6/27/2000 - Council Minutes - CC Minutes Adj
APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON JULY 11,2000
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ORANGE, CALIFORNIA
OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING June 27,2000
3:30 P.M. SESSION
The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened on June 27, 2000 at 3:30 p.m. in an
Adjourned Regular Meeting in Conference Room C, 300 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange,
California.
1. OPENING
1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
Led by Mayor Coontz
2. ROLLCALL
PRESENT - Murphy, Slater, Mayor Coontz
ABSENT - Spurgeon, Alvarez
(Councilman Alvarez arrived at 3:40 p.m.)
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
4. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
4.1 Discussion of the Santiago Hills II Project.
Gary Luque, representing The Irvine Company, introduced Rina Rien, The Irvine Company
Marketing Division, Roger McErlan, The Irvine Company and Tom Lamb, Consultant for The
Irvine Company.
Mayor Coontz announced the Council had been on a tour of the Santiago Hills II area on June
26,2000.
Roger McErlan gave a Power Point presentation of the proposed project, indicating on a map tbe
exact location of the property in question. The project is surrounded by unique neighbors -
Irvine Regional Park, Peters Canyon, open space and Santiago Hills Phase L It is their intention
to build a neighborhood complementary to all existing facilities.
He reviewed constraints of the project - Santiago Canyon Road extension, Chapman Avenue, toll
road extension, Santiago Canyon Community College, Phase I development, Peters Canyon
Reservoir and the expanded wetlands. On-site constraints include the Baker Aqueduct and the
McCullough Pipeline. All oftbese constraints need to be weaved together to create
opportunities.
Mr. McErlan reviewed the conceptual plan - landscaped buffers at the toll road, preservation of
hilltops, Irvine Park edge reinforcement, a focus on a central park and school, a focus on the
wetlands, and a commercial center.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 27, 2000
4. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued)
He reviewed the proposed land uses - a mix of Low Density Residential, Low-Medium Density
Residential and Medium Density Residential along with a park and school site and open space
(hilltops and wetlands); and the landscaping characteristics along Jamboree Road, Chapman
Avenue and Santiago Canyon Road. They are creating park-like conditions with trees near tbe
road, proposing thick landscape buffers and slopes.
Their plan is to weave all amenities to build an attractive community. They will return witb
specific neighborhood plans at the next Study Session.
Gary Luque indicated on the map the route taken for the June 26th bus tour and showed cross
sections of the roads.
Councilman Slater asJ<ed about the dirt that is being moved from various Sectors. Gary Luque
indicated on the map where the cuts will be made and where the dirt will be moved.
Mayor Coontz wanted to ensure that the dirt would remain primarily on site.
Councilman Slater asked about the edge to tbe north of Santiago Canyon, and ifthere will be a
natural way to complement the park. Mr. Luque indicated tbe landscaping will be more natural
rather than planted; and Mr. McErlan reinforced the fact they plan to use a mixture of plant
materials indigenous to the area.
Bob Bennyhoff expressed concerned about moving large oak trees along Irvine Park and
replaced with smaller trees; and asked about equestrian trails. Mr. McErlan indicated some trees
will be moved; and they do plan to put in a formal trails system with hiking and riding trails.
Anthony Torres asked about tbe hill cuts and what will happen along Chapman from Crawford
Canyon east to the toll road. Mr. McErlan stated the dirt will be used to balance other areas; and
they are working with the City on transportation improvements.
Hamid Bahadori, Traffic Engineer, reported the traffic study for Santiago Hills II indicates a
need for widening Chapman between Crawford Canyon/Cannon and Newport from its current 4
lanes to a 6 lane arterial by the year 2005. There is also a current project for widening Chapman
between Crawford Canyon/Cannon and Canyon View. The Irvine Company will contribute
financially to these improvements as a condition of approval for the projects. The City's goal is
to complete both projects by 2005.
Michael Brandman suggested the presentation given at this meeting also be given at community
meetings as it has been extremely helpful. He asked about the community park proposed for east
of the Corridor and suggested it be included in discussions.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
June 27, 2000
4. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued)
Shirley Grindle asked why the community park was taken out of the nature reserve and is what
The Irvine Company calls open space true, natural ungraded space? Mr. McErlan indicated tbeir
open space is a combination of parks, landscaping, wetlands and hilltops. It is a combination of
anything not built. He was not aware of why the community park was taken out of the nature
reserve.
Bob Bennyhoff asked about tbe 26 acres on the hilltop - if it will be undisturbed. Mr. McErlan
said some amount of grading will take place at the base of the hill as a transition "cor the road, but
it will be mostly undisturbed.
Mayor Coontz pointed out that everybody has a different idea of what open space means and it
can be a problem sometimes.
Councilman Alvarez asked for a clarification oftbe zoning designations. He asked at what point
the Council can make suggestions on the type of housing product that will be built. He recently
visited the Oak Creek and Sheridan Square developments and commented that developments
such as these would fit into Orange and reflect the history of Orange.
Mr. Luque indicated on the map the different zoning areas and explained that low density is 6
units per acre, low-medium is 15 and medium is attached housing. At the next meeting, they will
provide a more detailed presentation and provide samples of housing products.
Mayor Coontz indicated the Council can give input at the next meeting where different ideas will
be presented and pointed out that East Orange also reflects a more recent history of Orange.
Mr. Luque pointed out they still need to go through the tract map phase and many steps still need
to be taken before final approval.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The City Council adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
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CAS SAND CATHCART, CMC
CITY CLERK
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JOANNE COONTZ
MAYOR