HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-15 - MINUTES - STUDY SESSION NOTES (2)City Council Special Joint Study Session
With Planning Commission
April 15, 2003
Call To Order: 5:33 p.m.
Roll Call - Council: All Councilmembers were present
Roll Call - Commission: Berger, Ostrom, Winsman
Commissioner Trautman and Commissioner Burkhart arrived at
5:45 p.m.
Flag Salute: Led by Commissioner Michael Berger
ITEM 1 WHITTAKER-BERMITE CLEAN-UP AND REUSE PROJECT
CITY -CHEROKEE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT — Ken Pulskamp,
City Manager gave a brief background on the strategy team's efforts related to
Whittaker-Bermite clean-up and reuse project, and turned the meeting over to
Jeff Lambert, Director of Planning and Building Services.
Mr. Lambert introduced the members of Cherokee Investment Partners, a
remediation firm interested in the purchase, clean-up and development of the
former Whittaker-Bermite property, and introduced the attorneys with Cox,
Newcastle and Nicholson who have been working on the details of the
agreement.
Councilmember Bob and Kellar and Jeff Lambert emphasized that no action
would be taken by Council at this meeting, the agreement is still being worked
on and it will come to Council for formal action on May 13, 2003.
The members of Cherokee Investment Partners gave a brief history of Cherokee,
their expertise in this field, real estate, remediation and transaction background;
and financial assurances
Dan Masnada representing Castaic Lake Water Agency gave a perspective of the
Agency's stand on this issue, including cost issues, permit issues, treatment of
contaminated ground water; dealing with Department of Toxic Substance
Control (DTSC), and Department of Health Services (DHS).
Council / Planning Commission questions, concerns and comments
included: Clarification of subsequent, supplemental, addendum and full EIR;
clarification of minor / major changes; process should be as public as possible -
involve PERC and CAG and any other groups interested, as to keep the process
from becoming bogged down; actual solid figures from the water companies is
needed; Santa Clarita has many intelligent, dedicated, passionate people when it
comes to their home town; involve the community in all aspects to study a grain
of sand and determine if it indeed will become a pearl. Sincerely have an
opportunity here to seize this project and move forward; reflect on the past and
work effectively, responsibly with Cherokee. Cherokee has the knowledge and
interest, and yes, they have a bottom line, but everyone does.
There is an effective economic engine in Cherokee. Whittaker has had one pilot
program after another and no commitment. Cherokee will and can prove
themselves as the backbone of this project. They are equal partners in the
commitment to the clean-up area; looking forward with optimism to working
with Cherokee and staff to resolve these issues.
Public Participation included Connie Worden-Roberts representing Citizens
Advisory Group (CAG), and several CAG members were recognized in the
audience; Valerie Thomas encouraged Council to air on the side of caution; John
Grannis encouraged Council to use caution, sober judgement, and that he is
opposed to public financing unless it is for public economic benefit; Glo Donnelly
stated her concerns with the depleted uranium issues and all health standards
must be complied with; Lynn Plambeck encouraged a lengthy public review of
documents and that the public wants and expects to be involved in the process;
Cam Noltemeyer concerned with exposure to children with approvals of past
Council decisions, and there must be a full EIR on this project.
Ken Pulskamp responded to the concerns of the public, emphasizing that the
City will proceed with caution, road issues will be taken care of, and an excellent
team has been assembled including financial, insurance, legal and
environmental people. There will be clarity on land use issues, the City is also
concerned with the Mello Roos, everything will be put on the table, nothing will
be pre -approved, and if a new EIR is necessary, the City will certainly comply.
This is the beginning of the process and the public will be able to contribute to
the process.
Mayor Smyth adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Geri Efryan, Deputy City Cl rk