT AND FURNISHINGS) CURRENTLY LEASED BY
WHITTIER COLLEGE FOR ITS COSTA MESA CAMPUS AND
PLANNING, CONSTRUCTING, EQUIPPING, AND FURNISHING
NEW FACILITIES AT THE COSTA MESA CAMPUS TO PROVIDE
OFFICE, CLASSROOM, AND MULTI-PURPOSE SPACE TO
SUPPORT PROGRAMS OF WHITTIER COLLEGE, authorizing
the appropriate officers of the City to jointly and severally do any
and all things necessary to execute any and all documents which
they deem advisable in order to carry out, give effect to, and
comply with 'the terms and intent of the resolution, conditioned
upon receipt of an Indemnification Agreement from Whittier
College.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented from the meeting of January 20,
Fairview Park Property 2004, consideration of possible sale of certain Fairview Park
Encroachments property. The Public Services Director reviewed the Agenda
Report dated March 4, 2004, and responded to questions from
Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Mansoor, referencing the original agreement with
the County of Orange for Fairview Park, addressed the statement
which indicated that the entire property was to be used for park,
recreation or open space purposes in perpetuity. He thought that
there are numerous "hurdles" in order to proceed which will involve
many hours of staff time, questioned if there was unanimous
consent on the part of the residents, and thought that Council must
be decisive. Council Member Steel indicated that he is having
second thoughts about this matter relative to the time, money, and
potential problems involved.
The following Costa Mesa residents spoke in opposition to the sale
of the property in Fairview Park: Mike Berry supported a bike path
along the property, and commented that the residents in question
should remove the violating walls and structures; Don Elmore felt
that the residents had illegally encroached upon the public land
and should be evicted, and believed that selling the land or
allowing them to encroach will set a precedent; Martin Millard,
emphasized that the property was intended to remain available for
public use "in perpetuity", and suggested asking the property
owners to remove the encroaching walls and fences; Robin Leffler,
mentioned that tax and bond monies were used to purchase
Fairview Park which is a gift to the public; Heather Somers,
declared the possible sale as inappropriate and unethical; Jim
Fisler, supported requiring the Swan Drive homeowners to remove
the encroachments; Judith Gielow believed that the City was
spending time and money to undo an action which had originally
been funded by the citizens of Costa Mesa; Robert Graham,
believed the issue is about property owners increasing the value of
their homes, and showed photographs of the wildlife in the
channel; Jay ,Humphrey encouraged Council to make an "ethical
decision" without further adieu, stating that the property was never
intended to be homeowner property; Judi Berry suggested a
bicycle trail as a viable use for that area of Fairview Park; David
Stiller reported that the agenda report did not contain any reason
why the property should be sold to the encroaching homeowners,
and thought that Council had the responsibility to advise the voters
of the positive benefits which would be achieved; Frank Forbath
reported that the property in question is in excess of four acres,
and suggested that since the area is protected, it could be used for
children or adult activities; Sam Clark objected to rewarding people
for breaking the law, and encouraged forwarding a letter to the
offending property owners; Beth Refakes suggested allowing the
MIN}s1
residents six months' to vacate the encroached upon land, and
urged Council to reconsider any sale of the property; and Darnell
Wyrick, thought that, sending a letter to the County would be
premature at this time, believed that the outcome should be
determined by a 'vote of the people; and defined the
encroachments, whether intentional or not, as unacceptable.
Jan Vandersloot, Newport Beach, disagreed with the effort to sell
the land to private Swan Drive landowners, reporting that native
plant restoration can occur in the strip behind the houses which
would compliment the'natural amenities of the park.
Allan Beek, Newport Beach, commended staff on the impartiality of
the agenda report, and felt that Council is "going in the right
direction".
Ernie Feeney, Costa Mesa, asked the Deputy City Clerk how many
letters of support and opposition were entered into the record. She
proposed that should the City decide to forward a letter to the
County, a copy of the minutes of the meetings where this subject
was discussed, as well as copies of the letters received, should be
included. She opposed the sale. After public comment, the
Deputy City Clerk an that 26 communications had been
received, 25 _in opposition to the sale, and one asking Council to
review the applicability of the Park Preservation Act of 1971.
Stephanie Pacheco, Fountain Valley, opposed the sale because
saving public land is',vital where open space is limited; the land
was originally purchased from the County with the commitment that
it would be part of the parklands for the public; and Fairview Park is
part of the proposed Orange Coast River Park.
James Jones, Costa Mesa, observed that many of the
encroachments are "much older than when the City bought the
land". He referred to the public land in Talbert Park which is
fenced off, and commented on the County's work on the Banning -
Greenville Channel.
Dave Salcido, Costa Mesa, defined "prescriptive easement",
stating that if a person uses the land for a long enough period of
time, it is theirs forever. He asked if the Swan Drive residents
would be allowed to encroach on the City property forever.
John Hill, Costa Mesa, thought that the property owners who had
encroached had made the "best use of the land" until such time
that the City determines a better use, and encouraged that a
comprise be reached.'
Tim Cromwell, Costa Mesa, reported that the block wall behind the
home he purchased -on Swan Drive was in alignment with his
neighbors' walls on either side of the home, and he was unaware
until approximately four years ago when he was notified by the City
that he was encroaching into Fairview Park. He volunteered to pay
for an encroachment permit. Mr. Cromwell declared that he did not
want the land, calling it useless.
Sandy Genis, Costa Mesa, referring to the subject property
adjacent to the channel, indicated that additional width on the
northerly side of the channel will be needed in order to implement
more naturalized wetlands. She noted that a letter from the State
of California written when the property was originally sold to the
City had reserved their right to consent to future or successive
1
_J
1
transactions. She mentioned the requirement for an environmental
impact report for this transaction which would cost approximately
$100,000.00.
Council Member Steel opposed sending a letter to the County
Board of Supervisors, stating that the matter was complicated with
too many unanswered questions. He thought that a decision
should be made in the near future. Council Member Cowan
thought that the determination should be made this evening, and
opposed the sale of the property to the homeowners because the
land is open space and habitat. She alluded to plans that had
been made for the property north of the channel that had not been
included in the Fairview Park Master Plan because of a request
from residents on Swan Drive. She added that a parking lot at the
lower end of the park and the neighborhood park concept for the
channel area had also been omitted because they were opposed
by the residents.
MOTION/To Approve A motion was made by Council Member Cowan, seconded by
Six Inch Encroachment Council Member Scheafer, to approve a maximum encroachment
of six inches upon receipt of an encroachment permit from the
Public Services Director; the permit shall include conditions
allowing the encroachment and as long as the conditions of the
permit are maintained by the applicant, the encroachment will be
allowed to remain on City property; the encroachment permit shall
become void upon removal or replacement of at least 40 percent of
the encroachment by the property owner or his/her agent, or upon
the sale of the property, at which time the entire encroachment
must be relocated outside of City property; all encroachments over
six inches beyond the property line established in a survey initiated
by the City, dated November 2, 2000, shall be removed within 180
calendar days; and if not removed within the specified time period,
the matter shall be turned over the City Attorney's office for
disposition.
RECESS The Mayor Pro Tem declared a recess at 9:15 p.m., and
reconvened the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
SUBSTITUTE A substitute motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Mansoor,
MOTION/Denied seconded by Council Member Steel, and carried 4-0, that whereas
Sale of Fairview Park City Council has determined that whereas it is not appropriate to
Land sell or lease any portions of Fairview Park: (1) for encroachments
of six inches (6") or less which existed as of the November 2, 2000,
Property Line Survey, the issuance of an encroachment permit
shall be approved by the Public Services Director upon application
by the affected property owner; (2) for encroachment of permanent
improvements (block wall, concrete slab, patio structure) over six
inches (6") and up to thirty-nine inches (39") which existed as of
the November 2, 2000, Property Line Survey, an encroachment
permit from the City will be allowed; that staff shall negotiate an
appropriate fee for the encroachment; that all the proceeds from
the encroachment permits shall be placed in the Fairview Park
Development Fund; and providing that if the property is sold or if
the City decides to proceed with some type of development, the
encroachments shall be removed within 120 days; and (3) all other
encroaching improvements into Fairview Park, whether permanent
or otherwise, shall be removed within 120 days of notification by
the City, and the City's arborist shall determine which non-native
trees, if any, will be allowed to remain.
OLD BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented the following items from the
New Revenue meeting of March 1, 2004: Old Business No. 1, Consideration of
Sources; and Priori- potential new revenue sources; and Old Business No. 2,
tizatibn of Programs Consideration of Prioritization of Programs and Services Efforts.
and Service Efforts The City Manager commented that since these items are important
to the entire community and merit consideration by a full City
Council, he suggested that they be continued to the meeting of
April 5, 2004, ;
Council Member Cowan supported a continuance and asked staff
to provide the following information: regarding potential new
revenue sources, the deadline for the increase in Transient
Occupancy Tax (TOT) and the business license fee to be placed
on the November, 2004 ballot; regarding the sanitation franchise
fee, how can it be structured to improve issues in terms of pick-up
and the following clean-up of an area, could there be a nexus to
some of the items in .the Costa Mesa Safe, Costa Mesa Beautiful
Program, as well as some infrastructure interests such as
repaving, rebuilding I roads, and so forth; in relation to the
Prioritization of Programs and Service Efforts; she inquired as to
the actual "go-away" cost of the items on the submitted list (i.e.,
D.A.R.E. Program); the legal and financial consequences of not
complying with mandated programs, primarily those that are not
reimbursed; and information on projects which are planned but
have not yet been designed. To clarify her last request, Council
Member Cowan inquired if improvements have been designed for
Fairview Road between Fair Drive and Wilson Street, and if funds
would be taken from General Fund monies.
Judi Berry, Costa Mesa, supported an increase in business license
fees towards the "upper scale", addressed the City shortfall in
funds for next year, and possible cutbacks; and proposed a
reduction in Recreation programs which have less than 25
participants.
Dave Salcido, Costa Mesa, reported that he had received the
Recreation brochure in the mail, and questioned the $500,000.00
spent to produce and 'mail the brochure four times a year. The City
Manager replied that;,the cost is partially offset by the advertising
and actually costs approximately $40,000.00. Mr. Salcido asked
that the costs be reviewed. The City Manager replied to Council
Member Steel by stating that the brochure is produced by the
private sector, and ; the issue is how best to communicate
availability of programs to the public.
Mike Berry, Costa Mesa, asked if there was a means by which the
monies paid to the, Newport -Mesa Unified School District for
maintaining the schools (including landscaping, the parks, rental
fees, etc.) can be "broken out". He requested that the monies paid
to the District for use of facilities be reviewed.
Martin Millard, Costa Mesa, suggested that the City be more
fiscally conservative, mentioning that more of 50 percent of the
employers hiring workers at the Costa Mesa Job Center are from
Newport Beach. He proposed closing the facility. Mr. Millard
opposed increasing.the business license fee, supported increasing
the Transient Occupancy Tax with the monies directed to the
General Fund, and thought that the City's mobile recreation van
should be eliminated.'
Sandy Genis, Costa Mesa, reported that the business license fee
is regressive, and thought that it should be assessed as a straight
percentage of gross receipts. She advised re-examination of the
increase in retiree benefits, citing personnel costs as a large part of
the budget. She encouraged retaining the current level of capital
maintenance.
MOTION/Continued On motion by Council Member Cowan, seconded by Council
to April 5, 2004 Member Steel, and carried 4-0, Old Business Items Nos. 2 and 3
were continued to the meeting of April 5, 2004.
NEW BUSINESS The Deputy City Clerk presented a resolution amending the
Streetscape and Streetscape and Median Development Standards. The Public
Median Development Services Director summarized the Agenda Report dated March 4,
Standards 2004.
MOTION/Adopted On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Mansoor, seconded by Council
Resolution 04-24 Member Scheafer, and carried 4-0, Resolution 04-24 was adopted:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE STREETSCAPE
AND MEDIAN DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
CITY MANAGER'S The City Manager announced that former Newport Beach City
REPORT Council Member Ruthelyn Plummer, now a Costa Mesa resident,
Ruthelyn Plummer turned 79 years old. He commended her for her public service
record, described her as "statesmanlike", and believed that she
was an asset to both Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
COUNCIL Council Member Scheafer announced that at the Thursday, March
COMMENTS 11, 2004, Orange County League of California Cities meeting, he
Orange County withdrew his name from consideration for a position on the
League of California Integrated Waste Management Commission. He indicated that the
Cities incumbent, Kathy Green, Mayor of the City of Huntington Beach,
had also re-applied for the position, and he felt in the best interest
of both cities, he would withdraw.
Council Member Steel indicated that he was a long-time
acquaintance of Ruthelyn Plummer who is a delightful, and terrific
individual.
Council Member Cowan, on behalf of her partner Rebecca, their
families, and her father, thanked the community for its outpouring
of warmth and caring regarding the recent deaths of both hers and
Rebecca's mothers. She thanked City staff and her fellow Council
Members for their understanding.
ADJOURNMENT Mayor Pro Tem Mansoor declared the meeting adjourned at 10:05
p.m.
Mayor of th City of Costa Mesa
ATTEST:
Deputy ity Clerk -of -the City of Costa Mesa