2 on Seal Beach Council in War of Words : Government: Exchange between Doane and Hastings is sparked by recent resignation of a planning commissioner.

The normally placid and friendly proceedings of the City Council took a divisive turn this week when two council members engaged in an angry exchange over the recent resignation of Phil Fife from the Planning Commission.

The heated exchange between Councilman William J. Doane and Councilwoman Marilyn Bruce Hastings on Monday night lasted only a few moments, but it marked an unusual public display of the deep division that exists over development issues in Seal Beach.

Doane suggested that Hastings and another council member had formed an alliance, prompting Hastings to deliver a strong rebuff.

The exchange centered on Fife’s decision two weeks ago to leave the Planning Commission. The resignation was prompted because Fife is barred by state law from voting on a proposed housing development within 300 feet of his house in the College Park East district.

In his resignation letter, Fife said he quit at the request of Councilman Frank Laszlo, who appointed him five years ago. Fife contended that Laszlo was unhappy with his voting record--especially on issues in Hastings’ Old Town district. He also charged that Laszlo and Hastings formed a “political alliance” on development issues.

Monday’s exchange began when Doane praised Fife for his years of service to the city and expressed the hope that he might someday be reappointed to the Planning Commission.

Hastings responded that “a planning commissioner serves at the pleasure of the council (member) who appoints him” and that Laszlo “took the prudent course” by replacing Fife with someone who can vote on the proposed development.

Doane then raised Fife’s charges of a “political alliance,” questioning whether Laszlo and Hastings were “in collusion.”

The remark prompted a visibly angered Hastings to respond: “Are you accusing me of collusion?”

Moments later, the council meeting was adjourned. But Hastings again questioned Doane about his statement. “You are accusing us of collusion,” she said. “That was a totally inappropriate thing to say.”

Doane responded: “You proved it. You proved it tonight.”

The exchange surprised some observers because both Doane and Hastings are known for their courteous behavior and have generally avoided being dragged into previous verbal disputes during council meetings.

Doane and Hastings have disagreed on some Old Town issues. Hastings has sided with residents who accuse some Main Street bars and restaurants of creating noise, traffic and parking problems in the district.

Doane, on the other hand, has expressed concern that the city not place too many restrictions on Main Street merchants.

Both Hastings and Laszlo have long been outspoken opponents of many proposed developments in the city. They fought against a Mola Development Co. plan to build hundreds of homes in the Hellman Ranch area off Seal Beach Boulevard. The city eventually rejected the development, which is now the subject of a lawsuit.