HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/5/1999 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL TOWN HALL MEETING
FOUR CORNERS REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STUDY
OCTOBER 5, 1999
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Chang called the meeting to order at 4:22
p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium, 21865
E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California.
2. ROLL CALL: Council Members Ansari, Herrera, Huff, Mayor
Pro Tem O'Connor and Mayor Chang.
Also Present were: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager; James
DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Deputy Public Works Director,
and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk.
M/Chang introduced Supervisor Don Knabe.
Supervisor Knabe presented the 1999 Engineering Achievement Award to
C/Huff. The award was made by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Consulting
Engineers and Land Surveyors Association. C/Huff was selected to receive
this award for planning and implementation of Alameda Corridor East.
C/Huff thanked Supervisor Knabe and stated that the Supervisor's
commitment to transportation is well noted. "He explained what the Four
Corners Transportation Study is about why the area is being studied, who
is involved, what the current status of the study is, and what happens next.
J. D. Douglas, Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, presented
background information on the Four Comers Regional Transportation Study,
what the issues are, and what some of the options are that are being
studied. He explained that the primary purpose of tonight's session is to
present information and receive public input for which comment forms have
been supplied.
"What is the Four Corners Study? The Four Corners Study is an
intercounty planning effort to address long-term transportation needs in the
area known as the "Four Corners" where the counties of Los Angeles,
Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino meet. The area is bounded by the
State Route (SR) 57 on the west, 1-15 on the east, SR 60 on the north and
SR 91 on the south. The study scope involves two major phases. Phase I
is designed to assess current and future transportation problems in the Four
Corners area. Phase II looks at alternatives and solutions.
"Why is the area being studied? In developing the Regional Transportation
Plan, the Southem California Association of Governments (SCAG)
discovered significant long-term mobility challenges for the Four Corners
area. If nothing is done to accommodate anticipated growth in population
and employment, traffic congestion on highways and surface streets will
continue to get worse.
"Who is involved? SCAG, the regional planning agency for Southem
California, is funding the $250,000 Four Corners Study. An
intercounty coordination group comprised of elected officials and
technical staff from cities, counties and transportation agencies is
implementing the study. The Orange County Transportation Authority
is providing project management support for the Four Corners Study
and Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas is the project consultant.
"What is the current status? An assessment of transportation
alternatives for the Four Comers area is presently underway. Options
include expanding highways and surface streets, adding transit
services and building new roads and toll roads. A technical review
and public outreach programs are currently being conducted.
"What happens next? During fall, 1999, the best concepts will be
packaged into a preferred transportation strategy and an
implementation plan will be developed. Recommendations will then
be forwarded to SCAG for inclusion in the 2001 Regional
Transportation Plan. If included, transportation improvements would
be eligible for state and federal funding - the first step in getting a
project off the ground.
C/Ansari asked Mr. Douglas to expand his comments regarding the —
parameters of the study.
J. D. Douglas responded that at the beginning of the study in
recognition of the fact that there are a number of different
perspectives and opinions on how these transportation issues should
be addressed, the consultant team first met individually with each of
the participating agencies and stakeholders in the area to hear their
perspectives, understand their concerns and receive their input on
potential solutions and strategies. Subsequent to that, the firm did an
extensive search of literature and reports and studies that relate to
the four corners area. All of that information was synthesized and
from that information, the consultant developed the Statement of
Purpose and Need which is the guiding document for this study. That
statement includes both a statement of what the problems are and a
statement of what some of the issues are, as well as, a statement of
the objectives and purposes of the study. He elaborated on those
statements using visual aids. He stated that these are the guiding
principles. The consultant's job is to evaluate all of the improvement
options in light of those principles and develop the package of
improvements that best achieves that overall objective.
C/Ansari asked if the cost of $100-180 million takes into consideration
that transportation corridors may go through environmentally sensitive
areas and the potential need for low impact lighting receptors.
OCTOBER 5, 1999
HALL
PAGE 3 FOUR CORNERS TOWN
J. D. Douglas indicated that to some extent, yes. When the cost estimates
for those roads were developed, information was used that was developed
in the study conducted about 10 years ago where specific engineering
studies and calculations were done. Those estimates were used and a
contingency factor was applied to those costs to account for other costs that
might develop.
Joe Kung, 20866 E. Quail Run Dr., said that he runs several shopping
centers. He is a Chamber of Commerce member of Anaheim, Yorba Linda,
Huntington Beach and Upland and he will be joining Walnut next week after
he purchases the Vons Shopping Center in that city. He frequently travels
the four comers area and suggested that there are several problems that are
not being taken into consideration such as community problem. He stated
that the Smart Street Project in Anaheim Hills particularly ignored two
serious problems. He travels the 91 east and 71 north and did not
understand why there is a three mile section immediately north of the 91
which has a two lane capability and only one lane is open. This causes a
problem in both directions. In Anaheim Hills there is a problem on the
southbound Imperial Highway left turn at Santa Ana Canyon Rd. The only
solution was a three -lane left turn. When he proposed the triple left turn, the
community strongly objected. This community wants to preserve the so-
called rural features of the past. To a certain degree, there should be
compromise and therefore, this study must address the community's
objections at the outset. Secondly, CalTrans is difficult to work with because
they do not recognize local needs. D.B. has a problem because CalTrans
dumped the traffic onto the community's streets. Therefore, the state
legislators must be convinced to make sure that CalTrans' responsibility
does not end at the freeway ramp. Thirdly, the Alameda Corridor problem
is a federal problem. He believed that Beach Blvd. and imperial Hwy. are
good examples of how the Orange County Smart Street Program is working.
He also believed that widening Carbon Canyon to two lanes is a very good
approach. He asked if there are perhaps other streets that can be widened
to four lanes. He cautioned the City that when it conducts a traffic study that
the information is double-checked by field data. Developers should pay a
fee for excessive traffic generated by their developments. Such fees and
rules should be established in advance of development.
Wilbur Smith stated that there appears to be a multi-level standard design
in major interchanges throughout Southern California. He hoped that the
design for the SR57/60 interchange would be consistent with other
interchanges in the general area and expressed concern about how
effective such an interchange would be in reducing traffic on D.B. Blvd.
and Grand Ave. If it is properly designed, there should be a big
improvement in reducing the traffic on D.B. and Grand Ave. and thereby
reduce the need for additional improvements to Tonner Canyon and
OCTOBER 5, 1999
HALL
PAGE 4 FOUR CORNERS TOWN
Carbon Canyon. He hoped that the 57/60 interchange would be
given the highest priority and that an additional assessment would
be done to see what else might be needed to mitigate the traffic
before considering a road in the Tonner Canyon area. A road
currently exists in Carbon Canyon and he believed it would be
advisable and less costly to consider improving that road rather
than to consider building a new road in Tonner Canyon. He would
like the study to indicate that the highest priority would be
improvement to the 57/60 interchange and that any road through
Tonner Canyon would be the lowest priority because it would not
solve the regional problems. He pointed out that the City's General
Plan has specific statements requesting no road through SEA 15
and he hoped that at some point the Council would address that
issue. The General Plan also calls for community participation in
whatever plans are formulated for Tonner Canyon and any
discussion of putting a road through Tonner Canyon must be held
openly and that if any changes are made to the General Plan, the
proposed changes will be brought before the citizens to make
comment on and to voice their approval.
J. D. Douglas responded that, in terms of prioritizing, one of the steps
in the process after building consensus is to indicate implementation
steps, which would include indications of priority. It is his firm's
opinion in reviewing the evaluation results that improving the SR
57/60 interchange should be at or near the top of the priority list for
improvements in the area. He agreed with Mr. Smith's assessment
that the primary benefit of a road in the Tonner Canyon area would
be more beneficial to D.B. than to the region. He believed the intent
of the benefit of a road through the Tonner Canyon area is to address
the problem areas on Grand Ave. and D.B. Blvd. and it is a correct
observation by Mr. Smith that those problem areas are not regional
- they are more sub -regional but they are part of inter -county travel.
Grand and D.B. Blvd. carry a lot of traffic originating in Chino and
Chino Hills, primarily traveling to D.B. and other parts of L.A. County
and Orange County and the shortest travel route is Grand/D.B. Blvd.
to the SR 57/60 freeways. The localized issue is one of the needs
that was adopted as a need in the Statement of Purpose and Needs
and is the reason that it is being considered.
Supervisor Knabe pointed out that, although it is a localized need or
situation, it is because of regional congestion.
J. D. Douglas responded that it is partly a result of regional
congestion and partly because of regional travel patterns and the
regional roadway system.
OCTOBER 5, 1999
HALL
PAGE 5 FOUR CORNERS TOWN
C/Huff asked Mr. Douglas to comment on what would happen if the SR 57/60
interchange is brought up to speed and what impacts it would have on Grand
Ave. and D.B. Blvd.
Mr. Douglas stated that his expectation is that improvements to the SR 57/60
interchange would provide some help to Grand Ave. and D.B. Blvd. but not
nearly as much as also having a Tonner Canyon roadway because a portion
of the traffic on Grand and D.B. Blvd. is there because people are trying to
avoid the congestion on the SR 57 and SR 60. However, from the computer
model, it appears that the larger portion of those people is there because it
is the shortest route.
C/Huff stated that if it is the shortest route and there is more capacity when
you get to the SR 57/60 so that it is not backing up so much, wouldn't that
draw more traffic to Grand Ave. and you could predict less traffic on D.B.
Blvd?
Mr. Douglas indicated that he did not believe that the improvement of the
freeway itself would do that because how much traffic uses Grand Ave. is
constrained by the capacity at the intersection of Grand and D.B. Blvd.,
which is currently carrying as much traffic as it can possibly handle during
the peak hours.
C/Huff asked if Grand should be increased to six lanes and if so, what would
the anticipated outcome be?
Mr. Douglas responded that his best estimate is that if the SR 57/60 is
improved and if six lanes were provided on Grand all the way to the freeway,
it would attract more traffic from Chino/Chino Hills along Grand to get to the
SR 60/57. If this was done and no Tonner Canyon road was built, more
traffic would flow down D.B. Blvd. to reach SR 57.
Clyde Hennessee explained why he supported building a roadway in the
Tonner Canyon area.
Dan Marostica, Walnut City Council Member, thanked the City Council for
issuing an invitation to Walnut to attend the Town Hall meeting. He stated
that although Walnut is outside the study area, any relief that can be given
to the SR 60 would assist the Valley Blvd., which directly impacts the citizens
of Walnut.
MPT/O'Connor asked what specific plans are contemplated for the SR57/60
interchange improvements.
OCTOBER 5, 1999
HALL
PAGE 6 FOUR CORNERS TOWN
Mr. Douglas stated that the entire stretch of the interchange will be
improved. How it would be designed has not been formulated. He
did not believe that there would be two separate freeways. Instead,
parts of the two freeways would still come together in some fashion
but there would be a lot more separation of ramps. He cited the
example of the El Toro Y in Orange County where the 5 and 405
come together as what might be proposed for the SR 57/60
interchange. He said he is speaking about the entire section where
the two freeways come together from the west end to the east end
where they diverge.
C/Huff said that the study expanded to include the 71 from the 60 up
to the 10 to accomplish giving the traffic east of the 71 an option to
head up to the 10 or 210 without having to get off onto D. B. Blvd. and
jog up to the 57 north to accomplish the same thing. There are
technical problems with making a 60 westbound to the 57 northbound.
Technically, it is easy to go the 71 from the 60 freeway status or
expressway up to the 10 freeway.
In response to MPT/O'Connor, Mr. Douglas. indicated that when
detailed design studies are done for the 60/57 freeway, they will look
at how many trips wish to go southbound to eastbound and make that
determination of whether that ramp is feasible and cost effective. He
believed that C/Huff was correct in that if you can upgrade the 71 to
a freeway status and have it be a straight shot to get up to the 10 and
210, then most of the people would be able to go that way.
MPT/O'Connor asked if Parsons Brinckerhoff had conducted an
analysis of the ridership origin from the City of Industry Metrolink
station.
Mr. Douglas said that no current analysis has been done. This study
contemplates a forecast for 2020. There is no data as to whether or
not Chino or Chino Hills residents are using the Metrolink station.
SCRRA collects, passenger data and may have information regarding
ridership.
MPT/O'Connor asked Mr. Douglas to address Mr. Smith's question
regarding whether or not a second lane has been considered for
Carbon Canyon Rd.
Mr. Douglas indicated that a second lane was not evaluated.
When the alternatives were evaluated, a long list of possible
improvements was considered. The reason that only one
additional lane was tested on Carbon Canyon Rd. was twofold.
OCTOBER 5, 1999
HALL
PAGE 7 FOUR CORNERS TOWN
First, with the development that is in Carbon Canyon today, it would be
difficult enough to increase the road by one lane without substantial
impacts to the community. Making it a six -lane road or four lanes with two
reversible roads would extend the impacts. If a new alignment to
eliminate the s -curve through Sleepy Hollow were considered, that would
also have substantial impacts. Providing that amount of capacity would
create a real burden in terms of traffic impacts at the downstream end.
Therefore, this concept worked against one of the guiding principles of
the study.
MPT/O'Connor said that she was glad to see that included under the "Not
Recommended" list is the peak hour bus lanes on Grand Ave. and the
express lanes on Grand. She believed there should be express bus lanes
on the freeways, not going through community surface streets. She strongly
opposed any dedicated bus lanes coming through the middle of D.B.
Mr. Douglas believed there are places in the world where bus lanes on
arterial streets are appropriate, but you need a lot more buses than D.B.
would have to make them effective and useful.
MPT/O'Connor stated that, with respect to Mr. Smith's comments about the
City's General Plan, she would guarantee that all meetings to consider
changes to the Plan would be open for public participation.
Supervisor Knabe recognized Maureen Michelin from the MTA and the
highway implementation program.
C/Huff stated that the City's General Plan specifies that any road in the area
of Tonner Canyon would be outside of the SEA and that it would be
ecologically sensitive. Any attempt to change the General Plan would be
difficult and would not be done capriciously.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, Mayor Chang
adjourned the Study Session at 6:05 p.m. to the regular City Council meeting.
ATTEST:
17_
Mayor
L DA BURGESS, City Clerk
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
OCTOBER 5, 1999
1. CLOSED SESSION: None
2. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Chang called the City Council
meeting to order at 6:50 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; Bob Rose, Community Services Director;
Mike Nelson, Communications & Marketing Director and Lynda Burgess, City
Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dr.
Patricia Rasmussen, Mt. San Antonio College.
INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Pastor Mark
Hopper, Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
3.1 Proclaimed October 16, 1999 as "National Mammography Day".
3.2 Proclaimed October 4-8, 1999 as "Rideshare Week".
3.3 Proclaimed October 8-22, 1999 as "Child Injury and Violence
Prevention Week".
3.4 Proclaimed October 10-16, 1999 as "World Population Awareness
Week".
3.5 Proclaimed October, 1999 as "Escrow Month".
3.6 Presentation by Dr. Patricia Rasmussen of Mt. San Antonio College
regarding programs and activities.
3.7 Presentation by Council Member and SCAG Representative Ansari
regarding the Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG).
CMD/Nelson announced the appointment of April Blakey as Communications
and Marketing Coordinator.
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 2 CITY
COUNCIL
DDPW/Liu welcomed Frank Hess as the City's new Public Works
Supervisor.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Matson, Los Angeles Sheriffs
Foundation, announced that the Sheriffs float for the Rose Parade and
fundraising efforts is being made to provide monies to aid children in the
County.
In response to Allen Wilson, David Liu stated that the Golden Springs Dr.
project between Grand Ave. and Torito Lane is a major pavement
reconstruction project which is slated to be completed 90 days after Labor
Day.
Jill Pierce, owner of Platinum Restaurant and Night Club, 245 Gentle
Springs Dr., reported that the establishment's ribbon cutting and grand
opening ceremonies will be the first week in November. The restaurant is
currently open for business and includes banquet facilities. Platinum will
host next month's Chamber Mixer.
Clyde Hennessee complained that his statements regarding the Chamber of
Commerce were not included in the City's "Quick Cap". He presented a
copy of his Waste Management billing and discussed the invoice items. He
stated that a recent Waste Management billing did not include a contact
telephone number. He further stated that he has received excellent service
from Waste Management.
Sue Sisk encouraged Council Members and residents to visit Diamond
Ranch High School.
Al Rumpilla felt that he should not have to contact City Hall to get timely
service from Waste Management for replacement of a broken trash can. He
felt this was unacceptable and that the City should have permits for more
than one hauler.
Red Calkins wanted to know what trash hauling fees will be under the new
Ordinance. Where will the City's trash be dumped after Spadra Landfill
closes?
MPT/O'Connor spoke to concerns raised by Mr. Rumpilla and Mr. Calkins by
stating that D.B. does not have just one trash hauler. There are three
companies that are permitted to collect trash in D.B. - Waste Management, —
Athens and Valley Vista. If Mr. Rumpilla had problems with Waste
Management, he could call Athens or Valley Vista. With respect to Mr.
Calkins' statement that the City wants to sign a contract with Waste
Management, there has been no decision made as to which hauler or
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 3 CITY
COUNCIL
haulers the City will engage and no decision has been made to go to a
single provider.
Dave Reynolds understood that the Public Comments portion of the agenda
is for items other than agenda items. He asked whether the two previous
speakers would be allowed to speak again about trash issues under Item
8.2.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Brea Canyon Streetscape Project Informational Meeting - October 6,
1999 - 6:00 p.m., Evergreen Springs Elementary School.
5.2 Golden Springs Drive/Lemon Avenue Street Rehab Information
Meeting - October 7, 1999 - 6:00 p.m., Walnut Elementary School,
841 S. Glenwick Ave.
5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION - October 12, 1999 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.4 Traffic & Transportation Commission - October 14, 1999 - 7:00 p.m.,
SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.5 Composting Workshop - October 16, 1999, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
- Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 E. Golden Springs Dr.
5.6 D.B. General Municipal Election Candidate Forum - October 18, 1999
- 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.7 City Council Meeting - October 19, 1999 - 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.8 D.B. Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and Job Fair - October
23, 1999 - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Kmart Shopping Center parking lot.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Ansari moved, C/Huff seconded, to approve the
Consent Calendar with the exception of Item 6.3. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote with MPT/O'Connor recusing herself from voting on
Item 6.5:
- — AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Herrera, Huff, MPT/O'Connor,
M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 4 CITY
COUNCIL
6.1 APPROVED MINUTES - Regular Meeting of September 21, 1999 - As
submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED & FILED PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES - Regular Meeting of August 26, 1999,
6.4 REVIEWED AND APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT for
August, 1999.
6.5 APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH SHEPPARD, MULLIN,
RICHTER & HAMPTON, LLP - for legal services related to the
Lanterman Developmental Center proposed forensic confinement
compound project with Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton, LLP,
in the amount of $75,000 for a total contract amount of $225,000.
MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
7
A
6.3 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated October 5, 1999 in the
amount of $825,663.04. MPT/O'Connor recused herself from
approval of A8840 for $5,791.81, P.O. 9009 for $2,973.15, P.O. 9179
for $10,974.69 and P.O. 8883 for $15.96 relating to the Lanterman
Proposed Forensic Confinement Compound Project.
MPT/O'Connor asked for an explanation of the item on Page 5 of the
Warrant Register pertaining to Employee Parking Permits and stated
that she would be voting NO on approval of this item.
C/Herrera moved, C/Ansari seconded, to approve the Warrant
Register as submitted. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote
with MPT/O'Connor voting "NO" on approval of the Employee Parking
Permits on Page 5 of the Warrant Register in the amount of $201.04:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS -
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS -
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS -
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
OLD BUSINESS:
8.1 SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Ansari, Herrera, Huff,
MPT/O'Connor, M/Chang
None
None
(a) LANTERMAN DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER'S PROPOSED
FORENSIC CONFINEMENT COMPOUND PROJECT.
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 5 CITY
COUNCIL
MPT/O'Connor recused herself from this matter and left the dais.
CM/Belanger announced that upon the City's request for
clarification on the State's recision of the forensic expansion, the
State responded by filing a motion to dismiss the City's lawsuit.
Other items such as the Mitigated Negative Declaration of approval
are still matters of contention by the City and will be argued in
court on October 15, 1999.
C/Herrera reported that she had an appointment to discuss this
matter with Clifford Allenby on October 28,1999.
Sue Sisk pointed out that the issues with the State are not over and
that the City still does not have a definition of "severe behavioral"
from Clifford Allenby. She suggested that the Advisory Meeting
schedule should be advertised in local publications and posted on
Cable TV. Hearings on this matter are scheduled for October 15
and 19.
C/Herrera stated that notices will be sent out with respect to the
next meeting. Packets including the minutes of prior meetings will
be sent out a week in advance of the October 25 meeting.
Dr. Lawrence Rhodes thanked Council for changing the title of the
project from Lanterman Expansion.
MPT/O'Connor returned to the dais.
(b) WILDLIFE CORRIDOR CONSERVATION AUTHORITY -
MPT/O'Connor explained the conduct of the WCCA Board and the
special September 22, 1999 meeting. The group presented an
amendment to move the $10,000,000 of Prop A funds to the
Wildlands Authority. There was no background and no information
presented regarding the Wildlands Authorty. When she stated
point of order due to lack of 72 hour notification, none of the other
members could tell her when they received the information that this
matter was going to be on the agenda. The item was not on the
amended agenda and was approved with no information provided
to the board members. Council Member Powers from La Habra
Heights stated that he also did not receive a copy of the resolution.
WCCA members were presented an amended resolution at 7:30
p.m., the start of the September 22 meeting.
She did not believe that WCCA members were properly
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 6 CITY —
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notified of this matter. Mr. Powers, who is an attorney,
questioned the legality and liability. She indicated that she
and Mr. Powers were overruled and that the vote was passed
to proceed to request that the Board of Supervisors transfer
the.$10,000,000 to the Wildlife Conservancy for the purpose
of purchasing a portion of the Boy Scout Firestone property.
She sent a letter to all governing board members and to the
Board of Supervisors objecting to these practices. She asked
staff to bring back a report on the City of Industry's proposal
and the Wildland Authority proposal to purchase the Boy
Scout Reservation Property.
C/Ansari asked the City Attorney to look into the legality of the
matter. She complimented MPT/O'Connor for her swift
response to the WCCA Board. She stated that she has been
concerned about the lack of notification and documentation on
the part of the Board.
C/Herrera stated that two years ago,the Wildlife Corridor
Conservation Authority had a resolution on the agenda to give
the $10,000,000 to Mountains Recreation Conservation
Authority (MRCA) which is a subsidiary of Santa Monica
Mountains Conservancy controlled by Joe Edmiston. She
wondered how WCCA could give away $10,000,000 twice and
whether the first resolution was rescinded.
CM/Belanger responded that the resolution that was approved
by WCCA had, as one of its sections, a supercision section
superseding the earlier resolution and any previous action by
the Governing Board of the Wildlife Corridor Conservation
Authority relative to the acquisition of Firestone/Boy Scout
Reservation in Tonner Canyon to the extent that any such
previous action is inconsistent therewith. That previous action
was accomplished through an agreement. The resolution that
was ultimately considered by the WCCA Board did not have
that section in it likely because they would have had to bring
an agreement back and there seemed to be some sense of
urgency with making that approval that evening and not
tomorrow night when WCCA again meets.
MPT/O'Connor stated that WCCA announced that the City of
Industry is offering $12,250,000 for the Firestone/Boy Scout
property, which means that WCCA needs an additional
$2,250,000 to match the offer. WCCA is looking to the
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 7 CITY
COUNCIL
Wildlands Conservancy to come up with the additional monies to
match City of Industry's offer.
C/Huff expressed concern about why the City continues its
membership of WCCA. The City remained in WCCA to have a say
in how the sphere of influence and surrounding areas would
remain protected. When it comes to key decisions regarding
impacts to the City's sphere of influence, WCCA finds a way to
meet the legal requirements and keep the City in the dark. He
believed the process WCCA uses is wrong. He suggested that the
City reconsider its involvement in WCCA.
(c) OTHER SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS - C/Ansari discussed
a redevelopment committee meeting with C/Huff last week in which
it was discovered that the Ralphs Company will be actively looking
for a tenant for its empty space in the Country Hills Towne Center.
She announced that the City will again be involved in the
International Shopping Center conference which takes place next
week.
MPT/O'Connor reported on the progress of the subcommittee
preparing for the City's Millennium Party on December 31, 1999.
C/Huff reported on recent Alameda Corridor and CLOUT
meetings. He stated that he attended a dinner, which legal counsel
for Mayor Hahn of D.B.'s sister city also attended. The sister city
was little affected by the recent earthquake.
8.2 SECOND 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 21, 1999 at
the regular meeting of the Council.
Dave Reynolds spoke about the Solid Waste Task Force's process
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 8 CITY —
COUNCIL
and resulting recommendations to Council. He stated that he
continues to favor a three -barrel system. He outlined the
considerations involved in determining pricing.
Clyde Hennessee spoke about the proposed ordinance. He stated
that items were erroneously removed and included.
AI Rumpilla asked Council to not interfere with residents' rights to
negotiate for discounts with the haulers.
Dean Ruffridge, Waste Management, announced that the call in
number regarding billings is 800-266-7551 and that billing statements
will be corrected for the next billing cycle to reflect the telephone
number. Spadra will be closing early in 2000 and Waste
Management has contingency solutions for the City's waste.
Don Gravdahl said he is not convinced that the proposed ordinance
addresses commercial and multi -residential trash concerns. He
asked Council to request that J. Michael Huls resign as soon as
possible due to a potential conflict of interest resulting from his
partner's comments in support of Western Waste during the
September 21, 1999 City Council meeting.
MPT/O'Connor responded to Mr. Hennessee that there are no pages
missing from staffs report. It is a different report from last meeting's
report. Regarding his statement that the Council asked to have the
motor oil portion removed and that it is now back in the ordinance,
she said that she was confused about the distinction between single
family and multi -family and that it is staffs job to make certain that the
Council is properly informed and that is precisely what staff has done.
She thanked staff for bringing the matter to Council's attention and
clearing up the matter. With respect to Mr. Rumpilla's comments
about the City limiting the amount of discount, three permitted haulers
stated their opinions regarding fair discount maximums. From
comments made by the haulers, the City determined that a 30°%
discount would be a fair maximum discount.
C/Ansari stated that, with respect to the City's consultant, the
gentleman who spoke at the September 21 meeting was working on
his own behalf and did not espouse what J. Michael Huls had told him
to say. The next day, Mr. Huls was informed about his colleague's
comments. Mr. Huls reviewed the tape and the comments and wrote
a letter to the Council indicating that the speaker did not have
authority to give such advice. Never has Mr. Huls indicated to
- OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 9 CITY
COUNCIL
Council that it should select one waste hauler over another waste
hauler. She believed that Mr. Huls is an excellent consultant and has
assisted the City in many ways. The September 21 speaker is no
longer employed by Mr. Huls.
C/Herrera stated that, with respect to lack of adequate recycling for
large commercial cardboard containers, Section 3, Page 2 seems to
address that issue.
CM/Belanger stated that the intent of the ordinance is to provide
language that creates the possibility of creating a commercial
recycling program.
Mr. Huls explained that the statement contained in Section 3 on Page
2 is intended to mean that any material which is not commonly
recognized as a recyclable material would not be recycled.
Technically, about 80% of material that is thrown away is recyclable
but it is much less than what is actually economically recyclable.
CM/Belanger responded to C/Herrera that adequate language is
contained within the ordinance to insure commercial recycling. The
key is to make certain that the haulers who provide commercial
service provide a program that reflects the intent of this ordinance.
C/Herrera asked CA/Jenkins if there is a conflict of interest when
comments are made by consultants and Council subsequently makes
decisions based upon those statements.
CA/Jenkins responded "No". A consultant may have his opinion but
it does not represent a conflict of interest. 'The Council ultimately
makes the decision.
In response to C/Ansari, Mr. Huls explained that the current
ordinance provides specific provisions requiring the reporting of all
hauled waste and recyclables that are picked up within the City.
Each hauler is mandated to provide the City a quarterly report that
identifies the specific quantities and general sources of such material.
In addition, over the past several years, the City has undertaken an
extensive auditing program working with the various businesses and
multi -family complexes in order to institute voluntary types of
programs. He then explained that the range of marketable
recyclables in various communities can be as low as 15 or 20% and
up to 95%.
C/Huff asked for a comment on Mr. Hennessee's statement regarding
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 10 CITY
COUNCIL
bulky item pickup, which C/Huff believed can be picked up at any
time.
Mr. Huls explained that the proposed ordinance does not preclude
any of the existing arrangements that the haulers have with the
community.
C/Huff asked if the ordinance legally complies with respect to
amending the portion regarding oil.
CA/Jenkins stated that the ordinance was introduced as first reading
with the oil language removed. If Council is adding back a
substantive requirement, and in this case it is, it would be required to
be reintroduced first reading.
C/Herrera moved, C/Ansari seconded, to waive full reading and adopt
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 as amended with the deletion
of "used motor oil" in Section 4 (i). Motion carried by the following
Roll Call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
9. NEW BUSINESS:
COUNCIL MEMBERS -
COUNCIL MEMBERS -
COUNCIL MEMBERS -
Ansari, Herrera, Huff,
MPT/O'Connor, M/Chang
None
None
9.1 CONSIDERATION OF A CITATION AUTHORITY ORDINANCE AND
CIVIL CITATION PROCEDURES - In June 1999, Council began an
examination of City code enforcement policies. The Council's desire
is to focus more attention on code enforcement activities. A Council
Subcommittee was formed thereafter to examine current policies and
procedures and to suggest modifications where appropriate. The
Subcommittee met with City staff to review policies and procedures.
The current code enforcement policy is to operate on a "complaint
only" or "reactive" basis. The Subcommittee recommended utilization
of "proactive" code compliance policies incorporating the use of civil
citation procedures to gain timely and effective compliance.
C/Ansari acknowledged receipt of a letter from Bob Zirbes, President
of the D.B. Improvement Assn., in support of the proposed ordinance,
which he reviewed at the Planning Commission level. He urged
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 11 CITY
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Council's support of the ordinance.
Clyde Hennessee said he thought that the Code Enforcement Officer
had the authority to write letters and citations. He believed that the
ordinance unfairly requires people to fix up their property according
to someone else's standards. How long does the fine period last.
Martha Bruske thanked the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for initiating
the Code Enforcement subcommittee. She expressed concern about
citation authority and she suggested that the City begin a community
education about how people can maintain the City, store their trash
cans, etc. She said she has reported infractions that still exist. She
did not support a citation authority program.
Al Rumpilla expressed opposition to the matter. He asked Council to
reduce the fine probation period from one year to 90 days, which he
believed is more reasonable.
Dave Reynolds said he has seen some -deterioration in the City since
he moved to D.B. He respects private property rights. However, he
believed that if all residents had a sense of community and respected
their surroundings, the City would be able to spend its resources in
more important areas. He is particularly concerned about hillside
areas. He agreed that if the City is initially more proactive in its
approach, it may not need this type of ordinance. With respect to
persons with physical disabilities and senior citizens who may
experience a financial burden, how would that matter be addressed
in a hearing. He was pleased that DBIA has an annual a "Paint Your
Town" event. He would like to see an outreach program and
volunteer support for those in need.
In response to C/Huff, Al Flores, Code Enforcement Officer, described
his duties and responded to Council's and public's questions.
MPT/O'Connor commented on the good work she has witnessed
being done by CEO/Flores. She agreed with Martha Bruske that
there is need for community outreach, especially with respect to
placement of trash cans. She asked how close the City is to hiring a
part time code officer.
DCWDeStefano stated that staff interviewed a dozen candidates last
week and anticipates the second interview process will take place
next week.
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 12 CITY
COUNCIL
Depending upon whether the person that is selected is currently
employed, it would likely be about four to five weeks before that
person is on board.
M/Chang explained why he believed some situations ultimately need
to be addressed through the citation process.
M/Chang moved, MPT/O'Connor seconded, to direct staff to prepare
all appropriate documents necessary to establish the use of Citation
Authority and schedule the matter for the next available City Council
meeting. 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
9.2 DISCUSSION OF FOUR CORNERS TRANSPORTATION STUDY
ALTERNATIVES - the County and the City -are participating in a
regional study to improve vehicular mobility. The Four Comers Study
focuses on potential transportation improvement alternatives in the
area bounded by SR 57, Interstate 15 and SR 60.
Following his presentation, C/Huff asked for Council concurrence with
respect to study alternatives.
MPT/O'Connor expressed opposition to dedicated bus lanes and
express lanes on Grand Ave. She favored consideration of a road in
the area of Tonner Canyon based upon the City's General Plan
statement. Overall, the Four Corners Study had been very objective.
C/Ansari concurred with MPT/O'Connor. Any proposal for a Tonner
Canyon area roadway has to coincide with the City's General Plan
with respect to the SEA and must be cost effective.
C/Huff explained that the Four Comers Study attempts to look at what
is available without consideration of cost. Obviously cost will come
into play down the line.
C/Herrera believed Council supported the proposed SR 57/60
interchange improvement but she wanted more information regarding
the feasibility of some type of roadway in the Tonner Canyon area.
She concurred with MPT/O'Connor regarding no bus lanes.
C/Huff asked for consensus that Council is in general support of the
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 13
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CITY
direction in which the Four Comer Study is going and that the Council
particularly wants to see improvements to the 57/60 interchange,
pursue a more detailed study of the Tonner Canyon area bypass
roadway and is opposed to any dedicated bus lane on Grand Ave.
Council concurred to direct staff to prepare a letter reflecting
Council's comments with the letter to be signed by all five Council
Members. In addition, the matter will be agendized for followup
discussion on October 19, 1999.
RECESS TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING: M/Chang recessed the
City Council Meeting to the Redevelopment Agency at 10:45 p.m.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: M/Chang reconvened the City
Council meeting at 11:25 p.m.
10. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Herrera thanked individuals who
helped circulate the letters regarding Ralphs Market in an attempt to get a
new grocer into the Town Hills Shopping Center location. Approximately 150
letters have been collected and will be forwarded to Ralphs Market and to
M&H Property. Any other individuals who wish to participate may call
C/Herrera at 861-7651.
MPT/O'Connor wished her middle daughter a Sweet 16 birthday on Friday.
She wished her husband a happy 19th Anniversary.
M/Chang thanked the volunteers and the Friends of the Library for their
efforts in putting the library on the website. He said he received many
complaints about the traffic jams at Montefino Ave. and Quail Summit Dr.
signals during peak hours. Last Thursday, the two signal lights were
synchronized with the traffic signals at the intersection of D.B. Blvd. and
Grand Ave., which should help to mitigate the traffic concerns. The City
recommended that South Point have teachers direct traffic during school
peak traffic hour periods in order to relieve congestion at the Brea Canyon
Road/Diamond Crest signal. Through community efforts, the Flintgate
soundwall is on the CalTrans priority list and should be completed within
three or four years.
— 11. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Chang
adjourned the meeting at 11:30 p.m.
L1NAUR
BGESS, City Clerk
OCTOBER 5, 1999 PAGE 14 CITY
COUNCIL —
ATTEST:
Mal or
i