SPECIAL EDITION: The Laguna Hills City Council's - Favorite Plans for the 2013-15 Biennial City Budget was devoted to the City Council's rating of Proposed Major Plans submitted by City Council Members, Parks and Recreations and Traffic Commissions, and City Staff.
If you're interested in what the City of Laguna Hills plans to do with your money in 2013-2015 this is a must read and consider attending a session in person. April 16 2013 was the first Study Session, Tuesday May 7 will be the 2nd Study Session beginning at 5 pm, for incorporating the City Council's Favorite Major Plans into the City's Budget and Tuesday June 25, 2013 will be the last meeting and the Only Public Hearing for the 2013-2015 Biennial Budget and Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan.
BACKGROUND: Every two years, the City Council and staff establish priorities, policies, and projects for the City's Biennial Budget. The City Council receives input from Parks & Recreation and Traffic Commissions, City Council members and City staff. The City Council prioritizes its goals to direct staff in the creation of the City's Biennial Operating Budget. Budget direction from the City Council is carried throughout the entire budget process up to the June 25, 2013, Public Hearing at which point the City Council makes its final review of and adopts the 2013-2015 Biennial Budget.
• May 7 - is the CIP and Operating Budget Study Session beginning at 5 pm
• June 25 - Public Hearing and Adoption of the Biennial Budget
** Editor's Note - ** Only 5 members of the community attended the Major Plans Study on April 16, 2013. The members of the community were initially seated in the back of the room facing the backs of all the council members and staff, who were seated in a U shaped configuration, until Mayor Kogerman suggested that we should be moved to the front of tables where we could see the voting and hear the speakers. We thank Mayor Kogerman and we noted that after all these years it was good to finally be able to fully view the public art murals in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Major Plan Requirements
A project or program qualifies as a Major Plan provided any of the following statements are true:
1. A first-time discretionary project that will cost the City over $25,000 annually.
2. A first-time discretionary project that occurs only once and will cost the City over $25,000 within the proposed budget cycle.
3. A discretionary project that will generate revenue or savings of more than $25,000 annually or a one-time generation of revenue or savings of $50,000.
4. A discretionary project that significantly reallocates staffing resources.
5. A new discretionary project that is highly visible or controversial thereby warranting City Council review and consideration.
After each proposed Major Plan is presented, each Council Member is asked to rate the Major Plan by individually assigning the following numbers based on their interest in pursuing the Plan: (2) high priority; (1) low priority; and, (0) no interest. All individual ratings are then combined and divided by five. Those Major Plans receiving an average rating of 1.4 or higher, or those receiving a rating of "2" by at least three Council members, will move forward in the budget process. All Major Plans will be assigned to the appropriate department for preliminary budgeting purposes and there is a possibility that some Major Plans may not be included in the City Manager's proposed budget that will be considered by the City Council at the May 7, 2013, CIP and Operating Budget Study Session if those Major Plans would conflict with the City's financial policies. The City Manager will inform the City Council of any such action at which time the City Council will have the opportunity to reconsider the deleted Major Plan's funding priority in light of the entire budget. Rating results of proposed Major Plans will be included in the Appendix section of the City's Biennial Budget. FISCAL IMPACT will be presented at the May 7, 2013, Study Session.
NEW MAJOR PLANS and WORK PROGRAMS proposed by MAYOR and CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
New Major Plan Proposed by Mayor Barbara Kogerman - CITY HIRE ONE STAFF PERSON TO SERVE AS A LIAISON TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AND COORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF:
1. A Planning Commission, should the City decide to create such a
commission;
2. A Business Development and Retention Committee;
3. A Senior Services Committee; and
4. Community Interactivity
SUMMARY:
To provide the City with increased opportunities for efficient services which citizens desire and that are routinely provided in similar cities, to increase citizen engagement in the governance process, to utilize the skills of talented and educated residents, and to provide opportunities for service to the City which many residents desire, it is proposed that the City hire one additional Community Services staff person to serve as a Community Services Liaison. This person would perform the clerical duties associated with a Planning
Commission, should the City decide to create such a Commission. In addition, this person would perform outreach in the service areas of:
1. The business community, assisting local business owners by facilitating the formation of a Chamber of Commerce or similar entity which would both promote the City as a desirable place to live and work, and provide a resource to the City capable of recommending policies and procedures to attract and retain business ownership in Laguna Hills;
2. Senior Citizens, seeking interested individuals to develop programs and services in cooperation with established Senior Citizen service organizations such as Age Well Senior Services and the allied Florence
Sylvester Senior Center; and
3. Community Interactivity, coordinating City events and activities with local schools and not-for-profit organizations and associations such as homeowners’ associations as service clubs, in order to take advantage of the services they can provide and to enhance the success of City-run recreational and educational programs; This person would also provide clerical services where needed such as Brown Act notices, agenda preparation, taking minutes at public meetings, in addition to serving as a liaison to City staff.
Financial impact: estimated at $77,000 per year for a full-time staff person, with full
benefits included. Mayor Kogerman noted that the $77,000 full time staff member salary noted here was taken from another estimate for a full time staff person but perhaps this position could be part time.
Mayor Kogerman said 2 of the core values adopted by the city council are Citizen Engagement and Economic Development and Strong Community Identity is a guiding theme. She proposed an additional staff person to fill in as needed on the items listed above. She said citizens want to have input into our city and are looking for places to serve. A Business Development and Retention Committee could lead to a Chamber of Commerce which we don't have. A Senior Services Committee could coordinate with the Florence Sylvester Senior Center and other cities and provide more information. Community Interactivity could get into coordinating things like Homeowners Associations and Schools and City Events because many times the City has events on the same day that other groups in the city have events. We could increase attendance at our events and avoid conflicts with the events of others with a liaison person.
Council Member Bressette said we already support the senior service organization but he thought Community Interactivity could be done with a part time person someone like Meg Gorham who has had success with Win-Win-Wednesdays, so would like to see us bring a staff report back on that. He also said he has always like the idea of sernio citizen volunteers for the City. Mayor Kogerman pointed out volunteer activities of senior citizens in other cities that could help here as well and added that some on the council could be defined as senior citizens. Council Member Carruth said she believes working with the Business Community requires a higher skill set than the rest of the job, she sees encouraging a Chamber of Commerce as meddling in the business community, she sees the Senior Issue as a County of Orange Social Service issue and related to Community Interactivity she believes the city staff and council have been very involved in the community and do a good job that's their job. Mayor Kogerman responded that the coordinating could be more cohesive and beneficial for the city and the community with one dedicated person to pull it together and there are things we could be doing with a committee of seniors who could advise us. Mayor Pro-Tem Blount said on a part time basis a person could also coordinate our volunteers to help with things in the city and need to see a part time cost for this.
COST ESTIMATE - City Manager Channing said the $77,000 estimate was a full time clerical position with full benefits, but would not get you more than a part time person who is college educated and you get what you pay for. He continued that volunteers are great if you have someone dedicated to provide the full time coordination and planning for their efforts and that's just the beginning of the problem. He predicted over $100,000 closer to $200,000 for senior citizen volunteers for the city as, done in other communities, including uniforms and vehicles, etc. and a planning coordinator for them.
Council Member Gilbert questioned why we can't do the community Interactivity with the staff we have now. Council Member Bressette answered knowing the community in depth was important to that job, so coming from the community would be a significant advantage. Mayor Kogerman offered that possibly this position could be a paid volunteer part time - under 29 hours a week and she offered to strike # 1 about a Planning Commission that Bressette and Carruth don't want. Vote was for coming back with a report at the next study session on cost.
City Council VOTE Total = 6 for this item - Carruth voted 0, Gilbert voted 1, Kogerman voted 2, Blount voted 2 and Bressette voted 1.
New Major Plan Proposed by Mayor Pro-Tem Andrew Blount - DEVELOP and IDENTIFY a LAGUNA HILLS CITY IDENTITY or BRAND and CONDUCT a PUBLIC HEARING to DEVELOP a CITY SLOGAN.
COST ESTIMATE - City Manager Channing gave a ball park estimate of from $50,000 to more than $100,000 related to time from paid consultants to develop and market a City Brand. Mayor Pro-Tem Blount proposed that a Volunteer Citizen Committee should handle this so there should be only a nominal cost for that. We are already spending money on branding items such as City Views. Council Member Gilbert argued that our identity comes from within, family oriented community with good schools, safe streets, etc. We are not selling anything for profit, so no need to spend a lot of money on this. Council Member Carruth argued that we already know who we are. Mayor Kogerman emphasized that there are many "Lagunas" in the area - Laguna Niguel. Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Laguna Hills, so people often mistake one for another. She said she thought is would be a good community building process to have this done as a citizen led effort to distinguish us from the other Lagunas. Council Member Bressette said there is some cost to everything we do and said he did not consider this to be essential. Mayor Kogerman suggested Mayor Pro-Tem Blount remove this as a Major Plan since it would not be a significant cost and just appoint a citizen committee. City Manager Channing cautioned that sometimes efforts with citizen committees turn out well and sometimes poorly. Mayor Pro-Tem Blount responded there is a risk with everything and proposed that we empower a group of citizens to look at City Views and along with that perhaps there is something that could be said about Laguna Hills that would be of interest to us. Council Member Carruth summed it up with consultants know what their doing and the city council should be wholly responsible for City Views and Council Member Bressette said he was not at all interested in looking at City Views as part of this plan. Channing ended this discussion related to this item not qualifying as a Major Plan. COST ESTIMATES - Could be minimal for volunteer group of citizens to work on a brand or up to $100,000 for full blown paid marketing consultants.
City Council VOTE Total = 0 for this item as a Major Plan.
New Major Plan Proposed by Mayor Pro-Tem Andrew Blount - DEVELOP A BUSINESS PLAN FOR ESTABLISHING A SOUTH COUNTY FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER IN LAGUNA HILLS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL'S CONSIDERATION.
BACKGROUND: The former chief of Police of Anaheim, John Welter, started the Family Justice Center in San Diego that was established as the 1st of its kind in the U.S. Located in downtown San Diego, it was the first comprehensive "one-stop shop" in the nation for victims of family violence and their children. It provides help and hope to victims of family violence and their children. Those impacted by family violence, child abuse, and elder abuse, find safety, protection from their abuser, legal help, counseling, food, clothing, spiritual support, medical assistance, and many other free services from the Center's professionals and volunteers. Their mission is to stop family violence, make victims safer, hold batterers accountable, and provide long-term support for victims and children through collaboration and coordinated services. Their vision is to provide a safe location where all the needs of victims are met, violence is stopped, families heal, and hope is realized. http://www.sandiego.gov/sandiegofamilyjusticecenter/
Mayor Pro-Tem Blount said there are now about 70 Family Justice Centers patterned after the one in San Diego, throughout the U.S. the problem they were trying to solve was making more effective use of existing resources to provide services to abused people who were previously almost never able to make it all the way through the existing system to get the help they needed. Previously people seeking help in this type of system had to make multiple appointments and travel from place to place with no one to take care of children, etc. At the Family Justice Center all the help is in one facility. Blount said he has visited the Family Justice Center in Anaheim and has spoken with the Orange County District Atty. Tony" Rackauckas and OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens who both agreed to support this for South Orange County.
Blount is asking Laguna Hills to provide the space for this for South County and maybe some start up costs - amount unknown at this time as there is no plan in place yet but Blount wanted to get this item on the record now, so it is not precluded from later consideration in the city budget. He noted there have been some spaces in city hall that have been difficult to lease so he would like to see a use for that, being that there is already police coverage here. He noted that abuse happens in every socioeconomic category. Blount said there was a discussion about locating this in Irvine but they didn't want it because it appeared that crime would go up. Blount explained that crime did not go up but in areas where these centers were located, but crime reporting went up because more people were able to get through the system successfully.
Mayor Kogerman asked is this something that other cities would be expected to fund or how would the expenses be shared? Blount answered that here it would need to be shared by the other cities and added that he was supporting a donation of space from our city and funding the potential loss of revenue that could occur in the event that a resident stays with somebody else plus some start up costs. Council Member Bressette suggested the county may want to donate the space in a building here in Laguna Hills where there is a criminal justice system that is moving out. Blount said he'd have to check on that. Council Member Carruth asked have you thought about how this is a community building with tenants and how it is used related to safety considerations and asked why would we take this on? Blount said he has been thinking about those things for a long time and is a believer in taking personal responsibility so it's easy to say it's not my problem but this is something somebody needs to stand up for related to abused and battered women and children that live in the area being able to find resolution, so when he has resources he feels the need to use them to try to make a difference. He added that the Family Justice Centers are full of police, judges and attorneys, etc. so have security and it is very rare that a perpetrator comes in and threatens in this type of environment. Driving to Anaheim from here just puts another impediment in the way of these victims. Mayor Kogerman said she liked Bressette's idea about using the court house here that will be empty and noted that she spoke with a resident at a Meet the Mayor session recently who talked about being a city of compassion and noted what we are doing with the 3/5 Committee for the Marines so this is definitely worth exploring. Council Member Gilbert said he went to visit one of the Family Justice Centers and was so impressed with what they are doing and the resources they have. He added he would be very proud to have a center like that in our city. COST ESTIMATES - Unknown - Vote was for being in favor of staff time being spent to develop a business plan and get answers for many questions raised.
City Council VOTE Total = 7 for this item as a Major Plan. Carruth voted 0, Gilbert voted 2, Kogerman voted 2, Blount voted 2 and Bressette voted 1.
New Major Plan Proposed by Council Member Melody Carruth - ACQUIRE SHEEP HILLS PARK FOR THE CITY OF LAGUNA HILLS
Council Member Carruth explained that this is an 11 acre park at Moulton and Laguna Hills Drive that Laguna Hills residents can use for sports. It's within the City of Laguna Hills but has not been able to be used by Laguna Hills Residents over the years because it's controlled by the Aliso Viejo Community Association. The county provides the opportunity for Laguna Hills to accept this park she believes it would be beneficial to the city to allow this opportunity for citizens to have additional Parks and Recreation. This would be a community asset. Little League could use it, might be able to install field turf and for AYSO to have more competitive play and so forth. This is also an important puzzle piece for out trail connections. Carruth suggested that the city acquire this park and not move forward yet with the amenities related to the $1.5 million staff suggested to make it perfect with a parking lot, etc. Mayor Pro-Tem Blount said he did not agree that this was our last puzzle piece but is a terrific idea and one of the things that our city should be in the business of doing. Council Member Gilbert agreed that this was a great idea and should designate it as a pony league field. He added that the elephant in the room is the cost so we would need to figure out what is affordable once we acquire the property and do things over a period of years. Mayor Kogerman recalled that parking has been a significant problem in the past and asked why this was. Carruth responded that people are parking on Laguna Hills Drive now and hiking to the park.
Ken Rosenfield, Public Services Director added the parking is a problem. Laguna Hills has had to impose traffic controls in the past and put fencing in island in Laguna Hills Dr. to keep people from running across the street. He added that the city has options to acquire 4 other parks the this is only one this large in size with active sports fields of this nature.
COST ESTIMATES - Ken Rosenfield calculated that the landscape fees today for this park would be about $80,000 a year. Council Member Gilbert asked the ball park cost of putting in turf and what would be the maintenance of that. Rosenfield answered this park has a playground and baseball and soccer fields, etc. The city has renovated every other park in Laguna Hills over the years and the cost for that was about $300,000 for each 3 acre park, but this is 11 acres and includes the potential for a parking lot and a pedestrian bridge over Aliso Creek to get people from a parking lot into the park and that's why the figures are higher here at $1.8 million. Artificial turf runs about $10 a sq. ft so about $4 million for artificial turf on these sports fields that has a life of about 10 years. City Manger Channing commented that one of the challenges here is that this would not be controlled space and sodas and food cannot be spilled on artificial turf because it ruins the surface. Council Member Bressette commented that the use of this park could reduce some of the overuse of the sports fields at teh community center. Ken Rosenfield added that although exercising the option to take over this field is a simple thing to do it doesn't mean that AVCO may ask for reimbursement for improvements they have put into the park. Channing added this is an actively programmed park that we are taking away and added there would be a few million dollars for a parking lot but the park is in good shape. He also added that Girls Softball can use the community center sports fields 4 days a week.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 - Each Council Member voted 2.
MAJOR PLANS and WORK PROGRAMS proposed by the PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - This falls under COMMUNITY SERVICE - DAVID REYNOLDS
1. Acquire rights for a park/trail in the Edison Easement.
Status: Conversations with SCE about the rights of way acquisition in the easement areas will occur closer to when the trail improvement projects are scheduled in the six-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The multi-use trail from the Community Center to Indian Hill is currently budgeted for FY2015-16. Another trail improvement project that falls in SCE easement areas is the multi-use trail system from Alicia to La Paz is currently
budgeted in the “Future” category. These trails are already used by the public as unimproved trails. Council Member Bressette asked if this could be a volunteer effort. Ken Rosenfield Public Services Director advised that this trail has to support large trucks so it could not be a volunteer effort but landscaping along the trail could be.
New Major Plans from the Parks and Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission, at its March 14, 2013 and April 3, 2013 meetings, recommended the following items as budget considerations for the City Council for the next budget cycle.
1. Enforce park use rules at the Skate Park with the establishment of a new skate park use section in the City’s municipal code, and install a fence around the Skate Park facility to regulate use if necessary.
2. Install netting on top and along the fence under the Edison Easement at the Community Center soccer fields to prevent soccer balls from ending up in the Aliso Creek area.
3. Install shade structures at the Little League field bleacher areas at Cabot Park.
4. Modify the lower Cabot Park Little League field to allow for a new Little League 50/70 Intermediate Division play for 11 to 13 year olds.
5. Install “LH” letters on the hill behind the Ralph’s Shopping Center across from the Laguna Hills Community Center so that the letters are visible to everyone sitting at the Laguna Hills High School Stadium.
6. Improve the storage area at the community center’s Little League field and provide a portable storage bin at upper Cabot Park field for AYSO/LHLL joint use.
1. SKATE PARK ISSUE - David Reynolds, Community Service Director emphasized that a lot of attention has been directed to the Skate Park and all the options were presented to Parks and Rec. Commission. and they recommended continued enforcement of park use rules at the Skate Park with the establishment of a new skate park use section in the City’s municipal code, and install a fence around the Skate Park facility to regulate use if necessary. David said this is an unsupervised park and since skateboarding is defined as a hazardous recreation activity we have protection built in by State Law and that's why we don't actively supervise that park. Wearing no helmet and no knee pads can still be enforced. Scooters are not defined by the State as a hazardous activity so that's sending a message that scooters aren't allowed at the skate park as it is currently constructed. If enforcement doesn't work a possible solution would be to fence in the skate park. This comes from the OC Sherrif's dept. that it would be helpful to contain the skate part with an 8 to 10 foot fence to assist with preventing the scattering of offenders re. enforcement of the rules. COST ESTIMATE - about $110,000 to fence in the skate park. This fence would not be gated. There has also been some drug use reported here but more issues of kids not wearing knee pads and helmets. Mayor Kogerman asked about other safety issues related to use of bikes, skates and scooters in this skate boarding park. David responded the skate park rules allow only skate boards. Council Members Gilbert and Blount recommended taking a look at the changing culture of the park related to use and liability. David Reynolds said the park is designed for skate boards as well as inline skates and Not scooters so we don't have the protections under State Law for scooters especially with mixed use of these things and bicycles. City Manager Channing noted the city has had only one claim, for a broken arm, in all the years the skate park has been in use. The City Attorney contributed that what you don't want to do is acquiesce in allowing others to take over the skate park to use it for whatever they want to do. Council Member Carruth suggested possibly redesigning the park for use as a scooter park. Ken Rosenfield said that approach doesn't address the immunity for skate boarding. Mayor Kogerman thanked Parks and Rec. for taking this seriously and addressing it.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 - Each Council Member voted 2 for contining this item to the next study session with or without the fence.
2. INSTALLING NETTING ON TOP AND ALONG THE FENCE ISSUE - under the Edison Easement at the Community Center soccer fields to prevent soccer balls from ending up in the Aliso Creek area. David Reynolds said they want netting about 10 feet above the existing fence to keep soccer balls from ending up in the creek. COST ESTIMATE - $10,000 to $12,000. City Manager Channing said we might not be able to get consent from Edison to do this.
City Council VOTE Total = 2 - 2 council members voted 1 and 1 voted 0.
3. MODIFY THE LOWER CABOT PARK LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD ISSUE - David Reynolds said the Laguna Hills Little League wants to convert the Majors Program, which is currently 11 and 12 year olds, to incorporate 13 year olds because they are losing a lot of 13 year olds to Pony Leagues. So a new intermediate division is pointing at fifty seventy field dimensions. This would require the addition of base cap pegs as well as modifications to the pitching mound - COST ESTIMATE - $20,000 to $25,000. David continued that this park has adequate outfield distance and that is the issue and answered the Little League wants this regardless of any acquisition of Sheep Hills Park.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 - each council member voted 2
4. INSTALL SHADE STRUCTURES AT THE LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD BLEACHER AREAS AT CABOT PARK ISSUE - David Reynolds asid COST ESTIMATE about $15,000 for a steel structure over the bleachers. This is for the parents who are watching the players.
City Council VOTE Total = 9 - 4 council members voted 2 and 1 voted 1
5. INSTALL “LH” LETTERS ON THE HILL BEHIND THE RALPH'S SHOPPING CTR. ISSUE across from the Laguna Hills Community Center so that the letters are visible to everyone sitting at the Laguna Hills High School Stadium. COST ESTIMATE - UNKNOWN and no details of building materials, or installation. David Reynolds suggested that perhaps this could be a volunteer project.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 - each council member voted 2
6. IMPROVE THE STORAGE AREA AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER'S LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD FOR and PROVIDE A PORTABLE STORAGE BIN AT UPPER CABOT PARK FIELD FOR AYSO/LHLL JOINT USE ISSUE - COST ESTIMATE about $10,000 per David Reynolds but we may be able to accommodate them in other ways at a nominal cost.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 - each council member voted 2
MAJOR PLANS and WORK PROGRAMS proposed by the CITY COUNCIL/CITY MANAGER
NEW MAJOR PLANS- CITY MANAGER
1. Research and identify strategies to lower water rates for Laguna Hills residents and businesses.
City Manager Channing said this matter was brought to his attention by the council and he sees the need for a consultant here to figure out how to reduce water rates for our residents and businesses related the tiered structures adopted by the water districts. Council Member Carruth contributed that for every citizen that complains about this there is another one who thinks it's great. She suggested involving other cities in this and said she understands that the large lots are subsidizing the smaller lots. Council Member Bressette said water rates affect everyone in Laguna Hills, even those with small yards, as he has and our businesses. He said his water rates are 3 times what they were 3 years ago. He said at some point the city council needs to take a stand on this for citizens and businesses to let the water companies know enough is enough. Moulton Niguel has not stood up for us on this and we have a consultant that we already pay in Sacramento that we should probably use. Mayor Pro-Tem Blount agreed with Bressette and said the City's water bills have gone up and up as well. He noted that El Toro's penalties are 400% and Moulton Niguel's are 700% and they hav a plan that each year your assigned water budget decreases by 20%, so year after year you have to use less and less or you get penalized more and more. The same year the penalties were announced there were multi- million dollar investment capital losses by Moulton Niguel. He noted that Yorba linda has a flat rate system. Mayor Kogerman noted that the increase with El Toro Water district is not as onerous as with Moulton Niguel it is still onerous and has heard about some water quality problems from corrosion with Moulton Niguel Water District. She also noted that the water rates are punitive so she is in favor of this plan.
City Council VOTE Total = 9 for this item - Carruth voted 1, the other 4 council members each voted 2.
OLD MAJOR PLANS - STATUS REPORTS - CITY MANAGER - No Votes taken on Old Major Plans
The first 3 Major Plans listed were status reports of already completed plans plus one obsolete plan, consisting of:
1 - the 3 acres of city owned property that were negotiated into the deal for the renovation of the Moulton-La Paz Shopping Center
2 - the redevelopment project at Oakbrook Village for new residential rental units mixed with some commercial redevelopment
3 - Develop a legislative strategy to amend State law to give the Lake Forest Redevelopment Agency the discretion to transfer excess housing funds to Laguna Hills. (General Plan Policy H-1 and H-2) Status: This major plan was rendered obsolete with the dissolution of Redevelopment Agencies.
OLD and New Major Plan
4. Work with Simon Properties to facilitate redevelopment of the Laguna Hills Mall between Sears and JC Penny into a mixed-use development project, including residential. Status: Staff has continued to work with Simon toward a viable redevelopment plan of the Mall. They are expected to submit a development application this spring. *** As of this meeting on 4/16/13 there were no plans for the Laguna Hills Mall announced. This item is carried forward as an ongoing Major Plan.
City Council VOTE for "Working with the Laguna Hills Mall" = 10. All 5 council members voted 2 points each for this item.
WORK PROGRAMS - CITY MANAGER - No Votes taken on Work Programs.
1. Create a business friendly economic development web page/portal as part of the City’s web site overhaul.
2. Market the City’s development and business opportunities at the ICSC conventions in Las Vegas (May) and San Diego (September) each year.
3. Meet with all major property owners and commercial real estate brokers to discuss opportunities and challenges to their business success in Laguna Hills.
4. Work with the Phillips Car Dealership to facilitate the eventual redevelopment of the site to its highest and best use.
5. Work toward the General Plan’s vision for the Via Lomas Opportunity Study Area
6. City Manager Channing added working with the group that owns the Courtyard development at La Paz because they have had significant problems getting a tenant for all of their avbailable vacant space.
MAJOR PLANS and WORK PROGRAMS proposed by the CITY CLERK - Peggy Johns
*** No New Major Plans proposed by the City Clerk
OLD MAJOR PLANS- CITY CLERK: Status Report: No Votes taken on Old Major Plans
1. Convert the existing Questys database of imaged documents and existing records management system to SIRE, plus purchase one additional scanning station.
Status: We are moving forward with the upgrade of Questys CMx software, which will also include a Records Management software component to replace Accutrac, which is no longer supported in its current version. We are targeting April 15, 2013, as our completion date for clean up and re-design of the database. Questys will take approximately one month to complete the conversation process. Troubleshooting will occur the last two weeks of May. Training will be scheduled approximately the first week of June. We are purchasing a new scanner for the Records Imaging Technician, and will transfer her current scanner to a community scanning station.
NEW WORK PROGRAMS - CITY CLERK: - No Votes taken on Work Programs
1. Conduct the General Municipal Election in November 2014 was a repetition of a completed work program.
2. Conduct a comprehensive review of the Citywide Records Program and Retention Schedule.
3. Continue to provide staff support to the 3/5 Battalion Committee. Status: Continue to be the contact person for the City.
4. Retrofit the file room with fire suppression equipment. Status: Nothing has been completed on this work program.
David Reynolds, Community Services Director said they are working on making the City's system work better with Apple Computers and iPods.
MAJOR PLANS and WORK PROGRAMS proposed by the ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES - DON WHITE:
NEW MAJOR PLANS ASSIST. CITY MANAGER - DON WHITE :
1. Overhaul and update the City’s web site to improve its efficiency and effectiveness from the public’s perspective. Assist. City Manager said the company that developed the platform for the City's web site in 2005 is no longer in existence so it would be COST ESTIMATE - about $25,000 to redo this. Assist. City Manager said they are trying to make it more useful from a citizen perspective this time and Mayor Pro-Tem Blount will help check on this project related to his business being computer software.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item - Each Council member voted 2.
2. Preserve the history of the City of Laguna Hills and the past twenty (20) years of accomplishments by creating a documentary - oral recording and video production presenting significant events in chronological order. COST ESTIMATE - Minimum Cost of $5,000 for a 20 to 25 min. piece with a lot of still photographs, music and voice overs, and video clip interviews per Don White. There was discussion on this that it would need to continue to be updated, etc. Council Member Carruth wanted this and Council Member Bressette wanted to go back a little more than 20 years but maybe not a film. Council Member Gilbert reminded the council once again that, "We are not 'that' important" and reminded us all of the historic heritage of the area in which we live that reaches beyond the last 20 years. Others thought it was probably not that important related to enough interest out there for this project re. the past 20 years and suggested that maybe this could be an opportunity for a volunteer person or group to undertake. Tom Epperson. Laguna Hills Resident in the audience suggested that the city challenge Chapman College's Masters or Doctorate movie program to take this on. He added that he thinks Doti is very political and would love to do something like that.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2 for a Chapman College proposal to do this as a volunteer project.
3. Conduct a comprehensive study of development processing fees and other select City rates, charges and fees to determine the fully-burdened cost of providing services and prepare an updated fee schedule for City Council consideration. This has to be done every 10 years and is being proposed now in the 7th year after it was last done per Don White. COST ESTIMATE - $35,000
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
NEW and CONTINUED WORK PROGRAMS- ASSIST. CITY MANAGER: - ** There were No Votes taken for Work Programs.
1. Work with individual departments to evaluate potential process improvements and select appropriate actions for implementation.
*** Items 2, 3, 4 and 6 here were repeats from above carried forward as continued work programs.
5. Issue a Request for Proposal for the selection of a new Independent Auditor.
7. Update reserve analysis reports for the Civic Center, Community Center, Sports Complex and City parks.
8. Work with the Fritz Duda Company in developing a thematic master plan of public art in the Oakbrook Village Shopping Center with a view toward creating a public art walk in the Urban Village Specific Plan area. Per Don White the Fritz Duda Company is going to have to spend about $160,000 on public art and they agreed on an early CA theme.
** There were No Votes taken on Work Programs.
OLD MAJOR PLANS - ASSIST. CITY MANAGER- Status Reports - ** There were No Votes taken for Old Major Plans.
1. Work with OC Animal Care and other contract cities to facilitate the planning and construction of a new OC Animal Shelter and to establish an OC Animal Care Public Advisory Board
Status: The property at the former Tustin Marine Base is currently in escrow and expected to close by December 2013. Following the close of escrow, the County will secure commitments from contract agencies and begin design work on the new shelter.
The Financial and Operations Advisory Board will serve in a Technical Advisory role with respect to shelter design, operations and financing. The Laguna Hills Assistant City Manager serves as chair of this board. Status: Preliminary discussions have been undertaken on this topic. Once escrow has closed on the new shelter property and commitments are being sought from cities, the opportunity to fully present this idea should present itself. *** Editor's Note - All of this has been ongoing for many years with no visible results to date and several different wide ranging estimates for cost to the city to buy into a new County Animal Shelter. This item was carried forward as an ongoing work program.
Assist. City Manager Don White said he has expressed a desire for them to establish an Orange County Public Advisory Board. ** Editor's Note this desire has reportedly been suggested before and nothing was done. Mayor Kogerman said we haven't yet heard from the citizen committee in Laguna Hills that is looking for alternate Animal Care Services closer to home but we should hear from them on April 23. said she would like to see any expenditure for animal care viewed as a budget placeholder so if we find alternative acceptable services we could re-direct those funds for $250,000 or so amount we intend to put into a new county animal shelter. Don White acknowleged that his last estimate of $250,000 was a rough estimate and said it is a conservative estimate and would be paid out over a period of time. He also acknowledged that this year the City is not going to pay anything for Animal Care Services because the canvassing has shifted that burden to the residents related to a significant increase in revenue for the City related to license fees, in addition to usual fines and other fees, etc. He said the City still has a $28,000 credit going into the 4th quarter. Mayor Kogerman clarified that the City isn't paying but the pet owners are so the overall expense when you consider what the City pays plus what the residents pay is not that low, so she wants to be sure we can used monies set aside for a new county shelter as an option for any other animal care services we might find other options for us.
2. Explore ways of using online social networking to increase citizen participation and public information.
Status: A report was presented to the City Council at the March 26, City Council meeting. The City will proceed with a mobile application for smart phones and Facebook Pages for Special Events and Facebook Advertising.
3. Investigate the costs and benefits of establishing a Laguna Hills Housing Authority to aide in the implementation of the General Plan strategy for the Via Lomas Opportunity Study Area.
Status: This project was linked with Major Plan No. 4 and Work Program No. 1 in the Council/Manager Department Budget, both of which were made obsolete within the dissolution of redevelopment. This particular project still has some merit in connection with the Via Lomas Opportunity Study Area and will be carried over as a work program in the 2013-15 Biennial Budget.
OLD WORK PROGRAMS - ASSIST. CITY MANAGER - Status Reports - ** No Votes taken for Old Work Programs
1. Issue a property management Request for Proposal for the Civic Center, the Community Center, and other City facilities.
Status: Instead of issuing an RFP for property management services, in October of 2011, the City extended a contract for property management services to Essex Realty for the Community Center. At this time, Essex provides property management services for the Civic ** This item was carried forward as an ongoing work program.
Center and Community Center. This work program will be carried over to the 2013-15 budget cycle.
2. Pursue outside funding sources for the Florence Sylvester Senior Center.
Status: No additional funding has been identified. In 2011-12, the City garnered $62,453 in CDBG funding and another $$54,000 this fiscal year. Based on a new direction taken by the County, future CDBG funding for the center may be more difficult to compete for.
3. Review and update the City’s Internal Control Policies and Procedures.
Status: This project will be completed by the end of the fiscal year.
4. Conduct an accounting software needs assessment to determine if a system modification is necessary.
Status: The assessment has been completed and it was determined that the cost was too high given the benefits. The current system, Fund Balance, and the use of excel will suffice for the time being.
5. Develop and implement a remote deposit process to expedite the availability of funds and reduce costs.
Status: The project was successfully implemented in May 2012.
6. Issue a Request for Proposal for Third-Party Administrator for the City’s self-insured Workers’ Compensation Program.
Status: This project was rendered obsolete when the City abandoned
its self-insured program for a first dollar coverage program.
7. Issue a Request for Proposal for Third-Party Administrator for the City’s self-insured Liability program.
Status: ** This project has been moved to the next biennial budget cycle and carried forward as an ongoing work program. .
8. Investigate the costs and logistics of offering for sale reproductions of the Council Chamber murals.
Status: A report was presented to the City Council in August 2012 and the City Council directed staff to proceed with the project. Reproductions, post cards and a poster will be available for purchase online in May.
9. Evaluate the merits of conducting a Laguna Hills oral history project and identify strategies for implementation in the next biennial budget period.
Status: This evaluation has been completed and staff will be proposing this project as a Major Plan in the upcoming budget cycle.
10. Develop an archive of the Community Center’s public art program.
Status: This project has been completed. The archive is available online.
MAJOR PLANS and WORK PROGRAMS proposed by the DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR - DAVID REYNOLDS:
NEW MAJOR PLANS - DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR:
Conduct a network assessment to determine network vulnerabilities and improvements that can be made to the City’s IT infrastructure and update the City’s data backup plan.
Status: An independent network assessment by a consulting firm specializing in such assessments has not been conducted due to available funds in the IT budget and other IT priorities. The City’s IT service provider, Robert Oros Consulting, administers the network and desktops to ensure that appropriate firewall, spam filtering, and virus protection protocols are in place. The City already established an “Electronic Data Backup” policy in its Personnel Policies and Procedures document. A work effort continues to document how each of the City’s application’s data is backed up, where data backup tapes are stored, and who is responsible for backups. COST ESTIMATE - $15,000 to $25,000 for assessment. A large percentage of PCs are over 6 years old so there are other IT priorities. Upgrade the City’s phone system infrastructure at the Civic Center and Community Center with new technology. Phone system is 10 to 15 years old want to upgrade it to a voice over IT system - COST ESTIMATE - $25,000
Council Member Bressette suggested replacement of the current IT Service Provider.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
1. Leverage Facebook to promote the City’s special events and recreation activity. Examine and possibly implement the use of paid advertisements to reduce costs of producing the City’s recreation brochure and consider the use of paid advertisements through Facebook to offset some of the costs to provide recreation programming.
2. Host and promote multiple Community-wide events.
3. Increase community awareness and availability of senior programs.
4. Continue to work with the Laguna Hills High School through existing joint use agreements and partnership to secure fields for youth sport activities and to mutual benefit the recreation facility needs of both parties.
5. Expand recreational activity services (i.e. “Lunch-time Activities”) to local elementary schools to promote the importance of physical activity and our “Get Fit Campaign.”
OLD MAJOR PLANS - DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
OLD WORK PROGRAMS - DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR: ** No votes taken for Old Work Programs
1. Advertise and celebrate the City of Laguna Hills’ 20 year anniversary of incorporation.
Status: The City recognized its 20 years of incorporation at the City Council meeting of December 13, 2012. A 2012 City calendar, an executive coaster, and refrigerator magnets were created to memorialize this event. Exhibiting the major accomplishments of the 20 years of cityhood, a display board was created and presented at the December 13, 2012 meeting and at some of the City’s special events. Trinkets were also offered to the public.
2. Research the possibility and interest of hosting a community wide signature event such as “Concert in the Park” or “Taste of Laguna Hills” event with expenses for the event covered by private donations and/or partnerships with other organizations.of July event that promoted the City’s 20 years of cityhood.
Status: Meetings were held with representatives of the L.H.H.S. PTSA about hosting a community wide signature event. On August 3, 2011 the Parks and Recreation Commission received a presentation from PTSA representatives on co-sponsoring a community event with the City of Laguna Hills at the Community Center. The Commission was in favor of a community event but nothing transpired. PTSA’s perspective of this event was to establish a fund raiser event for the high school. In an effort to leverage partnerships for community events, Community Services staff and O.C. Sheriff personnel are working together to host the National Night Out Against Crime at the Community Center & Sports Complex’s Town Green area in August. This event is sponsored by Target and has historically been hosted in the Target shopping center in Aliso Viejo. Also, staff has arranged for the LHHS jazz band to participate in the City’s Spring Concert. This event has been held throughout the years at Stockport Park and will be moved to the Community Center and Sports Complex this year to accommodate more room for activities and the possible use of gourmet food trucks for the public.
3. Evaluate and propose options to address security issues at the Community Center and Sports Complex’s Skate Park.
Status: Meetings were held with California Street Hockey to discuss the possibility of them assuming control of the entire facility (skate park and hockey rink). Staff requested a proposal from them on a possible solution but none has been received to date. Richard Fisher Associates was retained by the City to evaluate skate park issues and to propose different options to address these issues in a report. Mr.Fisher’s report was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission at its February 6, 2013 meeting. At its April 3, 2013 meeting, the Commission’s proposed major plan to address security issues at the skate park was a phased approach with a budget established for installing a fence around the facility if necessary. First, the Commission’s recommendation was to continue to enforce the skate park rules in conjunction with staff’s efforts with the City Attorney of updating the municipal code. The next phase would be to fence in the skate park in the event that enforcement of park rules with updated municipal code is not successful. It was suggested by O.C. Sheriff representatives that a fence would contain skate park patrons in the
park facility and aid Deputies efforts in writing citations for no helmet and kneepad use.
4. Evaluate the ongoing need of the joint use agreement between the City and SVUSD for use of upper high school field; and evaluate the interest of a joint venture with SVUSD for the installation of an artificial turf field at the upper high school field.
Status: The City Council approved the extension of the upper field joint use agreement for another year expiring in April 2014. Discussions about the installation of an artificial turf field at the upper high school field have occurred with High School staff with the understanding that there isn’t a commitment of funds from either agency for this field improvement at this time. High School staff, however, expressed an interest in a joint use agreement for the High School pool, where funding of improvements to the pool by the City would avail the City time to use the pool for public swimming.
5. Implement a 10K race as part of the City’s Half Marathon Memorial DayEvent.
Status: A 10K race was added to the 2012 event and 477 runners
participated in the 10K race. The 2013 event will also include a 10K
race.
6. Feature art work from Laguna Hills elementary and high school students in the Community Center’s Rotating Art Gallery.
Status:Staff reached out to the Laguna Hills High School art program and the elementary schools on advertising the Community Center’s Rotating Art Gallery as an opportunity venue to display student art work. As part of the 2012 Earth Day Laguna Hills event, the City hosted an Earth Day art contest for elementary school children. Fifty students submitted art projects. The finalists’ artwork, selected by the Parks and Recreation Commission, were displayed at the Community Center. Currently, photographs of City’s recreation events and City facilities are on display.
7. Evaluate the City’s recreation activity and classes on meeting the needs of the different demographic groups in the community and address any deficiencies.
Status: An on-line survey tool, Survey Monkey, was utilized to gauge the needs of the different age groups in the City, and an "Open House" event was held on Saturday March 24, 2012. Approximately 75 people completed the on-line survey, and 100 people attended the "Open House" event. Those in attendance at the Open House were able to gather some information on programs offered and to observe a variety of class demonstrations. Participants were also able to complete the on-line survey at computer stations that were set-up for the event. Both of these activities were advertised in the Spring 2012 edition of
City Views. Furthermore, the opportunity to sit on a focus group to assess the City’s recreation offering was also advertised in City Views.Staff did not receive any phone calls from residents expressing an interest in participating in a focus group as a result of this advertisement. A report was brought to the Parks and Recreation Commission at its June 6, 2012. Survey results include the following:
• Working parents would like to see afternoon or weekend programs offered for the Early Childhood program classes such as “Little Chefs” which are currently offered in the weekday early mornings.
• Respondents enjoy the variety of classes currently offered by the CS Department, and believe that the prices are reasonable.
• The majority of respondents were between the ages of 36 and 60 years.
• Of the 75 survey respondents, 34.3% stated that they would like more programs for Seniors, 31.4% wanted more Adult classes, 22.9% felt that more Early Childhood programs should be
added, and 17% of respondents wanted to see more programs for Teens.
• Health and Wellness programs are the most popular of the department’s offerings.
8. Research the possibility of implementing a program at the Community Center in which seniors tutor and mentor Laguna Hills’ youth and teens.
Status: Staff conducted research of surrounding cities, Boys and Girls Clubs and OCPL branches to determine if programs of this nature are offered, and if so, if they have proven to be successful. Some of the cities contacted have attempted programs of a similar nature, or other types of intergenerational programming, and based on a lack of interest and budgetary concerns, have cancelled the programs. The Boys and Girls Clubs that were contacted do have a homework tutoring program for students between 6 and 12 years of age, but it is staffed by volunteers that are 18 and older. Finally, the Technology Branch of the OCPL located within the Community Center does provide a tutoring program for individuals looking for assistance with computers. The program is not specific to seniors and youth, it is open to all library patrons, who are matched with a volunteer from a database kept by OCPL personnel. Staff will continue to research the viability and interest in a program of this nature.
9. Promote the use of the City’s trail system as part of the “Get Fit Campaign” by providing information on how many miles are walked on each trail on the City’s website or in City Views, creating trail maps, and investigating the possibly of installing mile markers on City trails.
Status: Trail maps were created and a webpage dedicated to trails and the Get Fit Campaign was created. Also, staff assisted an Eagle Scout candidate to prepare a project proposal for the installation of quarter mile markers adjacent to the Oso Parkway bikeway. The Eagle Scout candidate presented his project proposal to the Parks and Recreation Commission on August 1, 2012, and the Commission approved the project. The installation of these quarter mile markers is complete.
10. Research the need and possibility of implementing a Youth Advisory Board that could address the needs of the Laguna Hills youth.
Status: Staff researched programs currently offered by surrounding cities. Some cities have formed Youth Advisory boards, which under the guidance of the Community Services Department, are tasked with meeting as a group, discussing current youth issues and needs, assisting with City programs and events, and reporting to the Parks and Recreation Commission. San Juan Capistrano spends $100 for supplies plus 250 hours of staff time on an annual basis to support its youth advisory board. The City of Mission Viejo spends approximately $10,000 annually to support its board. Staff intends to discuss this information with the Parks and Recreation Commission.
NEW MAJOR PLANS FOR SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING - COMMUNITY SERVICES:
Determine the recycling requirements and the terms and conditions of the next Solid Waste and Recycling services agreement term which will begin July 2016, and conduct a procurement process. Solid Waste and Recycle is required by Law.
WORK PROGRAMS FOR SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING - COMMUNITY SERVICES: No Votes taken for Work Programs
1. Address the continuation of the City’s current Sharps Waste and the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off programs after grant funds expire for these programs.
Status: These recycling programs are funded by an OC Surcharge Grant of $20K which the City received in June 2008. Monies are used for the collection of batteries and CFLs at local drop-off facilities (Community Center, Lamps Plus, and Laguna Hills Car Wash) and a sharps waste collection service at Dial Drug Pharmacy for residents. Funds are still available to support these programs through the remainder of this fiscal year and possibly into a portion of next fiscal year. When funds are exhausted with the OC Surcharge Grant staff plans on possibly using the C&D Forfeited Deposits fund to support these programs.
OLD MAJOR PLANS FOR SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING - COMMUNITY SERVICES: No Votes taken for Old Major Plans
1. Consider the implementation of a regional commercial food waste program service after the funding for the current pilot food waste program expires; and research a potential food waste program for the residents of Laguna Hills.
Status: The food waste program, under a CR&R proposal, was set to expire on June 30, 2012. At its meeting of June 26, 2012, the City Council accepted and approved CR&R's offer to continue with the
commercial food waste program at the existing rate for commercial recycling cart service until another proposal is received. CR&R's intention is to provide the City another proposal when its Anaerobic
Digestion Plant in Perris is complete—which may take up to two years. A residential food program will be considered in the next franchise agreement as a new recycling service.
MAJOR PLANS and WORK PROGRAMS proposed by the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - DAVID CHANTARANGSU:
NEW MAJOR PLANS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
1. Evaluate the Community Development Department’s zoning and building permit processes and regulations to identify and recommend changes to the City Council to streamline development review requirements, and provide information that enhances and promotes the City’s “business friendly” environment.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
2. Continue work efforts that facilitate the redevelopment of the Laguna Hills Mall through site plan reviews and evaluation of environmental studies as needed.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
3. Evaluate the use of Administrative Citations as a way of expediting the City’s Code Enforcement process and potentially reducing costs in pursuing code enforcement abatement through City Attorney’s office for chronic abusers.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
4. Provide adequate plan check and inspection services for approved major projects such as the redevelopment of The Village at Nellie Gail Ranch (FY13-14) and Oakbrook Village (FY 14-15) while also supporting routine plan check and inspection services.
COST ESTIMATE - about $50,000 the 1st year.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
5. Implement the City's CDBG contract with the Aliso Meadows Condominium Association as required, using consultant services to fund grant administration duties. There are about 248 units here and the city has rehabbed about half of those. Channing stated we aren't sure that we will continue to get these funds but will have to have these $30,000 matching funds to just make the applications. David Chantarangsu said these units were originally modular houses constructed by the County as affordable housing units and later converted into condo units so people could own the units. The City's General Plan includes this area in their long term plan. About 2/3 of these units are owner occupied. City Manager Channing contributed that the HOA for this area went broke a few years ago and it owns a lot of common area including the fences and a lot of the exterior improvements and some of the AC units. COST ESTIMATE - about $30,000 a year
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
NEW WORK PROGRAMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: - No Votes taken for Work Programs
1. Support the Economic Development goals of the City Manager (as required) including:
● Redevelopment of the Phillips Mazda Site
● Establishment of a Hospitality Overlay Zone for properties along Interstate 5 near Lake Forest Drive
● ICSC/Shopping Center Outreach Programs
● Redevelopment of the Aliso Meadows Site
2. Grading Development Standards Review - In conjunction with the Public Services Department, evaluate the City's hillside design standards to establish a best design practices approach for pad and slope alterations.
3. Monitor/support OCTA District 5 Master Bike Planning activities to ensure regional bike route planning efforts adequately address the needs of residents.
4. Complete the 2014-2021 Housing Element - Complete the City's in-house process to update the State-mandated housing element by October 2013.
OLD MAJOR PLANS- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: - ** No votes taken for Old Major Plans
1. Update the Development Code to comply with new General Plan and State Laws. The adoption of the City’s new General Plan necessitates an update of the Development Code to reflect new City policies and State regulations. Development Code sections related to Land Use and Housing will require immediate attention, including the following code sections and/or ordinances: Community Care Facilities, Reasonable
Accommodation Ordinance, and Universal Design Ordinance.
Status: Staff completed ordinance revisions to address Reasonable Accommodation requirements along with the implementation of SB2 for emergency shelters, transitional housing and supportive housing which are necessary to comply with state housing law. This amendment also addressed revisions for community care facilities. Amendments to the Urban Village Specific Plan were also completed to align the specific plan with the City’s General Plan update that was completed in 2009. A Universal Design Ordinance was not adopted as a result of modifications to State Building Code regulations that are being considered.
2. Work with the Simon Group and/or Fritz-Duda Company to implement a “Catalyst Project” in the Urban Village area. Actively promote and expeditiously process a large development project that will serve as a “catalyst” for positive expansion and change to the Urban Village area.
Status: The City Council approved a major redevelopment project for the Fritz-Duda Company’s Oakbrook Village property located within the Urban Village Specific Plan area southeast of the Laguna Hills Mall.
The project will result in 489 contemporary apartment units in two phases along with renovations and the reconfiguration of existing commercial improvements. Internal pedestrian connections will connect the project’s residential uses to the retail portions of the centerand establish future connection points to other properties in the UVSP such as the Laguna Hills Mall. Staff continues to meet and work with Simon Properties on planned renovations at the Laguna Hills Mall.
3. Prepare and implement a Sustainable Development Program. Contingent upon an award of funding ($180,500.00) from the State, prepare a Climate Action/Sustainable Development Plan that will prioritize and implement the strategies of a sustainable development program, including a voluntary green building program, planning tool to measure greenhouse gases, promotion of alternative energy forms (i.e. solar energy), and creation of marketing and education strategies.
Status: Lack of grant funds and commitment of staff time to the implementation of other Major Plans prevented the completion of this plan. Despite the lack of a plan, the City implements many measures
that are typically included in a sustainable development program such as compact development, construction of new trails, green building, and public education.
4. Explore the feasibility, cost, and timing associated with converting the City’s existing (partially automated) permitting system to a completely paperless system.
Status: Staff completed an evaluation of converting the City’s building permit process to a completely paperless system. Hardware and software cost upgrades needed were estimated to run approximately $100,000. Presently permits for for electrical, plumbing and mechanical work can be obtained on-line.
OLD WORK PROGRAMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: ** No votes taken for Old Major Plans
1. Implementation of the goals of the Urban Village Specific Plan (UVSP) by working with:
• The Muller Company to expand the Taj Mahal Office Complex
• G and M Oil to re-build the Chevron Station
• Ashley Furniture to explore expansion and/or re-use opportunities at the former Circuit City site
• Other UVSP area properties with development potential, such as the Oakbrook Plaza Office Complex and Shell Station, to process expansion plans.
• Mixed-use developers to prepare (as initiated and funded by private development) Main Street design plans and “trail and plaza connections” from the heart of the Urban Village area to adjoining properties and/or the Aliso Creek Regional Trail System.
Status:Staff worked with the owners of the Taj Mahal medical building, G&M Oil (Chevron), and Hodgdon Development Group (Total Wine/ Ashley/ Chick-fil-A) to complete their new development projects which are located in the UVSP. These projects will result in significant increases in sales and property tax revenue to the community while continuing the trend of major property improvements that have been occurring in the City’s commercial properties. Staff continues to be proactive in reaching out to the development community to market opportunities that exist in the UVSP.
2. Implement and process the entitlement plans for the 3-acre City-owned parcel adjacent to the Moulton-La Paz Shopping Center. Staff worked with the owners of the Taj Mahal medical building, G and M Oil (Chevron), and Hodgdon Development Group (Total Wine/ Ashley/ Chick-fil-A) to complete their new development projects which are located in the UVSP. These projects will result in significant increases in sales and property tax revenue to the community while continuing the trend of major property improvements that have been occurring in the City’s commercial properties. Staff continues to be proactive in reaching out to the development community to market opportunities that exist in the UVSP.
Status: Staff completed the entitlement process for the project which will add a new upscale market (The Fresh Market) to the center and new pads. The existing inline commercial space will also be renovated. Construction is expected to begin by the 2nd quarter of 2013 and last approximately 9 months.
3. Update City’s CEQA Guidelines – Procedures adopted (in 1992) to implement CEQA.
Status: This program was deferred to complete entitlement processing for development projects such as Oakbrook Village. However the City continues to comply with the requirements of CEQA.
4. Work with the Phillip’s Auto Dealership to develop/process an acceptable long term redevelopment plan for their property.
Status: Staff held several meetings with the property owner. A number of development concepts were created for the owners’ consideration which evaluated hotel with retail options. These concepts were
marketed at ICSC events in Las Vegas and San Diego.
5. Implement the Housing Rehabilitation Program for Aliso Meadows HOA. Manage the Community Development Block Grant competitive application process and awarded funds during fiscal years 2011-12 and 2012-13.
Status: The City’s funding source to implement this program was money received from a former County Redevelopment Project Area. With the abolishment of all redevelopment agencies by the state in 2012, the funding source that allowed this project to be administered was eliminated and the program was unable to proceed.
6. Implement AB 32/SB 375 Laws. Monitor and respond to the requirements of AB 32 and SB 375 to achieve specified greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets for automobiles and light duty trucks by 2020 and 2035. Collaborate with SCAG on regional Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) Plan and satisfy requirements relative to Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) and transportation planning.
Status: Staff has participated in the on-going regional dialogue concerning the implementation of AB 32 and SB 375. The City has no direct obligations to implement the requirements of AB32 and SB375 which fall largely on state and regional agencies such as the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). Staff ensures the City’s interests are represented by participating in the review of regional environmental and transportation planning documents
MAJOR PLANS and WORK PROGRAMS proposed by the PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR - KEN ROSENFIELD:
NEW MAJOR PLANS - PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR :
1. Evaluate alternative service delivery for Public Works Maintenance and for Traffic Signal Maintenance to consider utilization of private contractors in place of the County of Orange for these functions. There is a concern now that we are paying too much related to retirement plans. It's about $600,000 a year for Public Works.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2.
2. Establish an Americans with Disability Act Evaluation Team, prepare an updated Self-evaluation for City wide functions and establish an ADA Title II Transition Plan. Ken Rosenfield said Ramps are about $2,500 each and we eventually need 1000 of them. We are installing them when we do street improvement projects for each neighborhood over about 10 years.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
3. Evaluate the return of Holiday Banners during the winter “Season’s Greetings” holiday period and the spring “Patriotic” holiday period. Ken said holiday banners COST ESTIMATE - about $30,000 a year to install and take down, so he is suggesting going from having dropped banners completely to fewer banners than were originally used and installed only on major streets at major intersections. Major Kogerman suggested some patriotic banners on Memorial Day because that has become a part of our identity. She suggested that we have some with photos of the 25 fallen to honor them. Council Member Bressette said we could do that the next time we need to have banners printed. City Manager Channing suggested from before Memorial Day until after July 4 as a time period for displaying the patriotic banners.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
4. Evaluate City wide speed limits in accordance with the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and California Vehicle Code. COST ESTIMATE about $30,000. Has to be done every 5, 7 or 10 years depending upon certain qualifiers and we are 7 years out now.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
5. Establish new five-year Professional Services Agreements for Civil Engineering support services and for Landscape Architecture support services. Ken Rosenfield said we typically have 2 or 3 firms per professional service. Mayor Kogerman asked about a task force to consider the unsightly slopes on Alicia Pkwy. Ken Rosenfield explained that about 10 years ago rehabilitated the slopes across the street from the private slopes with the hope that the people on the south side would follow suit with their slopes. There is no HOA in that area. The city doesn't own those slopes so could acquire small easements at the bottom of the slopes and fix those up to look better but above that point they would still look the same unless there was forced acquisition. Need to get the residents interested enough to address this themselves or find funding or a combination of both.
City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
NEW WORK PROGRAMS - PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR : ** No votes taken for Work Programs
1. Update the Traffic Signal Master Plan.
2. Expand the use of the Geographic Information System to add layers of data for work efficiency.
3. Seek grant funds for a “Safe Routes to School” program around Valencia Elementary School.
4. Seek grant funds through Measure M-2 for street improvements.
OLD MAJOR PLANS - PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR: ** No votes taken for Old Major Plans
1. Perform an accessibility assessment of public sidewalks and ramps to update the City’s “self-assessment” for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). General Plan Policies M-3.2 and M-3.6.
Status: Staff has completed a review of the need for access ramps at intersections as a part of recent capital improvement projects and in accordance with the ADA. Every project now includes the remodeling
of access ramps to current standards based upon funding availability. During this process, it has been determined that the City would benefit from the development of a formal ADA Transition Plan as an
enhancement to the self-assessment. A new Major Plan has been developed for this work.
2. Initiate the NPDES inspection program for commercial, industrial, homeowner association and municipal properties and inspect existing structural controls implemented in Water Quality Management Plans for compliance with the SARWQCB and SDRWQCB permits. General Plan Policies COS-1.3 and COS-1.4.
Status: The City retained a consultant to perform these NPDES required inspections. All inspections have been satisfactorily completed. Staff has reviewed all municipal facilities and they have been determined to be in compliance with the Permits.
3. Upgrade the Geographic Information System (GIS) to add data layers to improve the functional use of the system for Public Services and other Departments.
Status: The GIS was upgraded to current software standards and is available for staff use in Public Services and Community Development. The use of the GIS is a time saving and efficiency improvement tool.
The addition of data layers is proposed to occur on an ongoing and as needed basis.
OLD WORK PROGRAMS- PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR:** No votes taken for Old Work Programs
1. Prepare the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan and hold public input meetings as required prior to adoption of the plan.
Status: The Hazard Mitigation Plan has been prepared and is currently under review by a Consultant with expertise in this area of emergency response planning. Thereafter, the document will be submitted to CalEMA for approval prior to June 30, 2013. In early next fiscal year, it is anticipated that a public meeting to review the document will occur and this will conclude the process of approval of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
2. Update the Parks Asset Inventory and the Traffic Signal Asset Inventory.
Status: This work is underway and will be completed by June 30,2013. Through this inventory, staff is updating the listing of city assets. This asset controls allows the City to improve budget projections for maintenance, equipment renewals and equipment replacements.
3. Update the Pavement Management Plan to meet Renewed Measure M guidelines.
Status: This work has been completed. The City is in full compliance with Measure M-2 requirements which is annually reconfirmed. Compliance with M-2 allows the City to continue to receive “Turnback” funds.
4. Evaluate Municipal Facilities for opportunities to implement Energy Efficiency improvements and for Water Conservation improvements.
Status: This work has been completed. The City was the recipient of an Energy Grant through which energy conserving changes were made to the Civic Center and at all traffic signal locations. Staff has also identified opportunities for water conserving changes which are subject to funding availability. Staff will continue to monitor grant funding opportunities in this area.
5. Seek grant funds for improvements to traffic safety through Measure M-2 or other sources.
Status: This work has been completed and will be revisited with each annual call for projects through Measure M-2. The City is the recipient of grant funds for the Paseo de Valencia Signal Synchronization project which includes a safety component and is a participant in three other arterial highway projects associated with traffic safety/synchronization improvements.
MAJOR PLANS and WORK PROGRAMS proposed by the CHIEF OF POLICE/POLICE SERVICES: Lt. Tom Behrens
NEW MAJOR PLANS-POLICE SERVICES:
1. Review current Police Services contract, including recommendations regarding any possible modifications or reallocation of resources. Include a study of the possible elimination or reallocation of motor positions and the impact on traffic safety.
Chief of Police Lt. Tom Behrens said a consultant is paid to take information, dissect it and give suggestions on staffing , etc. related to all activities. COST ESTIMATE - $25,000 There was a discussion of who can be trusted to do this and give accurate information? Mayor Pro-Tem Blount asked about looking at other cities to see what they were doing. Looking at assessing the number of Sheriff's Deputies in other cities related to crime in those cities. Mayor Kogerman asked if using Seniors in this system as non sworn helpers could be evaluated. There was a discussion of the rising cost of retirement benefits for sheriff's deputies and firemen. ** Editor's Note - There was no discussion of sharing Police Services with a neighboring City to achieve more numbers of officers and save funds. City Council VOTE Total = 10 for this item. Each Council member voted 2
NEW WORK PROGRAMS- POLICE SERVICES: ** No votes taken for Work Programs
1. Provide monthly statistical report with current crime activity in the City.
2. Present one Citizens Emergency Preparedness Academy (CEPA) per year.
3. Coordinate a "National Night Out" event that educates citizens on public safety resources available in the City.
4. Participate in "National Take-Back Day" where City residents are encouraged to bring unused prescription drugs for proper disposal.*** Editor's note - There was no plan to make this an ongoing, everyday program for residents.
OLD WORK PROGRAMS - POLICE SERVICES :** No votes taken for Work Programs
1. Install two Mobile Data Computers in the white civilian parking enforcement vehicles to allow our Community Service Officer the ability to run registration and driver information from the field. Currently, the officers have to return to City Hall or the Aliso Viejo Station in order to obtain this information.
Status: The Mobile Data Computers were purchased and installed in the vehicles of our Community Service Officers. They are currently in use and are serving the purpose for which they were purchased. With
this new equipment our CSOs are able to more effectively perform their duties.
2. Lease two (2) handheld ticket writers through current contract with Data Ticket. The devices will be used by the Community Service Officers to electronically issue parking citations in the City of Laguna Hills.
Status: The handheld ticket writers were purchased and are currently in use by our CSOs. This new equipment has been very effective and is greatly assisting our staff in performing their duties.
3. Design and purchase parking citations to be used exclusively by Laguna Hills Police Services staff which would be pre-printed with the most common Ordinance violations, thus reducing the amount of time taken to write tickets and improving the administrative handling of citations.
Status: This work program is still in progress. Research has been done and the design of the citation has been selected. This task should be completed before the end of the fiscal year.
No comments:
Post a Comment