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3/19/2002 - Council Minutes - CC Minutes Adj APPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON APRIL 9, 2002 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ORANGE, CALIFORNIA OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING MARCH 19,2002 The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened on March 19, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. in An Adjourned Regular Meeting in the Weimer Room, 300 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, California. ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING 5:00 P.M. BUDGET STUDY SESSION 1. OPENING Note: The meeting couvened at 5:30 p.m. 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Led by Mayor Murphy 1.3 ROLL CALL PRESENT - Alvarez, Mayor Murphy, Coontz, Cavecche ABSENT - Slater 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS Bob Bennyhoff, 10642 Morada Dr., requested more playing fields for younger kids in the City. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR All items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and are enacted by one motion approving the recommended action listed on the Agenda. Any member of the City Council, staff or the public may request an item be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion or separate action. Unless otherwise specified in the request to remove an item from the Consent Calendar, all items removed shall be considered immediately following action on the remaining items on the Consent Calendar. 3.1 Declaration of City Clerk, Cassandra J. Cathcart, declaring posting of City Council agenda of an adjourned regular meeting of March 19, 2002 at Orange Civic Center, Main Library at 101 N. Center Street, Police facility at 1107 North Batavia, the Eisenhower Park Bulletin Board, and summarized on Time-Warner Communications, all of said locations being in the City of Orange and freely accessible to members of the public at least 72 hours before commencement of said adjourned regular meeting. PAGE 1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 19,2002 3. CONSENT CALENDAR (Continued) ACTION: Accepted Declaration of Agenda Posting and authorized its retention as a public record in the office of the City Clerk. MOTION - Alvarez SECOND - Cavecche AYES - Alvarez, Mayor Murphy, Coontz, Cavecche ABSENT - Slater Item 3.1 was approved as recommended. Note: Councilmember Slater arrived at 5:35 p.m. 4. REPORTS FROM MAYOR MURPHY - None 5. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS - None 6. REPORTS FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS - None 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS - None 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER 8.1 Proposed Missions, Goals, Service Objectives and Work Plans by City Departments for Fiscal Year 2002-2003. The City Manager reported three structured study sessions on the budget have been scheduled; this being the first. The next study session is scheduled for April 2, 2002 at 5:30 p.m. in the Weimer Room with the Planning Commission to discuss the CIP and with the Design Review Board to consider new Main Library architectural plans. The third study session is scheduled for April 16, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. to discuss revenues/expenditures and fund balances. The City Manager indicated he would be scheduling appointments with Councilmembers to go over their concerns. The City Manager presented a draft of Council work plans and goals and the City Manager's department work plans and goals. The following Department Heads gave a brief summary of the highlights of their Work Plans: City Attorney City Clerk Community Services Councilmember Coontz asked what department's Work Plan included the Master Plan of Recreational Trails and other trail plans, and what individual will be in charge? Councilmember PAGE 2 _ - .. T- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 19,2002 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) Coontz also commented the Master Plan of Parks should include the trails because trails are an adjunct to a park and is a park issue. The City Manager indicated is it a multi-active plan and will be coordinated out of the City Manager's office. As to specific Work Plans in each department, he will review the issue to see if it is relevant. Concerning the Master Plan of Parks, the City Manager indicated the Parks Commission is reviewing this and will have recommendations to the Council for the CIP budget. Council will have a report by next week on this issue. Councilmember Coontz indicated she hoped there would be initiating goals indicating timelines of activity. The City Manager will return to Council outlining what is being recommended and what will move forward with existing funds. Councilmember Coontz indicated there are no references in any Work Plan to Yorba Park or a Dog Park. The City Manager was hopeful some of those issues would be resolved this current year and did not forecast beyond that time. Councilmember Slater also was concerned about no reference in the work plan made to Yorba Park and more specifically opening a dog park. Library Councilmember Coontz commented she has talked to the Friendly Center about children visiting the Main Library, from an area of interest especially important to the City's application for a state grant for the Main Library. If the schools do not participate in the class visits to the Library, staff should focus on those schools that traditionally have students that are from families that are not familiar with the Library. Nora Jacob responded she had discussed this with Kathy Seelig, Executive Director of the Friendly Center and the plan is progressing. This year staff has identified all the schools in the district that have not come to the Library and have made a special outreach to them. The focus for next year will be to identify who has not visited the Library and reach out to them also. Community Development Councilmember Slater referred to No.7 in the Work Plan concerning processing entitlements for 188 single family homes for Sully Miller and wanted to make sure it was not being presumptuous. The Community Development Director indicated the work plan was based on the application that was before them. Councilmember Slater commented a few months ago Council asked for an overall objective view of the entire code enforcement issue, specifically signage in the commercial areas and how it was being addressed; perhaps changing the philosophy of the Council in terms of being more progressive in that area. He noted it is not included in any Work Plan. Also, the zoning inconsistencies in Old Towne between the General Plan and the actual zoning needs to be addressed. Councilmember Slater will provide the City Manager with a list. When the sand and gravel issue was discussed by Council there was also discussion about a comprehensive study being scheduled along the creek of all the contiguous properties to the creek, their zoning and how they might eventually be included in the Council's goal of having a greenbelt there. Councilmember Slater asked for the status on this. PAGE 3 ---I CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 19, 2002 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) The Director of Community Development indicated staff is looking, along with the National Park Service, at the contiguous properties along Santiago Creek and will provide a concept plan for future development in December 2002. This is under Advanced Planning No.5 in the Work Plan. Regarding code enforcement city-wide, staff has begun a comprehensive study coming out of the City Manager's Office, to look at more pro-active code enforcement resources in other departments and different responsibilities of code enforcement officers; and how resources may be reallocated to provide a higher level of service. The City Manager indicated this falls into decision packages and will be discussed at the revenue study session on April 16th. However he will meet with each Councilmember ahead of time to discuss funding. The report on this issue will be transmitted to Council perhaps by the end of this week and it will also describe how the department will have to face issues that will come with the pro-active code enforcement and the expanding impacts. Councilmember Slater commented he continues to get complaints about RVs on front lawns, on sidewalks and on the street as well as two-axle vehicles parked around town. Perhaps in conjunction with this report, staff could look at this and update it. The City Manager indicated staff could try and see if this needs to become a Work Plan. However, this issue has exploded into a large amount of additional reactive enforcement and staff will look into this and bring it back to Council. Mayor pro tern Alvarez commented he shares the same concerns regarding code enforcement. He complimented the Director of Community Development on the matrix of Old Towne. Mayor pro tern Alvarez sent the City Manager a memo today requesting a study session with Councilmembers, Planning Commission and Design Review Committee to get re-educated on the laws that pertain to the entire City and particularly Old Towne. Mayor Murphy commented the thought would be to give all the committees an opportunity to review the updated assessment and see if there are questions or challenges that need to happen. Those committees should be independent in giving Council advice without the influence of what Councilmembers' likes, dislikes or desires might be. They have administrative sessions and this could be reviewed with them to make sure everyone is current and then see where we are. Mayor pro tern Alvarez agreed. The City Manager indicated he will work with the Community Development Director as to whether or not to craft a Work Plan for next year on this issue. Councilmember Coontz indicated this was her main issue, that every time Council gets a controversial project in Old Towne, we are always "going to do something," but nothing gets done. There are too many documents, they are unclear and not definitive. We need to combine the information. In the ordinance, the General Plan covers the Old Towne Design Guidelines but does not cover all the issues Council legislatively decided on. When it comes to permits, there are arguments about the process and this needs to be cleaned up. Does Code Enforcement, the PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 19,2002 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) Building Division and perhaps Public Works and other departments understand the regulations and the process? There is no action statement in the work plan that indicates what will be done to resolve the issues. A study session will not help, It is too confusing with too many documents that are not always available to the public. Mayor Murphy commented staff needs to put together more clarification of the document to make it more easily analyzed by those that are attempting work as well as those that are trying to moderate or oversee that work from a City perspective. This same clarification would help the governing bodies to have more consistency in the approach on how they look at projects. The City Manager commented this is not a year to create other additional big dollar expenditures, but one of trying to make sure staff is aware of these issues in order to move in that direction. Councilmember Coontz suggested the grant application process should be in the Work Plan on this issue. The costs to the City for these projects costs time which is money. Mayor Murphy noted there were costs involved with these projects when they get out of hand, and if we can take out as many things that are interruptive and put in as many things as we can that are measurable, everybody's life will be easier. The Director of Community Development remarked they are looking at a broad spectrum of chipping away at the problem and creating a definitive standard using the two blocks of Grand Street. When that comes to Council, it can be a model for Old Towne. Mayor pro tern Alvarez suggested to the Community Development Director to bring something forward and Council could decide if they will pay for it or apply for grants. Bob Bennyhoff, commended the Community Development Director for her work with the Planning Commission and their training. Councilmember Coontz responded there needs to be uniformity for all committee members on job education, ethical and legal issues. The City Manager is working on this. Economic Development Councilmember Cavecche expressed the importance of the quality of tenants at The Block. The Economic Development Director indicated the Mills Corp was aware of this and has been working on this. Councilmember Cavecche commented she will be looking for a change in their business approach. Mayor pro tern Alvarez commented on Work Plan Numbers 6 and 10, asking if there was anything happening at the old drive-in site at West Chapman Avenue? The Economic Development Director indicated there was but could not discuss it. Mayor pro tern Alvarez asked about the Katella Gateway and if anything was happening there? The Economic Development Director indicates yes and no, but again could not discuss anything. PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 19, 2002 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) Councilmember Coontz asked about the opening of the hotel and the Economic Development Director responded it is a hotel for corporate business and they are doing very well. Mayor pro tern Alvarez asked about No. 13 - UCI Medical Center. The Economic Development Director reported this will be a $350,000,000 construction project. Staff is looking at a creative way to capture parts of the construction expenditure in sales tax revenue for the City. Mayor Murphy commented when the California Board of Regents was assessing this area for development, one of the big drivers was the synergy and resurgence of The Block, the 5 Freeway and other recent projects in that area. Mayor pro tern Alvarez asked about No. 22 - filming in Old Towne. The Economic Development Director responded there is a moratorium on it during the Plaza construction. It is on the list and is important. Mayor Coontz asked about No. 18 - 190 S. Olive Street - public parking lot, noting she gets continual questions about this property. The Economic Development Director responded the plan is to pull a demolition permit to make it a parking lot for the Senior Center; however, because of the Glassell Street widening project, Public Works needs a site to store construction vehicles and they will pave it when the project is complete. This information can be made available in the Senior publication "Orange Pealings." Finance Department Mayor pro tem Alvarez asked about the auditing of 50 business license accounts. The Finance Director explained they have two code enforcement individuals that will check records and also go in the field checking businesses for licenses. They will canvass the entire City. They will develop an audit program on this issue. Mayor pro tern Alvarez also asked about the new software that addressed water bills. The Finance Director explained it was approximately four years ago. Staff will be evaluating the current system and will decide whether to upgrade the software. There will be no immediate changes in the software prior to implementing the water or sanitation rate changes. Fire Department Mayor pro tern Alvarez asked about training at different levels and that ultimately people within the department moving up. The Fire Chief indicated they have a mentoring program which is identified as a Work Plan. Personnel Councilmember Coontz asked about the update for the fire emergency plan noting fire isn't the only emergency. The Personnel Director indicated the City has emergency drills twice a year. PAGE 6 -.----....-.----.----'--~---------T--.-.--.-.----..--.--- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 19, 2002 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) Councilmember Coontz suggested Personnel coordinate Council resolutions with Department Directors when city personnel retire or leave the City. Councilmember Slater asked if any thought had been given to an employee based (non-union) grievance committee, a jury of their peers, where an employee could first discuss the issue with them and the employee could feel like they had more support instead of having to go directly to the Personnel Department. This could be less threatening to the employee. Mayor pro tern Alvarez has also talked to union leaders on other matters and this issue has surfaced. He commented retention of employees is very important. The City has a tremendous staff and needs to be competitive to assure the City retains the excellent employees it has. The Personnel Director reported there is a formal grievance procedure in place. It allows the employee to work out their differences with their immediate supervisor before a formal process can be filed. Most employees believe they can have their union representative speak on their behalf and resolve the problems rather than trying to resolve them on their own. The City Manager remarked the process in place works very well. It is fair and open. He would like to think about this and confer with the Personnel Director and City Attorney. The Personnel Director commented for the past 6 1/2 years the City has had the most peaceful relationships with the union employees groups. Police Department Councilmember Coontz asked if the Police Traffic Division and Public Works Traffic Division if they worked together and to what extent? The Police Chief responded they have a Traffic Sergeant who works closely with the Public Works Engineer in solving traffic problems. Councilmember Coontz also asked about the Mall of Orange and theft activity and problems with an organized group trained in theft. The Police Chief indicated theft has been rising in every jurisdiction State-wide. Mayor Murphy noted there was a correlation with down trends in economy and property crime. The Police Chief stated it is being reflected that way now with the economy. Mayor pro tern Alvarez asked how police officers are improving their stature within the Police Department. The Police Chief reported they do not have a mentoring program, but one of the charges of the Sergeants is to pay special attention to the new officers and their training. Mayor pro tern Alvarez commented he had heard great comments about Orange's Police Officers throughout the County as well as how the officers conduct themselves during crime scene investigations. The Police Chief, in response to Councilmember Cavecche's question on employee openings, reported sworn positions are down 4 positions and non-sworn is a little higher. PAGE 7 I -- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 19, 2002 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) Councilmember Cavecche commented she did not find the STOMP program in the work plans. Councilmember Coontz also expressed concern as to what had happened to the program. The Police Chief commented they are reviving it for the future. Public Works Department Councilmember Slater gave kudos to the Public Works Director and his staff on the graffiti removal program. There has been a big difference and it has been outstanding in cleaning up the signs. There has been less and less graffiti. There was a proposal to provide Council with status reports on the removal of graffiti and shopping carts. This information also goes to the Police Department. The Public Works Director indicated they work cooperatively with the Police Department and have improved the quality of the data they are gathering. Councilmember Slater indicated they have discussed the fact the City does not have any Public Works Guidelines for Old Towne and asked ifthere are any efforts being made toward achieving this? The Public Works Director indicated they have not identified it as a Work Plan, but recognize the need and benefit for it. They have begun gathering data on the historic items in Old Towne. Public Works recognizes they cannot impose the kinds of design standards on the Old Towne environment, but are striving to balance the historic elements with current or modern safety requirements which will result in smaller radius curb returns and street lighting standards. This comes with a price and will be a Council policy decision. Councilmember Coontz complimented the staff noting this is a more comprehensive budget Work Plans and goals. Every year it gets better. Because the City has experienced the gift the Reserve, the reserve, from The Irvine Company, the City now has the issue of the request from The Irvine Company for changes to the Master Plan of Arterial Highways including the activity that will go forth with the City Managers, members of the Eastern Transportation Corridor and the Public Works Directors which is not referred to in the work plans. The effects on the City could be major, but some reiteration of these activities should be under the City Manager and the Public Works Department and should be from a regional orientation standpoint. Also, there isn't anything that discusses the City's planning in general East of the corridor and this should be referred to in a work plan. The City Manager indicated he would look at this issue. Councilmember Cavecche indicated she appreciated the graffiti removal on the signage and is extremely supportive of whatever it will take for new signage. Councilmember Cavecche requested training on the NPDES which will help when new projects come before the Council. She asked the Director of Public Works to place a training session with the Council under his work plan. The Public Works Director indicated they need to. Bob Bennyhoff, complained about the deteriorated paving on Chapman Avenue east from Crawford Canyon Road. The Public Works Director commented it is a combination of aging pavement and heavy truck traffic. Public Works is patching the pavement at the present time. Mayor pro tern Alvarez requested the City Manager send Council updates on the eastern portion of the City, Jamboree and the proposed roads on the books now. The City Manager indicated he would. PAGE B CITY COUNCIL MINUTES March 19,2002 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) Councilmember Slater indicated Council had unanimously passed a resolution in support of the preservation of Barham Ranch and thought it would be appropriate under goals to place, "work with the school district to facilitate the successful transition of Barham Ranch to the County for permanent open space". Mayor Murphy felt nothing more should be done on this issue, that the resolution in support was enough and Councilmember Slater concurred. 9. LEGAL AFFAIRS - None 10. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned at 8:10 p.m. C 444A#AA~/U (4.?f-AAAt.d CASSANDRA J. Cr:}CART, CMC CITY CLERK ;?jdA~M!1t1 MAYOR PAGE 9 -- --- ------'~-----------.~-----.-r--------.......--.--.~--~