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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/04/1997 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR FEBRUARY 4, 1997 WORK SESSION: 1997-1998 Goals and Objectives MIHuff called the Work Session to order at 5:10 p.m. in Room CC -2, SCAQMD, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. DISCUSSION OF 1997-98 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES - MPT/Herrera stated that, in the packet of information dated January 24, 1997, most of the goals had been completed or would be completed by July 1997. The list should include those goals that are incomplete and will be incomplete beyond July. FUTURE CITY HALL - CM/Belanger reported that the owners of the building being sought by the City are still too far above market price for the City to consider. Other possible buildings include the former offices of Jay Kim on Valley Vista, etc. ClHarmony asked for consideration of down -sizing --both City Hall and otherwise to save funds. CMIBelanger stated that one alternative is purchase of portable buildings. _ ClHarmony suggested making the Senior/Community Center a higher priority. He mentioned that the perception is that the City continues to build its reserves—are we not doing enough to keep up with the proposed projects for these funds. CM/Belanger stated that approx. 1l2 of these funds will be committed by the end of the year. There is approximately $10,000,000 in the General Fund which has been growing steadily but will stop when the City's subventions stop next year. ClHarmony felt that money comes in but doesn't steadily flow out --projects may not be moving as quickly as they can be. CM/Belanger stated that D.B. Blvd. will be underway soon, so will Pantera Park, and Pathfinder Rd. resurfacing and, hopefully, removal of the above- ground utilities. The 7th phase of the 7 -phase slurry seal program will be done this year. We have a pavement management program which prioritizes conditions of streets and will budget for these improvements on a priority basis. ClHarmony suggested contracting with an independent consultant to conduct a management audit of the City's contract street maintenance system. CM/Belanger explained that the Pavement Management Plan by Dwight French & Assoc. already does this. ClAnsari suggesting holding a workshop to explore what is happening with the condition of the streets. FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 2 PWD/Wentz offered to put together such a workshop and compare the County system vs. private system. C/Harmony - where do we stand on getting a back road to Diamond Ranch High School. M/Huff stated that the Goals sheet indicates July 1997. C/Harmony suggested acquisition of Eric Stone's land for a park. M/Huff suggested keeping consideration of the Truancy Ordinance open. Also pursue joint regional planning. Pull out mitigation monitoring measures for the General Plan. C/Harmony - Management study or audit of sheriffs department services (as suggested by Mike Goldenberg). MPT/Herrera - Community Volunteer Patrol expansion --to be discussed in April? CMBelanger explained that the changeover in administration at the Sheriff's station may provide for expansion for parking tickets, et al. The "dummy" patrol car has been delivered and will be towing the radar trailer. M/Huff - Suggested monthly newsletter to those who wish to have it; development of home occupation standards. C/Ansari - What is status of Larkstone Park development? Suggested consideration of a park in Sandstone Canyon. M/Huff - Parking restrictions on streets in new residential neighborhoods, such as Sun Cal. C/Ansari - Set up architectural review committee. WORK SESSION ADJOURNMENT: 6:20 p.m. 1. CLOSED SESSION: None 2. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Huff called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., in the SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ms. Wowk's Kindergarten classfrom Diamond Point Elementary School. FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 3 INVOCATION: Monsignor James J. Loughnane, V.T., St. Denis Church ROLL CALL: Council Members Ansari, Harmony, Werner, Mayor Pro Tem Herrera and Mayor Huff. Also present were: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager; Frank Usher, Assistant City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Community Development Director; George Wentz, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk. 3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 3.1 Proclaimed and endorsed "California First," the Legislative Leadership Summit sponsored by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). 3.2 Presented City Tile to Edward B. (Ted) Robinson, owner of Towne Centre Village. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Red Calkins thanked Council Member's Ansari, Harmony and Werner for voting to approve the double yellow centerline striping on Prospectors Rd. He thanked PWDIWentz and DPWDILiu for their work on the matter. He commended the Sheriffs Department for Prospectors Rd., D.B. Blvd. and Golden Springs Rd. traffic enforcement. He asked Council to recognize Sheriffs Department retirees Luter and Hensen. Jerry Hamilton thanked Council for arranging Saturday morning re- broadcasts of Council meetings. He suggested that D.B. schools use the broadcasts for civics lessons. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 HAZARDOUS WASTE ROUNDUP - Saturday, February 8, 1997 - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Mt. San Antonio College, Parking Lot B., Mt. Sac Way. 5.2 SISTER CITY DELEGATION TRIP TO SANHSIA - February 9 through February 15, 1997, 5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION - February 11, 1997 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.4 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION - February 13, 1997 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Board Hearing Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.5 PRESIDENT'S HOLIDAY - February 17, 1997 - In observance of President's Holiday, City Offices will be closed. City offices will reopen Tuesday, February 18, 1997. FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PP,G-E 4 5.6 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - February 18, 1997 - 6:30 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Werner moved, C/Ansari seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item No. 6.7. Motion carried by the following Roll Call Vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - 6.1 APPROVED MINUTES: Ansari, Harmony, Werner, MPT/Herrera, M/Huff None None 6.1.1 Town Hall Meeting of January 18, 1997 as submitted. 6.1.2 Regular Meeting of January 21, 1997 as submitted. 6.2 RECEIVED & FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular Meeting of January 14, 1997. 6.3 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated February 4, 1997 in the amount of $253,456.66. 6.4 RECEIVED & FILED TREASURER'S REPORT - December, 1996. 6.5 REJECTED CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES AND REFERRED THE MATTERS FOR FURTHER ACTION TO CARL WARREN & CO., THE CITY'S RISK MANAGER - 6.5.1 Filed by Angel Magallanes on January 14, 1997. 6.5.2 Filed by Ronni S. Levine -Hill on January 22, 1997. 6.5.3 Filed by George & Peggy Boyle on January 24, 1997. 6.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 97-10: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO PURCHASE CERTAIN ITEMS ON THE CITY'S BEHALF PURSUANT TO STATE CONTRACT NOS. 1-97-23-10 AND 1-97-23-20. MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR: 6.7 AUDIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS AT THE INTERSECTION OF PATHFINDER ROAD/BREA CANYON ROAD AND DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD/FOUNTAIN SPRINGS ROAD. C/Ansari thanked the citizen who brought this item to the City's attention, She asked citizens to advise the City of any problems FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 5 requiring attention. In response to C/Harmony, CM/Belanger explained that the audible sound frequency may be as much as 90 decibels at the signal point and reduced to about 35 decibels at approximately 45 feet. The frequency is controlled according to the ambient noise level at peak hours. The signal can be timer controlled and decibel level modulated. In response to C/Wemer, DPWD/Liu stated that the special signal will be timed in accordance with other City pedestrian signals. In response to C/Ansari, DPWD/Liu indicated that L.A. County is scheduled to complete the signalization within one month from date of approval. C/Werner moved, C/Ansari seconded, to approve installation of audible pedestrian signals at the intersection of Pathfinder Rd. /Brea Canyon Rd. and D.B. Blvd./Fountain Springs. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Harmony, Werner, MPTIHerrera, M/Huff NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 7, PUBLIC HEARINGS: None 8. OLD BUSINESS: 8.1 RESOLUTION NO. 97-11: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INSTALLING ALL -WAY STOP SIGNS AT HIGHBLUFF DRIVE AND QUAIL SUMMIT DRIVE, AT ROLLING KNOLL ROAD AND COUNTRY VIEW DRIVE, AND AT COYOTE SPRINGS DRIVE AT SAND RIDGE ROAD AND REPLACING THE EXISTING "YIELD" SIGN ON DEER CROSSING ROAD AT COUNTRY VIEW DRIVE WITH A STOP SIGN - PWD/Wentz reported that the Exhibit B cost of $4,500 does not include the Grand Ave. Noise Study. The estimated noise study cost is between $2,000 and $5,000. MIHuff summarized letters from the following residents: Debbie Holt expressed reservations about the stop sign at Quail Summit Dr. and Highbluff Dr.; Debi Haldiman opposed stop signs at Country View Dr. and Rolling Knoll Rd., and Highbluff Dr. and Quail Summit Dr.; Melinda McCoven opposed a stop sign at the intersection of Quail Summit Dr. and Highbluff Dr. FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 6 David Meyer stated that if Grand Ave. and D.B. Blvd. were operating at acceptable levels, the cut -through traffic would not be seeking alternative routes through residential neighborhoods. He agreed with the concept of improving the living environment and safety for the residents. In his opinion, if the concern is speeding vehicles, the solution is enforcement. If the problem is cut -through traffic, attention should be focused on improving the arterial highway system. He objected to the all -way stop at Roiling Knoll Rd. and Country View Dr. but agreed that a stop sign to westbound Country View Dr. traffic at the intersection of Rolling Knoll Rd. would more properly address the traffic problems. He hoped Council was not entertaining the notion of using stop signs to control speed, but suggested increased enforcement for this purpose. Jerry Hamilton favored a stop sign at Rolling Knoll Rd. and Country View Dr. for the safety of the residents. Terry Haldiman expressed concern that the intersections of Quail Summit at Highbluff and Rolling Knoll at Country View are too close to controlled intersections to warrant stop sign installations. He favored all -way stops at Country View at Deer Crossing and Coyote Springs at Sand Ridge if the neighbors feel they are warranted. — Arthur Ragazzi thanked Council for installation of mitigation measures which has significantly curtailed the cut -through traffic. The recent study revealed that the neighborhood residents account for most of the neighborhood traffic. He believed stop signs would not deter speeding motorists and favored increased enforcement in the neighborhood. In response to C/Werner, Mr. Ragazzi stated that he did not believe that speeding traffic is a bigger problem in his neighborhood than in other areas of the City. Cut -through traffic problems have been solved to the greatest extent possible. Jack Tanaka stated that the meeting agenda did not reflect the request for a 3 -way stop at Deer Crossing at Country View. He provided letters with 18 signatures from his neighbors on Country View in support of the three-way stop. M/Huff stated that neighborhood residents have told him they prefer not to have additional stop signs installed. It appears that there has been an attempt to find problems that do not exist in order to justify the Neighborhood Traffic Study. In his opinion, stop sign implementation to the degree recommended is severe. Following discussion, C/Werner moved, C/Ansari seconded, to approve installation of a 3 -way stop sign at Country View Dr. and Deer FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 7 Crossing Rd. with an effectiveness report to Council in six months from date of installation. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Harmony, Werner, MPT/Herrera, M/Huff NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None C/Harmony moved, M/Huff seconded, to install ladder -type crosswalks on Quail Summit Dr. at Winterwood Ln. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Harmony, Werner, MPT/Herrera, M/Huff NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 8.2 PROPOSAL FOR A COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC STUDY FOR THE WALNUT VALLEY AND POMONA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTS' SCHOOL SITES IN THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR. Craig Clute asked that the following items be included in the school study: L.A. County Sheriffs Department traffic enforcement, short - and long-term parking as separate items, and State supported school busing. In his opinion, stop signs with supportive enforcement mitigate speeding traffic. C/Ansari moved, MPT/Herrera seconded, to award a contract to Austin -Foust Associates, Inc. for the Walnut Valley and Pomona Unified School Districts' sites in the City in an amount not -to -exceed $17,200 ($15,200 for the study and $2,000 for a contingency for contract amendments to be approved by the City Manager). Said contract fee will be allocated from the Gas Tax funds. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS -Ansari, Harmony, Werner, MPT/ Herrera, M/Huff NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS -None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS -None 8.3 FISCAL YEAR 1996-1997 MID -YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT. Jack Gutowski stated that, in his opinion, asset confiscation money should be used to fund drug education. ClWerner moved, C/Ansari seconded, to approve the Fiscal Year 1996-1997 Mid -Year Budget Adjustment. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 8 AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Harmony, Werner, MPT/Herrera, M/Huff NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None Raul Medina thanked Council for providing additional funding for the City Anniversary celebration. 8.4 DISCUSSION OF SCULPTURE DEDICATION - The City accepted a cougar sculpture for placement at Summitridge Park. The donor has requested a dedication date of March 8, 1997. In response to C/Werner, CM/Belanger explained that all of his questions had not been answered with respect to the City's funding contribution for the pedestal. If Council wishes the sculpture to be lighted, staff will require an appropriate design. The proposed location within the park had not been considered by the Parks & Recreation Commission. In response to C/Werner, CSD/Rose reported that the Parks & Recreation Commission did not express concerns regarding a particular location within Summitridge Park. C/Werner suggested the matter be referred to the Parks & Recreation Commission. Don Schad stated that he had submitted 2 electrical plans to the City for lighting the statue. He expressed concern that the bars covering the drain under the existing monument are wide enough apart for a young person to penetrate. He indicated that because it must be remodeled to accommodate the sculpture, the electrical conduit could be cast into the base. He suggested the electrical system could run from the traffic signal control box or parking lot lights. CM/Belanger stated that staff would provide answers to C/Werner's questions including sculpture lighting costs on February 18, 1997. MPT/Herrera asked staff to address Mr. Schad's concerns regarding the flood control structure. C/Werner asked that the Parks & Recreation Commission be included in the review process. MPT/Herrera moved, ClWerner seconded, that the matter be referred to the Parks & Recreation Commission for review and recommendation and that staff report back to Council on March 4, 1997. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 9 AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Harmony, Werner, MPT/ Herrera, M/Huff NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 8.5 GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION - M/Huff read letters from Vicki Harvey, John Hoffner and Dr. Lawrence Rhodes. Wilbur Smith stated that a "no" vote is contrary to the strategies and objectives of the General Plan. In his opinion, staff and Council are not following the spirit of the General Pian. Terry Haldiman asked Council to fight for any option that would potentially alleviate the City's traffic burden. John McCaughin urged Council to support the County's purchase of the Boy Scout land. He opposed a road through Tonner Canyon. Paul Stiglich opposed a transportation corridor through Tonner Canyon. Don Schad urged Council to heed the voters who approved Proposition A funds. He asked Council to review Item C, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of the General Plan. Kay Brown supported the land purchase to preserve Tonner Canyon as a recreational area. Carolyn Elfelt said D.B. needs a regional bypass road. The City is strangling in traffic. She asked Council to vigorously pursue all options for a transportation corridor road which does not mean destroying Tonner Canyon or building a road through it. Jack Istik stated that when roads are built, development and traffic congestion follows. The Brea City Council opposes a road through Tonner Canyon. in his opinion, this issue deserves a thoughtful decision. Steve Nice stated that Supervisor Don Knabe cannot stop the land purchase and expressed concern that Council Members are attempting to influence the purchase. Belinda Faustinos, Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority, stated that Mr. Edmiston clearly stated before the City Council that he supported D.B.'s General Plan. She urged Council not to interfere with the Authority's right to negotiate for purchase of this property. FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 10 Gary Neely stated that L.A. County citizens can stop the Wildlife Authority or Mountains Recreation Conservancy land purchase by purchasing the property. He did not advocate a roadway through Tonner Canyon. Lydia Plunk pointed out inconsistencies in statements made by representatives of the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority. Nancy Wright, City of Brea Sphere of Influence member, stated that regional cut -through traffic chokes Brea streets. Brea citizens have consistently opposed projects that would generate traffic and invade Tonner Canyon. Clare Schlotterbeck, a Brea citizen and Hills for Everyone President, stated that political power is available to purchase and preserve Tonner Canyon, not for construction of Tonner Ridge Rd. In her opinion, D.B. would be making a serious mistake if it continued to impede negotiations for the purchase of the Tonner Canyon property. Al Perez stated that he disapproved of M/Huff putting pressure on Supervisor Knabe to set aside Proposition A funds. He asked that the City's General Plan be followed. Jack Gutowski stated that a road through Tonner Canyon would not relieve traffic congestion in D. B. The majority of D. B. citizens do not support any kind of development in Tanner Canyon and it is not an accurate representation of the City's General Plan to propose a road through the Canyon. Jerry Hamilton stated that the question of a bypass road should be placed on the ballot_ Raul Medina wanted traffic congestion problems solved without building a road through Tonner Canyon. MPT/Herrera said she spoke with several residents who were not able to speak at the meeting. Because this is an important issue and should be discussed further, she asked that the item be continued to February 18, 1997. C/Harmony asked about the source of funds to build a regional bypass road. As a citizen of D.B., he did not want to pay for Chino Hills' roadway. Council Members exercised unauthorized influence on Supervisor Knabe to interfere with delicate negotiations. As a result, the $10,000,000 to purchase the Canyon may be lost and no funds will be available for a bypass corridor. C/Ansari stated that she voted in favor of the adopted General Plan FEBRUARY 4, 1957 PAGE 11 and felt that she had worked hard on it. It encompassed everything that she though would be excellent in a General Plan including the Tonner Canyon roadway. She asked that Council follow the City's General Plan step by step in the development of an alternative travel corridor which was voted upon by the public. She felt that other Council Members were proactively asking for a roadway or an easement with the Supervisors involvement without the City speaking to adjoining areas. She reported that she had been on the Tonner Canyon Four Corners Committee for the last three years and no solution has come out of that. Brea does not want any roadway there. If the Council is going to implement the General Plan, then she felt that the City must monitor the traffic concerns. Both the Parsons - Brinkerhoff and DKS studies were used when the Circulation Element was prepared for the General Plan. The General Plan does not say where the road is going to be but does indicate where it is not going to be which is out of the SEA. She felt that if Council is going to proceed, then they should vote on the development of an alternative corridor. She further stated that if the road is needed in 5, 10, or 20 years, then so be it but wondered where the funding would come from. She expressed concern that the funding for the roadway would be coming from the construction of 10,000 homes to be built in Tres Hermanos. Other Council Members have suggested that the City should keep its options open because of the bypass regional road in the General Plan. The Plan also says that the City is to monitor the other traffic areas. The City is also supposed to meet with officials from Orange and San Bernardino Counties and that has not been done. She stated that she would vote against any motion that would select one area of the General Plan without looking at all of the elements of the Plan. C/Werner stated that the City is not involved in the Tonner Canyon land purchase negotiation. L.A. County has the money, D.B. does not. Anything beyond support of the City's General Plan violates the spirit and intent of the citizens' wishes. M/Huff stated that he and the City are not negotiating the purchase of Tonner Canyon land. The attempt is to protect the City's options as they exist in the General Plan. The road under discussion is a ridgeline road that would not be visible to residents of D.B. The proposed roadway will not connect to D.B. and will not impact the City's traffic. The roadway exit would exist prior to D.B. City limits and may accommodate 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles daily that would otherwise cut through D.B. The opportunity exists to set the area aside as open space and have real traffic relief. A traffic corridor can be environmentally sensitive. Unlike Carbon Canyon Rd., the proposed roadway would also alleviate traffic congestion on Brea streets. FEBRUARY 4, 1997 PAGE 12 C/Ansari stated that the she had no prior knowledge of the letter just received which was addressed to her, of which all Council Members received copies. She suggested that Council strictly follow the letter of the General Plan. MPT/Herrera moved, ClWerner seconded, to continue the matter to February 18, 1997. Motion carried by the following Roll Cali vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Werner, MPT/Herrera, MIHuff NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Harmony ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 9. NEW BUSINESS: None RECESS: MIHuff recessed the City Council meeting at 11:10 p.m. to open the Redevelopment Agency meeting. RECONVENE: MIHuff reconvened the City Council meeting at 11:12 p.m. 10. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS: None 11, COUNCIL COMMENTS: C/Ansari stated that although the Council may disagree on issues, healthy discussion is productive. 12. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None 13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, MIHuff adjourned the meeting at 11:13 p. m. +LYDABURGESS, City Clerk ATTEST: M r