HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/02/1996 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
JULY 2, 1996 WORK SESSION
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Ansari called the Work Session to
order at 5:45 p.m. in the SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, California.
1.1 DISCUSSION REGARDING PROPOSAL BY FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY -
CM/Belanger explained that the Friends of the Library proposed that the City
jointly participate in funding a portion of the Diamond Bar Library branch
facility refurbishment. Staff requested that the L.A. County Library provide
a wish list to the City indicating items the County believes are essential to
the refurbishment. In the current fiscal year, the City's Library Services fund
consists of $88,000 in unallocated funds. He recommended that Council
consider an allocation of $20,000 from the current Library Services fund to
engage in a refurbishing project to be determined through discussion with
the Friends of the Library, D.B. Library staff and City staff to determine
project parameters to meet immediate interior needs for the Library.
M/Ansari stated that Mrs. New, Friends of the Library President, indicated
that Michael MacClintock, L.A. County Library, told her it was not necessary
for the Friends of the Library to assist with refurbishment of the D.B. facility.
In her opinion, the items and prices contained in the "wish list" are
outrageous.
C/Herrera favored City participation in the refurbishment of the facility;
however, she would like to have the City evaluate the condition of the
building to determine the state of deterioration to determine if another
location would be advisable.
C/Werner agreed with C/Herrera. He asked why L.A. County is not
maintaining its own building and if the proposed improvements are a result
of lack of normal maintenance.
CM/Belanger responded that there may be some deferred maintenance due
to reduction of funds for counties.
C/Werner was opposed to using City funds for maintaining county -facilities
which may include the D.B. Golf Course.
M/Ansari had no problem assisting private citizens with funding for projects
such as the library computer project; however, she had difficulty. with the
of list" when the City is asked to provide funds to cover deferred
maintenance. She proposed sending a letter to the County Library asking
why the D.B. facility had not been maintained, and further requesting an
accounting of D. B. allocated property tax assessment maintenance funds for
Library Services. She suggested putting the Friends of the Library request
on hold pending further information.
MPT/Huff approved of City funding for Library refurbishing; however, L.A.
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 2
County has an obligation to maintain its facilities. He agreed that the City
should pursue investigation of the prior use of D. B. property fax funds by the
County with respect to facility maintenance but he did not want to
unnecessarily delay the rofurbishment process.
C/Harmony supported M/Ansari's suggestion to request information
regarding prior use of D.B. property tax funds. He believed the City should
be involved in the refurbishment bid process and oversee the work through
completion and favored proceeding to assist the Friends of the Library in a
timely manner.
CM/Belanger explained that under current legislation, in the event the City
agreed to assume maintenance of the D.B. Library, the facility would be
transferred to the City without additional cost.
C/Wemer suggested that if the City were to participate in funding any portion
of capital improvement to the D.B. Library facility, the City should enter into
an agreement that the amount contributed by the City toward the capital
improvement would be deducted from the purchase price.
CM/Belanger stated that in the event the City builds a Library and sells the
Library to the County, the City would require the County to continue
operation with services at a certain minimum level. If the County ceased
providing a minimum level of service, the building would revert back to the
City.
1.2 DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED STAFF SALARY INCREASE - CM/Belanger
explained the total cost for the 3 1/2°x6 proposed cost of living increase for
City employees plus $50/month in cafeteria benefit increase would be
$67,645. He further explained that compounded cost of living increase
percentages since City incorporation amount to 16.4%. Cost of living
increases in the survey cities indicate a 24.8°x6 increase. Therefore, an eight
percent (8°x6) disparity currently exists for the City of D.B.. The CPI change
has been 1.7% for each of the past two fiscal years in Los Angeles/Long
Beach SMSA.
C/Harmony stated he was told by Al Rumpilla that persons on disability
received a 2 1/2°x6 cost of living adjustment and now contribute a $40 or $50
deductible toward medical costs.
CM/Belanger responded to C/Harmony that the Federal and State --
Government entitlement process is based upon regional or national figures
and differs from City entitlements which are based on local areas. D.B.
compares only in the greater Los Angeles area in which staffs cost of living
occurs.
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 3
MPT/Huff favored the City adequately compensating staff by maintaining a
competitive stature. He suggested that use of the CPI may be misleading.
He would prefer to have the City first discuss reorganization and
reclassification of employees and services and base salary increases on
performance-based merit rather than cost of living adjustments. He
suggested a 1.7% cost of living increase and budget $25,000 for incentive
disbursements at the discretion of the City Manager.
M/Ansari disagreed with MPT/Huff in that staff consistently works overtime
and are present at weekend and evening meetings and special events. In
her opinion, incentive increases should be granted employees in addition to
an annual cost of living increase.
C/Herrera agreed with M/Ansari that the City should give annual cost of
living increases. When reorganization is complete, certain salaries may
change. The reorganization and implementation process may take several
months to complete. In the meantime, staff should be granted a cost of living
increase immediately.
^' MPT/Huff reiterated that he was in favor of a cost of living increase which is
equal to the COL.
CM/Belanger explained that staff is recommending a 3.5°x6 cost of living
increase to compensate for inequity in the cost of living increases during the
time period the City has existed. The City has not maintained pace with the
CPI over the past eight years.
CM/Belanger responded to C/Herrera that staff is not aware of the cost of
living increases being considered by surrounding cities.
C/Herrera reiterated that by requesting a 3.5% cost of living increase, the
City is playing "catch-up" with the CPI. A 1.7% cost of living increase will fail
to bring the City in line with the CPI. In her opinion, this would place the City
in jeopardy of retaining competent staff.
MPT/Huff responded that employee compensation is important but that this
is an era of fiscal restraint and caution should be exercised.
C/Wemer reported that the Inland Valley Bulletin indicated that he would be
voting in favor of a 3.5% cost of living increase but that he had made no
-' such commitment to the reporter. Therefore, due to irresponsible reporting,
he felt his objectivity had been hampered and chose to remain silent on the
issue. He indicated he may request a motion to continue the item.
Bob Arceo, 1106 #D S. Cleghom Dr., felt that some of the remarks regarding
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 4
the speed with which various staff members work is discriminatory and a cost
of living increase should be granted all City employees.
M/Ansari adjourned the workshop at 6:35 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
JULY 2, 1996
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Ansari called the meeting to order
at 6:54 p.m. in the SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond
Bar, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Don
Schad.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Harmony, Herrera,
Werner, Mayor Pro Tem Huff, Mayor Ansari.
Also present were: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager, Frank Usher,
Assistant City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; George Wentz,
Public Works Director; James DeStefano, Community Development Director;
Bob Rose, Community Services Director and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk.
2. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
2.1 Presented Certificate of Recognition to the San Gabriel/Pomona
Regional Center upon celebrating its 10th Anniversary in providing
continuous service to persons with developmental disabilities.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dr. Lawrence Rhodes suggested changing
the Council agenda to have Council Comments immediately following Public
Comments.
Robert Arceo referred to the June 30, 1996 Daily Bulletin newspaper article
which quoted MPT/Huff as stating he wants a Senior Citizen center to be
centrally located in the community. He disagreed with MPT/Huff. .
MPT/Huff responded to Mr. Arceo that he did not make the statement as it
was quoted.
Mr. Arceo requested Council attendance at the Heritage Park Senior .
Citizen's meetings. He stated that, in his opinion, the facility is too small to
accommodate the group. He complained about the amount of a.m. peak
hour Chino Hills traffic and the lack of enforcement in the Grand Ave./D.B.
Blvd. area.
Red Calkins spoke about the June 26, 1996 Three Valleys Water District
meeting and asked why Council members and staff did not attend.
Tom Ortiz asked Council to state their opinions regarding the proposed
standby water charge.
M/Ansari responded to Mr. Ortiz that Senate Bill #900 is available to the
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 2
public.
Millard Burke, Harmony Hill, did not understand why so many stop signs are
needed in his neighborhood.
In response to Mr. Ortiz, CM/Belanger stated that the monthly Treasurer's
Report recaps cash on hand. The Traffic Mitigation fund indicates a zero
balance because the funds have been expended for the San Bernardino
County/City agreement for the Grand Ave. opening. Funds were allocated
for the Chino Hills Parkway completion, Chino Avenue completion. The San
Bernardino County contribution to the City of $1.2 million had been a funding
source for a variety of roadway improvement projects and traffic signalization
projects since 1989. The zero balance line item will be removed at the end
of the fiscal year. He further stated the $300,000 one time only Traffic
Mitigation Fund contributed by Copley was expended for the Golden Springs
Dr. improvements between Grand Ave. and Brea Canyon Rd. Street lights
are provided by a special district administered by L.A. County. In response
to Mr Ortiz' question regarding the Volunteer Patrol's vehicle mileage and
fuel consumption, he stated that he will look into the matter and notify Mr.
Ortiz.
C/Werner stated the Volunteer Patrol vehicles utilize alternative fuel.
4. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
4.1 CONCERT IN THE PARK - Norm Major Orchestra (Patriotic) - July 3,
1996 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden
Springs Dr.
4.2 JULY 4 HOLIDAY - City offices closed on July 4, 1996 and reopen on
Friday, July 5, 1996.
4.3 PLANNING COMMISSION - July 8, 1996 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
4.4 CONCERT IN THE PARK - Dixie Kings (Dixieland) - July 10, 1996 -
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden
Springs Dr.
4.5 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION - July 11, 1996 -
7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Board Hearing Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
4.6 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - July 16, 1996 - 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Herrera moved, C/Wemer seconded, to approve
the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 5.5, 5.7 and 5.9. With the
following Roll Call vote motion carried:
J U LY 2, 1996
PAGE 3
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony, Herrera, Werner,
MPT/Huff, M/Ansari
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
5.1 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated July 2, 1996 in the
amount of $507,840.66.
5.2 RECEIVED & FILED TREASURER'S REPORT - for May, 1996.
5.3 REJECTED CLAIM FOR INDEMNIFICATION, APPORTIONMENT
AND DECLARATORY RELIEF - Filed June 3, 1996 by Clasina Lohr
Courture and referred the matter for further action to Carl Warren &
Co., the City's Risk Manager.
5.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 9649: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE
INSTALLATION OF MULTI -WAY STOP SIGNS AT THE
INTERSECTIONS OF BREA CANYON ROAD/COOL SPRINGS
DRIVE AND FOUNTAIN SPRINGS ROAD/SUNBRIGHT DRIVE.
5.6 APPROVED RENEWAL OF CROSSING GUARD SERVICES
CONTRACT FOR SCHOOL YEAR 1996-1997 - with All City
Management Services, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $66,000
(hourly rate of $9.52).
5.8 APPROVED SUPPLEMENT NO. 5 TO AGREEMENT FOR ANIMAL
CONTROL SERVICES - with the Humane Society of Pomona Valley
in the amount of $59,510 commencing July 1, 1996 through and
including June 30, 1997, and authorized the Mayor to execute the
Supplement.
MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
5.5 AMENDMENT NO.4 TO LEASE AGREEMENT DATED AUGUST 18,
1989, AMENDED FEBRUARY 18, 1994, JULY 8, 1994 AND AUGUST
1, 1995 BY AND BETWEEN DIAMOND BAR BUSINESS
ASSOCIATES, A CALIFORNIA GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
(LESSOR), AND THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR (LESSEE) FOR
SPACE LOCATED AT 21660 E. COPLEY DRIVE, SUITES 100 AND
190, DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA, CONSISTING OF
APPROXIMATELY 3,854 RENTABLE SQUARE FEET AMENDED TO
7,025 RENTABLE SQUARE FEET - C/Harmony moved, MPT/Huff
seconded to approve a one year lease for Suites 100 and 190, at
21660 E. Copley Drive in the amount of $154,710 and direct staff to
continue to pursue the purchase of a building for City Hall offices
JULY 2, 1996
PAGE 4
when the opportunity to do so occurs. With the following Roll Call
vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony, Herrera, Werner,
MPT/Huff, WAnsari
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
5.7 LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF BREA TO PROVIDE FOR
RECREATION SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEAR 1996-1997 -
C/Herrera moved, C/Wemer seconded, to approve Letter of
Agreement with City of Brea to provide for Recreation Services for
Fiscal Year 1996-1997 with projected expenditures of $380,995 and
projected revenues of $249,410 and authorize the Mayor to sign the
letter of agreement. With the following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony, Herrera, Werner,
M/Ansari
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - MPT/Huff
(MPT/Huff was out of the room during this vote).
5.9 RESOLUTION NO. 96-50: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR CONDITIONALLY SUPPORTING TENTATIVE
WASTE DISCHARGE ORDER NO. 96-49, RE -ISSUING MUNICIPAL
NPDES PERMIT CAS614001 - CA/Jenkins read the staff report into
the record.
M/Ansari moved, MPT/Huff seconded to adopt Resolution No. 96-50.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony, Herrera, Werner,
MPT/Huff, M/Ansari
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
6.1 INTENDED SALE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG THE
WEST SIDE OF BREA CANYON ROAD - CMIBelanger stated that on
June 19, 1996, Council adopted a Resolution of Intention declaring
its intent to dispose of approximately 6.5 acres of public property
located along the west side of Brea Canyon Rd. between Pathfinder
Rd. and Via Sorella. The property includes the former Walnut Valley
Water District reservoir site and the adjacent excess street right-of-
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 5
way. In accordance with the Government Code, a Public Hearing was
established for hearing protests to the intended sale. He
recommended that Council 1) declare the property surplus; 2)
approve the, sale of public property; 3) direct the City Manager to
notice public agencies and, if no offer is received within 60 days,
negotiate with private parties; and 4) place the proceeds of the sale
in a parks and recreational facilities development fund.
C/Harmony stated that Council previously discussed the possibility of
this property being used for park and recreation activities in place of
Larkstone Park. He further stated his understanding that the Walnut
Valley Water District' was purchased by the City for recreation
purposes.
M/Ansari recalled that the purpose for the purchase of this property
would be determined at a future date. Larkstone Park is currently
under consideration. Parcels 92 and 93 were never proposed to be
a park site. In her opinion, the parcels could serve to accommodate
the Senior Citizens Group. However, the roadway between the two
parcels may prohibit such a use. She was not in favor of the City
giving up property and if it is sold, she would like the proceeds placed
in a parks and recreation fund for future property purchase.
C/Wemer stated the Walnut Valley School District made a
commitment to the City to provide the land for Larkstone Park. It is
time for the school district to fulfill its commitment. He indicated that
Parcels 92 and 93 do not serve the public purpose or needs identified
by the City. Quimby funds will be forthcoming from the developer to
assist in improvement of the property provided by the school district.
In addition, the school facilities, by prior arrangement with the school
district, will have a ball field available to the public.
In response to MPT/Huff, CM/Belanger stated that the property being
offered for sale is the four acre site along with the right-of-way. The
Tentative Map requires those properties to be exchanged and/or sold
in order to proceed with a Final Map. The Final Map would transmute
the properties into Lots 92 and 93. He reiterated a park was never
designated for this area but that three acres of property were
dedicated for Larkstone Park nearby. Before a park could be
developed, an agreement was reached between L.A. County and
WVUSD to build the temporary South Pointe Middle School on the
site. The dedicated Larkstone Park site was hillside land.
MPT/Huff suggested the City consider, as part of the Parks Master
Plan, creating Larkstone Park in the canyon bottom as a passive park
area.
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 6
C/Harmony expressed concern that the monies realized from the sale
of Lots 92 and 93 would purchase fewer acres.
M/Ansari reiterated that WVUSD is cognizant of their obligation to
provide three acres of parkland to the City. Citizens are concerned
that if the property is sold, the City will not be able to purchase
comparable acreage with the proceeds of the sale.
M/Ansari opened the Public Hearing.
Don Schad asked the City not to sell the property, and extend the
natural corridor by keeping the hillside intact. He discussed the flora
and fauna in Sandstone Canyon and suggested a joint venture
between WVUSD, City Council, the Parks & Recreation Department
and the Tonner Canyon Wilderness Conservancy to protect the area.
Rial Flesher, Larkstone Dr., felt that the right thing would be for the
City to sell the property to Arciero. He referred to the citizen's group
and homeowners association that caused the school district to
purchase the property and cost taxpayers unnecessary dollars. He
indicated he would like to see the school district get out of the
building business, complete the school project, allow Arciero to
develop his land, build the road from Brea Canyon Rd. to South
Pointe Middle School and end the Larkstone Dr. debacle.
Annette Finnerty, Silver Hawk, Vice Chairman of the Parks &
Recreation Commission. She indicated that the Commission
requested she speak to Council regarding the Commission's June 27
meeting during which Commissioners were presented with a
newspaper article regarding the sale of the property. By a unanimous
vote, the item was placed on the Commission agenda for discussion.
Following discussion, the Commission voted 5-0 to recommend to
Council that the land be swapped and not sold. In her opinion, only
half of the information needed to reach an informed decision was
provided to the Commission. If she was voting today, she would vote
to recommend the City sell the property and place the funds in a
Parks & Recreation Facilities Development Fund.
In response to C/Wemer, Ms. Finnerty explained that the vote by the
Parks & Recreations Commission was to recommend the property be
swapped. She indicated. that Chairman Tye presented photocopies
of a June 27, 1996 Daily Bulletin article to, the Commission which
referred to the pending sale of the property. There was no additional
public input to the Commission regarding the item. She felt that if she
had been provided adequate information to reach a conclusion
regarding the matter, she would have voted to recommend that the
City sell the property.
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 7
Anne Flesher, 20647 Larkstone Dr., supported the sale of the
property to Mr. Arciero and indicated that, in her opinion, passage of
the City's General Plan should have sent the message that the silent
majority is comfortable with the City's direction. She felt strongly that
the City should allow Mr. Arciero to develop his property.
Neighborhood residents are not requesting an active park in the area
but would like to have a second access road to the school property.
Art Fritz, Larkstone Dr., reiterated that the neighborhood suffers from
the South Point Middle School traffic and the residents would
welcome a second access road to accommodate the facility. To
indicate the property proposed for sale by the City is suitable for a
park is, in his opinion, to misstate the potential uses for the property.
If the City can realize a healthy profit from the sale of this property, it
should proceed with the sale and earmark the proceeds for parks and
recreational facilities development.
Oscar Law asked the City to persuade Mr. Arciero to consider
preserving the "Columbus" tree and the "Lewis and Clark" wildflower
located on the property.
M/Ansari indicated to Mr. Law that Mr. Arciero agreed to attempt to
preserve the "Columbus" tree.
C/Werner suggested that Mr. Law consider that the 500 year old
"Columbus" oak tree may be too old to preserve based upon Mr.
Schad's statement that it takes 400 years for an oak tree to mature
and 100 years for an oak tree to die. He suggested that Mr. Arciero
consider donating the tree remains in bulk for preservation if the
Columbus" tree cannot be spared. Further, he suggested that Mr.
Arciero consider permitting mr. Schad to replant the wildflower bulb
in question.
Mr. Law stated that if he had been presented with all of the facts
regarding the pending property sale at the June 27 Parks &
Recreation Commission meeting, he would not have voted in favor of
a land swap for the property.
Dr. Lawrence Rhodes suggested that if the property is sold, the
proceeds of the sale should be placed in trust and held for park
purchase only.
Debby O'Connor stated that as a Parks & Recreation Commissioner,
for the record, if the Commission had been provided full disclosure,
she would have voted to recommend selling the property.
Steve Tye, Chairman of the Parks & Recreation Commission, stated
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 8
that contrary to C/Werner's statement, he was not instructed by
C/Harmony to place the sale of property item on the Parks &
Recreation Commission agenda. He indicated it does not serve the
City to hold useless parcels and the property in question should be
sold with the proceeds dedicated to the purchase of parks and park
facilities. He further stated that he alone requested the pending sale
of property item be placed on the June 27 Parks & Recreation
Commission agenda.
There being no further testimony offered, M/Ansari closed the Public
Hearing.
In response to C/Harmony, CA/Jenkins stated that there are no
penalties for release of information from closed sessions. It is
advisable to retain confidentiality of confidential information to avoid
potential compromise to released information.
C/Harmony suggested that the sale proceeds from Lots 92 and 93 be
retained for use in Area A.
M/Ansari stated that L.A. County placed map and deed restrictions on
certain properties which prevented the development of parks. She
reiterated that the sale proceeds should be placed in a parks and
recreational facility fund. She further stated she was concerned that
the City will not be able to purchase comparable*property using the
proceeds gained from the sale of this property.
CM/Belanger stated the City still owns undeveloped park land. The
City is likely to receive, through the entitlement process, open space
and park lands. He referred Council to Page 1-17 of the General Plan
which earmarks approximately 500 acres for open space and park
lands. The Plan mandates that upon the development of designated
properties, 75°x6 of the land holdings will revert to the City as
dedicated open space.
C/Herrera reiterated that the City has the potential to acquire
approximately 350 acres of park land and open space at no cost.
Council members are elected to serve the community at large and not
special interest groups or areas. She stated that selling Lots 92 and
93 and using the sale proceeds for construction of a multi-purpose
facility in a central location of the community is, in her opinion, the
most effective decision. WVUSD made a commitment to donate 3.8
acres to the City and the District will abide by the commitment. The
prolonged discussion concerns the most suitable location.
C/Herrera moved, MPT/Huff seconded to 1) declare the property
surplus; 2) approve the sale of public property; 3) direct the City
JULY 2, 1996
PAGE 9
Manager to notice public agencies and, if no offer is received within
60 days, negotiate with private parties and 4) place the proceeds of
the sale in a parks and recreational facilities development fund.
C/Werner stated that the City purchased the property in 1992. He
referred to the June 30, 1992 Council Minutes which indicated that
purchase of the property in question was approved by a vote of 4-0
with Council member Papen being absent. The Minutes further
indicated that CM/Belanger responded to a citizen that "At the
present time there are no plans for the property." No other
statements or commitments regarding use of the property are
recorded in the Minutes.
In response to C/Wemer, CM/Belanger stated that the Daily Bulletin
reported that the two parcels were last appraised at $1.3 million
according to the City. The article is incorrect and there is no
reference to an offer. An appraisal was completed, the dollar amount
of which has not been divulged.
C/Werner requested that the final document clearly identify all issues.
Further, he pointed out that there are no Council districts in D.B. and
the Council represents the entire City. Since Incorporation, Peterson
Park has been completed at a cost of approximately $300,000 and
the 23 acre Pantera Park is under construction at a proposed cost of
$2 million.
MPT/Huff stated that the fate of Sandstone Canyon is a moot point
and is not under consideration at this time. He further stated he finds
it ironic that when C/Harmony initially questioned whether the City
could justify the purchase of the property, he would now question the
sale of the property. General fund monies were used for the property
purchase. He indicated that in his opinion, it is most appropriate for
the Parks & Recreation Commission to consider the best location for
parks and park facilities. He referred to C/Harmony's comparison of
property values wherein .C/Harmony compared the value of
commercial property to the value of the City owned raw land. He
stated that due to the anticipated revenue shortfall, the City may
acquire property at no cost and lack the funds for development. In his
opinion, the wise and prudent fiscal approach is to set aside funds for
future development in accordance with the Parks Master Plan.
On the motion made earlier by C/Herrera, seconded by MPT/Huff, the
following Roll Call vote was taken:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Herrera, Werner, MPT/Huff,
M/Ansari
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 10
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None _
i
M/Ansari suggested that a Town Hall Meeting be held as soon as
possible between the Parks & Recreation Commission and Council
to discuss the Parks Master Plan.
7. OLD BUSINESS:
7.2 REQUEST FROM DIAMOND BAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR
CITY FUNDING - CM/BelarW stated that the Chamber of Commerce
submitted a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting
forth a proposal for provision of services, projects and other activities
by which the Chamber would provide services for and on behalf of the
City in exchange for funding in the amount of $52,450.
Art O'Daly, D.B. Chamber of Commerce, stated that he had not been
designated to represent the Chamber but it was his understanding
that the Chamber would like to have the item continued to July 16,
1996. Without objection, Council concurred.
8. NEW BUSINESS: None
RECESS: M/Ansari recessed the meeting at 10:25 p.m.
9. DIAMOND BAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING (Minutes
produced separately)
RECONVENE: M/Ansari reconvened the City Council meeting at 10:35 p.m.
7. OLD BUSINESS: (Continued)
7.1 RESOLUTION NO. 96-51: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR SETTING FORTH PERSONNEL RULES AND
REGULATIONS REGARDING THE PAYMENT OF SALARIES, SICK
LEAVE, VACATIONS, LEAVES OF ABSENCES, AND OTHER
REGULATIONS AND REPEALING RESOLUTIONS 90-45 THROUGH
90-45K - CM/Belanger gave the staff report and recommended that
all staff salary classifications receive a 3.5% cost of living salary
increase plus an increase of $50 per month in the cafeteria benefit
amount.
C/Herrera moved, WAnsari seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 96-51.
C/Wemer requested the motion be amended to split consideration of
the vote into two separate issues: 1) 3.5°% cost of living salary
increase and 2) $50 increase in the Cafeteria benefit amount.
.C/Herrera and M/Ansari concurred with the request to amend the
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 11
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motion.
MPT/Huff reiterated his preference for a 1.7°x6 cost of living increase
plus $25,000 for discretionary merit -based bonuses allocated by the
City Manager.
In response to M/Ansari, CM/Belanger stated that cost of living
increases for employees for the previous six years totaled 16.4%.
The CPI for the same period was 24.8%.
In response to C/Harmony, CM/Belanger explained that the essence
of staff s recommendation is to deal with the difference in the actual
CPI changes and the cost of living adjustments that have been
approved in previous years. The recommended 3.5% cost of living
increase represents a step in the catch up process.
C/Werner stated that due to overzealous newspaper reporting
indicating his approval of this item, he would abstain from voting on
Resolution No. 96-51 and would prefer the item be continued to a
later date.
—� C/Herrera moved, WAnsari seconded, to continue the item to July 16,
1996. With consensus of Council, the matter was continued.
7.3 FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY PROPOSAL - The Friends of the
Library indicated that it will commit $8,000 toward the renovation of
the U.B. Branch Library facility. They have asked whether the City
would be interested in joining with them in the refurbishing project.
The City's Library Services Fund has an allocation reserve for Fiscal
Year 1996-1997 of $88,000. CM/Belanger recommended that
Council consider approval of $20,000 as the City's participation in the
refurbishing project to be determined based upon the needs list
provided by the L.A. County Library District.
M/Ansari recommended further consideration of this item.
C/Harmony requested cost estimates for razing the current Library
building and constructing a new two-story structure with underground
parking.
M/Ansari moved, C/Wemer seconded, to return the item to staff, that
each Council Member submit a list of concerns, and that the Council
meet with the Friends of the Library for further discussion of this
matter. With consensus of Council, the matter was continued to a
future date.
JULY 2, 1996 PAGE 12
10. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS: C/Herrera stated that on June
7, 1996 several citizens attended an Economic Development workshop.
The City continues its efforts toward improving economic development by
attracting businesses to the community.
C/Wemer reported that several hazardous waste dump opportunities will be
available to citizens during July. Citizens may obtain site location
information from City On -Line or City Hall.
MPT/Huff suggested the formation of a community based citizen's committee
to provide input to the Parks Master Plan ad hoc subcommittee.
11. COUNCIL COMMENTS: None
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
13. CLOSED SESSION: None held.
12. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct,
M/Ansari adjourned the meeting at 11:10 p.m.
ATTEST:
Mayor
LY DA BURGESS, City Clerk -