HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-30-07
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CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON
DEVELOPMENT
Meeting Minutes
August 30, 2007
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 12:15 p.m. in Room 831 of City Hall.
ATTENDANCE
The following Committee members were present: Miguel Pulido and Vince Sarmiento.
Staff present were: Dave Ream, City Manager; Steve Harding, Deputy City Manager for
Development Services; Jay Trevino, Executive Director Planning and Building Agency; Joe
Fletcher, City Attorney; Ben Kaufman, Chief Assistant City Attorney; and Karen Haluza,
Planning Manager.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JULY 19, 2007 MEETING
Approved by a vote of 2:0. (Bustamante absent)
2.
ACQUISITION AND REHABILITATION OF 1002 NORTH FRENCH STREET
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Mr. Ream stated that the address should be corrected to 1004 North French Street.
Mr. Ream distributed an aerial photo of the site, current crime statistics for the block,
as well as real estate marketing materials advertising the property for sale. Mr.
Harding reviewed the history of past acquisition efforts for the property and past City
Council actions, which most recently included direction not to proceed with
acquisition. Mr. Ream presented the neighborhood's concerns and stated that
acquisition and rehabilitation of the property by the City would help to reduce crime
in the neighborhood.
Mayor Pulido discussed the potential for positive impact in the neighborhood with the
acquisition of the property and requested an update on the Public Safety
Committee's consideration of the proposed acquisition.
Mr. Ream reported that the Public Safety Committee did not vote in favor of moving
forward with the acquisition due to its cost, relatively low number of calls for service,
and other priorities in the City.
Counciimember Sarmiento commented that the acquisition of this property could
serve as a model to address similar concerns in other areas of the City. The
Committee members also discussed other rehabilitation scenarios that could include
the retention of some of the units.
French Park neighborhood representative Debbie McEwen expressed her desire to
see the City acquire the property and suggested that the neighborhood would be
amenable to the removal of the four rear apartment units with the retention of the
main house in its current tri-plex condition.
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Mayor Pulido recommended that further information regarding the legal status of all
of the units on the property and requested that the item be brought back before the
Committee.
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3. SANTA ANA RENAISSANCE SPECIFIC PLAN
Mrs. Haluza distributed a proposed release schedule for the Draft Specific Plan and
discussed upcoming dates. Councilmember Sarmiento commented that extra care
should be made to inform all affected parties about the plan. The Committee also
discussed integration of any transit plans, such as the "Go Local" program, into the
Specific Plan, as well as the redevelopment of the ground levels of the City's existing
public parking structures. Mayor Pulido expressed a desire to have a City Council
Study Session on the Specific Plan.
4. SADDLEBACK INN SITE
Mr. Trevino discussed recent contact by Lowe Development who are interested in
purchasing the site. Councilmember Sarmiento commented that any development
proposals should plan for sensitive integration to complement the adjacent Zoo
property. Mayor Pulido asked staff to investigate the current uses, if any, of the
existing Elks Lodge and Saddleback Inn properties.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Julie Stroud commented that the County of Orange had removed approximately 36
diseased eucalyptus trees from property adjacent to Santiago Creek west of Bristol
and that the trees have not been replaced. She stated that the area is now being ...",
used by homeless people and requested the City's assistance in working with the
County to replace the trees.
Glen Stroud commented that the loss of the trees is contributing to soil erosion and
loss of bird habitat. Mr. Stroud commented on the importance of property outreach
for the Santa Ana Renaissance Specific Plan and suggested hand delivery of
notices.
Mr. Ream stated that ETAC was aware of the tree removal and was drafting a letter
to the County.
6. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS - None
7. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
A. Acquisition and Rehabilitation of 1004 North French Street
B. Santa Ana Renaissance Specific Plan Status Update
ADJOURNMENT -1:04 P.M.
No.-uAA. l--\ ?Jt..q; :_____
Karen Haluza .
Planning Manager
Planning & Building Agency
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Development Council Committee Minutes
2
August 30, 2007