HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/1996 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
AUGUST 20, 1996
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Ansari called the meeting to order
at 6:39 p.m. in the SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond
Bar, California.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Don
Gravdahl
ROLL CALL: Council Members Harmony, Herrera,
Werner, Mayor Pro Tem Huff, Mayor
Ansari.
Also present were: Frank Usher, Assistant City Manager; Amanda Susskind,
Assistant City Attorney; James DeStefano, Community Development
Director, David Liu, Deputy Director of Public Works; Bob Rose, Community
Services Director. and Tommye Nice, Deputy City Clerk.
ACA/Susskind reported that the City Council met in Closed Session at 5:30
p.m. in Room CC -8 to discuss existing litigation pursuant to Government
Code 54956.9 (a) in the case of City of Diamond Bar v. Days Inn of the West,
Inc., et al. No final action was taken. Direction was given to staff.
3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
3.1 Presented Certificates of Recognition to the D.B. Library "Reading
Program" participants.
3.2 Presented City Tile to the City of Walnut in recognition of its efforts to
relocate the City of Industry Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).
3.3 Presented Certificates of Appreciation to the City's Material Recovery
Facility (MRF) Committee for its efforts in relocating the City of
Industry MRF.
RECESS: M/Ansari recessed the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
RECONVENE: M/Ansari reconvened the meeting at 7:32 p.m.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Dr. Lawrence Rhodes asked that Council censure the Council Member who
referred to "those people" in the back of the room stating they were racist
during the August 6 meeting. He further asked that the four non -offending
members write a letter of apology and direct the offending member to write
a letter of apology. He requested that the parliamentarian also be censured.
AUGUST 20, 1996
PAGE 2
Oscar Law asked for action with respect to the parking dilemma at Heritage
Park on Brea Canyon Rd.
Beverly Fleming expressed concern regarding the use of residential homes
in her neighborhood as fraternity houses, multiple family dwellings and
healthcare facilities.
Don Gravdahlthanked D.B. residents and Assemblyman Miller for
��
participating in Stop the MRF".
Martha Bruske, 600 S. Great Bend Dr., referred to an article published in the
Daily Bulletin on August 19, 1996 entitled More Funding Sought for Diamond
Bar." She took exception vm�t� thapt Counci give average
consideration household
the Citys
figure of $95,027. She req
current businesses before targeting new businesses.
Debby O'Connor, Bower Cascade PI., thanked the City for recognizing the
City of Industry MRWvolunteers. phe asked for approval of a stop sign on
Minnequa Dr. at Bo
Red Calkins also expressed concern regarding the Daily Bulletin article
published on August 9, 1996.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 CONCERT IN THE PARK (Last in Series)- p UST8 , p,
pm.
PANDEMONIUM (Steel Drum/Calypso) -
Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Dr.
RECREATION COMMISSION - AUGUST 22,
1996 - 7:00
5.2. PARKS &p.m., SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21685 E. Copley Dr.
5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION - (DEVELOPMENT CODE) - AUGUST 26,
1996 - 7:00 P.M., SCAL DAQYM Auditorium,
Septembe 21865
E
5. Copley Dr.
.4 LABOR DAY HO City offices will be
pen Tuesday,
3.
closed. offices
TING September 3, 1996 6x:30 p.m�., SCAQMD
5.5 CITY COUNCIL MEE
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.6 TOWN HALL MEETING
COMMISSION (Parks ter Plan) -October 2, RECREATION996 QMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Herrera moved, MPT/Huff
seconded to approve Consent Calendar with the exception of items 6.3 and
6.4. With the following RQII Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony,,' Herrera,
Werner,
MPT/HuffNOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
AUGUST 20, 1996 PAGE 3
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
6.1.1 Special Meeting of May 29, 1996 -As submitted.
6.1.2 Regular Meeting of August 6, 1995 - As submitted.
6.2 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER dated August 20, 1996 in the
amount of $326,130.56.
6.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 96-58: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR EXPRESSING
SUPPORT OF AB 1647 (BUSTAMANTE).
MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
6.3 PLAN CHECK CHECKING SERVICES TO CHARLES ABBOTT
ASSOCIATES FOR VESTING TENTATIVE MAP 32400/52203
IMPROVEMENT PLANS AND FINAL MAPS - In response to
C/Harmony, ACM/Usher stated that Council's direction with respect to
contract rotation was relative to projects under staffs jurisdiction
between $1 and $10,000. Firms awarded contracts in excess of
$10,000 approved by Council, would be evaluated by staff on their
ability to perform the work in question. Staffs conclusion is that
Charles Abbott Assoc. is the firm most qualified to handle the
geological and geotechnical issues related to this proposed tract.
M/Ansari concurred with C/Harmony's concern for rotation and that
RKA has.not been awarded as many contracts as other companies.
She indicated it appears the Council's wishes were not carried out in
this instance and she wanted to make sure that the City was being fair
in awarding these contracts.
ACM/Usher responded that he understood that RKA would be the
next firm selected for a contract award between $5,000 and $10,000.
In response to Merrier, ACMNsher responded that although no bid
was sought, staff considered rates charged for specifices Of work
was
related to the issues of concern regarding the specific tract.
most concerned about the firm's qualifications to perform the specific
work involved relative to the tract development. The City has received
the developer's deposit and has expressed no opposition to use of
Charles Abbott Associates. All costs will be assumed by the
developer.
Responding to M/Ansari, ACM/Usher stated that including an RFP in
the process would delay the project approximately one month.
Responding to C/Harmony, ACA/Susskind stated that the Code
requires bidding of purchase of equipment and services over $10,000.
She agreed that in the case of services paid as a result of set
AUGUST 20, 1996 PAGE 4
resolution fees, it is pointless to have a bid procedure.
C/Harmony felt that if the Council approved this contract award, it
would be violating the City's Purchasing Ordinance.
C/Herrera opposed continuing this item. The matter of rotation is an
item for another discussion. Staff made a recommendation based
upon their knowledge of the consultant's expertise in this specific
matter.
C/Herrera moved, MPT/Huff seconded, to award plan checking
services
Ac2no plans$49,470-19.
maps
s to
Chars Abbott in an amount not to xceed
MPT/Huff stated that the intent of the previous Council, as he
understood it, was to have a systematic rotation of these consultants.
He pointed out that Charles Abbott Assoc. was second to the last in
amount of contracts received through this system in the lower tier
jobs. He agreed that there seemed to be minor inequities; however,
there was no need to continue this matter to the next meeting.
Motion failed by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony, M/Ansari
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Werner
C/Wemer moved, M/Ansari seconded, to continue -the item to
September 3, 1996. With the following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony, Herrera, Werner,
M/Ansari
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - MPT/Huff
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 96-59: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INSTALLING A
STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTING LEG OF MINNEQUA AND
BOWER CASCADE PLACE - C/Wemer asked for clarification
whether the stop sign proposed to be installed is consistent with
proper traffic engineering policies.
DPW/ Liu responded affirmatively.
CWemer then clarified whether the stop sign was proposed by Ms.
Debbie O'Connor anCd/or by others in the neighborhood.
DPW/Liu indicated that several neighbors in the area have expressed
AUGUST 20, 1996 PAGE 5
interest in the installation of a stop sign at the location proposed.
C/Werner moved, M/Ansari seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 96-59
approving installation of a stop sign at the intersecting leg of
Minnequa Drive at Bower Cascade Place. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony, Herrera, Werner,
MPT/Huff, M/Ansari
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
8. OLD BUSINESS: None
4. CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC COMMENTS: Paul Gonzales, CalTrans
District VIII, San Bernardino, indicated that Public Hearings will be held at
Prado Elementary School, August 28, and Prado Regional Park, August 29
from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. regarding the Riverside portion of the SR 71
closure scheduled for June 15 through October 15, 1997. CalTrans will not
T designate Grand Ave. as a detour during this project. The main detour route
proposed is Euclid Ave. from Chino and Chino Hills.
M/Ansari asked what guarantees CalTrans can make that Chino and Chino
Hills residents will not use Grand Ave. as a detour.
Mr. Gonzales responded that there are no guarantees.
In response to C/Harmony, Mr. Gonzales explained that the Riverside
closure area extends from Euclid Ave. to the SR 71/SR 91 interchange (the
Butterfield Ranch development south to the 91 fwy). The San Bernardino
detour will begin December, 1996 and continue until the Riverside closure.
C/Wemer asked what guarantees CalTrans can make if the issue of access
via Diamond Bar's Grand Ave. is raised as a mitigation solution to traffic
backup from the closure of the SR 71, whether CalTrans would indicate that
such a mitigation is not available.
In response, Mr. Gonzales explained that the EIR is the subject of a public
hearing. If a change is suggested that the City would be noted and would
have an opportunity to rebut the suggested change.
C/Wemer suggested that staff attend the scheduled public hearings for the
purpose of monitoring the possibility of Grand Ave. being added to the detour
plans as an interim mitigation measure.
Gary Neely asked Mr. Gonzales to have the "Chino Hills Next Exit" signs on
AUGUST 20, 1996 PAGE 6
the north and south SR 57 and SR 60 interchange at Grand Ave. removed.
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.1 STANDARD AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR HOUSE NUMBER
PAINTING - ACM/Usher explained that the City can require a
contractor to print their City Permit number and City Hall telephone
number for confirmation on the resident's notification.
Upon approval,
notice of the new program will be printed in the City's newsletter and
indicated on City -On -Line.
in response to C/Harmony, DPW/Liu stated that staff reviewed the
programs for Alhambra, West Covina and L.A. County and
recommended that a $1,000 deposit is reasonable for the permittee
based upon �ntcipateda The applicant
1euired to provide
the City with
es and heumber_ofesidenceswhen
applying for the permit.
C/Harmony stated that he was concerned about creating a hardship
on a marginal industry.
ACM/Usher reported that 3 organizations outside D.B. have indicated
an interest in performing the work.
In response to C/Wemer, DPW/Liu stated that about two months ago,
staff received approximately 10 complaints from citizens in each area.
The City has no knowledeet ne or umber) panting sbnce nor of sldences that
permit was
were contacted for
obtained.
In response to MPT/Huff, ACM/Usher explained that firms usually ask
$6.8 per residence for painting street numbers on the curb. A million
dollar liability policy requirement is not unusual or exceptional. Cities
must be provided adequate liability coverage by anyone conducting
work in the public right-of-way.
C/Herrera asked if the $1,000 deposit would be returned upon
satisfactory completion of work.
ACM/Usher stated that staff time for inspection work would be
charged against the deposit. The balance will be returned to the
permittee. The policy provides that the permittee must paint all
numbers within a zone with payment by the homeowner/resident
being voluntary.
Dr. Rhodes recommended street number painting for commercial
business and that the City consider painting house numbers on a
certain number of roofs for visibility by helicopter patrol.
AUGUST 20, 1996 PAGE 7
Mrs. Bruske suggested the City maintain and pay for the street
numbering service.
Mr. Van Winkle echoed Mrs. Bruske's suggestion.
C/Wemer stated that the staff proposal was a "bureaucratic overkill"
of an issue and a business that should not be subject to such stiff and
expensive fees and regulations. He indicated that there are many
local service clubs that are available in the City and that could benefit
from the revenues that can be generated by this service. He further
indicated that local service clubs cannot afford the expensive liability
insurance or the $1,000 permit fee that is being required by this
proposal. C/Wemer moved to continue the item for additional
information. Motion died for lack of a second.
M/Ansad moved, C/Hemsra seconded, to approve the Standards and
Specifications for House Number Painting with Council review of the
program one year from date of approval. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony, Herrera, MPT/Huff,
-- M/Ansari
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Werner
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
9.2 ORDINANCE NO. 03(1996): AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AMENDING CHAPTER
2.04 OF TITLE 2 OF THE DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO RUNOFF ELECTIONS - C/Wemer stated that he felt
that the language in the Ordinance was not clear enough and
requested that it be more clearly defined.
M/Ansari moved, MPT/Huff seconded, to waive further reading and
introduce Ordinance No. 03(1996), amending Chapter 2.04 of Title 2
of the Municipal Code relating to runoff elections. Further, that the City
Attorney review the Ordinance and amend the wording. With the
following Roll Call vote, motion carried:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Harmony, Herrera, Werner
MPT/Huff, M/Ansari
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
RECESS: M/Ansari recessed the City Council meeting at 9:38 p.m. in
order to convene the Redevelopment Agency meeting.
RECONVENE: M/Ansari reconvened the City Council meeting at 9:44 p.m.
AUGUST 20, 1996 PAGE 8
10. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS: C/Herrera announced that
she would graduate from the City Council Sherifrs Academy during
ceremonies at the Contract City's meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 1996
at Peter J. Pitches Honor Ranch.
MPT/Huff reported that work is in progress to complete the proposed Truancy
Ordinance for presentation to Council. The City will hold signing ceremonies
for Shanshia, Taiwan, Sister City representatives on September 4 from 9:30
to 10:30 a.m. in the SCAQMD Auditorium. The D.B. Sister City Committee
will host a dinner. Contact Mr. Callard for tickets.
C/Werner indicated that the Chamber of Commerce Board is interested in
maintaining communication with the City.
M/Ansari stated that she attended the "California First" meeting on August
19. Ten Congress members were present. She announced that on
Saturday, August 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Pomona Valley
Humane Society will hold a "Pet Fair".
12. COUNCIL COMMENTS: C/Werner stated that he had
received an E -Mail regarding "overnight parking on residential streets" which
referenced the fact that there are no L.A. County regulations regarding --
parking and overnight occupancy of recreational vehicles on residential
streets. He suggested that staff present an "Overnight Parking" report to
Council for consideration. He further stated that he has heard discussions
around town that staff is preparing a draft overnight parking ordinance for
presentation to the Traffic & Transportation Commission. He asked for an
explanation from staff as to who directed staff to prepare such an ordinance
and why the matter is scheduled before the Traffic & Transportation
Commission.
CM/Belanger explained that the issue first came up before the City Council
when a local resident complained to the Council during public comments
about commercial vehicles being parked on the street in her neighborhood.
He further stated that independent of the complaint mentioned, that the
Traffic & Transportation Commission has received several additional
complaints and a petition. The Commission requested staff to schedule the
matter for their review and consideration.
In response to M/Ansari, CDD/DeStefano stated that, as a result of public
input, Council held a discussion concerning overnight parking on residential
streets about 2-4 weeks ago. Council directed staff to draft an Overnight
Parking Ordinance. DPW/Liu anticipated a Traffic & Transportation
Commission discussion regarding the matter in September with a
recommendation forwarded to Council for deliberation.
In response to C/Werner's request, Council directed staff to prepare an
issues and alternatives statement for presentation to the City Council for its
AUGUST 20, 1996 PAGE 9
review.
In response to M/Ansari, Kellee Fritzal, Asst. to/CM, explained that when
citizens experience major skunk problems, they should contact Anne
Haraksin, Administrative Assistant, at (909) 860-2489, Ext. 235.
MPT/Huff referred to the unsightly slopes along D.B. Blvd. north of Grand
Ave. A recent fire points out that residents should be nstactiv proper
e about
eliminating brush and other fire hazards. He suggested
landscaping to mitigate the hazards.
13. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None
14: ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to
conduct, M/Ansari adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m.
ATTEST:
Mayor
TOMWE A. W.CE,
Deputy City Cle►1