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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 CC Action Agenda 3-17-09ITEM #5 Report to the Planning Commission DATE: MARCH 24, 2009 SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL ACTION AGENDA MARCH 17, 2009 PRESENTATION: ELIZABETH A. BINSACK, DIRECTOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TY t O ~. ,- ,~~~ ~s~v ATTACHMENTS: CITY COUNCIL ACTION AGENDA MARCH 17, 2009 ACTION AGENDA OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA MARCH 17, 2009 CALLED TO ORDER MEETING #2207 AT 5:30 P.M. ATTENDANCE Present: Mayor Doug Davert; Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Amante; and Councilmembers Deborah Gavello, John Nielsen, and Jim Palmer Absent: None City Clerk: Maria R. Huizar, Chief Deputy Others Present: William A. Huston, City Manager; and Doug Holland, City Attorney PUBLIC INPUT -None. CLOSED SESSION ITEMS -The Brown Act permits legislative bodies to discuss certain matters without members of the public present. The City Council finds, based on advice from the City Attorney, that discussion in open session of the following matters will prejudice the position of the City in existing and anticipated litigation: A. Exposure to Litigation [Government Code Section 54856.9(b)] -Two Cases B. Initiation of Litigation [Government Code Section 54856.9(c)] -Two Cases AGENDA ITEM ADDED At the City Attorney's request, motion that there is an immediate need to take action on a matter and that need arose after the posting of the Agenda and the following item should be added to the Agenda: C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL -EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) - AAE v. City of Tustin, Claim No. 08-25 Motion: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amante, seconded by Councilmember Palmer, to add item to Closed Session. Motion carried 5-0. RECESSED - At 5:31 p.m. City Council recessed to closed session to discuss matters listed under Closed Session. City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 1 of 10 RECONVENED - At 6:59 p.m. City Council reconvened in public session with same members present. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING CALL TO ORDER MEETING #2207 AT 7:00 P.M. INVOCATION -Benjamin Hoang, St. Cecilia's Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -Councilmember Gavello ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Doug Davert; Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Amante; and Councilmembers Deborah Gavello, John Nielsen, and Jim Palmer Absent: None City Clerk: Maria R. Huizar, Chief Deputy Others Present: William A. Huston, City Manager; and Doug Holland, City Attorney CLOSED SESSION REPORT -Nothing to report. PRESENTATION • Presentation by Beatriz Fernandez, Partnership Specialist from the Orange County Area US Census Bureau on "Census 2010" ORAL COMMUNICATION /PUBLIC INPUT -None CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS -Mayor Davert requested that item 5 be pulled for separate action. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amante, seconded by Councilmember Nielsen to approve balance of Consent Calendar items as recommended by staff. Motion carried 5-0. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES -REGULAR MEETINGS OF MARCH 3, 2009 Motion: Approve the Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held on March 3, 2009. City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 2 of 10 2. APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL Motion: Approve Demands in the amounts of $1,862,635.14 and $1,330,259.25; and Payroll in the amount of $730,417.25. 3. PLANNING ACTION AGENDA -MARCH 10, 2009 All actions of the Planning Commission become final unless appealed by the City Council or members of the public. Motion: Receive and file. 4. REVISION TO THE 2009 MCAS TUSTIN MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM On March 3, 2009, the City Council reviewed, received and filed the 2009 MCAS Tustin Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) annual status report. Upon reviewing the report, some status reports were ambiguous, needing further clarification. Accordingly, minor revisions are proposed for Council's consideration. Motion: Receive and file this report. 5 2008 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL REPORT The California Government Code requires that the Planning Commission provide a progress report to the City Council on the status of the City's General Plan and the progress in its implementation, including the progress in meeting our share of regional housing needs and efforts to remove governmental constraints to housing development, maintenance, and improvement. On March 10, 2009, the Planning Commission reviewed the annual report, recommended minor revisions to the status report, requested that the City Council provide direction as to amending the Noise Element goals and/or policies to include freeway sound walls particularly in Old Town, and authorized staff to forward the report to the City Council. With Council authorization, staff will forward the report to the State Office of Planning and Research and the State Department of Housing and Community Development in fulfillment of the State's requirement. Mayor Pro Tem Amante, indicated that he did not know where OCTA was in regards to noise, particularly in highways, and would like to review with citizens and highway committees; Councilmember Nielsen, getting information from Old Town residents and review is warranted where the 5 and 55 freeways meet. City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 3 of 10 Mayor Davert genuine concern with freeway noise and overhead airport noise, push for sound barrier, be aggressive particularly in Old Town; Mayor Pro Tem Amante, requested that staff provide information to Jeff Thompson and he to take to OCTA; need to be within specific numbers to take it to Caltrans for funding; and Councilmember Nielsen commented on City's Plan and reported that 71 % of very low income RHNA numbers. Motion: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amante, seconded by Councilmember Palmer to: 5.a. Review and authorize staff to forward this annual report to the State Office of Planning and Research and the State Department of Housing and Community Development; and 5.b. Look at any and all options regarding freeway sound walls, particularly in Old Town. Motion 5-0. 6. ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AND RELEASE OF BONDS FOR TRACT MAP NO. 16582, MOFFETT MEADOWS PARTNERS, LLC (COLUMBUS GROVE) All public non-backbone improvements associated with Tract Map No. 16582 have been completed. The Public Works Department is now recommending the acceptance of public improvements and release of the public improvement and monumentation bonds. Motion: Release the following bonds in the indicated amounts: Faithful Performance Bond (Bond No. 08821710) $376,685.00 Labor and Material Bond (Bond No. 08821710) . $188,343.00 Monumentation Bond (Bond No. 217 0070) $96,000.00 REGULAR BUSINESS ITEMS 7. AMEND CITY CODE SECTION 5331 n BY ORDINANCE 1362 TO APPROVE PERMIT ONLY PARKING ZONES BY RESOLUTION AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 09-11 FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PREFERENTIAL PERMIT PARKING ALONG COPPERFIELD DRIVE, RED HILL AVENUE TO SANDBROOK DRIVE City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 4 of 10 It is proposed to modify the procedure for designation of permit-only parking areas to allow the City Council to approve the designations of such areas by Resolution rather than by Ordinance. Doing so would save time in future approvals or amendments to such parking zones. In addition, residents of Copperfield Drive have expressed concerns regarding an overflow of parking from adjacent apartments. These residents have requested that the City establish overnight on-street permit parking and designate Copperfield Drive as an on- street permit parking zone. 1. Brent North - sustainability of growth in City is issue, residents in adjoining apartments parking in front of area; supports tonight's proposed action; 2. Ginny Mueller - on-site manager of Avalon Apartments; issue is lack of parking in multi-bedroom units; request solution be proposed by City to alleviate lack of parking; 3. Tricia Meskel -quality of life has deteriorated because of the large number of cars parked on the street; cars devaluing area; 4. Patrick Meskel -safety; peripheral vision in question; increased traffic; parking in front of fire hydrants; aesthetics not a community feeling; covered vehicles parking in front of house; enabling problem by allowing parking; 5. Alan Britt -Myrtle parking between Second and Main Streets; requested permit parking about 5 years ago; petitioned granted; rules changed and because they have single car driveways it is becoming a problem; neighbors requested that permit parking in area be terminated or revised; can get petitions if so needed by the City; 6. Bart Rainone -owners of Avalon Apartments, worked with City agencies, Fire Dept; Fair Housing laws; owned since 1978; has invested a significant amount of money into renovations of units; complex is 90% 2-3 bedroom; have 180 parking spaces; offsite parking is vital; 7. Steve Silverstein -attorney, owns office on Red Hill in front of apartment units; lack of parking on Red Hill has affected his vacancy in his complex; requested Council allow parking on Red Hill during off-peak hours; 8. Emily Osterberg -representing Apartment Association of Orange County, thanked Council for not changing future permit process from Ordinance to Resolution.; empathic with City situation on lack of parking and asked Council to allow permits to apartment owner/manager; permit only addresses overnight parking; would like Council to consider compromise to be reached on trial basis; 9. Ed Eloe -has been working on permit program on Copperfield for past 3 years; concerned with security; street not for overflow parking; apartment owners responsible for providing parking for their tenants; 10.Toby Moore -overnight permit parking is a need, but process is too stringent, if oversized vehicle or vehicle not registered under name then cannot consider in process; request more just process with a minimum amount for residents; other exceptions need to be reviewed; 11.Tina Sebralla -past 3 years have been having problems with overflow from apartment complex; oil on streets; trash on streets; since no parking on Red Hill approved, have noise at late hours; using street as parking lot; City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 5 of 10 Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Gavello questioned how City developed ordinance instead of resolution on establishing parking permit process. City Attorney Holland clarified that current proposal was to change from Ordinance to Resolution but if Council decided not to approve Copperfield in the form of a Resolution, then can introduce Ordinance tonight and need 2 separate motions. Councilmember Nielsen, in favor as ordinance, more formalized and due process for future council members to follow. Complemented Mr. Rainone on upgrades to apartment complex and residents that came out to discuss matter. Extensive studies on parking found that parking lots are being under-utilized and in favor of granting Copperfield parking permit. Mayor Pro Tem Amante, opposed to adoption of ordinance to change from Ordinance to Resolution implementation; commented that main arterials maximized; opposed because it provides balance to fundamental issues. Motion to not change procedures and only process by Ordinance. Second by Palmer. Councilmember Palmer, also opposed to 7.a. recommendation; we are society of far too many laws; echoed comments of Mr. Rainone, splendid complex; would like overnight capacity on Red Hill considered at future meeting; disappointed with some comments heard tonight; unfair comments about the type of people parking on streets. Councilmember Gavello, Avalon nice complex, would like flexibility in approving process; would like to review parking permit process in 6 months as previously discussed by Council; would like staff to allow some parking on Red Hill; and agree with ordinance approval. Mayor Davert, noted that staff has studied flex lane idea and noted that City Engineer indicated that it was not safe to modify hours of parking; would like Council to review permit process as previously discussed; application by Copperfield pending for 3 years; supports permit parking on Copperfield. Motion: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amante, seconded by Councilmember Palmer to deny Ordinance No. 1362. Motion 5-0. Motion: It was moved by Councilmember Gavello, seconded by Councilmember Nielsen to introduce an ordinance designating Permit Parking on Copperfield Drive between Red Hill Avenue and Sandbrook Drive. Motion carried 4-1 (Palmer dissented). COUNCIL RECESSED AT 8:15 AND RECONVENED AT 8:22 P.M. WITH SAME MEMBERS PRESENT City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 6 of 10 9. GRAD NIGHT FUNDING The Grad Night Committees from Beckman High School, Foothill High School and Tustin High School have submitted requests for funding assistance from the City Council. • Shelleyanne Rein of Tustin High School, students economically challenged and request assistance in providing safe event • Jodi Twomey of Foothill High School Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Palmer, inquired as to how much the school board contributes and the answer was nothing. Mayor Pro Tem Amante, noted that former Councilmember Bone opposed in the past; re-allocation to Tustin Community Foundation, but agreed to have percentage reduction; now opposed to charitable contribution because of economic hard times; Councilmember Nielsen, potential cost issues if City not support program; safety issue; out-weights potential cost; supporting donation of 50% of request; Mayor Davert personally supports program because of safety issue; reported that for first time in 14 years schools will have decrease in property taxes; school district should be responsible for funding program; city council priority is to benefit all residents; requested all to donate personally to schools and Community Foundation. Motion: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amante, seconded by Councilmember Palmer to deny request. Motion carried 4-1 (Nielsen dissented). 8. CITY COUNCIL EXPENSES Mayor Pro Tem Amante requested that the City Council discuss its policy regarding reimbursement of expenses for Council Members. Attached to the Agenda Report is Resolution No. 06-111 which sets forth the current policy. Mayor Pro Tem Amante, assured residents that we are being as frugal as possible; staff prepared 2 documents with countywide council salary (one in alpha order, and the other in salary ranking). State Controller Chiang spoke at recent event regarding safety of investments and complete lack of reserves; concerned with State policies; generous City stipend; only expenses that should be reimbursed is for out of area travel -mode of transportation, accommodations, and meals tied to official meetings; would like staff to amend policy that indicates City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 7 of 10 that stipend covers County expenses except for out of County with pre-approval. Councilmember Palmer requested clarification on pre-approved travel expense change. Mayor Pro Tem Amante asked that it be approved by Council. Councilmember Nielsen, council is considered a volunteer position; running city business and should not be looking for reimbursement for conducting such business. Mayor Davert, generous stipend including benefit package; council to lead by example and conservative in expenses. Councilmember Gavello, she is cost conscious and conservative; expenses incurred are $2,500; policy in question was approved by Mary Davert and Mator Pro Tem Amante on September 18, 2006 and questioned why changing now; concerned with running elitist council by not allowing poor to run for Council; reimbursement request is small compared to City's overall expenses; the committees she's been appointed to do not have stipends and requesting reimbursement for mileage to conduct City's business; opposed to making policy change. Mayor Pro Tem Amante, noted that policy approved for different economic times; argument is now imprudent; dollar amount not in question, but leadership; lead with sense of sacrifice. Councilmember Gavello requested to be noted that documents provided to the Council were given at the dais and that other cities mentioned have benefits Tustin doesn't have. Mayor Davert, noted that he was accused of flip flopping and being elitist; have approved grad night in the past and not approved this year; was good policy then; noted that stipend received by the Council more than covers expenses to conduct business; Mayor Pro Tem Amante's request is reasonable. Councilmember Gavello, requested reasonable expenses be reimbursed since former councilmember's did itemize expenses. Motion: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amante, seconded by Councilmember Nielsen to have staff amend the Policy and include Council pre-authorization on travel. Motion carried 4-1 (Gavello opposed). 10. FOURTH QUARTER 2008 SOLID WASTE CONTRACT REPORT CR&R achieved the contractually required 50% solid waste diversion goal in 2008, but has yet to provide a Recyclable Buyback Center in Tustin to comply with contract requirements. City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 8 of 10 Joe Meyers, Public Works Administrative Services Manager provided summary report of achievements to date. Motion: It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Amante, seconded by Councilmember Palmer to receive and file this report. Motion carried 5-0. 11. LEGISLATIVE REPORTS - AB155 (MENDOZA) Staff has prepared one (1) agenda report as follow: AB155 (Mendoza). would create a State Local Agency Bankruptcy Committee (consisting of the State Treasurer, State Controller and Director of State Finance) which would have to grant approval before a City could file for bankruptcy protection under federal law. The author of the bill claims this process is needed in order to protect the State's credit rating. Council may also request that staff prepare additional reports, and/or letters of supportlopposition on legislative matters that are time-sensitive and not agendized. Motion: It was moved by Mayor Davert, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amante to authorize the Mayor to send a letter in opposition to AB 155 (Mendoza). Motion carried 5-0. OTHER BUSINESS /COMMITTEE REPORTS - Councilmember Gavello: • Enjoyed Miss Tustin program, impressed with contestants; and • Asked all to buy in Tustin, especially costly items. Councilmember Nielsen: • SCAG report -City of Walnut requested resolution opposing NFL Stadium Project and took. neutral position; once regional Councilmember member is elected cannot be replaced during their term; RHNA dropped recommendation of regional income levels; looking at draft budget; reviewed SCAG draft proposed legislative principles; • Attended Miss Tustin pageant; congratulated winners and contestants; • Attended Marmalade Cafe opening; • Attended Casino Night; and • Tustin Community Foundation having volunteer recognition luncheon on April 30th, at Wilcox Manor, invited all to attend. Councilmember Palmer: • Appreciated discussion on cost savings; staff to agendize review and possible elimination of membership dues at next meeting; and • Appealed to fellow council members to avoid personal attacks since we will have to review and make cuts in programs and expenses in the coming months; need to be City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 9 of 10 unified. Mayor Pro Tem Amante: • OCTA and TCA joint leadership meeting discussed regional issues, including 241 toll and 241 and 91 connector study and reviewed options for ease of transition that will allow traffic relief; progress of Irvine/Corona Expressway geology study underway coming for discussion in late summer or early fall; not receiving much in Federal Stimulus funds; discussed project readiness; major improvement study of Central Corridor to relieve 55 freeway; • Attended meeting in Sacramento for TCA on alignment of 241 extension; • Attended joint meeting of OCTA, TCA, and SANDAG discussed regional transit mobility for service on LA/ San Diego corridor (LOSAN) to review transportation and coordinate efforts among systems; trains relieve traffic and reduce pressure; implementation of AB 32 & 375; and • Chief Executive Officer, Art Leahy announced that he is leaving OCTA to go back to MTA in Los Angeles, publicly congratulate him; requested resolution (proclamation) for efforts; County Board of Supervisor Norby and he serve on committee to find replacement. Mayor Davert: • Concur that Art Leahy should be publicly congratulated; schedule to receive proclamation; • Vector Control report, West Nile virus active in County; Board is inefficient and overstaffed; Supervisor Moorlach proposed legislation to merge with Agricultural Commission; Mayor and Trustee Bone suggest merge with County Health Department; • Every agency reviewing expenses, reform a good thing; • Serving as Principal for the day, Thursday, at Nelson elementary; • March 11th participated in Arbor Day program; • Boys and Girls Club dedicating refurbished gymnasium on March 28; • Missed the Miss Tustin event, court to be presented at April 7 Council Meeting; and • Congratulated new Community Services Commissioners, to be sworn in tomorrow. ADJOURNED - 9:36 P.M. -The next meeting of the City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. for the Closed Session Meeting, followed by the Regular Business Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, California. City Council Meeting March 17, 2009 Action Agenda Page 10 of 10