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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-21-1995 City Council Study Session MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE 130 SOUTH MAIN STREET LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1995 ******~~****~**************************************************** CALL TO ORDER ~ Mayor Washburn called the City Council Study Session to order at 8:38 a.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE . The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Alongi. ROLL CALL PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALONGI, BRINLEY, WASHBURN ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: BENDER, PAPE Also present were: City Manager Molendyk, Assistant City Manager Watenpaugh, City Planner Leslie, Public Services Director Tecca, Community Services Director Sapp, Manager of Special Projects Best, Deputy City Clerk Bryning. DISCUSSION ITEMS - 1. Air Sports Issues (F:14.1) City Manager Molendyk explained that staff has been talking to several of the businessman in the community and asked for suggestions in rega~d to how the City can promote tourism in the City. He stated that the activities noted are unique to Lake Elsinore and have been here for a while. He further explained that the topics to be addressed are: Recreational Hang Gliding; Skydiving; and Glider Planes at the Airport. City'Manager Molendyk explained that it was felt that these recreations would best be addressed at a Study Session and noted that item "A" addresses Hang Gliding and explained that staff has been working with the group which is representative of the Hang Gliding group in Lake Elsinore. He further noted that they are currently negotiating for a 56 acre site which is located on Ortega Highway in the County. City Manager Molendyk explained that staff is looking for direction from Council regarding Hang Gliding and how the City could assist that organization in making sure that they have a permanent landing site. He further explained that once they have a specific site then there are more opportunities for the City to assist in seeking grants and funds from the State of California. City Manager Molendyk stated that item "B", addresses Skydiving and in order for a skydiver to be certified they are required to PAGE TWO - STUDY SESSION - NOVEMBER 21, 1995 A. Hang Gliding John Pitt, representative of the Lake Elsinore Hang Gliding Group, gave an overview of the history of Hang Gliding and explained that they are seeking a permanent landing site. He further explained that Lake Elsinore is one of the prime sites for Hang Gliding in the United States. He pointed out the year round good weather and unique wind conditions make Lake Elsinore one of the best place for this type of sport. Mr. Pitt explained that Lake Elsinore has more pilots soar here than in any other location in California. He stated that there are approximately 500 people a month that come to Lake Elsinore to fly, especially during the winter. He pointed out that during the summer, people from several different countries and different states come to Lake Elsinore to Hang Glide. He gave a history of the current landing site and explained that they have been landing on this site for about the last 20 years and this is the site that they are currently negotiating for. Mr. Pitt explained that all of the hang gliders built are flight tested here at Lake Elsinore and this also adds to the tourism. Mr. Pitt explained that during the summer, there is a book about Lake Elsinore and the fact that there is a south wind and north wind that hit each other and go all the way out to Palm Springs which is called a convergenance. He further explained that a hang glider can hit this current and ride it back and forth all the way to Palm Springs and back. He made note of the fact that this condition is unique to Lake Elsinore as well as winter Santa Ana wind conditions. Mr. pitt stated that Lake Elsinore has the reputation of being "the spot" in the world. He explained that this has brought people to Lake Elsinore and they have bought homes to reside where their sport is located. He further stated that the purpose for him being before Council is to seek their approval in securing a landing site. City Manager Molendyk stated that the weather is a natural resource and since the City wants to be sports/ recreation oriented, it would be a shame to loose this unique sport, however the piece of property in question is in the County and even if they don't annex into the City, there might be some special funds through State Parks which could aid with the City's guidance. He explained that this will require Council policy or direction before the City staff can pursue the issue. He commented on the air conversion and how unique this is and explained that the organization cannot join in major competition since they cannot legally promote any event without a secure landing site. Mr. Pitt explained that for competitions people, take off from Lake Elsinore, but they must land at Hemet Airport and the score is figured through an accumulation of noints over a neriod of days. He ..... ..... PAGE THREE - STUDY SESSION - NOVEMBER 21, 1995 Councilman Alongi asked if Lake Elsinore could be used for National competitions if they had a permanent landing site. Mr. Pitt stated that they could. He explained that they have competitions now, but they are informal. Councilwoman Brinley asked how many people a "No. 1 Competition" would attract. Mr. pitt stated that Telluride attracts the most competitors and spectators. Councilwoman Brinley asked if they could host that type of competition if they had a permanent landing site. Mr. Pitt confirmed that they could. Mayor Washburn noted that there is a potential for an Air Olympics which would feature different venues. Mr. Pitt agreed. ~ Mr. Pitt explained that this is where all of the major figures in hang gliding train and they have to go elsewhere to compete. He made note of the fact that one of the problems that Telluride experiences is bad weather and the City of Lake Elsinore does not have that problem and could accommodate the competition. He told of the efforts of a small town in Oregon which promotes their hang gliding, which can only be done in the summer, and explained that their town has experienced a major summer trade from the sport and has made quite a profit from the people that come for the sport. He further explained that the town promoted the sport and Lake Elsinore could experience that type of thing year round due to good weather. He pointed out that there have been several magazines and brochures which feature hang gliding. Councilman Alongi asked if the site was secure where they take-off. Mr. Pitt stated that it is secure since it is National Forest and not in conflict with any development. He pointed out that his group does trash pick-up and keeps their sites clean and in order. City Manager Molendyk explained that if they can clear the site, then they would be willing to gain sponsors for different competitions and provide bleachers so people can sit. Councilman Alongi clarified the fact that the property in question is in the County. City Manager Molendyk stated that it is, and the hang gliding group would like to secure the site and have the support of the City; and if they annexed into the City the Council would include them in their recreation/ tourism goal and see this as a City Park. He noted that staff has explained to the hang gliders that they could do nothing without direction or some type of policy decision by Council. He explained that Council might find that the City would want to control this site since it could have benefit for the community or Council might find out that public liability insurance would not cover it and it would have to stay PAGE FOUR - STUDY SESSION - NOVEMBER 21, 1995 whole area conform within City Limits. Community Development Director Leslie stated that the landing site is a pocket of unincorporated area and it would be a logical annexation and bring the entire section into conformity. Mayor Washburn stated that this would be a positive thing for the community and if the group could get control of the property, then either they or the City could consider annexation. Councilwoman Brinley stated that possibly there could be a happy medium reached. - City Manager Molendyk stated that this information today is for the Study Session, but can be presented at the first meeting of December, and the applicant can ask for City Council's blessings to allow staff to work with Mr. Pitts. Community Development Director Leslie reminded Council that this area is a part of the Cleveland Ridge Community of Interest which goes to LAFCO on December 7, 1995. Councilman Alongi asked if the 57 acres that the hang gliding club is trying to purchase would be set up like a park. City Manager Molendyk stated that they were willing to comply with Council. He explained that the site could be kept in its natural state or it can be developed into a park. B. Skvdivinq. City Manager Molendyk stated that Mr. Brogdon of Skydive California, was present to present a proposal to expand the airport; to make sure that the Council is committed to the retention of a recreational airport; and the possibility of night jumping. - Mr. Tony Brogdon, President of Skydive California, Inc., presented a video of how the skydiving school operates. He read a letter written to Council regarding their history and assured Council that his Company is willing to cooperate with Eastlake Development and stated that they would be working toward mutual goals. Mr. Brogdon explained the problems that they have experienced in establishing their jump center. He explained that at one time Lake Elsinore was recognized as the top skydiving center in America and it has been his goal to restore this standing. He pointed out that the best reason for having skydiving in Lake Elsinore is the benefit to small businesses. Mr. Brogdon stated that one of the most important issues in skydiving is the planes and they have contracted with Skydive Arizona for a Super Otter which can go up in altitude and come down fast and is much quieter. City Manager Molendyk stated that this plane uses a shorter runway as well. Mr. Broqdon 'l,lln'llil ~i^ PAGE FIVE - STUDY SESSION - NOVEMBER 21, 1995 from one site to another to create a compatibility with the airport. He explained that now that they are ready to move ahead, they have something to offer the City and the developer and they wish to make sure that they have a secure landing site for recreation. Mr. Brogdon stated that his organization does not oppose Mentor Airport, nor does Cal-Trans, the question is the designation of where the skydiving airport will be located for recreational purposes. He pointed out the advertisement of Lake Elsinore in the Skydive, Arizona Magazine. He introduced Larry Hill, President of Skydive, Arizona and stated that he has the largest fleet of aircraft in the sport. He explained that Mr. Hill and Mr. Henry will be purchasing Skydive, California and noted that they are more than qualified and equipped to operate the organization. He stated that facilities are vital for a National competition and they will be able to furnish this. Mr. Hill gave an overview of the history of his organization and his qualifications. He explained that his company in Arizona leases the Super Otter to Skydive, California which is based in Lake Elsinore and qualified his ability to furnish proper facilities to draw a National Competition for Skydiving to Lake Elsinore. Councilwoman Brinley asked if Mr. Hill will be doing improvements to this airport to facilitate this. Mr. Hill confirmed. She asked if he will be moving his organization to Lake Elsinore. Mr. Hill stated that he will operate both. He explained that the National Organization likes to move the site around and this would allow him to offer them either site. He pointed out the amount of people that he has to draw from for this sport and the economic impact that this has on an area. He stated that when his organization held the Nationals in 1993 they had over 1,500 participants for the 10 day event. Councilwoman Brinley asked how many times a year events are held and what are the major events. Mr. Hill stated that there is only one major event a year which is the National, but in his organization they hold approximately six competitions a year which draw 500 to 1000 people. Councilman Alongi stated that he wished to make it clear that as a future owner he would like to see them submit color rendering of their proposed buildings and facilities as well as how it will be protected from flooding. City Manager Molendyk stated that before they would start that type of project they will have to meet with the Master Developer and try to work out a plan to develop that type of rendering. PAGE SIX - STUDY SESSION - NOVEMBER 21, 1995 City Manager Molendyk stated that it is his understanding that Mentor Airport is commercial and this issue is recreation only. Councilman Alongi stated that he would like to see both enterprises blended together. City Manager Molendyk stated that as the map shows both enterprises can be laid out to be compatible. Mr. Brogdon stated that he would like to again mention night jumps since it is a requirement of the United States Parachute Association to make night jumps to acquire a license. He explained that his facility can meet the FAA requirements for lighting for take-offs and landings, but what they need from the City is approval, and that Council does not object to a once a month night jump. C. Glider Planes. City Manager Molendyk stated that he has experienced a ride in a Glider Plane and explained that it is a unique experience and is one of the sports that utilize the airport. Mike Havenor, President of the Lake Elsinore Soaring Club, gave an overview of the history of his club and noted that they currently have 50 members. He stated that the wind conditions that affect and encourage the sport of hang gliding are the same wind conditions that affect his sport. He noted that the wind conditions of Lake Elsinore are known allover the country and make airsports in this area unique. He stated that the Club owns three sail planes based at Skylark Airport and they have two trailers on skids, one for storage and one for a classroom as well as bleachers and tables in the safety area for spectators. He stated that their club is affiliated with the Soaring Society of America which is sanctioned by the International Aeronautique which regulates all the safety requirements. Mr. Havenor stated that Lake Elsinore has general air space which is a plus and the sport is year round. He explained it is possible to soar in excess of one hour or more due to the unique wind conditions. He further explained that all lessons are given by qualified volunteer instructors and the sport is so safe that a 14 year old is allowed to fly solo. He further explained that their tow planes do not fly over homes. Councilwoman Brinley asked if they had a stable place for their organization to grow. Mr. Havenor stated that their membership is growing right now and the location is what is being discussed. City Manager Molendyk stated that what he has heard from all three groups is that none of them have had a permanent home for several years and what they are looking for is a permanent facility. .... ..... PAGE SEVEN - STUDY SESSION - NOVEMBER 21, 1995 Mr. Havenor stated that the youngest member of their club qualified at 14 years old and his first solo flight was 5 hours. He stated that their members range in age from Senior Citizens to young teens, including the handicapped. Councilman Alongi asked about insurance and stated that he would like to see a program for the youth of the area who would otherwise never have a chance to ride in an airplane. He explained that this would give the ability to redirect Gang type kids from violence, into constructive efforts. City Manager Molendyk stated that it is the intent of staff to present these considerations the first Council Meeting of December. Mayor Washburn stated that they should consider forming an Airsports Consortium to give them a better ability to apply for grants and ask for assistance. THE MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:10 A.M. Respectfully submitted: - ATTEST: ?)~~JU . VICru KA~ CITY CLERK