HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/01/18 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MAY 1, 2018
STUDY SESSION: MILow called the Study Session to order at 5:00
p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management
District/Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Lin, Lyons, Tye, Mayor Pro
Tem Herrera, and Mayor Low
Staff Present: Dan Fox, City Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney; Ryan
McLean, Assistant City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Greg Gubman,
Community Development Director; Dianna Honeywell, Finance Director; Ken
Desforges, IT Director; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Anthony Santos,
Assistant to the City Manager; Anthony Jordan, Parks Maintenance Supervisor;
Alfa Lopez, Senior Management Analyst; Amy Haug, Human Resources/Risk
Manager; Dannette Allen, Management Analyst; Cecilia Arellano, Public
Information Coordinator, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
POTENTIAL TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) MEASURE —
STATUS UPDATE:
ACM/McLean reported that this item was included in the Strategic Plan. Staff
implemented an educational program for the public via a dedicated website
and FAA's that are on the site along with various articles in the Diamond Bar
Connection newsletter and a mailer with additional information and an
opportunity for residents and business owners to respond to a survey by
mail -in card or on the City's website. Results of the survey have been
generally favorable. There was a high priority for public safety and traffic
mitigation, both of which can be funded using TOT dollars, should the
Council choose to move forward with the measure.
C/Lyons asked how many responses the City received.
ACM/McLean responded a little over 300, a good amount with good
information from the public which was the aim of the survey.
ACM/McLean stated that staff is seeking direction from the City Council as
to whether to proceed with a ballot measure which would be placed on the
November 2018 ballot. The measure would pass by a simple majority of (50
plus 1).
ACM/McLean stated that staff will be bring a Resolution calling for the
November General Election that will include the measure on the ballot
tentatively scheduled for the June 5, 2018 City Council meeting.
ACM/McLean said that as part of that Resolution, staff will work with the City
Attorney to provide sample ballot language. The Transient Occupancy Tax
measure would include a statement such as "Shall the Ordinance to increase
the Transient Occupancy Tax paid solely by hotel guests from its current rate
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
of 10 percent to 14 percent which provides approximately $450,000 annually
with no expiration date to be used for neighborhood sheriff protection, traffic
safety improvements, local parks, trails, senior and youth recreation
programs and other city services, should it be adopted".
CITye asked what percentage of the survey responses were in favor of that
TOT.
ACM/McLean responded that that question was not included in the survey.
The survey was to hear about residents' funding priorities. Augmenting
neighborhood sheriff protection and public safety programs to prevent
property crimes — 80 percent high priority; maintaining local roads and filling
potholes — 57 percent high, 35 percent medium.
CITye asked if what residents were sent indicated that what they were
responding to had to do with an increase in the TOT.
ACMIMcLean responded yes, it was included in the information piece by
explaining what the City funds after which there is a statement as follows:
"The City has been considering an increase to the existing TOT, also known
as a hotel tax, to help fill the funding gap." This was included with the
information that also included the survey materials.
C/Lyons asked if anyone had heard from constituents who disagreed with
the proposed increase.
ACM/McLean said he had not received any calls. There is a section in the
survey for "comments" and a couple of comments were received from
individuals who were opposed to tax measures of any kind. In general, those
were few.
MILow said she believed that when the consultant presented this matter that
question was asked and she wanted to know the result.
ACM/McLean said he did not have that information with him but in general,
it was very favorable, especially given that the November ballot would be a
simple majority for success.
CILin asked about the spread in LA County.
ACM/McLean responded that the spread is from 4 percent to 15 percent.
C1Tye asked what Diamond Bar polled at.
ACM/McLean responded 14 percent.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION
CILin asked what TOT revenues can be used for.
ACM/McLean explained that TOT is a General Fund revenue.
MILow asked if the $450,000 is revenue that would be realized, was that on
top of what the City currently gets.
ACM/McLean responded "yes."
MILow asked what the City gets currently.
CM/Fox said it is about one million dollars per year based on the current
inventory of hotels.
CILin asked if 14 percent was the number that the Council needs to discuss.
CM/Fox said that is the percentage that has always been presented. Even
a year ago when the Council began talking about the TOT it was at 14
percent.
CITye asked if the polling came back, that if the City went higher than 14
percent would the response negative.
ACM/McLean said that when the consultant did the initial detailed
statistically -valid polling the 14 percent number was used and it came back
favorably.
ACM/McLean asked Council for direction to staff.
Following Council discussion, the City Council directed staff to move forward
with a Resolution calling for a TOT Ballot Measure to be placed on the
November 2018 ballot.
® DRAFT FY 2018-19 GENERAL FUND AND INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS
BUDGET:
FD/Honeywell reported that the purpose of tonight's Study Session was for
the City Council to review portions of the FY 2018-19 Budget and provide
feedback to staff regarding any changes it might want.
The recommended FY 2018-19 Operating Budget continues to be
conservative in revenue and expenditure growth. Staff looked at the mid-
year budget and attempted to keep it at the same levels wherever possible.
Estimated Resources are $29,592,000 (including $3.9 million in the use of
General Fund Reserves). Estimated Surplus at this time is about $59,000.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION
MPT/Herrera said she believed this was the tightest that the City has
experienced because usually, there is over $100,000 and sometimes
$200,000 in surplus.
M/Low asked what the general percentage increase is at mid -year.
FD/Honeywell said she would get back to the Council on that.
MILow said that if the City is looking at a surplus of $60,000 and the
adjustment is $120,000, this budget is too low.
CM/Fox said that $4 million of that is Capital Improvement Projects which
will. be discussed at the next Study Session. It is unlikely that all of the
projects will get done, some are carryovers from this year and there Is always
money left on the table at the end of the year. Yes, it is very tight and we
want to be cognizant of that.
FD/Honeywell stated that the local economy continues to grow but showing
signs that growth may be slowing. The City has benefitted from the fiscally
conservative practices of the current and previous Councils; and, sound
reserves are in place for times of economic uncertainty.
C/Tye asked what the signs are that the local economy might be slowing.
FD/Honeywell said that Diamond Bar will be pretty much built out by the end
of this year. There are no large housing projects in the near future and the
building revenue will be a lot less than it has been in recent years, Although
there are new businesses in the City, some of the existing sectors are
slowing which affect sales tax revenue.
With respect to revenue, assessed valuations in the current FY 2017-18
increased by 4.35 percent; assessed valuations are anticipated to increase
by only 3.83 percent in FY 2018-19 (countywide by 6 percent); Property tax
is anticipated to increase 2.7 percent to $5.3 million during FY 2018-19; and,
Property Tax in Lieu of VLF is anticipated to increase 3.83 percent to $6.2
million during FY 2018-19.
Sales Tax Revenue is projected to increase by 2.2 percent over the expected
FY 2017-18 results to $5.2 million.
The budget proposes that the City sell $1.2 million in Prop A funds in
exchange for $840,000 in General Fund dollars. The Prop A funds are very
restricted funds and can only be used for certain things whereas, the General
Fund covers a full range. The City has designated as much as it can in Prop
A funds for CIP projects and still have an excess amount, which staff
MAY 17 2018 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION
proposes to sell so that the proceeds can be used for things such as park
CIP projects.
C/Lyons asked if the 70 cents ratio was the best the City could get.
FD/Honeywell said she believed the City had gone has high as 75 cents on
the dollar but according to a survey she did through her listsery the highest
she received was 70 cents.
MPT/Herrera asked if the $1.2 million in Prop A would deplete those funds.
FD/Honeywell said she likes to maintain a balance of about $100,000 to
$150,000 following this type of transaction.
MPT/Herrera asked if the City received an allocation of Prop A funds
annually so that it would build back up.
FD/Honeywell responded yes and that the City will continue to provide for its
transit program and some additional Prop A monies to pay for other projects
that can be funded with Prop A funds.
The current service charges revenue includes building, engineering and
recreation fees and are estimated to be down 40.1 percent or a total of $1.4
million due to the remainder of the South Pointe housing permits being
issued ($890,000) this year, which the City will not have next year which is
a considerable drop in one --time money.
City Attorney Division includes $500,000 for continued as -needed Special
Legal Services.
City Clerk Division includes $233,750 for LA County Registrar of Voters
administration costs related to the November 2018 Elections.
Human Resources Division includes a 2 percent Cost of Living Adjustment
(COLA) and a $50 benefit allotment increase. Also included is a request that
City facilities be closed in observance of MLK Jr. Day and a request for a
Flexible Staffing Program.
CM/Fox provided the reasoning behind the request to have Martin Luther
King Day observed.
Council agreed to take the matter under advisement and discuss during the
next Budget Study Session.
CM/Fox stated that with respect to staff's request for a Flexible Staffing
Program, it is a simple concept to take professional level staff that have
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 6 CC STUDY SESSION
assistants and associate (planners and engineers) and turn them into one
job series which provides the flexibility to be able to recruit and fill when
vacancies occur at either level depending on the needs of the organization
and the candidate pool.
C/Tye asked how this would help the City going forward. He cited an
example of the City having a position open and being unable to get the
number of qualified applicants the City had hoped to get so the position was
re -advertised.
CM/Fox said that the City may have a vacancy at the Associate Planner
level, go through the recruitment process, and find candidates are really only
qualified at an Assistant Planner level. That wastes the City's resources in
the recruitment process and may result in the City compromising its
standards. But if the City goes through the same exercise and recruits at
both levels, the City can decided if there was a great Assistant Planner they
can learn the City's culture working their way up through the ranks to take
on more responsibility. In this instance, the City will be able to retain that
person longer giving the City a little more flexibility to achieve some of the
things the Council is interested in doing from an employee retention
standpoint.
MILow said the headcount in Planning is eight.
CM/Fox said it would still be eight and it was always eight. The same is true
of the Neighborhood Improvement Officer versus Senior Neighborhood
Improvement Officer. The only thing different in theirjob descriptions is that
they deal with more complex projects.
MILow asked how this affects the budget if you always budget at the highest
future cap.
CM/Fox said that it is budgeted at the actual steps recognizing whether they
are eligible for a merit increase. So in the case of a promotional opportunity
— someone moving from the lower to the upper rank, it would likely be five
percent. Obviously, the City would not be able to promote someone if there
was not that salary range to work within. Going from one step to the next is
a five percent step which gives the employee a new step in working up the
ladder.
MILow said that this basically offers another level job classification to
promote an individual.
CM/Fox agreed.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 7 CC STUDY SESSION
Economic Development activities have been incorporated into overall
operating expenses (not reserves). In past years this has been reflected as
General Fund Reserves and now it is ongoing operating expenditures that
should be paid by ongoing revenue. Economic Development also includes
$25,000 for Restaurant Week.
The Law Enforcement contract rate increased by 2.57 percent ($549,000).
The Liability Trust Fund rate is 10.5 percent ($613,000). There is an
additional $100,000 proposed from the Law Enforcement Reserve Fund for
special assignment and suppression patrols. The total Fiscal Year 2018-19
LA County
Two additional crossing guards have been requested at Walnut and Maple
Hill Elementary schools which is supported by studies that were done by the
school district and reviewed by the Public Works Department. The total
budget for services is $174,000 which is a $24,000 increase over the
previous year and includes the two new crossing guards.
C/Lyons suggested the crosswalk be removed and that students be advised
to cross at the intersection.
CA/DeBerry said that from a liability standpoint, schools have no liability
based on state law. Cities have liability for making sure that the conditions
of their public streets are safe. Whether or not the City provided a crossing
guard would give rise to liability is a different question and depends on
various circumstances.
C/Tye asked why the school district was not funding their crossing guards.
MPT/Herrera said that school district never funded crossing guards because
they never had the funds to fund crossing guards. The City of Diamond Bar
has always provided crossing guards for schools.
C/Tye asked who funded crossing guards when Diamond Bar was not a City.
CA/DeBerry and MPT/Herrera both said probably the County.
C/Lin said that for the state of California, crossing guards are always the
responsibility of municipalities.
CA/DeBerry said that he is familiar with many jurisdictions and the crossing
guards are either provided by the City or sometimes there is an arrangement
where the County Sheriff trains and provides crossing guards. He is not
aware of any scenario where the school district is paying for the crossing
guard.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 8 CC STUDY SESSION
C/Lyons asked who pays for crossing guards in Walnut and Pomona.
SCE/Young responded that the Cities of Walnut and Pomona pay for the
crossing guards.
CA/DeBerry said that cities are responsible for their streets.
C/Tye and ClLyons again suggested that the crosswalk be painted over.
CA/DeBerry said it could be done.
C/Lin said that regardless, if a child were hit, the City could be sued. So a
crossing guard offers enhanced safety and the crossing guard is present
only for a period of 30-45 minutes when children are present and the school
and City want to make sure they are protected.
MPT/Herrera said that parents who are voting members of this City want
their children to be safe and taking away crossing guards for $24,000 is not
prudent.
CA/DeBerry said that City is responsible for providing safe streets. The
egress he addressed was that by state law, schools are not responsible, by
statute, for the ingress and egress of the streets. In short, until the students
arrive on the campus, the school has no liability, pursuant to statute.
Planning, Building & Safety, Neighborhood Improvement includes a
decrease in overall expenses due to lower costs for consultants because of
the lower permit volume anticipated for FY 2018-19.
Diamond `Bar Center includes an increase in salaries at the Diamond Bar
Center by about $90,000 due to vacancies during the current year during
which a service was being used to provide supplemental janitorial work
which will be done by facility attendants in the new fiscal year. The Parks &
Recreation Director salary is split 50 percent for the Diamond Bar Center
and 50 percent for Recreation.
ACM/McLean reported that special events includes the 4th of July Bash,
Winter Snow Fest/Holiday Event and City Birthday Party which are large
high-profile events that are scheduled throughout the year. There is $25,000
of Sheriff's cost included in the Sheriff's budget that are associated with
these events which is also spread throughout the year which need to be
added. If additional Sheriff's service for purposes of safety is required for
other events that will be done as well. Other events include environmental
events twice a year, Veteran's Day, Connect with Rec, etc..
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 9 CC STUDY SESSION
ACM/McLean said he believed that if additional services were required, the
City could work with the Captain and Lieutenant to make sure it did not
require any additional overtime. So in all cases, staff will look at any event
with public safety in mind and if it requires additional resources, that is built
into the Sheriff's budget. For purposes of this discussion, that amount is an
additional $25,000.
Discussion is needed on the high profile events. The 4t of July Bash has
been an annual event which has grown over the years upwards of 5,000
patrons from across the region. Staff recently learned that this year's event
will be the last time that Diamond Bar High will be available for at least five
years because of construction projects at the high school. When the City
plans for 2019 the Council will have to consider postponing the event until
an adequate location has been found or try to look for alternate locations.
The event has been held in alternate locations in the past which present
some challenges due to the size of the event. One event was held at Lorbeer
Middle School which is difficult because it requires closure of the major
intersection of Golden Springs and Diamond Bar Boulevard.
ClLyons asked if staff has considered other venues that would work.
ACM/McLean responded that in the past staff has looked at a number of
venues. As of now, there is no location in Diamond Bar that would fit the
event at its current size.
ClLyons asked about Diamond Ranch.
ACM/McLean said the issue with Diamond Ranch High School is that there
is only one way in and out and there were significant concerns from the City's
public safety partners about access in case there was some type of issue. It
is also surrounded by open dry brush and fireworks cannot be shot and have
people in the stands.
CILin felt Lorbeer would work and that it would be little inconvenient to close
the intersection for one evening.
ACM/McLean said that with the Lorbeer site, there are significant additional
public safety costs. Last time the additional cost was about $10,000 because
all intersections have to be staffed and manned with sworn personnel.
Winter Snow Fest was held in December and then moved to January a
number of years ago. Staff is proposing the Winter Snow Fest be moved
back to December and rebranded with a Holiday theme. Since Snow Fest
was the most attended and
largest scale event the City has and if it included the holiday theme it could
be best scheduled around the holidays.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 10 CC STUDY SESSION
The City Birthday Party was held in April and.very successful. Next year the
City will celebrate 30 years of incorporation. One potential option to consider
is to adjust the schedule for future celebrations so that the City would have
smaller events in the intervening years and celebrate milestone years as
larger events (35-40-50, etc.), which would have associated budgetary
impacts as well.
MPT/Herrera said that in order to conserve some of the budget, are there
some items that can be excluded or some that can be scaled back to save
money. There are other events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and Fall Fest,
etc. In looking at a budget surplus for FY 2018-19 of $59,000 that figure is
very narrow and uncomfortable for her.
The City Council has the discretion to scale back or eliminate any events.
The three that are outlined in the budget have savings opportunities. If there
was no 4th of July Bash that would be a savings. The Winter Snow Fest
moving to December and coming with the Holiday Event would also result in
savings (one event instead of two to fund and staff). The City Birthday Party
is the big ticket item and if it was held on milestone events only, there would
be a six figure savings in the interim years. For the other events, staff is
currently looking at sponsorship programs in which the City could solicit
sponsorships for items like the Easter Egg Hunt, Fall Fun Festival, Concerts
in the Park and so forth. There has been some success with that related to
the Diamond Bar Community Foundation which sponsors a concert during
the summer.
C/Lyons said that it would help her put this in perspective if staff could
provide estimated attendance figures for these events. She has attended
the Fall Fun Festival several years and she does not know the number of
attendees. It would help to compare attendance at the various events in
order to formulate a plan for moving forward.
ACM/McLean said that staff could provide estimates.
C/Lyons said that estimates would be good. And she thinks that more than
5,000 people attend the 4th of July Bash.
CILow said that even an estimate would be helpful to the Council.
Sometimes events have run their course and it is a good idea to change
things up. If the attendance is not supported by the community it is time to
move on to something else.
ACM/McLean said that the Winter Snow Fest has wristbands for those who
choose to go on the sleds and there was approximately a 60140 non-resident
participation in the event which is to say that Diamond Bar events draw from
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 11 CC STUDY SESSION
outside the City on a regular basis. The 4th of July Bash also has a large
draw from outside the City.
ClLyons said that staff could sell wristbands early for the Winter Snow Fest.
ACM/McLean said that is one of the recommendations for next year.
ClLyons said that cannot be done for the 4th of July Bash.
Engineering includes $150,000 for Safe Routes school updates which is
consistent with the Strategic Plan the Council reviewed a few weeks back.
For Parks & Facilities and Landscape Maintenance, the budget includes
$40,000 for 150 additional American flags on Diamond Bar Boulevard four
times a year (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Veteran's Day and President's Day)
and included $50,000 for holiday decorations, part of which is to replace
existing banners.
CITye reminded CILin that he would do a fundraiser.
CILin said that on May 2nd the Chamber of Commerce will bring up a
discussion about sponsorship. Anthony Duarte will call CILin to let him know
if they can help.
CM/Fox said that part of the proposal for flags is to change it to Grand
Avenue rather than Diamond Bar Boulevard and keep the military banners
on Diamond Bar Boulevard to get a more consistent spread from border to
border. The $40,000 is for initial purchase and in subsequent years the cost
will be less until the flags and banners again need to be replaced.
FD/Honeywell continued with her presentation stating the LLADs will require
about a $487,000 subsidy from the General Fund Reserves.
CM/Fox said the big hit this year is an extra $95,000 for tree trimming in
District No. 39 which is part of the City's annual tree trimming cycle.
FD/Honeywell concluded that the majority use of General Fund Reserves is
for Capital Improvement Projects both carryover and new, the LLAD's of
$487,000, legal as discussed, the carryover of the Finance Software system,
Land Management System, and Professional Services item for a total of
approximately $4 million.
CITye asked if the $2 million carryover goes back into the General Fund at
the end of this year so that it is not just $50,000 plus in surplus, it's a lot more
than that.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 12 CC STUDY SESSION
CITye said that for MPTIHerrera's piece of mind, $2 million is not being spent
that was budgeted which gave approximately the same cushion last year.
MPT/Herrera said that did not make her feel better because that's not the
way it works.
FD/Honeywell said that staff is in the process of doing the carryovers for next
year.
CLLyons asked if this amount of money was like a second payment.
FD/Honeywell explained that it is a carryover. The City has spent only about
$70,000 on the finance system so far. There is approximately $850,000 in
the budget.
M/Low asked if the remainder of the General Plan Update consulting fees is
included in this discussion.
FD/Honeywell explained that the City does not need to contribute any further
funds toward the project because they have already been designated. The
money has been set aside.
CJPIA Premium is lower by $175,553 with retrospective adjustments/credit
for good work.
The City proposes to purchase a new truck and sign board for Public Works.
The Equipment Maintenance & Replacement includes replacement of
desktop computers citywide, server replacement (spread over the next two
years) and replacement of the Finance System and Recreation Software
System.
FD/Honeywell said she would respond to City Council concerns at the next
Study Session.
CM/Fox said that at the next Study Session before working on the CIP, staff
will provide an update and provide the City Council with an opportunity to
close out items of concern.
Public Comments: None.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City
Council, M/Low recessed the Study Session at 0:24 p.m. to the Regular Meeting.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 13 CC STUDY SESSION
JOW11-
TOMMY CRIBBINS, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 15th day of, May
2018.
RUTH M. LOW, Mayor
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MAY 1, 2018
STUDY SESSION:
5:00 P.M., Room CC -8
► POTENTIAL TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (TOT) MEASURE — STATUS
UPDATE:
► DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 GENERAL FUND AND INTERNAL SERVICE
FUNDS BUDGET
Public Comments: None.
Recessed to Regular Meeting at 6:24 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Low called the Regular City Council meeting to
order at 6:34 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government
Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
CM/Fox reported that the Draft Fiscal Year 201819 budget is a $29.6 million funding
package that continues to maintain all existing service levels. The Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) will be presented to the City Council at its next Study Session on May
15, 2018 with the goal to have the final budget for consideration and adoption on June
5, 2018.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Councilmember Lyons led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Shaykh Nomaan Baig, Institute of Knowledge,
provided the Invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Lin, Lyons, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem
Herrera and Mayor Low
Staff Present: Dan Fox, City Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney, Ryan
McLean, Assistant City Manager; Ken Desforges, IT Director; David Liu, Public Works
Director; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Dianna Honeywell, Finance
Director; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Anthony Santos, Assistant to the City
Manager; Amy Haug, Human Resources/Risk Manager; Dannette Allen, Management
Analyst; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator, and Tommye Cribbins, City
Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 M/Low and Council Members presented a Proclamation to Walnut Valley
Water District Board Members First Vice President Edwin M. Hilden,
MAY 1, 2018
PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
Assistant Treasurer Scarlett Kwong, Second Vice President Theresa Lee
and General Manager Erik Hitchman proclaiming May, 2018 as Water
Awareness Month.
1.2 General Manager Erik Hitchman accepted a Certificate of Recognition on
behalf of Michael Holmes, former General Manager, from the Walnut
Valley Water District upon his retirement.
1.3 Low and .Council Members proclaimed May 6 through May 12, 2018 as
Safety Seat Checkup Week. The Proclamation will be sent to
SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.
1.4 MILow and Council Members presented a Proclamation to Representative
Juana Mata proclaiming May 2018 as Lupus Awareness Month.
1.5 MILow and City Council Members presented Certificates of Recognition to
Evergreen Elementary School' students of the "Odyssey of the Mind"
Team for placing 1St in the State Competition.
1.6 MILow and Council Members presented a City Tile to owners David
Horner, Bradley Horner and Todd Homer, McDonald's Restaurant, 205
South Diamond Bar Boulevard as Business of the Month for May 2018.
1.7 Bob Huff provided a powerpoint presentation regarding "Safe, Clean
Water LA". www.safecleanwateria.org .
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.1 CM/Fox announced that earlier today, half of the new Lemon Avenue
Interchange at the SR60 was opened with a brand new eastbound off -
ramp and a new westbound on-ramp. The Brea Canyon eastbound off -
ramp is now permanently closed. Work continues on the eastbound on-
ramp at Lemon Avenue which will continue for another couple of months.
The California Transportation Commission staff released their .
recommendations on the SB1 grant funding and the SR57160 Confluence
Project is recommended to be awarded $22 million which will get the
project into design for the mainline improvements, the next milestone for
the project. Staff remains hopeful that the City will be successful with the
INFRA Grant at the federal level as well as, subsequent years for
construction funding once the project moves to the construction phase.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
2.2 Captain Reyes introduced Lt. Yolanda Figueroa recently assigned to the
Diamond BarANalnut Station who will be overseeing the Detective
Bureau and serving as the Service Area Lieutenant for Diamond Bar.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Pui-Ching Ho, Diamond Bar Library Manager, announced upcoming library
events and asked that any teens interested in volunteering to help with children's
reading programs and events to sign up at the library. For more information on
these and other events check out the library's website at
www.colapublib.org/libs/diamondbar/index.php
Phil Simpson, spokesperson for the Diamond Bar Mobile Estates, said his
community is very concerned about the General Plan Updates. After looking at
the current Diamond Bar newsletter he now realizes the Planning Commission is
the proper venue for what he came to discuss this evening.
Rob Chang said he was concerned about a fire that occurred on April 14th off of
Brea Canyon Road near his back yard on Glenthorpe that was presumably
started by homeless transients who he had reported multiple times to the
Sheriff's Department.
Norman Tadlock lives next to Mr. Chang and he and his neighbors are
concerned for their safety because homeless people started a fire in close
proximity to a gas distribution facility.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CM/Fox offered that CDDIGubman would contact Mr. Simpson regarding the
City's General Plan Update.
C/Tye encouraged Mr. Simpson to attend the Planning Commission meeting
which is where the process will start.
CM/Fox said that when the City becomes aware of transients they are monitored,
and if people are acting in an unlawful manner, appropriate action will be taken.
Deputy Aaron Scheller has a meeting already scheduled with the property
management company next week to talk about trespass issues.
MILow asked if CMIFox recommended people call in to the Sheriffs Department
when they see unlawful behavior.
CM/Fox said he would encourage residents to report any such issues. This falls
within "See Something, Say Something" that encourages people who see
something they feel is not right to call the Sheriff's Department for response and
appropriate action.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
4
[.1
CITye said that while homelessness is not unlawful, actions taken by folks who
are homeless can be unlawful and he would appreciate accelerated attention to
this matter for the sake of the residents.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Parks and Recreation Open House (ConnectwithRec) — May 2, 2018 —
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Diamond Bar Center, 1600 Grand Avenue.
5.2 Coffee with a Cop --- May 8, 2018 — 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., It's a Grind
Coffee Shop, 1223 South Diamond Bar Boulevard.
5.3 Planning Commission Meeting — May 8, 2018 — 7:00 p.m., Windmill
Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.4 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — May 10, 2018 — 7:00
p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.5 City Council Meeting — May 15, 2018 — 6:30 p.m., AQMDIGovernment
Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
CONSENT CALENDAR: CITye moved, CILin seconded, to approve the
Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Lin, Lyons, Tye, MPT/Herrera, M/Low
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
6.1a Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission
of January 30, 2018 — as presented.
6.1b Study Session Minutes of April 17, 2018 —as presented.
6.1 c Regular Meeting of April 17, 2018 — as amended.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES:
6.2a Regular Meeting of February 13, 2018.
6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES:
6.3a Regular Meeting of March 8, 2018.
MAY 1, 2018
PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
6.4 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER DATED APRIL 12, 2018 THROUGH
APRIL 25, 2018 TOTALING $1,195,454.20.
6.5 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT FOR MARCH 2018.
6.6 APPOINTED CITY COUNCILMEMBER JIMMY LIN TO SERVE AS THE
VOTING DELEGATE AT THE 2018 SCAG REGIONAL CONFERENCE
AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
6.7 APPROVED PURCHASE OF VARIOUS SITE FURNISHINGS FOR
PANTERA PARK AND STARSHINE PARK AND AUTHORIZED THE
CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER FOR NEW SITE
FURNISHINGS IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,978.33 TO OUTDOOR
CREATIONS INC.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION.
8.1 2017 PUBLIC SAFETY ANNUAL REPORT.
ACM/McLean provided a comprehensive review of the 2017 Public Safety
Annual Report including an overview of crime statistics and trends, some
of the City's prevention strategies, public partnerships and a review of the
"Let's Talk Public Safety" Program.
The City contracts with LA Sheriff's Department for 19 personnel which
includes 17 deputies and two non -sworn. The real benefit of the contract
law model is that it is a very cost-effective and all-inclusive model. The
contract with LA County also comes with additional resources including
the Captain, Lieutenant, Detectives, all facilities and equipment that
comes with that, special teams like the SWAT Teams, Major Crimes, Aero
Bureau, and other command staff.
In addition to the City's sworn personnel Diamond Bar has the Volunteers
on Patrol who are key members of the City's Public Safety Team. These
volunteers have given over 12,000 hours of service in 2017 and conduct
key operations including vacation checks, park safety checks and traffic
control operations. According to the Sheriff's Department, the volunteers
have provided a value of more than $340,000 to the Diamond Bar
community on an annual basis.
The City measures its crime performance as far as crime rates using Part
1 Crimes which are standardized classifications that are reported to the
FBI by all jurisdictions. Part 1 Violent Crimes include homicide, rape,
aggravated assault and robbery, and Property Crimes include burglary,
larceny theft and grand theft auto.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
Diamond Bar has an extremely low Violent Crime rate and was the fourth
lowest Violent Crime total in the City's history. Like many other cities,
Diamond Bar's challenge in recent years is Property Crimes. 88 percent
of all Part 1 crimes from 2017 in Diamond Bar were either burglary or
larceny thefts. Diamond Bar's crime rate is driven almost exclusively by
an increase in property crimes from 2016 to 2017. This happens to
correspond with some changes in state law including Propositions 47 and
57 which came immediately on the heels of the City's lowest crime totals
in 2014.
Over the City's history back to 1990, the first full year of available crime
stats since the City's incorporation, Part 1 crimes have dropped
significantly over time since the residents chose incorporation and local
control of policing efforts to the extent that Part 1 Crime in 2017 is 38
percent lower than 1990 to 1994 averages, the first five years of the City's
incorporation, and 6.8 percent lower than the historical average.
As a result of recent spikes due to changes in state law, the City Council
has identified specific strategies in conjunction with the Sheriff's
Department Command Staff, specifically to fight property crimes. As such,
the Council has developed and funded a number of Crime Prevention
Strategies such as: Special/Undercover Operations that specifically target
crime suspect, Suppression Patrols, Taking Back Our Communities
coalition participation which is a group of more than 30 agencies that are
united to develop legislative solutions to some of the recent state law
changes; Initiation of the STAR Program which funds a deputy to go into
the schools to work with elementary aged kids, and promotion of and
increases in the Neighborhood Watch Program with the number of these
groups growing from 45 to more than 80 in 2017.
In 2017 the City initiated the "Let's Talk Public Safety" program which was
done to engage and partner with the community in a comprehensive way
to try to engage and educate the public on law enforcement, crime
prevention, public -safety techniques, emergency preparedness to crime
prevention and fire prevention and safety. These meetings were held in
locations that were specific to neighborhoods within the community where
every address in town received an invitation to attend. The eight meeting
series was completed in February 2018.
To build on the momentum of the initial program it was decided to develop
"Let's Talk Public Safety" 2.0 which included increased budgetary
appropriations for special operations and patrols, and implementation of
the RING Home Security Discount Program developed by the City Council
which has been very successful since its kickoff in April with approximately
300 residents participating. There are about 100 discounts available.
Earlier this evening, CM/Fox mentioned the "Coffee with a Cop" Series,
another public meeting that is being developed to increase access to
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
public safety. In addition, the City is rolling out Senior Safety Seminars at
the Diamond Bar Center.
Additional Items in the second version of "Let's Talk Public Safety" include
the Safety Speak Blog, a monthly information blog put together by Deputy
Scheller who leads the City's Neighborhood Watch Program; Report for
Reward program which offers up to $500 for information that leads to the
arrest of any property crime suspects; and, later this summer the
Emergency notification system membership drive will be rolled out to
encourage residents to update their information in the City's database and
include additional information for text -based communications . for those
who wish to receive emergency notifications in that manner.
The Neighborhood & Business Watch Outreach will continue and the
City's web page will include Educational LTPS Leaflets that provide
specific information on how to protect your home from burglaries and other
key public safety items. Everyone is encouraged to visit the dedicated
website at www.diamondbarca.gov/LTPS.
So far the City has seen good quantifiable results after a year of the "Let's
Talk Public Safety" and more to come. In 2017 there was a 17 percent
increase in Calls for Service and staff is hopeful that the message that
was shared at the LTPS Neighborhood Meeting Series See Something,
Say Something accounted for some of the increase. In 2018 the City has
seen significant reductions in crime rates across the board. Total Part 1
Crime is down 21.5 percent through March 2018 compared to last year;
Violent Crime down another 22.7 percent, property crime down 21.4
percent, Burglary down almost 40 percent and Larceny down 16 percent.
In summary, Diamond Bar is a safe community, it is a "low crime", not "no
crime" City. If residents see something, say something by calling the
Sheriff's Department. The City will continue the crime prevention
partnership with the community, continue developing a multifaceted,
ongoing approach that balances real law enforcement strategies,
suppression patrols, and undercover operations in partnership with the
community.
In response to M/Low, ACMIMcLean indicated that since its inception, the
City has given out approximately ten individual rewards of $500 each for
information that led to the apprehension of a suspect under the Report for
Reward program.
MPT/Herrera thanked ACM/McLean for an excellent report. She and
M/Low, as part of the City's Public Safety Committee, received a lot of this
information and appreciates that it has been shared with the rest of the
City Council and residents.
MAY 1, 2018
PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
CITye thanked ACM/McLean for an excellent report. It is really important
for people to understand that when something happens in their
neighborhood that this information answers their questions. Most
important and easiest thing to do is that if you see something, say
something. If someone sees something in their neighborhood that does
not make sense, call the Sheriff — they are there for us and they won't
know something is happening unless they are told.
ClLyons referred to the east patrol division local agency comparison crime
rate per 10,000 population. She thought it offered excellent comparisons
for the public's consumption. She sees cities have lower rates and she
wondered if the City had information on whether the City's law
enforcement compares with cities that have lower crime rates to determine
what Diamond Bar could do differently to enhance and make crime even
lower.
CM/McLean. responded that the department has regular patrol division
meetings in which the Captains of all those stations including Captain
Reyes from this station meet to discuss trends and crime prevention
strategies. And staff is always looking for any effective ways to reduce
crime in Diamond Bar.
ClLyons thanked ACM/McLean for his comprehensive report.
MILow thanked ACM/McLean for his report.
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTSICOUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
CITye said he always wondered about the effectiveness of the Diamond Bar
Connection and other pieces of information that the City sends to homes and
appreciates that Mr. Simpson found the information he was going to request from
the Council when he read his Diamond Bar Connection. Congratulations to the
Diamond Bar Friends of the Library on a very, very successful 25th Anniversary
Wine Soiree. Council received a resignation from General Plan Advisory
Committee Member Joyce Young who was one of his appointees. if anyone is
interested in filling this vacancy, please contact City Hall. There is still work to be
done and the Council is always looking for volunteers. Everyone is invited to
participate in a Celebration of Life on May 111h at 9:30 a.m. at the Clark Theater
at Mt. SAC to celebrate David Hall who in C/Tye's opinion, died way too young.
MPT/Herrera echoed congratulations to the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library.
The Wine Soiree was, in her opinion, the biggest and the best that it has ever
been in its 25 years. She congratulated ClLyons who was recently elected to the
San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Capital Projects and Construction
Committee. Alameda Corridor East which does the grade separations for the
San Gabriel Valley has been absorbed into the San Gabriel Valley Council of
MAY 1, 2018
PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
Governments and it has been retitled. Mark Christoffels is now the Chief
Engineer and the Executive Director is Marisa Creter. All the work the ACE
Board did will now be handled by this Special Projects Construction Committee
and she is very proud that ClLyons is now a member which is important because
Diamond Bar is hopeful that this committee and organization will be able to do
the construction for the SR57160 Confluence Project when all of the money is put
together. Earlier, CM/Fox reported that we received $22 million to start design of
this project which is fabulous. Diamond Bar is hopeful it will get federal grants.
Even if some money is forthcoming from the federal grant it will advance the
project because we are also listed under Los Angeles Metro for them to do the
project and pay for all of it, but not until 2025. So, if Diamond Bar can get little
pockets of money together here and there it will advance the project, which is
good for Diamond Bar. This is exciting because now Diamond Bar has a voice at
the table, something that is very important for the City. She thanked ClLyons for
putting herself out there and taking on this outstanding task.
ClLyons thanked MPT/Herrera for her kind words and while she is excited and
maybe a little nervous about the opportunity to serve on the committee. She
thanked FD/Honeywell and staff for all of the work so far on the FY 2018-19
budget. FD/Honeywell made the presentation clear and easy to understand.
She thanked ACM/McLean for the comprehensive report and public safety. Last
week she and MILow attended the Volunteer Operations on Patrol Appreciation
Awards and were happy to see that many of Diamond Bar's own volunteers
received awards including the Volunteer of the Year Linda Winstrup. She
echoed CITye's comments about David Hall who was such a model citizen of the
San Gabriel Valley who helped out in so many ways, not only as President of the
Chamber and serving on the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees, but for the smaller
individual things such as mentoring people and just sitting down to have a cup of
coffee together. She hopes everyone joins them at the memorial service.
C/Lin echoed comments about Dr. David Hall whom he knew pretty well and it is
a great loss to the community. He is very pleased that Diamond Bar has a newly
renovated McDonald's. He is glad that now the new property owners took
advantage of the opportunity to renovate the entire place and the entire shopping
mall is taking shape to be a very first class shopping center. MPT/Herrera
mentioned that the California Transportation Commission granted $22 million for
the design of the SR57160 Confluence Project. Diamond Bar can try very hard to
get more money and believes the City's next endeavor should be to work with the
Metro Board to move the project schedule up from 2025 to 2020. He is very
happy to see so many positive things happening on the transportation side in
Diamond Bar with the Grand Avenue and Lemon Avenue ramps. We are inching
toward our destination and congratulations to all who have worked so diligently to
make these things happen.
MILow said that today she had the pleasure of using the newly constructed
eastbound SR60 off -ramp at Lemon Avenue. Congratulations to ACE for their
great work and to the City's Public Works Department for their diligence.
MAY 1, 2018 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
She congratulated ClLyons and her co-chairs for a very successful Wine Soiree
Fundraiser and thanks to all who supported the event. In addition to attending
the Volunteer Patrol Award Dinner, she and ClLyons also attended the Walnut
Valley Educational Foundation Awards banquet on Thursday during which
Superintendent Taylor and volunteer from schools within the district were
honored. Schools in this school district are really first rate and teachers and
parents are passionate and dedicated which shows in the accomplishments of
the students as seen tonight during the presentation ceremonies. She reminded
everyone that May 13th is Mother's Day and Happy Mother's Day to all of the
mothers.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, MILow adjourned the
Regular City Council Meeting at 8:21 p.m. in memory of Dr. David K. Hall, past
ChairmanlBoard Member of the Industry Ma facturers Council (IMC).
TOMMY CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved.thisl5th day of May , 2018.
RUTH M. LOVT, MAYOR