The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR NOLL
VICE MAYOR WARD
COUNCIL MEMBER FORESTER
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
NONE
COUNCIL ADOPTS RESOLUTION NO. 2003- 5320. 07-APPROVING NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO. 5/ 03(13/). RELATIVE TO AN URGENCY INTERIM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL.
CALIFORNIA. ESTABLISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ADULT ORIENTED BUSINESSES AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF: AND ADOPTS URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2003- 1320: 07-ESTABLISHING RULES AND
REGULATIONS FOR ADULT ORIENTED BUSINESS AND DECLARING THE
URGENCY THEREOF
The City Clerk read the form of notice.
The Director of Community Development presented the staff report.
Mayor Noll opened the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. He invited anyone wishing to speak on this matter to come forward. There being none, Mayor Noll closed the public hearing at 7:53 p.m.
The City Attorney read title of Resolution No. 2003- 5320, 07-entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING NEGATIVE
DECLARATION NO. 5/ 03(13/), RELATIVE TO AN URGENCY
INTERIM ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING RULES AND
REGULATIONS FOR ADULT ORIENTED BUSINESSES AND
DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF
It was moved by Council Member Wilson, and seconded by Vice Mayor Ward to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2003- 5320. 07- 4 The following vote resulted:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
MAYOR NOLL
VICE MAYOR WARD
COUNCIL MEMBER FORESTER
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
NONE
COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
NONE
The City Attorney read title of Urgency Ordinance No. 2003- 1320, 07-entitled:
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING RULES
AND REGULATIONS FOR ADULT ORIENTED BUSINESSES
AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF
It was moved by Council Member Wilson, and seconded by Vice Mayor Ward to waive further reading and adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 2003- 1320. 07- The following vote resulted:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
MAYOR NOLL
VICE MAYOR WARD
COUNCIL MEMBER FORESTER
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
NONE
COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
NONE
CITY MANAGER'SREPORTS
COUNCIL HOLDS A PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON VIEW PROTECTION, LEGAL
ENFORCEMENT AND MORATORIUM ISSUES
The City Manager presented the staff report.
Mayor Noll opened the floor for discussion at8: m. 10p
5 Marv Oliphant. Sianal Hill, stated she understands the process much better now,
Mel Pinkham. Sianal Hill, stated he appreciates what the City has done, but will keep a watch on what happens next.
Ed Faiardo, Sianal Hill, stated he felt view protection ordinance favors existing residents.
Jerry Gross. Lona Beach, stated he was a prospective homebuilder, supporting the existing ordinance.
Danny Rav, Sianal Hill, stated he was against the moratorium.
Dorothv Odenheimer. Sianal Hill, stated she was willing to work with the City on a compromise instead of a moratorium.
Mike Folev. Sianal Hill, owns a project at 2230 Molino Ave., supports existing system and is against the moratorium request.
Peaav Owen. Sianal Hill, stated her concerns with the Council's interpretation of the view protection ordinance.
Louis Dare. Sianal Hill, stated he felt the existing ordinance is very clear on view protection, it just needs to be followed.
Scott Wilcox. Sianal Hill, commented on the impacts to the hilltop area.
Thien Ta. Sianal Hill, stated he owns the lot next to Mike Foley and is against any moratorium.
Robert Lee, Lona Beach, stated he was opposed to the moratorium concept.
John Rees. Torrance, stated he opposed the moratorium.
Jodv Weikal. Sianal Hill, suggested there are different ways to deal with hilltop view issues.
Tom Shollin. Hilltop. LLC. Sianal Hill, stated he was unable to contact some of the people who had purchased property. He supports the workshop idea as a way to get the information out there about the view protection ordinance.
Georae Papadakis. Lona Beach, stated he was opposed to the moratorium and supported the workshop concept.
6 Kim Emery. Sianal Hill, opposed to the moratorium, but was in support of the workshop concept.
Jav Feinbera, Sianal Hill, stated he was representing owners of 2055-75 Freeman Avenue, and that he felt the existing procedures work.
Gloria Marin. Lona Beach, representing the Renaissance Group, commented on the lack of notice for this issue, stated she was opposed to the moratorium.
Richard Corrinaton, Sianal Hill, stated the construction on the Q lots was Impacting his property and that he had filed a complaint with the EPA regarding soil Issues.
Loren Miller. Lona Beach, stated he felt the Planning Department did a comprehensive job when working with prospective builders.
Bill Mever. Torrance, stated he was opposed to the moratorium.
Mayor Noll closed the floor to comments at 8:50 p.m. He then thanked everyone for their comments.
Council Member Wilson thanked everyone for their comments and stated he feels the process works, balancing protection of existing views with new development.
Vice Mayor Ward stated she was against any kind of moratorium and supports having a community workshop.
Council Member Forester stated he was also against a moratorium and it was his belief that the Planning Commission process works. He also supports a community workshop.
Mayor Noll agreed the Planning Commission process works and that he fully supports a community workshop to address these issues.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Ward, and seconded by Council Member Forester to hold a joint Community Workshop with the Planning Commission on July 29th in the Community Center at 6:30 p.m. to discuss view protection issues.
The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR NOLL
VICE MAYOR WARD
COUNCIL MEMBER FORESTER
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
NOES: NONE
7 The following vote resulted:
AYES: CHAIR NOLL
VICE CHAIR WARD
MR. FORESTER
MR. WILSON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MS. HANSEN
ABSTAIN: NONE
Chair Noll adjourned the Public Financing Agency at 9:28 p.m.
CHAIR WILSON RECESSES THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AT 9:28 P.M.
COUNCIL SELECTS SEPTEMBER 27, 2003. FROM NOON TO 2:30 P.M. FOR DISCOVERY WELL PARK DEDICATION: APPROVES THE HOURS OF OPERATION
AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WITH PARK GATES TO CLOSE AT 9 P.M.: AND APPROVES RENTAL USAGE OF FACILITIES TO BE LIMITED TO "RESIDENTS ONLY" FOR THE FIRST YEAR TO
ALLOW FOR REVIEW OF PARKING AND FACILITY USAGE ISSUES
The Director of Community Services presented the staff report.
Denise Damrow, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, responded to questions.
It was decided to hold the Discovery Well Park dedication on September 27, 2003 from noon to 2:30 p.m. and approve the hours of operation as recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission with park gates to close at 9 p.m.; and approve rental usage of facilities to be limited to "residents only" for the first year to allow for review of parking and facility usage issues, but limiting "no-fee" HOA meetings to two per year, per group. The Commission will review after three months and recommend revisions as appropriate.
COUNCIL APPROVES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CLOSE THE SIGNAL HILL SKATE PARK AND DONATE THE EQUIPMENT TO THE CITY OF LONG BEACH PARKS. RECREATION AND
MARINE DEPARTMENT
The Director of Community Services presented the staff report.
Council Member Wilson indicated he would be voting against this item, as he believes the City needs to have a skate park for the kids. 11 14) Siqnal Hill Seweraqe Facilities Aqreement with the Los Anqeles Countv Sanitation District
15)
16)
17\
Summary: The Los Angeles County Sanitation District has agreed to take ownership of the City's existing sewer facilities. An Agreement has been prepared to establish the terms and conditions of the sewer facility acquisition.
Through this acquisition, the City will be relieved of sewer system maintenance and operation costs saving the City up to $300,000 annually.
Recommendations: 1) Authorize the Mayor to execute an Agreement between the City of Signal Hill and County Sanitation District No. 29 of Los Angeles County, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute Exhibits D (Bill of Sale) and E ( Quitclaim Deed) of the Agreement.
Settlement Aqreement and Release Between the Citv of Siqnal Hill and Chevron Pipe Line Companv
Summary: Pipeline removal is a component of the Spring Street Widening Project. The execution of a Settlement Agreement and Release with Chevron Pipe Line Company is needed to resolve easement related issues and establish the method of payment for removal of existing Chevron pipelines.
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Settlement Agreement and Release between the City of Signal Hill and Chevron Pipe Line Company In a form approved by the City Attorney.
Approval of Final Tract Map No. 53228
Summary: Hilltop LLC, on behalf of the Signal Hill Company, is requesting approval of Final Tract Map No. 53228. This map covers the area known as Promontory West. Staff has determined that the final tract map substantially conforms to the approved tentative map and meets the City's conditions of approval required to receive final tract map approval.
Recommendation: Approve Final Tract Map No. 53228.
Resolution Establishinq Health Benefits
Summary: The City has recently been informed that all part-time employees who are enrolled in PERS may be eligible for health benefits through CaIPERS. This resolution will define the employer contribution rate for health benefits for full-time employees and part-time employees.
13 Recommendation: Waive further reading and adopt a resolution repealing Resolution No. 2003- 5297, 05-and fixing the employer's contribution under the
Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act.
18) Claim for Damaqes
Summary: The City has received a claim for damages from Richard Eugene Kohn.
Recommendation: Deny the claim of Richard Eugene Kohn.
19) Warrant Reqister Dated July 8. 2003
Summary: The Warrant Register is a listing of all general checks issued since the prior warrant register and warrants to be released upon City Council approval.
Recommendation: Authorize payment of Warrant Register dated July 8, 2003. 20) Minutes of the Followinq Meetinq(s)
Regular Meeting of June 24, 2003.
Recommendation: Approve.
Item No. 17 was pulled by David Frick, Signal Hill, for discussion.
It was moved by Council Member Forester, and seconded by Council Member Wilson to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 13 through 16 and 18 through 20, exclusive of Item No. 17.
The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR NOLL
VICE MAYOR WARD
COUNCIL MEMBER FORESTER
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
ABSTAIN: NONE
14 COUNCIL APPROVES CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 17 - RESOLUTION
ESTABLISHING HEALTH BENEFITS
David Frick, Signal Hill, pulled this item, stating he felt it should have been listed under City Manager'sReports, as it impacts the City budget.
The City Manager presented the staff report.
The City Attorney read title of Resolution No. 2003- 5322, 07-entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING RESOLUTION NO.
2003- 5297, 05-AND FIXING THE EMPLOYER'S CONTRIBUTION
UNDER THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' MEDICAL AND HOSPITAL
CARE ACT
It was moved by Council Member Forester and seconded by Vice Mayor Ward to waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2003- 5322. 07- The following vote resulted:
AYES: MAYOR NOLL
VICE MAYOR WARD
COUNCIL MEMBER FORESTER
COUNCIL MEMBER WILSON
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER HANSEN
ABSTAIN: NONE
COUNCIL NEW BUSINESS
Council Member Wilson requested a review of park operating hours for winter and summer.
Council Member Wilson asked for a status report on the installation of the illuminated crosswalk.
The Public Works Director responded to his questions.
15 Richard Kaump
2254 Gaviota #32
Signal Hill, CA 90755
June 24, 2003
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
City of Signal Hill
2175 Cherry Ave
Signal Hill, CA 90755
Subject: Fire Service Options
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:
As a resident of the City of Signal Hill for the past 5 years, I have been pleased with the City's positive direction in supporting high-level public safety services for our community. However, the recent recommendations submitted by the City's subcommittee assigned to study this issue greatly disturbs me.
Their recommendation to change our fire protection and paramedic services to the Los Angeles County Fire Department may significantly reduce and negatively impact the emergency response times to fires and life-threatening medical events that occur In Signal Hill.
As previous program manager for paramedic and ambulance services for a publicsafety fire agency, I was responsible for developing methods to gauge and review the fire department'sresponse time performance to fires and medical emergencies.
I was also assigned as project manager to write and develop proposals for fire suppression, paramedic, and ambulance services to our neighboring cities. During the past 20 years I have developed strategies to measure response time performance by fire departments to assess which deployment model best serves a local community
At various stages of my career, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with members of the Long Beach and Los Angeles County Fire Departments. Both organizations are excellent and are dedicated to providing the best services possible to the communities they serve. The recommendations made in this correspondence relate solely on the ability of which department is best positioned with resources to provide acceptable and timely response into the City of Signal Hill.
Richard Kaump - Signal Hill Fire Service Options Page 1 Based on my past experience and my concern of movinq too quickly without adequate study and community input. I ask the Siqnal Hill City Council to postpone its decision until more information can be made available to Council Members. community residents. and businesses.
The basis of this recommendation is as follows:
Response Data Needed: A study of the actual response time performance as provided by the Long Beach Fire Department should be obtained and reviewed. I am aware the Long Beach Fire Department recently acquired analysis and modeling software that can graphically display their response time performance on a map, block by block, so true response time comparisons can be made But as stated in their report to the City, it is not yet operational
This same software enables the department to provide "what-if' comparisons so changes in station location, response plans, and reconfiguration of resources can be compared using past data. This will be extremely important to develop so our decision makers can view the impacts of deleting the closer Long Beach Fire stations from the City's emergency response resources.
2. Reduction of Immediate Resources: The Los Anqeles County Fire Aqreement would reduce immediate resources by 83%. Without benefit of the software, I have calculated the availability of fire stations using a commercially available mapping program to calculate various distances of fire stations from City Hall. The data comparing the closest and immediately available fire stations for each of the two proposals are represented below.
Distance T-Long Beach.
r
Lo
Fire Stations' County
s Angeles % Change
Fire Stations' Increase or (Decrease) in
Immediate Resources
1 ( 67%)
2 ( 85%)
4 ( 83%)
f3 ---+--
Includes the Signal
t~
Hill Fire Station
One of the key determinants in providing quality fire protection and paramedic services is delivering the appropriate resources of people and equipment to the scene of an emergency in the least amount of time. Although the Los Angeles County Fire Department has a great number of resources, the location, availability and deliverability of those resources in a timely manner are the concerns raised here These changes in service levels need more study and community input.
15 Miles
3 Miles
5 Miles
Richard Kaump - Signal Hill Fire Service Options Page 2 Using the same commercial software as above, calculation of travel times were made Although emergency response times can vary due to time of day, traffic, ready time, and other factors, the data below shows comparative time using a fixed travel speed for all stations.
t.O. is. a e.. ,-... '. t"nc...-.1m,T.
ravel
Tim.e.. . ..- .- i.' on Beach Stations
f
1_", llileJ'Radius Less than2l\' t..-
1inute~-0-
ß~~~~~s~-s~~
3 j ~;
Count Fire
Stations
1 2
4Since only one Los Angeles County Fire Station would belocated within the1,5mile radius, two stations within the3-mile radius, and only 4 stations within the 5miles radius, itbecomes apparent that overall response times will likely increase as units must travel greater distances toarrive on scene ofemergency
incidents. 3. Single Engine Deployment Within Signal Hill. Increased travel times required torespond toemergencies in Signal Hill cannot be sufficiently mitigated by maintaining asingleparamedic-assessment engine company within the City
limits This station and its equipment are part ofasystem inwhich additional resources must be called upon toprovide timely service. Back-up services when the engine is busy, intraining, or outof service must be addressed. This isespecially important during structure fireresponses, multiple incidents occurring simultaneously, and multiple victim incidents where 2 or more persons require immediate treatment. The need for additional immediate resources is
critical 4. Second, Third, And Forth InUnit Response Times Are Equally Important As First InResponse Times. The amount of time needed to provide adequate resources at the scene of structure fires, heavy rescues, and hazardous material incidents is dependent upon the location and travel time of theresources required. Simply put, replacing resources now available within a3-mile radius of the City with fewer units further away will increase thelikelihood ofanegative outcome; i.e. loss of life, greater fire spread, and Increased financial
loss.Location and number of available fire stations, typesofequipment stationed, and thenumbers ofpersonnel assigned to that equipment are Interdependent. Separating Station 27 and its existing resources from the Long Beach FireDepartment'spreplanned response network and decreasing staffing levels canSERIOUSLY disrupt response capabilities and increase risk tofirefighters and the
public.
0- -~- Richard Kaump .. Signal Hill Fire Service Options Page 5 Why Response Times Are Important: Both medical aid and fire incidents require fast response times to save lives and preserve property. The speed in which these services are delivered should be the basis of deciding the best response plan and which agency is best located to provide the resources in the most rapid manner
During cardiac arrest, irreversible brain damage can occur after five minutes without CPR
A person'schance of survival decreases 7% for every minute it takes to shock a fibrillating heart
A fire can double in size every 30 seconds until sufficient water and resources are applied to the fire
New firefighter safety regulations (NFPA Standard 1710) requires at least four firefighters be at scene before entering a building fire or other hazardous area unless a rescue is needed.
Longer response times of equipment and adequate personnel to the scene of an emergency may place firefighters and those in need of assistance at greater risk.
6. Public Safety Commitment: I understand the City's
General Fund has not
been directly paying for fire and paramedic services. These funds are obtained through a three party agreement where taxes collected by the Los Angeles County Fire Department are paid to Long Beach Fire Department to provide services within Signal Hill.
Long Beach Fire Department stated in their May 12, 2003 letter that new costs now make it impossible to continue to deliver the same service level as previously provided unless the City of Signal Hill pays a subsidy. It appears this is the first request for a subsidy since the contract was implemented 16 years ago and to date, the City has not had to pay additional costs from their General Fund for fire and paramedic services.
Since the residents and business are paying for the services through county taxes, I have used the police department'sbudget to see if Long Beach's request is somehow out- lineof-with current conditions. The chart below shows the budget for the Signal Hill Police Department for two comparative years to determine if the percentage increase requested by Long Beach is unreasonable.
Signal Hill Police Department
Ye~==- I
Budgeted Amount # Personnel
1993-94 1$485,3, 600 +-- 42
2- 04003-=-ܧ, 74Q,900 - ,;,--- 46
n______- ---
Richard Kaump - Signal Hill Fire Service Options Page 4 It appears the additional $27,505 per month increase (or $330,060 annually) is comparable to the increase provided to the police department. The additional $330,060 requested is 29% above the fire assessment district's payment to Long Beach and less than the 39% increase provided to the Police Department. During this time, public safety positions and resources for the Police Department were increased, not decreased, when compared to the Los Angeles County Fire Department proposal.
7. Budget Considerations: I wish to compliment the Council and City Staff for their strong fiscal foresight in maintaining such healthy reserve balances. But I am concerned that with such healthy reserves of $3,931 ,393 (28%) of General Fund revenues projected at the end of Fiscal Year 2003-04 and an additional reserve fund for Economic Uncertainties of $1, 869 ( 471,10.5 %) of the General Fund revenues, we are sacrificinq responsive fire protection and paramedic services for fear of reducinq reserve fund balances. It appears the City is well positioned to handle the increase needed for police and fire services without reductions in service levels and the increase proposed is consistent with maintaining strong public-safety programs.
Summary
Based on the information I have presented in this letter, I request the Signal Hill City Council maintain their strong commitment to public safety and at a minimum, support further study of the issues presented here. I understand the Council is pressed to make a decision to meet certain Los Angeles County Fire Department deadlines.
However, It appears sufficient funds can be made available within the General Fund to offset this cost increase required by Long Beach. If we continue with the Long Beach Fire Department agreement, we retain the option to cancel the contract with 6 months notice This should give the city enough time to fully address the issues of comparable response capabilities using actual data and receive additional comments from the community I am sure many of the residents feel as I do and do not wish to see a reduction of public safety services or an increase in emergency response times. This is a small price to pay for the certainty of the right decision. i trust you will postpone this decision until all the facts have been presented to the City Council as well as interested community residents and businesses. This issue deserves the same public input as zone changes, new ordinances, or other changes that affect the residents of our community.
Richard Kaump -
u_-_
Signal Hill Fire Service Options Page 5
appreciate your time in reviewing my comments. You may contact me anytime via my cell phone at (714) 313-1703, my office (562) 432-9833 or email rkaump( aol.ã). com.
SinCere~y,
Richard
lJ
Kaump
l /4~ J;?
cc Kenneth C. Farfsing, Signal Hill City Manager
Attachments (1): Area Fire Department Stations
Richard Kaump - Signal Hill Fire Service Options Page 6
1.5 Miles
0 5.0
Miles
3.0 Miles
0 10
Miles
LA
County
Fire
Station
Long
Beach
Fire
Station
Immediate
Resources <
5 Miles
23 Long
Beach /
4 LA
County
June 23. 2003
fùnY ~~ $~~~~~ ~~~ ~
lv JUN 2 3 2003 lk
City Council
CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
2175 Cherry Avenue
Signal Hill, CA 90755
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
Re' Potential Contract Regarding Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services Dear Sirs:
I have been a resident ofthe city of Lakewood since 1955. I take pride in my city and I have been blessed with a wonderful community for 48 years. I have always felt safe knowing my city has the resources to respond to life's emergencies.
The City of Signal Hill recently announced its intention to seek the services of Los Angeles County to provide Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services to Signal Hill] am concerned with this decision because apparently the city of Lakewood would he sharing its Paramedic with Signal Hill.
he City of Lakewood has 87,000 residents in comparison to Signal Hill's 10,284 residents. Further, the City of Lakewood has many Senior Citizens including myself.
The difference in the populations is large and alanning. The questions becomes this; if the City of Signal Hill has an emergency and receives response and at the same time we experience an emergency in Lakewood, who gets preference? I would like to receive an answer to this question. Without all the facts, it does appear that this may not be the best decision for either Signal Hill or Lakewood. I feel strongly that their should be a voice for the residents of these cities and I would like to understand how the new system will work without jeopardizing the excellent service Lakewood has received throughout the years.
I look forward to your response. Thank you for your consideration of time.
Very truly yours,
T
L,'~( '..'
LUCY GARCIA
4628 Pixie Avenue
Lakewood, CA 90712
562) 355.8738