2005-02-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• City and State Shall grant: reciprocal easement for vehicular, pedestrian and emergency access to the Civic Center parking lot from Santa Ana Boulevard; pedestrian and emergency access from Ross Street to the Civic Center parking lot; and, a fire lane between the proposed parking structure and the Court Building Following the staff presentation, the Mayor provided an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council. Orange County Supervisor Lou Correa noted that this is not just about the Court of Appeals moving; this represents the first movement of Santa Ana losing the center of government in Orange County. He further noted that the situation is urgent; the quality of life of Santa Ana and Central Orange County is at stake. Santa Ana Unified School District Board Member Audrey Yamagata -Nogi noted that it is vital to keep the Court in Santa Ana because of accessibility and opportunity. The Court will be located in the center of the Civic Center and will be near the transportation center. The opportunity for students and employment is also greater in Santa Ana. The following individuals also addressed the Council in support of the 4th Court of Appeal remaining in the City of Santa Ana and relocating to the proposed site: Harold Laflamme, Vincent Sarmiento, Tim Whitacre, Pat McGuigan, Rancho Santiago Community College District Boardmember Alfredo Amezcua, Tim Rush, and Steve McGuigan. Speakers emphasized the need to keep the Court in the County seat and suggested that the University of California, Irvine (UCI) should consider locating a law school in Santa Ana. Following public testimony, Council discussion ensued. Councilmembers expressed concern that the proposal process was not an open process and that the proposal from UCI had come late in the process. It was noted that the City's proposal was open and public, but the details of the UCI proposal have not been publicized. Santa Ana's proposal was submitted within the deadline; the UCI proposal was not. Members questioned whether the move to UCI would strengthen the college's position to build a law school on campus and suggested that Santa Ana would be a better location for a law school because of the location of all other courthouses in Santa Ana, the County seat. All members stressed the importance of keeping the 4'h District Court of Appeal in Santa Ana, which is the official seat of government for Orange County. Justice Kathleen O'Leary, Fourth Appellate District addressed the Council and explained the State's process of approval for location on the Court. She noted that she is on the advisory team. She also noted that the ultimate decision would be made by the Judicial Council of California. Additional concerns and comments by Councilmembers include: CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 61 FEBRUARY 18, 2005