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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC MINUTES 1975 07 07 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING TUSTIN CITY COUNCIL July 7, 1975 CALL TO ORDER ~he meeting was called toorder at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Saltarelli. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Councilman Sharp. III. INVOCATION Given by Councilman Edgar. IV. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmen: Saltarelli, Edgar, Sharp, Sutctiff. Absent: Councilmen: Welsh. Others present: City Administrator William Bopf Assistant City Administrator for Community Development Ken Fleagle City Attorney James Rourke City Clerk Ruth Poe PRESENTATIONS 1. DONATION FROM WELL WISHERS Ms. Jean Ann Drake, President of the Well Wishers, Women's Division of the Chamber of Commerce, presented a check of $225 to the City for payment of the three flags for the Community Building. 2. PRESENTATION OF SEA OTTERS TROPHY Peter Schultz, President of the Tustin Sea Otter Swim Team, presented to the City a trophy won by the team at the Orange County Swim Conference Pentathlon Finals on June 22, 1975. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. CITY BUDGET 1975-76 Mr. Bopf stated that the report presented to the Council reflects recommendations formulated by the Council at the budget workshops. The public portion of the hearing was opened at 7:40 p.m. Mrs. Helen Crider, Chamber of Commerce President, speaking as a private citizen, asked about rumored staff cutbacks in the Police and Fire Departments and dissatisfaction within the Police Depart- ment with their salary increases, etc., and the spending of funds on tennis courts. Mayor Saltarelli responded that the City negotiated with Police Association representatives for three months and a "package" of salary and fringe benefits acceptable to both sides was finally agreed upon. Similar packages will be considered later in the evening for the Fire Association and the miscellaneous employees. Councilman Edgar added that in terms of the number of Policemen and Firemen in the street, there will be no decrease. By unanimous consent of the Council, the public hearing on the Budget was continued in an open manner for discussion after the hearing on the Seismic Element, to allow members of the audience time to peruse information on the proposed Budget which had just been distributed to them. (See page 2,) 2. SEISMIC ELEMENT OF THE TUSTIN AREA GENERAL PLAN Mr. Fleagle stated that the California Planning and Zoning Law requires that each city adopt as part of its general plan an City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page two element related to seismic safety, for the purpose of identify- ing areas where seismic risk may exist, placing the public on notice of the hazard, and for government to take action necessary to preclude those hazards. Tustin's element h~as been prepared by staff with the assistance of research conducted by the Orange County Planning Department, the Corps Of Engineers, and State departments, and meets the guidelines established by the State of California. In reply to Councilman Sharp's question about flood plain hazards, Mr. Fleagle indicated that although Peters Canyon Wash is the closest area that would have to be controlled within the City, the Flood Control Plan of the Peters Canyon Wash does address that problem. This element does not address the floodplain situ- ation at all; the City will get into that if not by element, then by EIR. Regarding passages ~ealinq with reduction of earthquake risk by an inventory of older buildings, Mr. Fleagle explained that there is no provision for implementation of that until the Council adopts the element and indicates. the process they want taken. The intent would be to look at the older buildings where people assemble, having more than one story, and possibly presenting a hazard to life in the event of earthquake--there are only a few of these in the Tustin area. This work will be done within the existing staff d~rin~ the coming year and a report would come to Council of what remedial action was necessary and what notice would be given to property owners. The public portion of the hearing was opened at 7:47 p.m. There being no comments or objections, the public portion of the hearing was closed. RESOLUTION NO. 75-41 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Tustin, California, ADOPTING THE SEISMIC ELEMENT OF THE TUSTIN AREA GENERAL PLAN. After Resolution No. 75-41 had been read by title, it was moved by Sutcliff, seconded by Edgar, that further reading be waived and that Resolution No. 75-41 be passed and adopted. Carried. Ayes: Saltarelli, Edgar, Sharp, Sutcliff. Noes: none. Absent: Welsh. 1. CITY BUDGET 1975-76 (Continued) Mayor Saltarelli corm~ented on the difficulties presented by the economy, but emphasized that the situation is not of sufficient severity to cut down on emergency services. One of the primary objectives of City government is to provide the kinds of services necessary for the public safety. While cuts have been made, as well as recon~endations for changes in individual assignment within each department, none of the cuts is designed to affect operations on the street. Also, there are several programs avail- able to the City to provide additional I~an~ personnel, whose salaries, partially or totally, will not have to be paid by the City, who can be used in Police and Fire and other departments which the Council and staff feel would benefit by additional personnel during the year. Mr. Bob Jacob, 1121 East First Street, Tustin, commented that the new Budget is 23% higher than the 1974-75 Budget. He asked whether the bigger Budget would mean increased taxes. Mayor Saltarelli responded that the overall percentage increase can be attributed largely to the capital improvement budget, City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page three which includes a major expenditure of funds for the Newport Avenue project. The higher percentage is not greatly related to the operating budget. He pointed out also that the Budget increase includes the monies being received from the Federal government for grant personnel, and from the State and the County for street improvements. The anticipated tax rate for the pro- posed Budget would be the same overall tax rate as last year; the decrease in the tax rate related to bonded indebtedness will be applied to the general tax rate for the City. But the County Assessor will increase the assessed valuation of property within the City which will cause'taxes to go up. Mr. Bill Moses, 649 South "B" Street, Tustin, questioned the representation of this as an austerity budget, citing the extrava- gance of the Xerox machine and its increased costs; the euphemism of maintaining the same overall tax rate while maintaining opera- tions at the same line level as last year, including the subsidy of grant positions by Federal taxpayers to replace personnel deleted from the City's payroll; and the delay in selling the old City Hall property despite assurances by Council members to bond campaign supporters at the time that the land would be sold to hasten the retirement of the Civic Center Bonds. Mayor Saltarelli explained that while he is still determined to sell it, he had suggested removal of the Sale of City Hall Property from the Budget this year based on his belief that it would be foolish to use that amount of money to balance the Budget when there is no assurance that the City can find a buyer. Councilman Sharp agreed, and stated his belief that the City is taking an intelligent approach to selling the property. The Council is not proposing to "let it lie fallow", or to use it at this point for things that would only incur future indebtedness to the City; it is proposing to study means whereby the City can sell it and at the same time have it developed in a way to bene- fit the people of Tustin. He assumed that the money that would come from that sale would probably be used to build a surplus, keep taxes at the same rate, or retire bonds early and save the interest on those bonds. Replying to a further question from Mr. Moses, Mr. Sattarelli clarified that the property is not presently listed for sale. There have been inquiries from people interested in purchasing it, but they have wanted to buy it intact, meaning that the Fire Station would have to be moved. Returning to the subject of operating budget, Mr. Bopf stated that this is going from approximately $3.2-million to approximately $3.6-million. This 4% increase in the operating budget compares with an approximate 12% inflation factor, and offers made to the employees on salary increases are well under the inflati0nary rate at this point'. Regarding grant employees, Mr. Bopf said that it is anticipated that there will be approximately 7 one-year positions available. This Budget effects a reduction of 10 positions from last year's personnel, with two more 'reductions contemplated. So there will be a reduction of 12 employees with temporary restoration of 7 (dependent on grants which may not come), resulting in a net loss of 5 employees. He noted also that the reductions in personnel are at higher levels than would be replaced with Federal funds, so there is a substantial cuthack in the complement of the work force. Councilman Edgar explained that there are about 1000 more people in Tustin now than a year ago, an approximate increase in popula- tion to be served. So the number of employees per 1000 population is dropping. City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page four Mr. Art Charleton, 460 West Second Street, Tustin, spoke against higher taxes, speaking for himself and other "Old Town" residents who are living on fixed incomes and whose homes are already assessed at higher than their market value. He asked why a tax decrease couldn't be effected as promised by past Councils who felt that general City growth and a profusion of apartment build- ings would improve theltax base and result in lower taxes. Mayor Saltarelli said that the tax rate had been cut the previous year, but taxes still went up because of the valuations assigned by the County Assessor. He explained that the City is bound by State and Federal legislation to provide tremendous benefits to public safety employees, including payment of time and one-half for hours worked in excess of a stipulated number of hours, and OSHA regulations requiring less noisy working conditions and other facilities--all beyond the City's control and all at a direct cost to the local ~axpayers. He acknowledged the situa- tion Mr. Charleton described is accurate and very difficult. Mr. Moses inquired whether the City's "rolling stock" of City cars would be reduced in proportion to the reduction in personnel. Mayor Saltarelli stated that the Council had decided ~o make vehicular replacements only in.eritical areas of Police and Fire vehicles. Mr. Bopf added that the Police Department's motorcycles will be deactivated, and that compact cars would be considered for non- safety-oriented staff. The pool fleet is presently in pretty bad condition but the vehicles will stay until the end of their useful life and then will be replaced on a need basis. Since there are not enough cars to go around now, the situation may be alleviated somewhat by having fewer personnel requiring them. Mrs. Agnes Bacon expressed her view that she gets a lot of service in return for her City tax dollars, and Mrs. Margaret Byrd agreed. To Mr. Bopf's comment that about 25% of the increase in assessed valuation ~n the City is attributable to new development, Mayor Saltarelli indicated agreement, and the hope that revenue from industrial developmen~ would ease the burden for the homeowner in the future. He advised also that the City is limited by State law to a S1.00 tax rate, so the City's power to increase the tax rate above its presen~ figure, without the permission of the taxpayers, would be limited to about 3¢. In the future, the City will be faced with reductions in the amount of services provided without some type of change in taxing structure, because the City cannot pay more ~o employees each year, pay more for goods purchased, and also face declines ~n revenue. Mr. Saltarelli stated that this year is strongly showing the necessity for a vibrant business community in the City, because the City receives only a minor portion of its operational budget from property tax; a good deal more comes from sales tax and State subventions. Things that bring about a better economy also bring about better revenue for the City. Responding to earlier' questions, the Mayor said that a change in the ~ype of Xerox m~c~in~has_resulted in savi~gs.. Regarding dis- satisfaction among employees, he said that the average policeman in Tustin is making $15,704 in.salary, with a fringe benefit pack- age of about 33-1/3%, bringing the average cost to the taxpayer per policemanto more than $21,060 per year. He didn't think it could be said in a time of economic decline that the City is being unfair an any way to employees on benefits and salaries. The Council has given generous increases and improved working con- ditions · n better years. City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page five Mrs. Helen Crider asked whether City employees are paid com- petitivety. She was concerned with loss of qualified personnel through lateral transfers to other agencies. MayOr Saltarelli replied that he believed that they are. He advised in response to another question that the City's contri- butiOn to the Chamber Of Commerce has been reduced this year to $7,500 from $8,500. Mrs. Crider indicated that this was acceptable to the Chamber and that she Would contact the City regarding execution of the contract. In reply to Mr. Moses' question concerning the possibility of increased street maintenance, Mayor Saltarelli said that there is an inclusion of $14,000 for slurry seal on First Street from Newport Avenue to Prospect, and indicated that in the ten- year budget the City is addressing itself to areas in town need- ing street improvements and programming these out of funds avail- able. There being no further comments or objections, the public portion of the hearing was closed at 8:45 p.m. Councilman Edgar stated that one positive note in the Budget is the entry of $56,000 for paramedics, which affords quick medical assistance when needed, but doesn't supplant the need for fire support personnel. He commented on the commitment for early construction of the Bryan Avenue Storm Drain, which will enable its completion prior to the completion of Newport Avenue. He noted as an item of interest that the actual cost of the First Street project was $690,000. In reference to earlier discussion, Mr. Edgar stated that in his support of the Civic Center Bond Election, he never personally was committed to sale of the City Hall property, and is not now committed either to its sale or its retention. He was concerned with making sure that the City uses the ownership of the property to the maximum possible benefit to the community, and considered any action taken with the property to be a catalyst toward rapid development of the downtown area. He expressed interest in see- ing the results of the consultant's survey on this area, to be financed by Housing and Community Development Act funds. Regarding the Budget in general, Councilman Edgar stated that it is a good Budget and represents austerity in terms of not having a lot of employees and in terms of making reasonable commitments to some of the capital needs of the community, particularly in the area of storm drains and recreational facilities. Mayor Saltarelli stated that moving the Bryan Avenue Storm Drain project up into this year's capital budget, and the resultant savings of time on the Newport project, was worthwhile in terms of lessened inconvenience to citizens travelling on Newport. He advised that the sewer is going in now, the right-of-way for the project is being purchased, and the Newport project, including street widening and installation of curbs and sidewalks, would be underway in about a year. He commented on the addition of $3,000 to the Budget for play- ground equipment for the parks, as they are deficient in play equipment for small children. Regarding reduction in the usage of the motorcycles in the Police Department, Mr. Saltarelli emphasized that this should not be con- strued to mean that less emphasis wilt be placed on traffic enforcement. Councilman Sharp commented on the difficulties the Council and staff faced in budget workshop sessions in making cuts and still City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page six trying to please everyone. He said that it will cost the 30,000 residents in the City approximately $150 each this coming year to live in one of the most attractive and safest communities in Orange County andsprobably in the southland. The Council is continuingto try to prowide services like paramedics, good drainage facilities~ good parks, good fire .and police protection, etc. He felt that the cost for all this was a bargain. RESOLUTION NO. 75-42 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Tustin, ADOPTING THE CITY BUDGET AND APPROPRIA- TING REVENUE OF THE CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1975-76. Moved by .Sharp, seconded by Edgar, that Resolution No. 75-42 be passed and adopted. Mayor Saltarelli pointed out that Tustin is the only city in the County still paying the cost of refuse collection, and stated his continued support of the City covering this cost even if it should mean voting a 1¢ tax increase to cover it. Hesaid that Tustin is still providing a lot of service that other cities impose a user charge for. Above motion carried by roll call vote. Ayes: Saltarelli, Edgar, Sharp, Sutcliff. Noes: none. Absent: Welsh. VI. PUBLIC CONCERNS 1. MR. BILL MOSES, RE: UCI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE Mr. Bill MOses urged Council not to support the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine on-campus teaching hospi- tal (Item No. 3 of the Consent Calendar, below). VII. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - June 16, 1975, Regular Meeting, and June 30, 1975, Special Meeting. 2. RATIFICATION OF DEEDS in amount of $106,521.49. 3. RESOLUTION NO. 75-34 A Resolution of the City Council o~ the City of Tustin OF SUPPORT FOR THE UCI SHCOOL OF MEDICINE ON-CAMPUS TEACHING HOSPITAL. Adoption as recommended by ~he City Administrator. 4. RESOLUTION NO. 75-35 A Resolution of the City Council, City of Tustin, California, RELATIVE TO REGULATING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AND PARKING ON CERTAIN PRIVATELY OWNED PROPERTY. Approval as recommended by staff and in accordance with City Code, RESOLUTION NO. 75-36 A Resolution of the City Council, City Of Tustin, California, PROVIDING FOR AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT WITH THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL FOR ABAN- DONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT PARTICIPATION. City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page seven 6. RESOLUTION NO. 75-37 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Tustin, California, APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SOUTH SIDE OF MITCHELL AVENUE AT UTT DRIVE AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS. - As recommended by the City Engineer. 7. RESOLUTION NO. 75- 38 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Tustin, CalifOrnia, INFORMING THE ARTERIAL HIGHWAY FINANCING PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE STATUS OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN MASTER PLAN OF ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS. Adoption as recommended by the City Engineer. 8. RESOLUTION NO. 75-41 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Tustin, California, ADOPTING CERTAIN REVISIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE SELECT STREET SYSTEM. Adoption as recommended by the City Engineer. 9. RELINQUISHMENT OF ACCESS RIGHTS TO MYFORD ROAD - TRACT NO. 8603 Authorization of execution of Quitclaim Deed to the owner of Lot 7, Tract No. 8603, for the relinquishment of access rights to Myford Road over the southerly 50 feet of said Lot 7--as recommended by the City Engineer. 10. RENEWAL OF CITY-COUNTY HEALTH SERVICE AGREEMENT - As requested by the County Health Department. 11. RESOLUTION NO. 75-39 City of Tustin Resolution GRANTING CONSENT TO THE FOR- MATION OF A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT - ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 75-1 (NORTH IRVINE AREA) 12. CITY CENTER LIBRARY PARKING LOT a. RESOLUTION NO. 75-40 A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Tustin, ACCEPTING WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT AND AUTH- ORIZING RECORDATION OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION. b. AUTHORIZATION OF PAYMENT of $4,815.72 to Saddleback Grading and Paving Co., which with previous partial payment represents 90% of final contract amount. Assuming no claims or stop payment notices filed within 35 days of date of recordation of Notice of Completion, final 10% to be paid at that time. All as recommended by the City Engineer. Mayor Saltarelli requested that item ~3 be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Councilman Edgar requested that items ~11 and #12 be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Moved b)F Edgar, seconded by Sharp~ that items #1, #2, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, ~9, and #10 of the Consent Calendar be approved. Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page eight 3. RESOLUTION NO. 75-34 Mayor Saltarelli stated that this issue was controversial and complex and needed further study and a presentation by the spon- soringgroupssuch as UCI. Councilmen Sharp and Sutcliff agreed that they could not support this Resolution without further study from the various groups that are involved with'this school. Moved by Saltarelli, seconded by Edgar, to continue this item and have UCI prepare! a detailed report through staff. Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. 11. P~ESOLUTION NO. 75-39 This matter to be further studied. 12. CITY CENTER LIBRARY PARKING LOT These had been approved at the June 16, 1975, meeting. VIII. ORDINANCES FOR ADOPTION 1. ORDINANCE NO. 654 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Tustin, California, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE, ORDINANCE NO. 157, AS AMENDED, CREATING THE CLASSIFICATfON OF THE COM- MERCIAL GENERAL (CG) DISTRICT AND AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FOR PROPERTIES ON FIRST STREET, WESTERLY OF PROSPECT AVENUE. Movedby Edgar, seconded by Sharp, that Ordinance No. 654 have second reading by title only. Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. The secretary read Ordinance No. 654 by title. Moved by Edgar, seconded by Sharp, that Ordinance No. 654be adopted. In response to Councilman Sharp's question pertaining to the Sign Ordinance, Mr. Fleagteinformed that our present Sign Ordinance would be applicable with the provision that proper- ties will be signed in accordance with the type of development. Councilman Sharp related his concerns about side and rear yard sethacks and could the City cause parking to occur behind rather than in the front of developments. Mr. Fleagle answered that all of these new developments will require public hearings before the Planning Commission, therefore through the design review process and public hearings wecan encourage rear parking and good signing. Above motion to adopt Ordinance No. 654 carried by roll call vote. Ayes: Saltarelli, Edgar, Sharp, Sutcliff. Noes: none. Absent: Welsh. IX. ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION 1. ORDINANCE NO. 655 (Sign Code Amendment, Professional Distridt) City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page nine The City Attorney requested that this Ordinance be continued to the next regular meeting. 2. ORDINANCE NO. 656 An Ordinance of the City of Tustin, California, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE. After some discussion among the Council, the City Attorney was directed to amend this Ordinance to read that the Council may appeal any decision made by the Planning Commission without the filing fee. 3. ORDINANCE NO. 657 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Tustin, California, REVISING PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS ON CERTAIN STREETS. Moved by Sutcliff, seconded by Edgar, that Ordinance No. 657 have first reading by title only. Carried unanimously, Council- man Welsh absent. The secretary read Ordinance No. 657 by title. Moved by Edgar, seconded by Sutcliff, that Ordinance No. 657 be introduced. Councilman Sharp stated that he was not in favor of raising the speed limit on Main Street as the City would be creating a speedway which would be detrimental for the residential and community oriented properties located along Main Street. Mayor Saltarelli con~nented that he felt the City should have a say how people pass through Tustin. Until the city has more access routes available we should keep the speed limits low. After some discussion pertaining to the enforcement of speed limits the above motion failed by roll call vote. Ayes: Edgar, Sutcliff. Noes: Saltarelli ~ Sharp. Absent: Welsh. Mayor Saltarelli suggested that Ordinance No. 657 be brought back and agendized for the next meeting because of the lack of a full Council. Arthur Charleton, 460 West Second Street, complained that the City has a speedway on Main Street and begged the Council to lower the speed limit. Councilman Sutcliff commented that she felt if the speed limit was raised to 35 miles per hour, the City could then enforce the limit with radar. X. OLD BUSINESS 1. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS - TUSTIN PLANNING COMMISSION This matter was continued to allow Council to interview candidates. XI. NEW BUSINESS t. TRAFFIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS a. First Street name change. Responses from the local residences and businessmen indicated that 82 property owners were against the name change and 24 responses were in favor. City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page ten Councilman Sharp commented that most of the 24 positive responses were the single family residents compared to the negative responses that came from the condominium owners. b. Peppertree Subdivision Traffic Circulation Review Moved by Edgar, seconded by Sutcliff, that a 25 m.p.h. speed limit be imposed on all streets within the Peppertree sub- division and that the required speed limit signs be installed on Alder Lane, Apple Tree Drive, and Raintree Lane, and all advisory signs as indicated in the staff report, and that an additional study be made for the Peppertree subdivision area when all construction of the subdivision is complete and when all dwellings are occupied. Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. 2. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH FIRE ASSOCIATION Moved by Sharp, seconded by Edgar, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the Fire Association and authorize the preparation of the appropriate resolutions. Mayor Saltarelli commented that he cannot continue to support the decrease in workweek hours. Mr. Bopf informed that if the Fair Labor Standards Act is upheld by the Courts, the City will have to pay overtime to Firemen. Above motion to approve the~Memorandum of Understanding with the Fire Association carried by 3-1 vote, Mayor Saltarelli voting no, Councilman Welsh absent. In response to Councilman Edgar's question pertaining to the Educational Incentive Plan for the general employees, Mr. Bopf informed the Council that this plan will be brought to their attention in August so that they can take formal action to initiate one. 3. CONTRACT WITH ORANGE COUNTY FOR HCDA FUNDS Mayor Saltarellistated that he felt there were a great deal of strings attached to this contract and questioned No. 8 which is the nondiscrimination requirement. Mr. Fleagle informed that this particular contract pertains to the con- sultanr services only, but could also be applied to the sidewalk and curb part of the grant only if acquisition were necessary. He ~further stated that'this requirement would not apply ~o the storm drain part of the grant application. Councilman Sharp stated that he felt this contract with its 17 clauses did have strings attached and was different from the initial consideration. There was also concern for the County's withholding of the $1,500 for administrative expenses from the sums to be allocated to the City of Tustin. After some discussion among the Council, Mr. Fleagle informed that this contract was drawn up by HUD and not the County. Tustin is not a direct participant because our population is less than 50,000; therefore, we fall under the jurisdiction of the County for our application. Mr. Bopf informed the Council that there are standard clauses used in all Federal contracts. In response to Mayor Saltarelli's question pertaining to lia- bility, Mr. Rourke explained any contractor and their subs have to be bonded to us and are financially responsible and backed up by a surety company who in turn has to be financially respon- sible to the City. City Coumcil Minutes 7/7/75 Page eleven Mr. Bill Moses warned that this money was a handout and sug- gested that due caution be exercised. He further continued that he felt the public would not be served well by these funds. Moved by Edgar, seconded by Saltarelli, that the Mayor be authorized to sign the contract agreement with the County of Orange for the allocation Of HCDA funds. After further discussion, a substitute motion was made by Sharp, seconded by Saltarelli, to further study the contract and agendize it forthe next meeting. Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. XII. OTHER BUSINESS 1. ORANGE COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CITY OF TUSTIN Moved by Edgar, seconded by Saltarelli, authorizing staff to prepare correspondence for the Mayor's signature to the Orange County Transit District urging the initiation of the Dial-A- Ride project as outlined by the City Administrator. Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. 2. FINAL REPORT FOR AHFP PROJECT NO. 604 AND 609 City Engineer's July 2nd report received and filed. No action necessary. 3. SIGN CODE REVIEW - "OPEN HOUSE" SIGNS In response to Mayor Saltarelli's question pertaining to his participation in this matter because of his occupation, the City Attorney informed him that he would be able to participate. Mayor Saltarelli stated that it was his understanding that this section was not revised when the new sign ordinance was reviewed and was disappointed that the Planning Commission had rejected this item. Mayor Saltarelli continued that it is his hope that the real estate companies and the Board of Realtors of Orange County be encouraged to self-regulate so that sign regulations would be uniform within the COunty. CounCilman Edgar commented that he would like to know what the Board of Realtors and the general public thinks as this would give the Council some direction. Moved by Edgar, seconded by Sharp, to instruct the Planning Com- mission to conduct a public hearing regarding "Open House" signs. Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. 4. PROPOSAL FOR GENERAL EMPLOYEES (BUDGET) Moved by Sharp, seconded by Edgar, to approve as part of the 1975-76 Budget a 4% salary increase and additional employee and dependent health coverage for general employees~ Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. An educational incentive plan for the general employees will be discussed in August. 5. TROPHY CASE Councilman Edgar suggested that staff check into a method of displaying the trophies that have been presented to the City. City Council Minutes 7/7/75 Page twelve 6. PROSPECT-BENETA PARK After some discussion about the new park site it was moved by Edgar, secondedby Sharp, that the Parks and Recreation Com- mission consider the use of some of the federal funds for imme- diate use for active sports programs at the Prospect-Beneta park site. Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. 7. INSURANCE RATES FOR THE CITY OF TUSTIN Moved by Edgar, seconded by Sharp, that the City Council authorize the Mayor to transmit a letter requesting the com- puter run from our insurance company pertaining to the number of claims, opened or closed. Carried unanimously, Councilman Welsh absent. 8. WALNUT AVENUE TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT Council directed the Police Department to enforce the vehicle weight iimitations on Walnut Avenue. XIII. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 p.m. to a public meeting on annexations in the City Hall Conference Room, and then to the next regular meeting of July 21, 1975. J xMAYOR