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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 71-02-16MINUTES OF AN ADJOUI~ED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL HELD February 16, 1971 The adjourned regular meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at 7:05 p.m., on Tuesday, February 16, 1971, in the City Council Chambers, 5275 Orange Avenue, Cypress, California, Mayor John Kanel presiding. PlYSENT: Councilmn Harvey, Kenode, Lacayo and Kanel ABSENT: Councilman Roberrs Also present were City Manager/City Clerk Darts11 Essex, Deputy City Attorney John Murphy and the following me~ers of the City Staff: Dunlap, Poetthat, Grissom. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: At the request of Mayor Kenel, Councilman Lacayo led the City Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. ORAL COl~13NICATIONS: There were no oral communications presented at this time. COUNCILMAN ROBERTS ARRIVED AT 7:07 P .M., AND TOOK HIS PLACE ON THE PODIUM. CONSIDERATION OF REPORT ON ESTABLISHMENT OF SPHERES OF INFLUENCE OF ORANGE dOUNTY CITIES: The City Manager stated t~at the 'Staff reviewed' the criteria which had been suggested by the Local Agency Formation Commission, to establish spheres of influence, and felt that the criteria was appropriate for use as a guideline for the City of Cypress. At the request of the City Manager, the Secretary to the Planning Commission displayed a map showing the City's sphere of ~ influence. In answer to an inquiry from Councilman Harvey, the City Manager indicated that if approved by the City Council, the City would send the map to the Local Agency Formation Commission. It was moved by Councilman Harvey and seconded by Councilman Kenode to direct the Staff to transmit the map, showing the City's sphere of influence, to the Local Agency Formation Commission. In answer to an inquiry from Councilman Baberts, the City Manager stated that all of the cities adjoining Cypress, would probably concur that th~s is the City's sphere of influence. He further stated that if this map were to be approved, it would cover all of the County unincorporated area between the City of Cypress~ boundaries and the surrounding Cities boundaries. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: 5 COUNCILMEN: NOES: 0 COUNCILMEN: ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEN: Harvey, Kenode, Lacayo, Roberrs and Kenel None None C~NTINUATION OF CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A I~C.R~..~TIO.,N.AND PA~K COI~[iSSION: The City Manager indicated that he had had several ~etings with the Recreation and Park Director, relative to this matter, and he had indicated that perhaps the City Council might wish to consider, in terms of appointees, a youth representative to the Commission. The City Manager indicated that Mr. Bryant, Recreation and Park Director, also expressed concern in terms of the budget review functions of the Commission. City Comcil Minutes February 16, 1971 In response to an inquiry from Mayor K~nel, Mr. Charles Bryant addressed the City Co~mcil stating that in talking with Directors of other Recreation and Park Districts, it was the general feeling that when members of such a Co~-,~ssion are appointed at large, there is mere apt to be a better representation of the coinunity, and suggested that perhaps by advertising, the appointments to the Commission could come from the applications which would then be received. Councilman Harvey indicated that the mest objective way in which to arrive at the membership of a Commission, is to publicly advertise for applicants for the position and to then conduct interviews, which is the same manner in which appointments to the Planning Conmission are conducted. Councilman Harvey indicated that he would also be in favor of a youth representative on the Commission. Discussion was held relative to appointing a youth representative to the Co~m4ssion, and as to whether or not legal requirements would prohibit a minor from voting. Councilman Lacayo expressed concern as to whether a young representative would compare with an adult member of the Commission in assuming responsibility. It was the general consensus of the City Council that should there be a teen rep- resentative, he should serve on the Commission in a non-voting capacity. Councilman Lacayo indicated that he would be in favor of selecting applicants through advertising, which would give all of the citizens of the community an opportunity to apply for a position; however, 'each Councilman should be given the opportunity tD make an appointment from these applicants. Councilman Kanode stated that he felt that the appointments should be conducted in a similar manner as are the appointments to the Planning Commission, with advertising and interviews, and then suggested that perhaps one seat on the Commission could remain vacant, to be filled by a resident of the County later, at such time as the Council becomes the governing body of the District. Councilman Roberrs stated that he felt the County should have a representative on the Commission from the beginning, and would be totally opposed to excluding the County at this time. Councilman Roberrs expressed agreement with Councilman Lacayo, stating that from a list of those who have made application to serve on the Commission, a Councilmen should be allowed to select a representative to the Commission. Councilman Rob errs indicated that the Commission should review the Recreation end Park budget. Following discussion, Mayor Kanel suggested that perhaps the Council might wish to continue the consideration of this matter in order to allow an opportunity for both he and the City Manager to review the various comments which had been presented this evening, and to re-draft an Ordinance which would include suggestions by the Councilmen. It was moved by Councilmare Kanode, seconded by Councilrash Harvey and unanimously carried to continue this item, along with Item No. 2 on the agenda, relative to recommended names for City parks, to the regular meeting of the City Council scheduled to be held on February 22, 1971. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE TOWNSCAPE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN: The Mayor announced this was the time and place for the Public Hearing to consider the adoption of the Townscape Element of the General Plan of the City of Cypress, initiated by the Cypress Planning Commission. The Mayor declared the Public Hearing open, and requested the Staff to present its report. The City Manager presented a report dated February 10, 1971, which indicated the affidavits of posting end publication are on file in the office of the City Clerk, end that no communications have been received in regard to this matter. The -2 - City Council Minutes February 16, 1971 report advised that the Planning Commission, at its Public Hearing, recommended adoption of the Townscape/Urban Design/Open Space Element. At the request of the City Manager, the Secretary to the Planning Commission stated that in adopting an element of the General Plan, the Council is considering a guide for the City to follow. He stated that by adopting the Townscape Element of the General Plan, the City Council would, in essence, be adopting a concept. The City Manager stated that although it won't be officially considered at this evening~s meeting, he would like to add that the State law now has a provision requiring each city to adopt a Conservation Element of a General Plan in order to qualify for Federal monies. He then stated that the Townscape Element of the General Plan covers all of the criteria which the State has suggested for a conservation element; therefore, the City in the near future will be publishing new Public Hearings before Both the Planning Conmission and City Council to consider the adoption of this particular element as a conservation element in addition to being the Townscape and Urban Design Element. In answer to an inquiry from Councilman Roberrs, the Secretary to the Planning Commission indicated that the final report, after the combination of the new Public Hearings, would then have the title "Townscape and Conservation Element." Mayor Kanel then introduced Mrs. Royce Neuschatz, who presented slides of various scenes throughout the City, and reviewed in detail, the Townscape Element study which had been conducted by the consultants from the firm of Eckbo, Dean, Austin and Williams. Following the slide presentation, a question and answer period ensued. In answer to inquiries from Councilman Roberrs, Mrs. Neuechatz stated that it was the feeling of the consultants, that by creating an environment on Lincoln Avenue, property values would increase° She stated that the plan for Lincoln Avenue was not a land-use plan, but rather, a concept of the type of uses which could be anticipated on Lincoln Avenue° Mrs~ Neuschatz further stated that it was proposed in the plan, that the street tree program be developed over a five-year period~ She indicated that the program does need a time dimension, but felt that it could be implemented gradually. Councilman Lacayo expressed concern that the plan may be too idealistic and not really practical, and further questioned the implementation of the plan as presented. Mrs. Neuechatz then indicated that the assistance of an urban designer should Be utilized, and that perhaps public and private organizations would be willing to contribute insofar as the implementation is concerned° Councilman Harvey indicated that he felt the recommaendation of an urban design consultant has some merit, and that if a group in the conmanity were to set an example relative to various programs to implement the plan, other groups would follow. Councilman Harvey stated that he felt that the City does have to look with a vision, to the future. Coancilman Kenode stated that Lincoln Avenue is a special problem, and that the City will have to concern itself with the types of businesses that go into that area within the next twenty-five years. Councilman Kenode than stated that perhaps Katella Avenue would need additional attention, as many persons travel on that street while driving to and from the Los Alamitos Race Track. Councilman Kenode stated that he did approve of the general concept. Considerable discussion was held regarding the implementation of the concept on Lincoln Avenue, with specific reference to the need for appropriate signing for the businesses which will be located on Lincoln Avenue, in order to compete with signing which might be authorized in the adjacent communities on Lincoln Aven,ue. Councilman Harvey suggested the possibility of a uniform sign program for all cities, along Lincoln Avenue° - 3- City Council Minutes February 16, 1971 RECESS: Mayor Kanel declared a recess at 9:12 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 9:25 p.m., with all Councilmen present. At the request of Comcilman Roberrs, the Vice-Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mrs. Vickie Evans, addressed the Council relating various ideas which had been expressed by the Planning Commlission during its Public Hearing relative to this matter. Mrs. Evans indicated that o~e of the main points of contention among the Planning Connission was the architectural review portion of the plan. She further indicated that it was felt that at the time that the various proposals were to be implemented, proper amendments could be made, if desired. She stated that the Commission adopted the written report in concept, only. When asked if there was anyone in the audience wishing to speak either in favor or in opposition to the adoption of the proposed Townscape and Urban Design Element, Mr. Jess Harrelson, 5350 Cumberland Drive, Cypress, addressed the Council expressing concern regarding the proposal for Lincoln Avenue. He stated that he did not see why 50 additional feet were needed for landscaping on either side of the street. Further discussion was held regarding the implementation of the program, and in reply to an inquiry from Councilma~ Harvey, the City Manager indicated that the implementation could take several forms. He stated that the Planning Con~nission did forward a list of priorities, and that the main concern will be in the allocation and availability of funds. The City ManeMar stated that the Staff has been aware of the plan concepts, and in some instances have attempted to implement the concept in certain areas o He stated that there may be Ordinances which the City Council might wish to consider, perhaps along with certain bond issues. The City Manager indicated that the City Staff has worked with the high school and Junior high school in their planning stages, and stated that the City Council might wish to guide the Staff in terms of the approaches to make to the Los Alamitos Race Course, Foreet Lawn, and the Texaco tank farm in working together for the better- ment of the communityo Councilman Lacayo stated that he felt that a citizens' committee should be formed which would establish priorities and follow through with the implementation of the program. The Deputy City Attorney advised that under the State Planning Act, the Planning Consnission has a major responsibility in this field; however, a citizens' commission might work directly with the Planning Commission regarding the implementation° Following discussion, the Mayor declared the Public Rearing closed~ It was moved by Councilman Harvey and seconded by Councilman Kenode to adopt the following Resolution by title only, title as follows: RESOLUTION NOo 1149 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CYPRESS ADOPTING THE TOWNSCAPE/URBAN DESIGN/OPEN SPACE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN FOR THE CITY OF CYPRESS. The motion was unanimously carried by the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 5 COUNCILMEN: 0 COUNCILMEN: 0 COUNCILMEN: Harvey, Kenode, Lacayo, RObarts and Kanel None None It was moved by Councilman Kenode, seconded by Councilman Harvey and ananimouely carried to request the City Manager to contact Texaco, Inc. relative to their cooperation with the implementation of the Orange Avenue phase of the program on the tank farm property. -4- City Co~mcil M/nutes February 16, 1971 EXECUTIVE SESSION: At the request of the City Manager, it was moved by Mayor Kanel, seconded by Councilman Robarts and unanimously carried to go into an Executive Session at 10:00 p.m., to discuss a matter of personnel and litigation° The meeting was called back to order at 10:17 p.m~, with all Councilmen present. Upon the advice of the City Attorney, it was moved by Councilmen Robarts, seconded by Councilman Lacayo and unanimously carried to place on the agerids at this time, a matter concerning the litigation involving the City of Cypress and the Cypress County Water District. It was moved by Councilman Roberrs, seconded by Councilman Lacayo and unanimously carried that the City Attorney be authorized to assume the responsibility for the legal defense for the members of the City Council and Staff who have been served as defendents in litigation involving the Cypress County Water District and certain of lts members vso the City of Cypress and its officers o ADJOLrRNMENT: It was moved by Councilma~ Kenode, seconded by Councilman Harvey and unanimously carried to adjourn at 10:20 p.m. ATTEST: · ~ ~j~//~'/~w/u~.] CITY ~LEI~'0i~ T~E CITFZ OF CYPRE'SS -5 -