HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022.01.18 - Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2022
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Low called the Regular City Council meeting to
order at 6:30 p.m.
M/Low stated that consistent with COVID-19 regulations, members of the public were
encouraged to participate and address the City Council during the public comment
portion of the meeting via teleconference and that City Council Members and staff were
also participating telephonically.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Low led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Stan Liu, Nancy Lyons, Steve Tye,
Mayor Pro Tern Andrew Chou, and Mayor Ruth Low
Staff in Attendance: Dan Fox, City Manager; Ryan McLean, Assistant City
Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney; Anthony Santos, Assistant to the City Manager;
Amy Haug, Human Resources and Risk Manager; Marsha Roa, Public Information
Manager; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; David Liu, Public Works
Director; Hal Ghafari, Public Works Manager/Assistant City Engineer; Anthony Jordan,
Parks & Maintenance Superintendent; Claude Bradley, Facilities Maintenance
Supervisor; Jason Jacobsen, Finance Director; Ryan Wright, Parks and Recreation
Director; Ken Desforges, Director of Information Services; Alfredo Estevez, Information
Systems Analyst; Kristina Santana, City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 New Business of the Month —Hanna Bridal
Mayor Low presented the New Business of the Month and encouraged
everyone to view the New Business of the Month video on the City's
website.
1.2 Certificates in Recognition of Chaparral Middle School 3rd Place LA
County Mock Trial Team and Diamond Bar High School 2021 LA County
Mock Trial Team Champion.
Mayor Low commended both teams and Angela Brunson spoke about her
assisting role as attorney coach for the Diamond Bar High School Mock
Trial Team and expressed her pride in their accomplishment.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: NONE.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS. NONE.
4. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS. CM/Fox presented the Calendar of
Future Events.
JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
5. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Lyons moved, C/Tye seconded, to approve the
Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Liu, Lyons, Tye, MPT/Chou, M/Low
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
5A APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
5.1 a REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 21, 2021.
5.2 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER DATED DECEMBER 15, 2021 THROUGH
JANUARY 11, 2022 TOTALING $1,317,396.43.
5.3 APPROVED THE OCTOBER 2021 AND NOVEMBER 2021
TREASURER'S STATEMENTS,
5.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2022-01, PROVIDING FOR CONTINUED
USE OF TELECONFERENCING AND OTHER FORMATS AS DEFINED
AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 361 FOR MEETINGS OF
THE DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL, CITY COMMISSIONS AND
SUBCOMMITTEES.
5.5 AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN A MAINTENANCE
SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH EXTERIOR PRODUCTS CORP FOR ON -
CALL ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTING SERVICES THROUGH JUNE 30,
2022,
5.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO, 2022-02, ESTABLISHING ELECTRIC
VEHICLE CHARGING STATION FEE RATES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 19,
2022.
6o PUBLIC HEARINGSU
6.1 CONSIDERATION TO DISSOLVE LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT NO. 39 AND TO DECLARE INTENTION TO FORM A NEW
LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO, 39-2022.
MPT/Chou and M/Low, both of whom live in the district, recused
themselves from Item 6.1.and M/Low requested that C/Tye preside over
the matter with concurrence of C/Liu and C/Lyons.
PWM/Ghafari presented the staff report.
C/Tye opened the Public Hearing.
JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
Edwin Feng asked why the entire City was not sharing the costs of LLAD
No. 39.
Jose Flores asked for a better visual of the parcels and wanted to know
why the entire City was not paying for areas that are open to all residents.
Sharon Butler also wanted to know why all residents of the City were not
paying for the district.
Ms. Davenport was concerned that this proposal was adversely affecting
her homeowners insurance.
C/Tye closed the Public Hearing.
PWM/Ghafari stated that approximately 20 individuals attended the
December 2, 2021 community meeting and that the assessments
referenced on Page 29 of the report are annual assessments that are
attached to individual property tax bills.
PWM/Ghafari further stated that the utilities line item covers water and
electricity, most of which goes to the cost of water for the irrigation
systems that will remain in place for residents' use so that they can
connect their system to their provider as a group or individually.
At the request of C/Tye, PWM/Ghafari explained how LLAD's 39 and 41
currently function and what residents will be responsible to maintain and
what citywide areas are covered by District 38 including medians, etc.
C/Tye explained that property tax bills reflect the amount for District No.
39, which is not a new assessment but a proposed increase in the
assessment to cover the additional cost that the City's General Fund has
been supplementing over the years.
PWM/Ghafari reiterated that postcards and all communications were
mailed to property owners (not tenants) according to information on the
tax documents. In districts where they existed, HOA's became involved
with the process which led to a successful ballot outcome. In attempting
to dissolve LLAD 39 which had no HOA, groups of residents indicated
they wished to go through the same process but because it was too late in
the process, the district was extended for another year at the same rate
that had been in place for 30 years. Because residents are speaking for
the first time this evening, it verifies that the outreach program is working
and the City needs to continue reaching out to the residents so they
understand the process. In addition, while the majority of the properties
do not have this kind of maintenance service provided on their property,
but because they are part of the tract, they are directly or indirectly
benefiting from the maintenance services that are currently being provided
which reduces the fire risk in the neighborhood. If proper maintenance is
JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
not provided, insurance companies determine that certain properties are
at "high risk" and will increase their premiums and/or deductibles.
CA/DeBerry stated that if rates are reduced no public hearing is required.
It is only when rates are proposed to be increased that this process is
required. The way this is structured, there will always be a maximum rate
which is set by the CPI increase, but if the City were to reduce the rate, it
could go up to the cap and no higher.
C/Lyons recalled that in March 2021 individual homeowners who attended
the meeting as well as many who attended telephonically asked for one
more chance at this and she believes the homeowners should be given a
chance to vote on the issue again.
C/Tye reopened the Public Hearing.
Maryann Hess stated that she visited homeowners in the district with a
petition asking the City to give them a chance of one more vote and hoped
that through these meetings and community joint efforts property owners
would reconsider their past vote. The beautification of the City and
greenbelt areas are reasons people move to Diamond Bar which helps
preserve the integrity of the area and increases the appearance of the
neighborhoods and keeps the cost of insurance down while preserving
property values. A local appraiser has stated that by keeping the areas
maintained, it helps every homeowner and supports local venues such as
the Diamond Bar Center. She hopes that everyone will encourage their
neighbors to vote "yes" and appreciates the City giving the homeowners of
District 39 a second chance to keep their properties maintained.
C/Tye closed the Public Llearinc�.
C/Lyons moved, C/Liu seconded to Adopt Resolution No. 2022-03 to
dissolve Landscape Assessment District No. 39. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Liu, Lyons, Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPT/Chou, M/Low
C/Lyons moved, C/Liu seconded, to Adopt Resolution No.
declaring intention to form Landscape Assessment District No.
and levy assessments, preliminarily approving the Engineer's
providing notice of Public Hearing, and ordering the mailing
assessment ballot. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Liu, Lyons, Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPT/Chou, M/Low
2022-04
39-2022
Report,
of the
JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
6.2 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
ALLOCATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022/2023.
CDD/Gubman presented the staff report.
M/Low opened the Public Hearing.
With no one wishing to speak on this item, M/Low closed the Public
Hearing.
C/Tye moved, C/Liu seconded, to Adopt Resolution No. 2022-05
approving the Community Development Block Grant Funding Allocations
for Fiscal Year 2022/2023, Motion carried 5-0 by the following Roll Call
vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Liu, Lyons, Tye, MPT/Chou,
M/Low
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
7. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION.
7.1 TRANSMITTAL OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-21 ANNUAL
COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT (ACFR) AND
APPROPRIATION OF UNASSIGNED GENERAL FUND RESERVES TO
VARIOUS FUNDS.
FD/Jacobsen and Kirk Hamblin, CPA, LSL Auditors, presented the staff
report.
Edwin Feng thanked the City Council and staff for their efforts toward
maintaining fiscal responsibility.
C/Lyons moved, C/Liu seconded, to:
A. Receive and File the Fiscal Year 2020-21 Annual Comprehensive
Financial Report;
B. Assign $100,000 of Unassigned General Fund Reserves to the
Technology Reserve Fund (104);
C. Assign $260,826 of Unassigned General Fund Reserves to the
OPEB Reserve Fund (105).
D. Approve an appropriation of Unassigned General Fund Reserves
in the amount of $742,536 to the Park &Facility Development Fund
(262); and,
JANUARY 181 2022 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
E. Approve an appropriation of Unassigned General Fund Reserves
in the amount of $742,536 to the Building Maintenance &
Replacement Fund (504).
Motion on Items A through E carried 5-0 by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Liu, Lyons, Tye, MPT/Chou,
M/Low
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
8. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Liu thanked staff for tonight's presentations and the community for their care
and compassion for one another and keeping the community safe.
C/Tye said that with respect to the action on LLAD No. 39 he highly
recommended that everyone reach out to their neighbors to make sure that
everything is kept in order relative to the beauty and landscaping as well as,
caretaking of the mini parks. Meals on Wheels provides meals for those in need
and if anyone is interesting in helping, they can call 626-3334570 or email at
info(c,MealsonWheels411.org. C/Tye wished everyone a Happy New Year and
acknowledged that tonight's meeting would be adjourned in honor of Johnny
Gonzales, a longtime member of the Diamond Bar community and family.
C/Lyons complimented staff for their work on the audit and information on LLAD
No. 39. She agreed with C/Tye that residents of the district should reach out to
their neighbors and friends to discuss whether spending a little more. to beautify
the area is worth it to them, and encouraged everyone to sign up to receive their
four free COVID test kits.
MPT/Chou thanked staff for the excellent financial report and appreciates the
work of staff and Council to make sure that during COVID Diamond Bar
continues to provide vital services to its residents. He wished everyone a Happy
Lunar Chinese New Year.
M/Low reported that she and MPT/Chou attended the audit subcommittee
meeting and were thrilled to learn about the City's financial position. She
thanked Mr. Hamblin and FD/Jacobsen and their teams for answering all of their
questions and acknowledged that the clean audit is in recognition of the talent
and extra effort by everyone on the team. The City Council appreciates the
diligent stewardship of the assets that have been entrusted to it and appreciates
that this body is adhering to the principals of government transparency.
Yesterday she attended the groundbreaking of the Grand Century Plaza in
Rowland Heights, a new shopping center that will feature a grocery store, hotel
and entertainment venue which will bring new jobs to the area and provide more
JANUARY 18, 2022 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
choices for dining, shopping and entertainment. She congratulated students
whose artwork was selected to be featured in the Metropolitan Water District's
Southern California 2022 Student Art Calendar "Water is Life".
CM/Fox stated that funeral services for Johnny Gonzales will be held on Friday,
January 21St beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Stone Funeral Home, 355 East 9t" Street,
Upland, followed by graveside services beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Bellevue
Memorial Park, 1240 West G Street, Ontario.
M/Low recited the following: Johnny Gonzales joined the City on June 12, 2009
and served a key role at the Diamond Bar Center. He was a leader and a friend
to many in the department and was responsible for supporting dozens of
weddings and once -in -a lifetime events at the Diamond Bar Center. He regularly
helped set up for Council meetings at the AQMD and always greeted residents
and Council Members with a smile. Many staff in a variety of departments
respected Johnny and enjoyed his wit and dedicated service to the City. He was
a father, grandfather, great grandfather, a US Veteran, a local hero, a proud
postal carrier in the community and a Diamond Bar resident since 1988. Johnny
received a Key to the City for saving a life while on his postal route. Based on
his decades of experience as a postal carrier in Diamond Bar, Johnny would help
young part-time recreation staff with driving directions — he was basically the
City's GPS before there was a MapQuest or Google Maps. Others in the City will
remember his camaraderie while spending time at Oak Tree Lanes. Many have
positive memories and incredible stories of Johnny, who will be greatly missed.
We extend our deepest condolences to Johnny's family, his friends and his loved
ones.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, Mayor Low adjourned
the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:29 p.m. in memory of Johnny Gonzales.
Respectfully submitted:
Kristina Santana, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 1St day of February, 2022.
Ruth;M. Low, Mayor