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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4_2_2002 - Council Minutes - Adjourned Regular MeetingAPPROVED BY CITY COUNCIL ON APRIL 23, 2002 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES ORANGE, CALIFORNIA OF AN ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING APRIL 2, 2002 The City Council of the City of Orange, California convened on April 2, 2002 to an Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Weimer Room, 300 E. Chapman Avenue, Orange, California. 5:30 P.M. JOINT SESSION WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE 1. OPENING 1.2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Led by Mayor Murphy 1.3 ROLL CALL City Council Mayor Murphy, Mayor pro tern Alvarez, Councilmembers Coontz, Slater, Cavecche Planning Commission Teresa Smith, Ben Pruett, Ken Romero, Phil Bonina, Mara Brandman Design Review Committee Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett, Mark Paone, Leonard Filner (absent), Alice Angus (absent) Karen Sully, Planning Manager 1.4 PRESENTATlONSI ANNOUNCEMENTSI INTRODUCTIONS - None 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None At this time, members of the public may address the Council on any off-agenda items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council, provided that NO action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. Comments are limited to three minutes per person. The following people spoke representing Pheasant Run Equestrian Community and the Pheasant Run Sound and Safety Committee requesting the City to erect a sound wall along their Chapman Avenue perimeter: Marita Liebesman, 7318 Cambria Circle David Baia, 7104 Cambria Circle Cathy Crair, 7117 Breighton Circle Jim Dickinson, Orange Park Community Association PAGE 1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 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 April 2, 2002 at Orange Civic Center, Main Library at 101 N. Center Street, Police facility at 1107 North Batavia, the Eisenhower Park Bulletin Board, summarized on Time-Warner Communications and available on the City's Website www.cityoforange.org, all ofsaid 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 - Alvarez AYES - Slater, Alvarez, Mayor Murphy, Coontz, Cavecche Approved Item 3.1.END OF CONSENT CALENDAR 4. REPORTS FROM MAYOR MURPHY - None 5. REPORTS FROM COUNCILMEMBERS - None 6. REPORTS FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COMMISSIONS - None 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS 7.1 Report on the Draft Seven Year Capital Improvement Program for FY2002-2003 to 2008-2009.The City Manager reported the CIP identifies 170 projects that are being proposed for the seven year period. For the upcoming fiscal year, 56 new projects are being proposed and 105 projects are a continuation of previously approved projects. With these projects, the City Council is investing about $22 million in capital improvements in the upcoming fiscal year and more than 151 million over the seven year CIP planning horizon. This is a major investment in the City's infrastructure and represents a significant commitment to our community's future.PAGE 2 T CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) Funding for the CIP comes from approximately 30 different funding sources as well as a General Fund contribution in the form of transfers into the General Fund Capital Fund (Fund 500), Major Building Improvement Fund (Fund 725) and the Computer Replacement Fund (Fund 790). Projects funded by funds other than the General Fund account for $19.2 million of the total funds allocated for FY 2002/3, which is nearly 84% of the CIP Budget for the year. Sources of these funds include Gas Tax, Measure M, Community Development Block Grants, Developer Impact Fees, State and Federal Grants and the City's Redevelopment Agency. Projects for which no funding source has been identified are shown in Fund 999. Highlights of2002-03 Capital Improvement Project include:Widening of West Chapman from Main Street to the 57 Freeway Completion of the La Veta Street widening project from Main to Batavia Street Right-of-way acquisition for the Chapman/Tustin intersection widening project Completion of Grijalva Park, which will include soccer fields, tot lots and picnic areas Installation of new tot lot equipment at Olive Park, Shaffer Park, Eisenhower Park,Belmont Park and EI Modena Park Begin construction of a new Water Well 27 on Batavia The CIP is prepared in accordance with multiple state and local requirements including Measure M. Maintenance of effort calculations have been made such that the City should remain eligible to receive Measure M funds for street improvements, maintenance and traffic safety projects. In conformance with State Law, the Planning Commission will be reviewing the seven-year CIP for consistency with the General Plan at their meeting on April 15, 2002.The following departments gave their presentations:ComIDunity/Library Services - Gary Wann, Director Council questions and comments:Councilmember Coontz asked what role the Park, Planning and Development Commission would play in prioritizing the magnitude of park issues to recommend to Council.Mr. Wann introduced Chairman Jack Selman and Commissioner Tom Gilmer indicating they will be reviewing and prioritizing the inventory the City has as well as what the City may acquire bringing this to Council. They will also review and prioritize the infrastructure issues.Councilmember Coontz commented the capital needs are so great and suggested the Community Services General Fund Budget be reviewed as to what is being spent on the events and openings.For example, t-shirts and hats are not necessary when the City has a tight budget. Moneys need to go into the community and not for the benefit of a temporary event. The events are fine but we have gone too far with spending money CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) Mayor pro tern Alvarez asked if there was to be different material on the new bridges at Eisenhower Park? Mr. Wann commented the new bridges will be a composite of wood reinforced by steel. Councilmember Slater - Hart Park renovations: What type of community, historical or neighborhood input would be given when this comes up, because there have been problems in the past with the historic integrity. There are broken tiles on the Band Shell, broken tiles around the plunge, over spray on the tiles and it was sloppily painted last time. How can we insure that it will have pride of ownership when completed? Also, concern was expressed about the colors on the Band Shell and that these colors be considered from a historical perspective.Mr. Wann reported Hart Park is in the historic district and staff will pay careful attention as well as scheduling community workshops making sure the Historical Society and appropriate committees, commissions and service groups will be included. The Band Shell is part of the CIP and staff is looking at a Master Plan for the entire north side of the park as well as possible reuse of some of those areas. Unless there are grant moneys available, there are no funds available.Councilmember Slater gave kudos to Community Services for moving up Cerro Villa Park on the CIP because there has been a lot of impatience in the neighborhood to do something even though it is a couple of years off; it is getting closer.Councilmember Slater further commented that even though there is not enough money to complete the Yorba Park improvements, he likes the suggestion of breaking it into two phases;first phase being the dog park and the second phase the remaining improvements.Councilmember Slater asked ifthere was any way to move that first phase up to this year or next year? Councilmember Cavecche commented the Hart Park Band Shell is in very bad shape and is embarrassing. Would it be possible to do the Band Shell now and move on with the rest of the project? Also, it was asked if the metal cover in the Shaffer Park picnic area was part of the renovation? Mr. Wann indicated Community Services has responded to community pressure over the last 5-6 years on the lighted fields and completing these projects. There have been no funds targeted for the Band Shell. The renovation at Shaffer Park does not include the metal cover. Councilmember Coontz commented one of the problems of the Hart Park Band Shell was the destructive material used for the steps. There should be an ad hoc review committee formed prior to the department bringing forth changes and improvements at Hart Park. Also, the refurbishment for the tot lots is for safety reasons and this should be part of the reason for the high priority for tot lots in the CIP. Mr. Wann indicated they were also not ADA compliant. PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) The City Manager recommended Council schedule a special study session with the Park, Planning and Development Commission to discuss and hear recommendations on priorities. Council can then give staff recommendations. Councilmember Coontz requested when Council has that meeting we all need to have a better understanding of the grant process. Mayor Murphy indicated the City Manager should go ahead and schedule the joint study session with the Park, Planning and Development Commission. Mayor pro tern Alvarez asked since Prop 40 passed has staff investigated how the City can apply for those funds? Mr. Wann indicated it requires staff to identify the projects for both Prop 12 and 40. Staff is currently going through that process with the Park, Planning and Development Commission. There is less than $2.5 million for both proposition moneys. Mayor Murphy requested a cash flow analysis of funds the City currently has today and where other funds should come from. If it is mapped against the prioritization of projects, it will fall out as to what can be done and what will have to happen next in order to get the next project. The City Manager indicated this will be completed. Councilmember Coontz would like to see what the General Fund expenditures are in the department. Planning Commissioners Commissioner Smith commented she was glad to see the parks and sports fields as a top priority in the CIP. The City is spending its money not only on the development of hardscape of grass and dirt but these are alternatives to youth crime, gang diversion projects that support the family preservation and fostering community pride. It would be beneficial to make those needs known in the community where there are benefactors who might not want to invest in hardscape, but willing to invest in the things mentioned previously. Making these needs known by prioritizing and moving them up 2-3 years could be beneficial for corporate offerings and community groups. Commissioner Smith asked if CDBG money was available for these types of projects that benefit the entire community.The City Manager indicated it is through CDBG matching funding that the tot lots will be completed this year.Commissioner Brandman commented on making members of the community aware that the City can take in donations for these proj ects Mayor Murphy commented there is a vehicle for this through the Community Foundation which has a 5013(c) where the money can be directed for specific uses with a tax benefit issue.Councilmember Coontz asked about the Library application to the State and if there is a hierarchy of needs. Mr. Wann has not seen in detail all the requirements for Prop 40, but Prop 12 requires an identifiable project. There are no further precepts to receiving the money. Gabe Garcia, Community Services Manager is the lead staff person for Prop 40 and 12.PAGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) Councilmember Slater commented on two potential sources of funds; if the City were to hire a consultant the City could have a much better hands on approach receiving grants in Sacramento. Also, the possibility of cell sites in the City and what are the revenue possibilities and getting together with the school district on this, but no cell sites that would impact neighborhoods. The City Manager will investigate. Department of Public Works - Harry Thomas, Director Mr. Thomas, in response to Council questions, reported the widening of Chapman from Cannon to Canyon View has funding for this year in the CIP, and may partially address the sound wall issue brought forward at this meeting. It is expected an EIR to be underway this year. This is where the sound study comes in to identify the need for sound walls. Construction is a few years away. The next phase is the right-of-way acquisition. There are no funds specifically dedicated or available through grant funds for sound wall construction alone. OCTA is building sound walls which are tied to the widening of the 22 Freeway. When the City and County widened Santiago Canyon Road in 1995, there was a sound study with various noise mitigation measures incorporated in that project because of the environmental impacts due to the widening of the street. The criteria used in determining whether or not there is a need to mitigate is based on the Community Noise Equivalent Level which is a 24 hour weighted average of noise levels in a given area. The outdoor standard is 65 dba, If any noise level rises above that state standard, as a result of a project, it would require mitigation which could be a sound wall or other strategies.Inside noise level requires mitigation at 45 dba.Councilmember Slater commented the Meats overpass is completed up to a point but it is not anywhere on the 5-7 year CIP. Can the City do anything to keep it ongoing and find sources of funding to get it completed. Mr. Thomas stated they could and the best approach would be to work through elected representatives to try to get State funding. It is a $30 million project. It needs to be on the City's Circulation Element and is in the regional transportation plan that SCAG prepares.Councilrnember Slater asked what would it cost to do a sound study for the fourth mile on Chapman Avenue on a residential section? Mr. Thomas indicated approximately $ 50,000.Councilmember Slater also asked about Chapman Avenue's asphalt deterioration. Mr. Thomas indicated it is not a specific project but will be submitted for funding through Gas Tax and Measure M funds. Councilmember Slater thanked Public Works for not including the signal at Prospect and Palmyra but asked what was the consideration for a signal at the corner of Fairhaven and Prospect? Mr. Thomas reported the County has a project for that intersection as well as Fairhaven and Esplanade.Councilman Slater asked about the breakdowns of Shaffer Street Storm Drains because the maps don't match the phases. Mr. Thomas concurred that the project only goes to Almond Street and he will correct the problem.In response to Mayor pro tern Alvarez, Mr. Thomas reported that on the County Master Plan of Arterial Highways, Chapman Avenue from Cannon to Canyon View is a six lane facility to CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) Jamboree. Mayor pro tern Alvarez noted since the City is already doing a sound study, if the Pheasant run neighborhood which asked for the sound wall could be folded in. Mr. Thomas stated it could not be done within the funding for the project, but could be included in the scope of work and the funding would have to come from elsewhere. The proposed project sound study would be completed within the limits of the project. Mayor pro tern Alvarez asked about the no prohibition of parking on Katella voted on at the last Council meeting if that section of Katella could be treated like Collins Avenue where it was striped to delineate the traffic from the parked cars. Mr. Thomas indicated it could be done even though it is unusual. Staff needs to look at the SacramentolKatella intersection left turn which is problematic and make modifications limited to right turns. On the transition through there, staff will look at enhancing the delineation to keep moving vehicles away from the parked vehicles on the south side. Mayor pro tern Alvarez suggested doing the same thing that was done on Adams Street at Tustin where the street was blocked off noting Sacramento is warranting that now. Mr. Thomas indicated the most likely strategy is the need for a triangular island allowing right turns in and out. Councilmember Coontz commented the sound wall on Santiago at Broadmoor was done earlier than 1994 and was done in conjunction with the improvements of Santiago Canyon Road and completed by the City. There have been several sound walls built for development projects and they all had different funding. The Wilderness Tract also had a sound wall built on Santiago and was a participatory one with moneys from the County. The Irvine Company missed on the CNEL in Santiago One in the development across from Santiago Canyon College. For any future development, the City needs to be careful that the information given by the consultant be appropriate because it was after The Irvine Company Santiago One was built across from Santiago Canyon College there was a realization that the CNEL study was not accurate. The sound study was not developed with the idea that the traffic would be any more than commuter traffic and it was not realized that traffic on Chapman involved heavy equipment during construction times. It is a caution for the future when the Planning Department is looking at development to the east. Councilmember Cavecche asked about the timing of the Chapman and Yorba critical intersection and the timing of Yorba Park - will that widening affect the parkland in any way? Mr. Thomas indicated there is a 10 foot acquisition from the park area so it reduces the size of the park. The Yorba Park design already includes this.Planning Commissioner Smith asked on the Chapman Avenue widening from Main to the 57 Freeway ifit included landscaping? Mr. Thomas said it included street trees.Bob Bennyhoff, asked how will Public Works realign Cannon Street? Mr. Thomas reported the realignment involves a two lane section of Cannon south of Santiago Canyon Rd. That roadway will move to the west. The City has acquired three of the six houses and involves the realignment of the intersection on the north side which is now a temporary intersection for the PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) residents on the east side of Cannon, the City would use part of the existing right-of- way to construct a service road so they are buffered from the four lane arterial.Roy Shahbazian, 3808 E. Palm, supported the widening of outside lanes for bicyclists and supported looking at the Bikeway Master Plan to incorporate bike lanes wherever possible. He encouraged improving bus stops.Marita Liebesman, 7318 Cambria Circle, asked how will the City accommodate the people who have driveways that come out onto Chapman Avenue when it is widened? Mr. Thomas did not believe there is any problem with driveway access for that segment for this project. It would be settled in the environmental process.David Baia, asked how much would the sound study cost on the Chapman widening project and is there a way for them to use a model to predict sound based on that information and what might be occurring by their area? Mr. Thomas has not priced the sound study yet and previously gave an approximately $50,000 figure, but it is a determination of policy as to whether it gets expanded. There would have to be other sources of funding. It might be beneficial to adding that on because the incremental cost of an additional lane may be considerably less than what a separate study would be. When requesting the proposal, they could provide some alternatives to see what the costs might be.Councilmember Cavecche requested recelvmg the schedules for the different models that incorporate the General Plan. The City Manager will provide Council with a status report on the component parts of the General Plan, where they are now and the follow through. The Planning Manager reported all the elements of the General Plan are scheduled to be done at the same time.Councilmember Cavecche asked about safety issues at the EI Modena Library. Nora Jacob, City Librarian reported they worked with Pac Bell and relocated the phone as of March 15th to Hewes Street under the street light. The lighting under the walkway will have to wait until the main renovation.Councilmember Cavecche asked about the Experian Contract at The Block noting there were no employees there and asked if the $200,000 was going to be spent for employees that are non-existent. The Redevelopment Project Manager reported Experian is in their final year and will not reach the number of 750 employees which is in the contract this year. They are phasing out and moving to Costa Mesa. The money is budgeted because of the contract, but staff is confident they will not be executing that agreement. The last payment was for the year 2000/2001. They have to prove x amount of employees every year. Mayor Murphy announced that Equity Properties has released that entire property back out again.RECESS - The City Council recessed at 7:05 p.m. and reconvened at 7:16 p. m.7.2 Report on Proposed Main Library Expansion Project.The focus of this meeting is for the Council to give direction on the appropriate design style for the Main Library Expansion Project. The City Librarian and architects from LPA, Inc., will PAGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) present an update on the site plan and design considerations for the proposed Main Library Expansion Project. Discussion will be sought from the City Council, Planning Commission, and Design Review Committee (DRC) as to selection of Spanish Colonial Revival style, site plan and building height for the conceptual design. The next steps for this proposed library expansion project will also be reviewed. Mayor Murphy announced Planning Commissioner Smith recused herself from this issue due to proximity of her residence to the Main Library The City Clerk called the roll for Design Review Committee noting Leonard Filner and Alice Angus were absent; Susan Secoy, Joe Woollett, Mark Paone and Karen Sully, Planning Manager were present. The City Manager reported the Council tonight will approve a style and conceptual design height. The Planning Commission and Design Review Committee will review the project at their future meetings. The City Librarian explained where the project is in the process. On March 16th a public scoping meeting was held and at the conclusion of that meeting the consensus from the public was Spanish Colonial Revival Style. The Library Board on March 18th unanimously voted in favor of Spanish Colonial Revival Style. Based on those recommendations and individual briefings with Councilmembers, it is being presented at this meeting. The Staff Review Committee has also reviewed the initial elevations. Since that time LPA has developed several other options for Spanish Colonial Revival. Rick D'Amato and Jim Wirick from LPA gave a Power Point presentation beginning with a historical perspective on the Main Library's location. Key reasons for proposing to close Center Street were for safety reasons first and to reutilize as much of the funds already spent on the remodel of the Library for the new Library expansion project by expanding to the west. Public Work's Traffic Engineers were concerned with continuing to use Center Street for vehicular access which would create additional traffic, parking and safety hazards on Center Street. Various options to the existing site map were reviewed. The proposed site plan expands the Library to the west. This would provide an opportunity for a green space as a landscape buffer between the new Library building and the residential neighborhood behind it and would incorporate a children's garden. It also would provide the needed 162 parking spaces with all parking being on site. Entries are off Chapman and Shaffer, and it is proposed to cul- de-sac Center Street and create a landscape buffer between the cul-de- sac and the Library.All prevalent architectural styles in Orange were reviewed. Slides of local buildings depicting Greek Revival, Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, Contemporary and Mid-century styles were shown and discussed. Looking at the historic Old Towne area and its gateway buildings and at what the existing building form could most effectively sustain consensus to this point in time was, it was decided the Library needs to be Mediterranean Spanish Colonial Revival Style which starts to define Orange. Three scenarios interpreting Spanish Colonial Revival Style were then described. Each of the three CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) different roof form: flat, hip and gable. For discussion purposes, two of the scenarios showed a tower element on the second level integrating a local history reading room within the tower; on the lower level it would cover the children's access to their garden. A model of Scenario C (with gabled roof) was passed around to Councilmembers. Councilmember Coontz asked if there was an elevator to the tower. Mr. D'Amato indicated the second level of the Library is the second level of the tower. An elevator will bring people to the second floor. Councilman Slater asked if there was any reason the tower was left out of Scenario 2? Mr. D' Amato said it was just an option. Feedback from community meetings indicated some people liked the tower, some did not and there is room to pick and choose to form a final direction list. In response to Mayor pro tern Alvarez's question, Mr. D'Amato replied that most of the arches are windows with the garden being an open space. Planning Commissioner Romero asked if there was a thought toward a future two- story expansion. Mr. D' Amato felt it would be a matter of cost. The original existing structure of the Library was not meant to withstand a second level addition. The goal was to keep the existing Library operational while the new Library was being built. By expanding to the west, the design is able to maintain a significant amount of the existing building function. He also noted that the recent library needs assessment shows a need to expand the branch libraries as well.Commissioner Brandman asked if there was any thought given to going back to recreating the facade of the Carnegie Library original? Mr. D' Amato commented it would be incredibly impractical because of the expense.Mayor pro tern Alvarez commented he liked the window treatments on the 1945 version of the proposed Library and how they dress up the arch.Mr. Paone discussed the scale of entry and his concerns that Scenario B was smaller in scale.With its large and deep opening, the rhythm in Scenario C mayor may not be lost in the designs of the arch because it is so much larger. Mr. D' Amato indicated people at the community forums liked images of warm, welcoming, large entries.Susan Secoy commented on the site plan and indicated parking seems to be dictating the direction we are going. She asked about subterranean parking? Mr. D' Amato indicated costs were an issue, and the site is not big enough for the ramps and access needs. Ms. Secoy asked whether LP A had looked at some type of an underground pedestrian connection to the existing library. Mr. D' Amato commented people do not want to cross in a subterranean type of access point for safety and security reasons. Ms. Secoy felt the entry of Scenario A was disproportionate and out of scale, but it respects the existing Library a little more than the other two schemes. On the Chapman elevation, it might be interesting to break the rhythm for the arches because it is extremely repetitive.PAGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) In response to Mr. Paone concerning alternative parking opportunities, Mr. Wirick said that within the time constraints of the Library Bond Act, onsite parking was the only realistic option. Ms. Jacob noted that feedback from the State LibrarylOffice of Library Construction encouraged keeping all the parking on site to have a more viable application. Councilmember Coontz noted this parking issue came up a number of years ago and the Librarians did not want to cross the street, they like the parking close. In response to a query about Chapman University's leased parking lot on Grand Street, the City Manager commented that anything that causes this project to hinge on one particular element or another had to be disregarded. The City has approached Chapman University and it is a viable option. There is also ongoing dialogue with Mr. Holland concerning his property, but could not design this Library predicated on ac~uiring that property with the possibility of hurdles that could not be overcome before June 14t . Mayor Murphy expressed concern about traffic circulation from the proposed parking lot and how it would work. He would like to see all ingress and egress be on Chapman Avenue. Mr. D' Amato indicated the traffic study is in progress as part of the environmental report and is looking at potentiall~ restricting or eliminating the Shaffer Street entrancelexit. The study will be done by April 11 t and will propose mitigation measures. Councilmember Slater commented he would like to see certain elements of Scenario A and B be incorporated but did not like Scenario C. He would like to see the tower incorporated; it is a nice design feature. If a hip type roof is done, is there a way to do it without having the skylights look so modern and glaring? Mr. D' Amato commented given the view angles, the skylights would not be seen or noticed. Councilmember Coontz commented this is a great improvement over the first version. Having lived with flat roofs, they cause a lot of problems and she liked the Hip Roof. On Scenario B the entry is too large. It is too imposing and not inviting. Concerning the Tower, you would look at it and say "what is it for" towers usually have a function. If it had a useful benefit, it would be fine. Councilmember Coontz indicated we are getting credit for what we already own in land which includes Center Street, B of A parking lot, and the Library, and this is helpful to the monetary venture of what we owe. At the same time, we do not want to be in a situation where some of the stronger more important elements of the architecture are lost during the final determination of costs. Planning Commissioner Pruett was concerned that subterranean parking should be explored and that Center Street should be left open. The Greek Revival is an appropriate strategy but he was concerned with Scenario A, the flat roof approach. In terms of the tower, key will be how it is constructed with the project. He is opposed to a massive tower. Planning Commissioner Brandman spoke in favor of closing the entrancelexit on Shaffer Street and asked if there will be signals and how will people get in and out on Chapman? Mr. D' Amato PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) stated there are left turn lanes but no signal. There are signals at Grand and Shaffer Streets. Mayor Murphy commented the signals could be coordinated so there is a period that lapses the traffic on both ends to make it easier for people to get in and out of the Library. Planning Commissioner Bonina asked if there was any thought given to relocating the garden open space and splitting the building in two to allow for some space or volume so both sides of the building could take advantage of open space and also natural light providing relief off Chapman. Mr. D'Amato remarked in Scenario A, which showed the arcade floating away from the building, this was done and there was some type ofrelief. Dividing the Library in two would go against keeping the floor space as open as possible for security reasons. Planning Commissioner Brandman favored Scenario A but asked if there was any thought to breaking up the mass from another visual viewpoint. Mr. D'Amato responded that perhaps the regular spacing of the arcade should be broken with different rhythms to provide some relief. Susan Secoy suggested having a little more glass that could separate the two building pieces existing and new. Joe Woollett discussed the aesthetic issues. Mr. Woolett indicated looking at Scenario B the forms seemed stretched too much and looking at the elevations on Scenario C there is a sloped roof but from Chapman Avenue you would see the side and not see much of the roof slope. He strongly gravitates to Scenario A with the flat roof. The tower does have a purpose and it seems to signal that the Library is an important building in the City, establishes some height, is a landmark and is characteristic of the style. Councilmember Coontz commented the tower looks like it is just sitting on top, and if it was not, she would like it better. Susan Secoy concurred with Councilmember Slater as far as Sceniaros A and B, which have positive elements. A library designs itself from the inside out and if you take these styles and develop them from the interior of the building it would make a lot more sense. She is concerned about the timeframe and hoping that the conceptual plan provided with the Bond Act Application would not mean closure on the design. Mr. D' Amato said that design development would continue once the funding comes in as long as it does not affect the budget of the building. Mr. Paone liked Scenarios A and B but gravitates more to A. Given the timeframe, A will be a style that gives more opportunity to resolve things down the road. The roof will set some symmetry, it could potentially fight with some of the internal operations, and would be more forgiving as a design solution. He disagreed with the skylight, it would be noticeable and be seen from Chapman A venue and City Hall and would compete quite a bit. A small skylight could be done where a person would not see it and it could be done more economically. Mr. D' Amato indicated he was hearing support for a more scaled-down entry, bringing the tower to the other side (Chapman Avenue), and more punched openings at ground level. Mr. Paone further commented he liked the Union Station approach of Scenario C but not for Orange. If PAGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) LPA broke the scale down with some sun screening elements, applying the Scenario C entry shape to the scale of an entry on B might be the right mix. Is it LPA's intent to replace the brick on the Library? Mr. D' Amato indicated it was. Paula So est, resident, asked if any thought was given to eliminating the greenbelt so the Edwards House could stay where it is and be turned into an archive or museum for the City. Mr. D'Amato indicated the garden space was only 3,000 sq. ft. and the Edwards House is 20,000 sq. ft. The City Librarian commented the Edwards House would not fit because of the setback requirements. Councilmember Coontz indicated the Edwards House is a public building and does not meet any ADA requirements and is in bad shape. The City Librarian noted the proposal for the Edwards House will be to offer it for sale and move it within the historic district. Because the grant application is provisional, the City does not want to do that unless the City receives the grant money. Bob Hitchcock, resident, asked what remedies are proposed for Shaffer Street regarding traffic and parking? The City Librarian indicated that review of traffic and parking are among those issues being addressed in the environmental study currently in progress. Many people are commenting they would like mitigations on that, obviously the consultants are also aware of this and will provide a list of mitigations. The public was urged to contact city staff with their concerns. Roy Shahbazian, resident, asked Council to think about the concept of the Library as a gateway to the Old Towne area, and to consider putting its front entrance or diagonal entry on Chapman Avenue. He also requested a pedestrian access to the Old Towne area. Planning Commissioner Brandman likes the idea of possibly an entrance that would visually serve Chapman and Center. Is there going to be more than one entrance or exit? Mr. D' Amato commented there will be one central entry with other exists out of the building. Paula Soest, resident, commented the traffic study on Shaffer Street was done when Chapman University was on Spring break. The City Librarian noted that the traffic study started the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before Spring break. The City Librarian then pointed out that the three scenarios presented at this meeting fanged in building height from 38 to 50 feet with the proposed tower ranging in height from 50 to 60 feet. Mr. D'Amato reviewed each scenario as they related to height. Mayor Murphy noted there are other buildings and churches in the immediate area, and it would seem the heights discussed were consistent. Councilmember Slater commented Immanuel and St. John's Lutheran Churches both have towers. The Planning Manager noted Chapman Law School's tower is 90 feet in height. Councilmember Cavecche commented she appreciated the comments from the Design Review Committee. We are talking about a gateway to Old Towne and it is important to put the Library in perspective of the Plaza area; how it will relate, and the linkage it will have. Concern was expressed regarding the opening, and she did not see any Orange based scenarios that had an PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS (Continued) entry of the massiveness shown in the three scenarios, even the former 2-story city hall had a smaller opening. The height is a concern also. Keeping the width and lowering the height might be more effective and, perhaps, when it gets to the DRC, they could look at it. The opening is out of context with the style of the building. Councilmember Cavecche did not care for the arcade along the side because it was not in any existing building shown. Concern was expressed about the tower being high on the residential side because people are living right across the parking lot to the north of this building and they will be looking at a tower. Perhaps moving the tower to break up the arcade would solve the problems. Her only other concern was for the skylights since this is a big problem for the Orange Police Department headquarters. There is also a traffic concern on Shaffer Street that will need to be addressed.Councilmember Coontz appreciated the Planning Commission and the Design Review Committee reviewing the scenarios. She noted that if you are going east you can see the front of the building, but going west you cannot, which is of concern. Also, concerning the consistency of the arches, they are bunched up and repetitive and something could be done architecturally to resolve this.Mayor pro tern Alvarez liked Scenario C without the skylight. If the tower was on the public side rather than the residential side, it would solve that problem. Mayor pro tern Alvarez also discussed the size of arches in the different scenarios and in buildings in Old Towne, including the American Legion and Sunkist buildings.Mayor Murphy commented this approach provided everyone with a great palette to work from in terms of coming up with a final design that will work for the community. He noted it is easy to focus on the front and street side, but there still is the rear portion to consider, especially if sometime in the future the project was to go all the way to the corner. He has heard that more and more jurisdictions are falling out of the first grant deadline process, so it is important for us to make this first deadline of June 14th. Mayor Murphy thanked everyone who participated.MOTION - Murphy SECOND - Slater AYES - Slater, Alvarez, Mayor Murphy, Coontz, Cavecche CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Moved to approve the Spanish Colonial Revival Style for architectural design theme.The City Librarian reviewed the timelines. Tomorrow morning the project will be before the Staff Review Committee and tomorrow night it will go to the Design Review Committee.Planning Commission will hear the project May 6, 2002. Special Sessions might be needed with the Planning Commission. Council is scheduled to hear the project May 28, 2002 and a Special Meeting may be needed with them also. The grant application deadline is June 14, 2002.8. REPORTS FROM CITY MANAGER - None PAGE 14 T' U""-" CITY COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 2, 2002 9. LEGAL AFFAIRS - None 10. ADJOURNMENT The City Council, Planning Commission and Design Review Committee adjourned at 8:55 p. m.4tA~~ d CASSANDRA J ATHCART, CMC CITY CLERK PAGE1S T---~