City Council Meeting Wrap-Up

The following is from the April 20 City Council meeting.

Frank honor proposed

During public comment, Arnold Hano proposed naming the City Council Chambers in honor of retiring City Manager Ken Frank in recognition for all he has done for the city.

Hano said that when he moved to Laguna in 1955, the city manager’s office had a revolving door, which led to confusion. He complimented Frank on his ability to clarify issues.

“I don’t agree with everything he has done, but he brought a sense of order to the community,” Hano said. “I wish we could clone certain of his qualities. He is a genius with money.

“It’s about time we recognize him.”

No smoking at canyon shelter

Smoking was banned on a unanimous vote at the city-owned property at 20651 Laguna Canyon Road, site of the proposed Homeless Sleeping Shelter and headquarters of the Relief and Resource Coalition Center, except in areas approved by the city manager.

WHAT IT MEANS

It is expected that smoking will be allowed in the sleeping areas, but prohibited elsewhere on the property.

Trolley contributions

The summer shuttle buses have been so successful the costs have increased dramatically in order to meet the demand by riders. Next fiscal year, the preliminary budget estimates the cost at $800,000.

Mayor Pro Tem Toni Iseman, who sponsored the agenda item, said the City Council doesn’t want to start charging the riders, which might discourage them from parking and riding the buses and trolleys. Iseman suggested the city could ask for donations and the council, on a unanimous vote, instructed the city manager to figure out how it could work and how much it would cost.

WHAT IT MEANS

Frank said the proposal raises significant issues, including the cost of signage, someone on the buses to accept the donations and a secure place to put the cash.

Abatement ordered

The council approved 5 to 0 programs to abate weeds and rubbish, intersection visibility blockage, and street cleaning obstruction.

Weeds must be cleared by May 18. Intersections must be made visible and vegetation or improvements that extend into the public right-of-way and obstruct street sweepers must be cleared by June 1 Property owners were notified by mail of their inclusion on the lists. Some have already complied.

The council hearing was an opportunity for owners to protest their inclusion.

WHAT IT MEANS

Public Works will step in and clear up the intersections and the rights-of-way if property owners don’t comply with the order to abate. The Fire Department will abate the public nuisance created by weed, refuse or rubbish not removed by the property owners by the deadline at a cost of $200 to $300 each and put the cost on the property owners’ tax bill.

Pond-to-spa appeal denied

The council unanimously upheld a Design Review Board denial of the conversion of a shallow pond into a spa in Lagunita. The location of the pond away from the house and exposed to public view was cited.

WHAT IT MEANS

The pool must be kept a depth of no more than 17 inches.

“” Compiled by Barbara Diamond