SEAL BEACH : Council to Discuss Future of Divided Archeology Panel

Divisions over proposed developments in the city are threatening to unravel the 10-member Archeological Committee, a City Council-appointed citizens’ group.

Council members today are expected to discuss allegations that some committee members have put too much activism into their advisory duties.

“We need clarification as to what the purpose of the committee is,” Councilman William J. Doane said. “As far as I am concerned, they are an advisory committee. They do not have the authority to go as far as some members have gone.”

Doane said three committee members have quit in recent months because of the activism of some other members who are raising concerns about proposed development sites in the city.

But some observers say pro-development committee members have been trying to make deals with other committee members to win support for proposed projects.

Committee Chairman David Belardes is out of town and could not be reached for comment.

Councilman Frank Laszlo said he supports the activism of committee members, as long as they do not link their actions with the committee when acting independently.

“The complaints against some of these members is because they have different agendas,” Laszlo said.

The committee was formed in August, 1992, to protect archeological and historical sites in the city. Archeological preservation became an issue in 1990 after the Mola Development Co. proposed a massive residential project on the Hellman Ranch property. Representatives of the Gabrielino tribe argued that the development would destroy ancient burial grounds. Council members voted against the proposed development.