CC Min 2001-06-25 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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vacation. Mayor Ruskin also clarified that senior citizens stressed over this issue and some residents rushed to contact attorneys. Chairperson Ruskin made it very clear that there are laws that protect citizens, and would -- never allow for this to situation to occur. Finally, Mayor Ruskin wanted all residents to realize that the City had not issued a "Notice to Move" nor did the City send out this type of communication. Agency Director Church clarified that exempted from Eminent Domain are any properties that are in the Residential Zone (of the Redevelopment Area) and in Residential Use. City Manager Everett invited some of the public present to meet Assistant City Manager Gonzalez in the foyer, and go over the specific circumstances of their parcel. Agency Director Church stated that the action required of Council was to adopt a Resolution and introduce an Ordinance. Staff recommended an extension of 12 years, however Council could chose a different time period for the extension. A brief overview of the Redevelopment Agency was provided. The agency was established in 1982 and the area that it now covers now amended in 1990. Currently, the two main projects the Agency is dealing with are: the Irvine Apartment Project and the Downtown Retail Cinema Project. As requested, Agency Director Church, included with the staff report the Minutes of the Planning Commission meeting where the issue was addressed. Other information was also provided (attachment to the staff report) on the relocation process. Copies of these documents were also placed in the foyer for the public to review. A list of major Redevelopment Agency projects was provided, and in all cases the City reached a settlement instead of following through with Eminent Domain. According to Director Church, the evidence is that neither the current Council nor its predecessors have taken the issue of Eminent Domain lightly. Agency Member Ira asked about the number of units obtained by the City via Eminent Domain. Director Church stated that there were maybe 5-6 rental units taken. The Agency has never initiated Eminent Domain against single family houses that are owner occupied. Director Church entertained Council questions about the issue at hand. Agency Member Jordan asked about Windham place. She specifically referred to a certain structure and even though it was not in the Redevelopment area but since it was questionable (because of safety, health reasons and red light district) could the City employ Eminent Domain? City Attorney Schricker clarified that in those situations the City has the power to file an action under the Red Light Abatement Act against the property itself and shut down the business. Eminent Domain may not be used to abate issues such as a health, unsafe or red light district areas. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 25, 2001 __ MINUTES PAGE 5 MINUTES Book No. 58 Page No. 441