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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/21/1998 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION SCHOOL TRAFFIC STUDY CITY MANAGER EVALUATION PROCESS APRIL 21, 1998 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera called the meeting to order at 4:12 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Room CC -2, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. Present: Council Members Ansari, Huff, O'Connor, Mayor Pro Tem Chang and Mayor Herrera. Also present were: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Deputy Director of Public Works, Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Mike Nelson, Communications & Marketing Director; Linda Magnuson, Assistant Finance Director and Tommye Nice, Deputy City Clerk. 2. SCHOOL TRAFFIC STUDY: CM/Belanger stated that the purpose of this study session is to give uninterrupted focus time for Council to make comments and present questions and suggestions for the School Traffic Study recommendations. The matter will be continued to the May 5, 1998 Council meeting for discussion and action. DDPW/Liu presented an overview of the School Traffic Study project and introduced Cathy Lawrence, Austin -Foust Associates, Inc., who explained the study's recommendations and related costs. C/O'Connor said she met with DDPW/Liu and received answers to her questions and comments which included the following: Concerned that some of the resident's comments and concerns were not addressed. 2. How could the consultant get an adequate feeling for the concerns and problems at school sites with one or two hour on-site sessions? 3. Regarding white curbing with posted "No Parking During School Hours" signs, she stated that a white curb is for loading and unloading. If painting curbs white means that during evening hours and on weekends vehicles cannot park in the white curb area, then she would not support the recommendation to paint the curbs white. 4. Concerned that recommendations for Diamond Point Elementary School on Page 3 do not include a crossing guard. APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 2 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 5. Has the Deputy Sheriffs motorcycle officer program been implemented and if so, how often he is visiting the schools? (See Page 1.2 of the Introduction) DIAMOND BAR HIGH SCHOOL 6. C/O'Connor expressed concern about the fact that residents and their visitors and repair service personnel cannot park in front of their homes in the Diamond Bar High School vicinity because of the "One - Hour Parking" restriction. Believed that the City should immediately consider a permit process for affected residents. 7. Requested an update on the effectiveness of the opening of the Brea Canyon Rd. bus ingress/egress for exiting passenger vehicles. DDPW/Liu responded that the recommendation is to provide both ingress and egress. However, egress is being permitted on a trial basis only due to current pavement markings. This will be monitored until it is determined that a change needs to be initiated. It appears that the traffic flow is improving as a result and that people are getting used to the egress. Due to the number of accidents, the school has determined that they prefer not to open the bus entrance to provide ingress for passenger vehicle traffic. 8. Disagreed with the study's conclusion No. 3 to recommend diagonal parking on Brea Canyon Rd. due to safety concerns and site distance concerns for vehicles exiting left from Diamond Bar High School onto Brea Canyon Rd. DDPW/Liu explained that several issues need to be studied prior to installation of diagonal parking on Brea Canyon Rd., such as site visibility and safety concerns that would be addressed in a speed study for Brea Canyon Rd. C/Huff stated that he would like to see diagonal parking recommended for both sides of Brea Canyon Rd, which he believed would tend to slow the traffic and gain parking spaces for the high school. DDPW/Liu indicated that staff is concerned about the business area along the west side of Brea Canyon Rd. and the current two-hour parking restriction during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. If diagonal parking is provided to accommodate high school students, the sites will be used by businesses. C/O'Connor felt it was important that high school students not be APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 3 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION encouraged to jaywalk by placing diagonal parking along the west side of Brea Canyon Rd. 9. Suggested adding Recommendation No. 7 for Diamond Bar High School to include permit parking for residents. In response to CM/Belanger, DDPW/Liu stated that D.B.H.S. is the only school site that has a "One -Hour Parking" restriction in adjacent residential areas. M/Herrera asked if D.B.H.S. can provide incentives and promote car pooling. DDPW/Liu explained that staff spoke to high school officials about providing incentives for busing, but not car pooling. Currently, there are only about 190 on-site parking spaces provided for seniors. The school population exceeds 3,000. Most of the vehicles parked in residential areas belong to senior students. Carpooling can be suggested to the school district as a matter of policy. If Council wishes to include this recommendation, staff can discuss the matter with the school district. C/O'Connor and M/Herrera recommended that seniors be offered the incentive to park in the school parking lot only when they utilize carpooling which would reduce the number of vehicles on site. DDPW/Liu stated that, upon approval by Council, the schools will distribute information to the students regarding the proposed improvements. C/Huff asked if the study encourages pickup and dropoff on the Brea Canyon side of the high school rather than on the Evergreen Springs Dr. side where residences are located. Cathy Lawrence responded that the study recommends greater use of Brea Canyon Rd. by increasing the parking. The study did not specifically address the creation of a loading and unloading zone. C/Huff said that he would like to see a provision for encouraging loading and unloading on the Brea Canyon Rd. side as opposed to the Evergreen Springs Dr. side. DDPW/Liu indicated that some residents recommended closing the Evergreen Springs Dr. school entrance and creation of a parking prohibition for high school students on the neighboring streets. C/Huff reiterated his concern for a solution to encourage students to APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 4 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION park in the Brea Canyon Rd. area rather than in the residential areas M/Herrera said that, years ago, the State's concept was to locate schools sporadically throughout neighborhoods so that children living in those neighborhoods would be able to easily walk to school. C/Huff stated "it's not cool to ride the bus." If there were no cost to students, it is likely more students would ride the bus. DDPW/Liu explained that by opening up the bus entrance to vehicular traffic, some of the loading and unloading will occur within the school parking lot with vehicles exiting onto Brea Canyon Rd. and proceeding to Pathfinder Rd. He suggested that staff continue to monitor the effectiveness of this mitigation measure. If the measure is not effective, staff will investigate the feasibility of a second location for the high school. There are insufficient parking spaces at the current location to accommodate the current student population. C/Huff recommended consideration of a satellite parking structure with shuttle service to and from the school. CHAPARRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL: C/O'Connor referred Council to a letter from Gary Werner stating his comments and echoing her concerns that parents view school activities in a way that differs from what the consultant observed. The elimination of traffic through the school parking lot eliminated a good portion of the school's problems. However, it did not alleviate the problem on the City's streets. She believed Council should consider the impact on the neighboring residents as well as the safety of the students. She took exception to the consultant's statement "that complaints received regarding u -turns and double parking appear to be more a holdover from yeaFs past when access circulation dropoff/pickup was a much more serious problem than exists today." How does the consultant know that this is the case when he observed the school for one day. She stated that Mr. Werner's letter addresses the fact that the problem still exists. With respect to the parking lot speed humps and Dr. Hockwalt's comments that they are too high, although she does not know from a traffic engineer's perspective whether they are too high, she is very concerned about the children's safety - particularly on Saturdays - and she would not like to have them removed. C/Ansari explained that, on a recent visit to the school, she observed that parents speed up and go around the speed humps. She said she is also concerned about the children's safety if the speed humps are removed, especially on the weekends. APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 5 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION C/O'Connor stated that during school hours, the parking lot is full and the speed humps are not a problem. However, the City needs to look at the situation under other circumstances such as when the school is used for weekend activities. She stated that she did not see the issue raised by concerned residents who wanted a crosswalk on Ironbark Dr. and a "No U- turn" at Aspen Knoll Dr. addressed by the consultant. DDPW/Liu responded that he believed "No U-turn" signs would be appropriate at Aspen Knoll Dr. With respect to the suggestion for a crosswalk, the consultant was concerned that installation might create a false sense of security for pedestrians. Further, although the speed humps are on school property and under the jurisdiction of the school district, if it is Council's wish, staff will relay the concerns regarding the children's safety if speed humps are removed. M/Herrera reiterated her explanation that speed humps were originally installed to prevent drag racing in the parking lot in response to concerns expressed by neighboring residents. She stated that the speed humps are high and it may be better if the height is reduced rather than eliminating them. C/Huff agreed that speed humps should remain in the parking lot. MPT/Chang said he also believed the speed humps should not be removed. C/Ansari thought perhaps the speed humps need to remain in the parking lot. Perhaps they are not the proper size or height. M/Herrera asked for comments regarding enforcement. C/Ansari said she would like to have enforcement on the street and that tickets should be given out for illegal U-turns. In response to C/O'Connor, CM/Belanger explained that the cost to hire a designated school traffic enforcement officer would be about $116,000 per year for one 40 -hour car. C/O'Connor believed that a uniformed person located in the school area would greatly improve compliance at school sites and reiterated her suggestion to have the Senior Patrol stationed at school sites during peak traffic hours to promote compliance. CM/Belanger stated the solution may be to engage civilians that are not associated with the Sheriffs Department to perform certain types of activities. M/Herrera suggested that Council request that the Walnut Valley and APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 6 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION Pomona School Districts request their respective sheriffs and police personnel to be present and active during opening and closing of school sessions. DDPW/Liu responded to C/O'Connor's question about having crossing guards located at schools for grades other than warranted K-6 (Page III -7). It is correct that the CalTrans criteria provides that crossing guards are to be provided for school ages K-6. However, other age groups may be provided crossing guard services and cited the fact that Lorbeer Middle School has a crossing guard. C/Huff asked if the study contemplated placing a stop sign at the intersection of Pecan Grove Dr. and Mountain Laurel Wy. DDPW/Liu explained that warrant studies were conducted for Spruce Tree Dr. at Mountain Laurel Wy., Aspen Knoll at Spruce Tree Dr. and Ironbark Dr. at Spruce Tree Dr. C/Huff explained why it is difficult for motorists to get back out onto Mountain Laurel Wy. from Spruce Tree Dr. during peak hours and asked for reconsideration of a stop sign at Pecan Grove Dr. at Mountain Laurel Wy. in spite of the fact that it is not warranted. C/O'Connor asked if it is possible to place a temporary stop sign at that location during school hours. CM/Belanger said it can be done, but the Sheriffs Department may not be able to issue enforceable tickets for non-compliance. DDPW/Liu stated that staff can research this method of mitigation to see how it has worked in other communities. C/O'Connor liked the idea of using cones where crossing guards are located. CM/Belanger responded that by using unwarranted signage, signals and crossing guards, the City expands the scope of its liability. DDPW/Liu asked Council concurrence to direct staff to investigate the feasibility of a stop sign installation at Pecan Grove Dr. and Mountain Laurel Wy. In response to C/Huff, DDPW/Liu explained that the study includes accident history as it relates to reported accidents only. LORBEER MIDDLE SCHOOL APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 7 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION C/O'Connor reiterated her concern about removing the red curbing so that the street can be used for parking during evening and weekend events. She suggested that right turn only indicators be painted on the parking lot surface and enforcement be recommended instead of installing a left turn barrier which would significantly reduce the cost. M/Herrera asked for consensus on the white curb issue. DDPW/Liu explained that in conjunction with the white curbing, signage will be installed to indicate "Passenger Loading and Unloading Only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on schooldays only." Council concurred to remove the red curbing and install signage and "right turn only" indicators. SOUTH POINT MIDDLE SCHOOL CWBelanger spoke about the secondary access road (Diamond Lane) which will encourage residents who live toward Walnut and in the neighborhood to use the road instead of proceeding up to Black Hawk Dr. In addition, the school buses will use the new access road. The new access road should change the impacts that are occurring on Larkstone Dr., Black Hawk Dr. and Lemon Ave. In response -to C/O'Connor, CM/Belanger reported that the new access road will be open prior to the September, 1998 school session. DDPW/Liu referred the Council to Page V -t of the study which discusses an upgrade to the pedestrian opening and stated that a traffic signal can be installed at the location by September, 1998. ARMSTRONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL C/O'Connor stated she would like to have the white curb removed as long as signage is provided. Council concurred. CASTLE ROCK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL C/O'Connor asked about parents' concerns about moving the crossing guard on Brea Canyon Rd. and Cold Springs Ln. to Castle Rock and Cold Springs. DDPW/Liu responded that the consultant reviewed the intersection of Brea Canyon Road and Cold Springs Lane and found that it did not meet the warrant criteria for a crossing guard. C/O'Connor said she believes the warrant study requirements are quite high APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 8 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION in this state and she is more concerned about pedestrian safety. DDPW/Liu responded to CM/Belanger that the cost of a crossing guard is about $5,500 per intersection per year. The current budget of $55,000 covers 11 intersections. He indicated that tonight's City Council meeting agenda includes a recommendation of the budgeting of $60,000 for 12 intersections for the 1998/1999 fiscal year. Castle Rock Rd. and Cold Springs Ln. is statistically warranted for a crossing guard. C/O'Connor suggested that parents be polled to determine if they would like to have the crossing guard removed or an additional crossing guard installed at Brea Canyon Rd. and Cold Springs Ln. In response to C/Huff, DDPW/Liu indicated that staff will be conducting a speed survey along Brea Canyon Rd. in connection with the street improvement project. CM/Belanger explained that this recommendation was in part based upon economy. Therefore, Council needs to determine if it is worth the $5,500 expenditure to retain the Brea Canyon Rd. crossing guard and have 2 guards instead of 1. At C/Huffs suggestion, Council concurred with the school's recommendation. DIAMOND POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL C/O'Connor asked that the following statement be removed from Page I: "Granted there may be a 15 minute period of congestion, but the complaint of jaywalking was not particularly evident. The school stressed that students be escorted by parents if they are crossing the street to get to cars waiting on the opposite side of Sunset Crossing Road." She said that this is an incorrect statement. In no way does the school encourage students to cross mid -block. She has discussed this matter with the school's principal and she wants the statement removed from the study. There was consensus to remove the statement. M/Herrera stated that if the statement is incorrect, she would support its removal. EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL C/O'Connor said that during workshops, there was considerable discussion about changing the configuration of the school's parking lot. There is no recommendation in the school traffic study. She suggested that a recommendation be include to provide for expansion of the circular drive and the parking lot. APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 9 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION CM/Belanger suggested that the consultant speak with school officials and suggest recommending constructing a bus turnout at the westerly end of the parking lot where two buses could be stacked. He believed the site distance causes most of the problems for vehicular traffic. In addition, there should be some thought given to a set traffic pattern for the buses. MPT/Chang said that there is a small piece of grassy area that could be converted to a parking area and accommodate two buses. In this way, children could walk along the sidewalk that is adjacent to the school and not encounter street traffic. C/O'Connor referred Council to a comment made by Joe Foust during the June 12, 1997 Traffic & Transportation Commission meeting that no recommendations would be made unless the school approved them. She said that the circumstances may be that he had a recommendation for this school which school officials did not approve and; therefore, he did not include it in his recommendations. She felt that the parameters of the study should not include school officials' concurrence, but that all recommendations should be forwarded by the consultant. At that point, it would be up to Council to encourage schools to fully participate in the recommended changes. MPT/Chang suggested, as an alternative, that the grassy area could be converted to a teacher only parking lot so that school buses could enter the parking lot area for pickup and dropoff. Although teachers may object because it is a greater distance for them to transport their materials, he believed the safety of the children is more important than teachers' convenience. C/O'Connor indicated that the parents' suggestion for "No U-turn" signs did not appear to be included in the consultant's recommendations. She asked if the recommendation to "paint knuckle curve red to prohibit parking" is addressing the issue of the fire hydrant located across from the school. M/Herrera responded affirmatively. C/O'Connor reiterated her recommendation to reconstruct the Evergreen Elementary School parking area. M/Herrera recommended that the consultant speak with the principal once again to attempt to arrange a compromise for parking on the grassy area. CMBelanger asked if Council would like permit parking considered for this area.. He recommended that Council consider whether they would encourage a one-way traffic pattern at the school during dropoff/pickup hours. APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 10 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION Council concurred to direct staff and the consultant to reconsider alternative recommendations for Evergreen Elementary School. QUAIL'SUMMIT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL C/Huff commented that no recommendations have been made for this school because it is undergoing current reconstruction in the parking area. As it is contemplated, vehicles proceeding from D.B. Blvd. toward Quail Summit Dr. will proceed to the existing lot, turn around, dropoff/pickup and leave, and motorists proceeding north on Quail Summit Dr. will enter the second lot, turn around, dropoff/pickup and leave. CM/Belanger stated that the Quail Summit Elementary School Principal does not support student dropoff/pickup on Forest Canyon Dr. because there is insufficient parking in the Paul C. Grow Park parking lot and there is a concern that Forest Canyon Dr. cannot accommodate additional traffic. C/Huff believed that the Forest Canyon Dr. side of the school is much safer for dropoff/pickup than Quail Summit Dr. because there is less traffic. Jerry Hamilton, 1429 Copper Mountain Dr., said this matter is as important as the Development Code currently under consideration by the City. He did not find any reference to anticipated school population increase in the report. Quail Summit Elementary School will add 60-90 students, which may similarly impact the number of vehicles at the school site. Instead of a bandaid approach, the increase should be considered at this time with improvements projected to accommodate the growth. Traffic signal installation at Quail Summit Dr. and D.B. Blvd. will mean more traffic on Quail Summit Dr. In response to C/Huff, DDPW/Liu explained that the consultant's report recommends that if the current improvements do not accommodate the vehicular traffic, that consideration be given to implementation of a second dropoff/pickup operation in the new parking lot and to initiate a curbside dropoff/pickup operation on the north side of Forest Canyon. With respect to Mr. Hamilton's comments, the information provided by the school district indicates that with the recent expansion, the school anticipates 50 additional students. CM/Belanger asked if traffic counts were done at the right hand turns at Rolling Knoll Rd. and Countryview Dr. during the morning periods to determine how much traffic is coming to the school site from the Summitridge Dr./Longview Dr. area. DDPW/Liu did not believe that this information was included as part of the study. APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 11 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION GOLDEN SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL C/O'Connor stated that there were concerns expressed by parents which were not addressed in the study. Regarding a statement on X-4 indicating that parents currently pickup students at the back of the school, numerous comments were made by parents that disagreed with the statement. Another statement indicated that "school staff indicates they have requested a crossing guard for EI Encino Dr. but were told that each school gets only one" which we know is not true - the City has no such policy. She recommended that Council forward a letter to the school indicating that this is not a City policy, and that the requirement for school crossing guards is based on warrant studies. She was concerned about a statement on Page 5 for a consultant to say "of course, this raises the chicken and egg question." She did not believe it was appropriate for this type of statement to be included in the report. (The reference is to putting in a crossing guard and people will use it) The study contains the statement that "the parents' reluctance to use the street (EI Encino Dr.) may simply be a lack of any adult supervision;" however, parents who spoke at the Traffic & Transportation Commission Meeting and Mr. Steve Tye's letter indicate parents do use that exit. This school may require further consideration. AYSO also uses the EI Encino Dr. access area when they play soccer at the school. The school district requested a new ladder -type crosswalk. She asked if a sign will be posted. DDPW/Liu responded that when the City installs a ladder crosswalk, a sign must be erected to supplement the pavement markings. He indicated that language will be included with the recommendation for the crosswalk that signage will be posted. In response to C/O'Connor, DDPW/Liu indicated that the recommended improvements included within the report with which the school districts and school officials have concurred will be paid for by the school districts upon approval by the school board, with the exception of Diamond Bar High School. C/Huff said he received a letter from Al Rumpilla which indicates parents dropoff and pickup students in front of his house because they are prohibited from dropoff and pickup on Golden Springs Dr. M/Herrera stated this matter will be continued to the May 5, 1998 study session for purposes of discussing Maple Hills Elementary School and Walnut Elementary School. She reminded staff about the requested changes to the report and requested that the consultant continue to talk with a couple of the schools. MPT/Chang said that the recommended changes for the schools are good APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 12 COUNCIL STUDY SESSION minor fixes. However, major traffic problems will continue to exist. He suggested that if school bus fees were reasonable and parents could afford to transport their children in this manner, it would relieve much of the traffic problem. M/Herrera responded that it is the philosophy of the school board not to spend any education dollars for transportation. A school district is obligated to provide education and not obligated to provide transportation. When providing transportation as a convenience, the amount students are charged is the total amount of what it costs the school district for buses, maintenance and personnel based upon the number of riders. If the cost is lowered, it means the money is taken away from the classroom budget. 3. CITY MANAGER EVALUATION PROCESS: M/Herrera distributed City Manager evaluation forms to City Council Members. She requested that the completed forms be turned in by April 30, 1998. 4. ADJOURNMENT: 6:07 p.m. The next City Council Study Session is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on May 5, 1998. ATTEST: Mayor r i TOMMYE NICE, Deputy City Clerk MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APRIL 21, 1998 STUDY SESSION: 4:00 p.m., Room CC -2 a. School Traffic Study b. City Manager Evaluation Process 1. CLOSED SESSION: None 2. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Parks & Recreation Commissioner Patty Anis INVOCATION: Father Olin Mayfield, St. Denis Church ROLL CALL: Council Members Ansari, Huff, O'Connor, Mayor Pro Tem Chang, Mayor Herrera Also present were: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Deputy Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Mike Nelson, Communications & Marketing Director; Linda Magnuson, Assistant Finance Director and Tommye Nice, Deputy City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: CM/Belanger recommended continuation of Agenda Item No. 8.2 regarding the Diamond Bar Ranch Festival to a future meeting. M/Herrera asked that Agenda Item No. 9.2 be brought forward for consideration following Agenda Item No. 3, Special Presentations, Certificates, Proclamations. Council concurred to amend the Agenda as requested. 3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 3.1 Proclaimed May 3 through 9, 1998 - as "Hire -A -Veteran Week." 3.2 Proclaimed May, 1998 as "Water Awareness Month." 3.3 Proclaimed April 26 to May 2, 1998 as "Child Passenger Safety Week." 3.4 Presented Certificate of Recognition to resident Sharon Butler, APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 2 recently named Mrs. Los Angeles County. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Alan Wilson announced that the Friends of the Library would hold a Wine Tasting Soiree on Sunday, April 26, 1998 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Shilo Hilltop, 3101 Temple Avenue. Tickets are available for $25 or can be purchased at the door for $30. Next month, the Library will be closed for renovation. 9 Jean Witzman, 21300 Tambo PI., asked Council to consider issuing parking passes to residents who live on streets where "One Hour Parking" signs are posted. She presented a petition signed by neighborhood residents. Jerry Hamilton, 1429 Copper Mountain Dr., thanked CSD/Rose, the Sheriffs Department and the Kiwanis Club for their assistance with the April 19, 1998 Kiwanis 5K-1 OK Walk/Run. NEW BUSINESS: 9.2 MATTER OF APPOINTMENT TO COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR WALNUT SHERIFF'S STATION. M/Herrera nominated Ed Hain and Mary Matson to the Community Advisory Committee. C/O'Connor moved, C/Ansari seconded, to approve the nomination. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: Ansari, Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang, M/Herrera None None 5.1 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - April 23, 1998 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.2 DIAMOND BAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EGGS AND ISSUES BREAKFAST - April 24, 1998 - 7:14 a.m., D.B. Country Club - 22801 Golden Springs Dr. - speaker: Senator Mountjoy. 5.2 FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY WINE TASTING SOIREE - April 26, 1998 - 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Shilo Hilltop, 3101 Temple Ave. 5.3 SPRING CLEAN-UP - April 25, 1998. 5.4 PLANNING COMMISSION - April 28, 1998 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 3 Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.5 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - May 5, 1998 - 6:30 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. CM/Belanger announced that the D.B. Library will be closed from May 1, 1998 to July 31, 1998 for renovation. The Rowland and Walnut Branch Libraries will be open. The Walnut Branch Library will extend its hours by 15 hours per week during the renovation period. The Rowland Library is open seven days (69 hours) per week. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: MPT/Chang moved, C/Huff seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items No 6.1.2 and 6.6. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 6.1 APPROVED MINUTES: 6.1.1 Study Session of April 7, 1998 - As submitted. 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular Meeting of February 12, 1998. 6.3 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated April 17, 1998 in the amount of $555,631.56. 6.4 EXONERATED LANDSCAPING BOND (FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE, LABOR & MATERIALS) FOR 669 LEYLAND DRIVE (LOT 17, TRACT 31977) - Investment CD in the amount of $10,000 posted with the City on August 22, 1997 and directed the City Clerk to notify the Principal and Surety of this action. 6.5 APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL CROSSING GUARD SERVICES amending the existing agreement with International Services, Inc. from $55,000 to $57,200, an increase of $2,200 to provide service at the intersection of Sunset Crossing Rd. and Del Sol Ln. 6.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-20: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE APPLICATION OF GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT PER APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 4 PARCEL DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAM FOR PANTERA PARK. 6.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-21: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE DESTRUCTION BY THE CITY CLERK OF CITY RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED AS PROVIDED UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 34090. 6.9 REVIEWED AND APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT - March, 1998. MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR: 6.1.2 City Council Minutes - Regular Meeting of April 7, 1998. C/Huff and C/O'Connor requested that their comments regarding their "No" votes on Agenda Item No. 8.2 be included in the minutes. C/Huff moved approval with corrections, C/O'Connor seconded. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT. COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 6.6 CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH LANDSCAPE WEST, INC. TO PROVIDE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 41. C/Huff expressed concern that Council approval of an increase of only $224 is necessary, especially when this amount has been spent for staffs time in preparing this matter for the Agenda. Following explanation and discussion, C/Huff moved, C/O'Connor seconded, to deny the request for an increase in the contract. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7.1 CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING ZONING CODE AMENDMENT (ZCA 97-1) PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE DRAFT DEVELOPMENT CODE, ARTICLE III - SITE PLANNING AND GENERAL APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 5 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND THE CITYWIDE DESIGN GUIDELINES. Consultant Ron Pflugrath presented a summary of previous Development Code discussions and their relationship to Article III as well as an overview of proposed Article III. In response to C/O'Connor, Mr. Pflugrath stated that with respect to paved front yard areas and other matters, the new Development Code provisions will take effect upon approval and will not apply to construction completed prior to approval. In response to M/Herrera, Mr. Pflugrath explained that homeowners need to obtain a Minor Conditional Use Permit from the City to complete a paved recreational vehicle parking area within the sideyard setback. C/Huff stated he would like to have the Chamber of Commerce respond in writing to the proposed Sign Ordinance; particularly with respect to signage along the freeways, which he believed could be relaxed to take advantage of freeway traffic. In response to C/Ansari, CM/Belanger reported that the Chamber of Commerce believed they should have been more extensively involved in development of the Sign Ordinance. No specific comments regarding the proposed Sign Ordinance were forthcoming. If the Council requires a written comment from the Chamber prior to approval of the Development Code, a deadline of May 5, 1998 would be recommended. In response to C/O'Connor, Mr. Pflugrath indicated that with respect to Figure 3-20 on Page 48, the figure will be referenced to positioning of structures relative to ridgelines. C/O'Connor asked that language be added to insure that sandbags do not remain on property for an unreasonable length of time and that they are not used in place of retaining walls. DCM/DeStefano stated that the reference for Figure 3-20 should be added to the bottom of Page III -44. In response to C/O'Connor, DCM/DeStefano explained that the Ordinance (Page III -88) does not specify particular devices such as leaf blowers. Rather, it pertains to the general issue of the "spike" that the noise creates throughout the day. The City measures decibel levels in response to complaints. APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 6 C/O'Connor said she is concerned about enforcement of provisions contained within the Development Code as in the case of garbage trucks (Page 89). DCM/DeStefano reiterated that the city's general style of enforcement is on a reactive and complaint -generated basis. In response to C/Huff, DCM/DeStefano reported that the Planning Commission was generally concerned about the topical issue of leaf blowers and the noise they may generate. The Commission recommended approval of language that eliminates gas -powered leaf blowers within 500' of a residence unless that device can be kept at a decibel level described within the document. Mr. Pflugrath stated that leaf blower manufacturers are responding to public concerns by including the decibel level on their product packages. C/O'Connor said that Page 152 A. (trees, except those designated by the City Council as historical or cultural tree and trees required to be preserved, relocated or planted as a condition of approval of a Discretionary Permit located) regarding exemptions, had not been corrected according to the approved Planning Commission minutes. She requested that the following language be added to h. 3. on Page 171: "sufficient to prevent viewing from outside" and a clearer definition of the intent of Paragraph 2.a. on Page 174. Following discussion, Council directed staff to recommend alternative language regarding the number of pets per household and the language regarding day care centers. M/Herrera declared the continued Public Hearing open. There being no testimony offered, MPT/Chang indicated that the matter would be continued to the meeting of May 5, 1998. 8. OLD BUSINESS: 8.1 RESOLUTION NO. 98-22: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR OPPOSING JUNE 2, 1998 BALLOT MEASURE PROPOSITION 223. C/Huff moved, C/O'Connor seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 98-22. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: APRIL 21, 1998 0 PAGE 7 AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 8.2 DIAMOND BAR RANCH FESTIVAL FUNDING - In accordance with staffs recommendation, Council concurred to continue this matter to an unspecified future meeting. NEW BUSINESS: 9.1 RESOLUTION NO. 98-23: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR OPPOSING THE ELIMINATION OF VEHICLE LICENSE REVENUE AS PROPOSED IN AB1776, SB1723 AND SB2001 - M/Herrera moved, MPT/Chang seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 98-23. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 9.3 MATTER OF OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 2010 - Following discussion, C/Huff moved, MPT/Chang seconded, to oppose Senate Bill 2010. Motion carried by the following Rall Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None RECESS TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING: 9:33 p.m. RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 9:35 p.m. 10. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: C/Ansari reported on Regional Transportation meetings she attended for the So. Calif. Assn. of Governments (SCAG) and Contract Cities board and subcommittee meetings, Government Relations meeting. She attended the April 11, 1998 Baton Day in honor of the Philippinee veteran survivors of the Baton March. She also attended two Chamber of Commerce meetings and met the new Counsel General from China. MPT/Chang reported on his trip to Taiwan which included a visit to D.B.'s APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 8 Sister City. C/O'Connor thanked CSD/Rose and his staff for their excellent work on the 9th Anniversary Celebration. C/Huff reported on the status of the Solid Waste Task Force discussions. M/Herrera reported on the status of the Off -Site Parking Task Force. 11. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Ansari announced that the City of Monrovia requested the City to enter a car in its.Soap Box Derby. Last night she served at a Boy Scout Board of Review. MPT/Chang spoke about the success of the 9th Anniversary Celebration. He thanked the residents, the booth operators, and CSD/Rose and his staff for their participation. All Council Members were present. C/O'Connor participated in the April 11, 1998 Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt which was attended by hundreds of children. She reported on the April 16, 1998 Disaster meeting which was attended by about 30 residents. She thanked Ann Haraksin for arranging participation by FEMA, OES, and SBA. She also thanked C/Ansari and M/Herrera for attending the meeting. C/Huff commented on the success of the 9th Anniversary Celebration. He reported on his attendance at the Operation Safe Community hosted by Jerry Davenport, Rowland School District Board Member. He asked staff to relay information regarding the City of LaMirada's Parking Ordinance. He asked the Off -Site Parking Task Force to remain patient and continue considering all dialogue with respect to recommendations for solving the city's parking problems. M/Herrera talked about the Off -Site Parking Task Force. She felt it was regrettable that some members had resigned because they felt they had a minority viewpoint and that their comments were not heard. She asked that all recommendations and viewpoints be forwarded to Council. She emphasized that all questions and concerns are important in the process of adopting the Development Code. She thanked staff for their participation in the success of the 9th Anniversary Celebration and announced that April is Alcohol Awareness Month. 12. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to discuss, M/Herrera adjourned the meeting at 10:03 p.m. APRIL 21, 1998 PAGE 9 ATTEST: i Mayor TOMMYE :VICE, Deputy City Clerk