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1987/10/2919 Cit7 Hall, Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - October 29, 1987~ 7:30 P.M. Mayor Bay called the adjourned regular meeting of the Anaheim City Council to order, all Council Members being present. (?:45 P.M.) PRESENT: ABSENT: PRESENT: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Kaywood, Hunter, Ehrle, Pickler and Bay COUNCIL MEMBEKS: None ANAHEIM UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTKICT BOARD OF TKUSTEES: President Joanne Stanton "Cappy" Brown Christian Thierbach Joanne Barnett Tom Daly None PKESENT: ABSENT: PP. ESENT: COMMUNITY CENTEK AUTHOKITY: Chairman William Currier Burr Williams Bob Hostetter Steve Schacht Pat Patterson CITY MANAGER: Bob Simpson CITY ATTORNEY: Jack White CITY C~.~RK: Leouora N. Sohl DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY: Joseph Fletcher CONVENTION CENTE. R GENERAL MANAGER: Lynn Thompson CITY ENGIN~EK: Gary Johnson TRAFFIC ENGINEER: Paul Singer FINANCE DIRECTOR: George Ferrone PLANNING DIRECTOR: Joel Fick ASSOCIATE PLANNER: Janet Botula Mayor Bay welcomed those in attendance and called the Joint Powers Authority Meeting with the Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees and the Community Center Authority to order, all Council Members being present. (7:45 p.m.) President Stanton called the Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees to order. Chairman Currier called the Community Center Authority to order. MINUTES: City Council minutes of the last Joint Powers Authority Meeting held September 30, 1986, were approved on motion by Councilman Pickler, seconded by Councilwoman Kaywood. MOTION CARRIED. COMMUNITY CENTER AUTHORITY MINUTES: On motion by Authority Member Hostetter, seconded by Authority Member Williams, minutes of the regular meeting of the Community Center Authority held September 21, 1987, were approved. MOTION CARRIED. 1006 2O Cit7 Hall~ Anahetm~ California - C0t%ICILHINUTES - October 29~ 1987~ 7:30 P.M. Hr. Iymn Thompson, Convention Center General Manager, briefly reviewed progress toward the third expansion of the Anaheim Convention Center (Betterment III) since the last Joint Powers Authority meeting held September 30, 1987. Consultants had been engaged and had performed the EIR process; Architects had been authorized to design the expansion, and had completed the schematic design, created design development and had virtually completed all construction bidding documents. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss preparation for the Convention Center expansion. Mr. Thompson further stated that he had personally met with many organizations and individuals, including Sherwood Village Homeowners and their Board, residents along West Street in both Anaheim and Garden Grove, and other organized neighborhood groups in Anaheim, especially concerned property owners who may be impacted by the EIR parking alternatives. In addition, three issues of a neighborhood newsletter had been published and would be continued as a communications tool for area residents. This evening, architectural work already accomplished would be summarized. Mr. RonAarons, Principal in charge of the architectural team from Howard, Needles, T~mmen and Bergendoff, having been involved with the design for the convention center since the initial 1972 expansion, was introduced. Using projected slides, Mr. Aarons cited the magnitude of the project which would have a significant impact on the national convention industry. On a projected plot plan, he located the site of the expansion directly southwest of the existing convention center complex, along Convention Way near West Street, stating it would be comprised of a two-level, 351,840 square-foot structure; the upper level containing 145,800 square feet of exhibit hall space, 11,400 squaze feet of concessions and rest rooms, 2,240 square feet of mezzanine area, 12,000 square feet of mechanical equipment rooms and a 25,000 square-foot lobby. The lower level (subterranean) would be comprised of 155,400 square feet of parking for 530 cars. The overall height of the structure would be 46 feet above street level, the architectural style and color to match the existing facility, with an exposed aggregate finish. In addition to the parking spaces on the lower level, Mr. Aarons advised that a new 1,210-car parking structure was an option contemplated to be developed at the southwest corner of the property, connected to the new exhibit hall by a canopied walkway. This structure would be 33 feet above street level, with a hanging garden along the West Street side. In the process of designing the expansion, the architects anticipated a future Betterment IV plan, although it was not included in the design program for Betterment III. The EIR proposed to accommodate the parking needs generated by that possible future expansion by acquiring adjacent property at the southeast corner of Katella Avenue and West Street, consisting of approximately 8 acres which could be paved to provide 1,120 spaces of surface parking. Hr. Thompson then introduced Robert Verlaan, of Ultrasystems, Inc., the firm which completed the Environmental Impact Report for the expansion. Mr. Verlaan noted that the scope of the EIR encompassed land use, traffic and circulation/parking, socioeconomtcs/housing, public service and utilities, geology and soils, hydrology and water quality, aesthetics, and air quality and noise. All were addressed by Ultrasystems with the exception of traffic 1007 City Hall~ Anaheim~ California - OOUNCILMINUTES - October 29~ 1987~ 7:30 P.M. and circulation/parking, which was studied by Barton-Aschmann and Associates, and integrated into the EIR. The Draft EIX was made available between July 7 and August 21, 1987, and many comments were received and responded to (See "Response to Comments" contained in the Final EIX.) Although the proposed project and Alternatives 1 and 2 would yield impacts, these would be reduced to acceptable levels upon implementation of the mitigation measures presented in the EIR: 1) Residents might see a substantial difference in building scale between single family residences on the west side of West Street and a five-story parking structure on the east side, as proposed in Alternative 1. 2) During construction there may be occasions when related noise will be noticeable. 3) Even with additional parking provided, there could be some shortfall of parking spaces on those infrequent days of convention center peak periods. The final EIR had been prepared in compliance with applicable state and local environmental laws and guidelines; all comments had been comprehensively addressed (provided that recommended mitigation measures were implemented), and therefore, neither the proposed project nor its alternatives 1 and 2 would yield any unavoidable significant adverse impacts. City Traffic and Transportation Engineer Paul Singer reported on the independent comprehensive study conducted by the traffic engineering firm Barton Aschmann Associates, which study was divided into two areas: One which assessed traffic impacts of the expansion and the associated mitigation measures; the other evaluated the present parking needs of the Convention Center as well as for the proposed expansion. Mr. Singer noted mitigation measures identified, including several critical intersections in the Commercial-Recreation area, and the parking study which evaluated remote parking with shuttle busses and the resulting impact on city streets. He then introduced Mr. Neal Liddicoat, of Barton Aschmann Associates. Continuing the use of projected slides, Mr. Liddicoat briefly explained the methodology utilized in the traffic and parking study, and stated it was concluded that six intersections would require improvement in order to operate at an acceptable level of service: Ball/Euclid; Ball/Harbor; Katella/Euclid; Katella/Harbor; Katella Haster; and Katella/I-5 Northbound Ramps. In addition, other mitigation measures were recommended to minimize the impacts on roadways in the immediate vicinity of the convention center: Conversion of Convention Way to a 2-way street. 2) Provision for dual left-turn lanes on West Street along the convention center frontage (no widening necessary). 3) Construction of a 2-lane road connecting the existing exit from the Katella parking structure to southbound Harbor Boulevard. 1) Mr. Liddicoat further advised that their parking analysis consisted of two parts: 1) Identify the number of spaces which would be needed to satisfy all of the convention center's peak demand parking on site without using the Hilton or Marriott Hotel parking, nor that of any other facility. 2) Identify the number of spaces needed to meet the demand on a design day, 1008 18 City Hall~ Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - October 29~ 1987~ 7:30 P.M. recognizing that the Hilton and Marriott Hotels would have spaces available for Convention Center visitors. This second number would be in the design, and would be the number recommended for actual construction. He explained the step-by-step process utilized in preparing their analysis and recommendation, based on the actual level of usage and usage variety, i.e., short-term and long-term parking. The total future demand on the peak design day would be projected at about 5,720 spaces, plus the 250 available at the adjacent hotels. This figure represented 2,855 new parking spaces for peak-day parking, or 1,920 new spaces for the design day parking, minus 700 spaces which typically could be available at the hotels on these days. The final figure then represented 1,220 new spaces for the design day, Betterment III, bringing the total on-site parking supply to at least 5,020 spaces. Mr. George Ferrone, Finance Director for the City of Anaheim, was introduced by Mr. Thompson, and s,,mmarized the estimated available money anticipated and associated costs for the project. The 2% increase in the transient occupancy tax (T.O.T.), agreed to by the City Council for funding Betterment III, would allow for an annual debt service payment of approximately ~5 million, which in turn would fund $51 million in costs; and he gave the breakdown of those costs. Convention Center Executive Director Lynn Thompson discussed the pros and cons of the parking alternatives proposed, including: 1) Expansion of the existing Katella Avenue garage (Dannot be done until the cost and extent of work required to strengthen and expand the structure is determined; no estimate available); 2) Construction of a 5-level parking structure at the corner of Convention Way and West Street; 3) Acquisition of an 8+ acre parcel at the corner of Katella Avenue and West Street (including demolition of existing motels and restaurants on the acreage) for paved surface parking. This alternative would cost perhaps double the amount of Alternative 2. Mr. Thompson s,,mm-rized the Convention Center staff recommendation: 1) That the Joint Powers Authority certify the EIEand authorize expansion of the Convention Center as outlined in the staff report dated October 23, 1987, including recommended mitigation measures outlined in the EIR, its summary and Planning Department memorandum attached to the staff report; 2) That a 5-level, 1,200-space, parking structure be constructed at Convention Way and West Street, with Stadium parking to be utilized in the interim until expansion of the Katella parking structure is evaluated. Thereupon, the meeting was returned to the 3oint Powers Authority to allow questions and public input on proposed Betterment III. Anaheim Union High School District Trustee "Cappy" Brown inquired whether any studies concerning existing traffic had been made. City Traffic Engineer Paul Singer pointed out that field studies of annual traffic counts were conducted by his division, and modifications were instituted as necessary. The city was in the process of installing a complex multi-feature traffic coordination system which would be operated by the Police Department and controlled from a central point. This would be available for use at all times to mitigate traffic problems as they occur. The system should be installed in February 1988 and fully operational by 1009 15 City Hall~ Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - October 29~ 1987~ 7:30 P.M. S,,mmer, 1988. Further, a consultant had been retained and a proposal would be presented to change the general plan to widen critical intersections and increase their carrying capacity. School Board Member Christian Thierbach asked further clarification of the alternate proposal for land acquisition to accommodate additional parking. He noted the Fujishige property, across Harbor Boulevard to the East, valued at a much lower figure than the property mentioned at Katella Avenue and West Street, and he questioned the discrepancy. City Planning Director Joel Fick stated his belief that the amount for the Fujlshtge property referred to was that contained in an evaluation estimated by attorneys which was based on land contained in an agricultural preserve, the category under which the Fujishige property falls. In response to additional questions, Mr. Fick stated that C-R Zone uses have a higher value than those under an agricultural preserve designation by contract. Responding to question by Councilwoman Miriam Kaywood, Traffic Engineer Paul Singer advised that an Event Coordinator already had been employed who was responsible for gathering information from the various entities, correlating that information, disseminating information to the Police Department and effecting changes in traffic control devices to smooth out the traffic flow. Councilman William Ehrle asked if Mr. Thompson could elaborate on concerns of the neighbors regarding off-site parking resulting from Convention Center events. Mr. Thompson noted that concerns had been expressed to convention center staff relating to continued parking violations in the area. Neighbors requested more vigorous enforcement of the permit parking regulations in the neighborhood, which has been done by ticketing and the posting of additional signs. In the future, it was intended to pursue towing of violators. This problem could continue if additional on-site parking was not provided. Mayor Bay invited comments from the public in attendance. The following persons addressed the Joint Powers Authority concerning the expansion of the Convention Center, Betterment III: Mr. Newberry of Sherwood Village; Doug Kintz, 2011 Norms Lane; Donald Wragg, 1900 Cathy Lane; Paul Jockinson, 1404 Lamark; Curtis Stricker, 1117 Wakefield Place; Lou Herz, 2081 MargieLane; Jay Shah, 2600 0rangewoodAvenue; Steve Tambourine, 1185 Locust Street; Anita Stevens, 2043 June Place; Kathy Reyes, 959 W. Lamark Lane; Betty Ronconi, 1241 S. Walnut Street; and William LaForge, 1922 Cathy Lane. Concerns expressed included the following: 1) The intersection of Orangewood Avenue and West Street suffered more traffic than it could handle during peak periods; 2) Suggestion that the proposed parking structure be completely enclosed on those sides facing residential properties; 3) Request for a more conservative approach to the financing; 4) Request for comparison of actual profit and loss at the center; 5) Recommendation by Anaheim H.O.M.E. that action on the expansion be delayed for further detailed study; 6) A rebuttal E.I.R. and feasibility 1010 l§ City Hall~ Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - October 29p 1987~ 7:30 P.M. study should be included; 7) Request that the parking structure be constructed prior to the expanded facilities, and that a fourteen-foot wall be constructed to screen the construction site from residences; 8) Suggestion that the Katella Avenue parking structure be evaluated for strengthening and expansion; 9) Opinion that the E.I.R. should have considered the possibile future plans of Disneyland and a possible Katella Redevelopment Project; as well as a complete study of Betterment III's impact on area traffic; 10) Need for a better, more systematic approach to traffic congestion was needed; 11) Suggestion that property was available alone Orangewood Avenue and might be feasible for parking facilities expansion; 12) Anticipated impact on the residential area of noise from Convention Way (designated to be a two-way street); 13) Possible renovation of existing convention center facilities to optimum use instead of expansion; 14) Question concerning the amount of the expected deficit (expansion costs) which would be offset by the 2% increase in the Transient Occupancy Tax; and, 15) Attention called to the need for enforcement of permit-only parking on some area residential streets. Responses to these concerns included: (Convention Center Director Lynn Thompson:) Construction costs would be escalated if the parking structure were built first, delaying construction of the expanded facilities and hampering further construction, steel fabrication, etc.; the wall between the site and residents was designed at eight feet to be compatible with the existing wall between the center and Sherwood Village; the Katella parking structure was not strong enough to support two additional floors, according to the engineers, and would require more evaluation and a cost estimate for possible expansion; (Finance Director George Ferrone:) the 2% T.O.T. increase had become effective August 1, 1987, with an anticipated additional revenue of ~5 million; and the bond issue size had been very conservatively based on a 10% convention center use increase, as compared to the actual historical increase averaging 17% per year; and Anaheim had the most heavily used Convention Center in the nation, on an event-day basis. The public comment portion of the meeting was concluded, and Mayor Bay invited comments from the Community Center Authority, the High School Board of Trustees and Members of the City Council. Councilman Fred Hunter expressed his belief that the expansion should be authorized and the staff should work with concerns of nearby residents. Councilwoman Mtriam Kaywood pointed out that this proposed expansion had been studied for years, and the Anaheim Visitor and Convention Bureau had warned that either the Convention Center be expanded, or it would lose several of the major conventions, which would have a significant financial impact on the City. Speaking for the Community Center Authority, Steven Schacht pointed out that it was impossible to please everyone; the issues raised at this meeting had been discussed at several previous meetings. The overall economic impact on the City was important; tourists needed to be attracted, and the J.P.A. intended to do the best it could for the entire community. 'Cappy" Brown, Anaheim Union High School Board of Directors, stated that many of her concerns had not been answered to her satisfaction. Prior to 1011 City Hall~ Anaheim~ California - COUNCIL MINUTES - October 29~ 1987~ 7:30 P.M. commencing construction, some traffic problems should be resolved. The authorization of the Katella Redevelopment Project would bare helped improve streets and install storm drains in the area, but that project was not approved. Adequate parking and traffic control for shows at the convention center must be provided to serve the community. She strongly urged that construction of the parking facility be accomplished prior to expanding convention facilities. Christian Thierbach, of the school board, felt that traffic problems in the city were extremely significant during peak periods. Although he agreed with the need to expand the convention center, he did not agree with the construction of an additional parking structure on the property. He took the position that the center would not lose a significant amount of business by not expanding, but would make up for lost revenues from attendance at functions which would require no additional parking. In spite of some protests which might be received, he felt that those uses would continue to seek out the Anaheim Convention Center facility. Councilwoman Kaywood gave the example of her personal experience of a year ago when she encountered a monumental gridlock situation near Convention Center property as she drove to the facility for a conference. With the Event Coordinator on board, the situation was already much improved; and plans were moving ahead for more improvemment in the traffic situation. Joamne Barnett, School Board Member, reported that she had experienced a 45-minute delay getting into the Convention Center for a concert. She noted additional problems experienced during high school graduation ceremonies held in the arena, and concurred with statements made by Mr. Thierbach. Councilman Ehrle stated that the Convention Center had been committed to excellence; there were many projects upcoming; developers wanted to come to our community, and the city had an obligation to retain the Convention Center as the finest available. He expressed his full support of the proposed expansion. Joanne Stamton, School Board Member, expressed support of the expansion, but reiterated that her main concern was traffic. Tom Daly, School Board Member, questioned the impact on financing if the city determined to purchase property at West Street and Katella Avenue for parking, rather than construct the additional parking structure. Mr. Lynn Thompson noted there could be some delay as a result of an additional Environmental Impact Report requirement. Mr. Ferrone gave as an example, that if a price of $10 million to acquire the property was assumed, the cost of funding would be Si million per year. At the conclusion of the discussion, the following actions were taken by the Joint Powers Authority: 1012 City Hall, Anaheim, California - COUNCIL MINUTES - October 29, 1987, 7:30 P.M. COMMUNITY CENTER AUTHORITY: Authority Member William Currier offered Resolution No. CCA-138 for adoption. RESOLUTION NO. CCA-138; A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE COMMUNITY CENTER AUTHORITY (A) CERTIFYING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 284 RELATING TO THE PROPOSED ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION, (B) MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS IN CONJUNCTION THEREWITH, AND (C) APPROVING THE PROJECT FOR ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION, BETTERMENT III. AYES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: NOES: AUTHORITY MEMBERS: ABSENT: AUTHORITY MF2tBERS: Hostetter, Williams, Schacht, Currier None Patterson Community Center Authority Resolution No. CCA-138 was duly passed and adopted. ANAHEIM UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Board Member Joanne Stanton offered a Resolution for adoption. A RESOLUTION OF THE ANAHEIM UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES (A) CERTIFYING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 284 RELATING TO THE PROPOSED ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION, (B) MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS IN CONJUNCTION THEREWITH, AND (C) APPROVING THE PROJECT FOR ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION, BETTERMENT III. The foregoing resolution failed to carry. It was indicated by Board Members Brown, Daly and Thierbach that they could not support the recommendation for the project (Betterment III) because they were opposed to the construction of a parking structure at the corner of Convention Way and West Street. Mr. Daly felt that the land at the corner of Katella Avenue and West Street should be purchased by the City to provide surface parking. WAIVER OF READING - RESOLUTION: The title of the following resolution was read by the City Clerk. (Resolution No. 87R-449) Councilman Bay moved to waive the reading in full of the resolution. Councilman Hunter seconded the motion. MOTION CARRIED. Councilman Bay offered Resolution No. 87R-449 for adoption. Refer to Resolution Book. RESOLUTION NO. g7R-a49~ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM (A) CERTIFYING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT NO. 284 RELATING TO THE PROPOSED ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION, (B) MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS IN CONJUNCTION THEREWITH, AND (C) APPROVING THE PROJECT FOR ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION, BETTERMENT III. 1013 City Hall, Anaheim, California COUNCIL MINUTES - October 29, 1987, 7;30 Roll Call Vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Pickler, Kaywood, Hunter, Ehrle and Bay None None The Mayor declared Resolution No. 87R-449 duly passed and adopted. ADJOURNMENT; On motion by Board Member Barnett, seconded by Board Member Daly, the Anaheim Union High School District Board of Trustees adjourned. MOTION CARRIED. (10:33 p.m.) On motion by Authority Member Williams, seconded by Authority Member Hostetter, the Community Center Authority adjourned. MOTION CARRIED. (10:33 p.m.) On motion by Councilman Bay, seconded by Councilman Ehrle, the Anaheim City Council adjourned. MOTION CARRIED. (10:33 p.m.) LEONORA N. SOHL, CITY CLERK 1014