HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/17/1994 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MAY 17, 1994
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Werner called the meeting
to order at 7:10 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 Don Schad.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Pro Tem Harmony, Council
Members Ansari, and Papen. Mayor Werner and Council
Member Miller were excused.
Also present were Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager;
Frank Usher, Assistant City Manager; Michael Montgomery,
Interim City Attorney; 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 D.B. Team Sergeant of the
Walnut Sheriff Department - Lt. Henson invited
everyone to attend the Walnut Station Open House on
Saturday, June 11, 1994 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. He then introduced new Team Sergeant Brian
Smith.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Richard Callard, 24105 Palomino
Dr., expressed support for the Sister City Program and
exchange of cultural education and activities between
D.B. and one or more Sister Cities in other countries.
He reviewed the goals of the Sister Cities Program and
explained that it is a citizen -run organization. He
invited all interested persons to a formation meeting on
a date to be announced at the next City Council meeting.
Barbara Thompson, 665 Strongbow Dr., expressed concern
that the new addition to her house was- approved by City
inspectors, though it currently does not meet City Code
due to faulty construction. She requested that the
Council accept her claim and not reject it as is
recommended in item 6.4 of the Consent Calendar.
MPT/Harmony stated that the City Attorney suggested that
the matter be referred to the District Attorney.
ICA/Montgomery stated that the matter was referred to the
District Attorney, with a copy being sent to Consumer
Affairs, but no response was yet received. Further,
under the law, the City and its inspectors are not
liable, as was indicated by Carl Warren & Co., the City's
Risk Manager.
Don Schad commented on how well the traffic signals at
Brea Canyon and Pathfinder Roads are synchronized. He
then asked the Council to reconsider the Tree Ordinance.
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 2
Barbara Beach-Courchesne expressed concern that C/Papen
still had not signed the Mission Statement, which
indicates she does not agree with the standards outlined.
She stated that the recall committee filed a challenge
relative to the number of qualified signatures needed to
place the recall petition on the ballot.
Red Calkins, 240 Eagle Nest Dr., announced that there
will be a meeting regarding the proposed City of Industry
MRF on June 23, 1994, at 9:30 a.m. at 15651 E. Stafford
St., in the Council Chamber of the City of Industry. He
stated that anyone unable to attend the meeting can write
a letter opposing the MRF to the City of Industry, P.O.
Box 336, to the attention of the City Engineer.
Max Maxwell stated that the recall committee feels
confident that they obtained adequate signatures for the
recall effort. He suggested that Council Members Papen
and Miller not vote on major land use decisions that may
be brought before the Council until the issue is
resolved. He requested that item 8.9 of the agenda be
brought forward for consideration since it had been
continued for the last several months.
Steve Nice, Rising Star Dr., recommended that the Council
not take any action regarding the status of any and all
City staff positions, nor any and all projects requiring
the removal of map restrictions until the outcome of
legal action regarding the recall efforts is resolved.
4. COUNCIL COMMENTS: C/Papen invited Carl Rosen,
President, Chamber of Commerce, to announce the new cable
television program regarding the City of D.B.
Mr. Rosen stated that the new program called "Diamond
Bar", which features an overview of the City and City
events, is sponsored by the Chamber in conjunction with
Jones Intercable, and airs twice a month preceding the
Council sessions at 6:30 p.m.
C/Papen stated that the City will begin a program of
selling transit passes for Metrolink, Foothill Transit
and MTA buses at City Hall, designed to comply with
Federal and State Clean Air laws and to improve
congestion management in the City. She suggested that
anyone desiring more information regarding the efforts to
oppose the City of Industry's MRF should attend the
Citizens Committee meeting on May 18 at 7:00 p.m., in
AQMD Room CC -6. She then expressed concern that the —
following items have not yet been placed on the agenda
even though she received concurrence from three other
Council Members: discussion regarding the $10,000
donation to the library for materials and regarding the
new Brown Act requirement for Council subcommittees. She
further stated it would be appropriate for Mr. Schad, as
MAY 17, 1994
PAGE 3
a Planning Commissioner, to request the Planning
Commission to agendize the Tree Ordinance for review and
recommendation to the Council. She then stated that she
did not and would not sign the Mission Statement because
it is nothing more than rules learned in kindergarten and
because those rules are not being enforced by the Council
equally. She pointed out that some comments made
criticizing certain Council Members are recorded in the
Minutes, yet similar comments directed to the Mayor are
stricken.
C/Ansari stated that a list of addresses of local
legislators is available at City Hall for anyone wishing
to express support of Assemblyman Horcher's proposition
to amend AB2969 to include opposition of the proposed
City of Industry's MRF, which would address the
legitimate concern of citizens living in the surrounding
cities of the proposed City of Industry MRF. She also
stated that AB2815 is being considered by the Ways and
Means Committee on May 18, 1994, which requests that a
defendant of a crime be tested if there is any
possibility that blood, semen, saliva and any other body
fluid capable of transmitting HIV has been transferred
from a defendant to a victim, and that the victims be
told the results of the test. She reported that she had
been invited to be a member of a YWCA committee formed to
stop racial injustice and promote multicultural
awareness. She stated that the Council's Multi -Cultural
Committee, designed to bring about cultural awareness,
human resources and a better understanding of each other
as citizens of the community meets the first Monday of
every month at 7:00 p.m., in the AQMD Building.
In response to C/Papen's concern that her requests for
agendized items have been disregarded, C/Ansari pointed
out that perhaps the reason one of the items is not on
the agenda is because there is not a full Council
present. She stressed the importance of respect for each
other and the need to communicate concerns appropriately.
MPT/Harmony brought forth the City of Industry's
environmental impact statement to illustrate the numerous
documents prepared by the City of Industry to support
their MRF and to respond to each concern made regarding
their proposal. He stated that the City hired a
consulting firm to challenge them, but it is absolutely
necessary and required, on a political level, that
individual efforts opposing the MRF are received. He
reported that there was been a strong response to a flier
faxed to the community and many have signed up to
participate in the committee opposing the MRF. He
announced that Congressman Kim would be a guest at
Sidewalk City Hall to answer questions at K -Mart from
11:00 a.m. to 3:00. He further stated that C/Papen will
be at Sidewalk City Hall on June 28, 1994 from 11:00 a.m.
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 4
to 3:00 p.m. at the Lucky Store. He then displayed the
Economic Development Brochure on the overhead and
explained that it is designed to promote the City's
economic development. He indicated that a citizen
expressed concern at Sidewalk City Hall regarding the
increase in crime in one particular neighborhood and
their desire to close off the area as a private
community. He requested staff to research the issue to
determine the feasibility of creating a private
community. He requested staff to continue to assist the
Montefino Homeowners in perfecting their case in their
lawsuit against Presley Homes.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission - May 23, 1994 - 7:00 P.m.,
AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.2 General Plan Advisory Committee - May 24, 1994,
7:00 p.m., Heritage Park Commun. Center, 2900 Brea
Canyon Rd.
5.3 Parks & Recreation Commission - May 26, 1994 - 7:00
p.m., Heritage Park Commun. Center, 2900 Brea
Canyon Rd.
5.4 Memorial Day Holiday Observance - May 30, 1994 -
City Hall closed.
5.5 City Council Public Hearing - May 31, 1994 - 7:00
p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.6 City Council Meeting - June 7, 1994 - 7:00 p.m.,
AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.7 MRF Committee - May 18, 1994 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Room
CC -6, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.8 Finance Committee - May 26, 1994 - 3:30 p.m., City
Hall, 21660 E. Copley Dr.
5.9 Computer Advisory Committee - May 25, 1994, AQMD
Bldg., 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.10 Multi -cultural Committee - June 6, 1994 - 7:00
p.m., AQMD Bldg., 21865 E. Copley Dr.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Papen moved, C/Ansari seconded
to approve the Consent Calendar. With the following Roll
Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Ansari, MPT/Harmony
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, M/Werner
6.1 APPROVED MINUTES:
6.1.1 Regular Meeting of April 19, 1994 - as
submitted. —
6.1.2 Adjourned Regular Meeting of May 2, 1994
- as Submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED & FILED PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES - Regular meeting of February 24, 1994.
MAY 17, 1994
7.
PAGE 5
6.3 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - Dated May 17, 1994.
6.4 REJECTED CLAIM FOR DAMAGES - Filed by Robert and
Barbara Thompson on April 28, 1994 - rejected the
Claim and referred the matter for further action to
Carl Warren & Co., the City's Risk Manager. With
the following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, M/Werner
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.1 RESOLUTION NO. 94-21: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ADOPTING A
NON -DISPOSAL FACILITY ELEMENT (NDFE) AS REQUIRED
BY ASSEMBLY BILL 3001 - Asst. to CM/Butzlaff
reported that Public Resources Code Section 41730
et seq. requires every city and county to prepare
and adopt a non -disposal facility element (NDFE)
for all new non -disposal facilities and any
expansions of existing facilities needed to
implement local source reduction and recycling
programs.
MPT/Harmony opened the Public Hearing.
Richard Callard inquired as to what is being
proposed for the NDFE.
Asst. to CM/Butzlaff explained that the statute
merely requires the City to identify those
facilities to be used now, or proposed in the
future for implementing the source reduction
recycling element.
John Summers, 21864 Stone Pine, expressed concern
that unless the City is specific in the actions to
be taken, the State could force the City to do
something that may be undesirable to the
Community.
Asst. to CM/Butzlaff explained that the resolution
merely identifies existing facilities available,
and planned facilities to be used in the future
for its source reduction recycling element.
CM/Belanger stated that the City proposes to use
the following locations: Red Star Fertilizer in
Corona; Puente Hills Materials Recovery Facility;
Green Waste Processing at Spadra Landfill; Recyc
Inc. located at the 91 and 15 freeway; CBT
Materials Recovery and Transfers Facility in
MAY 17, 1994
PAGE 6
Anaheim; C & R Waste Recovery in Stanton; the
Waste Transfer & Recycling Facility located at the
405 and Harbor fwys. in L.A.; the Bradley
Recycling Center in Sun Valley and the Chino
Institute for Men Western Waste Industry's
Facility.
Max Maxwell, 3211 Bent Twig In, inquired if any of
the locations had been used before.
ACM/Butzlaff stated that several of the facilities
are currently being used by the City. He further
stated that the element is updated every five
years and will not have to be updated until the
year 2000.
With no further testimony offered, MPT/Harmony
closed the Public Hearing.
C/Papen inquired why some of the locations
currently being used are not included in the list,
such as the Redwood in Chino, the facility in
Baldwin Park and the Western Land Fill in Corona.
Asst. to CM/Butzlaff explained that the primary
reason those types of facilities were not included
in the Element is because of the definition of
"non -disposable," which would exclude intermediate
processing centers receiving only recyclable
material.
C/Ansari moved, C/Papen seconded to adopt
Resolution No. 94-21 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
ADOPTING A NON -DISPOSAL FACILITY ELEMENT (NDFE) AS
REQUIRED BY ASSEMBLY BILL 3001. With the
following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, M/Werner
7.2 ORDINANCE NO. 5A (1991): AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AMENDING CHAPTER
22.66 OF TITLE 22, AS AMENDED, AND CERTAIN
PROVISIONS OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, AS
HERETOFORE ADOPTED, PERTAINING TO THE REGULATION OF
SIGNAGE IN THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR - AP/Searcy
reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the
Sign Code and the interim Ordinance and recommended
the Ordinance be made a part of the permanent Sign
Code, amending it in order to permit temporary
signs and expedite the monument sign review
process. He then reviewed the recommended
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 7
amendments as outlined in the staff report.
C/Papen asked if the current provision in the Sign
Code, which allows businesses to display temporary
signs for a period of 60 days a year, allows that
60 -day period to run consecutively, and if it would
be the same for the the 90 -day provision.
AP/Searcy stated that the applicant has the option
of displaying temporary signs either in increments
or all at one time with both the 60 -day and the
90 -day provisions, and would include a maximum
request for four permits a year.
MPT/Harmony opened the Public Hearing.
Carl Rosen, President, Chamber of Commerce,
expressed support for the Sign Code, with the
exception of item (h) pertaining to the $100
deposit requirement, which he felt was an
additional burden on businesses and staff time. He
stated that, as indicated in the staff report,
enforcement of the temporary sign permits has not
proven problematic, though it must be monitored
constantly by Code Enforcement.
CM/Belanger, in response to MPT/Harmony, explained
that the purpose of the $100 deposit is to provide
an incentive to the permittee to remove the sign in
a timely fashion within the permit period.
John Summers, 21864 Stone Pine, stated that since
the $100 deposit is refundable upon removal of the
sign, the business community should not object to
the provision. He pointed out that the problem
with many communities is temporary signs that are
not removed.
With no further testimony offered, MPT/Harmony
closed the Public Hearing.
CM/Belanger, in response to C/Papen, stated that if
a check is given for the $100 deposit, it would be
cashed to assure the funds are available; staff
would then issue a City check in that amount to the
applicant when the permit is terminated. He stated
that a larger fee of $125 could be required, as
suggested by C/Papen, refunding a portion of it
upon termination of the permit.
C/Papen suggested either making the entire $125 a
fee, so there is no claim for a refund unless the
applicant complies with the terms, or lowering the
deposit amount to $50.
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 8
Council concurred to lower the amount to require a
$50 deposit.
MPT/Harmony requested clarification regarding roof
signs and projecting signs.
AP/Searcy stated that the new provision would allow
inflatables that are connected to the roof, with a
maximum height of 75 feet above grade, as well as
other types of temporary signs placed on the roof
for a short period of time.
CM/Belanger stated that inflatables must conform to
building safety regulations in terms of how they
are anchored to the building. In response to
MPT/Harmony's concern, he stated that there are no
limitations regarding the maximum number of permits
for inflatables that can be issued at any given
time. He stated that the number of inflatables has
not been a problem in the past, though there could
be a potential problem in the future.
In response to MPT/Harmony, AP/Searcy explained
that proposed freestanding monument signs would _
need to meet the approved planned sign program
requirements of the shopping center, or be approved
by staff based on its architectural conformity to
the area and other such requirements of the Sign
Ordinance.
C/Ansari requested clarification regarding the
limitations of political signs.
ICA/Montgomery stated that maximum height limits on
free-standing signs must apply to all signs in the
City, which include political signs. He stated
that political signs are to be removed at the
conclusion of the political event.
CM/Belanger stated that signs on private property,
other than height limitations, are not governed by
the Code in terms of duration.
C/Papen moved to approve for first reading by title
only and waive full reading of Ordinance No.
5A(1991) as amended.
ICA/Montgomery suggested that the Council may
desire to hold the matter over to the next meeting —
since there is not a full Council and waiving full
reading requires four votes.
With consensus of Council, the matter was continued
to the next meeting.
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 9
7.3 (A) ORDINANCE NO. 02A(1990: AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 02(1990) ADOPTING
REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS RELATING TO THE
COLLECTION, RECYCLING TRANSPORTATION, AND
DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLE AND
COMPOSTABLE MATERIALS
(B) RESOLUTION NO. 90-95B: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
ESTABLISHING A PERMIT SYSTEM FOR THE
COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE.
C/Papen, concerned that Ordinance No. 02A(1990)
does not contain redline or strikeouts indicating
changes made, suggested that the matter be held
over to the next meeting, following public
testimony.
Asst. to CM/Butzlaff presented the staff report,
high -lighting the significant changes to Ordinance
No. 02A (1990) and Resolution No. 90-95B, which
includes language more reflective of the changes
that have occurred in solid waste management as a
result of the California Integrated Waste
Management Act of 1989. He pointed out that one of
the proposed amendments empowers the City Manager
to determine which day of the week is best suited
for refuse collection services.
C/Papen noted that Page 6, item 2, of the
Resolution indicates that hours of collection are
6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. but hours of collection
indicated on page 7 is 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. She
suggested that the hours be made consistent, and
changed to 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. so residents are not
disturbed. Noting that permits expire the second
year after they are granted, as indicated on Page
11, section 9, Term and Renewal, she stated that
since renewal would be December 1, 1995, the same
year as a Council election, the new Council should
be given 90 days after the election before the
matter was placed on the agenda. Referring to Page
19, she suggested that staff require reports to be
submitted on diskettes, along with a hard copy, so
that they can be analyzed and modified easily.
Asst. to CM/Butzlaff stated, in response to
C/Ansari, that Western Waste notified residents
that a 95 gal. container would be provided for
trash, as well as two 18 gal. recycling bins. He
stated that residents may use their own trash
containers as long as they adhere to City
specifications.
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 10
ICA/Montgomery, clarifying his earlier advice,
stated that the law had changed and first reading
can be waived by unanimous vote of those present on
the Council; therefore the Council could approve
item 7.2, Ordinance No. 5A(1991) for first reading,
by number and title only.
MPT/Harmony opened the Public Hearing.
Dr. Lawrence Rhodes, P.O. Box 2258, Walnut,
suggested that grass clippings be required to be
composted. He stated that the Ordinance does not
specify how residents are supposed to dispose of
animal waste.
Asst. to CM/Butzlaff stated that special
arrangements have to be made through the waste
companies to collect animal waste, such as
livestock manure.
Richard Callard, 24105 Palomino, stated that there
needs to be green waste separation.
Michael Hulse, Integrated Waste Management _
Coordinator, stated that green waste separation is
an important part of the overall source reduction
recycling program for the City which is a voluntary
program; however, there is an inadequate market to
handle all the material for the disposition of
green waste. He stated that they are in the
process of implementing a curbside collection
program for multifamily complexes. He then stated
that, upon the passage of the new permit system, a
voluntary program would be implemented for green
waste, establishing a fair and equitable price.
Barbara Beach-Courchesne, 2021 Peaceful Hills Rd.,
inquired as to who determines if waste haulers are
exercising due diligence in disposal of hazardous
waste. She stated that the City should continue to
work toward encouraging more haulers to compete.
She further stated that even though 6:30 a.m. is
early for trash collection, it is equally important
to allow haulers enough time in a day to collect
trash.
Frank Dursa, 2533 Harmony Hill Dr., stated that he
was pleased it was clarified that residents can use
their own trash bins. He expressed support with
early trash collection on Mondays, since that is
the day it has been collected for years, as well as
with having more than one hauler in the community.
Al Simonian, Western Waste Industries, pointed out
that, prior to Incorporation, there was one single
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 11
hauler in the City until Western Waste offered a
competitive price introducing a totally new system.
He stated that of their 7,000 customers, only 30
have changed trash collectors, indicating that the
majority are pleased with the service. He stated
that Western Waste is a part of the community, and
has raised money for school equipment and YMCA
programs. He then stated that if the City forces
Western Waste to go back to a Monday schedule, it
will put them out of business in D.B., resulting in
only one hauler in the City and thus eliminating
the competition so desired by the community.
In response to MPT/Harmony, Mr. Simonian stated
that they cannot continue to put 13 trucks into the
City on one day because for the last five years
they have been losing money servicing D.B. He
pointed out that if both Waste Management and
Western Waste were to pick up trash on the same
day, there would be 24 to 26 trucks on the street
in one day. He stated that they have made capital
investments for the future of waste management by
investing million of dollars on facilities to grind
green waste on a 20 -acre site, and by being in the
process of permitting an 80 -acre site for
composting.
Mr. Summers stated that Western Waste's future
investments are not related to the current contract
with the City. He expressed support with having
more than one contractor in the City and questioned
Western Waste's ability to service the City.
Martha Bruske, 600 S. Great Bend Dr., suggested
that the Council work toward stopping scavengers
from taking recyclables. She expressed concern
that the Council may become more concerned for the
profits made by the carrier than for the citizens
concerned over noise, aesthetics and litter. She
suggested that the City be sectioned so that each
area is covered during the same day.
Max Maxwell pointed out that Western Waste must be
making some sort of profit in order to be able to
make capital investments. He expressed support of
a Monday schedule for all trash collection so trash
bins are only left out one day a week.
Dr. Rhodes suggested that any trash haulers
contracting with the City be required not to use
the proposed City of Industry MRF under any
circumstances.
With no further testimony offered, MPT/Harmony
closed the Public Hearing.
MAY 17, 1994
PAGE 12
C/Papen inquired if street sweepers, or any other
such company in the City, are regulated to operate
only one day of the week.
CM/Belanger stated that street sweepers operate
five days a week and that private businesses are
not regulated in the same manner as the waste
haulers who utilize city streets to do business on
a contractual basis.
C/Papen suggested that it would be more beneficial
if the City were divided into zones, having the
street sweepers follow the next day, so that there
are not two or three trash trucks going up and down
one street.
Council concurred to continue the matter to the
next meeting, directing staff to highlight changes
made to Ordinance No. 02A(1990).
RECESS: MPT/Harmony recessed the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
RECONVENE: MPT/Harmony reconvened the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
8. OLD BUSINESS:
8.1 SELECTION OF CITY ATTORNEY - CM/Belanger reported
that eleven firms submitted proposals in response
to the City's solicitation for Attorney services.
He stated that each Council Member was provided
with evaluation forms, to be compiled after the
forms are completed, and will provide the
information to the Council to assist them in their
selection process. The next phase will be to set
up an interview schedule of those firms desired by
the Council followed by a vote of those firms
recommended by Council.
C/Papen suggested that each Council Member inform
staff of the days they are available for the
interviews. She further stated that she was
concerned about the late hour, and suggested that
since this is not an action item, there is no need
for public comments, particularly in regard to the
late hour when the Council still has more business
to conduct. She suggested that if there is to be
public comment allowed, the individual should be
requested to direct his/her comments only to the
issue at hand.
Barbara Beach-Courchesne noted that one of the
areas of great concern in the past centered on the
perception that at times the City Attorney did not
provide sound legal advice, resulting in
contentious and costly law -suits. She suggested
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 13
that, given that perception, citizen
representatives should be included in the
interviews and recommendations relative to
selection of a new attorney. She expressed
opposition to replacement of ICA/Montgomery since
detailed examination of his performance indicates
that he has provided sound advice and has saved the
City millions of dollars in settled lawsuits:
Wilbur Smith, 21630 Fairwind In., suggested that
the eleven proposals should be public information
since the position and legal advice is of utmost
importance to the City and its citizens.
CM/Belanger stated that the selection of the City
Attorney can be a matter for Closed Session;
however, the names of the firms and the forms being
used to rate the proposals are not of a
confidential nature at all and are available to the
public.
ICA/Montgomery stated that all of the data
submitted by the firms are matters of public record
excluding each Council Member's personal analysis
and rating.
C/Papen questioned why there was not an interview
process at the time ICA/Montgomery was hired by the
Council, nor was there a proposal submitted to the
entire Council.
ICA/Montgomery stated that the interview process is
a matter of policy. He also stated that he
submitted a letter to the Council, at the request
of M/Werner, stating the terms under which he would
be willing to serve as Interim City Attorney.
Max Maxwell expressed his opinion that
ICA/Montgomery set an improved standard for the
City, and represented the City well the last few
months. He expressed support for selecting
ICA/Montgomery if he submitted a proposal.
Frank Dursa, 2533 Harmony Hill Dr., expressed
support for selecting ICA/Montgomery for City
Attorney.
MPT/Harmony suggested that the matter be continued
to the next regularly -scheduled meeting to involve
the entire Council in the selection process. He
expressed concurrence with a suggestion made by an
audience member during Public Comments that there
should not be any personnel changes until the legal
issue of the recall action is resolved.
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 14
C/Papen pointed out that eleven law firms have
waited to be interviewed and that the matter should
not be postponed any longer. She stated that all
five elected Council Members have equal rights,
despite any legal actions submitted by clients of
the current City Attorney, who may have to
disqualify himself from dealing with the issue.
She pointed out that the Council is merely making a
decision on the dates to conduct interviews. She
inquired if the following dates are convenient:
May 27, 1994, May 31, 1994 and June 3, 1994.
ICA/Montgomery clarified that he was the personal
attorney for Mr. Gross in his business dealings and
for the Concerned Citizens; however, he never
represented the Recall Committee.
C/Ansari stated that the City already received a
reply from the State Bar Assn. and the FPPC
indicating that Mr. Montgomery has no conflict of
interest.
MPT/Harmony stated that he is not available the
three dates indicated by C/Papen.
8.2 SANITARY SEWERS IN "THE COUNTRY" - CM/Belanger
reported that staff prepared responses, questions,
comments and concerns raised at the April 19
meeting and recommended that the Council authorize
negotiation of a contract with CPW Geosciences
(CPWG) not to exceed $75,000, for professional
services for further investigation, studies,
reports and recommendations. He reported that
staff received a letter from representatives of
some of the homeowners in the affected areas
requesting Council to defer any action for 90 days
in order to allow several critical tasks, specified
in the letter, to be completed.
Les Brown, 2696 Shady Ridge, reported that 12 of
the 17 lots identified in the Kleinfelder report
had been improved so septic systems are currently
functional. He stated that if the critical tasks
discussed in the letter are completed, the
remaining lots should be improved to a similarly
operative condition, or at least identify those
tasks that should be done.
C/Ansari commended the residents for pursuing the
issue and exploring all channels before the City
undertook the project.
Fred Janz, 2683 Shady Ridge, stated that most
people do not have trouble with septic tanks and it
would seem inappropriate to convert to sewer pumps.
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 15
He stated that the City should wait to expend the
$75,000 in an area inaccessible to the majority of
the community.
Kay Brown, 2696 Shady Ridge In., expressed
opposition to awarding a contract to CPWG since
only one member of the ad hoc committee of "The
Country" was present during the selection process
and he was opposed to the choice made.
C/Papen pointed out that three people from "The
Country" were on the evaluation committee including
Jim Gardner, General Manager of the Homeowners'
Assn.
Martha Bruske stated that Council is being
negligent in postponing the issue since soil
saturated with fecal material is a serious health
concern that should be closely monitored.
C/Papen inquired how an additional 90 days on this
issue would affect the RFP.
ICE/Wentz stated that the current bid on the RFP is
for a 60 -day period; however, there should be no
problem negotiating with the preferred consultant
prior to the 60 -day period.
C/Papen moved, C/Ansari seconded to suspend further
action on the contract for 45 days, and giving "The
Country" Homeowners' Assn. a 90 -day period to
accomplish the specified tasks, requiring a written
status report on their progress in 45 days. With
the following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, M/Werner
8.5 RESOLUTION NO. 94-22: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE
ENGINEER'S REPORT FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22623
OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE WITH
RESPECT TO THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPING
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 38; AND DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR
CERTAIN LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE WITHIN SAID
DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1994-95; AND FIXING A TIME
AND PLACE FOR HEARING OF OBJECTIONS HEREON -
CM/Belanger reported that, pursuant to Council
direction on March 15, 1994, staff prepared the
Engineer's Reports for District Nos. 38, 39 and 41
for FY 1994-95. He recommended that the Council
adopt the resolutions declaring the City's
MAY 17, 1994
PAGE 16
intention to levy and collect assessments for the
districts and direct the City Clerk to advertise
Public Hearings at the Council meeting of June 7,
1994.
MPT/Harmony suggested that personnel services costs
of $37,500 be reduced to reflect an 8%
administration level, which is commensurate with
higher figures the County used when administering
their assessment districts. He stated that an
assessment district is a specific charge for a
specific service, and including this high
percentage for administration in the assessment
district is a way of feeding money into the General
Fund.
C/Papen pointed out that District No. 38 is the
only district currently under construction, and
will be under construction for many years, and
lowering the fees delay completing the
beautification of the City. She stated that the
reason the other districts have a low
administrative fee is because there are only
maintenance costs. She then suggested that the
public notice should also include the dollar amount
for next year's fee as compared to last year's fee.
MPT/Harmony inquired which personnel services are
involved in administrative costs.
CM/Belanger stated that 20% of the Community
Services Director's salary, 20% of the Park
Superintendent's salary and 20% of the Park
Maintenance person's salary are calculated in the
budget for personnel services.
Wilbur Smith, 21630 Fairwind Ln., concurred that it
would be beneficial to know the assessment amount
for the different districts, as well as anticipated
projects for each of the areas and the costs
involved.
Richard Callard, 24105 Palomino, requested a more
thorough staff report to inform residents of the
intent of each district.
CM/Belanger stated that staff will prepare exhibits
for the Public Hearing which will outline the
parcels located within each district respectively,
as well as indicate which areas are being
maintained by the district. He emphasized that
staff is not recommending increases in any of the
three districts' current rates, which are:
District No. 38 is recommended to remain at $15;
District No. 39 is recommended to remain at $73.50;
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 17
and District No. 41 is recommended to remain at
$220.50. He stated that there are no capitals
projects proposed for District No. 41 or District
No. 39; however, a capital project is proposed for
District No. 38, which is construction of medians
from Gona Ct. to the westerly city limits. He then
explained that the Engineer's Report is an indica-
tion of the number of parcels within the districts,
the amount of revenue to be generated given the
assessment, and a budget related to maintenance
activities that would occur in each of the
districts respectively. He stated that the
Assessment Engineer will redo the budget to reflect
the 8% administrative cost, as suggested by MPT/
Harmony, if so desired by the Council.
C/Ansari requested that staff prepare the report on
the assessment districts to be ready for public
review prior to the Public Hearing.
C/Papen expressed her opinion that the Council not
change the Engineer's Report based upon an
arbitrary figure of 8%, as was recommended by
MPT/Harmony. She stated that the City Engineer
properly evaluated the amount of time needed by
staff to assure that the districts are properly
managed.
C/Papen moved, C/Ansari seconded to adopt
Resolution No. 94-22, setting a Public Hearing for
Landscape District No. 38 on June 7, 1994;
Resolution No. 94-23, setting a Public Hearing for
Landscape District No. 39 on June 7, 1994; and
Resolution No. 94-24, setting a Public Hearing for
Landscape District No. 41 on June 7, 1994.
C/Ansari stated that she did not have enough
information at the time to consider changing the
administrative costs to 8% of the fee.
MPT/Harmony, concerned with C/Papen's impression
that his suggested change was arbitrary, explained
that his research two years ago showed that the
County does not charge 20% for administrative fees
on the districts, but rather that 8% is one of the
higher figures charged by the County. He stated
that D.B. substantially increased the fees upon
incorporation, and is overtaxing its residents. He
pointed out that this is a good time for the City
to decrease taxes.
C/Ansari stated that she would second C/Papen's
motion, amending it to request staff to investigate
the feasibility of reducing the fee for personnel.
MAY 17, 1994
PAGE 18
C/Papen moved, C/Ansari seconded to adopt
Resolution No. 94-22 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING
THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION
22623 OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
WITH RESPECT TO THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPING
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 38; AND DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR
CERTAIN LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE WITHIN SAID
DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1994-95 AND FIXING A TIME
AND PLACE FOR HEARING OF OBJECTIONS HEREON. With
the following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, M/Werner
8.6 RESOLUTION NO. 94-23: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE
ENGINEER'S REPORT FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22623
OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE WITH
RESPECT THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPING
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 39; AND DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR
CERTAIN LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE WITHIN SAID
DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1994-95; AND FIXING A TIME
AND PLACE FOR HEARING OF OBJECTIONS HEREON -
C/Papen moved, C/Ansari seconded to adopt
Resolution No. 94-23. With the following Roll Call
vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, M/Werner
8.7 RESOLUTION NO. 94-24: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE
ENGINEER'S REPORT FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22623
OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE WITH
RESPECT TO THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR LANDSCAPING
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 41; AND DECLARING ITS
INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR
CERTAIN LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE WITHIN SAID
DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1994-95; AND FIXING A TIME
AND PLACE FOR HEARING OF OBJECTIONS HEREON -
C/Papen moved, C/Ansari seconded to adopt
Resolution No. 94-24. With the following Roll Call
vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Papen, Ansari,
MPT/Harmony
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Miller, M/Werner
MAY 17, 1994 PAGE 19
C/Papen left the meeting at 11:05 p.m.
8.3 RESOLUTION NO. 93-05A: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 93-05 ESTABLISHING "NO RIGHT TURN,
4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., MONDAY -FRIDAY, EXCEPT
SCHOOL BUSES" SIGNS ON ROLLING KNOLL ROAD AND
COUNTRY VIEW DRIVE AT GRAND AVENUE - Continued to
June 7, 1994.
8.4 AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION/MODIFICATION OF
HANDICAP ACCESS RAMPS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN
DIAMOND BAR - Continued to June 7, 1994.
8.8 DISCUSSION RE: COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE FOR LIBRARY
SERVICES - Continued to June 7, 1994.
8.9 MATTER OF REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FROM FORMER CITY
ATTORNEY - Continued to June 7, 1994.
8.10 DISCUSSION RE: GENERAL PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
PROGRESS ON PREPARATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN;
TIMETABLE FOR COMPLETION OF THE GENERAL PLAN IN
ORDER TO PLACE IT ON THE NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION
BALLOT - Continued to June 7, 1994.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.1 DISCUSSION RE: PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT SIGNS CARRYING
NAMES OF COUNCIL MEMBERS - Continued to June 7,
1994.
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.
11. CLOSED SESSION: None held.
12. ADJOURNMENT: Due to the lack of a quorum,
the meeting was adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
6*x-�
LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk
ATTEST:
yor