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