At its June 28 meeting, the Signal Hill City Council listened to a public hearing concerning a zoning ordinance amendment for a new specific plan for the development of Courtyard residential condominiums located at 1933 Temple Ave.
High Rhodes Property Group, a real-estate company that specializes in property investment, strategic management and development, proposed to change the project site from a residential high-density zone to a Courtyard residential-specific plan zone.
The zoning change would allow the project to be built as proposed.
During the public-comments portion of the hearing, residents who live in condos adjacent to the Courtyard building site stated reasons as to why they oppose the proposed build design for the project.
Prior to the proposed zoning amendment ordinance, officials in charge of the building project hosted various workshops in conjunction with nearby residents to receive feedback on the project.
According to the residents, the proposed build design for the Courtyard condominiums’ rooftops would obstruct the view of the city from their apartments.
The residents who spoke at the council meeting felt that their concerns were not adequately heard.
The council sided heavily with the residents, stating that Signal Hill is known for having delightful views.
“A view is a prized possession,” Vice Mayor Tina Hansen said.
During discussion on the zoning amendment ordinance, the council could not make decisions on the ordinance simply based on what the staff report outlined.
The council’s main concern was to make sure the views of the adjacent residents were not obstructed by the Courtyard condominiums. They said the proposed ordinance staff report did not clarify if the zoning changes would have an effect on the views of the residents.
As a result, the council voted to have the public hearing on the zoning amendment ordinance open until the first meeting in September and to make a decision on it at that time.
Auto storage
In a unanimous vote, the city council adopted a zoning ordinance amendment to conditionally permit accessory uses associated with the Signal Hill Auto Center.
According to City Manager Charlie Honeycutt, the zoning amendment would give the auto center more space to carry inventory and to have custom-made cars available for the buyer on the premises.
Animal control
The city council voted to renew its contract with the City of Long Beach Animal Care Services Bureau.
The contract is not to exceed $78,118 and is set to commence July 1, 2016 and end June 30, 2018.
The bureau provides care for many different types of animals and runs a successful spay and neuter program, according to an animal care services representative.
Waste service
The city council confirmed a proposed waste services adjustment for Fiscal Year 2016-2017.
Signal Hill’s waste services rate have increased from $14.66 to $15.23.
According to Public Works Management Analyst Travis Brooks, Signal Hill’s waste services rate is the lowest in comparison to nearby cities.
Budget
The city council voted to adopt the annual operating and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017, established the annual appropriations limit for fiscal year 2016-2017 and approved the year-end budget adjustment for fiscal year 2015-2016.
According to the staff report, this is the first year of a two-year financial plan for fiscal years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.
In May, City department leaders and the city council hosted a public budget workshop to discuss budgeting for the City’s services.
According to Terri Marsh, Signal Hill administrative services officer/finance director, the top three sources of revenue for the City are sales tax, property tax and franchise tax.
Council stipends
During the June 14 city council meeting, the council directed staff to prepare an ordinance resolution to increase city council and commission members’ stipends.
In accordance with state law, the council voted to increase the stipends for council members and commission members by 35 percent.
Clerk stipends
The city staff presented the council with the city clerk and city treasurer stipends of nearby cities.
According to Honeycutt, city clerk and city treasurer stipends have not been increased since 1990.
The council directed city staff to prepare an ordinance to increase the city clerk and city treasurer stipends by 35 percent.
Retirement
Mayor Lori Woods and Signal Hill Police Chief Michael Langston presented a proclamation to retiring Signal Hill Police Sergeant Robert Cravens.
Although they did not attend the meeting, 32nd District Senator Ricardo Lara and United States Rep. Alan Lowenthal also recognized Cravens by sending certificates.
The next Signal Hill City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, July 12 at 7pm in council chambers, 2175 Cherry Ave.
