HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/21/1999 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999
CLOSED SESSION: . None
2. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Chang called the meeting to order
at 6:41 p.m. in the Auditorium of the South Coast Air Quality Management
District, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Ansari, Herrera, Huff,
Mayor ProTem O'Connor and Mayor Chang.
Also present were: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager; Mike
Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Liu,
Deputy Public Works Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Mike
Nelson, Communications & Marketing Director and Lynda Burgess, City
Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps under the direction of Stuart Pompel.
INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Lorin Neeley,
Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Diamond Bar.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: CM/Belanger requested that Agenda Items
8.7b and R6.1 be continued to October 5, 1999.
3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
3.1 Presented Certificate of Recognition to Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle
Corps.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dr. Lawrence Rhodes reiterated his
complaint about door hangers. He wants the City to take action to stop this
type of advertising.
Clyde Hennessee, regarding Item 6.5, expressed concern about the grant
money going someplace else and that residents will still be charged for bulky
item or hazardous waste pickups. He asked why each member of the City
Council belongs to the Chamber of Commerce.
Jeff Koontz, Executive Director, D.B. Chamber of Commerce, announced
that a Candidate's forum will be held on October 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the
SCAQMD. Three of the four candidates have agreed to participate. The
Chamber's Business Expo and Job Fair will be held on October 23 at which
time Allstate Insurance will be recruiting for new employees for the new call
center in D.B.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999
5.
A
PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
Sue Sisk thanked Council and community members for their support in the
effort to stop the Lanterman Expansion Project.
Kathy Penn cited several occasions in which, in her opinion, members of the
City Council acted in a manner which was not helpful to the community
regarding the Lanterman Expansion Project.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 D.B. DAY AT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FAIR - September 22,
1999 - Pomona Fairplex.
5.2 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - September 23, 1999 - 7:00
p.m., SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION - September 28, 1999 - 7:00 p.m.,
SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.4 SMALL BUSINESS SEMINAR - Taxing Issues with the IRS,
September 28, 1999 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Room CC -6, 21865 E.
Copley Dr.
5.5 TOWN HALL MEETING - Four Corners Regional Transportation
Study - October 5, 1999 - 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive.
5.6 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - October 5, 1999 - 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive.
CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Ansari moved, C/Herrera seconded, to approve
the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll
vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Herrera, Huff, MPT/O'Connor,
M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.1 APPROVED MINUTES - Regular Meeting of September 7, 1999 - As
submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED & FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular
Meeting of August 10, 1999.
6.3 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER -dated September 21, 1999 in
the amount of $712,263.97. MPT/O'Connor recused herself from
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
approving P.O. 9005 - $240.00 and two items on the Wells Fargo
Bank Credit Card - $56.49 relating to the Lanterman Forensic
Expansion Project.
6.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 99-74: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE
EXCHANGE OF PROPOSITION A FUNDS WITH THE CITY OF
SANTA CLARITA FOR $370,000 - authorizing and approving
exchange of Proposition A Funds (Local Return Transit Funds) to the
City of Santa Clarita, California, for General Funds in the amount of
$.71 on the dollar, for a total of $262,700.
6.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 99-75: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AUTHORIZING
SUBMITTALS OF A FIFTH CYCLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT USED
OIL OPPORTUNITY GRANT AND AN EIGHTH CYCLE
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE GRANT.
6.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 99-72 E: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PRESCRIBING A
METHOD OF DRAWING WARRANTS AND CHECKS UPON CITY
FUNDS - temporarily prescribing a method of drawing warrants and
checks upon City funds and stipulating an expiration date for
Resolution No. 91-72 E as November 30, 1999, also adding the
Mayor Pro Tem.
6.7 APPROVED SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 11(1999):
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR AMENDING DIAMOND BAR PREFERENTIAL
PARKING DISTRICT NUMBER ONE TO INCLUDE LOS CERROS
DRIVE IN SAID DISTRICT AND AMENDING THE DIAMOND BAR
MUNICIPAL CODE ACCORDINGLY - waived full reading and
adopted Ordinance No. 11(1999) amending the D.B. Preferential
Parking District No. 1 to include Los Cerros Drive.
6.8 AWARDED CONTRACT FOR MINUTE SECRETARIAL SERVICES
- to Carol A. Dennis for Minute Secretary services for City Council,
Planning, Parks & Recreation and Traffic - & Transportation
Commissions, Lanterman Forensic Expansion Committee, Tres
Hermanos Conservation Authority and Wildlife Corridor Conservation
Authority meetings in the amount of $16,000 for the period October
1, 1999 through June 30, 2000 with a one-year renewal option for the
City.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
8. OLD BUSINESS:
8.1 RESOLUTION NO. 99-76: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AUTHORIZING AND
CONSENTING TO THE TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF A CABLE
TELEVISION FRANCHISE BY CENTURY COMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION TO ADELPHIA COMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION - On March 5, 1999, Century Communications Corp.
entered into a merger agreement with Adelphia Communications
Corp. As a result of several cable acquisitions, Adelphia is now the
fifth largest cable company. The acquisition of Century
Communications will be Adelphia's first business venture in California
and will be the largest single provider of cable television in the L.A.
area with 1.2 million customers. Their business operations include
cable television; competitive local exchange telephone services; high
speed Internet access; long distance telephone service; paging and
security. On April 26, 1999, the City received FCC Form Assignment
or Transfer of Control of Cable Television Franchise." A cable
transfer request must be acted upon, either approved or denied by
the Franchise Authority (City) within 120 days of receipt of the
Application (August 23, 1999). Within the timeframe, the City
reviewed the financial, legal and technical qualifications of the new
controlling entity. Adelphia and Century agreed to an additional two-
week period for the City's review (September 22). The Council Cable
Sub -Committee has met twice with Adelphia/Century staff to discuss
the transfer. Adelphia has provided a letter of corporate intent to
acceleration of the cable upgrade by two years and create a
California call center within one year.
Pennie Contos, Regional Manager, Adelphia, assured the Council
that the relocation of one or more call centers to Southern California
will be one of her primary tasks. There is currently no plan underway
to eliminate or replace current employees.
At the request of M/Chang, Captain Richard Martinez spoke of the
wounding of Deputy John Burton, Walnut Sheriff Deputy, in Rowland
Heights this past weekend. He stated that the Deputy is recovering
very well.
Clyde Hennessee complained that Century Communications has not
responded to customers as rapidly as did Jones Intercable. He asked
if rates will again be raised.
C/Ansari stated that she met with the President of Adelphia some time
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
ago and that she was assured that the customer service quality would
increase with the transfer from Century to Adelphia.
In response to MPT/O'Connor, CM/Belanger pointed out that the City
does not have authority over cable television rates under federal law.
Ms. Contos stated that the transfer will have no impact on the rates.
M/Chang moved, C/Ansari seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 99 -XX
"Authorizing and Consenting to the Transfer of Control of a Cable
Television Franchise by Century Communications Corp. to Adelphia
Communications Corp." and authorized the Mayor to sign all
necessary documents. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Herrera, Huff, MPT/
O'Connor, M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
8.2 FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 12(1999): AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AMENDING CHAPTER 8.16 OF
TITLE 8 OF THE DIAMOND BAR_ CITY CODE ADOPTING
REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS RELATING TO THE
COLLECTION, RECYCLING, TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL
OF SOLID WASTE, RECYCLABLE, AND COMPOSTABLE
MATERIALS - The proposed ordinance will affect waste hauler
permitting and waste prevention and recycling programming in the
City. Several provisions are proposed addressing yard waste
collection, rate restructuring for all residential and commercial
accounts, refuse containers and an automated collection system,
public education, and recycling services provisions for all generating
sectors. The proposed provisions have been modified based on
public input received on September 7, 1999 at the regular meeting of
the Council. The proposed ordinance addresses the principal
concerns of the City with regard to maintaining the competitive nature
of the existing waste management system while creating significant
incentives and requirements designed to allow the City to meet the
AB 939 diversion mandate of 50% by year 2000. The ordinance
changes are necessary because there is less than one year left to
demonstrate compliance with that mandate. Based on recent
unofficial data, the City needs at least 9°% diversion to reach 50%,
and if the City were not to comply with the mandate, there is the risk
of fine in the amount of $10,000 per day. Continued from September
7, 1999. Tim Dillon, Associate of J. Michael Huls, presented the
report.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
Clyde Hennessee commented on various aspects of the proposed
Ordinance.
Dave Reynolds said that if the current system is maintained, costs will
increase and in addition, it is likely that the City will be fined up to
$10,000 per day for non-compliance. The overwhelming consensus
of the Solid Waste Task Force members was to implement a 3 -barrel
system which creates the incentive to recycle is ideal for the single
family residences. The design for a multi -residential system will be
dependent upon the logistics in the sector. He explained how
multiple haulers would increase the cost. He urged the Council to
move forward.
Dr. Lawrence Rhodes said that plastic shopping bags are not
recyclable. He still does not know where to place his trash barrel for
pickup,
Don Gravdahl asked the following questions regarding the proposed
Ordinance: Page 1, Item C. - what is an oversized limb? Page 1,
Item E. what are the costs of the containers? Page 2, Hazardous _
Waste - provisions for disposal should be included in the Ordinance.
Section 5, Item (a) - Collection charge. If a person does not pay his
trash bill, does it become a lien against the property? Page 3,
Incentive as you throw does not make sense to him. In conclusion,
he said he wants to pay as little as possible for trash pickup.
Dean Ruffridge, Waste Management, said that his firm is ready to
provide service to D.B. in accordance with the revised Ordinance. He
believes the Ordinance should contain a limit on discounts. Although
he was told that the limit is 25%, he did not find it contained within the
Ordinance. It is appropriate to charge a nominal fee for additional
containers. His company is excited about proposing an integrated
program including residential, commercial, multi -family and industrial.
Rates are subject to the type of service and the number of years
during which carrier costs can be amortized. Waste Management can
and will provide used motor oil collection at curbside.
Jeff Duhamel, Valley Vista Disposal Services, encouraged the
Council to pass the Ordinance, prepare for the year 2000 and go out
to bid. He indicated to MPT/O'Connor that a 15 to 30°x6 range of
discounts is fairly typical within the industry.
In response to MPT/O'Connor, Paul Pistono, Athens Services,
indicated that he has witnessed discounts ranging from 15 to 30°%.
With regard to Dr. Rhodes' comment about placement of the
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
containers for pickup, MPT/O'Connor stated that the Ordinance is not
clear whether the container should be placed on the sidewalk. The
Ordinance merely states that the container(s) cannot block any
pedestrian way. Would the location be specified as part of a hauler's
permit?
CM/Belanger stated that, under an open system, the hauler(s) know
which is the most efficient way for their automated systems to
efficiently pickup the cans and dispose of the waste. It can be added
to the Ordinance, but the language should be flexible so as to
accommodate the hauler. With a closed or franchise system, Council
would decide where the cans should be placed.
MPT/O'Connor stated that regarding the question as to what is
considered an oversized limb, she felt that the information would be
disseminated to the public at the time actual disclosures are made.
CM/Belanger stated that the limitations described in the Ordinance
will be provided to customers so that when they see "oversized
branch", there is a definition to guide them so that they know when
they are exceeding the collection limit. It is not in the ordinance
because it is an operational issue between the City and the hauler.
MPT/O'Connor pointed out that in the definitions of Yard Waste, it
states "branches and bundles exceeding 18" in diameter or 4' in
length." What about persons not paying their trash bill—does a lien
get placed against the property?
CM/Belanger stated that the Municipal Code states that the
relationship between the fee and the service is between the hauler
and the customer and collection is up to the hauler. However, the
original ordinance states "Collection Charge: A charge for the
collection of refuse shall be imposed on the owner or occupant of
each residential or commercial unit to which refuse, recyclable and
compostable collection services made, the charge so fixed shall be
a civil debt due and owing to the City or permittee from the owner or
occupant of the residential or commercial unit to which the collection
is made available."
CA/Jenkins stated that a provision also exists in the Ordinance
whereby the City may elect to bill rather than the permittee. The
ordinance provides for the lien option only if the City is involved in the
billing. The permittee is limited to Small Claims or other court
alternative depending on the size of the amount the property owner
is in default.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
Following discussion, M/Chang moved to re -introduce for first reading
by title only and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 12 (1999)
amending Chapter 8.16 of Title 8 of the D.B. City Code adopting
Requirements and Standards Relating to the Collection, Recycling,
Transportation and Disposal of Solid Waste, Recyclable, and
Compostable Materials and to invite all major haulers to provide
proposals along with company history, financial strength, and
statement as to their ability to provide the required service. Motion
died for lack of a second.
MPT/O'Connor moved, C/Ansari seconded to re -introduce for first
reading by title only and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 12
(1999) amending Chapter 8.16 of Title 8 of the D.B. City Code
adopting Requirements and Standards Relating to the Collection,
Recycling, Transportation and Disposal of Solid Waste, Recyclable,
and Compostable Materials to include the following amendments: Add
a 30 percent cap on discounts; change "the" to "a" permittee, and
strike Used Motor Oil Section 4.816.130. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS- Ansari, Herrera, Huff, MPT/ —
O'Connor, M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
C/Ansari stated that on Thursday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m., Mr.
Eaton, Chairman of the California Integrated Waste Board and
Yvonne Hunter from the League of California Cities will be at the
Southern California Association of Governments headquarters on 7th
Street in Los Angeles to discuss AB 939 and related issues. She
encouraged interested persons to attend.
8.3 (a) CONSIDERATION OF BUDGET FOR IN-HOUSE
RECREATION PROGRAM - Council approved bringing recreation
services in-house at their August 17, 1999 meeting. Staff has
developed a budget with expenditures expected at $641,337,
revenues at $508,220 and a projected net cost of $133,117. As a
comparison, these costs are $46,500 less than the contract proposed
by the City of Brea. Brea proposed expenditures of $672,846,
revenues of $493,230 and a net cost of $179,616. Staffing levels for
both the in-house budget and the Brea proposal are comparable.
D.B. is able to offer the program in-house for less money because
Brea adds a 22°x6 overhead charge to their costs.
MPT/O'Connor moved, C/Ansari seconded, to approve $641,337 in
annual costs for the in-house recreation program with expected
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
revenues of $508,220, for a projected net cost of $133,117. Motion
carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Herrera, Huff, MPT/
O'Connor, M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
(b) CONSIDERATION OF FINAL RECREATION SERVICES
PROPOSAL FROM THE CITY OF BREA - Councilterminated the
Recreation Services contract with the City of Brea at their August 17,
1999 meeting. Per the terms of the contract, Brea will continue to
provide services in D.B. during a transition period of 90 days. Brea
proposes to provide services until December 23, 1999, with
expenditures of $175,744 and revenues of $144,216.
C/Ansari moved, C/Herrera seconded, to approve contract terms with
the City of Brea to provide recreation services to the D.B. community
for the period September 1, 1999 through December 23, 1999, with
expenditures of $175,644 and revenues of $144;216. Motion carried
by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Herrera, Huff, MPT/
O'Connor, M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
8.4 DISCUSSION OF STATUS OF LANTERMAN DEVELOPMENT
CENTER'S PROPOSED FORENSIC CONFINEMENT COMPOUND
PROJECT.
MPT/O'Connor recused herself from discussion of this matter and left
the dais.
CM/Belanger announced that a Letter of Recision dated September
17, 1999 was faxed from the Attorney General's office to the City of
D.B. The State indicated, however, that they intend to continue to
move patients other than forensics to Lanterman. Many questions
remain to be answered as to the State's intent. The City intends to
continue with the litigation as filed until clear and concise decisions
are received from the State. A preliminary injunction is to be heard
- on October 19, 1999.
C/Huff recommended that Council add an amount of money to its
annual budget for "Lanterman Oversight" matters in the future.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
C/Herrera and C/Huff reported on last night's Advisory Committee
meeting. The Advisory Committee will continue to exist as a
monitoring body.
C/Ansari recommended that a Lanterman employee serve on the
Advisory Committee.
Joseph Farrell thanked Council for their support in this matter. He
commented on statements made by Kathy Penn. He expressed
opposition to inviting Lanterman employees to join the D.B. Advisory
Committee.
Darla Farrell did not believe that there was any justification to the
verbal attack on C/Huff by public speaker Kathy Penn.
Dr. Lawrence Rhodes supported continuing the City's lawsuit.
Sue Sisk believed the community has a right to know what Lanterman
intends for its local facility. She welcomed working with any member
of the State or Lanterman Developmental Center on this issue if they _
were forthcoming with the facts. She thanked -staff for their efforts in
this matter.
Clyde Hennessee believed D.B. will need to remain vigilant about
Lanterman and its intentions. He thanked the community members
who participated in opposing the expansion project.
Jennifer Hoey encouraged community members to remain vigilant and
not to get complacent about Lanterman.
Don Gravdahl disagreed with C/Ansari's recommendation of having
a Lanterman employee on the Advisory Board.
Kathy Penn said she attended last night's Advisory Committee
meeting and was appalled by C/Herrera's behavior. Lies attributed
to Lanterman come from C/Herrera's mouth and not from Mr. Huff.
Jeff Koontz, speaking as a resident of D.B., expressed concern about
personal attacks. He believed that poor judgements were made all
around and that the community should look toward solutions for the
future. He asked for a report on all three pending lawsuits and
wanted to know if the City might be able to annex the Lanterman
property into D.B.
MPT/O'Connor returned to the dais.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
8.5 PROPOSED FORMATION OF WATER POLICY SUB -COMMITTEE
C/Ansari proposed the formation of a Water Policy Subcommittee
and volunteered for membership.
C/Herrera moved, M/Chang seconded, to establish a Water Policy
Subcommittee and appoint C/Ansari to serve as a representative.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Herrera, MPT/O'Connor,
M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Huff
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
8.6 APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES TO DIAMOND
BAR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - The Articles of Incorporation
require that "The original directors shall be designated by the
Incorporator(s). Thereafter, Directors shall be appointed or elected
in accordance with the following procedure:
"(i) One (1) member of the Board of Directors shall also be a member
of the City Council appointed by the mayor;
"(ii) One (1) member of the Board of Directors shall be a
representative of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City
of Diamond Bar (Annette Finnerty) appointed by the Commission
annually;
"(iii) Five (5) members of the Board of Directors shall be residents of
the City of Diamond Bar appointed by the City Council; and
"(iv) The remaining four (4) members of the Board of Directors shall
be residents of the City of Diamond Bar who represent local
Community organizations; including one member representing the
Chamber of Commerce, one member representing senior groups, one
member representing youth organizations. These members of the
Board of Directors shall be referred to as 'members -at -large' and shall
be appointed by the Board of Directors on a rotating basis from within
each of the four groups. These 'members -at -large' shall be selected
by majority vote of the Board of Directors at any annual regular or
special meeting duly called and noticed for this purpose."
Jeff Koontz said he would prefer that the Chamber of Commerce
propose a member for ratification by the Board of Directors rather
than a selection by the Board.
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
Clyde Hennessee asked for an explanation of "local community
organizations."
MPT/O'Connor pointed out that the Foundation is separate from the
City and its purpose is to raise funds for recreation. She agreed with
Mr. Koontz that the Chamber representative should be proposed by
the Chamber Board and that the individual representing other groups,
such as the seniors, would do so on a rotating basis. Service
organizations include Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, etc. These are all
volunteers. The Chamber of Commerce needs to be included
because the Foundation will attempt to obtain donations from
businesses.
M/Chang appointed MPT/O'Connor as the Council's representative.
The appointment expires December, 1999.
CM/Belanger stated that the City would intensify its public information
and public solicitation campaign to encourage public member
applications.
8.7 CONSIDERATION OF STREET TREE PROGRAM.
a) Median Tree Planting - To plant 543 trees on landscaped
medians on Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue at a cost of
$95,025. Funds are available in L.L.M.C. #38.
Dr. Rhodes pointed out that Rancho Santa Ana, located behind the
Claremont College School of Theology is a free entrance 40 acres
of all of the plants that grow naturally in California. He recommended
that the Council choose trees that have tap roots rather than spider
roots.
Clyde Hennessee asked the Council to consider alternatives to trees.
C/Huff moved, C/Ansari seconded, to approve planting 543 trees on
the landscaped medians per the tree planting plan dated February 24,
1999. It is further recommended that the City Council authorize
expenditure of up to $95,025 ($175 per tree), funding with Lighting
and Landscape Maintenance District #38 funds, to plant the trees.
Finally, it is recommended that the City Council authorize the City
Manager to execute the purchase order required to add this work to _
West Coast Arborists' on-call tree planting contract, in an additional
amount of $95,025. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999
PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Herrera, Huff, MPT/
O'Connor, M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
9. NEW BUSINESS: None
RECESS TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING: NVChang recessed the
City Council Meeting to the Redevelopment Agency at 11:04 p.m.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: M/Chang reconvened the City
Council meeting at 11:07 p.m.
10. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Huff requested that staff prepare
a status update of the Council's goals and objectives. During last week's
COG meeting, which he and C/Herrera attended, there was a discussion
regarding mental health and how the matter is being considered at a local
level. He attended the skate park meeting and enjoyed seeing a wide
representation of the City's youth. He addressed comments made by a
Lanterman employee this evening and thanked the members of the audience
who spoke on his behalf. _
C/Ansari spoke about attending many meetings regarding water issues. Last
week she attended the Chamber mixer at the Best Western D.B.. She met
one of the owners of the Platinum (formerly known as the Mirage) next door
to the hotel. Platinum opened this past weekend and will serve upscale
food. Continental Burger has moved across the street to the pizza parlor
location. She attended a water meeting this morning concerning the CalFed
process and CalTrans. CalTrans has decided to join SCAG because they
have Clean Water Act requirements with which they must comply. She and
C/Herrera attended the Contract Cities meeting last week. Friends of the
Library will dedicate their website on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Tomorrow at
11:00 a Freedom Park will be dedicated at Lanterman Hospital.
C/Herrera said that disparaging remarks made this evening by an employee
of Lanterman are unfortunate. The issue of Lanterman has resulted in the
deterioration of much of the goodwill and respect the community has enjoyed
with Lanterman for 75 years. Much of the conversation at last night's
Advisory Board meeting was about a lack of trust. There were no individuals
being made fun of. The Council Member from Walnut spoke about a lack of
trust and not being able to believe what was said. As the community has
discovered through this long process, many have experienced a lack of trust
and the inability to believe what was originally expressed. She thanked
community individuals who have participated in signing letters addressed to
Ralphs Market. One hundred letters were sent on behalf of the D.B. seniors
and about half of the 110 letters she distributed have been signed and will
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
be forwarded to the President of Ralphs. The letters are requesting the
company to allow another grocery store to locate in their empty building in
the Country Hills Towne Center.
CM/Belanger stated he received a telephone call from the Director of Real
Estate for Ralphs who informed the City that they have retained the services
of a ' Senior Vice President from Lee Associates who has a long and
successful relationship with Ralphs in locating markets in former Ralphs
sites. Ralphs has retained Vilma Chow from Lee Associates to find an
operator for that particular store. He believed that a proposal fora grocer
to locate at that site is forthcoming.
MPT/O'Connor stated the City will hold a Millennium party on December 31
from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on January 1. The event will be held in the
intersection of D.B. Blvd. and Grand Ave. The intersection will be closed for
the celebration. Signs will provide advance notice of the closure. The event
will include carnival rides, fireworks, bands, food, etc. The committee is
working to reduce the cost of the event. The Code Enforcement
Subcommittee (MPT/O'Connor and M/Chang) met twice during the past
week to discuss a citation procedure authority. The document is being _
reviewed by the City Attorney and will likely be discussed by the Council on
October 5. She commented on the excellent turnout for the skate park
meeting. The young people determined two potential sites - Peterson Park
and Pantera Park. There will be a meeting for the residents adjacent to
Peterson Park on Wednesday, September 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the SCAQMD.
The next meeting will be a design meeting. She attended the Chamber's
Board of Directors meeting this morning. She asked the City Attorney to
comment on the possible conflict of interest with respect to the Minnequa
Landslide.
CA/Jenkins stated that MPT/O'Connor owns a home within 150 feet of the
Minnequa Landslide, which necessitated an analysis of whether or not the
slope failure affecting five properties has any effect on the value of
MPT/O'Connor's home. If it had an effect of more than $10,000 one way or
the other then, it would create a conflict of interest which would prohibit her
from participating in any decisions involving the City initiated remedy of the
slope failure. Upon consideration of the matter and based on the review of
that slope failure by the city's engineering consultants, it was concluded that
it does not have any physical effect or financial impact on MPT/O'Connor.
M/Chang asked that staff contact CalTrans regarding additional soundwalls
along the 57 fwy. He congratulated LA Fitness on their expansion and
Grand Opening. He spoke with Sheriff Lee Baca regarding citation authority
for Community Volunteers and his comments will be forthcoming in the near
future. He encouraged business owners and residents who want to start a
business to attend the Chamber's Small Business Seminar. He stated that
SEPTEMBER 21, 1999 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL
even though he has run a business for 15 years, he benefited from attending
one of the seminars. He asked that community members maintain a
respectful attitude regarding the Lanterman situation. He spoke about the
devastating earthquake in Taiwan and conveyed his deepest sympathies to
the victims and their families. He thanked President Clinton and the federal
government for aiding the victims.
11. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Chang
adjourned the meeting at 11:35 p.m.
L cA
LYNDA BURGC5S, City Clerk
ATTEST:
s C�_
Mayor