CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS CALIFORNIA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
March 17, 2004
2:00 P.M.
Mayor Ring called the Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Woods to order at 2:00 p.m.
Councilmember Bouer led the Flag salute.
III. ROLL CALL
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Bouer, Hack, McLaughlin, Ross, Ring
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Keane; City Attorney Biggs; City Clerk Condon; Community Development Director Barr; Assistant City Manager Riley
None
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ross, seconded by Councilmember Bouer, and carried unanimously to approve the City Proclamations 5.1 and 5.2.
5.1 Commendation – Ann Kindred – 100th Birthday
5.2 Proclamation – Women’s History Month – March 2004
Moved by Councilmember McLaughlin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ross, and carried unanimously to approve Consent Calendar items 6.1 through 6.7.
6.1 Approved City Council Minutes from the Regular Meeting of February 18, 2004.
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 File February 2004 monthly Treasurer’s Report.
6.4 Approved the March 17, 2004 Warrant Register in the amount of $429,592.98.
6.5 Zoning Code Text Amendment ZTA 04-01 (Residential Density Bonus Provisions)
Adopted Ordinance No. 04-01 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT CODE (ZONING CODE) BY AMENDING SECTION 18.60.020 AND ADDING RESIDENTIAL DENSITY BONUS STANDARDS TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOW AND VERY LOW INCOME HOUSING UNITS
6.6 Installation of Conduit for Southern California Edison Facilities
Awarded a contract to Y&M Construction in the amount of $73,489.50, plus authorized change orders not to exceed 15% of the base amount; and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract and approve change orders, subject to approval of the contract as to form by the City Attorney.
6.7 Orange County Construction Management Agreement
Approved an agreement with the County of Orange to provide construction management, inspection, materials testing and surveying for public works projects, and authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
VIII. CITY COUNCIL
8.1 City Motto
City Manager Keane reported the Arts and Culture Subcommittee reviewed the motto entries received and selected finalists:
Discussion was held with mottos one and three seeming to be the favorite. An informal poll of the audience indicated no clear favorite.
Moved by Mayor Pro Tem Ross, seconded by Councilmember Hack, and carried unanimously to approve number one, “With respect for the past, looking to the future” as the official motor of the City of Laguna Woods.
City Manager Keane announced the sycamore tree received the most votes in the city tree contest and Council concurred with the sycamore tree as the official City tree.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Keane reported that SB 1057, which would provide additional backfill money to hardship communities, was signed by the Governor.
9.1 Floodplain Management Standards
Community Development Director Barr advised the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the proposed Ordinance is required as a condition for joining the Program. The Ordinance adopts Flood Insurance Rate Maps, designates the Building Official as the floodplain administrator and establishes the regulatory framework for the program, including Variance and Appeal procedures that would require City Council action. The proposed Ordinance requires that before a property owner can undertake any new development in the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA), a flood zone permit must be obtained from the City.
In the case of Laguna Woods, there is very little potential for new development within Special Flood Hazard Areas. The Flood insurance rate maps provided by FEMA indicate that there are three Special Flood Hazard Areas in the City; Aliso Creek, the depressed area that is utilized as the 9-hole golf course off of Paseo Del Lago and the El Toro settling ponds adjacent to Moulton Parkway. With participation in the Program, City residents are eligible to purchase federally backed flood insurance. Adoption of floodplain management standards provides residents more insurance options and makes the City eligible for federal relief in the event of a major disaster.
Moved by Councilmember Hack, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ross, and carried unanimously to approve the introduction and first reading of an Ordinance establishing City of Laguna Woods floodplain management regulations, entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA WOODS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 8.80 TO THE MUNCIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT STANDARDS FOR SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAS.
9.2 El Toro Sidewalk
Assistant City Manager Reilly discussed the El Toro pedestrian parkway which will be a signature project for the City of Laguna Woods. Amenities such as seating, water fountains and lighting will require additional budget allocations. It was suggested the City sell commemorative bricks as a way to raise additional funds for amenities. Council discussed and requested comments from the public.
Denise Welch, Marty Rhodes, and Harriet Arnest indicated support for the project.
Moved by Councilmember McLaughlin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ross, and carried 4 to 1, to sell commemorative bricks at a cost of $100.
ROLL CALL
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER: Bouer, McLaughlin, Ross, Ring
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER: Hack
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER: None
GRF requested the City modify its eighteen foot pedestrian parkway to include a companion golf cart trail to allow Leisure World residents access to Willow tree Center. It was suggested residents could exit through an access gate that would be constructed either in an area of Third Laguna Hills Mutual or from the golf course, which is adjacent to the Lutheran Church, cross through the Lutheran Church property, cross El Toro at the signal and then enter the golf cart path.
The City has an extra eight feet of right of way along the proposed sidewalk from St Nicholas Catholic Church to the west end at Willow tree Center. It would be possible to construct a separate, dedicated golf cart path and carts would enter immediately after crossing the street and would exit at the Olive Garden entrance into the Center. However, GRF has not received final approval from the Lutheran Church of the Cross to allow golf cart traffic to use their property. If Council wishes to proceed with a companion golf cart path, staff suggested the path be added as a bid alternative during the bid process. This would allow GRF and the Lutheran Church time to reach an agreement and a final decision would then be made when the construction contract is awarded.
Staff met with the California Joint Power Insurance Authority and they reported they did not see an extra liability issues. The City Attorney agreed with their position.
Assistant City Manager Reilly presented a power point presentation of the proposed access location and the area where the golf cart path would be built.
George Portlock, Third President, reported Third would not allow an access gate in Third’s area; however, they see no adverse problems with a golf cart path on El Toro Road.
Richard Sharp, GRF Director and Chair of a Leisure World subcommittee on golf cart access, indicated support of the proposal and felt an agreement could be reached with the Lutheran Church.
Denise Welch, Linda Wilson, Marty Rhodes, and Margo Bouer all expressed support for the proposed golf cart path.
Moved by Councilmember McLaughlin, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ross, and carried 4 to 1, to add a bid alternative to plans for the El Toro sidewalk for an eight foot golf cart path on the south side of El Toro between the St. Nicholas Catholic Church and the Willow tree Center. The decision whether or not to proceed with the project will be made in conjunction with contract award.
ROLL CALL
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER: Bouer, McLaughlin, Ross, Ring
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER: Hack
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER: None
9.3 Leisure World Gate 14 Secondary Emergency Access
On July 8, 1975 the Orange County Planning Commission approved a use permit allowing construction of a 426 unit condominium project within Tract 7935 (Gate 14). The use permit required a 24 foot wide access road from the easterly boundary of the tract to Moulton Parkway, approved by the Fire Warden. Inspection and sign-off was handled by the County of Orange. However, there is currently no secondary access from the Gate 14 area.
Recently, the slope that separates the Home Depot Shopping Center from the entry into the Gate 14 development began to fail and the eastbound lanes of Calle Sonora were closed. The Orange County Fire Authority and area residents have subsequently raised the issue of the lack of a secondary access. The Orange County Fire Authority advises the removal of the secondary access road violates the OCFA condition of approval.
The City is the current land use authority and the City Council serves as the legislative body charged with enforcing building codes and public safety within the jurisdiction of the City of Laguna Woods.
City Manager Keane recommended a work group comprised of representatives from Laguna Woods City staff, PCM, Orange County Fire Authority and Aliso Viejo to take a look at the condition and come back in 30 days with an interim plan.
Steve Whitaker, Assistant Fire Marshal with the OCFA, advised that OCFA does recommend a secondary access for the area and advised he was available to answer any questions.
Cris Trapp, PCM, advised they would welcome being part of a working group.
Moved by Councilmember Hack, seconded by Councilmember Bouer, and carried unanimously to set up a work group consisting of representatives from the City of Laguna Woods, PCM, OCFA, and City of Aliso Viejo.
City Attorney Biggs reported everything was fine with the city.
XII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
12.1 El Toro Reuse Planning Authority (Councilmember Hack)
Councilmember Hack provided an update on the El Toro Reuse and advised the City fiscal years dues would be reduced to $15,000 for 2004-05.
12.2 Orange County Corridor Authorities (Councilmember Hack)
Councilmember Hack discussed the merger between the San Joaquin and Foothill Eastern toll roads.
12.3 Vector Control District (Councilmember Bouer)
Councilmember Bouer advised they are continuing to search for a new executive director and discussed the state funding for the fire ant program which was eliminated.
12.4 Library Board (Councilmember McLaughlin)
Councilmember McLaughlin reported there was no meeting.
12.5 Orange County Fire Authority (Mayor Pro Tem Ross)
Mayor Pro Tem Ross reported there will be a meeting later this month.
12.6 Laguna Canyon Foundation (Mayor Ring)
Mayor Ring reported the Nix Nature Center will have groundbreaking on May 22.
12.7 Coastal Greenbelt Authority (Mayor Ring)
Mayor Ring reported they will have a meeting later in the month.
XII. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Marty Rhodes reported Irvine is looking at alternative sources of electric energy and asked that the City of Laguna Woods partner with Irvine if possible.
XIII. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilmember Hack reported Irvine has looked at the energy issue in the past.
City Manager Keane announced the City will celebrate its 5th Birthday on Saturday, March 27 at Clubhouse 2 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and invited everyone to attend.
City Manager Keane read the closed session items and advised that it is anticipated Council will give direction to deal with the owners of the property.
Council recessed to Closed Session at 3:36 p.m.
XIV. CLOSED SESSION
Council reconvened at 4:40 and advised there was no reportable action.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:41 p.m. A Regular Meeting of the City Council will be held at 2:00 p.m. April 21, 2004 at Laguna Woods City Hall, 24264 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, CA 92653.
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SUSAN M. CONDON, City Clerk
Adopted: April 21, 2004
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ROBERT B. RING, Mayor
