Minutes 2002-05-13MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL
HELD
May 13, 2002
A regular meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor
Sondhi in the Executive Board Room, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress, California.
PRESENT:
Council Members Keenan, McGill, Piercy, Mayor Pro Tern McCoy,
Mayor Sondhi
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT:
City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk.
Council Member Keenan asked that "Items From City Council Members" be moved up
on the agenda this evening to allow Council Members to report on meetings and other
activities they have attended over the last several weeks.
It was the consensus of the Council to move this item up on the agenda.
The City Attorney reported the City Council would be holding a Closed Session to
conduct a performance evaluation of the City Manager, pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957. The second Closed Session item, Hardy v. City of Cypress, would not
be held. He stated the City Council and Redevelopment Agency would be meeting in a
Joint Closed Session regarding pending litigation, pursuant to Government Code
Section 54956.9(a), Cottonwood Christian Center v. Redevelopment Agency of the City
of Cypress, Case Number SA02-60, United States District Court - Central Division of
California and Case Number 02CC01575, Orange County Superior Court - Central
Justice Center; Los Alamitos Race Course, Burlington National Insurance Co., and
Rolling A Ranch LLC v. Cypress Redevelopment Agency and City of Cypress, Case
Number 02CC00006, Orange County Superior Court - Civil Division; and Los Alamitos
Race Course, Burlington National Insurance Co., and Rolling A Ranch LLC v. Cypress
Redevelopment Agency, City of Cypress, All Persons Interested in the Redevelopment
Plan for the Los Alamitos Race Track and Golf Course Redevelopment Project, and
Does 1-25, Case Number 02CC00031, Orange County Superior Court - Civil Division.
He stated the Redevelopment Agency would be meeting to confer with Real Property
Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8, Property: Approximately
75 Acres at Northwest corner of Katella Avenue and Walker Street with the Los
Alamitos Race Track and Golf Course Redevelopment Project Area.
At 5:35 p.m., the Mayor recessed the meeting.
7:00 P.M. SESSION:
The 7:00 p.m. session of the City Council meeting was called to order at 8:03 p.m. by
Mayor Sondhi.
PRESENT: Council Members Keenan, McGill, Piercy, Mayor Pro Tem McCoy, Mayor
Sondhi
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager, City Attorney, Director of Finance and
Administrative Services, Community Development Director, Chief of Police, Recreation
and Community Services Director, Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant Community
Development Director, Assistant City Engineer, City Clerk, Associate Planner, and
Deputy City Clerk.
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MAY 13, 2002
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Sondhi.
INVOCATION: The invocation was given by Pastor Jang Woo Lee, Miracle Land
Korean Baptist Church.
REPORT OF WORKSHOP AGENDA/CLOSED SESSION:
The Mayor asked for the report of the Closed Session Agenda items discussed earlier
in the evening.
The City Attorney stated the City Council, prior to going into Closed Session, decided to
move up the agenda item titled "Items From City Council Members" to the conclusion of
the Oral Communications at the beginning of the meeting. Due to the lateness of the
hour at the last two meetings, Council Members have been prevented from reporting to
the community on their various assignments and committee obligations.
The City Attorney reported that the Council met regarding Public Employee
Performance Evaluation, pursuant to Government Code Section 54957, Title: City
Manager. As a result of the performance evaluation, the City Council unanimously
directed the City Attorney to prepare certain amendments to the contract of
employment with the City Manager. These amendments will be brought back for formal
Council action at a later date.
The City Attorney reported that the Council met in a Joint Closed Session with the
Redevelopment Agency regarding Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation,
pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a), Cottonwood Christian Center v.
Redevelopment Agency of the City of Cypress, Case Number SA02-60, United States
District Court - Central District of California, Case Number 02CC01575, Orange County
Superior Court - Central Justice Center; Los Alamitos Race Course, Burlington
National Insurance Co., and Rolling A Ranch LLC v. Cypress Redevelopment Agency
and City of Cypress, Case Number 02CC00006, Orange County Superior Court - Civil
Division; and Los Alamitos Race Court, Burlington National Insurance Co., and Rolling
A Ranch LLC v. Cypress Redevelopment Agency, City of Cypress, All Persons
Interested in the Redevelopment Plan for the Los Alamitos Race Track and Golf Course
Redevelopment Project, and Does 1-25, Case Number 02CC00031, Orange County
Superior Court - Civil Division. A status report was provided regarding the ongoing
discovery and other matters in this case. The City and Redevelopment Agency today
filed definitive motions in both the Cottonwood Christian Center and Los Alamitos Race
Track litigations which, if successful, will dispose of all claims raised by Cottonwood and
Los Alamitos Race Track challenging the right of the City to engage in the Second
Amendment to the Los Alamitos Race Track and Golf Course Redevelopment Project
Area Plan.
The City Attorney reported that the Redevelopment Agency met regarding Conference
with Real Property Negotiators, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8,
Property: Approximately 75 Acres at Northwest corner of Katella Avenue and Walker
Street within the Los Alamitos Race Track and Golf Course Redevelopment Project
Area, Negotiating Party: Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Agency
Counsel, Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment. Agency staff and counsel
provided a comprehensive review of the status of negotiations with Cottonwood
Christian Center and the Los Alamitos Race Track property owners and reviewed the
terms and conditions being proposed by all parties. The Redevelopment Agency
directed staff to make a further offer to both Cottonwood Christian Center and Los
Alamitos Race Track for a possible negotiated resolution. The offer will be
communicated to legal counsel for both sides in writing within the next two business
days.
Mayor/Agency Chair Sondhi did not participate in the Cottonwood/Los Alamitos Race
Track Closed Session items due to her ownership of property in the project area.
No other action was taken in Closed Session, nor was any solicited.
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MAY 13, 2002
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: LIMITED TO ONE-HALF HOUR. (THREE MINUTES
PER SPEAKER, SPEAKING ONCE.)
Mayor Sondhi asked anyone who wished to speak on any topic not included on the
meeting Agenda to come forward.
Gary Ratzke, Cypress, spoke in support of the Costco development.
Michael Walter spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Pete Kinnahan, Cypress, spoke in support of the Costco development.
Pat Johnson, Bellflower, spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Mike Wilson, Whittier, spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Paul Russo, Hawaiian Gardens, spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Terry Jones spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Sharon Fikus, Cypress, spoke in support of the Costco development.
Elizabeth Saxby, Cypress, spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Brad Taylor, Los Alamitos, spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Scott Aanonson, Cypress, spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Tom Schulte, Irvine, spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Rhonda Cleland, Cypress, spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
Marcus Surjopolos, Cypress, spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center.
ITEMS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Mayor Sondhi requested reports from the Council Members on their respective
committee assignments.
Council Member Keenan:
Attended with Council Member McGill the graduation of Police Chief Hensley from the
Los Angeles Police Department West Point Academy. Attended an Orange County
Transportation Authority budget meeting where night owl service, Measure M funding
for cities, and bus rapid transit was discussed.
Mayor Pro Tem McCoy:
Commended the Chief of Police and the Police Department for the Open House held
on May 11,2002.
Council Member Piercy:
Attended an Orange County Library Board meeting where budget issues were
discussed. Attended a California Association of Sanitary Agencies conference. Stated a
special meeting will be held at the O.C. Sanitation District where conclusions about the
outfall issue will be presented.
Council Member McGill:
Attended an O.C. Fire Authority Board meeting where the reorganization of the reserve
structure and retirement proposals were discussed. Attended the 30th Anniversary of
the Miracle Land Korean Baptist Church.
Mayor Sondhi:
Stated the Cypress Senior Center will be holding a Step Out for Senior Center Walk,
volunteer recognition lunch, and a Senior Prom in recognition of National Senior Center
Week.
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191
MAY 13, 2002
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7:00 P.M. (PUBLIC COMMENTS RESTRICTED TO TEN
MINUTES PER SPEAKER, UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE CITY COUNCIL).
Item No. 1: PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO.
2002-03, A REQUEST TO CONSTRUCT A 21515 SQUARE FOOT EL POLLO LOCO
DRIVE-THRU FAST FOOD RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 5959 CERRITOS AVENUE
WITHIN THE CG COMMERCIAL GENERAL ZONE.
The Associate Planner provided background information on this item.
Mayor Sondhi asked if there would be access from the restaurant to the development
on the west.
The Associate Planner stated access would only be to the development on the east.
The applicant, Lorenzo Reyes, representing El Pollo Loco, stated they have gone
through a development process with the neighbors and have taken their considerations
and suggestions into consideration for the plan that is presented.
Council Member Keenan asked if all of the conditions for the development had been
evaluated by the applicant.
Mr. Reyes stated all of the conditions had been reviewed.
Council Member Keenan asked about the speaker portion of the drive-thru closing at
10:00 p.m. while the drive-thru remained open until midnight.
Mr. Reyes stated orders would be taken directly at the window.
The public hearing was opened.
Mayor Sondhi asked if there was anyone who wished to speak in favor of the item.
Mayor Sondhi asked if there was anyone who wished to speak against the item.
Terry and Laurie Wightman, Cypress, stated their property would be entirely affected by
the project. Their biggest concern is the loss of privacy and noise levels in their
backyard from the drive-thru.
Mr. Wightman stated he was concerned about the noise survey. He stated that the day
the noise level was measured, there were three fly-overs into Los Alamitos, which
would affect the base noise level. He also questioned the 15-foot setback and the
elevated berm.
The public hearing was closed.
Mr. Reyes stated that, in addition to the 15-foot setback, they are required to plant 24-
inch box trees. The restaurant building will be over 100 feet away from the rear property
line. The menu boards are state-of-the-art and are self-actuating, in that they adjust
themselves to be just high enough to the ambient noise. At night, the volume will be
lower. He stated El Pollo Loco is sensitive to being next to residential properties.
David Wieland, Wieland and Associates, stated the sound level meters have the ability
to be put on standby, which the technician did when she was out measuring noise
levels.
Mayor Pro Tem McCoy asked where the berm was located on the property.
The Associate Planner stated the berm would be on the south property line adjacent to
Cerritos.
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MAY 13, 2002
It was moved by Council Member McGill and seconded by Council Member Keenan, to
adopt the Resolution approving Conditional Use Permit No. 2002-03 - with conditions.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Keenan, McGill, Piercy, McCoy and Sondhi
COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
RESOLUTION NO. 5557
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS,
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2002-03 -
WITH CONDITIONS.
Item No. 2: PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 99-5, A REQUEST TO UPGRADE THE EXISTING
LIQUOR LICENSE TO ON-SALE GENERAL LIQUOR AT AN EXISTING
RESTAURANT, LOCATED AT 5721 LINCOLN AVENUE, (SUITE "C") IN THE PC
PLANNED COMMUNITY ZONE.
The Assistant Community Development Director provided background information on
this item.
A representative of the applicant, Young Sook Yi, stated the Korean population is
growing in Cypress and there are currently only two Korean restaurants in the City. The
owner would like to provide a variety of alcoholic beverages.
The public hearing was opened.
Mayor Sondhi asked if there was anyone who wished to speak in favor of the item.
Mayor Sondhi asked if there was anyone who wished to speak against the item.
The public hearing was closed.
It was moved by Council Member Keenan and seconded by Council Member Piercy, to
adopt the Resolution approving Amendment No. 2 to Conditional Use Permit No. 99-5 -
with conditions.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Keenan, McGill, Piercy, McCoy and Sondhi
COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
RESOLUTION NO. 5558
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS,
APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT NO. 99-5 - WITH CONDITIONS.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
All matters listed on the Agenda under "Consent Calendar" are to be considered by the
City Council to be routine and will be enacted by one motion approving the
recommendations listed on the Agenda.
Mayor Pro Tern McCoy requested Item No. 12 be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
Mayor Sondhi requested Item No. 8 be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MAY 13, 2002
193
Council Member Piemy stated she had made some corrections to the March 26, 2002
minutes.
It was moved by Council Member Piercy and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McCoy, to
approve Consent Calendar Items No. 3 through 7, 9 through 11, and 13 through 14,
with corrections to the March 26, 2002 minutes.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Keenan, McGill, Piercy, McCoy and Sondhi
0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
item No. 3: APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS OF
MARCH 26 AND APRIL 22, 2002.
Recommendation: That the City Council approve the Minutes of the Meetings of
March 26 and April 22, 2002, as corrected.
item No. 4: MOTION TO INTRODUCE AND/OR ADOPT ALL ORDINANCES AND
RESOLUTIONS PRESENTED FOR CONSIDERATION BY TITLE ONLY AND TO
WAIVE FURTHER READING.
Item No. 5: PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY, 2002, AS "NATIONAL
ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE CITY OF CYPRESS.
Recommendation: That the Mayor and City Council officially proclaim the month of
May, 2002, as "National Arthritis Awareness Month" in the City of Cypress.
Item No. 6: PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY, 2002, AS "NATIONAL MENTAL
HEALTH MONTH" IN THE CITY OF CYPRESS.
Recommendation: That the Mayor and City Council officially proclaim the month of
May, 2002, as "National Mental Health Month" in the City of Cypress.
Item No. 7: PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY, 2002, AS "WATER
AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE CITY OF CYPRESS.
Recommendation: That the Mayor and City Council officially proclaim the month of
May, 2002, as "Water Awareness Month" in the City of Cypress.
Item No. 9: ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING INSTALLATION OF RED
CURB AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE CYPRESS VILLAGE AREA.
Recommendation: That the City Council adopt the Resolution by title only, providing
for the installation of "No Parking Anytime" areas at various locations in the Cypress
Village area.
RESOLUTION NO. 5560
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS,
ESTABLISHING "NO PARKING ANYTIME" AREAS AT VARIOUS
LOCATIONS IN THE CYPRESS VILLAGE AREA.
ItemNo. 10: APPROVAL OF CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF CURB RAMPS ON LARWIN AVENUE, BETWEEN BALL ROAD
AND DENNI STREET, PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT NO. 2001-31.
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Approve a transfer of $10,750 from
Measure M Turnback Fund balance (Fund 39) to Gas Tax Fund (Fund 22), and
appropriate $10,750 into Account No. 4186-22-493-21; and 2) Approve Contract
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CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 2002
Change Order No. 1 to P.A. Engineering, 10112 Edgewood Lane, Garden Grove,
California 92840, for Public Works Project No. 2001-31, in the amount of $10,668.50.
Item No. 11: AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF POLICE
DEPARTMENT SHOOTING RANGE AND TRAINING FACILITY, PUBLIC WORKS
PROJECT NO. 2001-05.
Recommendation: That the City Council: 1) Approve an operating transfer, in the
amount of $497,000 from the Unreserved Balance of the General Fund to the Capital
Improvement Fund, and appropriate $497,000 into Account No. 4186-15-844-24; and 2)
Approve an operating transfer, in the amount of $10,000, from the fund balance of
Asset Forfeiture Fund 28 to Capital Improvement Project Fund for the purpose of
required consulting specialty inspection, and appropriate $10,000 into Account No.
4189-15-844-24; and 3) Determine the lowest responsible bidder for Public Works
Project No. 2001-05 to be JP LaBarge Construction Management; and 4) Award a
contract for Construction of Police Department Shooting Range and Training Facility to
JP LaBarge Construction Management, 305 E. 9th Street, Upland, California 91786, in
the amount of $740,000 (award amount of $680,188 plus 8% contingency).
Item No. 13: DONATION OF SURPLUS RADIO EQUIPMENT TO THE CYPRESS
COMMUNITY FESTIVAL COMMITTEE AND THE CYPRESS R.A.C.E.S. CLUB.
Recommendation: That the City Council authorize the donation of thirty-two (32) units
of surplus radios, twenty-two (22) radio batteries, and eleven (11) desktop chargers to
the Cypress Community Festival Committee and the Cypress R.A.C.E.S. Club to be
used for the Annual Cypress Community Festival, disaster preparedness, and other
special event purposes.
Item No. 14: APPROVAL OF COMMERCIAL WARRANT LIST FOR WARRANTS NO.
53600 THROUGH 54014.
Recommendation: Approve the attached warrant registers.
Reqardinq Item No. 8: CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION
SUPPORTING THE REASONABLE AIRPORT, PARK AND NATURE PRESERVF
INITIATIVE, Mayor Sondhi stated there continues to be discussion regarding this issue
and the air transportation needs in the County have not been resolved. This will be a
definitive Resolution of whether people are for or against an airport at El Toro and will
address many of the concerns about an airport at El Toro.
Council Member McGill stated this design calls for a less intrusive airport.
It was moved by Mayor Sondhi and seconded by Council Member McGill, that the City
Council adopt the Resolution by title only, supporting the Reasonable Airport Park and
Nature Preserve Initiative.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS:
Keenan, McGill, Piercy, McCoy and Sondhi
None
None
RESOLUTION NO. 5559
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS,
SUPPORTING THE REASONABLE AIRPORT, PARK AND NATURE
PRESERVE INITIATIVE.
ReqardinqltemNo. 12: AUTHORIZATION TO ADVANCE FUNDS FROM THF
2002-03 CITY BUDGET FOR THE PURCHASE OF SIGNAL EQUIPMENT FOR THF
LEXINGTON SCHOOL TRAFFIC SIGNAl, Mayor Pro Tem McCoy asked if the school
was on board with the project.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 13, 200~Z 95
The City Manager stated the City is working very closely with the school and that the
request for funds was being made now because of the long lead-time in getting the
equipment ordered and delivered for the project.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem McCoy and seconded by Council Member Piercy, that
the City Council: 1) Authorize advancement of funds from the 2002-03 City Budget for
the purchase of signal equipment for the Lexington School traffic signal; and 2)
Appropriate $30,000 from the fund balance of the Measure M Fund to Account No.
4186-39-448-22 for the purchase of this traffic signal equipment.
The motion was carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
4 COUNCILMEMBERS: McGill, Piercy, McCoy and Sondhi
0 COUNClLMEMBERS: None
0 COUNClLMEMBERS: None
1 COUNClLMEMBERS: Keenan
Council Member Keenan did not participate on this item due to the proximity of his
home to the project.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
ORDINANCES: (SECOND READING)
Item No. 15: SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CONTRACT
WITH THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO INCLUDE THF
PROVISIONS OF "3% @ 50" FORMULA AND FOURTH LEVEL OF 1959 SURVIVOR
BENEFITS.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem McCoy and seconded by Council Member McGill, to
adopt the Ordinance by title only, authorizing an Amendment to Contract Between the
Board of Administration of the California Public Employees' Retirement System and the
City of Cypress.
The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5
NOES: 0
ABSENT: 0
COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Keenan, McGill, Piercy, McCoy and Sondhi
None
None
ORDINANCE NO. 1024
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT BETWEEN
THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY OF CYPRESS.
The City Council meeting was recessed at 9:58 p.m.
The City Council meeting was reconvened at 10:08 p.m.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No items.
NEW BUSINESS
No items.
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MAY 13, 2002
RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT MATTERS: The Cypress City Council, Acting as
the Ex Officio Governing Board of Directors.
No items.
CYPRESS REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MATTERS: The Cypress City Council,
Acting as the Cypress Redevelopment Agency.
No items.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: For Matters Not on the Agenda.
The following individuals spoke regarding Cottonwood Christian Center:
Doris Troutman, Cypress
Dave Manz, Westminster
Ciye Malcuit, Cypress
Elizabeth Takahashi, Cypress
Matthew Allison, Anaheim
Gary Ratzke, Cypress
Scott Aanonson, Cypress
ITEMS FROM CITY MANAGER:
No items.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Sondhi adjourned the meeting at 10:32 p.m. to Monday, May
20, 2002, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Executive Board Room.
MAYOR ~HE CITY OF CYPRESS
ATTEST:
CLERK OF~"IE CITY OF CYPRESS