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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1_17_2006 - Council Minutes - Adjourned Regular MeetingI I APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON JANUARY 24, 2006 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ORANGE, CALIFORNIA OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING January 17, 2006 The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened an Adjourned Regular Meetiug, Joint Study Session with the Planning Commission, on January 17, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 300 E. Chapman Avenuc, Orange, California. 7:00 P.M. JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH PLANNING COMMISSION 1. OPENING 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG 1.3 ROLL CALL Citv Council PRESENT - Smith, Ambriz, Murphy, Cavecche ABSENT - Dumitru Planning Commission PRESENT - Pruett, Enderby, Imboden, Bilodeau, Bonina ABSENT - None 1. 4 PRESENTATIONS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS/ INTRODUCTIONS - None.2. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None.3. CONSENT CALENDAR - None.4. REPORTS FROM MAYOR MURPHY - None.5. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS - None.6. REPORTS FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS - None. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 17, 2006 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 7.1 Report on the Comprehensive General Plan Update. Ms. Anna Pehoushek, Principal Planner, introduced thc item, reviewing the progress made to date on thc General Plan. She noted that 2 of the original 12 focus areas have been eliminated -the East Orangc/El Modena Area and Tustin Street between Palm and Quincy; and that modifications have been made to 6 of the remaining 10.Mr. John Bridges, P & D Consultants reviewed the progress on the General Plan Update,reviewed a proposed land use map, looking at current and proposcd land use designations. He noted that land uses within most areas of the City are well established and land use designations for most locations will not change as a result of the General Plan update. He presented a general fiscal analysis, noting that the traffic analysis is underway and will address impacts and mitigation measures.Councilmember Ambriz asked about a community meeting with seniors and also how many General Plan Amendments there have been since this process began.Mr. Bridges indicated that the community meeting with seniors was held at the suggestion of the Council. Staff indicated that the City is limited to four General Plan Amendments per year and has kept to that limit.Mr. Bridges also indicated that the completed traffic study will be available at a later date, and will describe impacts and mitigation measures.Mr. Bridges then reviewed the development potential, the fiscal impact and traffic circulation for each Focus Area.Tustin Street - Mall Vicinitv Mr. Bridges noted the analysis of this area did not include a Meats Avenue interchange at the 55 freeway.He also noted that the traffic analysis will include costs associated with the proposed traffic mitigation measures; that the mitigation measurcs will bc feasiblc and that thc types of proposed improvcmcnts can bc paid through development impacts fces.Council discussed the importance and the need for more information on a possible Meats Avenue interchange In response to further questions about densities, Mr. Bridges stated that densities can be reduced on both sides of Tustin Street to reduce traffic congestion.Commissioncr Bilodeau asked about costs for underground utilities and additional landscaping,noting that the mcchanism to fund these improvements needs to be put in place prior to redesignating land uses. I I CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 17,2006 Mr. Bridges stated that typically, development impact fees or developer required improvements are used to offset impacts; and that the implementation process for this will be outlined at the next Study Session. Mayor pro tem Cavecche suggested that current traffic development fees and other availablc fecs be evaluated; and expressed concern about a residential mix cd usc in this area. Councilmember Smith pointed out that it may not be possible to put some of the utility transmission lines underground; and suggested that the utility commodity be considered when development occurs in this area. Chapman Avenue / Tustin Street Councilmember Smith asked about traffic impacts to this arca from thc proposed development in East Orange. Mr. Bridges indicated that the traffic analysis will account for traffic that originates in any part of thc city or even out of the city and looks at future conditions to 2030 based on growth in the County. Councilmember Ambriz asked about traffic calming measures in surrounding residential areas. Mr. Bridges indicatcd that the traffic overflow to the surrounding neighborhoods should bc addressed in the City's Circulation Element. Commissioner Bilodeau asked about the proposed land use change on the Chapman Hospital site. Ms. Angus stated that the hospital use can continue and will not become a non-conforming use;but if the hospital wanted to redevelop at a later date, a mixed use could be considered at that time, as this plan looks at long term potential uses and thc hospital could consider a residential use for its employees.Councilmember Ambriz wanted to ensure that any designated open space IS usable and accessible.Mayor Murphy pointed out that any Open Space designation could preclude development in the future.Councilmember Smith suggested exploring the possibilities of a residential mixed use at Yorba Park and retain an Open Space designation along the creek contiguous to Grijalva Park.Mayor pro tcm Cavecche noted that the consensus at the community meetings was to retain Yorba Park as Open CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 17, 2006 West Katella Avenue Corridor Mayor pro tem Cavecche pointed out that the County and City of Anaheim are in discussions about a regional transportation center west of the river, which could mean a lot of traffic implications to Orange. The City needs to remain aware of this and stay active in discussions with Anaheim for possible mitigation dollars. Main Street and West Chapman Avenue Councilmember Ambriz clarified that the St. Joseph Hospital expansion is being considered in the ongoing traffic study. Mr. Bridges pointed out that this area is one of the traffic hot spots in the City; and the City can consider reducing land use intensity to meet traffic standards. West Chapman / Uptown Orange Chairman Bonina asked about the 4,000 additional residential units proposed at buildout and whether that included the recently approved 2,000 units. Mr. Bridges noted there is some overlap with these figures, but that it will be definitively quantified before the next Study Session. Mr. Bridges also noted that the 57 Freeway is being considered in the traffic study. Mayor pro tem Cavecche asked about the fiscal impact dollars and if they reflect maximum build out. Mr. Bridges indicated that the fiscal impact dollars are based on averages, and not maximum use. Old Towne and Santa Fe Depot Councilmember Smith wanted to ensure that any changes or increased densities in Old Towne would not jeopardize its status with the National Historic Register. Mr. Bridges explained that land uses are tailored by policy in certain areas and any mixed uses would include the character of Old Towne; and that there are restrictions in the Zoning Code which are more refined in Old Towne. Council also suggested that the land use designation on the St. John's property be reviewed. Mayor pro tem Cavecche expressed concern about a strip of land in the southwest quadrant that is currently designated for industrial, but proposed for residential mixed use, and its proximity to the railroad tracks. I I CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 17, 2006 Industrial Areas Mayor Murphy clarified that the numbers listed are trends and concepts and not absolute. Mayor pro tem Cavecche clarified that the redevelopment money can only be used for redevelopment purposes. In response to questions from Chairman Bonina, Mr. Bridges indicated that the amount of increased intensity can be absorbed by the infrastructure. Mr. Bridges also discussed FAR and the maximum numbers versus averages; indicating that although a certain designation is available, there will not be a maximum use on all parcels in a particular area. Council member Smith wanted to ensure that the Chapman University Specific Plan was factored into this area; and pointed out an area dcsignated for mixed use that should be reviewed further due to its proximity to Chapman University. Lemon Street Corridor The major focus of this area is a proposed change from industrial to residential uses. Mayor pro tem Cavecche stated she understands the concept of the need for more housing, but was concerned with areas that become over devcloped; and questioned the high density use for this area. Eckhoff Street / Orangewood Avenue There are no residential units in this Focus Area. Councilmember Smith suggested that a mixed residential use be considered since there is currently no congestion, this area is near a major recreation facility and not far from the Anaheim Platinum Triangle; that there could be a hugc potential for residential and commercial development. Lincoln Avenue Corridor Mayor pro tem Cavecche stated her concern with proposed increased densities and mixed uses in this area; and suggested that the Orange-Olive character needs to be retained. She asked that this be reviewed further for less CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 17, 2006 Discussion Mr. Bridges stated that they will complete the traffic analysis and f:nalize the fiscal analysis, prepare the Preliminary Draft General Plan, and hope to schedule another Study Session in late April. Councilmember Smith stated her concern over the lack of Open Space designations in the entire document; as it should be a priority and an essential part of the plan. Mr. Bridges explained that their approach for open space is to have a mechanism in place by which open space can be dedicated as development occurs. That mechanism will be delineated further in the preliminary draft General Plan. Speakers Bruce Wookman, spoke on the need for less density and traffic congestion in the Lincoln Avenue Corridor. Dennis Caldwell, stated a concern for increased densities in Orange. Cesar Covarrubias, spoke on the need to address housing needs for everyone 8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER - None.9. LEGAL AFFAIRS - None.10. CLOSED SESSION MOTION - Murphy SECOND - Ambriz AYES - Smith, Ambriz, Murphy, Cavecche ABSENT - Dumitru Moved to recess to closed session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 to discuss existing litigation with legal counsel.The name of the case is City of Orange v. Jeff Hambarian.And moved to find, bascd on a confidential memo from the City Attorncy, that the matter arose after the posting of the agenda and that there was a need to take immcdiate action.The Council recessed to Closcd Session at 9:00 p.m. I I CITY COUNCIL MINUTES January 17, 2006 11. ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Declaration of City Clerk, Mary E. Murphy, declaring posting of the City Council Agenda of an Adjourned Regular Meeting of January 17, 2006 at Orange Civic Center kiosk, Police Facility at 1107 North Batavia, and Shaffer Park; 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; and also available at the City Clerk's Office.