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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/23/1999 Minutes - Regular MeetigMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR NOVEMBER 23,1999 1. CLOSED SESSION: None 2. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Chang called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:35 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 Pro Tem O'Connor, and Mayor Chang. Also present were: Terrence L. Belanger, City Manager; Craig Steele, Assistant City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Deputy Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services 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 Mayor Chang. INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Bishop Rick Johansson, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented. 3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 3.1 Introduced Teresa Montgomery, Communications & Marketing Coordinator. 3.2 Proclaimed November 22-28, 1999 as "Operation ABC Mobilization: America Buckles Up Children". 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Richard Toombs spoke about the need for a leash -free "Pooch Park" in the community. Martha Bruske complained that the City did nothing to recognize Veterans Day and chastised Council for being out of the country on that day. Matt LaBouda, D.B.H.S. Hockey Coach suggested that the City consider purchasing the hockey rink in Corona for the high school. The rink is for sale for approximately $25,000 to $35,000. Nick Anis stated that he is a veteran and was twice honored by the D.B. City Council. He thanked the Council for recognizing the community's veterans and for posting the flags. He suggested that the Council consider the property adjacent to the SR 57 in the D.B.H.S. area and use it for a skate park. He thanked Council for promoting the cultural and educational NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL understanding in the community with the recent trip to China. Jeff Koontz spoke regarding Consent Calendar Item No. 6.9. He asked for the status of the lawsuit regarding revocation of Lanterman's licensing. Regarding the primary expansion lawsuit, has D.B. approached *the Cities of Pomona and Walnut to pay their fair share for the lawsuit. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY — November 25-26,1999 - City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday November 26, 1999. City offices will reopen on Monday, November 29, 1999. 5.2 HOLIDAY RIDE - November 26, 1999 - January 2, 2000 - Taxi cab service for D.B. residents to travel to and from commercial/retail centers in D.B. - fare $.50 one-way. 5.3 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - December 7, 1999 - 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.4 PLANNING COMMISSION - December 14, 1999 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.5 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - December 16, 1999 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.6 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - December 21, 1999 - 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.7 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY - Friday, December 24 through Monday, December 27, 1999 - City offices will be closed in observance of the Christmas Holiday. City Offices will reopen on Tuesday, December 28, 1999. 5.8 HOLIDAY TREE RECYCLING - December 27, 1999 through January 15, 2000 - Recycling of holiday trees through your disposal company. 5.9 MILLENNIUM CELEBRATION - December 31, 1999 - 7:00 p.m., - 12:30 a.m. - Country Hills Towne Center, D.B. Blvd. between Fountain Springs Rd. and Cold Spring Ln. -- 5.10 CITY COUNCIL MEETING -January 4, 2000 -6:30 p.m., SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.11 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION - January 13, NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL 2000 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Ansari moved, C/Huff seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item No. 6.9. 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 6.1 APPROVED MINUTES - Regular Meeting of November 2, 1999 - as amended to reflect that MPT/O'Connor was not present during Closed Session. 6.2 RECEIVED & FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular Meeting of October 12, 1999. 6.3 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated November 23, 1999 in the amount of $1,716,720.50. (Amount to be deducted for Warrant to Cooper's) with MPT/O'Connor abstaining from approval of the following warranted related to the Lanterman Forensic Confinement Project: P.O. 9260 for $220.00, P.O. 9390 for $40.00, Invoice 17626/17612 for $28.09, P.O. A8840 for $716.70, P.O.9010/9009 for $822.91, P.O. 9354 for $29,416.87, and P.O. 8883 for $23.94. 6.4 REVIEWED AND APPROVED TREASURER'S REPORT - for October, 1999. 6.5 REJECTED CLAIM FOR DAMAGES - Filed by Soon Y. Park November 4, 1999 and referred the matter for further action to the City's Risk Manager. 6.6 REDUCED AND EXONERATED SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENT BONDS (FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE AND LABOR & MATERIAL) FOR TRACT NO. 47850 (DIAMOND BAR WEST PARTNERS) - (a) Bond No. 418853S - Grading Bond from $399,069.75 to $25,000; and (b) Bond No. 418856S - Landscape and Irrigation from $202,500 to $50,000; and exoneration of: (a) Bond No. 418854S - _ Sewer/Street/S.D., (b) Bond No. 418855S - Domestic Water, (c) Bond No. 418857S - Monumentation; and directed the City Clerk to notify the Principal and Surety of these actions. 6.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 99-79: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION OF SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENT FOR PUBLIC NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL USE IN TRACT 47850 AND REQUESTING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CONSOLIDATED SEWER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT TO COMPLETE ANNEXATION OF THE AREA WITHIN SAID SUBDIVISION AND IMMEDIATELY COMMENCE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SEWER IMPROVEMENTS KNOWN AS PRIVATE CONTRACT NO. DB -95-002. 6.8 EXONERATED CASH DEPOSIT IN LIEU OF GRADING BOND (FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE, LABOR & MATERIAL) FOR 23904 RIDGELINE ROAD - Assignment As Security in the amount of $5,850 posted with the City on December 16, 1996 and directed the City Clerk to notify the Principal and Surety of this action. 6.10 APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR SPECIAL LEGAL SERVICES TO RICHARDS, WATSON & GERSHON FOR REVIEW OF THE CABLE TELEVISION TRANSFER - CENTURY COMMUNICATIONS TO ADELPHIA COMMUNICATIONS - in the amount of $1,000, for a total not to exceed amount of $3,000, and authorized the City Manager to enter. into said contract. — 6.11 APPROVED INCREASE OF PROP A FUND ALLOCATION TO GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE/LEMON AVENUE STREET REHABILITATION AND MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT - in the amount of $65,000 from the Unappropriated Prop A Fund Balance for the interconnect work along Golden Springs Dr. and Lemon Ave. MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR: 6.9 CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR SHEPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER AND HAMPTON, LLP - On April 20, 1999, the City approved a contract with the law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton, LLP (SMRH). SMRH has been retained to prepare and proceed with litigation against the State related to the environmental documentation process for the proposed Lanterman Center Forensic Expansion project. The contract amount at that time was not to exceed $50,000 for initial preparation of the litigation. Since that time, the contract has been amended to cover costs associated with the ongoing legal processes. On October 5, 1999, Council approved a contract amendment in the amount of $75,000 for a total allocation of $225,000. It is now necessary to increase the contract amount by $75,000 for a not -to -exceed total amount of $300,000. MPT/O'Connor recused herself from participation in this matter and left the dais. CM/Belanger responded to questions from Jeff Koontz regarding the NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL lawsuits and payments for legal services. At this time, Council has not directed that litigation be initiated. D.B. has made a request of both Pomona and Walnut as to their intentions to share in the costs. Those cities have not responded to date. C/Herrera moved, C/Huff seconded, to approve a contract amendment for legal services related to the Lanterman Developmental Center Forensic Expansion Project between the City and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton, LLP, in the amount of $75,000 for a total amount not -to -exceed $300,000. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Herrera, Huff, M/Chang NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS - MPT/O'Connor MPT/O'Connor returned to the dais. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None 8. OLD BUSINESS: 8.1 STATUS OF LANTERMAN DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER'S PROPOSED FORENSIC CONFINEMENT COMPOUND PROJECT - MPT/O'Connor recused herself from participating in this matter and left the dais. C/Huff stated that on November 8, 1999, Assembly Member Pacheco provided the Lanterman Advisory Committee with an update on the matter. He, C/Herrera, CM/Belanger, Sue Sisk and Darla Farrell met with Clifford Allenby at Assembly Member Pacheco's request to further clarify the State's intent. The Advisory Committee received a letter from Clifford Allenby in which he stated that the Mitigated Negative Declaration was being dropped with respect to the Forensic program. No mention was made of the behavioral concerns. It is clear that the State intends to begin a new process for behavioral patients. The State assured the City that further consideration of this matter would be an open public process. In response to C/Herrera, CM/Belanger responded that the City's attorney is skeptical about Mr. Allenby's letter, which raises issues relating to what the State Department of General Services was doing with respect to the Behaviorally -Challenged program. Development Services rescinded approval of the Forensic Expansion Project as well as the Behaviorally -Challenged Project. The attorney is concerned with the term "withdrawn" because the word that has been NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL - used in the past is "rescind." The attorney is also concerned about whether DGS has the authority to withdraw the Mitigated Negative Declaration. The City is seeking clarification to make certain that the action stated in the letter is adequate. Martha Bruske asked when the Council intends to stop referring to the term "forensic" since the matter is closed. Dr. Lary Rhodes stated that there are a number of forensic patients in the State. Until those patients have been placed at a location other than Lanterman, the City will need to monitor the situation. MPT/O'Connor returned to the dais. 8.2 RESOLUTION NO. 99-80: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING AMENDMENT ONE TO THE WILDLIFE CORRIDOR CONSERVATION AUTHORITY AGREEMENT TO ADD A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS EX -OFFICIO MEMBER - The County of Los Angeles has made a request to become a party to the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement. The County is the governing body of the greater majority of the territory within the corridor, as delineated by WCCA. Further, the County is the single largest source of funding available to WCCA for conservation :activities. At the October 27, 1999 WCCA meeting, the Governing Board adopted Resolution 99-13, recommending that the parties to the WCCA Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement amend the Agreement by adding a representative of the Board of Supervisors as an ex -officio member and by specifying that ex -officio members are non-voting members. Following discussion, CM/Belanger read MPT/O'Connor's proposed amendment to the Resolution: "WHEREAS, while supporting the proposed Joint Powers Agreement Amendment set forth herein, the City of Diamond Bar continues to believe and advocate the inclusion of the County of Los Angeles as a full voting party to the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority joint exercise of Powers Agreement." Dr. Larry Rhodes suggested that Council refuse to adopt the Resolution adding the County as ex -officio member. He believed the County should be a full voting member. MPT/O'Connor responded to Dr. Rhodes that D.B. and La Habra Heights made their positions well known that the County Board of Supervisors should be a voting member. WCCA voted not to approve NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL voting membership for the County. She asked that the Resolution state that D.B. wants L.A. County as a voting member but that is not an option. The only option before the Council is to have the County as an ex -officio member and she believed that having the County on the Board is better than not having the County on the Board at all. C/Ansari agreed with MPT/O'Connor. She asked that a letter be sent to the WCCA Board requesting that they add three members to their governing body to include three supervisors from the Counties of L.A., Orange and San Bernardino. In response to C/Ansari, MPT/O'Connor stated that the WCCA Board previously said "no" to adding additional members. C/Ansari emphasized that there needs to be a paper trail and that the Council needs to state their feelings in writing. She would like to see a letter sent to WCCA from Council asking for representation from all of the supervisors. MPT/O'Connor moved, C/Huff seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 99- 80 approving Amendment One to the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority Agreement as amended. C/Ansari amended the motion to send a letter to WCCA Board demanding that more members be added to the Board to make room for the Supervisors from Orange and San Bernardino Counties. MPT/O'Connor asked that C/Ansari make a separate motion. CM/Belanger stated that the Council's sentiments would be reflected in a letter to WCCA accompanying the Resolution. 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 8.3 CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF CONCEPTUAL SKATE PARK PLAN FOR PETERSON PARK AND AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR BIDS - On August 3, 1999, Council awarded a contract to Purkiss Rose -RSI to design a skate park. Four public workshops were held with resident skaters to develop a consensus conceptual plan. On September 29, a public information meeting was held to discuss potential sites for the skate NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL — Park. At that meeting, Peterson Park was selected as the primary recommended location for the skate facility. The Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed the conceptual plan and documented resident input at their October 28 meeting. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council the construction of the skate park, 'as proposed, at Peterson Park. About 500 residences within a quarter mile of Peterson Park were notified of Council's consideration of the skate park at the November 23 meeting. Martha Bruske said she is worried that there should have been a public hearing on this issue and that the input that the City has received regarding this matter has been negative from the residents. She expressed concern that the City's parks are being reduced to postage -stamp size and are being changed into "activity fields," which assaults the neighborhoods. She asked if the City is prepared to assume the liability of a skate park. Connie Gutierrez, residing adjacent to Peterson Park, stated that the area is already congested and did not believe a skate park in that — location is a good idea. She was very concerned about children running across the street. She suggested the City place the facility at Pantera Park. Darla Farrell expressed concern about the safety and security of the skaters. Several incidents have occurred at the Rancho Cucamonga skate park and she asked for assurance that City officials will be in touch with Rancho Cucamonga to discuss the fact that they considered closing the skate park because of the increase in crime. Greg Busch said he supports youth activities and if the City is not to use the parks for athletic activities, what are they to be used for. The community should provide activities for its children. Responding to MPT/O'Connor, CM/Belanger stated that four public workshops were held regarding this matter and that notices were sent to 500 residents concerning tonight's meeting. There is little difference between a public hearing and placing an item on the agenda for public discussion. MPT/O'Connor addressed the speaker's statement that the City heard — only opposition to this proposal. She cited the silent majority. Twice the City has sent notices to 500 residents regarding the proposed skate park. The City heard from less than 20 people expressing their concerns, to which staff has responded. She pointed out that there are a number of young people in the audience who are very concerned about getting the facility constructed. She reminded the NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL residents that the skate park is a part of the City's adopted Parks Master Plan, which was not staff or Council driven. The public brought this matter to the City. In response to MPT/O'Connor, ACA/Steele explained that constructing a skate board park with the help of design professionals actually provides a City with immunities from liability. In cities represented by his firm in which these types of facilities have been built, he was not aware of any lawsuit or claim brought against the city from activities that occur at skate board park. At the request of MPT/O'Connor, CM/Belanger explained that the grass at Peterson Park has been affected by removal of topsoil from the contract for construction of the park in the early days of Cityhood. An irrigation and drainage project will be undertaken next spring to improve the turf. MPT/O'Connor stated that Pantera was not selected as a site because of its hilly terrain and lack of public transportation access. Deputy St. Amant stated that one of the most frequent calls received by the Sheriffs Department is complaints about the youth using shopping centers for skate boarding. With their own park, the skate boarders will not interfere with vehicles or pedestrian patterns. He indicated that Peterson Park is accessible to quick response by his department. He did not contemplate any change in patrol patterns as a result of a skate park. C/Ansari asked if a crosswalk could be installed on Sylvan Glen Rd. near the location of the skate park. DDPW/Liu responded that staff would need to look at pedestrian patterns to determine the feasibility of a crosswalk in that area. C/Huff moved, C/Ansari seconded, to approve the conceptual skate park plan for Peterson Park and authorize the release of plans and specifications for bids. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT 9. NEW BUSINESS: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Herrera, Huff, MPT/O'Connor, M/Chang COUNCIL MEMBERS - None COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 9.1 RESOLUTION NO. 99-81: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING ADVANCE AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT NUMBER 16 WITH THE DIAMOND BAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY -.Since the inception of the Redevelopment Agency, the City has advanced funds to the DBRDA through several Advance and Reimbursement Agreements. These agreements have been used to fund DBRDA related administrative activities, including operating expenditures, staffing, overhead charges, and legal/professional services. On October 5, 1999 the DBRDA approved a contract for professional services related to the creation of an Economic Development Strategic Plan in the amount of $187,000. This, plus an additional $118,920 to cover final FY 98-99 expenditures and purchase order carryover, makes an advance and reimbursement agreement in the amount of $305,920 necessary. C/Herrera moved, C/Ansari seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 99-81 Approving Advance and Reimbursement No. 16 with the D.B. Redevelopment Agency in the amount of $305,920. 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 RESOLUTION NO. 99-82: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AUTHORIZING PAYMENT BY THE AGENCY FOR PART OF THE COST OF STREET IMPROVEMENTS - The D.B. Redevelopment Agency adopted the D.B. Economic Revitalization Area Plan in July, 1997. Included within this project area is the Gateway Corporate Center. To aid in this development, Council approved contract amendments to the current slurry seal contracts, which incorporated the Gateway Corporate Center streets. The understanding is that the Redevelopment Agency will reimburse the City. In addition to slung sealing streets within the Gateway Corporate Center, the Agency will also be designing and installing traffic signals at Valley Vista/Gateway and on Bridge Gate Dr. The cost of the slurry seal amendments and design of the traffic signals is $49,406. The D.B. Economic Revitalization Area Plan also included a listing of potential traffic improvements, which should be done within the project area. The Agency is now ready to award design contracts for some of these improvements. The design cost for these improvements is $41,300, for a grand total of $90,706. C/Ansari moved, C/Herrera seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 99-82 Approving Advance and Reimbursement Agreement Number P4 with NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency in the amount of $90,706, as amended. 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 RECESS TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING: IWChang recessed the City Council Meeting to the Redevelopment Agency at 9:35 p.m. RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: M/Chang reconvened the City Council Meeting at 9:43 p.m. 10. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS - C/Huff thanked citizens who supported him in the recent City Council election. He stated that it has been a privilege to serve the community for the past four years and he looked forward to continuing his tenure. He appreciated that residents were not swayed by the negative and untruthful campaigning. He spoke with many residents prior to the election and was dismayed to find that, due to the diverse population, a large segment of potential voters were not going to participate in the election because their population was not represented by a member of their community. He hoped that those barriers can be broken down because Council Members represent all segments of the community. He believed that Council needs to focus on this issue by forming a diversity advisory board to devise strategies to assist the City's minority communities. Diversity should be turned into a strength rather than continuing to allow it to divide the community. Regarding an earlier speaker's comments about Council Members being out of the country and not tending to the City's business, he stated that he had remained in the City and visited City Hall daily and attended numerous events during that time. The City has a very competent staff, which allows Council to tend to the community's business. On November 4, he attended a COG transportation meeting, during which pending sound walls were discussed. He said he will work with CalTrans to be sure the sound walls are constructed. CalTrans is considering including sound walls as a part of the SR 60 HOV lane project. He was disappointed that he was not aware of Sheriff Lee Baca's visit with the Chinese Assn. on November 6. He encouraged all Council Members to notify the entire community of such events. He traveled to Hayward as a representative of the Foothill Transit Executive Board. He witnessed the transit bus assembly line, which helped him to understand the process of constructing public transportation buses. He stated that the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority invited the City of Industry to join the organization as an ex -officio member and the City of Industry has expressed, in a letter to the organization, their interest in joining as an ex -officio member. On November NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL 15, the Four Corners Committee adopted the Four Comers Study without additional changes. With respect to a Tonner Canyon bypass road, the study does not recommend a road in or through the sensitive ecological area of Tonner Canyon as an article in the Orange County Register implies. Ironically, the article implies that the City of Brea takes a posture of being the champion of the environment yet is in the process of annexing two parts of the sphere of influence for two housing developments that would block the mouth of Tonner Canyon at Brea Canyon. There will be a full presentation of the study at the December COG meeting. On November 18, he advised staff that the Rose Institute will conduct a survey of the San Gabriel Valley on behalf of the COG and San Gabriel Valley Partnership. Cities have an opportunity to do over -sampling so that the survey becomes more statistically significant for respective communities and/or to tailor specific questions for the community. He asked staff to consider whether this matter could be used as an economic development tool. On November 20, he attended the funeral of long time resident John Chung, husband of prominent real estate agent and community leader, Diana Cheng. He asked Mayor Chang to adjourn the meeting in memory of John Chung. C/Ansari attended a Southern California Assn. of Governments retreat. Because of concerns about possible financial mismanagement of the organization, an audit was conducted. She assured citizens that Council is monitoring the organization. She attended the Millennium Committee meeting on November 5, during which the group discussed moving the celebration to the Country Hills Towne Centre. She asked anyone who is interested in providing a food booth at the event to please contact the City. She spoke to approximately 200 members of the Islamic community about getting involved in politics at Lake Arrowhead on Friday and Saturday prior to departing for China on Sunday. She concurred with C/Huff that Council should reach out to all ethnic and religious groups to make certain that they participate in government and have a voice in the election process. She and other Council Members went to China and met with several cities to discuss a friendly city relationship. She was very heartened by the warm welcome by the China delegation. She thanked Mayor Chang for his courtesy and patience. She learned today that while they were in China, Edna Headley, a long-time resident of D.B., passed away. She asked that Mayor Chang adjourn tonight's meeting in her honor. She was also saddened to learn of John Chang's passing. He was a valuable member of the community. C/Herrera thanked the voters for re-electing her to a four-year term. It is heartwarming to know that there is a silent majority in the City that appreciates the work the Council is doing on their behalf, and who — appreciates the direction of the Council and the City. She looked forward to continuing her work on the City's behalf. The trip to China provided Council Members an opportunity to increase their awareness of the culture and its traditions. Cities in China are eager to have a relationship with the U.S. NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL She believed the trip enhanced relationships between the two countries and the cities involved. She thanked Mayor Chang for his leadership in organizing the trip. Council Members visited senior citizen's facilities, schools, factories within different cities and attended several functions. MPT/O'Connor spoke about the newspaper article that partially quoted her. What the article failed to state was that she prefaced the statement that the City runs itself with the statement that the City has a very capable staff, which was being led by a very capable Deputy City Manager. Because Council set up wonderful policies and procedures and because the City has a very capable staff, it affords the opportunity for Council Members to take trips with full knowledge that the City will continue to run in a positive manner. She agreed with C/Huff s comment about being advised of Sheriff Baca's visit to the Chinese community. She hoped that, in the future, the Chinese Association and other diverse organizations will consider including all Council Members in their activities. On November 3, she attended the Platinum Restaurant's Grand Opening. She encouraged residents to support this upscale restaurant. On November 4, she attended a health food store grand opening and a Minnequa Landslide contractor meeting on-site. The landslide is currently under repair. She commented that the Millennium Committee received a handful of negative comments regarding the event being scheduled for the intersection of D.B. Blvd. and Grand Ave., recognized the importance of those comments and has moved the event to what it feels is a better location. She invited everyone to participate in the event at the Country Hills Towne Centre on December 31, 1999. She and other Council Members have received comments regarding people's disappointment that the event was moved to another location. She spoke about traveling to China and echoed other Council Member's comments. She thanked Mayor Chang for his involvement and assistance. She was amazed by the bicycle and vehicular traffic in Shanghai. On November 22, she attended a Finance Committee meeting. This morning, she attended the Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting. She congratulated C/Huff and C/Herrera on being re-elected to Council and looked forward to working with them in the future. She hoped that Council will continue its current momentum. She thanked Mayor Chang for his leadership during the past year. She asked the City to publicize the need for the D.B. Community Foundation and the fact that the members and residents need to apply. Currently, she and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Annette Finnerty serve on the Foundation. She asked her fellow Council Members to contact people and encourage them to apply. She asked staff to review D.B. High School Coach Matt LaBouda's comment concerning the availability of the Chino Hills roller hockey facility. She wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Mayor Chang stated that several street rehabilitation projects are nearly completed. He asked that future projects consider opening only one side of NOVEMBER 23, 1999 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL the street at a time and consider night time construction so as not to interfere with traffic. He asked residents to support the recently opened Starbucks and Hollywood Video. Cathay Bank is currently under construction in the same location. This morning the Council met with Senator Dianne Feinstein's Field Representative and related their concerns about the zip code matter, as well as traffic concerns for the intersection of the SR 57/60 freeways. Council will visit Senator Feinstein in March when members attend the National League of Cities meeting in Washington, D.C. C/Huff asked Senator Feinstein for help with funding of the Alameda Corridor East. Council also asked for her assistance with the Lanterman matter. He thanked Council Members for their comments regarding the China trip. In addition to Council Members, the City Manager and representatives from Friends of the Library, Chamber of Commerce, a school board member and the Chinese Assn. participated. He spoke to fellow Council Members' concerns regarding Sheriff Baca's visit to the Chinese community. He believed the Chinese Assn. attempted to notify all of the City's groups and that for some reason, the notice did not reach Council Members. He wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. 11. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Chang adjourned the meeting at 10:25 p.m. in memory of John Chung and Edna Headley. d LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk ATTEST: