HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/15/1994 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
FEBRUARY 15, 1994
1. CALL TO ORDER: M/Werner called the meeting to
order at 7:00 p.m., in the AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E.
Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the
Pledge of Allegiance by Mayor Werner.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Werner, Mayor Pro Tem
Harmony, Council Members Ansari, Miller and Papen.
Also present were Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager;
Frank Usher, Assistant City Manager; Michael Montgomery,
Interim City Attorney; James DeStefano, Community
Development Director; George Wentz, Interim City
Engineer; Bob Rose, Community Services Director and Lynda
Burgess, City Clerk.
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, PROCLAMATIONS, CERTIFICATES, ETC.
None
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: M/Werner read the proposed
Mission Statement of the City Council.
�! Joe McManus, 23561 E. Coyote Springs Dr., in regard to
lawsuits filed regarding the destruction of one of Mr.
Harmony's political signs, stated that property owners
are fed up with politicians placing signs on their
property without permission because it falsely implies
the support of that candidate. He then cited quotes
taken directly from past meetings that indicate that the
new majority supporters are being allowed to exercise
their first amendment rights without recrimination or
redress, but those in disagreement with the majority have
not been granted the same privilege. He restated his
opinion that ICA/Montgomery has a conflict of interest
representing the City.
Red Calkins suggested that the Mission Statement would
have been more appropriate if it had been presented last
year when C/Miller and C/Papen were being constantly
criticized. The Mission Statement presented at this time
seems intended to restrict citizens the right to speak.
Don Gravdahl, 23988 Minnequa, stated that the Citizens
Committee to fight the City of Industry's Material
Recovery Facility (MRF) needs to be organized quickly.
He then stated that the Traffic & Transportation
Commission held a public hearing regarding crossing guard
services at elementary schools. The presentations made
by the public were outstanding. He suggested that the
Council award certificates to the four students who wrote
essays regarding the importance of safety.
Don Schad thanked ICA/Montgomery for his input at the
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 2
Planning Commission meeting regarding the draft Property
Maintenance Ordinance. He suggested that a painted
crosswalk be added to
the southern side of Gerndal St. for safe crossing of
residents to get to Albertson's. He also suggested that
deer crossing signs be installed on the east and west
sides of the two water reservoirs on Pathfinder, west of
Brea Canyon Road. He further suggested that the City
pursue enticing the Southwest Museum, as well as
encourage the Youth Science Center, presently located in
Hacienda Heights, to relocate in the City. He thanked
MPT/Harmony for developing Sidewalk City Hall.
Barbara Beach-Courchesne, 2021 Peaceful Hills Rd.,
pointed out that Council Comments are almost as lengthy
as Public Comments, if not more so. She expressed
concern that there are Council Members trying to restrict
her freedom of speech through intimidation.
Oscar Law stated that, though the General Plan Advisory
Committee consists of individuals well representing the
City, those members who are not residents of D.B., such
as the developer's representatives, should not be allowed
to have a vote on General Plan issues.
M/Werner pointed out that the composition of GPAC was
publicly announced prior to its formation. He then
requested staff to present the Council with a status
report on GPAC for the next meeting, and schedule a
discussion addressing the issue of the composition of
GPAC.
C/Papen stated that it is inappropriate to begin
questioning the rules that were established by GPAC 60
days ago. The Council should support GPAC and not
respond to one complaint after GPAC has already met for
three meetings. She pointed out that the General Plan
will be further reviewed and revised by the Planning
Commission and the Council.
Following discussion, it was agreed to place the item on
the next agenda as indicated by M/Werner, with
concurrence that the General Plan process should be open
for re-examination at any given point in time.
Steve Nice, 2621 Rising Star Dr., a member of GPAC,
stated that he feels Commissioners on the GPAC should not
be voting members of the GPAC. y`
4. COUNCIL COMMENTS: C/Ansari reported that she, MPT/
Harmony, and ACM/Usher met with the Chamber of Commerce
to attempt to promote business in D.B. She also reported
that the City Council was invited to meet with the Walnut
Council Members on February 22, 1994 to discuss the City
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 3
of Industry's MR:
appoint members
days. She then
Bar Association
ICA/Montgomery.
P. She announced that the Council would
to the MRF committee in the next few
suggested that Mr. McManus contact the
to express any concerns regarding
C/Papen requested staff to deliver certificates of
appreciation from the Council to the four essay winners
at Quail Summit Elementary School regarding the funding
of crossing guards. She then reported that the
Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) voted to fully fund
the four year project for 85 miles of carpool lanes, in
which 43.6% of the $316 million allocated will be
directed to the San Gabriel Valley. She then presented
slides of the proposed project. She acknowledged the
following people who assisted in this accomplishment:
Congressman Kim; M/Werner; C/Miller; John
Forbing; Dexter MacBride and Don Nardella.
MPT/Harmony expressed concern that the Fire Department's
response time to a call involving an explosion in D.B.
took 9 3/4 minutes. He requested a report for the next
meeting.
CM/Belanger reported that th
explained that the reason i
was that at the time of the
process of moving some of
Walnut for a planned drill.
a L.A. County Fire Department
or their slow response time
explosion, they were in the
their units to the City of
MPT/Harmony expressed support for maintaining crossing
guards at all of the schools, stating that D.B.'s higher
standards should be utilized, not the County's or State's
warrants. He commended Mr. Chavers and Mrs. Cheng, of
the Traffic & Transportation Commission, for voting
against the suggestion to apply County standards for
warrants for crossing guards. He then expressed
opposition to the proposed project to stripe Grand Ave.
for six lanes and requested that the item be highly
noticed when presented to the City Council. He reported
that the City On-line computer system, which was supposed
to be a completely volunteer system, has cost the City
approximately $16,000. He asked that the City Council
form a study committee of computer specialists to
determine if the system is worth maintaining. He stated
that the most common comment received at the Sidewalk
City Hall is that there should be less bickering and more
business on the City Council; therefore, he stated that
he will be proposing that an Ethics and Elections Reform
Committee be formed to help address the problems clouding
the City. In response to Mr. Schad's suggestion
regarding the possibility of locating a museum in the
City, he stated that he would support the idea. He then
requested staff to ensure that all Commission meeting
minutes be presented to the Council as promptly as
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 4
possible.
M/Werner reported that staff had been requested to secure
the assistance of consultant Dale Beland in facilitating
GPAC discussions and review. He requested the Finance
Subcommittee to investigate the purchasing authority of
the City Manager and provide a recommendation.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 PANTERA PARK WORKSHOP - February 17, 1994 - 7:00
p.m., Heritage Park Community Center, 2900 S. Brea
Canyon Rd.
5.2 PRESIDENT'S HOLIDAY - February 21, 1994 - City
Offices Closed.
5.3 GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE - February 22, 1994
- 7:00 p.m., Heritage Park Community Center, 2900
S. Brea Canyon Rd.
5.4 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - February 24, 1994 -
7:00 p.m., Heritage Park Community Center, 2900 S.
Brea Canyon Rd.
5.5 PLANNING COMMISSION - February 28, 1994 - 7:00
p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.6 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - March 1, 1994 - 7:00 p.m.,
AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: M/Werner moved, seconded by
MPT/Harmony, to approve the Consent Calendar. With the
following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Miller, Papen, MPT/
Harmony, M/Werner
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.1 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - Dated February 15, 1994
in the amount of $266,788.70.
6.2 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES:
6.2.1 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 8, 1993 -
Received & filed.
6.2.2 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 22, 1993 -
Received & filed.
6.2.3 REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 1993 -
Received & filed.
6.3 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION:
6.3.1
REGULAR
MEETING OF
AUGUST 12,
1993 -
Received
& filed.
6.3.2
REGULAR
MEETING OF
SEPTEMBER 9,
1993 -
Received
& filed.
6.3.3
REGULAR
MEETING OF
OCTOBER 14,
1993 -
Received
& Filed.
6.3.4
REGULAR
MEETING OF
NOVEMBER 18,
1993 -
Received
& filed.
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 5
6.5 REJECTED CLAIM FOR DAMAGES - Filed by Rosalinda
Quesada on January 24, 1994 - rejected the request
and referred the matter for further action to Carl
Warren & Co., the City's Risk manager.
6.6 MEMBERSHIP OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD IN THE
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE
AUTHORITY (SCJPIA) - approved membership of the
City of West Hollywood in the SCJPIA and authorized
C/Miller to execute the consent form as the City's
delegate to the Authority.
6.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 94-07: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT
FUNDS FROM THE HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
NONDISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM - for reimbursement
of funds associated with the establishment and
implementation of household hazardous waste
programs in FY 1992-93.
6.8 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
INSTALLATION AT PATHFINDER ROAD AND BREA CANYON
ROAD - accepted work performed by Macadee
Electrical Construction and authorized the City
Clerk to file the proper Notice of Completion and
release retention amounts per previously approved
plans and specifications.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.1 ORDINANCE NO. 01 (1994) - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR REPEALING
CHAPTER 15.30 (HOUSING CODE) OF THE DIAMOND BAR
CITY CODE, AS HERETOFORE ADOPTED, ADDING A NEW
CHAPTER 15.30 TO THE DIAMOND BAR CITY CODE AND
ADOPTING, BY REFERENCE, THE BUILDING AND PROPERTY
REHABILITATION CHAPTER 99 OF TITLE 26 OF THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE, 1988 EDITION TOGETHER
WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND
EXCEPTIONS - Dennis Tarango, Building Official,
reported that, in the process of adopting the 1991
Uniform Building Codes, all L.A. County Codes were
repealed, along with Chapter 99 (Building &
Property Rehabilitation). To replace Chapter 99,
the City's Uniform Housing Code was adopted;
however, in the past two years, the City has
experienced various property maintenance -type
violations. He felt that the re -adoption of
Chapter 99 would consolidate the sections on
Substandard Buildings, Substandard Conditions and
Substandard Property, and vehicle abatement to
address recent complaints filed with the Code
Enforcement Office. He stated that the Planning
Commission recommended that the re -adoption of the
FEBRUARY 15, 1994
ordinance
maintenance
completes
maintenance
PAGE 6
could serve as an interim property
standard until the Planning Commission
deliberations on the new Property
Ordinance.
CDD/DeStefano, in response to C/Miller, explained
that the Planning Commission reviewed the latest
draft of the Property Maintenance Ordinance,
directing staff and ICA/Montgomery to refine the
ordinance further, to be brought back before the
Commission at their February 28, 1994 meeting. The
Planning Commission's review is almost complete.
M/Werner opened the Public Hearing.
Bob Zirbes, Diamond Bar Improvement Association
(DBIA), suggested that the Council may want to
adopt Chapter 99 permanently as part of the
Building Code, with some amendments, to address
issues regarding substandard properties; however,
Chapter 99 would not be effective for the
enforcement of property maintenance violations.
There being no further testimony offered, M/Werner
closed the Public Hearing.
C/Papen moved, C/Miller seconded to table the
matter for 60 days, or until such time that the
Property Maintenance ordinance is before the City
Council.
C/Papen concurred with Mr. Zirbes that some of the
standards in Chapter 99 are subjective and
difficult to enforce. The City does not need to
re-establish County standards when those standards
did not meet the needs of the City prior to
incorporation. She stated that it is not
appropriate to adopt Chapter 99 when the City has
been working on developing a Property Maintenance
Ordinance for over a year. She requested that the
matter be tabled.
MPT/Harmony stated that the adoption of Chapter 99
would serve as an additional tool for the City,
until such time that the Property Maintenance
Ordinance is completed. There is no harm in
putting a Building Code type ordinance into effect.
C/Miller stated that since the Property Maintenance
Ordinance is almost complete, and Chapter 99 would
be difficult to enforce, it would seem more
appropriate to table the item.
M/Werner pointed out that enforcement of the
provisions of Chapter 99 was never really pursued
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 7
because it was only in place for about one year
before it was repealed upon the adoption of the
Uniform Building Code. He stated that staff
indicated, in the staff report, that the City has
experienced severe property maintenance problems,
and there is no harm in re -adopting Chapter 99 to
give staff the opportunity to begin to initiate
proceedings. If the Property Maintenance Ordinance
is brought before the City Council in 30 days, as
anticipated, then Chapter 99 is moot; if it is not
brought before the City Council as anticipated,
then the City has the provisions in place to begin
enforcement proceedings to address these problems.
He also pointed out that, the majority of the time,
the City receives cooperation from an alleged
violator when the issue is brought before the
District Attorneys Office for a conference.
C/Miller stated, as was noted by Mr. Zirbes, CC&R's
will resolve 95% to 99% of the cases; however, the
problems of enforcement arise from the small
percentage that do not respond and Chapter 99 will
not accomplish this goal. He stated that the City
should work with a document, such as the Property
Maintenance Ordinance, that will accomplish the
goals desired.
C/Ansari expressed support for adopting Chapter 99
as an interim ordinance to give the City some
leverage.
C/Papen questioned why the Council would want to
adopt an ordinance that is unenforceable. She
pointed out that giving the Code Enforcement
Officer citation authority would accomplish more
than this ordinance. She suggested that if the
Council is considering adopting this ordinance as
an interim measure, then a sunset clause should be
added upon its adoption. She noted that the
message being give to the Planning Commission and
those who worked at preparing the PMO, is that
Chapter 99 is more important and there is no hurry
to finish review of the PMO.
C/Ansari concurred that a time limit on the interim
ordinance would be appropriate.
C/Papen withdrew her motion, to table the matter
for 60 days, or until such time that the Property
Maintenance Ordinance comes before the Council.
C/Miller withdrew his second.
C/Papen moved, C/Miller seconded to adopt Chapter
99 on an interim basis for a period of 120 days, to
include waiving of further reading.
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 8
CM/Belanger stated that, if so deemed by the City
Council, a provision would be appropriately placed
in the ordinance to indicate that there is a
termination period of 120 days from the effective
date of its adoption.
C/Harmony questioned if adding a sunset clause
diminishes the effectiveness of enforcement of the
ordinance.
CM/Belanger explained that violations enforced
under Chapter 99 during the period prior to the
adoption of the PMO would continue to be enforced
under Chapter 99.
CDD/DeStefano, in response to M/Werner's inquiry if
the Planning Commission would be able to complete
review of the PMO and then bring it for Council
consideration within 120 days, stated that it is
the desire of the Planning Commission to complete
their review prior to the end of their terms, and
they appear to be meeting this goal.
MPT/Harmony inquired if information regarding Low
Cost Grant Programs/Home Improvement Loan Programs
will be presented along with the PMO.
ACM/Usher reported that staff attended a meeting
with L.A. County Community Development Commission
staff regarding the use of federal home funds,
through HUD funding programs, for residential
single-family property rehabilitation. It is
expected that the City will propose to participate
in the County's home programs.
CM/Belanger stated that staff will also be
preparing, for Council consideration during the
budget preparation period, a more flexible program
to address those needing assistance, but would not
meet the strict requirements under federal funding
for single-family property rehabilitation.
C/Papen moved, C/Miller seconded to approve for
first reading by title only, waive full reading of
Ordinance No. 01(1994) entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
REPEALING CHAPTER 15.30 (HOUSING CODE) OF THE
DIAMOND BAR CITY CODE, AS HERETOFORE ADOPTED,
ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 15.30 TO THE DIAMOND BAR CITY
CODE AND ADOPTING, BY REFERENCE, THE BUILDING AND
PROPERTY REHABILITATION CHAPTER 99 OF TITLE 26 OF
THE THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING CODE, 1988
EDITION TOGETHER WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS,
ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND EXCEPTIONS, and adding a
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 9
8.
VP
Grandfather clause of 120 days. With the following
Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, Papen, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony, M/Werner
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
9.1 RESOLUTION NO. 94-08: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR TO APPOINT
SPECIFIC REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS - CM/Belanger reported that
the San Gabriel Valley Assn. of Cities and the San
Gabriel Valley City Manager's Assn. proposed the
formation of a Council of Governments (COG) to
provide cities in the Valley a regional
organization for cooperative planning of govern-
ment services, and to assist in the coordination of
federal, state and regional projects and/or
mandates.
Terry Dipple, President of the San Gabriel Valley
Assn. of Cities (SGVAC) and Mayor of San Dimas,
stated that the SGVAC, in order to be proactive,
took on the responsibility of preparing a
sub -regional plan to be part of the SLAG Regional
Comprehensive Plan. The sub -regional plan for the
S.G. Valley was adopted and submitted to SCAG and
includes economics, air quality, transportation,
housing, etc. He stated that cities do not desire
to give up local control and powers to some
regional government or higher authority. The
Council of Governments (COG) will be an
organization to allow each city in the S.G. Valley
to have representation on the governing board,
rather than the association, leaving local control
issues with each city; however, issues such as
transportation, that span the city boundaries, will
need to be addressed on a regional issue. He
stated that the following cities have approved the
resolution and the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA):
Alhambra, Claremont, Covina, Duarte, Glendora, La
Verne, San Marino, Temple City and Walnut. The
following cities are considering the resolution
this week: Arcadia, Baldwin Park, Bradbury,
Monrovia and South Pasadena. He then stated that,
if COG is formed by receiving support from a
majority of the cities, most of the funding for COG
for the first year will be coming from a federal
grant to do the sub -regional plan.
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 10
In response to M/Werner, Mr. Dipple stated that if
COG is formed, the SGVAC would not remain intact
because there is no need for duplication. He
explained that COG must have the majority of the
cities (50% plus one) at all times in order to be
recognized by SCAG to participate in the process.
He pointed out that cities may withdraw from the
organization if it is felt that the dues are too
high or if no benefit is being received. He stated
that the current dues charged by other COGS average
approx-imately $5,000 to $10,000 per city.
C/Papen expressed support for formation of COG, and
her appreciation for the efforts of Mr. Dipple.
Gary Neely, 344 Canoe Cove, pointed out that COG is
the first step toward regional government, perhaps
not at this point, but definitely a potential one
in the future. He suggested that the SGVAC be
reorganized so that each city has a vote, enabling
the SGVAC to better perform, which is preferable to
giving power to a new organization with no agenda
specifying goals and objectives.
Mr. Dipple pointed out that cities would not vote
to put a representative of their city on COG if
they felt that they would be losing representation.
He also pointed out that basically SGVAC is being
reorganized and renamed, and is now becoming a
legal entity. He explained that the State and
Federal Government regional agencies do not
recognize inforulal organizations, thus COG will be
a more effective voice for S.G. Valley cities in
dealing with SCAG and other mandates.
In response to M/Werner, Mr. Dipple stated that
there is no intent to hire a big staff for COG
immediately, without first establishing the goals
and objectives. He stated that SCAG approved a
work program to update the sub -regional plan in the
upcoming 18 months.
C/Ansari, representative on the San Gabriel Valley
Cities Assn., expressed support of forming a COG
because it will be a stronger political voice for
S.G. Valley Cities.
MPT/Harmony, alternate representative on the San
Gabriel Valley Cities Assn., stated that the S.G.
Valley cities need to band together to become an
effective legal force.
C/Papen suggested that since the two current
delegates of the SGVAC are newly appointed Council
Members, it may be appropriate for the Mayor to be
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 11
9.2
one of the delegates in this first year as they are
forming their authorities.
C/Papen moved, MPT/Harmony seconded to approve the
Joint Powers Agreement establishing the San Gabriel
Valley Council of Governments and authorize the
Mayor to execute the same on behalf of the City.
With the following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Miller, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony, M/Werner
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
C/Papen moved, C/Miller seconded to adopt
Resolution No. 94-08 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR TO APPOINT
SPECIFIC REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS. With the following Roll
Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Miller, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony, M/Werner
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ADDITIONAL CITY OFFICE SPACE AND LEASE MODIFICATION
- CM/Belanger reported that the City indicated to
D.B. Business Associates an interest in leasing
Suite 190 through the end of the lease term date of
June 30, 1994. The lease modification would result
in an additional monthly payment of $1,625.93/mo.
for the nine months. He stated that the Council,
in anticipation of this additional cost, approved
approximately $150,000 in the November 1993 budget
amendment for this lease adjustment.
MPT/Harmony requested staff to prepare a study
determining the feasibility of buying a facility
and/or if there are cheaper facilities that could
be leased in some future time.
CM/Belanger, in response to C/Ansari, explained
that Suite 190 is currently occupied and will
continue to be occupied by City Planning and
Engineering services.
C/Papen requested clarification on the cost of
leasing per square feet of office space.
CM/Belanger explained that the City is currently
renting Suite 100, which is 3,854 sq. ft., for a
total of $6,667.67/mo.; and Suite 190, which is
3,171 sq. ft., for a total of $5,707.80/mo. The
cost to rent both office space totals approximately
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 12
$145,000 a year.
C/Papen pointed out that contractors usually pay
for their own office expenses, which is factored
into the percentage to the City.
CM/Belanger, at the request of M/Werner, explained
that when Pacesetter ceased operations at the end
of October 1993 due to overhead costs, the City
secured interim services, and eventually secured
permanent services following an RFP. The RFP did
not require any of the proposers to lease the
office space, which tends to be the way contracting
of this type occurs.
MPT/Harmony pointed out that if all bidders had to
include the cost for leasing, then all bids would
have included that additional cost.
CM/Belanger pointed out that the City has saved
approx-imately $25,000 to $30,000 on an annualized
basis with the new contractor versus the old
contractor who paid the leasing costs; therefore,
the cost to the City remains the same. —
C/Papen pointed out that the City is now assuming
the liability and the risk under the new contract.
She expressed concern that the philosophy regarding
leasing was changed in the RFP without sufficiently
advising the entire Council of that change before
the RFP went out.
CM/Belanger stated that the City was already
renting 2/3 of the space and it seemed appropriate
to rent the entire space when Pacesetter left.
Gary Neely suggested that the City investigate the
possibility of moving City Hall to the AQMD
Building, particularly in light of the announcement
that they were letting go of approximately 1,000
positions.
Oscar Law concurred that it would seem feasible for
the City to consider obtaining a parcel of land
within the corporate center for City Hall purposes.
MPT/Harmony moved, C/Ansari seconded to approve
the modified lease agreement between the City and
Diamond Bar Business Associates relating to City --
office space; and to direct staff to conduct a
study on a future City Hall site. With the
following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Miller, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony, M/Werner
FEBRUARY 15, 1994
PAGE 13
NOES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
9.3 COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS: M/Werner requested
staff to prepare City Tiles recognizing out -going
members
of the Commission, for their service to the
City of
Diamond Bar.
9.3.1
PLANNING COMMISSION - APPOINTED FIVE NEW
COMMISSIONERS - C/Miller reappointed
Bruce Flamenbaum; C/Ansari appointed
Franklin Fong; C/Papen reappointed Lydia
Plunk; MPT/Harmony appointed Don Schad
and M/Werner reappointed David Meyer.
9.3.2
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - APPOINTED
FOUR NEW COMMISSIONERS - C/Papen
reappointed Joe Ruzicka; C/Miller
reappointed Raul Medina, C/Ansari
appointed David Schey and M/Werner
reappointed Michael Goldenberg.
MPT/Harmony stated that his appointee
indicated that he was unable to serve;
therefore, he will continue to accept
--
letters of interest and announce his
j
nominee at the first meeting in March,
1994.
9.3.3
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION -
APPOINTED FIVE NEW COMMISSIONERS -
M/Werner reappointed Todd Chavers;
C/Miller reappointed Don Gravdahl;
C/Ansari appointed Jack Istik; C/Papen
reappointed Lou Esposito and MPT/ Harmony
appointed Tom Ortiz.
9.4 MATTER OF REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM FORMER CITY
ATTORNEY - MPT/Harmony requested an update
regarding his request for missing documents
relating to the ownership of Sandstone Canyon
requested from the former City Attorney.
ICA/Montgomery reported that Mr. Arczynski
indicated that he did not have the documents
because they were returned to C/Miller. Though
C/Miller has offered twice to review the records
with him, he stated that he declined the offers
because the content of the material presented was
not what was being sought from Mr. Arczynski.
ICA/Montgomery further reported that he received a
copy of an opinion from Mr. Owen, who is associated
with Mr. Hemple, indicating that, in his opinion,
the matter should be concluded at this point
because the document is not necessarily of public
record and unavailable. He further stated that he
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 14
will discuss the matter further with Mr. Owens to
resolve two points of clarification regarding the
determination of a public record. He then stated
that it is a policy decision of the City Council as
how to proceed.
MPT/Harmony suggested that Mr. Owen be asked to
attend a study session before next Council meeting
to give an opinion whether documents reviewed by
the City Attorney become public record, as well as
an opinion regarding attorney/client privilege
relating to a Council Members.
C/Papen, desiring to expand the interest of review
of attorney/client privileges, expressed her
opinion that attorney/client privilege, as it
affects the attorney as well as the client, should
be open for review.
ICA/Montgomery, responding to C/Papen, explained
that a specific provision of the FPPC requires an
attorney not to disclose the name of the clients
for the protection of the clients and the fees
paid. He also explained that contributions to the --
Concerned Citizens was the value of the legal
services contributed at that time, which must be
disclosed.
C/Miller pointed out that he has offered the
documents to ICA/Montgomery for review.
ICA/Montgomery stated that the issue at this point
is not the documents, but to resolve whether or not
the documents are public record. He stated that
since any information he receives would have to be
relayed to others, he does not desire to review the
documents offered by C/Miller.
C/Harmony suggested that this item be held over to
the next meeting to allow the attorneys to resolve
some of the issues at hand and offer an opinion.
City Council concurred.
C/Papen, referring to a letter to the editor in
Monday's paper, stated that perhaps the City should
consider hiring the L.A. County Ethics Commission
to review this issue, as well as the issue
regarding ICA/Montgomery's possible conflict of
interest.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Papen requested further
information regarding the details of forming the Cultural
Human Resources Commission.
FEBRUARY 15, 1994 PAGE 15
MPT/Harmony suggested that the item be placed on the next
agenda, allowing each Council Member to suggest
appointees to the committee.
CM/Belanger suggested that Council Members submit names
to staff so a list can be prepared for the March 1, 1994
meeting.
C/Papen suggested that it may be more appropriate to put
the language of the City's Code of Conduct on the Public
Comment sign up sheet rather than putting the Mission
Statement on the agenda.
C/Ansari requested that the meeting be adjourned in
memory of Jerry Boling.
11. CLOSED SESSION: Adjourned to Closed Session at
10:23 p.m. for discussion of Litigation - Government Code
Section 64956.9 - Diamond Bar Associates vs. City.
Reconvened to Regular Session at 11:15 p.m.
ICA/Montgomery announced that there was no reportable
action taken.
12. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to
conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 11:16 p.m., in
memory of Jerry Boling.
LYNDA BURGESS -,-City Clerk
ATTEST: