Minutes 85-04-15
321
MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF
THE CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL HELD
April 15, 1985
The adjourned regular meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at 7:40 p.m.,
on Monday, April 15, 1985, in the Assembly Room of the Cypress Community Center, 5700
Orange Avenue, Cypress, California, Mayor John Kanel presiding.
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Council Members Coronado, Partin and Kanel
Council Members Lacayo and Mullen
Also present were Darrell Essex, City Manager; and the following staff members: Public
Works Director Bob Beardsley; Planning Director Chris Eynon; and Sergeant John Schaefer.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mr. Essex led the Pledge to the Flag.
Mayor Kanel announced that the purpose of the public meeting was to gather input to assist
the Council in making a decision regarding the partially completed landscaped berm along the
County Flood Control Channel which separates the industrial park development south of
Katella Avenue from the residential areas north of Orangewood Avenue.
The Public Works Director presented a video presentation of the area, explaining that
ultimately the berm is planned to extend a full mile between Valley View and Knott Street; it
is to be eight feet high, occupy a width of thirty to thirty-five feet, be fully landscaped and
have an automatic sprinkler system. He further explained that approximately 35% of the
berm has already been completed by the Mitsubishi, Panasonic and Jean Ellen companies.
While Mitsubishi's portion is in a substantially completed condition, Panasonic estimates some
$13,000 is needed to repair its portion of the berm damaged by vandals. Staff has identified
the following three alternatives with regard to future handling of the landscaped berm issue:
1) Complete as originally planned. When complete, the berm would provide an aesthetically-
pleasing barrier over 15 feet high, if properly installed and maintained. However, the berm
seems to be an attractive nuisance to kids. Maintenance costs would be approximately
$40,000 per year; 2) Leave berm in place as center third of the buffer and extend wall/tree
conceptual plan prepared by Warland Development to run east and west to Knott and Valley
View Streets. This option would not eliminate the upkeep difficulties presented by the
existing berm but would keep the problem from expanding, and the total maintenance costs
would drop to approximately $30,000 per year; 3) Full Wall Concept would require removal of
the existing berm, thereby creating a continuous wall/tree barrier. However, it would be
expected that those developers who have already satisfied the berm requirement would
object to removing their portions and then paying the cost of constructing a new barrier. If
properly maintained the full wall concept would cost approximately $30,000 yearly to
maintain.
Mr. Gregg Martino, representing Mitsubishi, 1301 Dove Street, Newport Beach, expressed
opposition to the third alternative indicating that the berm was constructed as agreed and
Mitusubishi does not wish to see it removed.
Mr. Jim Jordan, Facility Operations Manager for Panasonic, concurred with Mr. Martino,
indicating that Panasonic wishes to maintain high standards for the property, however,
vandals have caused considerable damage to their berm and as expressed in the letter
submitted to the Public Works Department, indicated that Panasonic is willing to spend
$13,000 to improve the berm. Mr. Jordan continued by expressing his opinion that a
cooperative effort should be undertaken among the City, County and property owners to
maintain the access road, fences and berm. Mr. Jordan concluded by expressing support for
Alternative I, to continue as originally planned.
Mitch Trainy from the Cypress Land Company presented a proposal for the site of the future
developments to include shortening the present berm and installing an 8-foot high brick wall
covered with ivy.
Louis Finer, 6481 Cantiles Avenue, reported that 19 incidents of vandalism have occurred to
his home since August of 1984, including broken windows, guns shot at his house, and pipe
bombs exploding in the trees. Mr. Finer indicated that because of the elevated berm, the
view into the upstairs windows is direct. Mr. Finer added that he is very concerned for his
family's safety and suggested removal of access to that area as a possible solution. Mr. Finer
also distributed copies of a list of incidents that have occurred at this residence.
Councilman Partin expressed his opposition to the entire berm concept, explaining that he
Ci ty C~<Z I Minutes
Ap r i I 15, 19 85
has been against the idea since its inception, adding that it is an ideal location for crime.
Councilman Coronado expressed his concern for the protection of the residents and indicated
his support for the berm, adding that once completed and well-maintained, it will be
aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable for the property owners to the south as well as to the
north.
Mr. Finer suggested the installation of lighting along the berm to discourage vandals from
congregating in the existing dark area, adding that in the past he has found that vagrants stay
in the area all night.
Mr. Don Penprase, 11355 Orrs Court, indicated that many people use and enjoy the trail,
explaining that while the Mitsubishi landscaping appears beautiful and well-maintained, the
Panasonic berm is in poor shape, adding that he favors the berm to a wall because the trees
tend to absorb sound more efficiently.
Harold Diaz, 6121 Barbados Avenue, concurred that the Mitsubishi landscaping looks good but
that the Panasonic side needs work and added that the access road is in a very poor condition.
Mr. Diaz expressed his support for the full berm if the fencing is improved, the road
maintained and the jogging trail moved to the north.
In reponse to a question, Mr. Beardsley reported that the maintenance of the northerly access
road is the responsiblity of the property owners to the north.
Mr. Lloyd Hexem, 6171 Barbados Avenue, spoke in support of the removal of the jogging
trail, thereby reducing the theft and vandelism presently occurring to the homeowners
backing the trail, the installation of a strong fence on both sides of the Channel, and the
addition of lighting.
Mr. Peter Woodington, 6325 San Andreas Avenue, indicated that he frequently uses the trail
and enjoys the site of the berm, adding that the maintenance costs are comparable for the
three alternatives, therefore he stated his support for the full berm alternative.
Mr. Mike Hippler, 6271 Barbados Avenue, suggested that the City maintain and patrol the
area and allocate the cost to the property owners to the north, adding his support for the
berm as an attractive buffer between the two zones. Mr. Hippler reported that numerous
burglaries have occurred in the daylight to working homeowners who do not own dogs, adding
his agreement to the relocation of the trail to the north and the installation of lighting.
Discussion continued regarding access across the channel if the trail is moved. Mr. Beardsley
indicated that the cost of the relocation of the trail would be the responsibility of the City,
and further explained that if it is moved the only access would be at Valley View and Knott
Streets, thereby creating potential safety problems.
Mr. Martino explained that Mitsubishi is concerned about the homeowners and does employ a
security guard to partol the area from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and added that the numerous
problems will be investigated in an attempt to alleviate the concerns.
Mayor Kanel suggested the possibility of distributing questionnaires to the area residents to
enable them to express their concerns and opinions.
Mr. Essex indicated that staff would like 30 days to look at the alternatives and the input
received, and to allow Council members Lacayo and Mullen to listen to the tapes of this
meeting, and therefore suggested calendaring this item for the May 28th Council meeting for
consideration but not final action.
ADJOURNMENT: At 9:15 p.m., it was moved by Councilman Partin and seconded by
Councilman Coronado to adjourn the meeting.
F CYPRESS
ATTEST:
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