HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/20/1998 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
JOINT MEETING WITH THE TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
OCTOBER 20, 1998
CITY COUNCIL CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera called the meeting
to order at 4:08 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District,
Room CC -8, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California.
2. ROLL CALL: Council Members, Huff, O'Connor,
Mayor Pro Tem Chang and Mayor Herrera. Council Member Ansari was
excused.
T & T COMMISSION CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Leonard -Colby
called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality
Management District Room CC -8, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar,
California.
T & T ROLL CALL: Commissioners Istik, Lin,
Virginkar, Vice Chairman Morris and Chairman Leonard -Colby.
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, and
Lynda Burgess, City Clerk, Rose Manela, Assistant Civil Engineer and Anne
Haraksin, Administrative Assistant.
Chair/Leonard-Colby stated the Traffic & Transportation Commission
requested the meeting to learn the Council's expectations of the
Commission. She asked for feedback with respect to the Commission's
School Traffic Study project.
M/Herrera explained that she expected her appointee to research each
agenda item carefully and render an informed decision and that she does not
tell any Commissioner how to vote.
C/O'Connor agreed with M/Herrera and wanted her appointees to do their
homework and render independent decisions. Further, she wanted the
Commissioners to listen to residents' concerns and consider their input in the
ultimate decision.
C/Huff also agreed with M/Herrera. He looks to his appointees to make
independent decisions based upon independent thinking. He pointed out
that, at times, Council may disagree with a Commissioner's decision
because Commissions review matters from a technical standpoint and
Council reviews matters more from a political standpoint. He believed that
the Commissioners were doing a great job and felt that the Council was
being responsive to the Commission.
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 2 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
MPT/Chang echoed his fellow Council Member's statements that
Commissioners are appointed to do their jobs independently and for the
betterment of the community. He believed that Commissioners should listen
to the people and always visit the site in question. He further believed that
the expectation for the Commissioners is to do the best for the community
and to use common sense in rendering decisions.
Chair/Leonard stated that one of the Commission's' priority goals and
objectives was to "efficiently respond to requests from residents, churches
and businesses."
CNirginkar stated that he always followed the principal that he wanted to
listen to the citizens and evaluate situations in a technical manner.
VC/Morris felt that any matter the Traffic & Transportation Commission deals
with and forwards to Council is applicable throughout D.B. and that issues
must be dealt with on a citywide basis. He pointed out that the School
Traffic Study was a major undertaking for the Commission. He recalled that
a citizen came forward with not only a problem related to school traffic but
offered a solution based on pertinent data. He said one issue that is brought
up to him over and over is the concern about regional traffic and the inability
of residents to get out of their tracts to go shopping and return home via
thoroughfares that are turned into alternate freeway routes. He expressed
particular concern about Golden Springs Dr. traffic. He believed that the
primary concern of the Commission was to meet the needs of the residents.
C/Lin indicated that he had a lot to learn but that he had learned from
MPT/Chang to physically go to the problem site to check out the concerns
and evaluate the matter based on his best judgement. He said he listens to
residents' concerns.
C/Istik said his perspective may be a little different from his fellow
Commissioners. He has served on the Commission since 1993 and was
previously D.B.'s contract Deputy City Engineer. His perspective of traffic
is that some traffic issues come to the Commission and some traffic issues
do not. Of course, that is up to the Council and staff to determine how the
issues are divided up. With respect to the issue of transportation, the focus
early on was mass transit as opposed to one person/one car traffic, which
is an issue the City has not spent a great deal of time pursuing. He stated
that if it was his decision, the Commission would spend time pursuing mass
transit and the incorporation of programs to move people around in groups
rather than one person/one car. He believed that the Commission does not
make recommendations to Council as much as it gathers public input. He
lives two miles from Sav-on and makes off-peak trips to pick up prescriptions
because the streets are too crowded during the day. He believed a lot of
traffic problems have been solved and that a number of traffic signals have
been installed to accommodate a lot of left turn movements. He also
OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE 3 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
believed that there are a lot of other issues the Commission can look into.
Chair/Leonard-Colby believed the traffic issues in D.B. are very complex.
She stated that, as Chair of the Commission, she tries to listen to residents
and encourage them to attend Council meetings and participate in
discussions of issues that are of particular concern to them.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
REGIONAL TRAFFIC IMPACTS/SOLUTIONS:
C/Huff stated that the Parsons -Brinkerhoff Study was conducted in
1989 or 1990. The study looked at the traffic in the Four Corners
area (includes the Counties of L.A., San Bernardino, Orange and
Riverside) and recommended a regional bypass as a solution.
Typically, fringe areas of counties do not get traffic monies. Because
D.B. is in the fringe area, it is impacted by traffic coming from San
Bernardino County, going through L.A. County to Orange County and
solutions require regional cooperation. SCAG is a grouping of
different entities which covers all of Southern California. Four
Comers is an outgrowth of SCAG as a policy recommending/advisory
committee. Designated new routes were Soquel Canyon, Telegraph
Canyon and Tonner Canyon. Carbon Canyon existed as a route at
that time. Soquel Canyon was removed from the General Plans of
Yorba Linda, Orange County, Brea and Chino Hills which effectively
eliminated it as an option. Carbon Canyon is problematic in that it
would be very expensive to take homes out to widen the road.
CM/Belanger explained that Telegraph Canyon comes out of Yorba
Linda and would have matched up with Valley View.
C/Huff stated that left Tonner Canyon. In 1993, the City brought in a
majority of Council Members who advocated saving Tonner Canyon.
The City's General Plan reflects a bypass road outside of the canyon
bottom which was deemed to be the most sensitive part of the
canyon. He said that the City of Brea does not favor a Tonner
Canyon bypass road. As Chairman of the Four Corners Committee,
he attempted to find some resolution to relieve the traffic on D.B.'s
streets. Brea believes that a regional bypass road will bring
additional building. D.B.'s General Plan speaks to a bypass road that
would not bring building to the Tonner Canyon area. Chino Hills
favors mitigation but does not believe it is part of the problem. D.B.
believes that Chino Hills is a major part of the City's traffic problems.
He said he proposed a traffic study to determine the source of the
traffic problem. The $200,000 study is ongoing at this time and the
results of the study will be available mid 1999. He pointed out that
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 4 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
several mitigation measures have been instituted: carpool lanes
along the SR 57 through SR 60; $68,000,000 identified for HOV lanes
on the 57/60 interchange; and the 71 freeway upgrade. The study
will factor in the current and future mitigation measures and
contemplate future projections. When the study is completed, the
committee will be involved in securing state and federal funding. He
spoke about the Alameda Corridor project which proposes to
streamline and consolidate four or five railroads from the port of Long
Beach to east L.A. No mitigation measures have been proposed for
relief beyond east L.A. which presents a problem to this area. The
heavy traffic will affect this area prior to mitigation measures being in
place. While the increased traffic will not affect the core of D.B., it will
affect its fringes. Former Congressman Jay Kim advocated a truck
pool lane on the SR 60.
M/Herrera stated that SCAG compiled a regional transportation plan
which recommended inclusion of a truck lane. The San Gabriel
Council of Governments wants to look at the data and see if the
recommendation should be proposed for a different freeway such as
the 10 or 210 freeway. The 40% increase in truck traffic will impact
all communities along the entire San Gabriel Valley to Rialto. She
believed that community members are not aware of the ongoing
efforts regarding traffic mitigation. She reminded the attendees that
a Town Hall Meeting will be held on November 7 from 9:00 a.m. to
12:00 noon to discuss regional traffic and possible interim solutions
as well as to discuss off-site parking.
C/Huff pointed out that while the Commission primarily focuses on
local traffic issues, City officials are working on regional issues to
help mitigate local concerns.
Chair/Leonard-Colby encouraged Commissioners to participate in the
Town Hall Meeting.
C/Huff reported that former Commissioner Todd Chavers stated that,
when he served on the GPAC, the City's traffic would never be better
than it was at that time and all the City could do was to keep the
situation from getting worse. He said he has come to agree with that
statement.
VC/Morris agreed that there is a great deal to be done just to maintain
the status quo. Anything that is done regionally will help D.B. He
favored installation of traffic signals because they tend to deter cut -
through traffic.
C/Istik stated that when people talk about a regional solution, they
generally refer to a Tonner Canyon bypass road. He believed traffic
interacts with other areas. Since this is the SEA16, a possible
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 5 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
solution would be to reserve an easement in the Tonner Canyon area
for a roadway. The deed for the road is reserved and the other area
can revert to a park use or some other use. In this way, both are
served --a regional solution is available and the other interests are
served and both sides win. He stated that he had never seen a
roadway widening or a freeway widening that solved the traffic
problems. Generally, more homes are built and the roadway is used
to capacity and beyond. In Alhambra for instance, single family
residences have been replaced by condominiums and apartment
buildings and now the City is a disaster to drive through.
CNirginkar believed that the City needs to consider the traffic jams
on D.B. Blvd. during peak morning and evening hours. As more
signal lights are added at Montefino Ave. and Quail Summit Dr. to
make it safe for pedestrian traffic, traffic becomes more and more
backed up along the Boulevard to Brea Canyon.
C/Istik believed L.A. saved money by not installing traffic signals and
thereby provided greater traffic capacity on the City's streets.
2. STANDARDIZED PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF
STRIPING/SIGNING/MARKING/ON-STREET PARKING.
VC/Morris explained that the Commission is looking for citywide
consistency and standardization.
CNirginkar stated that CalTrans has specific requirements with
respect to striping. However, there can be some deviation from these
requirements on residential streets.
Chair/Leonard-Colby spoke about the proposed red curbing and
signage on Breckenridge Ct. She stated that it is the consensus of
the Commission that the City should refrain from installing double
yellow lines on residential streets.
MPT/Chang said he would like to see the left turn pocket on
eastbound Golden Springs Dr. at Grand Ave. extended to
accommodate 15 to 20 vehicles, which would eliminate traffic jams
during peak hours caused by cars attempting to enter the SR57/60
freeway.
VC/Morris believed the same problem exists for westbound traffic on
Golden Springs Dr. Left turn pockets throughout the City are very
inadequate.
CM/Belanger stated that Golden Springs Dr. will be resurfaced.
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 6 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
When the street is restriped, the eastbound pocket will be deepened
about 200' and right hand turns only will be allowed from the main
Calvary Chapel parking lot.
MPT/Chang stated that there is also sufficient room to extend the
northbound Grand Ave. left turn pocket to Golden Springs Dr. which
he believed will help move the traffic.
C/O'Connor indicated that another left turn pocket that needs to be
deepened is the southbound D. B. Blvd. at Goldrush Dr. intersection.
Lorbeer Middle School traffic lines up and spills over into the regular
traffic lanes.
CM/Belanger stated that some type of modification will be considered
including a double left turn pocket with the travel ways moved over
which would leave the median intact.
CNirginkar asked that consideration be given to the left turn pocket
on Grand Ave. at Summitridge Dr.
CM/Belanger indicated that both Summitridge and Longview Dr. need
to be considered.
C/Huff stated he would like to have the City conduct a traffic study of
all of the left turn pockets in the City.
3. IMPACT OF TRAFFIC ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
C/Istik believed a lot of businesses like slow traffic because there is
a greater chance that people will pull out of traffic and stop.
CNirginkar expressed concern about adequate parking for
businesses and would like to have input regarding this matter from
the Planning Commission.
MPT/Chang indicated that a lot of business has been lost in the City
due to traffic problems. People do not want to stop on their way to
work or on the way home because of the traffic delays. In addition,
local residents do not want to fight the traffic to shop locally during
the day.
M/Herrera stated that when Council Members and staff tell
prospective businesses that D.B. has intersections where daily traffic
counts are 35,000 vehicles, that is where they want to be located. In
attempting to interest businesses to locate in other parts of the City,
the traffic counts are not high enough. They want to be in the middle
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 7 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
of the high traffic areas.
CM/Belanger pointed out that most of the traffic moving through D. B.
at peak hours continues to move through the City with no interest in
stopping in the City. The advantage to a regional bypass corridor is
that most of the pass- through traffic would be syphoned off before it
got to D.B. In fact, D.B. does not have sufficient traffic counts for
retailers who want to see 40,000 or more vehicles per day. It is a real
paradox to try and determine how to solve the traffic problems in D.B.
and attract retailers who say we do not have enough traffic volume.
The real problem is the nature of the traffic problem. The traffic is not
going from point A to point B in D.B., it's going from point A to point
B outside of D.B. and it has no interest in the commerce in D.B.
C/Istik believed that the types of business that have located in the
City that have come here without the assistance of economic
development have not been the best types of businesses for
capturing the traffic that is driving through the City. If there were
shopping centers and businesses that could easily be pulled into and
out of, they would lend themselves to stopping the traffic such as a
Starbucks.
M/Herrera indicated that Starbucks is coming to D.B.
CM/Belanger responded to C/Istik that Starbucks and Hollywood
Video will co -locate in the Wells Fargo building at Grand Ave. and
D.B. Blvd. The City has employed consultants to look at what the
community needs to do to attract the kinds of businesses that would
fit into the environment.
DCM/DeStefano stated that within the Gateway Corporate Center, Lot
2 (former Ranch Festival location) was approved by the Planning
Commission for two 70,000 sq. ft. buildings. In November, the
Planning Commission will review another 70,000 sq. ft. building at Lot
23 which is the property just across from SCAQMD at Copley Dr. and
Golden Springs Dr.
CM/Belanger indicated that the important aspect of both of these
buildings is the approximately 800-900 employees that will be in D.B.
from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. What commerce
really needs in this City is people who are here who are receiving
payroll and are our captive audience. They shop for groceries on the
way home and have lunch in D.B. The City suffers from not having
a high count of these types of employees. From an economic
development point of view, those kinds of businesses in the
Corporate Center are important to other businesses in D.B.
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 8 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
VC/Morris asked if it is possible that a restaurant might follow some
of these buildings.
CM/Belanger responded that there is a restaurant site in the vicinity
that never came to fruition. He believed that as more
office/commercial uses are located in D.B. and the daytime non-
residential population increases, the City will see a gradual increase
in retail/commercial service type industry such as restaurants, etc.
4. EVALUATION OF D.B. BLVD. AND GRAND AVE. INTERSECTION.
VC/Morris believed that the bulk of the City's traffic problems occur on
the west side of D.B. Blvd. and along Grand Ave. He explained that
the area east of Grand Ave. on D.B. Blvd. is virtually free of impact.
CM/Belanger explained that a consultant had been retained to do a
feasibility analysis of expanding the travel ways on D.B. Blvd. and
Grand Ave. and the resulting impact to the intersection. As a part of
the impact analysis for the industrial parks that the City of Industry is
building on the north side of Grand Ave., D.B. signed an MOU with
Industry's Redevelopment Agency for $1.9 million to do mitigation in
the future on both Grand Ave. and Golden Springs Dr. as well as
Grand Ave. and D.B. Blvd. The intersection of Grand Ave. and D.B.
Blvd. is currently under assessment by a consultant to assist Council
and the Commission in making recommendations and decisions. It
is a critical intersection because of where it lies within the community
and where it lies within the region.
5. ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CITY'S
CURRENT STOP SIGN/TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION
PROGRAM.
M/Herrera stated that the primary reason for stop sign/traffic signal
installations is to allow residents the opportunity to ingress and
egress their neighborhoods. Residents are being held hostage by the
constant flow of traffic. While it may be aggravating to people driving
through the community, it allows residents the opportunity for
movement.
CNirginkar stated that with respect to stop sign installations, the
Commission has looked beyond the technical requirements. He
believed that stop signs serve to slow down the traffic.
C/Huff believed that stop sign installations have solved problems on
streets such as Fountain Springs and Longview Dr.
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 9 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
CM/Belanger stated that one of the aspects of warrants for stop signs
is actual occurrences as opposed to "near misses." Studies do not
measure near misses and, therefore, the Commission must depend
upon public comment to give it some sense of the potential danger
that lies near some of the City's intersections.
C/O'Connor stated that many motorists ignore a stop sign installation
in her neighborhood.
CNirginkar believed there has to be enforcement or a reasonable
perception of enforcement.
VC/Morris indicated that one of his frustrations came as a result of a
traffic engineer indicating that a stop sign was not warranted. The
only time a stop sign is warranted is if an accident occurs and if the
police arrive at the scene and that the people involved appear in
court. Many times the officer will indicate that the occurrence can be
taken care of through the respective insurance companies.
CM/Belanger stated that the second aspect of whether or not a stop
sign is warranted is the City Engineer determining that there is a
safety concern and that the sign should be installed on that basis. If
a safety concern is perceived, there is a way to deal with the situation
prior to a fatal occurrence. One of the most effective installations
occurred on Fountain Springs Dr. at Sunbright Dr. which was installed
on the basis of safety.
6. REDUCTION OF SPEED LIMIT ALONG MAJOR ARTERIALS.
VC/Morris stated this subject is near and dear to his heart - especially
along Golden Springs Dr. between D.B. Blvd. and Temple Ave.
Diamond Point Elementary School and Golden Springs Elementary
School are located in the area. Cut through traffic from Pomona,
Chino and Ontario think that stretch of street is an inside lane of the
freeway and ignore the 25 mph signs that are applicable when
students are present. Some communities have the flashing lights
along with the posted 25 mph signs. He reiterated that he is not
opposed to any devices that inconvenience cut -through traffic and
keep people on the freeways as opposed to motorists speeding along
City streets in order to get to their work. In his opinion, Golden
Springs Dr. is, at certain times of the day, completely unsafe.
C/O'Connor said she hoped the additional school traffic enforcement
would help this situation. It appears that the Sheriffs officers'
presence is helping to inform people rather than resulting in
increased ticketing. She read from the first month's report following
OCTOBER 20, 1998
7
PAGE 10 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
implementation of school traffic study mitigation measures. The
report indicates that there have been 176 contacts with motorists to
warn/advise regarding parking/moving violations. Of those contacts,
51 parking citations and 33 hazardous citations were issued. She felt
enforcement needs to be increased at the school sites.
VC/Morris stated that most of the people hurrying along the City's
streets are a result of cut -through traffic and are not the parents of
school children.
Chair/Leonard-Colby said that it is perhaps time for the Sheriffs
Department to increase their ticketing efforts in the area of D.B.H.S.
C/Istik suggested that it may be a good time to revisit the Foust &
Associates School Traffic Study to determine any additional
measures that might be incorporated to mitigate the traffic.
DDPW/Liu indicated that staff will present the formalized study in
order for the Commission to discuss speed limits near school sites.
CM/Belanger responded to Chair/Leonard-Colby that copies of the
School Traffic Study have been forwarded to all Council Members.
It is the intent of Council to have the school grounds and the areas
around the schools remain safe for students to be dropped off and
picked up.
PARKING ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT/COMPATIBILITY OF
ON AND OFF-SITE PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
M/Herrera suggested that this matter be discussed during the Town
Hall Meeting at which time the Off -Site Parking Task Force
recommendations will be discussed. In addition, staff will elaborate
on their recommended solutions. Council may decide to go a step
beyond the recommendations of the Off -Site Parking Task Force with
additional resolutions and solutions.
VC/Morris recommended that an intern or CalPoly student be
engaged to conduct a telephone survey to determine what the
residents really feel about off-site parking. He believed that most
people who attend Commission meetings are there to complain and
not support certain issues and that a one-sided view may be
unrealistic. He indicated that he lived in the City of Cerritos for a
number of years. That City has restricted parking from 3:00 to 5:00,
which makes for very safe neighborhoods and easy patrolling.
8. SIGNAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
OCTOBER 20, 1998
Q
PAGE 11 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
DDPW/Liu stated that there are two levels of signal management. A
signalized system can manage timing, accident prevention, etc.
Some systems are capable of collecting traffic volume information.
The City has not yet determined that it will utilize a particular
management system. At this time current traffic signals are
interconnected on a piece by piece basis. Following installation of
the Quail Summit Dr. and Montefino Ave. traffic signals, there will be
approximately 40 traffic signal installations within the City. Staff
proposes to conduct a study to determine which traffic management
system would best suit the needs of the community. The study
should take place in approximately six months.
C/Huff favored fast -tracking the study because the City has a problem
which needs to be managed in a wise manner which will require
coordination of the traffic signals.
CITY'S BIKEWAY SYSTEM.
DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Leonard-Colby that currently, Grand
Ave. is considered a bike route. The bike paths along Golden
Springs Dr. and D.B. Blvd. are Class II bikeway systems which
incorporate a separate striped right-of-way. The City is working with
the MTA to fit D.B.'s bikeway system into the San Gabriel Valley
bikeway system.
CM/Belanger stated that motorists tend to use the Grand Ave. bike
lane as a third travel lane, especially in the area of Montefino
Avenue. The Sheriffs Department indicates they cannot cite
motorists who use the lane in this manner because they are not
violating the law. Part of the feasibility study is to try and determine
ways to prevent such an occurrence by formalizing the lanes or by
making certain that motorists cannot use the bike lanes in an unsafe
manner.
VC/Morris stated the bike lane that proceeds north on D.B. Blvd. from
Palomino Dr. is constantly filled with motor vehicles.
CM/Belanger indicated that the law provides for motor vehicles to
enter a bike lane within 100' of an intersection.
C/Huff stated that there is not enough enforcement to deter motorists
from driving in the bike lane on D.B. Blvd. which presents a safety
hazard to people who are using the bike lane in the proper manner.
4. OTHER MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 12 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
C/Virginkar asked what the City's agreement is with the Sheriffs
Department for enforcement. Can the City request stepped up
enforcement in certain areas where problems are perceived?
CM/Belanger responded that Council meets with Sheriff staff on a
quarterly basis to discuss enforcement. Deputies are typically on call
to react to crime. A patrol car presence tends to mitigate traffic.
C/O'Connor recommended that Commissioners take a ride along with
the Sheriffs Patrol. She said that when she went on a ride along, she
was disappointed with what she observed. During the Off -Site
Parking Task Force meeting, a Sheriffs representative indicated that
they have a list of priorities which Council has yet to see. The City
approved overtime for the Sheriffs Department to patrol school sites.
CM/Belanger stated that the City contracts for six crime cars and
seven traffic cars and a special assignment car. What C/O'Connor
says is correct. The Deputies who are assigned to crime and law
enforcement responsibilities focus on crime and law enforcement
responsibilities. The traffic cars conduct traffic enforcement and
primarily moving violations during the 16 daytime hours. The
question is, how do you get the concerns of Council translated into
operating instructions for the Sheriffs Department.
C/O'Connor stated that crime prevention is the number one concern.
Chair/Leonard-Colby suggested that Council consider realigning
enforce-ment to particular areas of the City such as school sites.
VC/Morris stated that, while he believed that the advantages of
contracting enforcement far outweigh the disadvantages, he believed
that the City needs to be a lot more vocal in getting the City's
priorities across to the Sheriffs Dept. He suggested the Commission
make enforcement a primary agenda item for its next meeting and
question the Sheriffs Dept. representative with respect to their
priorities regarding enforcement. He believed that Sheriffs Deputies
who reside in the City take more pride in enforcement within the City
and that although it is a primary requirement of their job, Deputies will
go to great lengths to avoid writing reports. Therefore, he felt that the
City must continue emphasizing its desires and needs for
enforcement.
In response to Chair/Leonard-Colby, CM/Belanger stated that the City
signs five year contracts with the Sheriffs Department which are
reviewed to some degree on an annual basis.
C/Istik believed that overall, traffic enforcement in the City is good.
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 13 COUNCIL/T & T COMM. STUDY
VC/Morris asked if D.B. has asked Pomona to bid on a service
contract.
CM/Belanger responded that, for the first time since contract services
went into effect in the 1950's, Santa Fe Springs left contract services
and contracted for law enforcement services with the City of Whittier.
LaMirada has recently considered the possibility of also contracting
with the City of Whittier for law enforcement. There has been
discussion about combining with other cities to create our own
regional law enforcement agency.
C/Huff pointed out that the Sheriffs Department provides a depth of
service that includes SWAT team service, etc. On the other hand, the
frustration is that the officers are so highly trained that they do not
want to just simply write tickets.
CM/Belanger stated that it is a difficult situation because the Sheriffs
Department provides additional service that goes beyond the written
contract.
5. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to
conduct, Mayor Herrera adjourned the Study Session at 6:20 p.m. to
the regular City Council Meeting. Chairman Leonard -Colby -Colby
then adjourned the Traffic & Transportation Commission meeting.
-LYNbA BURGESS, tity Clerk
ATTEST:
Mayor
Commission Se a ary
ATTEST-
l r,
'tr /1<7 le ..
Corr lisstbn Chairman °
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
OCTOBER 20, 1998
STUDY SESSION: Joint Meeting between City Council and
Traffic & Transportation Commission, called to order at 4:08 p.m. in the
South Coast Air Quality Management District Room CC -8, 21865 E. Copley
Drive, Diamond Bar.
ROLL CALL: Council Members, Huff, O'Connor, Mayor
Pro Tem Chang, Mayor Herrera. Council Member Ansari was excused.
T&T Commission: Commissioners Istik, Lin, Virginkar, Vice
Chairman Morris, Chairman Leonard -Colby.
ADJOURNMENT: 6:20 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION: None
2. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera called the meeting to order
at 6:40 p.m. in the Auditorium of the South Coast Air Quality Management
District, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. Due to problems
with her voice, M/Herrera then turned the gavel over to MPT/Chang to
preside over the meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led Jim
Starkey, former Field Representative for Congressman Kim.
INVOCATION: Pastor Rex Wolins, Diamond Canyon
Christian Church.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Huff, O'Connor, Mayor
Pro Tem Chang, Mayor Herrera. Council Member Ansari was excused.
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 Manager and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: CM/Belanger requested that Consent
Calendar Item No.s 6.8 and 6.12 be moved to New Business Agenda Items
9.2 and 9.3 respectively.
3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
3.1 Proclaimed October 24, 1998 as "Shop Diamond Bar Day."
3.2 Proclaimed October 25-31, 1998 as "Red Ribbon Week."
3.3 Presented City Tile to Chief Gary Lockhart, Los Angeles County Fire
Department.
OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE 2
3.4 Presented City Tile to James Starkey, former Field Representative
with Congressman Jay Kim's Office.
3.5 Presented Certificate of Recognition to Andrew Hsu, President of the
Diamond Bar Chinese Association for their donation toward
computers at D.B.H.S.
3.6 Presented Certificate of Recognition to Frank and Candyse Cossey
for their donation toward computers at D.B.H.S.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: David Reynolds spoke about the merger
between USA Waste and Waste Management and the possibility that the
merger has impeded the process for implementing the Solid Waste Task
Force recommendations. He suggested that the City may wish to consider
a franchise agreement with an established hauler or go out to bid for a
contract with another hauler.
Tom Toby, D.B.H.S. Computer Instructor, thanked those persons who
assisted with the purchase of new computer equipment for the school. He
also thanked Council Member Ansari and Mayor Pro Tem Chang for their
support. He pointed out that further technological improvements need to be
made and that the school has one of the worst computer labs in the nation.
Martha Bruske stated that, with respect to Consent Calendar Item No. 6.10
(COPS Funding), she was concerned about what the taxpayers are getting
for their money. D.B. needs code enforcement and neighborhood policing.
Regarding Consent Calendar Item No. 6.12 (Minnequa landslide mitigation),
she suggested that the City review its policy regarding drainage slopes and
potential landslide areas.
Art O'Daly, Chamber of Commerce President, stated that the October 24,
1998 Business Expo had been sold out with over 94 vendors participating.
An Eggs & Issues Breakfast with Supervisor Knabe will be held on October
28. On Thursday, October 22, a business mixer will be held at the Walnut
Valley Unified School District offices. He spoke about the growth and
financial stability of the Chamber.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 TELECOMMUNICATIONS TASK FORCE MEETING - October 21,
1998 - 6:30 p.m., CC -2, SCAQMD, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.2 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - October 22, 1998 - 7:00
p.m., SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.3 SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF CITY COUNCIUDIAMOND BAR
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY - October 22, 1998 - 5:00 p.m., Public
Hearing Re: Gateway Corporate Center Lot 2 - SCAQMD Auditorium,
21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.4 DIAMOND BAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS EXPO -
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 3
October 24, 1998 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Kmart Parking Lot, 249 S.
D.B. Blvd.
5.5 PLANNING COMMISSION - OCTOBER 27, 1998 - 7:00 p.m.,
SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.6 COMMUNITY CENTER TASK FORCE - October 28, 1998 - 6:30
p.m., SCAQMD CC -2, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.7 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - November 3, 1998 - 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.8 TOWN HALL MEETING - Saturday, November 7, 1998 - 9:00 a.m. to
12:00 noon, SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by M/Herrera, seconded by C/Huff,
to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Consent Calendar
Item No. 6.10. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: (C/O'Connor
requested that the record reflect that she voted to disapprove payment of
Check No.35155 on the Voucher Register.)
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS -
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS -
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS -
6.1 APPROVED MINUTES:
Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang,
M/Herrera
None
Ansari
6.1.1 Joint Study Session of September 15, 1998 - as corrected.
Continued from October 6, 1998.
6.1.2 Joint Study Session with the Planning Commission on October
6, 1998 - as submitted.
6.1.3 Regular Meeting of October 6, 1998 - as submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED & FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES:
6.2.1 Regular Meeting of August 11, 1998.
6.2.2 Regular Meeting of August 25, 1998.
6.3 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated October 20, 1998 in the
amount of $701,064.33.
6.4 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
PANTERA PARK - (A) Accepted the work performed by Valley Crest
Landscape and authorized the City Clerk to file the proper Notice of
Completion and release any retention amount per previously
approved plans and specifications and (B) approved a budget
adjustment of $17,700 from unappropriated General Fund balance.
6.5 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR 1997-1998 CDBG
OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE 4
SIDEWALKS AND HANDICAP ACCESS RAMPS PROJECT -
accepted the work performed by Kalban, Inc. and authorized the City
Clerk to file the proper Notice of Completion and to release any
retention amounts 35 days after the recordation date.
6.6 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR DIAMOND BAR
BOULEVARD REHABILITATION PROJECT BETWEEN PALOMINO
DRIVE AND NORTHERLY CITY LIMIT AT TEMPLE AVENUE -
accepted the work performed by All American Asphalt and authorized
the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion and release any
retention amounts per previously approved plans and specifications.
6.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-61: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR TO INSTALL
MULTI -WAY STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF BREA
CANYON ROAD AND DIAMOND CREST LANE.
6.8 Moved to New Business Item No. 9.2.
6.9 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 98-62: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE
SURPLUS OF CITY FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS WHICH ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED
AS PROVIDED UNDER CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION 3.24.200 - authorized the City Manager to surplus the
furniture, equipment and miscellaneous items as listed in Exhibit "A"
of the Resolution.
6.11 APPROVED AMENDMENT OF THE PERSONNEL ALLOCATION IN
BUDGET - FY 98-99 Municipal Budget Personnel Summary to
authorize two Development Services Assistants and removing the
Senior Planner position. Further approved removal of two part-time
Community Services Leader 11 and one part-time Community Services
Leader I positions; bring the number of authorized part-time positions
to 11.
6.12 Moved to New Business Item No. 9.3.
MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR.
6.10 APPROVED LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPLEMENTAL
FUNDING - CITIZENS OPTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS)
David Reynolds stated that, with respect to earlier criticism regarding
the Sheriffs Department, in the ten years that he has lived in the
community, he has had three occasions to call upon them for
OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE 5
assistance. He thanked the Sheriffs Department for their
professional service and immediate response. In his opinion, the
deployment is excellent.
Following discussion, C/Huff moved, C/O'Connor seconded, to
approve the list of supplemental services and supplies and a budget
adjustment in the amount of $130,000 for receipt and expenditure of
grant funds. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.1 ORDINANCE NO. 2(1998): AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR ADOPTING A DEVELOPMENT CODE (CASE NO.
97-1) AND AMENDING THE DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE.
DCM/DeStefano presented staffs report and discussed the following
suggested changes/corrections:
a. The cover and each page of the document will contain a footer
identifying the adoption date (second reading on November 3,
1998).
b. . Revisions to the Table of Contents will be made to accurately
reflect the pages where the identified section information/
regulations may be found.
C. On Page II -6, Subsection 22.06.040, Zoning District
Regulations, change Subsection "C" to Subsection "D" and
change Subsection "D" to Subsection "E."
d. On Page II -18, Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements for
Office Zoning Districts. Remove "Adult Day Care Facilities"
from the top of the page under Service Uses. If that page is a
Service Use listed as "Adult Day Care Facilities," substitute (in
alphabetical order) "Personal Services" to incorporate
Accupressure, Massage Therapy, Tattoo Parlors as uses that
would require a minor Conditional Use Permit within office -
related zones.
e. On Page II -18, Table 2.6, Allowed Uses and Permit
Requirements for Commercial/Industrial Zoning Districts, add
OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE 6
"Personal Services" for the three sub uses in the commercial
zones subject to a minor Conditional Use Permit.
On Page II -20, Table 2.6, Allowed Uses and Permit
Requirements for Commercial/Industrial Zoning Districts, insert
"churches as a use permitted with a Conditional Use Permit in
the Industrial zone."
g. On Page III -48, Hillside Management, Figure 3-20, replace the
previous figure which pertained more to the siting of dwelling
units on hillside properties with the proper graphic that
illustrates that no manufactured slopes shall exceed 30' in
height between terraces or benches.
h. On Page III -56, Hillside Management. Relocate Figure 3-32,
Page III -57 referring to the proper location of dwelling units on
hillside properties to incorporate variable setbacks, preserve
natural features, etc. reorient Page III -56. Insert Figure 3-33
(new --formerly 3-20 graphic) and renumber all subsequent
figures.
On Page III -132, Sign Standards, change "street address
signs shall have Arabic numbers a minimum of 3" in height" to
"a minimum of 4" in height."
Page III -134, Sign Standards, insert the City's current
provisions for temporary signs placed upon public property as
Section 22.36.050.
k. Page III -139, Sign Standards, Subsection CA. pertaining to
freeway- oriented signs, revise to "the highest point of a free-
standing sign shall not exceed 25' above the adjacent street
grade of the freeway travel lanes excluding the on and off
ramps."
Page IV -14, Responsibility for Development Review,
Subsection 22.48.050b change "Section 22.48.020" to
"Section 22.48.050a."
M. Article V-4, Section 22.64.050, Director, remove "Community
and Development Services" and revise Subsection (a)
Appointment to "The Director shall be the Deputy City
Manager responsible for Community and Development
Services as appointed by the City Manager."
n. Page VI -6, Definitions, remove "Sexual Encounter Center."
OCTOBER 20, 1998
PAGE 7
o. Definitions, Article VI -11, Car Washes, add "Temporary car
washes are fundraising activities typically conducted at a
service station or other established businesses where
volunteers wash vehicles by hand."
P. Article III -178, add Subsection 6 to Section b on Page III -178
"A home-based business would be prohibited if it created
parking demands exceeding the availability of spaces on the
premises."
q. Article VI, Repair Services - add definition: "Service
establishments where repair of consumer products is the
principal business activity, including: computer and electronic
equipment repair shops; shoe repair, television and radio;
vacuum and other appliance repair; watch, clock and jewelry
repair; re -upholstery and furniture repair. Does not include
businesses serving the repair needs of heavy equipment on
the equipment site, which are included under 'Business
Support Services'."
MPT/Chang opened the Public Hearing.
Martha Bruske challenged the Council to develop a Mission
Statement. She made suggestions for several changes to the
proposed Code.
There being no further testimony offered, MPT/Chang closed the
Public Hearing.
Following discussion, C/O'Connor moved, C/Huff seconded, to waive
full reading and approve first reading by title only of Ordinance No.
2(1998) adopting the Development Code, as revised. C/Huff
suggested two items to be added to the Code: That the Public
Hearing process for Personal Services require a Conditional Use
Permit before the Planning Commission and that language be added
to indicate that any project on a major slope abutting the public right-
of-way require review before the Planning Commission. Council
concurred.
DCM/DeStefano recommended that in Article IV, Page 12, that the
third subsection under Section 22.48.020 A. , subsection 3. be added
to read, generally, as follows: "Residential, commercial and
institutional developments abutting a public street."
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE 8
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari
8. OLD BUSINESS: None
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.1 RESOLUTION NO. 98-62: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE INSTALLATION
OF STREET SIGNS THAT PROHIBIT VEHICLES OVER SIX FEET
HIGH FROM PARKING WITHIN 100' OF THE BRECKENRIDGE
COURT AND GREENWICH COURT INTERSECTION, AND
INSTALLATION OF 50' OF RED CURB AT THE EASTERLY SIDE OF
BRECKENRIDGE COURT AT SUMMITRIDGE DRIVE.
Martha Bruske suggested that this type of situation be covered in the
Code rather than providing a one-time solution to only one problem
area.
Following discussion, C/Huff moved, C/O'Connor seconded, to adopt
Resolution No. 98-62 with the following addition to Paragraph 2 :
"The City Council hereby finds that the parking of vehicles with a
height of six feet or more within 100 feet of Breckenridge Court and
Greenwich Court intersections and within 100 feet of Breckenridge
Court and Summitridge Drive intersection creates a site visibility
limitation." Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari
9.2 RESOLUTION NO. 98-64: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING ADVANCE AND
REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT NUMBER 10 WITH THE
DIAMOND BAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY.
M/Herrera moved, C/Huff seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 98-64.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari
OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE 9
9.3 RESOLUTION NO. 98-05A: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 98-05 APPROVING THE CITY'S COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR
1998-1999 - adopted Resolution No. 98-05A to provide $110,000 to
mitigate the landslide on Minnequa Ave. through HUD "Interim
Assistance" regulations and authorized the City Manager to execute
all CDBG documents required for implementation of the project.
David Reynolds expressed concern about precedence setting with
respect to future similar incidents.
Following discussion, C/O'Connor moved, C/Huff seconded, to adopt
Resolution No. 98-05A. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Huff, O'Connor, MPT/Chang,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari
RECESS TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING: 9:35 p.m.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 9:41 P.M.
10. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS AND COUNCIL MEMBER
COMMENTS:
C/O'Connor stated that on Wednesday, October 7 she attended her first
WCCA meeting as the delegate replacing Mayor Herrera. Her report is
being forwarded to Council. On Thursday, October 8 she attended the
Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. She recommended that
members of the public read the Propositions on the ballot very carefully and
make certain they understand the issues before casting their vote. On
Friday, October 9, she and other Council Members attended the ribbon
cutting ceremonies for the SR60171 interchange opening which is anticipated
to relieve some of the City's traffic congestion. Mayor Herrera spoke during
the ceremonies. She asked the public to watch the Channel 12 Candidates
Forum on Tuesday, October 13. She and Council Member Huff are
attending the Sheriffs Academy. She asked staff to provide information to
the Council regarding Mr. Reynolds' concerns about possible delays as a
result of the merger of the City's waste haulers.
CM/Belanger responded to C/O'Connor by reading from staffs memo to City
Council. He stated that as a result of delays in getting information that was
necessary to complete the report to Council, the consultant requested an
extension to November 1 for the date to present his report to Council.
OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE 10
C/O'Connor suggested that the Mayor send a letter to the company
requesting their assistance in providing the City's staff and consultant the
information necessary to present their reports to Council in a timely fashion.
C/O'Connor applauded the efforts and generous donations that have been
made to the D.B.H.S. computer lab. She said that all of the schools in D.B.
are in need of current computer equipment and current technology. She
asked the public to support the Girl Scouts organization which is currently
taking orders for nuts and calendars. She encouraged the public to
participate in the Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and support the
City's businesses. She wished everyone a happy and safe Halloween.
Diamond Point Elementary School, at the corner of Golden Springs Dr. and
Sunset Crossing Dr. holds an annual Halloween Carnival which is a safe
place for children to participate and have a fun time.
C/Huff stated that on October 7, he and M/Herrera attended the celebration
hosted by the Counsel General of Taiwan. He spoke about the SR60/71
Interchange opening. He asked that the City's temporary Sign Ordinance be
placed on the agenda for discussion. He wondered why D.B. has some of
the loosest sign standards of any city in which he was involved during the
State Assembly primary. He believed it would be helpful to discuss the City's
building standards because he is concerned about potential
"mansionization." He asked about the City's involvement with the school's
computer needs and if the City is looking to contribute surplus City
equipment.
CM/Belanger stated that the surplus list provided to Council this evening was
unrelated to this particular issue. In the 98-99 FY Budget, Council allocated
funds necessary to change over the City Hall computer hardware and
software. As a result, the City will have the hardware and software available
as surplus. Although there has been no direction given by Council, staff has
discussed the possibility of making the equipment available to both WV and
PU School Districts.
C/Huff asked that the matter of computer equipment needs for D.B. schools
be agendized for a future City Council meeting.
C/Huff stated that, for some time, there has been public concerns voiced
about the Council and their ability to be stewards of public lands. He
proposed a General Plan Amendment to deal with the public trust issue as
well as other open space property in the City so that the General Plan is
changed to reflect that the City cannot change any parkland or open space
land use without a vote of the people in a general or special election. He
asked that this matter be placed on the next possible Council meeting
agenda. He commented that his previous campaign signs had recently
reappeared. However, he is not a write-in candidate for Assembly.
OCTOBER 20, 1998 PAGE 11
M/Herrera urged residents to shop D.B. on Saturday and support the local
businesses during the Chamber Business Expo, which are very important to
the City's economy.
MPT/Chang echoed C/Huffs proposal for a General Plan Amendment to
protect the City's open space. He shared C/O'Connor's concern regarding
the computer programs offered by the City's schools. He believed the entire
Council is concerned about all of the students in D.B. He acknowledged
individuals and companies that have donated money and computer
equipment to D.B. High School.
11. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, MPT/Chang
adjourned the meeting at 10:14 p.m.
LYNDA BURGESS,( City Clerk
ATTEST-
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Mayor