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RA1974/10/1574 -26 ANAHEIM REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY October 15, 1974 (4 :50 P.M.) Council Chambers Anaheim City Hall PRESENT: Mrs. Kaywood, Mr. Seymour, Mr. Pebley, Mr. Sneegas and Mr. Thom ABSENT: None PRESENT: ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE CITY ATTORNEY: Alan SECRETARY: Alona M. ZONING SUPERVISOR: PROJECT COORDINATOR: DIRECTOR: Robert M. Davis R. Watts Hougard Charles Roberts Christian Hogenbirk The meeting was called to order by Chairman Thom. MINUSES Minutes of the meeting held October 1, 1974, were approved on motion by Mr. Sneegas, seconded by Mr. Pebley. MOTION CARRIED. REDEVELO COMMISSION RESOLUTION N0. C -74 -2 : Redevelopment Agency consideration of Redevelopment Commission Resolution No. CRC -74 -2 was continued from the meetings of September 17 and October 1, 1974. Said resolution was adopted by the Commission August 28, 1974, and recommended to the City Council of the City of Anaheim that said Council consider divesting itself of its function as the Anaheim Redevelopment Agency, and appoint a separate Agency. As one Redevelopment Agency Member, Mr. Thom stated it was his feeling that at a future time it will be very appropriate to transfer the Agency status to the Redevelopment Commission, but he felt that time should come after the Agency has approved a conceptual redevelopment plan for Project "Alpha ", a Director has been employed and preliminary work completed by the Commission. Mr. Seymour concurred, being of the opinion that it would be premature to pass the Agency powers over to the Commission until such time as the most specific plan possible can be developed, an Executive Director is employed who agrees with the plan, and said plan is communicated to the citizens and meets with their approval. Then, when there is sufficient confidence in the plan, and the redevelopment process has begun, the responsibility may be trans- ferred to a separate agency. Mr. Pebley was of the opinion that the Agency powers should never be removed from the City Council, since present and future Council Members are subject to replacement by the citizenry. Mr. Seymour pointed out that he had not been referring to a total transference of powers, but to the vesting of qualified powers, to the degree that the City Council and elected officials would maintain the powers to replace, reappoint or dismiss one or more members of the future agency. He felt that any action taken by that Agency, if felt by the City Council not to be in the best interests of the citizens, could be rectified by the Council. Mr. Pebley felt that a person elected by and accountable to the people might take different actions than someone having too much power; that once an action has been taken and effected, it would be too late to correct it. 74 -27 Redevelopment Agency, October 15, 1974, Continued Mr. Seymour felt the citizens would have direct access to the Council Members to voice any objections. As a case in point, he noted that in the 1974 Municipal Election, the phil- osophy of the City Council was turned around by the people to reflect a new view, however this did not mean that all projects they felt were unfavorable were torn down. Further, he noted that the City Planning Commission has certain powers, such as to grant variances and conditional use permits. Mr. Pebley noted he had been under the impression that once the Agency powers are turned over to the Commission, the City Council would have very little authority. Mr. Seymour was of the opinion that would be true only if the City Council gave away their right to appoint and dismiss Agency Members. Mr. Thom noted that to his knowledge, there has never been a successful urban redevelopment project in the State of California where the City Council acted as the Redevelopment Agency; the only successful projects have come about under a separate agency, due to the sheer preponderance of the work involved. Mrs. Kaywood concurred, and whatever can be written in to retain t h be done. She reported on calls she has ing future Project "Beta ", and felt it impossible for the Council to carry on load increases, since presently only t h all of the Council's responsibilities Mr. Watts reported that when is ready to consider the transference he would be prepared to make a report involved. was of the opinion that e Council's rights should already received concern - would be physically as the Agency as the work ree members are sharing and outside activities. the Redevelopment Agency of the responsibilities, on some of the concerns Mr. Sneegas was of the opinion it is important that the project succeed, in view of the money to be spent and the effort to be expended, and that the City Council should be relieved of some of the responsibilities, but not of the authority of condem- nation. He recalled that during the original hearings when Project "Alpha" was being initiated, he made a commitment to many people that the project was as safe as those politicians whose responsi- bility it is to administer it. Most of the concern seems to be relative to condemnations, and he felt the Agency should not be the sole scapegoat nor the sole decision - maker. Mr. Seymour stated that he did not necessarily disagree with the position taken by Mr. Sneegas, if it is viable and possible to achieve, and the City Council is able to insure it and estab- lishes a speedy process to accomplish the goals. Mr. Sneegas stated that there should be five Councilmen who let their opinions on condemnations be known. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Pebley moved to adjourn. Mr. Thom seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNED: 5 :05 P.M. SIGNED: /, ✓��• ; Secretary, Redevelo ment Agency