HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/06/18 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
NOVEMBER 6, 2018
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.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: WEBELO Pack 737 presented the Colors and led the
Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: None provided.
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; Ryan Wright, Parks and Recreation Director; Dianna
Honeywell, Finance Director; Anthony Santos, Assistant to the City Manager; Amy
Haug, Human Resources/Risk Manager; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information
Coordinator; and, Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 MILow proclaimed November 11, 2018 as "Bells of Peace" Day.
1.2 MPT/Herrera proclaimed Saturday, November 24, 2018 as Small
Business Saturday.
1.3 MILow and Council Members presented Certificates of Recognition to the
Diamond BarNValnut Sheriffs Deputies who were awarded the 2018
Meritorious Conduct Gold Medal
1.4 MILow and Council Members presented Certificates of Recognition to
Battalion Chief Curtis Wisman. and Captain Bryan Kidder of the Los
Angeles County Fire Department who accepted on behalf of Fire
Personnel from Fire Stations 119, 43 and 19.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
CM/Fox asked Reyes to provide the City Council with an update on the Crooked
Creek house fire that occurred Friday morning, November 2nd
NOVEMBER 6, 2018 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
Captain Reyes stated that a tragic and unfortunate event occurred on Crooked
Creek last Friday morning. Deputies responded to a call of a house fire. The
Fire Department reported that as they were fighting the fire, they discovered a
couple that had perished in the fire along with the family dog. Arson investigators
arrived on scene and determined that the fire was caused by an accelerant that
was located inside the residence. The Sheriff's Department initiated a large
search of the area for the son to determine any information he may have about
the fire. He was not located that day. Homicide investigators arrived on -scene
and conducted an immediate investigation. An immediate search of the area
was coordinated upon receiving information that the son, Ryan Venti, often
traveled through the wash behind the home, as well as up into the hillsides and
trails that surrounded the residence. Efforts to locate Mr. Venti were continued
throughout the weekend and a two -person vehicle was stationed in the area to
make sure the residents surrounding the fire, the waterways and Evangelical
Free Church where John Venti taught Sunday School, were kept safe. Monday
evening the Sheriff's Station was notified that one of the neighbors spotted Mr.
Venti back at the residence. Deputies and air support responded and were able
to locate Mr. Venti on the property where he was arrested without incident.
The homicide investigator told Captain Reyes that he was very impressed with
the amount of support from the community, the citizen involvement and their
cooperation which was something he had not experienced which is a testament
to the partnership the City has to the community. Captain Reyes said he is very,
very proud of this community and the deputies and other personnel for their great
work and commitment.
MILow said that the City appreciates the amount of resources that are available
to quickly respond to these types of incidents and on behalf of the City, everyone
is very grateful for Captain Reyes and the efforts of his deputies.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Daniel Luevanos, Diamond Bar Ambassador, One Legacy Donate Life, stated
there are currently over 114,000 patient's nationwide waiting for the Gift of Life,
21,000 of whom are California residents.. Donate Life's 16th Annual Rose Parade
float is The Rhythm of the Heart depicting an exciting design that invites the
parade audience to experience the music of Africa. He invited the City Council
Members to attend the first exclusive look event on December 12, 2018 from
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon to experience the float in an intimate setting.
C. Robin Smith spoke about the General Plan process and thanked MPT/Herrera
for the discussion they had which caused her to give more thought to the General
Plan. She has noticed that the 1995 General Plan prioritizes, in its Economic
Element, creation of gated luxury homes as its primary source of income for the
community. At the same time, there is no protection for the City's Open Space.
The City has 450 acres of open space that is unprotected and inquired,
especially with respect to Tres Hermanos which is an additional 720 acres, how
NOVEMBER 6, 2018 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
these lands will be protected.
Pui-Ching Ho, Diamond Bar Librarian, said that November is Native -American
Heritage month and everyone is invited to join in the celebration of rich tradition
of Native Americans at the Diamond Bar Library on Wednesday, November 14th
at 4:00 p.m. The Read Together Diamond Bar Committee selected Robin
Benway's book Far From the Tree as this year's teen selection and folks can join
the author for a discussion of her writing process and inspiration on November
17th at 11:00 a.m. This program is sponsored by the Diamond Bar Friends of the
Library. For more information on these and other events and programs, please
visit the library website at www.lacountylibrary.org.
4, RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Veterans Recognition Ceremony -- November 7, 2018 — 9:00 a.m. to 11:00
a.m., Diamond Bar Center, 1600 Grand Avenue.
5.2 Diamond Bar Center Corporate Showcase — November 7, 2018 — 6:00
p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Diamond Bar Center, 1600 Grand Avenue.
5.3 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — November 8, 2018 —
6:30 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.4 Veterans' Day Holiday — City Offices closed Monday, November 12, 2018
in observance of Veterans' Holiday. City Offices reopen on Tuesday,
November 13, 2018 at 7:30 a.m.
5.5 Planning Commission Meeting — November 13, 2018 — 6:30 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.6 City Council Meeting — November 20, 2018 — 6:30 p.m.,
AQMDIGovernment Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: CITye moved, C/Lyons seconded, to approve
the Consent Calendar as presented. 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
6.1 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES:
6.1 a Study Session Minutes of October 16, 2018 as presented.
6.1b Regular Meeting Minutes of October 16, 2018 as amended.
NOVEMBER 6, 2018 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
7.
1
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES:
6.2a Regular Meeting of August 28, 2018.
6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES:
6.3a Regular Meeting of September 27, 2018.
6.4 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER DATED OCTOBER 11, 2018 THROUGH
OCTOBER 31, 2018 TOTALING $2,066,536.70.
6.5 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT FOR SEPTEMBER 2018.
6.6 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRAND (CDBG) AREA 6 RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOOD ADA CURB RAMP IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT NO.
601968-18.
PULIC HEARINGS:
NONE.
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: NONE.
COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTSICOUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
CITye attended the Northminster Presbyterian Church "Face of Homelessness"
panel discussion where people learned of opportunities to help homeless
persons. Inland Valley Hope Partners, Project Chela and the Pomona Shelter for
Volunteers of America participated. Deputy 'Aaron Scheller spoke about the
training that the Sheriffs receive and the psychological evaluations that are done
to help people get the services they need. It was, for him, a terrific initial effort to
bring the community together and share what services are available. When
asked whether people should give money, the experts say that rather than give
money, feed them or provide them with gas for their vehicle. Earlier that day he
was at the 22nd Annual Walnut Valley Educational Foundation's Teddy Bear Tea
which was held at the Diamond Bar Center. CITye spoke about the tragedy that
cost two wonderful people their lives last Friday, John and Linda Venti. His
family has attended church with them for many years. The community will miss
them and his church family will certainly miss them. They were wonderful people
with the very young children in the nursery and their children will miss them as
well. He asked that tonight's meeting be adjourned in memory of John and Linda
Venti.
MPT/Herrera said she was very proud to attend the Sheriff Department's Valor
Awards Ceremony to listen to all of the many great recounting of incidents from
the various deputies receiving these awards who had performed heroic acts. She
NOVEMBER 6, 2018 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
is grateful for the Sheriff's Department deputies that work in the City of Diamond
Bar and the Fire Department personnel for their bravery who step up and put
their lives at risk to save people's lives and homes. To the question about
preserving open space, the City does, in fact, take efforts to dedicate open
space. Almost 20 years ago SunCal wanted to develop homes off of Tin Drive
and part of the agreement the developer would dedicate 350 acres to the City of
Diamond Bar in a transfer of ownership to provide open space in perpetuity. The
only way that this could be changed would be through a vote of the Diamond Bar
residents. So, as a matter of course, the City takes steps to preserve open space
whenever possible. She hoped everyone had or would vote before the polls
close and she wished all candidates good luck.
ClLyons congratulated staff and especially RC/Nino for an excellent Halloween
party. The recreation staff combined two smaller events into one big robust
event for dogs, dog owners and families with young children and it seemed to be
a very good and well -attended event. For those who are in the market for a
purse visit the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library's Gently Used Purse Sale this
Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Windmill Room adjacent to the
Diamond Bar Library. Restaurant Week was a huge success. She thanked
SMA/Lopez for her efforts in organizing the event. ClLyons said she hoped to
see many people and veterans at the Veterans' Day Celebration tomorrow.
CILin stated that as MPT/Herrera mentioned, not only did the City preserve open
space in his neighborhood, they built a path that would attract the deer and from
his house he sees mama deer and baby deer walking through the area on a
regular basis. Last Wednesday he, MTP/Herrera and ClLyons attended a press
conference along with many public elected officials of the San Gabriel Valley
speaking about the importance of the gas tax revenue to each of the cities and
especially to the City of Diamond Bar via SB1 for the improvements of the
SR57/60. He hopes SB1 will be upheld. Good luck to everyone in tonight's
election.
MILow reminded everyone that days are getting shorter and that they should
exercise extreme caution when driving to protect people and wildlife. She invited
everyone to join the City Council tomorrow for the Veterans' Day Celebration
honoring our veterans and show them appreciation. Please be civil and kind to
each other and treat others as we would want to be treated. MILow stated that
tonight's Council Meeting will be adjourned in memory of John and Linda Venti
and that the Council expresses its deepest condolences to their family members.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, MILow adjourned the
Regular City Council Meeting at 7:20 p.m. irgmemory� of John and Linda Venti.
TOMMYE R BINS, CITY CLERK
NOVEMBER 6, 2018 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
The fore rig m' s are hereby approved this 20�day of November_ _, 2018.
RUTH LOW, MAYOR