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04-07-1998 Council Minutes Adj RegularAPPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON APRIL 14, 1998 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING ORANGE, CALIFORNIA April 7, 1998 The City Council ofthe City of Orange, California, convened on April 7, 1998 at 5:00 p.m. in an Adjourned Regular meeting in the Weimer Room 300 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, California. 5:00 P.M. SESSION 1. OPENING 1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Councilman Alvarez 1.2 ROLL CALL COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT - Murphy, Slater, Mayor Coontz, Spurgeon, Alvarez ABSENT - None PLANNING COMMISSION PRESENT - Bosch, Pruett, Romero, Carlton ABSENT - Smith 2. CONSENT CALENDAR 2. 1 Declaration of City Clerk, Cassandra J. Cathcart, declaring posting of City Council agenda of an Adjourned Regular meeting of April 7, 1998 at Orange Civic Center, Taft Branch Library at 740 E. Taft Avenue, 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.ACTION: Accepted Declaration of Agenda Posting and authorized its retention as a public record in the Office of the City Clerk.MOTION - Slater SECOND - Mayor Coontz AYES - Murphy, Slater, Mayor Coontz, Spurgeon, Alvarez Item 2.1 was approved as recommended. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR PAGE 1 F- T CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 1998 3. REPORTS FROM MAYOR COONTZ Mayor Coontz announced the City had received a certificate, "Happy Anniversary," from the League of California Cities on the City's becoming incorporated on April 6, 1888 and is now 110 years old. 4. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS - None 5. REPORTS FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS - None 6. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER 6.1 Report on the Seven Year Capital Improvement Program.The City Manager reported the document format has been revised for easier reading. City staff is recommending Council invest nearly $18 million in capital improvements in the upcoming fiscal year and more than $91million over the seven year CIP planning horizon. This is a major investment in the City's infrastructure and represents a significant commitment to the community's future.The following Department Heads gave presentations: Economic Development, Fire Department,Police Department, Community and Library Services and Public Works.PLANNING COMMISSION QUESTIONS:Commissioner Carlton 1) What was the objection from the homeowners regarding Belmont Park? If there was a tie vote of homeowners regarding the park, how would that be handled?The Community Services Director reported the homeowners are afraid a basketball court might attract a bad element. A strategy will be developed before a meeting will be held with the homeowners to outline the City's objectives. When this is presented to the homeowners, and a vote is taken, that information will be brought back to Council for a decision.2) Meats Bridge - what does modified widening mean?The Director of Public Works explained it is proposed to construct a four lane bridge and add ramps at a later date.Commissioner Bosch 1) City Drive Widening Project - There are proposed studies for the relocation of off-ramps at The City Drive from the 22 Freeway to Metropolitan Drive to the Theo Lacy extension - how is that being correlated with the current project?The Public Works Director reported CalTrans has come up with a preliminary version of their ultimate plan. CalTrans is not in favor of connecting the ramps to The City Drive; they are looking to solve regional problems at the 57, 5 and 22 Freeways, and are making informal PAGE 2 TTTI------r~----- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 1998 6. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) indications they can come up with the funding. The City may have the opportunity to not only solve the street problems, but improve the entire traffic pattern. Metropolitan Drive would be realigned. 2) Municipal Parking Lot Maintenance Program - Will landscaping be included?The Public Works Director indicated it would not.3) Relative to the prevention ofthe extension of Cannon Street south of Santiago Canyon Road-will there be funding for the purchase of the properties when they become available?The Public Works Director reported the City has acquired three parcels. At this time, the alignment study is the only thing budgeted. If an opportunity arises to purchase properties, there are Gas Tax fund reserves which can be used.4) Plaza Improvements - Where is the funding for Phase 2, Plaza renovation?The Director of Community Services indicated $400,000 is budgeted. The City Manager reported there were moneys from last year to begin the design phase. As the project commences,250,000 can be put into CIP for the plaza itself. Out of the design, Council will be reviewing the quadrants - landscaping, lighting, irrigation, and engineering. Council is scheduled to review the design plans on April 28th. If funding is approved, carryover moneys could be used to take care of the quadrants and park within the next fiscal year. Traffic issues will also be presented to Council with a request for a study.5) New Library - Request to add a separate line item to the CIP that could show how the 500,000 will be accounted for. The City should begin tracking the project.The City Manager indicated $ 500,000 is earmarked separately for that purpose. Until a better definition of cost and projected time line is known, it is not possible to know how much money will be needed.Mayor Coontz indicated a vision and analysis is needed on the use of the Bank of America building/demolition and rebuilding. COUNCILQUESTIONS:Mayor pro tem Slater 1) Widening and improvement of West Chapman - How will the coordination be planned with the undergrounding of utilities? The Public Works Director indicated they are working with the Edison Company to determine how much money is available. The City should be accruing approximately $250,000 per year. 2) Are the old street lights Edisons or the City's? The Public Works Director indicated they were the City's.PAGE 3 ru l CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 1998 6. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) 3) Street Maintenance - the following streets are in need of repair:Fairhaven to Collins is in bad shape now, can it hold out for the projected date in the CIP? The Public Works Director indicated this location is their number one project for submittal under OCT A's new Arterial Highway Rehabilitation Program. If successful, the work could be underway within the next fiscal year. If it fails, the roads will have to be patched.500 Block of North Harwood and Cambridge between Walnut and Collins - The Public Works Director indicated Harwood is one ofthe streets listed on the Pavement Management System Program.4) Traffic Signals - Will there be a signal at Prospect and Palmyra? The Public Works Director indicated the intersection is being monitored at this time. No signal is proposed.5) Depot Park restroom issue - How will this issue be resolved? The Community Services Director reported the restrooms will be remodeled and the Police Department is assisting with the problems.6) Parking Lot on South Orange Street is still not landscaped. The Community Services Director indicated it is underway.7) New Library - The Council is committed to moving ahead and suggests the City start saving for the new Library and designate a line item in the CIP.Mayor Coontz 1) The Eastern Transportation Corridor is moving forward with their contracts because they believe the PEG initiative will pass. What affect will that have on the City's major projects?The Public Works Director indicated there is a lot of uncertainty and it could affect all road funds because it could be defined as state funds, gas tax, grant and OCTA funds. The design area is the primary area of difficulty where CalTrans would review all plans.2) Information Management to the Community - To what extent is the City addressing the potential problem of informing the community ofprojects that will impact them. The Public Works Director reported they have hired a public relations consultant to work with city staff and have community meetings, newsletters, etc.3) Drainage - Calls have been received regarding problems on Stewart Drive by St. Joseph's Hospital. When it rains the street is difficult to cross. Concern was expressed for disabled people trying to cross the street. This problem should be looked into. The Public Works Director indicated Steward Drive is a public street and no problem was found.4) West Chapman - Since this is a major thoroughfare of the City, to what extent are the Departments working together for a resolution to this area. Concern was expressed that the PAGE 4 I-~--- CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 1998 6. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) street be widened and landscaping would not be included. Have grant moneys been searched out? The Public Works Director indicated several department meetings have been held. A The project has been designed with a layout plan which has been furnished to Economic Development to use when they are talking to potential businesses. There is a proposal to have Palm Trees or some other street tree to link this area with the Plaza. The department is trying to locate grant moneys or other sources of funding regarding trees. 5) Hart Park - Have any improvements been considered to connect both sides of Hart Park?The Community Services Director indicated they have not looked at this.6) Library - Calls have been received from the Library staff and Friends of the Library as to where the staff offices will be located. The Community Services Director replied staff offices will be limited and located across the back wall ofthe building.Mayor Coontz commented funds need to be set aside for the planning of the new Library.7) Mobile Home Rental Assistance Program - Since the program is nearing an end, has there been a public relations program for this? The Economic Development Director indicated she will look into the situation.Councilman Murphy 1) Sewers - Has any testing been done on the impacts of leakage in the old sewer pipes? The Director of Public Works reported they have a sewer camera and have video taped the pipes.There is a priority list for repairs, as well as a Master Sewer Plan.2) Plaza Renovation - Is the entire Plaza on the National Registry or is it the inner plaza area?The City Manager commented the distinction staff made was the Plaza Park and for renovation the City could use park funds. However, park funds could not be used for the quadrants.The Director of Community Services indicated they are working with Community Development and the architect regarding any State review that would be required. Mayor Coontz indicated a letter should be sent to the State to verify any requirements would be necessary.3) New Library - Suggested Council come up with a target date for ground breaking and new library. Further, the City Manager was instructed to set up a strategic planning session for Council on the new Library.Mayor Coontz indicated there needs to be a line item in the CIP with a clear goal. The City Manager recommended the City include no more money from the General Fund other than that what has been set aside from year to year. The balance could be designated through the private foundation. Mayor Coontz felt the foundation could be a partnership with the City. The City PAGE 5 r-... CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 1998 6. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) Manager indicated the City will need $1.5 million of reserves to have a balanced budget for next year. From an operation standpoint, the economic results have not yet been seen as yet, but the City still needs to add positions because of growth. At this time, identifying a specific number of dollars is difficult. NOTE: Planning Commission Romero left the meeting at 6:30 p.m. 4) Encouraged establishing Fire Station No.8 as soon as possible. 5) Recreation/Gym - Suggested looking at a new park site to incorporate a plan for a recreation Center or gym. The Director of Community Services responded discussions have been occurring with the City Manager and it is a viable concept. Mayor Coontz asked if present sites through the City could be used for community events and meetings are being tracked. The City Manager commented a foundation will have to be created and a strategic plan identified.Councilman Spurgeon 1) Asset Seizure Fund - What is the current status of this fund due to recent court cases?Captain Walsh reported the fund is current and is being utilized by adding a new detective to the Narcotics Unit. The Police Department has gotten back into the intelligence arena which they have not been in for a number of years. Also, there is a constant flow of moneys into this fund from the Drug Enforcement Agency because an Orange Police Detective is assigned to this agency full time and involved in large on-going cases. The Department of Justice Lab Enforcement Crew is also a source of funding.2) Ainsworth House - what is the status? The Director of Community Services reported many options have been tried. The City Manager indicated the Ad Hoc committee is meeting and Council will be appraised of their recommendations.Councilman Alvarez 1) Yorba Park Site - Is there a long term plan to develop? The Director of Community Services indicated not at this time.NOTE: Planning Commissioner Carleton left the meeting at 6:40 p.m.Comments from the public:Bob Bennyhoff, Widening of Chapman from Cannon Street to Orange Park Boulevard - Why is it not in the CIP? The Director of Public Works reported the only item in the CIP that relates to this is the alignment study and working with the county to develop a joint project. It is expected to see 4,000 cars per day more when opened.Santiago Creek Bridge Widening - will Cannon be widened between the bridge and Santiago Canyon Road? The Director of Public Works indicated the approach road on both sides of the bridge are part ofthat project and will go all the way to Santiago Canyon Road.PAGE 6 nr-- r -- - - CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 7, 1998 6. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER (Continued) Widening of the intersection of Santiago Canyon Road and Cannon - Will the houses be taken on both sides of Cannon? The Pubic Works Director reported only the alignment study is being completed at this time.7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS - None 8. LEGAL AFFAIRS - None 9. ORAL PRESENTATIONS - None 10. ADJOURNMENT MOTION SECOND AYES Mayor Coontz Murphy Murphy, Slater, Mayor Coontz, Spurgeon, Alvarez The City Council adjourned at 6:45 p.m.jAMA~~.aV~CASSANDRA J. HCART, CMC CITY CLERK JOANNE COONTZ MAYOR PAGE 7 F r