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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 1997 10 20MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 20, 1997 CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION The meeting was called to order by Mayor Thomas at 7:01 p.m. at the Council Chambers, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, California. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tustin Girl Scout Flag Patrol. The Invocation was given by Councilmember Doyle. ROLL CALL Council Present: Jeffery M. Thomas, Mayor Thomas R. Saltarelli, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Doyle Jim Potts Tracy Wills Worley Council Absent: None City Clerk: Pamela Stoker Others Present: William A. Huston, City Manager Lois Jeffrey, City Attorney Christine Shingleton, Assistant City Manager George Jeffries, City Treasurer Elizabeth Binsack, Director of Com. Development Steve Foster, Chief of Police Ronald A. Nault, Finance Director Tim Serlet, Director of Public Works Mike Henley, Dir./Parks and Recreation Services Dana Kasdan, Engineering Services Manager Rita Westfield, Asst. Dir./Com. Development Martin Pastucha, Field Services Manager Valerie Crabill, Chief Deputy City Clerk Dave Gottlieb, Senior Project Manager Bettie Correa, Senior Personnel Analyst Approximately 25 in the audience PROCLAMATION AMY WALDROOP, COMMUNITY RECOGNITION Councilmember Worley stated that Council had the privilege of recognizing and honoring citizens; remarked on a recent newspaper article about Amy Waldroop, who from the age of 18, had been raising three younger brothers; noted how she identified with Ms. Waldroop; and commended her as an unsung hero. Mayor Thomas read and presented a proclamation to Amy Waldroop, recognizing her devotion to her three brothers. Amy Waldroop thanked Council for the proclamation. PUBLIC INPUT - None PUBLIC HEARING (ITEM 1) 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF A FEE FOR THE CITY'S MILLS ACT PROGRAM Mayor Thomas opened the Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m. There were no speakers on the subject and the Public Hearing was closed. It was moved by Saltarelli, seconded by Worley, to adopt the following Resolution No. 97-95 authorizing the establishment of an application fee for the City's Mills Act program: RESOLUTION NO. 97-95 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING AN APPLICATION FEE FOR THE CITY OF TUSTIN MILLS ACT PROGRAM Councilmember Potts stated he opposed establishing an application fee at this time and suggested reviewing the program costs in one year and if necessary, implement the application fee at that time. William Huston, City Manager, explained that the Municipal Code allowed a fee waiver for hardship conditions. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 2, 10-20-97 Council/staff discussion followed regarding the program was voluntary; property tax reductions were allowed if program requirements were met; the property must be maintained for 10 years; and applications would be presented to Council for approval. Motion carried 3-2, Doyle, Potts opposed. CONSENT CALENDAR (ITEMS 2 THROUGH 9) 670-05 It was moved by Potts, seconded by Saltarelli, to approve the Consent Calendar as recommended by staff. Motion carried 5-0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - OCTOBER 6, 1997 REGULAR MEETING Recommendation: Approve the City Council Minutes of October 6, 1997. 3. APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND RATIFICATION OF PAYROLL Recommendation: Approve Demands in the amount of $2,901,032.70 and ratify Payroll in the amount of $361,392.35. 380-10 360-82 4. CULTURAL RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE GOALS Recommendation: Receive and file subject report as recommended by the Community Development Department. 120-20 5. RESOLUTION NO. 97-101 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE ANNUAL SIDEWALK AND CURB AND GUTTER REPAIR PROJECT FY 1997-98 (PROJECT NO. 4020-6235) Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 97-101 approving the plans and specifications for the Annual Sidewalk and Curb and Gutter Repair Project and authorizing and directing the City Clerk to advertise for bids as recommended by the Public Works Department/Engineering Division. 400-45 6. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION AGENDA - OCTOBER 13, 1997 All actions of the Planning Commission become final unless appealed by the City Council or member of the public. Recommendation: Ratify the Planning Commission Action Agenda of October 13, 1997. 120-50 7. AMBULANCE SERVICE CONTRACT Recommendation: Authorize the Orange County Fire Authority to extend its current contract for ambulance service in Tustin with Doctor's Ambulance Service until no later than July 1, 1998 as recommended by the City Manager. 400-10 S. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES - MCAS TUSTIN Recommendaticn: Authorize the City Manager or Assistant City Manager to execute an Agreement for Contract Services between the City of Tustin and Preferred Real Estate Management, Inc., subject to approval of said Agreement by the City Attorney as recommended by Redevelopment Agency staff. 400-10 9. PROGRESS REPORT ON CEDAR GROVE PARK (PROJECT NO. 400041) AND HERITAGE PARK (PROJECT NO. 400042) Recommendation: Receive and file subject report as recommended by Parks and Recreation Services. 920-35 920-65 REGULAR BUSINESS (ITEMS 10 THROUGH 17) 10. AUTHORIZE THE TEMPORARY INSTALLATION OF DIAGONAL PARKING IN A SECTION OF EL CAMINO REAL IN OLD TOWN Dave Gottlieb, Senior Project Manager, reported that staff had been developing programs to improve the Old Town area such as assisting with the Tustin Old Town Association formation and infrastructure, sidewalk, and lighting improvements. He stated that UCI students had researched ways to improve Old Town business and recommended improving signage and lighting; creating pedestrian ambiance; and installing diagonal parking. He noted cities that had incorporated diagonal parking in their downtown areas which attributed to a pedestrian -oriented atmosphere; the proposed diagonal parking would reduce travel lanes from four to CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 3, 10-20-97 two on E1 Camino Real; the diagonal parking would be installed on a trial basis for approximately four to six months; because E1 Camino Real was part of the County's Master Plan of Arterial Highways, approval from Orange County Transportation Authority was required; and monitoring businesses, patrons, and traffic during the diagonal parking trial period would be conducted to ascertain if the parking was beneficial to Old Town. Council/staff discussion followed regarding installation of diagonal parking would increase parking by two spaces; business and property owners' reaction to proposed diagonal parking; further study was needed to create more parking; analysis of the parking would be conducted on a monthly basis during the test period; traffic on E1 Camino Real had reduced by 40% in the last two years; El Camino Real had been designated an Arterial Highway approximately 20 years ago; the pedestrian ambiance in Old Town was an excellent concept; the necessity to attract more business in Old Town; if approved, construction would begin in 1998; removal of E1 Camino Real from the Master Plan of Arterial Highways; and presenting a report to Council after staff had met with business and property owners regarding proposed diagonal parking. It was moved by Thomas, seconded by Potts, to continue this item to the November 3, 1997 Council meeting. Motion carried 5-0. 770-90 11. ORDINANCE NO. 1187, CHANGING DATE OF GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION Councilmember Doyle questioned if a future Council could change the election date and if so, was voter approval necessary to maintain a permanent election date. Lois Jeffrey, City Attorney, responded that adoption of this ordinance required one election to be conducted in November 1998; Council could change future election dates in conformance with the State Elections Code; and presenting the matter before voters was at the discretion of Council. Council/staff discussion followed regarding that the election date could not be changed if the issue was presented to voters except by another vote of the people; and agendizing this matter at a future meeting for discussion. It was moved by Worley, seconded by Saltarelli, to have second reading by title only and adoption of Ordinance No. 1187. The City Clerk read the following Ordinance No. 1187 by title only: ORDINANCE NO. 1187 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1139 AND REQUIRING THAT THE CITY'S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION, BEGINNING IN 1998, SHALL BE CONSOLIDATED WITH THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION WHICH WILL BE HELD ON ,THE FIRST TUESDAY AFTER THE FIRST MONDAY IN NOVEMBER OF EVEN NUMBERED YEARS Motion carried 4-1, Potts opposed (roll call vote). 450-50 12. STATUS OF NEW POST OFFICE Councilmember Potts described the inability to access the Tustin Post Office traveling west on First Street; stated that post office parking lot traffic created congestion on First Street; remarked on a newspaper article stating the Postal Service achieved $3 billion profit last year; and requested staff contact Washington D.C. officials to petition for a new post office in Tustin. Councilmember Doyle remarked on the hazardous driving and parking conditions at the post office. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES.: Page 4, 10-20-97 Mayor Pro Tem Saltarelli suggested staff contact the regional office in Sacramento requesting a new post office be constructed in Tustin and noted the potential liability issues created by traffic congestion at the post office. Councilmember Worley commented on the Police Department traffic enforcement near the post office; noted that the post office was crowded due to the City's population growth; suggested forwarding a mayoral letter to regional offices in Sacramento requesting a new City post office; stated she would contact Washington D. C. postal officials on the matter; and supported construction of a new post office. Council/staff discussion followed regarding requesting assistance on the matter from the City of Santa Ana; contacting Sacramento and Washington D.C. officials; and past correspondence with Congressman Cox's office on the matter. Mayor Thomas supported forwarding mayoral letters requesting a new post office to Washington D. C. and Sacramento officials and to Congressman Cox. 150-40 13. SENIOR CENTER COMPUTERS 14. SENIOR CITIZEN TRANSPORTATION Mike Henley, Director of Parks and Recreation Services, reported that because the Computer Learning Center was not utilized during the day, seniors from the Senior Center had been attending computer classes at the Learning Center; noted the scaled down furniture the seniors had to use in the Learning Center computer classes; and said the Tustin Community Foundation had been investigating fundraising for the purchase of Senior Center computers and a transportation vehicle. Bob Kiley, Tustin Community Foundation Director, reported that the Foundation was studying expanding the number of computers at the Tustin Family and Youth Center; after installation of the new network equipment at City Hall, upgrading the old City Hall computers for use at the Senior Center; and exploring obtaining a van by the Tustin Family and Youth Center and the Senior Center. Councilmember Potts suggested staff and the Foundation investigate obtaining a vehicle donation; noted the number of seniors attending computer class at the Learning Center; converting Classroom No. 3 at the Senior Center to a computer center; and he requested a report detailing available options presented at a future Council meeting. 930-20 15. BUDGET APPROPRIATION, COLUMBUS TUSTIN PARR SITE ASSESSMENT It was moved by Saltarelli, seconded by Doyle, to appropriate $10,000 from the Park Development Fund for sub -consultant work. Councilmember Worley explained that the budget appropriation would be used to evaluate what improvements were necessary to upgrade the Columbus Tustin fields. Motion carried 5-0. 16. QUARTERLY INVESTMENT REPORT 920-20 It was moved by Potts seconded by Worley, to receive and file subject report. Motion carried 5-0. 17. TEMPORARY LIGHTING IN OLD TOWN 355-50 Martin Pastucha, Field Services Manager, reported lighting was an issue examined by the UCI students during their study of Old Town and they had recommended additional lighting to enhance Old Town pedestrian traffic as well. as provide decorations ;:or the upcoming holiday season; staff was working with the Old Town Association to develop permanent lighting; and temporary lighting options 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 5, 10-20-97 included lighting downtown trees and wrapping lights around street light poles. It was moved by Potts. seconded by Doyle, to approve the proposal to purchase and install additional temporary lights on 28 street lights in the Old Town area, and authorize staff to enter into an agreement with Dekra-Lite of Santa Ana to provide the labor, material and equipment for the installation of power and lighting. Motion carried 5-0. 160-35 PUBLIC INPUT OLD TOWN DIAGONAL PARKING/TUSTIN OLD TOWN ASSOCIATION Tam Santoni, 440 E1 Camino Real, Tustin, spoke in opposition to the proposed Old Town diagonal parking. John Prescott, 18752 E. 17th Street, Tustin, spoke in opposition to the proposed Old Town diagonal parking and the Tustin Old Town Association. Audrey Heredia, 13561 Malena, Tustin, spoke in favor of Old Town diagonal parking and the Tustin Old Town Association. OTHER BUSINESS TILLER DAYS Councilmember Doyle commented on the success of the Tiller Days Parade and Carnival and his enjoyment listening to the Marine Corps Band. Mayor Thomas commented on the success of Tiller Days and the wonderful children's carnival rides. Councilmember Potts requested staff resolve the insurance liability issues allowing Council to throw candy during the Tiller Days Parade next year. BARER CANYON FIRE Councilmember Doyle commented on the recent Baker Canyon fire and successful firefighting preventing structure loss. Mayor Thomas commended staff for their efforts during the Baker Canyon fire and providing timely status updates to him during the absence of management staff due to League of Cities conference attendance. COMMENDATION - POLICE DEPARTMENT Councilmember Doyle commended two Tustin Police Officers for their sensitive handling of an individual at his restaurant. TUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM Councilmember Doyle congratulated the Tustin High School Football team for their undefeated record. POLICE PURSUITS Councilmember Potts expressed disappointment after reading a recent letter to the editor on police pursuits and the death of police officers before pursuits would cease. LEFT -TURN TRAFFIC ARROWS Councilmember Potts requested staff continue to explore elimination of left -turn requirements on red lights. TRAFFIC CONGESTION - RED HILL AVENUE/I-5 Councilmember Potts requested staff investigate the traffic CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 6, 10-20-97 congestion at Red Hill Avenue and the I-5 freeway ramp and send a letter to Caltrans alerting them of the traffic problem. ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY Councilmember Potts noted that Paid Call volunteer firefighters were not given preference for firefighter positions and requested Councilmember Worley bring this matter to the Orange County Fire Authority Board;. and he expressed hope that with the selection of a new fire chief, a contract could be negotiated for the firefighters. Councilmember Worley noted that firefighters had been conducting "no contract" rallies, firefighters had been offered a 3.5% raise by the OCFA Board, and the offer had been rejected by the firefighters for a 20% increase over the next two years; and she reported that approximately 850 applications had been received for each firefighter vacancy and Paid Call firefighters had to compete in that market. Mayor Pro Tem Saltarelli reported that during his membership on the OCFA Board, the Board reinstated three pay increases for firefighters that had been eliminated by the County due to the bankruptcy, and hoped that the contract dispute could be resolved. CITY ATTORNEY EXPENSE REPORTING Councilmember Potts commended staff for the creation of City Attorney expense reporting by fiscal year. LA COLINA STOP SIGNS Councilmember Worley expressed displeasure with County of Orange stop sign installation along La Colina and stated that the installation was ridiculous and requested the County reconsider. SR 55/I-5 FREEWAY Councilmember Worley reported that SR 55 freeway construction between the I-5 and 22 freeways was complete. BOY SCOUT TROOP 323 Mayor Pro Tem Saltarelli offered his apologies to Boy Scout Troop 323, who was scheduled to present colors at the 17th Street Bridge Opening ceremony, but was inadvertently omitted from the program, and thanked the troop for attending the ceremony. 88 -YEAR OLD BEAVER, PENNSYLVANIA, MAYOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE UNOPPOSED Mayor Pro Tem Saltarelli read a newspaper article from his hometown of Beaver, Pennsylvania, reporting that the City's 88 - year old mayor had served continuously for 52 years and was running for office again unopposed. AD HOC COMMITTEE - SENIOR CITIZEN ISSUES Mayor Thomas suggested formation of an ad hoc committee to address senior citizen issues. MAYOR'S BREAKFAST - NOVEMBER 21, 1997 Mayor Thomas announced the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast would be held on November 21, 1997. TUSTIN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD/PRESIDENT ABELOVE Mayor Thomas thanked the Tustin Unified School Board and President Abelove for their efforts to work with the City. SENIOR CENTER DANCE FLOOR Mayor Thomas commended staff for their immediate response to a CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Page 7, 10-20-97 citizen complaint regarding the inability to dance smoothly on the Senior Center dance floor. COMMITTEE REPORTS - None CLOSED SESSION Mayor Thomas announced that the City Council would convene in closed .,,session to confer with the City Attorney regarding pending litigation to which the City was a party, Carvajal vs. City of Tustin, AHM 0055060; and the claim of Melinda Singletary, Claim No. 97-11. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Thomas adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m. The next regular meeting of the City Council was scheduled for Monday, November 3, 1997, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 300 Centennial Way. CLOSED SESSION STATEMENT It was moved and seconded to deny the claim of Melinda Singletary, Claim No. 97-11, and direct the City Clerk to notify the claimant and the claimant's attorney. Motion carried 5-0. M7J,M7" 0-4,9WENA100K V7*T•MAYOR