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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/03/1994 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MAY 3, 1994 1. CALL TO ORDER: M/Werner called the meeting to order at 7:07 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. 2.1 Introduction of new personnel by Capt. Larry Waldie with the L.A. Sheriff's Department - not present. 2.2 Proclaimed May 15-21, 1994 as "Public Works Week." 2.3 Proclaimed May, 1994 as "Water Awareness Month" - M/ Werner presented the Proclamation to Mr. Nettles '~ with the Valley Water District. 2.4 M/Werner presented commendations to Vic Hosler and Harvey Kramer for creation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Barry Flint, who was not present, will receive his Commendation through the mail. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Red Calkins, 240 Eagle Nest Dr., stated that he verified the information in the editorial written by Kathleen Grace, published April 23, 1994, which indicated that, according to Assemblyman Paul Horcher's Office, the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is a City issue, not a State issue. Dr. Larry Rhodes, P.O. 2258, Walnut, concerned about the manner in which Council meetings are conducted, suggested that when a speaker is out of order, all microphones should be shut off and the camera should be turned to the Mayor. He also suggested that the Council rearrange their seating so the three newly -elected Members are not seated together. He then suggested that C/Ansari be Mayor Pro Tem because her general demeanor would reflect a better position for the City. _ Max Maxwell, 3211 Bent Twig Ln., read a letter from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), responding to an inquiry of a potential conflict of interest involving C/Miller and the South Pointe Master Plan, which indicated a request for C/Miller to amend prior financial statements. He expressed concern that it appears M/Werner has been working with developers to prepare MAY 31 1994 PAGE 2 alternatives for South Pointe Master Plan. In regard to the defective notification process for the South Pointe Master Plan hearing, as well as the incomplete agenda packet, he suggested that staff be given more time to adequately prepare for such meetings. C/Miller stated that the letter from the FPPC, a copy of which he made available to Mr. Maxwell, indicated that there was not adequate information for an investigation to determine a conflict of interest. He further stated that it is not appropriate for any member of the Council or private le citizen to statements orehis private business income tax st tementsdocuments, financial M/Werner clarified that he did not develop any of the alternative plans for the south stated Master Plan, as that staff is presented by Mr. Dabney. correcting the notification problem identified at last night's Public Hearing. Don Schad stated that the natural streams in Tonner, Sycamore and Sandstone Canyons must be preserved. He expressed concern that Albertson's eliminated or relocated one of the handicap parking areas difficuwhile lt sealing the parking lot, making it very senior citizens to shop and maneuver in the center. �. CM/Belanger stated that Albertson's is required to submit their restriping plan for staff's review to determine if it is in conformance with their parking requirements. Barbara Beach-Courchesne, 2021 Peaceful Hills Rd., noted that C/Papen had not signed the Mission Statement. She expressed concern with the appropriateness of conducting a Public Hearing when it appears many people have not been adequately noticed. She further expressed concern with the perception of favoritism to developers over residents. She suggested that Council meetings sbegin at 6:00 p.m. to allow further time to complete agendalaced on ms rather than continuing them, that less items be p the agenda for discussion, and that the Council consider meeting once a week until these major issues are resolved. Bill Lenney, campaigning for L.A. County Assessor, reviewed a five point proposition he created to streamline bureaucratic overlap and costs involved with the taxation system. Ron Clark, 20940 Ambusher St., announced that May 5, 1994 is"National Day of Prayer" and that he will remember the City in his thoughts. Don Gravdahl, 23988 Minnequa, stated that Three Valleys Water District is planning on increasing rates through MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 3 Walnut Valley Water District billing. Noting that north D.B. is represented through Three Valleys Water through the Pomona District yet service is received by Walnut Valley, he suggested that the Council try to change boundary lines. Mike Lowe, 1124 Cleghorn, suggested that money spent on a ground breaking ceremony for Diamond Ranch High School, not scheduled to open until 1998/99, and money used to update the EIR for the South Pointe Master Plan, could have been better spent on libraries and school equipment. He then stated that the residents deserve a permanent middle school and the Council should act to assist in its construction immediately. He expressed concern that it appears the new Brown Act is being violated because notices aren't being made for sub -committee meetings. Gary Neely, 344 Canoe Cove Dr., clarified that the money spent by the City for the groundbreaking ceremony was reimbursed in full by the Booster Club. Nick Anis, 1125 Bramford Ct., stated that the companies who donated equipment to City On-line have offered to donate additional equipment to the City. He thanked M/Werner and C/Ansari for supporting the system. He stated that the only option before the Council is to either allow the South Pointe Middle School to be built and fill the canyon, or to save the canyon at the expense of the school. He expressed support for construction of the South Pointe Master Plan and the community benefits it would provide. He also stated that he feels Don Schad, a Planning Commissioner, should not vote on the project because of a conflict of interest. Ken Anderson expressed concern that the Internet system through City On-line is not being properly utilized by the public. Frank Dursa, 2533 Harmony Hill Dr., stated that new development is not needed in the City in light of all the vacant store fronts in all the centers throughout the City. 4. COUNCIL COMMENTS: C/Papen stated that the first training session for library volunteers is scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 1994 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. She asked anyone able to give a six month commitment to donate 3 to 4 hours a week on a regular schedule to call City Hall. She expressed concern that the following two issues she requested are not on the agenda: the issue of purchasing $10,000 in new materials for the library and developing a new policy for Council Subcommittees to meet the new Brown Act. She requested that those two items be placed on the agenda. She further stated that suggestions made by Dr. Rhodes should be implemented, and that the MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 4 suggestion to reorganize the Council be agendized. She expressed concern that Alternatives One and Two of the South Pointe Master Plan are alternatives suggested by M/Werner and C/Ansari respectively. In response to the inquiry made by Mrs. Beach-Courchesne, she stated that she did not sign the Mission Statement because it is not a Mission Statement but rather Rules of Conduct that are not being observed. She suggested that the City's Mission Statement be refined, developing a philosophy of providing good municipal services to our residents. She stated that she misses prayer before each meeting. C/Miller suggested that staff be directed to draft various options that might be available relating to the agenda, including the time of the meeting, the order of agenda items and the number of items to be placed on an agenda. He suggested that residents affected by standards of County Weed Abatement check their property tax bills for an increase and suggested that they contact the County if they feel they have been improperly billed. He requested that staff check water timers because medians need not be watered during or shortly after a rainfall. C/Ansari stated that she attended the YMCA walk-a-thon and that the Friends of the Library's fundraiser successfully raised over $1,000 to purchase new books and that they will be holding a tea and fashion show on June 26, 1994 at Diamond Point. She reported that she, C/Papen and M/Werner attended the California State Bowling Assn. at Oak Tree lanes, sponsored by the San Gabriel Valley Bowling Assn., which will continue to the end of August 1994, bringing about 12,000 visitors to the City over the next few months. She stated that she met with the residents at Heritage Park Apartments, which changed its name to "Seasons," and they expressed concerns regarding Dial -a -Ride not servicing their needs. She expressed concern that MTA decided, at their April 23, 1994 hearing, to change the contract to omit the No. 490 bus to Cal State Fullerton. She suggested that people write asking for these services to continue. She then requested staff to investigate and address Mr. Gravdahl's statement regarding the Water District. MPT/Harmony reported that a notice was posted for Finance Committee meetings, per the new Brown Act requirements. He stated that those meeting dates will be standardized for Wednesdays prior to regular Council meetings. He then stated that the City received a petition signed by 100 students asking for the South Pointe Middle School to be built but not at the expense of the canyon. Referring to the bill introduced by Assy. Horcher, stating that no appropriations shall be made by a legislative body for any outdoor sign or advertisement if it includes the name of any elected official on any part of the sign or MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 5 advertisement, he then requested staff to agendize the item for discussion to ensure that signs used for the resurfacing project convey the idea that it is brought by taxpayers and citizens, not the Council. He further reported that the Solid Waste Committee met, prior to the change in the Brown Act, to discuss the City's permit policies and recommended renegotiation of permits to standardize pickup dates. He stated that Assemblyman Horcher, Lynda Stevens from the Pomona Unified School District and Congressman Jay Kim are scheduled to attend Side Walk City Hall. He requested staff to respond to complaints received regarding garbage on D.B. Blvd. M/Werner, concerned with the perception of deals behind closed doors, clarified that he met legally with developers for South Pointe for the purpose of identy- ing an alternative to the project as a means of compromising. He then stated that City funds were expended to ensure that information in the EIR for South Pointe is adequate and accurate. He explained that he prepared the Mission Statement in response to concerns regarding how meetings have been conducted and that subcommittee meetings have been properly noticed per the new requirements of the Brown Act. He then stated that prayer was not part of the meetings prior to C/Miller as Mayor and because many indicated that they felt not all religions were being represented properly, it was stopped not to preclude prayer but rather to respect differing beliefs. C/Papen, who serves on the MTA Board, stated that questions regarding transit should be forwarded to her for quicker action and representation of the community. She explained that the Board has not yet made a decision to make a route change at this time, but rather has recommended that Bus #40 be stopped at the Brea Mall, allowing people to transfer to the Orange County line, eliminating the service from Brea Mall to Cal Poly. She then expressed concern regarding a violation of the Brown Act. RECESS: M/Werner recessed the meeting at 8:57 p.m. RECONVENE: M/Werner reconvened the meeting at 9:02 p.m. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 MRF COMMITTEE MEETING - May 4, 1994 7:00 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.2 CITY ON-LINE ADVISORY MEETING - May 4, 1994 - 7:00 p.m., at City Hall, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION - May 9, 1994 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.4 GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE - May 10, 1994 - 7:00 p.m., Heritage Park Community Center. MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 6 5.5 MULTI -CULTURAL COMMISSION MEETING - May 11, 1994 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.6 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION - May 12, 1994 - 6:30 p.m., AQMD Hearing Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.7 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - May 17, 1994 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.8 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - May 23, 1994 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.9 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - May 31, 1994 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: CM/Belanger, in response to a concern expressed at the last meeting regarding a "$4,000 recall expenditure" amount on the Warrant Register, explained that the amount was a charge from the LA County Registrar -Recorder for verifying signatures on the second General Plan Referendum petition. In response to the concern regarding the security of recall petitions when photocopied, he stated that staff received the affidavits from those individuals who had responsibility for copying the petition which are available to the public. C/Miller moved, MPT/Harmony seconded to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. C/Papen requested that item 6.1 be amended to enforce the Mission Statement by omitting a comment made by one citizen about another citizen, as indicated on Page 21 of the April 5, 1994 Minutes, which had nothing to do with the business before Council. M/Werner stated that the minutes are a public record of what transpired during the meeting, whether it meets the persons objective or another, and, if it is an accurate reflection, then the minutes should be accepted as presented. C/Papen expressed concern with allowing unsubstantiated comments to be printed related to individuals and not matters of business before the Council. She stated that either the City's Mission Statement be removed, or the Minutes be edited to reflect a more generic statement or the statement should be deleted altogether. MPT/Harmony stated that since the statement was made at the meeting, there is no reason to omit it. M/Werner stated that he would not object to amending his motion to modify the statement, with the understanding of developing a future policy in this regard. Motion carried unanimously by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, Papen, Ansari, MPT/ Harmony, M/Werner MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 7 NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular Meeting of March 14, 1994. 6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular Meeting of March 10, 1994. 6.4 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated May 3, 1994 in the amount of $490,043.62. 6.5 RECEIVED & FILED TREASURER'S REPORT - Month of March, 1994. 6.6 REJECTED CLAIM FOR DAMAGES - Filed by Charles Magdesian on April 19, 1994 - referred the matter for further action to Carl Warren & Co., the City's Risk Manager. 6.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 94-19: A RESOLUTION GRANTING CONSENT AND JURISDICTION TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES IN THE MATTER OF COUNTY LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 10006 AND COUNTY LIGHTING DISTRICT LLA -1 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PROJECT NUMBER 283-107. MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR: 6.1 APPROVED MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 5, 1994 - M/Werner asked if the Council desired to amend the minutes or establish policy. C/Miller stated that he would desire to take both actions. He pointed out that the subject comment did not deal with a specific agenda item and if left in the minutes, people may think it a true statement even though it was not substantiated. He stated that with proper enforcement of the Mission Statement, such comments would no longer be allowed. Richard Callard, 24105 Palomino, in support of the Mission Statement, stated that the Council must begin to conduct their meetings in a business -like manner. Max Maxwell suggested that video and audio tapes be kept on file for one year and not the 30 days ruled by the FPPC so that information not recorded in the minutes is retained. CM/Belanger, in response to M/Werner, stated that the City is not keeping a library of video tapes of MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 8 Council meetings but audio tapes are kept for a two-year period. M/Werner requested that staff include feedback on the suggestion to keep audio and video tapes for one year along with the report on Council meetings and agendas. C/Miller moved, C/Papen seconded to amend the Minutes of April 5, 1994 to omit the statement made by Mr. Anderson. M/Werner, noting that the Mission Statement had not yet been signed by the entire Council, stated that he saw no reason to amend the minutes since it is an accurate reflection of the meeting at that point in time. Motion failed by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, Papen NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, MPT/Harmony, M/Werner ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None MPT/Harmony moved, C/Ansari seconded to approve the Minutes of April 5, 1994 as presented. With the following Roll Call vote, motion carried: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS - ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - 7. PUBLIC BEARINGS: None 8. OLD BUSINESS: Ansari, MPT/Harmony, M/Werner Papen Miller None 8.1 GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP AND ALTERNATIVES - M/Werner stated that this was on the agenda to resolve the issue regarding rights of developers' representatives to vote on GPAC issues, to discuss the time element regarding completion of review of the General Plan document and to determine if there is an interest in placing the General Plan on the November ballot. Martha Bruske, member of GPAC, cited the following reasons she felt GPAC had become nonfunctional, either accidentally or intentionally: GPAC ceased once there was discussion to create a RH designation of 1 DU/2.5 ac; it appears that a RH designation pushes the South Pointe Master Plan which proposes lot sizes of only 7,200 sq. ft.; MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 9 protracted discussions about developer membership started to erode confidence in GPAC; there seemed to be a staged activity at the last GPAC meeting charging Council interference and the Brown Act violations, which Council made little effort to disprove, and to notify the membership once it was easily verified that the Brown Act indeed was not violated; and though GPAC voted 13-8 to continue the meeting while the Council resolved the issues of concern, written notice was sent to GPAC members that there would be no meetings until a future date. Wilbur Smith, 21630 Fairwind Ln., expressed concern that it appears that not only is the discussion to be focused upon rethinking the process of formation of GPAC, but also the total process of developing a General Plan. He stated that the Council needs to specifically delineate their desire to start from scratch or allow GPAC to continue with the progress made. He concurred with Ms. Bruske that there appears to be a desire by some not to have GPAC proceed with review of the General Plan. Max Maxwell stated that many members, during the first GPAC meeting, questioned where developers received their rights to vote on GPAC issues; however, M/Werner indicated that it would be more appropriate to bring the issue up at a Council meeting. He stated that the matter was agendized and properly noticed, but continued for three consecutive meetings and that when the matter was finally discussed, Council concurred to rescind developers' voting rights and no objections were made by any member of GPAC or by any of the developers. Further, at the following GPAC meeting, only those members appointed by Council Members Papen and Miller seemed to initiate discussion objecting to the final ruling of the Council. He stated that, though he would not object to putting the General Plan on the November ballot for the vote of the people, he would object to putting the General Plan on the ballot in its current condition that seems to be tailored to meet the needs of the South Pointe Master Plan and/or its alternatives, such as issues surrounding the RH designation, title transfers allowing removal of building restrictions and building commercial along freeway accesses. He suggested that all these issues be brought to ballot along with the South Pointe Master Plan, the General Plan and perhaps even the recall effort. C/Miller noted that it was not appropriate to allow Mr. Maxwell to discredit members of GPAC who voiced MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 10 a genuine objection to the decision made by the Council. He agreed to place the General Plan on the ballot. C/Miller moved, C/Papen seconded to put the General Plan approved July 27, 1993 on the ballot for the people to approve. Following discussion, C/Miller withdrew his motion, and C/Papen withdrew her second, with an indication from C/Miller that his intent would be to restate his motion at the end of Public Comments. Sherry Rogers, 2660 Broken Feather, stated that as member of GPAC, her intent was to listen, understand and exercise a vote to develop a framework for a General Plan for D.B. She expressed concern that GPAC was interrupted by removal of five GPAC members on the committee because of a conflict of interest; however, people who have co -headed referendums against all development in the City, as well as being involved in lawsuits against the City concerning relevant issues, equally have a significant conflict of interest; therefore, if one group is removed, then it would be appropriate to remove the other group as well. She expressed support for continuing with GPAC efforts, but with the understanding that GPAC must focus on general issues of concern and not with specifics, such as grading and the number of houses on a lot. Steve Nice, Rising Star Dr., stated that since GPAC is a citizens committee, developers who are not residents and registered voters of the City should not have voting rights. He pointed out that those who objected to the decision of the Council did not attend the meeting, even though it was noticed, nor does it seem that they are in attendance this evening. He expressed support of allowing GPAC, as it currently stands, to continue to review the General Plan. C/Miller pointed out that numerous individuals attended the last Council meeting, only to leave due to the late hour, which appears to have occurred again this evening. He suggested that perhaps the structure of Council meetings discourages people from participating in City government when they must also contend with families, jobs and other obligations. Nick Anis, Bramford Ct., stated that he resigned from GPAC as a result of changes made to the structure of GPAC. He stated that it is MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 11 inappropriate to change the composition of a committee in the process of creating a document. He pointed out that taxpayers of a City, which include property owners, should have rights regarding the future of the City. He then stated that he did not concur with the RH designation of 1 DU/2.5 ac. because it is appropriate to allow 6 DU/1 ac. He stated that 85% of the homeowners in the City have lots less than 1 acre. He expressed support for placing the General Plan on the ballot for the vote of the people. Jack Kowtowski, Kiowa Crest Dr., stated that even though he is not a GPAC member, he felt that developers should not have voting privileges. He pointed out that people, at the last election, voted for slow, controlled growth in the community. He suggested that people begin to recognize the privilege of having varying opinions, though sometimes emotional, and acknowledge it as a freedom, and a right, and not as a personal attack. Barbara Beach-Courchesne stated that she had expressed concern with granting developers the right to vote well before establishment of GPAC. She stated that the issue is not to attack the developer, but to emphasize the right of residents to determine their future. She pointed out that it is the duty of those wishing to speak to make the sacrifices needed to remain at the meeting until the issue is before the Council, if it is truly an important issue to them. She pointed out that C/Miller had the opportunity to place the General Plan on the ballot when he was mayor, but chose instead to have public meetings. She expressed support of placing the General Plan on the ballot in November, but only after GPAC has finished with its review. Noting that a recommendation was made by a vote of GPAC that map and deed restrictions be honored and enforced, she expressed her opinion that the South Pointe Master Plan is being pushed through because developers don"t feel it will comply with the General Plan. Gary Neely, Exec. Dir., D.B. Caucus (DBC), in regard to a speaker card falsely typed out and given to the Council, clarified that the DHA is not part of the recall effort. He expressed support for placing the General Plan on the ballot for a vote of the people. He further expressed his opinion that if GPAC is to continue with its review, then the composition of GPAC should remain as first established, allowing developers the right to vote. He pointed out that having developers participate in the meetings offers the City a great MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 12 opportunity to provide input to vacant land; however, one developer cannot represent all developers, as was suggested, because that one developer would not be able to appropriately nego- tiate for each developer. He noted that after the Council's decision to rescind developers' voting rights, one particular developer no longer participated at the next GPAC meeting. C/Ansari stated that developers' voting rights were rescinded not because it was not recognized that they are an important part of the process of GPAC, but rather because of the perception that developers should not have an equal vote of a citizen. She suggested that each Council Member appoint another person to GPAC, who is a citizen and a registered voter of the City, and allow GPAC to finish with their review before placing it on the ballot in November for a vote of the people. C/Miller moved, C/Papen seconded to place the General Plan approved July 27, 1993, as was asked of those who signed the referendum, on the November ballot. C/Papen, referring to the minutes of the Council meeting of January 4, 1994, when the GPAC was established, stated that there was no opposition made when M/Werner responded affirmatively to her inquiry if a commitment was made to the developers that they would have equal and full representation on GPAC. Referring to the minutes of the Council meeting of April 5, 1994, she pointed out that she stated that the RH designation, approved by GPAC, would not apply to D.B. Assoc. because of the negotiated lawsuit settlement. She pointed out that many elections held in California allow not only each registered voter the right to vote, but also includes a process based on property owners. She stated that cities can be incorpor-ated based on the property owner. Motion failed 2-3 with the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, Papen NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, MPT/Harmony, M/Werner ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None M/Werner moved to target the November 1994 election for the General Plan, as prepared by GPAC following their deliberations. C/Miller requested clarification as to the current MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 13 composition of GPAC. M/Werner stated that GPAC is made up of 25 delegates appointed by each of the Council Members, as well as the indicated members of the Commission. MPT/Harmony seconded the motion made by M/Werner. C/Ansari inquired if the Council agreed to allow each Member to appoint one more GPAC member who is a resident and registered voter. C/Papen noted that complaints stated this evening were voiced, not by citizens outside of GPAC, but by members participating in the process who have voting powers. She stated that it seems inappropriate to schedule an election on an issue that would still need to go before the Planning Commission and the Council for deliberation. M/Werner stated that his motion is to "target" for the November 1994 election, but the matter for an election would have to come back to the Council. C/Miller expressed concern with adding new members to GPAC as members are being removed. C/Papen made a substitute motion, C/Miller seconded to abandon the current GPAC and that each Council Member appoint five or six new members, who have not participated in the process before, to form a new GPAC. Motion failed 2-3 with the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, Papen NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, MPT/Harmony, M/Werner ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None M/Werner moved, MPT/Harmony seconded to target the November 1994 election for a vote on the General Plan as being worked up by the GPAC. With the following Roll Call vote, motion carried: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, MPT/Harmony, M/Werner NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, Papen ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 8.2 SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 02(1994): AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AMENDING TITLE 22 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE BY ADDING NEW CHAPTER 22.54 AND ESTABLISHING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS - Continued to May 9, 1994. MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 14 8.3 INTERSECTION MODIFICATION ON GRAND AVENUE AT DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD AND ON GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE - CM/Belanger reported that it was necessary for Dwight French & Assoc. (DFA), Inc., awarded a design service contract by the City on October 6, 1992 for reconstruction/rehabilitation of Grand Ave. from the easterly City limit to Golden Springs Dr., to design/ coordinate arterial improvements/ intersection modification outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding with the L.A. County MTA for approved funding of the Grand Ave. Traffic Signalization/Arterial Improvement project. C/Miller moved, C/Ansari seconded to authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with Dwight French & Associates, Inc. to increase the contract amount from $45,700 to $61,000. 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 8.4 DISCUSSION RE: COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE FOR LIBRARY SERVICES - Continued to May 17, 1994. 8.5 MATTER OF REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM FORMER CITY ATTORNEY - Continued to May 17, 1994. 9. NEW BUSINESS: 9.1 STATUS REPORT ON SISTER CITIES - M/Werner reported that the Sister City Sub -committee met to consider objectives in establishing a Sister Cities program, at no cost to the City. The subcommittee recommended that the Council consider Bucharest, Romania and Haicheng, China as Sister Cities and that the City continue to survey the community for supporting members of the community toward that program. Pastor Robert Clayton, D.B. Worship Center, requested that the Council consider Bucharest, Romania as a Sister City. Angie Thomson, speaking on behalf of the Bucharest Street Kids Shelter Project, stated that she had worked in Romanian orphanages for the past two _. years, and that she had become aware of a greater need for abandoned or orphaned street children. She presented a video of the living conditions of these children who often find shelter in the sewers. MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 15 Michael Li, 24055 Falcons View, with Congressman Jay Kim's office, requested that the Council consider Haicheng, China as a Sister City. Martha Bruske stated that she was under the impression that the intent of the Sister Cities program was not to provide monetary support to another city. She pointed out that it may not be feasible for a newly -established City to expect to participate in programs often instituted in older cities. She recommended that the issue of Sister Cities be tabled for at least ten years, thus allowing the City to become more mature. Max Maxwell concurred with Ms. Bruske. Frank Dursa stated that the Sister Cities program is often abused by officials with needless trips to Europe and other parts of the world. He stated that it does not seem appropriate for a City to offer monetary support for a project better addressed by churches and other charitable organizations. Dr. Rhodes stated that providing financial assistance to Bucharest, Romania does not fit into the category of Sister Cities; however, the public can be asked to send contributions to support their efforts, if they so desire. Sherry Rogers, 2660 Broken Feather, suggested that perhaps the City could contribute to this cause, highlighting D.B. in a more positive way. Pastor Clayton clarified that the intent was not to ask for money but only to make the needs of Bucharest known to the City; however, it would be beneficial if anyone desiring to contribute old clothes, food, money and so forth, could do so. In response to C/Papen's inquiry as to why the Bucharest video seemed to portray more boys than girls, Ms. Thomson explained that boys are more likely to be abandoned because girls are more vulnerable and most times are exploited into prostitution.• C/Papen suggested that the Council move toward correspondence with appropriate city officials as an interim step toward making Bucharest, Romania a Sister City. C/Ansari concurred with C/Papen. She asked Mr. Li if the establishment of a Sister City with Haicheng, China is part of Congress' purpose. MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 16 Mr. Li explained that Congress passed a law in 1993 encouraging American business to export, and there is a desire for American businessmen to teach businessmen in Haicheng, China how to make money so more jobs can be created. Pastor Clayton stated that the Country Hills Towne Center offered a store front as a drop-off point for the D.B. Worship Center for the Bucharest Street Kids Shelter Project, regardless of the outcome of the Sister Cities program. M/Werner stated that the Country Hills Towne Center can be reached at 598-3298 for donations or inquiries. He reiterated that there would be no out of pocket costs to the City with this program. He stated that the City can lend its name to the Bucharest program with the hope that they would get more and better results for their efforts, as well as provide economic development activities and/or relationships between the community and other cities. C/Ansari concurred that this is a good opportunity to look beyond the scope of the City and perhaps become a Sister to two cities in two different countries. M/Werner stated that the Sub -committee recommended that the Council work closely with them to develop the kind of relationship desired with both cities in the Sister Cities program, given the City's capabilities and taking into consideration local issues. MPT/Harmony inquired if there is a need for Council action this evening in order to be able to meet with delegates of Haicheng, China. C/Ansari explained that a delegation from Haicheng, China is expected to attend an economic development summit at Cal Poly on July 6, 7, & 8 and they have indicated their desire to meet with D.B. should the City decide to establish a Sister City relationship. MPT/Harmony stated he was a supporter of the Sister Cities program established by Dwight Eisenhower, but that taxpayers' money should not be spent on the program, and that it is important that a community identify its own relationship in regard to Sister Cities. He recommended that the City receive these delegations, open letters of correspondence with them and ask the community to show their interest by perhaps expanding the MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 17 Sub -committee so it becomes more of a citizens committee. Mr. Callard expressed his opinion that there needs to be more analysis into the concept of Sister Cities researching other cities other than Bucharest, Romania and Haicheng, China. M/Werner moved, MPT/Harmony seconded to declare the City's intent to establish a Sister City program with Bucharest, Romania and Hiacheng, China, but not to take action until the first Council meeting of June, 1994 following a discussion on the matter; and the City, during that period, should establish correspondence with those cities to gather further information and determine the kind of support existing in the community. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Miller, Papen, MPT/Harmony, Werner NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 9.1.1 PRESENTATION TO ANGIE THOMSON RE: BUCHAREST STREET KIDS - M/Werner presented a Proclamation to Angie Thomson acknowledging her extraordinary efforts assisting the street children in Bucharest. Ms. Thomson stated that anyone interested in helping the children should contact Pastor Clayton or the Country Hills Towne Center. 9.2 ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Continued to May 9, 1994. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. 11. CLOSED SESSION: None. 12. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned i -11:15 p.m. to May 9, 1994 at 6:00 p.m. ALYNBURGESS, Cit Clerk MAY 3, 1994 PAGE 18