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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/18 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 16, 2018 STUDY SESSION: MPT/Herrera called the Study Session to order at 5:31 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 Lyons, Tye, and Mayor Pro Tem Herrera Mayor Low arrived at 5:34 p.m. Absent: Council Member Lin was excused. 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; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Anthony Santos, Assistant to the City Manager; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator; John Beshay, Associate Engineer; Christian Malpica, and, Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. h DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT DESIGN ALTERNATIVES SCE/Young reported that this project further extends Council's vision incorporating streetscape elements that have already been integrated at other intersections at City entry points throughout the City. Two alternatives were presented to Council on August 21St and questions were asked of staff for further investigation. The presentation will respond to those questions as well as, provide additional information on the alternatives. SCENoung then provided a power point presentation outlining the Diamond Bar Boulevard Complete Streets Corridor along Diamond Bar Boulevard between the SR60 and Golden Springs Drive. The biggest difference between the two alternatives is the location of the bike lane, whether adjacent to vehicular traffic or on the same grade as pedestrian sidewalks. Alternative 1 shows the bicyclists in the same location as it is now with the bike lane remaining in its current location along Diamond Bar Boulevard; however, it will be enhanced with green asphalt or color painted asphalt. Alternative 2 moves the bicyclists to the same grade as the pedestrian walkway. Examples of the existing bike path on Brea Canyon Road, south of Fountain Springs were discussed. C/Lyons asked if there were any problems with collisions between bikes and pedestrians. OCTOBER 16, 2018. PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION PWD/Liu said after many years he has yet to learn of any such event. MILow said that is not what is being considered in Alternative 2, it is just a visual example of having pedestrians and bicycles on the same grade; however, in Alternative 2 there will be a buffer between those two paths. CITye said it gives a perspective of the width of 11 feet. SCE/Young showed other examples of the Rosemead Boulevard Project in Temple City and a protected bike lane in Long Beach on Broadway and Third Street. MILow asked if Diamond Bar could consider an Alternative 2 like the Temple City example with plantings. SCE/Young said it could be considered however it would require more engineering and expense to make sure that the two separate curb levels would drain properly. The proposed Alternative 2 structure would require less engineering and be less expensive because it would simply relocate the curb. SCE/Young continued with another example showing the Los Angeles Spring Street where they took travel lanes out and converted them into protected bicycle lanes. C/Lyons felt that would not go over well with Diamond Bar residents. CITye stated that that type of idea is putting businesses out of business like Venice. SCENoung stated that this is an example of what we do not want to do, but we are still trying to enhance bicycle use within the City by incorporating a separated bike lane. SCENoung showed a photo of an urban bike and pedestrian path known as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is more along the line of what is envisioned for Diamond Bar than the existing right-of-way of 17 feet that we have to work with where it would be a separated bike lane from the pedestrian path of travel with green belts in between each of the modes of travel — vehicular, pedestrian and bike. SCENoung introduced Michael Ip, MNS Engineers and Bret Hampton, Lim Capouya Landscape and Architects. SCENoung then focused on questions that came up at the last Council meeting including the concern about how wide the pedestrian path of travel would be with a separate bike lane. The pedestrian path of travel can be OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION increased to five feet (5) wide and narrow the swale from four feet (4') to three feet (3'). During design staff will review this scenario to make sure it will be adequate for water treatment. C/Lyons said that where this is intended to be located will have -more and more pedestrian travel to hopefully accommodate families and couples. SCENoung said it would be wider than what is currently on Brea Canyon Road and narrower than what is currently on Diamond Bar Boulevard. MILow asked if the bike lane at five feet contemplates bicycle travel in one direction only or travel in both directions. SCENoung said it would be one -directional because it will be on both sides of the street and follow the flow of traffic. Another question from Council was to address what the driveways would look like with a separated bike lane on the same grade as the pedestrian lane and the concern about whether the bicyclist would have to dip down on the slope of the driveway. The graphic shows there would be no change in grade for the bicyclists. The grade for the pedestrian sidewalk and the bicycle path would remain at 1 YYZ percent, the same as a regular sidewalk. CITye asked what this would do to the slope of the driveway. Mr. Ip responded that it would actually be better because it would be wider and pick up some of the elevation. SCEIYoung continued with another question about how the bicyclist would get up onto the separated sidewalk on the same grade and the response is that the curb ramps would be widened, to allow bicyclists to enter onto the curb ramp the same way a pedestrian would enter. Another question was whether or not bicyclists are permitted to ride on sidewalks in Diamond Bar and the Code does not currently permit bicyclists to ride on sidewalks but because this would be a designated line they would be permitted to ride on the same grade as pedestrians. SCENoung then spoke about the Open House that was held on September 27, 2017 and that Alternative, 2 was identified as the preferred alternative MILow asked if there was a concern about shorter crosswalks with pedestrians waiting in the bike lane while the lights are changing to allow pedestrians to cross the street at the curb ramps. OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION SCENoung responded that the reason for widening the curb ramp would be to allow pedestrians to stop and wait while allowing bicyclists to enter or cross. M/Low asked if this could potentially be a safety issue. SCENoung said that staff would look into that. PWD/Liu said that staff would consult with the design team to minimize possible major conflict points. PWD/Liu stated there is an opportunity to receive $3 Million for this project in grant funding directly from the San Gabriel Valley COG under Measure M. It will go to the Governing Board in November for review. C/Lyons asked if there was enough Measure M money to fund all 16 projects. SCE/Young said that staff also submitted,a grant request for the Golden Springs Drive Mobility Improvements Project for the Active Transportation Program Cycle 4 Grant for a total request of $1.9 million for three intersections along Golden Springs Drive at Lemon, Brea Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard. Responding to MPT/Herrera, SCENoung explained that this is a Metro grant. C/Tye asked if Diamond Bar had ever received money from Metro for this type of project. PWD/Liu said this is the first grant Diamond Bar has applied for. SCE/Young stated that if the City is successful with this grant application, at least the Golden Springs/Diamond Bar Boulevard intersection improvements could be completed. ClLyons asked if the intent was for the bicycle lane going from Gentle Springs to Golden Springs and down would be extended as more grants become available. SCENoung said that C/Lyons was correct and this project could serve as a gateway to showcase the success of this type of implementation. C/Tye said he thinks of the project as a major aesthetically pleasing improvement and asked if the pine trees would be removed from the middle of the street. OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION SCENoung said the Crepe Myrtles will be in the parkway and that three of the five pine trees will remain in the median. Two pine trees will come out to expand the left -turn pocket. Staff is looking for Council's input on which Alternative to pursue for design and that staff anticipates that it will take four to five months to complete the PS&E. Staff will continue to seek grant opportunities for full construction funding because the start of construction is contingent upon grant funding. ClLyons asked if the Council felt a five-foot sidewalk would provide sufficient ambiance to get people to want to walk around the mini -downtown. CITye said he did not view this project as encouraging pedestrian or bike use. He would not go there to walk. The sidewalk of 8-10 feet does not have many pedestrians now so whether it is 10 or 5 feet, he doesn't see it as a big difference. ClLyons said the idea is that moving forward people will eventually be able to cross the street and go to Smart & Final and CVS. MPT/Herrera said that because she is fiscally conservative she was going to vote for Alternative - 1 but it looks like the majority of people support Alternative 2 and she is okay with that as updated. CITye said he likes Alternative 2 with the changes. MILow also liked Alternative 2 with the changes. She believes this is an investment in the future. She does not see that people on day one will be rushing to ride their bikes there but it is a commitment by this Council and this City to invest in that areas infrastructure as well as a commitment by this Council to invest in alternative modes of transportation and for future growth. Hopefully, in the future with more mixed-use housing more people would tend to remain in the area and take advantage of places and events. Eventually, perhaps 10 -years down the road, there may be people offering a spot for a bandstand or town center or something that would attract more people. CITye said that eventually, it could lead to closing Diamond Bar Boulevard between Golden Springs and the freeway similar to what they did with Birch Street. Diamond Bar has to "create" such a space and atmosphere. MILow agreed that it would be an investment to do this project so that the City could do other things that would be great for the community and residents. This is a first step. ClLyons said she liked Alternative 2 with the 5 foot sidewalk and the project does not start until the funding is secured. OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 6 CC STUDY SESSION CM/Fox said there will be a number of touch points to bring back to the Council as this moves forward with respect to plans and budgeting. MPT/Herrera said that SCAG frequently has grants and funds for bike lanes and a lot of cities throughout the San Gabriel Valley are constantly applying for those grant funds and receiving them and that might be a source of additional funding for this project. M/Low responded to CM/Fox that Council concurs to move forward with Alternative 2 with 5 foot wide sidewalks. PWD/Liu said he spoke with CILin who could not be here this evening who expressed his support for Alternative 2. CITye asked if this proposal had been shared with The Charles Company. CM/Fox said he is not aware that that has happened unless they have stayed involved in some of the General Plan updates but staff can certainly work with them on this item. CITye said the reason he feels they should be involved is that they are going to redevelop the top part and ideally, that would be integrated with the Sprouts area and if they were aware of something like this they could plan accordingly. CDDIGubman said staff and The Charles Company officials talked about streetscape enhancements along their property frontage when their project was initially submitted and because staff did not know at that time what the design would end up being, staff came up with an estimated cost for their frontage and paid a fee of $204,000 as part of their entitlement condition and to go toward the streetscape improvements. CM/Fox said if the Charles Company is starting to design the next project on the corner, the City certainly wants to coordinate access points and the driveways that are there now may change or be closed and if staff knows a project is moving forward it can be deferred until the plan is finalized. MILow said it could be a marketing spot to lease the rest of the spaces. CM/Fox agreed and said staff would commence working with them on this very issue. Public Comments: None OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 7 CC STUDY SESSION ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City Council, MILow recessed the Study Session at 6:03 p.m. to the Regular Meeting. TOWMYL CRIBBINS, City Clerk The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6th day of November , 2018. r RUTH K1. LOW, Mayor MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR OCTOBER 16, 2018 STUDY SESSION: 5:31 p.m., Room CC -8 Public Comments: None DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD - COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Recessed to Regular Meeting at 6:03 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Low called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA. CM/Fox reported that during tonight's Study Session, the City Council received a presentation on the Diamond Bar Boulevard Complete Streets Project that had initially been reviewed by the City Council at its August 21St meeting. At this time, Council indicated a preference to Alternative 2, which was also a preference through public outreach efforts. This project is generally located on Diamond Bar Boulevard between Golden Springs Drive and Gentle Springs Lane in front of the new Sprouts Center. The caveat is that the bike lane and sidewalk will be five feet wide with additional landscape elements to help improve and beautify the area. Staff will finalize the design plans and bring this item back to the Council at a future meeting based upon Council's direction. MILow asked CM/Fox to explain the cost to the City for construction of this project. CM/Fox responded the estimated construction costs are about $5 million. Staff is in the process of securing a $3 million grant from the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments and staff continues to pursue grant funding for the balance of the project. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: INVOCATION: ROLL CALL: MILow led the Pledge of Allegiance. Tim Park, Senior Pastor, Evangelical Free Church, provided the invocation. Council Members Lyons, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Herrera and Mayor Low Council Member Lin arrived at 7:16 p.m. Staff Present: Dan Fox, City Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney; Ryan McLean, Assistant City Manager; Ken Desforges, IT Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Ryan Wright, Parks and Recreation Director; Dianna Honeywell, Finance Director; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Santos, Asst. to the City Manager; Amy Haug, Human Resources/Risk Manager; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Anthony Cecilia Arellano, OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL Public Information Coordinator; and, Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented. 'i. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: None. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: CM/Fox introduced a video presentation by PMSIRoa and her staff regarding project completions of the new freeway on ramps and reminded residents that the eastbound Brea Canyon onramp across from Barro's Pizza and the Chevron Station will be closed permanently and drivers will be able to use the Lemon Avenue onramp instead. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: C. Robin Smith reported that she is the representative of several people present this evening as well as a new Facebook page launched on September 21St called "The Diamond Bar Spotlight". Since then, its members and those who post on the site have received a series of negative comments from Brian Worthington, the GPAC Vice Chair. She is concerned and wanted the Council to look into the appropriateness of Mr. Worthington being on GPAC or the Plan ning.Commission. Allen Wilson stated that he was unhappy that the comments he made were abbreviated in the minutes of October 2, 2018. He also stated that he was unaware of the ribbon -cutting that took place on the westbound SR60 at Grand Avenue and eastbound SR60 at Lemon Avenue. He appreciates the social media venue where people can express their feelings but he has been concerned about approaches of individuals who are in positions of authority. He encouraged everyone to vote and ask the City to sponsor town hall meetings so residents could express themselves. Pui Ching Ho spoke about upcoming October and November events at the Diamond Bar Library and invited everyone to check out the Library's website at www.facountylibrary.org for additional programs. Ward Palmer, speaking on behalf of Reverend Jake Kim and the Northminster Presbyterian congregation, invited City officials and residents to attend a panel discussion about homelessness entitled "The Face of Homelessness" on November 3rd at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church on Rancheria Road. More details are available at www.npcdb.com where those who plan to attend can submit their RSVP. Daniel Mansonn said he favored naming the park near Sunset Crossing after former Mayor Jack Tanaka. OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL 4. 5. Yuen Wang had questions regarding the Diamond Bar Boulevard Complete Streets Project discussed in tonight's Study Session. She believes that an open house held a year ago was inaccurate in encapsulating the community's opinion and because of the cost difference between the two alternatives as well as, the differences in their impacts on traffic flow warrants further assessment of Diamond Bar residents in the foram of another survey or public workshop. Michelle Yi said she was shocked to read on social media that as the Vice Chair of GPAC, Brian Worthington was endorsing Steve Tye, Nancy Lyons and Jimmy Lin and felt that someone who was helping draft the future of Diamond Bar should not be using their position to influence others on how to vote. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 Diamond Bar Restaurant Week — Continues through Sunday, October 21St with 23 restaurants participating. Check out www.dbrestaurantweek.com for all of the latest participants and their restaurant week specials. 5.2 Planning Commission Meeting — October 21, 2018 — 6:30 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive — Canceled. 5.3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — October 25, 2018 — 6:30 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive. 5.4 Halloween Party (Fall Fun Festiva llBarktoberfest) — October 27, 2018 — 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon — Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive. 5.5 America Recycles Day — November 3, 2018 — 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., AQMDIGovernment Center Parking Lot, 21865 Copley Drive. 5.6 City Council Meeting — November 6, 2018 (Election Day) — 6:30 p.m., AQMDIGovernment Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: MPT/Herrera moved, C/Lyons seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar with MILow pulling Item 6.5 and CITye pulling Item 6.1 and Item 6.6 for separate action. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Lyons, Tye, MPT/Herrera, MILow None Lin 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FOR AUGUST 23, 2018. 6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER DATED SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2018 TOTALING $690,438.74. OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL 6.4 APPROVED CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENTS FOR ON-CALL CIVIL ENGINEERING AND/OR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES WITH HR GREEN (HRG), PENCO ENGINEERING, INC. (PENCO) AND TAIT AND ASSOCIATES (TAIT) AS FOLLOWS: A. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO SIGN CONSULTING SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR A PERIOD COMMENCING OCTOBER 18, 2018 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021 IN A NOT -TO -EXCEED ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $91,000 WITH HR GREEN FOR ON-CALL CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES; B. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO SIGN CONSULTING SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR A PERIOD COMMENCING OCTOBER 18, 2018 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021 IN A NOT -TO -EXCEED ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $91,000 WITH PENCO ENGINEERING, INC. FOR ON- CALL CIVIL ENGINEERING AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL SERIVCES; AND, C. AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO SIGN CONSULTING SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR A PERIOD COMMENCING OCTOBER 18, 2018 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021 IN A NOT -TO -EXCEED ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $67,000 WITH TAIT AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ON- CALL CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES. MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR: Council Member Lin arrived at 7:15 p.m. during discussion of item 6.5. 6.1 APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: 6.1a REGULAR MEETING OF October 2, 2018. C/Tye referred to Page 7, Line 9, which misstated he was referring to himself where he was referring to MPT/Herrera and the City and said he was not on the Council and did not want anyone to think he was taking credit for the outstanding effort put forth to attract Trader Joes. 6.6 FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE GENERAL FUND, SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS AND CAPITAL PROJECT CARRYOVERS, AND, FISCAL YEAR 2017-18 FINAL ADJUSTMENTS. A. APPROVE AN APPROPRIATION FROM GENERAL FUND RESERVES OF $260,341.46 TO CARRY FORWARD APPROPRIATIONS FROM FY 2017-18 TO FY 2018-19 FOR PREVIOUSLY ENCUMBERED GOODS AND SERVICES; OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL B. APPROVE AN APPROPRIATION FROM VARIOUS SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS RESERVES OF $87,538.89 TO CARRY FORWARD APPROPRIATIONS FROM BY 2017-18 TO FY 2018-19 FOR PREVIOUSLY ENCUMBERED GOODS AND SERVICES; C. APPROVE A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT TO CARRY FORWARD CAPITAL PROJECT APPROPRIATIONS WHICH ARE DECREASED BY $122,183.92; D. CARRY OVER THE RELATED PURCHASE ORDERS ENCUMBERED IN FY 2017-18 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,638,724.32 TO FY 2018-19; AND, E. APPROVE FINAL BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS TO FY 2017-18 FOR ADDITIONA APPROPRIATIONS IN VARIOUS ACCOUNTS INCLUDING $11,197.97 FOR THE GENERAL FUND, AND $56,078.75 IN SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS. C/Tye asked for clarification where it appears the City is appropriating funds out of reserves and an explanation of the process. FD/Honeywell responded that when the City closes the Fiscal Year for 2017-2018 and when in the process of doing the budget, staff attempts to identify the projects that it believes will be completed at the end of June 30th. If for some reason those projects or goods and services are not delivered by June 30th those items have to be carried over into the next Fiscal Year. When the books are closed on June 30th all appropriations lapse at that point and all of the funds that were not spent go back into the City's reserves. What the City then must do, is when we enter the new Fiscal Year is to re -appropriate those funds that are needed to complete the projects that were in process and not completed. This motion serves to re -appropriate items that were appropriated during the last fiscal year but were not completed as of June 30th of 2018. C/Tye asked if because Item C indicates a "decrease" it means that projects were brought in under budget. FD/Honeywell stated that it can be a combination of bringing projects in under budget or that the City completed more than it anticipated on June 301h so that the appropriation for FY 2018-19 is higher than what will be needed to complete the projects. 6.5 PURCHASE AND LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SIEMENS INDUSTRY INC. FOR INSTALLATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ADAPTIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM (ATCS) AND PURCHASE OF REQUIRED SERVERS FROM CDWG: OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL A. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE MAJOR TO SIGN THE PURCHASE AND LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC. FOR $666,525.00 WITH A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $67,000.00 FOR CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS TO BE APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT OF $733,525.00; AND, B. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ISSUE A PURCHASE ORDER TO PURCHASE THREE (3) SERVERS FROM CDWG IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,310.79. MILow asked CM/Fox to elaborate on this item because it is a very large purchase and it is one of the Council's priorities for traffic. PWDILiu stated the City received $1.76 million from Metro almost a year and a half ago to implement the Adaptive Traffic Control Systems along three of the City's major arterials, Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard and Golden Springs Drive. The primary goal of an Adaptive Traffic Control System is to reduce traffic delays, reduce traffic stops, decrease travel time and reduce side - street delays. There are 48 signalized intersections along those three heavily traveled corridors. The Adaptive Traffic. Control System can accomplish all of these things by applying technology to adjust signal timing in "real-time" to accommodate the continuous or sometimes unpredictable fluctuation in traffic demand. Siemens Adaptive System for Diamond Bar is one of the best and most established systems in the nation. To date, Siemens has implemented more than 200 systems in the world, 15 of which have been implemented in the United States. In addition, the system has integrated a before and after study which will measure three specific tasks: 1) look at the amount of traffic being diverted from the freeways; 2) the impacts to side -street traffic flow; and, 3) determine if travel time, number of stops and delays, and average speeds along these three arterials are being reduced. MILow said that this is a purchase of software that will regulate the City's traffic flow more efficiently and she asked PWDILiu to explain the implementation time. PWDILiu said that by the end of June 2019 the system will be fully implemented. MILow asked if the system was prepared for power outages and shortages. PWDILiu explained that over the past three years through the annual Capital Improvement Program, the City has been updating and upgrading its Traffic Signal Infrastructure which includes everything from replacing the copper lines with fiber optic lines to making sure Diamond Bar has the latest and greatest controllers and hardware. Diamond Bar has been installing battery backup systems at all of the majorlcritical intersections during the past three years. OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL MILow asked if there was a plan to inform residents that the installation is in progress. PWD/Liu said that his department would be working with Public Information to make sure that through the various media outlets residents will continue to be educated that there are improvements in the works and that residents can follow progress through the City's website, Facebook, Twitter and monthly publications. MILow asked if residents could sign up for alerts about anything that is happening in the City. CM/Fox responded that yes, if one goes to the City's website there is a feature that allows individuals to subscribe to a variety of topics including agendas and other informational sources. Anyone who wishes assistance can call City Hall to sign up and they can subscribe to have email blasts when news alerts, news flashes, traffic alerts and Council agendas are published. MILow asked if the City had an App that served these functions as well. CM/Fox said there is a City App as well as, Facebook and Twitter, all of which can be liked and followed to get City information. MILow welcomed ClLin to the meeting. ClLyons said she believed it would be a wonderful day when residents will be able to get out of their subdivisions much more quickly. This should be a real quality of life improvement. CITye moved, MPT/Herrera seconded, to approve Items 6.1, 6.5 and 6.6. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Lin, Lyons, Tye, MPT/Herrera, MILow NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 7. PULIC HEARINGS: NONE. 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: NONE. 9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTSICOUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: CITye said it had been a busy couple of weeks beginning on October 10th when the Industry/Grand Avenue westbound onramp was dedicated. This will help to keep vehicles off of City streets and relieve so much of the bottleneck at Grand Avenue. The SR601Lemon Avenue interchange project onramp was proposed in 1968, 50 years ago, but was not completed because funds were not available. OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL Now with a partnership that included state Measure R, local Measure M funds and Federal Prop C funds it will be good for Diamond Bar as the City works hard to continue to improve the flow of traffic and give people a reason to stay on the freeway. Yesterday he attended the South Pointe Middle School's Wellness Center ribbon -cutting ceremony which is very proactive in helping the education and mental well-being of young people. C/Herrera said it was exciting to attend the ribbon -cutting ceremonies, which were a couple of phases of the SR57160 Confluence Interchange fix. Diamond Bar and Industry were fortunate to receive a grant of $22 million from SB1 monies to move forward with the next phase which is design and right-of-way. If SB1 continues to remain in effect Diamond Bar will be able to obtain more dollars to proceed with the rest of the Confluence project which amounts to $180 million or so. The City is hopeful work will continue to improve traffic flow and congestion and reduce accidents. On November 6th there are many important items on the ballot and please make sure to research everything carefully and vote because it is very important for the future of the City. C/Lyons reported that on October 7th she attended the ..Diamond Bar Multi - Cultural Festival. Cindy Liu chaired the event which she put together in about a month and was attended by hundreds of people. Heartiest congratulations to Cindy and her committee. She expressed her appreciation to the Public Works staff for submitting a grant for the Foothill Transit Bus Stop Enhancement Program which will provide funds for improving the bus stops with new benches, solar lighting, and new shelter at Diamond Bar and Temple Avenue. In a way it is somewhat irritating that the City has to apply to get its money back, but that is what this amounts to and if the City does not apply, it doesn't happen. On Friday she attended the L.orbeer Middle School Career Day. She was in three different classrooms talking about careers and education. Middle school students are a great group of people. She and CITye were at the South Pointe Middle School Wellness Center ribbon cutting. Along with her colleagues, she too attended the grand opening of the Lemon Avenue eastbound onramp which is very important and will reduce weaving. She has visited 15 restaurants of the 23 restaurants participating in Restaurant Week and will continue until she visits all 23 which has to happen by Sunday. She will be at the Halloween party with her dog Kenzie on October 27th and hopes to see many residents there. On a sad note, she was very sorry to hear about the death of Diamond Bar resident Alan Ko, a longtime resident of Diamond Bar who was very generous with his time and money and will be missed by the community and his family. She asked that tonight's meeting be adjourned in his memory. CILin was sorry to miss much of tonight's meeting. It has been some time since there have been so many young students present for the Council meeting which he was pleased to see. He attended the Multi -Cultural Festival as well and felt it was a very successful and fun event. The past two weeks have been very important for traffic in Diamond Bar. Two weeks ago the westbound onramp was opened from Grand Avenue to the SR60 which is Phase 11 of the improvements OCTOBER 16, 20'18 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL the City is attempting to get done. Yesterday was the grand opening of the Lemon Avenue/SR60 Interchange improvements. MPT/Herrera mentioned that Phase 1V of the project which is the largest phase of the project to fix the weaving problems between the SR57160. This improvement is contingent upon the $22 million the State of California has agreed to give to Diamond Bar for the design. However, they are holding the money pending the outcome of Proposition 6. If Proposition 6 is approved there will not be $22 million for the design which means this project phase could be prolonged for some time in the future. He is not lobbying people's vote, but wants to remind everyone that transportation is important to Diamond Bar and it needs the SB1 money to move forward with the improvements. CILin said he had people complaining to him that on weekends they were sitting too long waiting for a green light and he recommended that the consultant adjust the cycle length on weekends only so that people do not have to wait for a long period of time when there is no traffic approaching from either direction. In addition, he has spoken with many residents and four or five businesses in the area of Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive expressed concern that closure of the on and off ramps Brea Canyon may jeopardize some of their businesses. CILin said he did not believe closure of the ramps would affect the amount of traffic on the streets in front of those businesses but he would appreciate it if the City could analyze that area before and after to see what the traffic conditions are and whether those businesses will be impacted by the closure. MILow thanked staff for the video of the Lemon Avenue Interchange. As CITye mentioned, that interchange is significant when one contemplates that it was 50 years ago that the transportation professionals (Caltrans) identified that interchange as needing work. Since that time more and more people have moved into the area and this completion is key to traffic movement in Diamond Bar. Many people do not understand how opening those on and off ramps will help the City's traffic. Yes, there will be business changes, but a great relief to the movement of vehicles and improved safety for commuters. Thanks to staff for all of their hard work and diligence as progress continues toward making the rest of the SR57160 Confluence project happen. She invited everyone to avoid social media for the next couple of days and partake of Restaurant Week and attend the Halloween Party. Last week, Hurricane Michael hit the state of Florida with devastating destruction. Unfortunately, she experienced driving through the hurricane which was terrifying and made her realize how important it is to keep one's self in perspective. This is such a great community and how important it is for everyone to be able to express themselves freely in America. There are great and wonderful programs at the Library to help kids learn and have fun. Schools are promoting innovative programs and helping kids to live better lives and churches are reaching out to help homeless people and residents to identify with one another. There is a loft of good in the world and a lot of opportunities for everyone. Life is short. She was so sad and shocked to learn that her dear friend Alan Ko passed away this week. Everyone grieves for the good life he led, how he loved his family and how he supported his community. He had a great heart and gave encouragement to those who needed it and was a really good OCTOBER 16, 2018 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL pal. To all, please keep life in perspective — don't take yourselves and things too seriously because everyone has a great life ahead in a great country and a great City. Let us live, enjoy life and help each other. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, MILow adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:37 p.m. in memory of Dr. Alllen Ko. i o F TOMMYE tRIBBINS, CITY CLERK The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6th day of November , 2018. RUT M. LOW, MAYOR