HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020.05.19 - Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 19, 2020
STUDY SESSION: 4:31 p.m.
Public Comments: None
FY 2020/2021 Draft Operating Budget
Study Session adjourned to the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:32 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tye called the Regular City Council meeting to
order at 6:45 p.m.
Mayor Tye stated that consistent with COVID-19 regulations, all Council Members and
staff are participating via teleconference and there is no physical location for public
attendance. The Public has been invited to join the meeting online or by phone at the
numbers printed on the agenda.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Tye led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Andrew Chou, Ruth Low, Jennifer
"Fred" Mahlke, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons, and
Mayor Steve Tye
Staff participating telephonically: Dan Fox, City Manager; Ryan McLean, Assistant
City Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney; Ryan Wright, Parks and Recreation
Manager; Anthony Santos, Assistant to the City Manager; Hal Ghafari, Public Works
Manager; Dianna Honeywell, Director of Finance, Greg Gubman, Director of
Community Development; Ryan Wright, Director of Parks and Recreation; Ken
Desforges, Director of Information Services; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information
Coordinator; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; J.R. Ybarra, Media Specialist;
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
1. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CC/Santana announced that no public comments were received via email.
Hearing no one present telephonically who indicated they wished to offer
comments, M/Tye closed Public Comments.
3. CONSENT CALENDAR: MPT/Lyons moved, C/Mahlke seconded, to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following
Roll Call vote:
May 19, 2020
PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chou, Low, Mahlke, MPT/Lyons, M/Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
3.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
3.1a APRIL 24, 2020 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
3.1b MAY 5, 2020 STUDY SESSION MINUTES
3.1c MAY 5, 2020 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
3.2 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER DATED APRIL 23, 2020 THROUGH MAY
6, 2020 TOTALING $1,285,438.32.
3.3 AUTHORIZED THE CITY TO JOIN THE LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA
CITIES COALITION TO SUPPORT LOCAL RECOVERY: VIBRANT
CITIES, STRONG ECONOMIES.
3.4 APPROVED FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONSULTANT SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH LANCE, SOLL & LUNGHARD, LLP CPA'S FOR
AUDIT SERVICES THROUGH THE COMPLETION AND AUDIT OF THE
FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2020.
3.5 APPROVED FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE CONSULTING SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH SIMPSON ADVERTISING FOR SPECIALITY
DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE CITY
NEWSLETTER, RECREATION GUIDE AND MISCELLANEOUS
PROJECTS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2020.
4. PUBLIC HEARING:
4.1 APPROVAL OF A COST REPORT AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AND LIEN TO RECOVER NUISANCE
ABATEMENT COSTS RELATED TO THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
21128 SUNWOOD DRIVE (APN: 8719-011-019).
CDD/Gubman presented the staff report regarding the code enforcement
activity on the unoccupied property located at 21128 Sunwood Drive. The
property has a history of Code Enforcement activity going back to 2012. In
the summer and fall of 2018, compliance was only obtained following
issuance of three citations, and by the summer of 2019, the City's
attempts to gain voluntary compliance were no longer effective. On
September 18, 2019, a Public Nuisance was declared and the abatement
was performed on October 19, 2019. Before and after photos were
provided of the work performed in the front and rear yards, and the
removal of the inoperable vehicle.
Once a nuisance is abated, the City is authorized to seek compensation
for the expenses incurred in performing the abatement. The cost detail of
May 19, 2020 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
the assessment of $7,473.80 is included in the Resolution.
The City sent notice of this Public Hearing via Certified Return Receipt
Request and Regular Mail to the property owner listed on the latest tax
rolls as well as, through the physical posting of the notice on the subject
property. As of May 18, 2020, no Return Receipt had been delivered to
City Hall. Staff recommends City Council adoption of the Resolution to
Authorize the City to record a Special Assessment of $7,473.80 on the
next property tax bill.
M/Tye asked if the property taxes were up to date.
CDD/Gubman responded that the property taxes are current.
M/Tye asked if there was a way to determine who paid the taxes.
CDD/Gubman responded that at this point, he believes he has a strong
lead that would lead staff to that answer.
M/Tye asked the status of the property today.
CDD/Gubman responded that the property is being maintained in a weed -
free condition. He visited the property earlier today to check its current
state and the weeds are cut down.
M/Tye asked if staff knew who was cutting weeds.
CDD/Gubman responded staff did not know.
MPT/Lyons said she assumed this would not magically resolve itself and
that staff would be visiting the property from time to time to make sure the
property is being taken care of.
CDD/Gubman responded that staff would continue to periodically conduct
site visits and it is possible that based on past recidivism with other
unmaintained properties, staff will have to come back and do another
abatement in the future.
M/Tye announced that due to numerous telephonic interruptions he was
recessing the meeting and asked that Council Members dial back in.
After a brief interruption, M/Tye resumed the meeting.
CC/Santana called roll noting all Council Members were present.
M/Tye opened the Public Hearing.
With no one present including the property owner (Greg and Mary
Gardner) indicating they wished to speak on this item, M/Tye closed the
May 19, 2020 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
4
Public Hearing at 7:13 p.m.
C/Mahlke moved, C/Low seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 2020-13,
approving the cost report and establishing a Special Assessment and lien
in the amount of $7,473.80 on the property located at 21128 Sunwood
Drive. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: NONE
Chou, Low, Mahlke, MPT/Lyons,
M/Tye
None
None
6. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
Due to continued uncontrollable telephonic interruptions MPT/Lyons suggested
that Council Members submit their comments in writing and that M/Tye adjourn
the meeting.
The following statements were submitted by Council Members in writing:
Council Member Low: It is now appropriate to do as much as we can to help our
local businesses get back on their feet and to make appropriate preparations on
the City's part. Local restaurants are a priority. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I
believe that restaurants will be allowed to serve dine in customers again but will
be subject to distancing orders. That said, many restaurants will only be able to
serve a fraction of the number of customers they used to serve. I am suggesting
that we assist them by permitting restaurants to expand to outdoor spaces,
including sidewalks and parking lots as long as it is safe from vehicle traffic and
other hazards. I would like us to consider granting temporary variances for
outdoor dining without application fees, planning commission approvals and to
minimize the application process. I would like us to provide barriers to assist with
mitigating traffic if we have these items already, or look into grant opportunities.
Perhaps we can reach out to our restaurants to inquire if there is any such
interest in such a proposal. Likewise, when retail stores can open again, I would
like to suggest that we create events and/or allow for sidewalk displays and sales
so that our retail stores can comply with distancing rules and to generate
business. Again, the city could help by granting temporary variances and
waiving fees and other application processes, and provide traffic mitigation and
safety. Perhaps we can look at providing hand washing stations at various
locations. When we help our businesses, we help ourselves, our residents, and
our community. Thank you and good night.
Council Member Mahlke: I was honored to be a part of Cal Poly Pomona's
Department of Communication Graduation ceremony this past Friday night. Go
Broncos! This was a student planned virtual event highlighting not only the
May 19, 2020 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
accomplishments of the graduating seniors, but the resilience of them as well.
For me this was an emotional and beautiful reminder to find ways to celebrate
accomplishments even if they look different. Memorial Day is always the last
Monday in May. This is a holiday that honors the men women who died while
serving in the US military. I like to encourage the residents of Diamond Bar, if you
are inclined, to participate in a moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. on Monday
5/25 to honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. American short story
writer, Cynthia Ozick stated "We take for granted the very things that most
deserve our gratitude." As we continue forward working to keep Diamond Bar
safe, I hope that we don't take for granted things like our neighbors, our
community, our small businesses, and that we approach each new day as an
opportunity to be grateful.
Mayor Pro Tem Lyons: I have been thinking a lot about all of our unique
restaurants; most of them aren't chain restaurants; they are charming one of a
kind. I am concerned about their profitability with our new 6' social distance
rules. But I do believe that at least some of them could be profitable if they were
allowed to have outside seating in their parking lots. I would like to ask staff to
investigate how to make this work. Do the restaurants need special permits to
do this? Can they put temporary seating in outside, 6 feet apart? Can they do
something simple like cordon off the seating area with caution tape? What can
we do to help them? What does the rest of the council think? On Wednesday,
May 6 the Council had a conference call with the DOT to encourage them to look
with favor upon our INFRA Grant application for the fix of the 57-60 Chokepoint.
Staff answered their questions and we provided a lot of enthusiasm for getting
the funding needed to fix this. Last week the City Selection Committee met and I
am pleased to inform my colleagues that I was re-elected to the Library
Commission representing the 4t" Supervisorial District. Like to thank Finance
Director, Diana Honeywell for all of her work on the budget and for patiently
answering my many questions. Congratulations to Ryan Lewis a Diamond Bar
resident who recently achieved Eagle Scout status. He completed a
beautification project at Pantera Park. Even though we didn't get to attend your
Eagle Court of Honor, Ryan, know that we are very proud of your achievement
and Diamond Bar is a better place because of you. Finally I would like to take a
minute and recognize Mayor Tye for all of his hard work during our Covid-19
Crises. I think he has done an admirable job of conducting these meetings. I
can't imagine how hard it must be to conduct council meetings when you can't
see anyone's face. So Mayor Tye, nice work; keep it up!
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tye adjourned the
Regular City Council Meeting at 7:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
— A? �1
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
May 19, 2020 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
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The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 2nd day of June, 2020.
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