HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/01/1992 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
1. CLOSED SESSION: 5:00 p.m.
Litigation - Government Code 54956.9
Personnel - Government Code 54957.6
No reportable action taken.
2. CALL TO ORDER: M/Kim called the meeting to order at
6:00 p.m. in the AQMD Auditorium, 21865 East Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the Pledge of
Allegiance by M/Kim.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Kim, Mayor Pro Tem Papen,
Councilmen Forbing, Werner and Miller.
Also present were Terrence L. Belanger, Acting City Manager;
Andrew V. Arczynski, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Community
Development Director; David Liu, Associate Engineer; Bob
Rose, Community Services Director; Dennis Tarango, Building
Official and Tommye Nice, Deputy City Clerk.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Frank Dursa, 2533 Harmony Hill Dr.,
objected to an insinuation that the proponents of the
Referendum are liars. In reference to the article written in
the L.A. Times, he stated that he believes that there is a
conflict of interest between MPT/Papen and Western Waste. If
Western Waste is awarded the contract, citizens will pay more
money for their trash pickup.
Kim Peace, 2565 Castle Rock Rd., requested that her name be
removed from the Referendum and as petition circulator. She
noted that some of the petitions she circulated were signed by
another circulator. She stated that she is now upset because
South Pointe Middle School cannot begin construction because
of the petition. She apologized to the City Council, the
citizens and the Walnut Unified School District for her
participation in the referendum.
Clair Harmony, 24139 Afamado Ln., stated that he does not
approve of the City Council's system of delaying answers to
public inquiries until the end of all Public Comments. He
requested that the City Council authorize the City Attorney to
release a full and complete legal opinion for review. He then
inquired into how much money had been spent and will be spent
to cure the source of water running down Golden Springs.
Lydia Plunk, 1522 Deer Foot Dr., asked if the City Council
-- could meet at another facility more conducive to intimate
gatherings, so that there is not an atmosphere of "The City
Council vs. the People".
Max Maxwell, 3211 Bent Twig Ln., stated that the group
collecting signatures were as forthright as possible, offering
various pieces of information. Regarding Mrs. Peace's claim
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
that he had signed petitions as circulator petitions she
herself had circulated, he stated that that was a personal
matter between himself and Mrs. Peace. He then inquired why
the City Council adjourned for a Closed Session at the last
meeting without advance notification to the public.
Sharon Wilkens, resident of Chino.. -Hills, complimented.D.B..'s
Key Club members and thanked them for all their hours
assisting the new Library in Chino Hills in preparing for
their opening.
Tom Van Winkle, resident, indicated that Diamond Bar includes
Tonner Canyon. The statement on the green card, issued for
the Referendum, was not at all misleading. He noted the
development projects being proposed that will affect Tonner
Canyon. He also noted that the General Plan indicates that
the City can do anything it wants to raise taxes to obtain
money.
C/Miller, in response to Mr. Dursa's comments, stated that he
believed that the citizens were misinformed.
Regarding the waste article in".the L.A. Times, CA/Arczyriski
stated that conflict of interest concerns were presented to ._
the Fair Political Practices Commission in writing, with a
number of follow up questions based upon specific requests for
information from the legal staff of the Commission. They
issued their opinion. As far as campaign contribution issues,
it would appear that someone, desiring the contract to service
this City for trash, is trying to grind an axe.
MPT/Papen noted that it is unfair for that article to make
such statements when no such letter was ever sent to the FPPC
or to the City Attorney. She stated that if she is to be
disqualified for political contributions, as was suggested,
then all Councilmembers could be disqualified, if the rule is
applied equally and fairly to all. She stated that she will
abide by the FPPC decision.
C/Werner stated that, for the record, if he had been in
MPT/Papen's position, he would have abstained from voting, as
he has done so from other projects in the past, because of
what might appear to be conflicts.
MPT/Papen stated that she feels it is inappropriate for
C/Werner to have appointed his business partner to a
Commission of the City, to bid on projects with other Council
and staff people, and to do business with consultants. It is
improper for Council people to look after the interest of --
their clients as it affects the City. She then stated that it
is very up front that C/Werner has been trying to sabotage the
waste issue. She went on to explain that the State has
mandated that the City reduce trash by 25% by the year 1995
and 50% by the year 2000. The first element of the SRRE is to
franchise. The franchisee bears the cost of the 54 programs
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992 PAGE 3
needed to be implemented and also agrees to indemnify the City
regarding the $10,000 fine per day if AB939 goals are not met
by the year 1995. The City is a year behind in its plans.
C/Werner stated that his intent was to clarify for the record
that he and MPT/Papen were not on equal standing in terms of
campaign contributions, as she had indicated. In regard to
the comment that he sabotaged the garbage issue, he pointed
out that MPT/Papen asked, by motion, that he be on the
subcommittee for trash.
CA/Arczynski, per the request of C/Werner, explained that once
petitions are filed with the City Clerk, no names may be
removed from any of the petitions, whether a signer or a
circulator.
C/Miller requested that Ms. Peace's statement --that petitions
she circulated were signed by others as circulator --be forward
to the District Attorney's Office.
At the request of C/Werner, CA/Arczynski explained that the
school district does not necessarily require approval from the
City for planning and zoning activities with regard to a new
school. However, they usually work with the City on grading
requirements to avoid liability issues.
MPT/Papen stated that because the City cannot do an EIR to
move the dirt off-site from South Point Middle School, the
construction of the new school is on hold until the moratorium
is settled.
CA/Arczynski, in regard to Mr. Harmony's request to release a
complete legal opinion, explained that he is honor bound not
to release any documents provided to the City Council under
attorney/client privilege unless the City Council authorizes
its release, which requires three votes of the City Council.
MPT/Papen stated that because she was not present at the last
meeting, she was not aware what legal review is being sought.
C/Forbing stated that information marked confidential from the
City Attorney to the Council, for the basis of discussion in
a Closed Session, should not be made available.
C/Miller concurred with C/Forbing and stated that there should
be no problem with releasing the information regarding the
statute that the opinion was based upon.
-- There was consensus among the Council to direct the City
Attorney to release the information that was the basis for the
Council's decision.
M/Kim asked the Council's opinion regarding the present method
of conducting the Public Comment portion of the agenda. It
was the consensus to return to the previous method as long as
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992 PAGE 4
temperaments are controlled.
ACM/Belanger, in regard to the Golden Springs Dr. water
leakage problem, stated that he will send a written response
to Mr. Harmony after he has had an opportunity to talk with
the City Engineer and engineering staff.
ACM/Belanger, in response to Mrs. Plunk, stated that, in his
experience, it is the people in the room that create the
perception in the setting, rather than the setting itself.
However, staff will do an inventory of facilities that are
generally open to the public.
MPT/Papen noted that usage of the AQMD facility is free and is
wired for cable television broadcast.
CA/Arczynski, in regard to Mr. Maxwell's inquiry, explained
that a Closed Session need not be on the agenda and need only
be announced, as was done.
C/Werner, in reference to a comment made by Mr. Maxwell ;
indicating that he was present at one of the tables collecting
signatures for the referendum, stated that, for the record,
his presence should not be misconstrued to indicate his ._
support, or objection, to the efforts made by this group.
However, after the fact of the petition, he stated that he is
not in support of their Referendum effort.
ACM/Belanger stated that he will respond to each of Mr. Van
Winkle's comments in writing and make that response available
to the City Council and to the press.
4. COUNCIL COMMENTS: C/Werner, concerned that he has been
accused of sabotaging the garbage decision, requested that the
matter be brought back to the agenda at the next meeting for
a decision.
C/Miller, speaking as a subcommittee member, stated that he
has not had an opportunity to review all the proposed contract
drafts. The matter should not be brought to the Council until
the issue has been prepared properly.
MPT/Papen stated that she was referring to a leak of Closed
Session contract negotiations prior to finalization. She then
announced that Jones Intercable is showing CALSPAN on Channel
52, Monday -Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
M/Kim denied C/Werner's request to bring the waste matter back
to the Council at the next meeting since the subcommittee is
not yet ready.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR: Motion made by C/Miller, seconded by
MPT/Papen to approve the Consent Calendar, presented. With
the following Roll Call vote, motion carried unanimously:
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
PAGE 5
AYES: COUNCILMEN: Miller, Werner, Forbing, MPT/Papen,
M/Kim
NOES: COUNCILMEN: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEN: None
5.1 SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1.1 Traffic & Transportation Commission -
September 10, 1992 - 6:30 p.m., AQMD Hearing
Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.1.2 Planning Commission - September 14, 1992 -
7:00 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley
Dr.
5.1.3 City Council Meeting - September 15, 1992 -
6:00 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley
Dr.
5.1.4 Parks & Recreation Commission - September 24,
1992 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Hearing Room, 21865 E.
Copley Dr.
5.2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Regular Meeting of August 4, 1992
- Approved as presented.
5.3 WARRANT REGISTER - Approved Warrant Register dated
September 1, 1992 in the amount of $628,084.65.
5.4 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -
5.4.1 MEETING OF JULY 13, 1992 - Received and filed.
5.4.2 MEETING OF JULY 27, 1992 - Received and filed.
5.5 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular
Meeting of July 9, 1992 - Received and filed.
5.6 BOND EXONERATION FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT AND STREET TREES ON
TRACT 45268, WILLIAM LYON HOUSING TRACT - Adopted the
following Minute Order entitled: TRACT 45257, BOND
EXONERATION, ROAD IMPS - Approved bond exoneration for
improvements on Tract No. 45268 in the amount of $997,000
and directed the City Clerk to notify L.A. County, the
principal and surety of Council's action.
5.7 APPROVED GRADING BOND RELEASES -
5.7.1 GRADING SECURITY BOND NO. 5074793, LOT 68 OF
TRACT 23483 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000 - Adopted
the following Minute Order entitled: TRACT
23483, LOT 68, GRADING SECURITY BOND RELEASE -
Approved release of security bond no. 5074793,
2276 Indian Creek Rd., posted in the amount of
$3,000 and directed City Clerk to notify L.A.
County, the principal and surety of Council's
actions.
5.7.2 GRADING SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR 2177 ROCKY VIEW
ROAD, LOT 128, TRACT 30091 - Adopted the
following Minute Order entitled: TRACT 30091,
LOT 128, GRADING SECURITY BOND RELEASE -
Approved release of $7,522 cash deposit from
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
21
PAGE 6
Ray A. Russell for 2177 Rocky View Rd.
5.8 ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NO: 92-50, ENTITLED: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK, ON BEHALF OF
THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR, TO ACCEPT THE OFFERING OF THE
EASEMENT DEED LOCATED ON SHOTGUN LANE AT GRAND AVENUE AND
DIRECT THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD THE EASEMENT DEED.
5.9 ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NO: 92-51, ENTITLED: A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
APPROVING THE INSTALLATION OF A "ONE WAY" SIGN ON DIAMOND
BAR BLVD. AND RED CURBING OF FOUNTAIN SPRINGS ROAD
APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET - As recommended by the Traffic &
Transportation Commission.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, CERTIFICATES, ETC.
6.1 PROCLAMATIONS:
6.1.1 PROCLAIMED OCTOBER 1, 1992 AS "BOOK IT" DAY -
Presented by MPT/Papen.
6.1.2 URGING GOVERNOR WILSON TO SIGN AB 1718 -
C/Werner presented the Proclamation urging
Governor Wilson to sign Senate Bill 1718 to
allow the City of Industry to make property
available to the Pomona Valley Unified School
District for construction of a high school in
the City of D.B. Council encourages all
citizens to communicate their support to the
Governor's office.
6.2 CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION:
6.2.1 CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - SENATOR FRANK
HILL - C/Miller read the Certificate of
Appreciation to be presented to Senator Frank
Hill for proposing legislation to provide the
land necessary for construction of a high
school in D.B.
6.2.2 CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION - ASSEMBLYMAN PAUL
HORCHER - M/Kim explained that the Certificate
of Appreciation to be presented to Assemblyman
Paul Horcher was identical to that for
presentation to Senator Frank Hill.
7. OLD BUSINESS:
7.1 TONNER CANYON, STATUS REPORT RE PURCHASE OF -
ACM/Belanger reported that staff had contacted the
offices of Senator Frank Hill and Assemblyman Paul
Horcher to request their support in evaluating available
revenue sources at the State level and to guide the City
through the State process to acquire funds to apply to
the purchase of Tonner Canyon. Further, staff contacted
a representative of the Boys Scouts; however, they did
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
PAGE 7
not respond to questions regarding the sale of their land
in the Canyon.
C/Miller requested staff to bring to the next meeting the
necessary documents to form a committee to study
acquisition of Tonner Canyon and invite Max Maxwell, Don
Schad, William Gross, Tom Van Winkle, Clair Harmony,
James Roberts and Frank Dursa to join the committee due
to their public concern to save Tonner Canyon.
7.2 RESOLUTION NO. 92-52: NAME CHANGE OF COLIMA -
ACM/Belanger reported that the City received one reply to
its notice to all property owners and businesses located
on Colima Road regarding the proposed name change to
Golden Springs Drive. The respondent, Bandi and Bandi,
Attorneys at Law, indicated that they wished for the
street name to remain the same for the following reasons:
1) they previously had to adjust for the name of the City
in their address from Walnut to Diamond Bar with a Walnut
Zip Code; 2) they still have problems with the postal
service; 3) the telephone company will be changing the
Area Code in November; 4) noticing all clients of such
changes is expensive and 5) many clients will think the
firm has moved and, therefore, will seek legal advice
elsewhere.
C/Werner recommended that if the Council agrees to change
the name, that the change coordinate with the change in
telephone Area Code.
C/Forbing noted that extending the road will not make
that much of a difference. Since the City must give a
six-month notice of the proposed change, it cannot be
made to coincide with the Area Code change.
MPT/Papen stated that the Traffic & Transportation
Commission had recommended deferring action on this
change because they had mistakenly thought that Fairway
Drive was in the City's Sphere of Influence.
M/Kim suggested that the matter be deferred to a later
date because there is no urgency and no public support.
Tom Van Winkle, resident, stated that the residents in
the area have trouble receiving mail from couriers. He
suggested that the City first work on getting that
portion of D.B. changed to the D.B. Zip Code and then
work on the name change.
C/Miller stated that the City has been working for
several years to change the Zip Code in that area. He
suggested that staff follow through with the Walnut Post
Office to see if there is confusion.
C/Forbing moved, seconded by C/Werner to adopt Resolution
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
PAGE 8
No. 92-52 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR FINDING THAT THE NAME OF COLIMA
ROAD, BETWEEN BREA CANYON ROAD AND WESTERLY CITY LIMIT,
SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREINAFTER SHOULD BE CHANGED TO
GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE. With the following Roll Call vote,
motion carried:
AYES: COUNCILMEN - Miller, Werner, Forbing,
MPT/Papen, M/Kim
NOES: COUNCILMEN - M/Kim
ABSENT: COUNCILMEN - None
7.3 CROSSING GUARD SERVICES FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1992-93 -
Approved the following Contract, entitled:
SECURICORP/MASTERGUARD INT'L - CROSSING GUARD SVCS -
AE/Liu reported that staff advertised and received bids
from three qualified firms for provision of Crossing
Guard services for the 1992-93 school year. He
recommended awarding a contract to Securicorp/Masterguard
International, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in
the amount of $55,000.
Following discussion, it was moved by C/Forbing, seconded
by C/Miller to award a contract to Securicorp/Masterguard
International, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $55,000
for Crossing Guard Services for the 1992-93 school year.
With the following Roll Call vote, motion carried
unanimously:
AYES: COUNCILMEN - Werner, Forbing, Miller, MPT/
Papen, M/Kim
NOES: COUNCILMEN - None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEN - None
7.4 CITY MANAGER APPOINTMENT - C/Miller reported that the
Personnel Committee requested Council concurrence to
negotiate an employment agreement with Terrence L.
Belanger for appointment of Mr. Belanger as the City
Manager. Council unanimously concurred.
RECESS: M/Kim recessed the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
RECONVENE: M/Kim reconvened the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
8. NEW BUSINESS:
8.1 ADOPT -A -PARK PROGRAM - Adopted the following Minute Order
entitled: ADOPT -A -PARK PROGRAM - CSD/Rose stated that
the Parks & Recreation Commission were recommending
adoption of an Adopt -A -Park Program.
Following discussion, MPT/Papen moved, seconded by
C/Forbing to approve the Adopt -A -Park Program. Motion
carried unanimously.
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992 PAGE 9
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
9.1 ZONING CODE AMENDMENT 92-2 - HILLSIDE MANAGEMENT -
ORDINANCE (HMO), ORD. NO. 14-1990) AND ZONING CODE
AMENDMENT 92-3 (COMMERCIAL -MANUFACTURING (CM) ZONE, ORD
NO. 15-1990) - ACM/Belanger reported that Zoning Code
Amendment 92-1 (Hillside Management) and Zoning Code
Amendment 92-3 (Commercial -Manufacturing) were to be
presented to the Planning Commission for public hearing
and review. As a result of the Referendum and suspension
of the General Plan, the Planning Commission was unable
to take action on these Ordinances. He recommended
continuing the Public Hearing to October 6, 1992.
Council concurred.
9.2 ORDINANCE NO. 3 (1992) - UNIFORM CODES - BO/Tarango
reported that, on August 4, 1992, the Council set for
Hearing adoption of the 1991 Uniform Building Code, 1991
Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, and Housing Code. He
recommended that Council adopt the Resolution of Findings
in Ordinance No. 3 (1992).
CA/Arczynski, in response to Mayor Kim's inquiry,
explained that the 180 days, given by State legislation,
requires staff to implement the Uniform Building Code by
the August 14, 1992 timeline. However, the Buildings
Standards Commission was not timely getting out the
publication of the documents. Staff needed to thoroughly
analyze the codes, Title 24, and point out areas of
modifications necessary to adapt them to the City's needs
and requirements. The timeline isn't going to be
critical to someone trying to process a project because
he will be permitted to continue under the ordinances in
effect when the plans were submitted.
BO/Tarango, per the request of M/Kim, highlighted the
following changes pertaining to these new codes: the
Uniform Building Code (1991) establishes minimum
requirements for housing standards and gives the City
authority to address maintenance of residences, require
minimum lighting and ventilation, sanitation facilities,
update some illegal wiring and weather protection; the
Plumbing Code requires all new structures to be equipped
with additional water mains for future use of reclaimed
water and landscape irrigation systems, the Ordinance
provides for the reduction of a timeline for demolition
permits and establishes the minimum design criteria for
foundation work and expansive soils.
M/Kim declared the Public Hearing open.
With no testimony being offered, M/Kim closed the Public
Hearing.
C/Miller moved, seconded by C/Werner to waive full
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
PAGE 10
reading and adopt Ordinance No. 3 (1992), entitled: AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
REPEALING TITLE 26 (BUILDING CODE), TITLE 27 (ELECTRICAL
CODE), TITLE 28 (PLUMBING CODE) AND TITLE 29 (MECHANICAL
CODE) OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, AS HERETOFORE
ADOPTED, ADDING A NEW TITLE 15 TO THE DIAMOND BAR CITY
CODE AND ADOPTING, BY REFERENCE, THE "UNIFORM
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE", 1991 EDITION, THE "UNIFORM BUILDING
CODE", 1991 EDITION, INCLUDING ALL APPENDICES THERETO AND
THE "UNIFORM BUILDING CODE STANDARDS", 1991 EDITION, THE
"UNIFORM MECHANICAL CODE", 1991 EDITION, THE "UNIFORM
PLUMBING CODE", 1991 EDITION, THE "NATIONAL ELECTRICAL
CODE", 1990 EDITION, THE "UNIFORM HOUSING CODE", 1991
EDITION, THE "UNIFORM SWIMMING POOL, SPACE AND HOT TUB
CODE", 1991 EDITION TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS,
DELETIONS AND EXCEPTIONS, INCLUDING FEES AND PENALTIES.
With the following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCILMEN: Miller, Werner, Forbing, MPT/
Papen, M/Kim
NOES: COUNCILMEN: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEN: None
9.2.1 RESOLUTION NO. 92-53: UNIFORM CODES -
C/Miller moved, seconded by C/Werner to adopt
Resolution No. 92-53, entitled: A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MAKING EXPRESS FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS
THAT MODIFICATIONS TO THE UNIFORM BUILDING
CODE, UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE AND NATIONAL
ELECTRICAL CODE, AS ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE NO. 3
(1992), ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY BECAUSE OF
LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL OR TOPOGRAPHICAL
CONDITIONS. Motion carried unanimously by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEN - Miller, Werner, Forbing,
MPT/Papen, M/Kim
NOES: COUNCILMEN - None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEN - None
9.2.2 RESOLUTION NO. 92-54 - GENERAL PLAN - ACM/
Belanger reported that the Government Code
provides a process by which cities can request
an extension of time from the Office of
Planning and Research for completion of their
General Plans. Although the City's General
Plan was adopted in July, the Referendum
petition suspended operation of the Plan. As
a result, the City desires to request that the
State grant another extension of time, a
process for which there is no statutory
authority.
In response to C/Werner's inquiry into the
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992 PAGE 11
City's risk for issuing permits for swimming
pools, tennis courts and residents on approved
lots, CA/Arczynski replied that strict lang-
uage of the law indicates that no permits
should be issued. Any issuance beyond that
recommended by staff increases the potential
that someone could initiate litigation to
attack granting such permits. The policy
adopted by the Council at the last meeting is
one which could be defended in court.
M/Kim opened the Public Hearing.
Martha Bruske, 600 S. Great Bend Dr., asked
the Council to be cautious regarding the
low-income housing trade-off for construction
of the new high school and that there be no
distinction made between "north" and "south"
Diamond Bar.
MPT/Papen responded that the intent of the
low -moderate housing trade-off through SB1718
to obtain land for the new high school does
not mean that the funds would be used for
construction of housing in the City.
James Roberts, 23627 Bower Cascade, stated
that the reason for the Referendum was to
establish more control over development
projects.
Max Maxwell pointed out that there are other
alternatives other than creating a bond issue
to acquire Tonner Canyon such as a
conservancy.
C/Miller stated that the purpose of his
recommendation for a committee to study
acquisition of Tonner Canyon was to provide
the Referendum proponents an opportunity to
acquire the Canyon through whatever means they
desire. Any person wishing to be involved in
the committee is requested to contact staff.
MPT/Papen pointed out that staff sent letters
to Assemblyman Horcher and Senator Hill
requesting assisting with available funding to
acquire the Canyon. Further, she suggested
that the Chino,Hills Conservancy be contacted
regarding funding.
In response to C/Forbing's inquiry, Max
Maxwell stated that he felt the Council should
request an extension on the condition that the
City receive limited control. He felt it was
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992 PAGE 12
undesirable for the City to operate as usual
as the Council had not yet considered the
option of rescinding the General Plan and
starting again.
C/Miller explained that if the General Plan is
rescinded, the Council would have to wait at
least one year to adopt a new General Plan.
The Referendum proponents have no authority to
negotiate with the Council to develop a new
General Plan. If the petition qualifies for
the ballot then the issue will go to a vote of
the people. At the present time, the Council
will continue to assist citizens in obtaining
permits as much as possible.
Toni Lewis, resident, stated that in her
opinion, the 4,000 residents who signed the
petition do not speak for all residents of the
City.
William Gross stated that the Referendum
proponents had been working toward a
conservancy for the past four months. The
petition specifically rescinds the Ordinance
and calls to overturn the General Plan
process. He further stated that he supported
the City's extension request but was concerned
over the length of time the City spent in
requesting it.
ACM/Belanger stated that the law requires the
City to schedule a Public Hearing when con-
sidering a request for a General Plan exten-
sion. Since the matter did not become an
issue until August 18th, the earliest possible
date, providing for a 10 -day notice period,
was now.
,Tack Bath, 13232 12th St., Chino, stated that
he had been involved with the formation of
Chino Hills State Park and was Regional Bio -
Diversity Task Force Chair of the sierra Club
of California. He pointed out that the Chino
Hills State Park was not funded through any
city and that there are approximately three
dozen ways in which open space may be pur-
chased for the permanent dedication of land
and protection of wildlife. He suggested that
the General Plan be rescinded immediately
rather than the City spending $100,000 for an
election and immediately begin negotiation
with the Referendum proponents. Further, if
the Council continued to indicate that the
only way to acquire Tonner Canyon was to tax
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992 PAGE 13
the citizens, then the public should seriously
consider a recall.
MPT/Papen pointed out that she had been
endorsed by the Sierra Club and that the
12,000 acres in Chino Hills was acquired
through a State bond measure. She again
stated that the City Council designated Tonner
Canyon asagriculturallwhich allows only
agriculture, recreation and open space uses
and that the Referendum proponents
misrepresented this designation to the public.
Under the approved General Plan, only six
units in the 35 acres within the Canyon would
be allowed. Further, she supported the
formation of a conservancy for the Canyon.
CA/Arczynski stated that since Tonner Canyon
is not within the City but only within the
City's Sphere of Influence, the designation
selected by the City can be changed by the
County at any time. Through adoption of the
General Plan, the Council attempted to
preserve the area to the maximum extent
possible which other options were being
reviewed.
In response to C/Werner's inquiry as to where
the General Plan prohibits any group from
acquiring the Canyon for open space purposes,
Jack Bath replied that the Plan does not do
this but that there have been scare tactics
used to place a tax burden on the residents
for the acquisition of the Canyon.
C/Miller expressed concern as to why the funds
had not been gathered already for acquisition
of the Canyon.
Dan Buffington, 2605 Indian Creek, stated that
property owners should be allowed to use their
Ian d- they see fit, with certain restraints.
He diu:not feel it proper for the Referendum
proponeAts -f.o shut down all development and
donsiruction within the City.
Don".Gsavdahl, 23988 Minnequa, stated that it
would appear that Council's only choice, to
help those that need permits, would be to go
to.Sacramento to facilitate an extension. He
further pointed out that the General Plan can
be amended fourtimes a year and that a
Referendum was unnecessary.
SEPTEMBER 1, 1992
PAGE 14
Frank Piermarini, 2559 Wagon Train, suggested
that the Referendum proponents construct parks
on their own property using their own money
instead of hitting the pocketbooks of
developers.
There being no further testimony offered,
M/Kim closed the Public Hearing.
C/Forbing moved, seconded by C/Miller to adopt
Resolution No. 92-54 entitled: A RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND
BAR, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING AN EXTENSION OF
TIME, PURSUANT TO SECTION 65361 OF THE
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE, FOR THE ADOPTION
OF A CITY GENERAL PLAN WITHIN THIRTY (30)
MONTHS OF INCORPORATION. Motion carried
unanimously by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEN -
NOES: COUNCILMEN -
ABSENT: COUNCILMEN -
Miller, Werner, Forbing,
MPT/Papen, M/Kim
None
None
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Miller stated that the Council has
tried their hardest to serve this community. He encouraged
input from the community, both publicly and privately and
stated that anyone may contact him at his office anytime to
discuss any issue.
C/Werner requested that the City Attorney provide information
as to what becomes confidential in terms of Closed Sessions
and the limits of what might be discussed.
MPT/Papen suggested that Martha Bruske and Eileen Ansari be
invited to participate in the Committee for alternatives for
Tonner Canyon as well.
11. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to
conduct, M/Kim adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
TOMMYE'32., -'LICE, Deptty City Clerk
ATTEST:
Mayor