CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS CALIFORNIA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
April 16, 2003
2:00 P.M.
Mayor Hack called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Woods to order at 2:00 p.m.
American Legion Post 257, provided a color guard for the flag salute. Mayor Pro tem Ring led the Flag salute.
III. ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Bouer, McLaughlin, Ross, Ring, Hack
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Keane; Deputy City Attorney Morgan; City Clerk Condon; Assistant City Manager Reilly; Community Director Barr;
4.1 American Legion – Dedication of City Hall Public Safety Display
Don McIntosh from American Legion Post 257 presented proclamations to the Orange County Fire Department and the Orange County Sheriff. He also thanked Mr. Smaltz for the items he donated and presented him with a proclamation. Mayor Hack accepted a gift to the City on behalf of veterans.
4.2 California Department of Fish and Game – Senior Volunteer Program
Officer Kent Smirl thanked City Manager Keane for the encouragement and assistance received in starting up this new senior volunteer program with the City. He introduced the new Fish and Game Senior Volunteers who will be stationed at City Hall and explained the training program they were required to take.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ring, seconded by Councilmember Ross and carried unanimously to adopt Proclamations 5.1 through 5.4.
5.1 Certificate of Commendation – June Konrad – 100 Years Old
5.2 Proclamation – National Volunteer Week – April 27th – May 3rd, 2003
5.3 Proclamation – Fair Housing Month – April 2003
5.4 Proclamation – Clean Air Month – May 2003
City Manager Keane requested the removal of item 6.5 from the Consent Calendar for discussion. Councilmember McLaughlin mentioned a minor revision to the minutes had been received by Council prior to the meeting.
Moved by Councilmember Bouer, seconded by Councilmember McLaughlin, and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar items 6.1 through 6.7, excluding item 6.5 which will be discussed at the end of the Consent Calendar.
6.1 Approved City Council Minutes from the regular meeting of March 19, 2003.
6.2 Approved the reading by title of all ordinances and resolutions. Said ordinances and resolutions that appear on the public agenda shall be determined to have been read by title only and further reading waived.
6.3 Received and filed March 2003 monthly Treasurer’s Report.
6.4 Approved the April 16, 2003 Warrant Register in the amount of $293,374.51.
6.6 Transportation Enhancement Activities Grant Program
The following resolutions were adopted:
Resolution No. 03-07: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY (TEA) PROGRAM UNDER THE 1998 TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY FOR THE EL TORO ROAD MULTI-MODAL TRAIL/SIDEWALK PROJECT
Resolution No. 03-08: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY (TEA) PROGRAM UNDER THE 1998 TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY FOR THE EL TORO ROAD MULTI-MODAL TRAIL/SIDEWALK LANDSCAPING ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
Resolution No. 03-09: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY (TEA) PROGRAM UNDER THE 1998 TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY FOR THE MOULTON PARKWAY BIKE TRAIL AND SIDEWALK PROJECT
Resolution No. 03-10: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDS FOR THE TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITY (TEA) PROGRAM UNDER THE 1998 TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY FOR THE MOULTON PARKWAY LANDSCAPING ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
6.7 Via Campo Verde Traffic Signal
and
and
6.5 Mayor Pro Tem Ring thanked staff and the Planning Advisory Committee for their work on the Zoning Code. He advised that after further discussion with staff he concurred with the recommended building height.
City Manager Keane advised that a concern had been raised by a member of the public whether a variance rather than a use permit is required to change maximum building height in open space. She advised that staff believes a use permit is permitted.
Deputy City Attorney Morgan discussed 18.20.315 Note 1 on page 39 Note 1 relating to the Open Space Development Standards and stated the Note allows a use permit to change a building height. She further stated this was consistent with 18.50.010 as the note in the table under 18.20.315 specifically relates to a use permit.
City Manager Keane advised that Andy Culbertson from Culbertson and Adams had requested to speak on consent calendar item 6.5. Andy Culbertson advised that Culbertson and Adams represented the Golden Rain Foundation. She expressed concern that 18.20.315 Note 1 required a use permit to allow a deviation from the maximum building height. She felt that item 18.50.010 (a) did not allow the use of a use permit to deviate from the maximum building height and that 18.50.010 (c) variance permit would be required. She requested a change to 18.50.010 (a) to specifically state that a change to maximum building height would be allowed with a use permit.
Staff advised that 18.20.315 Note 1 specifically stated that a change would require a use permit and that 18.50.010 (a) did allow a use permit and did not feel a change was required. Mayor Hack advised that Council concurred with the current wording and stated they were on public notice that a use permit would be required and not a variance permit.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ring, seconded by Councilmember McLaughlin, and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar item 6.5.
Ordinance No. 03-03 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING A NEW ZONING CODE AND OFFICIAL ZONING MAP AND ADOPTING FINDINGS RELATING TO LICENSING AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ADULT BUSINESSES AND ADULT PERFORMERS adopted
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Morgan Stanley Sign Program (CUP-86)
Community Development Director Barr advised the applicant is seeking to establish a formal sign program for the Morgan Stanley building within the Willow Tree Center located at 24260 El Toro Road. The Center does not have a comprehensive sign program and the individual tenants have applied for signage as needed. The current signage for the building is legal because they were permitted at the time of installation; however, the signs are currently non-conforming with the current City Sign Ordinance. Under the provisions of the sign ordinance, when a non-conforming sign is replaced, it must meet current sign standards unless there is an entitlement that runs with the property, such as a sign program approved by a use permit.
The proposed signs will replace the text on existing wall signs and a monument sign with new text. The signs as proposed are located on the north, east, and west elevations and are oriented toward El Toro Road. The new wall signs consist of 15” channel letters with white faces with an accent mark between the words. In addition, the applicant is proposing to reface the existing monument sign to be consistent with the design of the proposed wall signs.
The Public Hearing was opened.
City Manager Keane advised there were no requests to speak.
The Public Hearing was closed.
City Manager Keane advised there were no written comments
Moved by Councilmember McLaughlin, seconded by Councilmember Bouer, and carried unanimously to approve the following:
Resolution No. 03-11: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA. APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT CUP-86 ADOPTING A SIGN PRORAM FOR THE MORGAN STANLEY BUILDING, LOCATED AT 24260 EL TORO ROAD.
Mayor Hack called a short recess at 2:37 p.m. to allow the American Legion Post color guard to leave.
The Council meeting resumed at 2:42 p.m.
VIII. COUNCIL BUSINESS
8.1 Advisory Committee Appointments
City Clerk Condon advised there were two nominees for the Human Relations Committee. She also advised there were three openings on the Water Quality Advisory Committee.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ring, seconded by Councilmember McLaughlin, and carried unanimously to appoint Clarita Karling (Ross) and Vicki Feldon (McLaughlin) to the Human Relations Committee.
9.1 Non-emergency Medical Transportation Grant Proposal
Assistant City Manager Reilly reported The Orange County Office on Aging (OoA) is funding innovative pilot programs to provide non-emergency medical transportation services to seniors throughout the county. Funds have been made available through a 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between tobacco product manufacturers and forty-six states and five territories in the U.S.
The OoA released a Request for Proposals (RFP) in March 2003 seeking applications for projects focused on inter-city non-emergency medical transportation services to seniors for one or two-year contract periods. Proposals are due by April 17, 2003.
Staff is proposing to apply to the OoA for a two-year grant to provide longer distance, subsidized, inter-city, non-emergency medical transportation services to residents most in need. In addition, the grant would support return trips home from hospital emergency rooms for residents who lack transportation home. The Medical Taxi Voucher service would be eligible to residents aged 60 and older who do not qualify for OCTA ACCESS service (a requirement of the grant), with preference given to those most in need. Fares would be established on a sliding scale based on distance and client qualifications, but would be kept affordable. The Medical Taxi Voucher program would require hiring a part-time contract employee who would coordinate with residents to qualify and use the service.
City Council allocation of the matching funds for this grant would reduce the Council Contingency reserve by $24,000, to $8,500.
Councilmember Ross expressed concern about requiring residents to qualify based on income. Staff advised they would work with the County to set the guidelines.
Councilmember McLaughlin expresses concern about the current and future cost of the program.
Moved by Councilmember Bouer and seconded by Councilmember Ross to approve the recommended action. Mayor Pro Tem Ring requested the motion be amended to approve the concept in general. The motion was amended by Councilmember Bouer and seconded by Councilmember Ross to approve the concept in general and carried 4 to 1 to authorize staff to submit an application to the Orange County Office on Aging for $112,500 in FY 03/04 and $99,000 in FY 04/05 in County Tobacco Settlement Revenue to provide coordinated, subsidized senior non-emergency medical trips through an expanded City Taxi Voucher Program;
ROLL CALL
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER: Bouer, Ross, Ring, Hack
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER: McLaughlin
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER: None
Discussion was held on the administration of the program. Moved by Mayor Hack and seconded by Councilmember Ross and carried 4 to 1 to charge fees for the new program based on a sliding income scale.
ROLL CALL
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER: Bouer, Ross, Ring, Hack
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER: McLaughlin
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER: None
Moved by Councilmember Bouer and seconded by Councilmember Ross and carried 4 to 1 to approve the allocation of $24,000 from the Council Contingency reserve to provide the required matching funds.
ROLL CALL
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER: Bouer, Ross, Ring, Hack
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER: McLaughlin
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER: None
9.2 Southern California Edison (SCE) Open Space License and Easement (Woods End)
In 2002, the California Coastal Conservancy funded the City’s purchase of a 10.6-acre parcel owned by Rossmoor Partners. Coastal Conservancy requirements for use of the property included access to coastal waters. The parcel is separated from the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – which does provide access to the coast – by a narrow strip of property owned by Southern California Edison (SCE).
County of Orange, City of Laguna Woods and Southern California staff have drafted a license agreement that would allow public access across SCE property within and adjacent to the City of Laguna Woods. The agreement will allow individuals to walk across the City’s Woods End nature preserve into the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. In return for the access license, SCE has requested an agreement with the City that that will allow its personnel to drive across Woods End for equipment maintenance purposes.
Moved by Councilmember Bouer, seconded by Councilmember McLaughlin and carried unanimously to approve the following:
and
9.3 State Legislation Update
City Manager advised that staff is monitoring the following 10 proposed state bills. The bills being monitored are AB 210, AB 327, AB 613, AB 838, AB 1221, AB 1291, AB 1375, AB 1517, SB 115, and SB 120. Council concurred with staff’s recommendations.
Deputy City Attorney Morgan reported everything was fine.
11.1 Laguna Canyon Foundation (Mayor Pro Tem Ring)
Mayor Pro Tem ring reported the Foundation met last week. He discussed the park bond issue that paid for Words End and other items.
11.2 Coastal Greenbelt Authority (Mayor Pro Tem Ring)
Mayor Pro Tem Ring reported they meet once a month. At the recent meeting they were provided with an update on the wilderness park with presentations on the interpretative center and area.
11.3 El Toro Reuse Planning Authority (Mayor Hack)
Mayor Hack reported the tax negotiations between Irvine and the County have been finalized and Irvine is awaiting comments on the recently distributed EIR. Hopefully the property can be up for sale by the end of summer or early fall.
12.3 Orange County Corridor Authorities (Mayor Hack)
Mayor Hack reported formation has begun of an exploratory agency.
12.4 Vector Control District (Councilmember Bouer)
Councilmember Bouer reported there was nothing to report as the next meeting is tomorrow.
12.5 Library Board (Councilmember McLaughlin)
Councilmember McLaughlin reported the Library Board did not meet.
12.6 Orange County Fire Authority (Councilmember Ross)
Councilmember Ross reported they have been talking about Homeland Security and the progress they have made.
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Resident Kay Mann advised Council of her problems with a contractor and the City’s permitting process. City Manager Keane provided Council with a brief overview of staff permitting procedures. Mayor Hack advised that as the item is in court, the City would not comment further.
Mary Stone updated Council on the Exercise Challenge and some of the recent events put on both by the City and Leisure World.
XIV. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Ross encouraged everyone to submit their time for the Exercise Challenge.
Mayor Hack advised that he would be agendizing at the May meeting a presentation pertaining to a tunnel from Orange County to Riverside County, which would allow alternative transportation beside 91.
City Manager Keane reported there was no need for a closed session.
XVI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:05 p.m. An Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held at 2:00 p.m. April 30, 2003 at the Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92653.
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SUSAN M. CONDON, City Clerk
Adopted: May 21, 2003
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BERT HACK, Mayor
