HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/21/2000 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MARCH 21, 2000
CLOSED SESSION: None
2. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor O'Connor 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 Chang, Herrera, Huff,
Mayor Pro Tem Ansari and Mayor O'Connor.
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;
Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Mike Nelson, Communications &
Marketing Director and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Council Member Herrera.
INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by 1 " Councilor
Dan Stevenson, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
3.A SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
3.13 CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
3.13.1. CM/Belanger reported that, on March 15 and 16, representatives of
the Department of Developmental Services and the Department of General
Services, representatives from the Cities of Pomona, Walnut and D.B. and
representatives from Assembly Member Pacheco's office and Senator
Mountjoy's office, met in Sacramento to discuss the proposed Lanterman
Forensic Project Modification which would result in behaviorally challenged
or severe behavioral patients being located at the Lanterman Developmental
Center. The two-day session was very productive.
C/Herrera said that the meeting was an excellent opportunity for
representatives and residents of the Cities to ask questions of the
administrative personnel and obtain definitions of terms assigned to patients.
In addition, the Cities' representatives as well as parents of current
Lanterman clients were able to voice their concerns and fears. It is likely
that this very spirited discussion will have a positive outcome and in a few
days, the City will know whether or not the many questions and requests will
be honored by the Department of Developmental Services. Those present
communicated to Clifford Allenby that he needs to show good faith to the
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
communities by removing the matter of the Lanterman Project from
the March 20 Department of Public Works' agenda in order for the City to
have an opportunity to move forward with Assembly Member Pacheco's
Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, April 8. Mr. Allenby and his associates will
be present at the town Hall Meeting to more fully explain the proposed
program. The Department of Developmental Services did remove approval
of the Lanterman Project from its agenda.
C/Huff said that, because there are so many people involved in this process,
it is difficult for the Cities to deal with the State. Therefore, it was very
beneficial to convene this group and have an open discussion about how
issues can be addressed and clarified, how questions can be answered in
a timely manner and how rumors can be quelled.
C/Herrera thanked C/Huff for his excellent note taking during the two-day
discussion.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dennis Watson, Public Affairs Director,
Southern California Ontario International Airport, spoke about the new
airport facilities and services.
Jim Robertson, President, Friends of Ontario International Airport, explained
that his organization has existed since 1963 and is unique in its support of
airport policy. He invited individual support of the organization and
presented the Council with 40 special boarding passes.
Bob Traster, Executive Vice President, Ontario Chamber of Commerce,
Board Member of the Friends of Ontario International Airport and a
committee member of the Ontario Airport Awareness Group, sponsored by
the City of Ontario and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. He invited 40
D.B. Council Members and business community members an opportunity to
attend a V.I.P reception at Ontario International Airport. He proposed that
the Council select one of the following dates for the event: May 9, 10 or 11.
Bill Ruh, Council Member, Montclair, and Board Member of Friends of
Ontario International Airport, said he is involved with the Marketing
Awareness Committee because he is aware of the economic impact that the
airport has throughout the region.
Dr. Larry Rhodes said he had not received a Census 2000 form and that
others had complained about the racist portion of the short form. In addition,
he reported that he had seen two rats in his neighborhood. As the climate
dries out, mice will be coming into the area from the surrounding fields. He
attempted to use the after hours telephone system at the City Hall and found
it to be non-functioning. He reiterated his concern about pagers and cellular
phones being used in public paces such as restaurants.
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
Clyde Hennessee asked for an explanation of agenda item 6.6. He thanked
the Chinese community for taking Council on a tour of Communist China at
no cost to the City.
Martha Bruske asked whether the residents who live in zip code area 91789
are credited to D.B. or to Walnut. She asked the Council to team with the
residents and ask that businesses be clean and respectful of residents.
Jeff Koontz, Executive Director, D.B. Chamber of Commerce, reminded
residents that on April 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (the night before the
City Birthday Party), the Chamber of Commerce will hold its Casino Night
under the big tent at Peterson Park. Tickets are available through the
Chamber.
Dick Farrell thanked the City for the energy, resources and good faith that
it has put into the Lanterman issue in attempting to reach a resolution. He
thanked C/Herrera, C/Huff, CM/Belanger and the group of residents who
spent two days in Sacramento on behalf of the residents. He reminded
-- everyone to attend the Saturday, April 8 Town Hall Meeting and make their
positions known to the State officials.
Sue Sisk spoke about her concerns regarding mosquito abatement. She
said that it is her hope that the City and its residents are coming to the end
of the disagreement with the State regarding the terms of the Lanterman
Developmental Center expansion project. She appreciated the fact that
residents of D.B. were in attendance at the March 15-16 Sacramento
meeting. She encouraged others to attend the important April 8 Town Hall
Meeting and voice their concerns. She thanked Council Members and
CM/Belanger for their support throughout this effort.
CM/Belanger responded to Dr. Larry Rhodes that if an individual has not
received a Census 2000 form he/she could contact the Census Office in
Norwalk. After Census Day on April 1, there will be a follow up with
individuals who have not submitted forms. The City Hall after hours phone
service will not be in operation until June.
CM/Belanger indicated to Martha Bruske that staff verified to Census Bureau
personnel that that portion of zip code area 91789 belongs to D.B. when the
maps were sent to the City last year.
M/O'Connor indicated to Clyde Hennessee that with respect to agenda item
6.6, Council held a Public Hearing on the Development Code Amendments
at its March 7 meeting. She stated she would be pleased to discuss the
matter with Mr. Hennessee, if he wishes.
CM/Belanger explained to Sue Sisk that Vector Control has a mosquito
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
abatement process for dealing with problem areas.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - March 23, 2000 - 7:00
p.m., SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.2 PLANNING COMMISSION - March 28, 2000 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.3 CENSUS DAY - April 1, 2000 - CENSUS TOWN HALL MEETING
CABLE BROADCAST DATES - March 13, March 20, March 27 and
April 3, 2000 at 5:00 p.m. on Channel 12.
5.4 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - April 4, 2000 - 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.5 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CASINO NIGHT - April 8, 2000 - 6:00
P.M. to 10:00 p.m., Peterson Park, 24142 Sylvan Glen Dr.
5.6 CITY BIRTHDAY PARTY - April 9, 2000 - 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.,
Peterson Park, 24142 E. Sylvan Glen Dr.
5.7 LANTERMAN TOWN HALL MEETING - April 8, 2000 -10:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m., SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.8 COMPOSTING WORKSHOP - April 15, 2000 - Sycamore Canyon
Park - 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon - 22930 Golden Springs Dr.
5.9 SPRING CLEANUP - April 22, 2000 Citywide Bulky Item Pickup -
Items to be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. Items may include
furniture and appliances.
5.10 7T" ANNUAL FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY WINE SOIREE - April 30,
2000 - 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Shilo Hilltop Suites, 3101 Temple Ave.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Huff moved, MPT/Ansari seconded, to approve
the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item No.'s 6.1.3, 6.6, 6.7, 6.9,
and 6.13_ Motion carried by the following Roll vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Herrera, Huff, MPT/Ansari,
M/O'Connor
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.1 APPROVED MINUTES:
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
6.1.1 Census Town Hall Meeting, February 26, 2000 - As submitted.
6.1.2 Study Session of March 7, 2000 - As submitted. (C/Herrera
abstained from approval)
6.1.3 Regular Meeting of March 7, 2000 - As amended. (C/Herrera
abstained from approval)
6.1.4 Special Joint Meeting of March 8, 2000 with the Board of
Trustees of the Walnut Valley Unified School District - As
submitted. (C/Huff abstained from approval)
6.2 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated March 21, 2000 in the
amount of $954,323.07. M/O'Connor recused herself from approval
of the following: Capitol Plaza Halls, $1,790; P.O. 9590 for $440;
Direct Connection, $475.63; P.O. 9770 for $7,275; P.O. 9728 for
$1,686.29; P.O. 9009. for $321.30; P.O. 9463 for $17,852.82 and P.O.
8883 for $5.99 due to a potential conflict of interest regarding the
Lanterman Forensic Expansion Project.
6.3 REDUCED LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION BOND (FAITHFUL
PERFORMANCE AND LABOR & MATERIAL) FOR TRACT 32400
(STANDARD PACIFIC) -Bond No. 111 3331 7617, Landscape and
Irrigation, from $369,846 to $184,923 (50%) and directed the City
Clerk to notify the Principal and Surety of these actions.
6.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-21: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE
DESTRUCTION BY THE CITY CLERK OF CITY RECORDS AND
DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED AS
PROVIDED UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 34090.
6.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-22: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INSTALLING
MULTI -WAY STOP SIGNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF
SUMMITRIDGE DRIVE AND THUNDER TRAIL.
6.8 AWARDED CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION
SERVICES FOR THE SKATE PARK PROJECT AT PETERSON
PARK - to D & J Engineering in the amount of $6,250, plus a
contingency amount of $625 (10%), for a total authorization of
$6,875, and authorized the City Manager to execute the purchase
order for said amount.
6.10 TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT (TDA) ALLOCATION FOR
FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000 - reserved the City's $23,841 TDA Article
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
3 (SB 821) allocation for FY 99-2000 and approved a
budget adjustment for Golden Springs Dr./Lemon Ave.
Street Improvements Project.
6.11 APPROVED EXTENSION OF VENDOR SERVICES FOR PRINTING
SERVICES - authorized additional work to be performed by
Reinberger Printwerks, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $35,000 for
FY 99-2000.
6.12 AWARDED CONTRACT FOR INSPECTION SERVICES FOR TRACT
52267 IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS - to Charles Abbot Associates in
an amount not -to -exceed $46,929.35.
6.14 AWARDED CONTRACT TO COTTON/BELAND/ASSOCIATES, INC.
FOR PREPARATION OF REVISION TO THE HOUSING ELEMENT
OF THE GENERAL PLAN - in the amount of $29,580 and authorized
the Mayor to execute said contract.
MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
6.6 FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 02(2000): AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF DIAMOND BAR ADOPTING
DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 99-1 AND SUBDIVISION
ORDINANCE NO. 99-1 AND THEREBY AMENDING THE DIAMOND
BAR MUNICIPAL CODE - Development Code Amendment No. 99-1
and Subdivision Ordinance Amendment No. 99-1 were presented to
Council at a duly noticed Public Hearing on March 7, 2000. At that
time, Council considered. public testimony, staffs analysis and the
Planning Commission's recommendation to approve the presented
amendments and directed staff to prepare an ordinance adopting the
recommended amendments.
C/Chang moved, MPT/Ansari seconded, to approve first reading by
title only and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 02(2000) for
Development Code Amendment No. 99-1 and Subdivision Ordinance
No. 99-1 and adopt Negative Declaration No. 99-9. Motion carried by
the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Herrera, Huff,
MPT/Ansari, M/O'Connor
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.7 CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SKATE PARK AT
PETERSON PARK - On February 16, 2000, staff began advertising
for bids for construction of the Skate Park at Peterson Park. Five
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
contractors submitted sealed bids, which were opened and publicly
read on March 14. Bid prices ranged from a low of $282,884 to a
high of $322,054.97. The lowest responsive bidder is 4 -Con
Engineering. They have completed one Skate Park in the last year
and are currently working on another. References have been
checked and this contractor is highly recommended for this type of
project. The contractor's license has also been checked and it is
active and clear.
C/Herrera expressed concern about the increase in estimated
construction costs.
MPT/Ansari said she received calls from community members
inquiring about the cost of the contract. She explained that due to the
hilly rocky site at Peterson Park, additional soils work would be
required, which will increase the cost over other cities' facilities. She
spoke with the City of Corona and they appear to be very satisfied
with 4 -Con. She would like to move forward with the project.
C/Herrera expressed concern about the increased cost. Although she
was not necessarily in favor of placing this project ahead of other
projects, she was in favor of mitigating the problem of skate boarders
using shopping center, church and bank parking lots. However, the
costs have risen to a level beyond what was anticipated. She
believed the Council needed to rethink the project and modify it down
to a smaller size and look at flatter locations where grading will not be
such a significant issue. She was also concerned that the City's
consultant under -estimated the cost of this project.
Dr. Larry Rhodes believed the City needs a skate park. He asked
what the annual maintenance costs will be.
CM/Belanger responded that the skate park insurance is covered
under the City's insurance program provided by through the California
Joint Powers Insurance Authority. There are no special premiums
related to skate board parks. The skate board park is not a
supervised facility. It will be posted with rules and assumption of risk
language related to the use of the facility. There are no additional
costs beyond the existing staff for maintenance but it is anticipated
that within the first six months, the City will be able to ascertain
whether there are any special maintenance needs for this facility.
M/O'Connor stated that the consultant indicated that the facility would
require less ongoing maintenance than mowing, fertilizing and
watering grass.
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
CM/Belanger pointed out that there has been an increase in the per
square foot amount of construction since Council first began
consideration of this facility in early 1999.
CSD/Rose stated that the original bid specifications that were
released for this project asked for a certain level of competence with
respect to concrete work. The City received bids from contractors
that had no expertise in this field. As a result, the specifications were
rewritten to require that the bidding contractor have experience
working on a skate park. In addition, a mandatory site meeting by the
bidding contractors was added to the specifications. Five qualified
contractors responded to the revised bid proposal. All five had
previously constructed skate parks and the low responding bidder
was 4 -Con.
CM/Belanger stated that in September and November of 1999, when
it was determined that the City would move forward with the skate
board park and hold a Millennium Celebration, the City sold surplus
Proposition A monies, for which it received a total of $475,700. At
that time, $200,000 was allocated to the skate board park based upon
estimates that were made earlier in the fiscal year. $99,332 was
expended for the Millennium Celebration. This leaves an
uncommitted balance of $176,367.92 of the proceeds of the sales of
Prop A Funds. If the Council determines that it wishes to proceed
with the skate board project, staff recommends that a portion of the
proceeds of the uncommitted balance be used.
C/Huff shared some of C/Herrera's frustrations about the project. He
did not believe that inflation would reverse any time soon with the
booming economy and with skate parks continuing to gain in
popularity. He expressed concern that a number of young people
have invested time and effort toward the design of this skate park.
The City could take additional time to look at downsizing, which would
ultimately result in a higher per sq. ft. cost. He believed the Council
needs to move forward at this point in the process and to follow
through with the young people who were told they would have a skate
park.
M/O'Connor shared the frustration of her colleagues. The City has
made a commitment to its youth and the project needs to move
forward.
C/Herrera believed that when it was determined that the project
bidder had no experience in building skate parks, the Council talked
about downsizing the project. She asked why the project was not
downsized.
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
CM/Belanger stated that at the time, Council's direction to staff was
to rebid the project and to indicate in the bid specifications that bids
would be received only from companies that had demonstrable
experience in building skate board parks.
C/Chang pointed out that reducing the square footage would result in
a small savings and compromise the results. Due to the state of the
economy and the fact that uncommitted funds are available, he
believed the project should move forward.
MPT/Ansari moved, C/Huff seconded, to award a contract for
construction of a skate park at Peterson Park to 4 -Con Engineering
in the amount of
$282,884, plus a contingency amount of $28,300 (10°%), for a total
authorization of $311,184 and allocate $150,00 in additional funding
for this project from the proceeds of the sale of Proposition A Funds
approved in September, 1999. Motion carried by the following Roll
Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Huff, MPT/Ansari,
M/O'Connor
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Herrera
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.9 APPROVED CHANGE ORDER #1 TO CONTRACT WITH PURKISS-
ROSE, RSI FOR DESIGN OF SKATE PARK IN DIAMOND BAR -
After Council approval on November 23, 1999 of the conceptual plan
for the Skate Park to be constructed at Peterson Park, staff requested
that the consultant, Purkiss-Rose, RSI, expedite completion of the
construction documents. The design team worked evenings and
weekends and completed the construction documents on December
10, 1999. The overtime work by the design team, which totaled
$4,850, was not included in the original contract amount of $22,500.
Approval of Change Order #1 will authorize staff to pay the additional
$4,850 of overtime work to the consultant.
C/Herrera said she did not recall that Council asked for this project to
be expedited. She was not made aware of additional consulting
costs.
M/O'Connor said she pushed to have the project moved along in a
timely manner; however, she was not aware of additional costs.
C/Huff asked that, in the future, staff advise Council in advance of
anticipated additional costs resulting from their requests.
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
C/Chang moved, C/Huff seconded, to approve Change Order #1 to
the contract with Purkiss-Rose, RSI for design of the Skate Park in
the amount of $4,850, resulting in a total contract authorization of
$27,350. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Herrera, Huff,
MPT/Ansari, M/O'Connor
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.13 RESOLUTION NO. 2000-23: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE
INSTALLATION OF MULTI -WAY STOP SIGNS AT THE T -
INTERSECTIONS OF PRESADO DRIVE/CHESTNUT CREEK ROAD,
CHESTNUT CREEK ROAD/TIERRA LOMA DRIVE (NORTH), AND
BELLA PINT DRIVE/CLIFFBRANCH DRIVE - The City received
requests from residents to study the need for multi way stop signs at
the T -intersections on Chestnut Creek Road and its continuation,
Bella Pine Drive. These intersections have been discussed by the
Traffic & Transportation Commission, including public input, and are
now forwarded to Council with the Commission's recommendations.
MPT/Ansari expressed concern about high school students using this
tract as a cut through to avoid D.B. Blvd. She suggested that a traffic
study might be necessary if these improvements do not resolve the
problems.
Richard Duarte, Tierra Loma Dr., spoke against installation of stop
signs at Tierra Loma and Chestnut Creek Rd. He asked if this
request is based upon traffic study information. He suggested
installation of a yield sign rather than a stop sign, if signage is
necessary.
Bob Zirbes said he and a majority of his neighbors favor of a three-
way stop sign installation at Presado Dr. and Chestnut Creek Rd. to
slow downhill speeds. He believed that there is a need for stop signs
at the intersection at Bella Pine and Cliffbranch. Therefore, he
favored approval of Item 6.13.
Martha Bruske reminded the Council that the Off -Site Parking Task
Force found that the City needs traffic enforcement.
Clyde Hennessee believed people deserve stop signs.
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
Marie Buckland, Santaquin Dr., stated that the posting of 25 mph and
double yellow lines have not helped in her neighborhood. People use
her street for drag racing and do not stop at the stop signs. She
asked Council to do whatever is necessary to slow the traffic.
MPT/Ansari indicated to Mr. Duarte that the Traffic & Transportation
Commission received a petition signed by 26 of his neighbors
indicating their concern about the speeding vehicles on Chestnut
Creek Rd. near Tierra Loma Dr. down to Presado Dr. This matter is
on tonight's agenda as a result of safety concerns for the
neighborhood.
MPT/Ansari moved, C/Herrera seconded, to adopt Resolution No.
2000-23 approving installation of multi -way stop signs at the T -
intersections of Presado Dr./Chestnut Creek Rd., Chestnut Creek
Rd./Tierra Loma Dr. (north) and Bella Pine Dr./Cliffbranch Dr. Motion
carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Herrera, Huff,
MPT/Ansari, M/O'Connor
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
8. OLD BUSINESS: None
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.1 APPROVED LEASE FOR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SERVICE
CENTER - To provide for more efficient Sheriffs services to the
community, the Sheriffs Department has requested to open a service
center located in the City and proposed to staff the Center with
Sheriff's volunteer workers to provide information regarding various
programs, including Kid Print, Asian Task Force, Community Watch
and Explorer Program. In addition, the Sergeant, Team Leader,
Community Relations Officer and Asian Liaison Officer will all have
hours at the Service Center for the community. The Center will have
three computers available for all D.B. Deputies to prepare reports.
Currently, Deputies must return to the Walnut/Diamond Bar Station
to prepare reports.
Martha Bruske objected to the City renting space at this location due
to the deteriorated condition of the shopping center. The area is very
congested during school drop off and pick up periods.
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
Jeff Koontz, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce, stated that
the Chamber was asked to help the Sheriffs Department and
attempted to co-habitate in the same shopping center. He agreed
with Martha Bruske that the landlord is difficult to work with and he
applauded the City and the Sheriffs Department for their tenacity.
The shopping center is centrally located and has good visibility. He
believed that it is a good location, which would provide a positive
attitude about law enforcement in the City.
Responding to C/Huff, Captain Martinez expressed the Department's
commitment to making the Service Center a success.
C/Huff said he was disappointed with comments from one of the
speakers who spoke about that center being rundown and
disreputable, and how dare the City spend our money. He found it
ironic that one of the key centers the City wanted to address with the
Redevelopment Agency was this center and that the person who
spoke was one of the original initiators of the lawsuit against the City.
On one hand, the person challenges the City when it comes up with
a method of finding resources such as using re -diverted property tax
dollars to fix problems like this and then Council is castigated for
trying to help the center in another way. He believed the Service
Center would be a good presence in this area and in the City.
M/O'Connor stated that Captain Martinez would be leaving on April
2. Alex Yim will be the new Captain of the Walnut/Diamond Bar
Station. She wished Captain Martinez success in his new position.
C/Herrera moved, MPT/Ansari seconded to (1) approve a lease
agreement with Southland Management for the Sheriffs Department
Service Center at 23449 Golden Springs Drive in the amount of
$1,500 per month ($1,225 rent and $275 CAM) and authorize the
Mayor to sign said Agreement and (2) approve the necessary budget
adjustment for rent, services and supplies with minor "word smithing"
to be provided by the City Attorney prior to execution by the Mayor.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Herrera, Huff,
MPT/Ansari, M/O'Connor
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
RECESS TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: M/O'Connor recessed the
City Council Meeting to the Redevelopment Agency at 9:00 p.m.
MARCH 21, 2000
PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: M/O'Connor reconvened the City
Council Meeting at 9:05 p.m.
10. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Chang reported on the Council's March 8 meeting with the W.V.U.S.D.
Board. On March 10, Council Members traveled to Washington D.C. to
attend the National League of Cities Convention. He reported on items
discussed during the Convention. This year, the League's main theme is
the undoing of racism and the building of one America.
C/Herrera expressed sorrow that Captain Martinez has been transferred to
Court Services Bureau. He did an outstanding job as Captain of the
Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriffs Station and was been very responsive to the
City's needs. She thanked Sue Sisk, Darla Farrell, Fred Encinas and Don
Gravdahl for traveling to Sacramento on March 15 and 16 to provide
testimony in the matter of the Lanterman Expansion Project to the State.
The State indicated that the trend is to downsize facilities to 80 clients each.
If this is the trend, why is the State proposing to spend $4.9 million to
renovate and expand Lanterman. She was happy to learn that the statewide
committee on restructuring developmental centers, to which she had been
appointed, will begin its work on April 21 and 22. She stressed the
importance of public attendance at the April 8 Town Hall Meeting. She
wished City staff member Kellee Fritzal success in her new position with
Culver City.
C/Huff spoke about traveling to Washington to lobby for Federal Funds for
the ACE Project as well as Foothill Transit and attended the APTA
Conference. On March 15 and 16, he attended the Lanterman Expansion
Project meeting in Sacramento. Last night, he attended the kickoff meeting
for the Community Coordinating Committee, along with M/O'Connor and 30
plus people from the community. He encouraged representatives of
community organizations to attend the quarterly meetings. The committee
was formed to foster communication among the City's diverse groups. The
Rotary Club of Walnut Valley will hold its Third Annual Golf Tournament on
June 1 at the Sierra/La Verne Gold Club. Proceeds will be used for helping
the arts at the middle school and high school levels as well as Mt. SAC and
the Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps.
MPT/Ansari was unable to go to Washington D.C. due to a family illness.
She had an opportunity to work at the Friends of the Library Book Store.
The Book Store offers current publications at reduced prices. She attended
a dispute resolution meeting at SCAG. She attended the opening of Little
League. She attended a Water Quality Meeting during which the stormwater
runoff, the CalFed process and passage of the water bond were discussed.
On March 13, she attended the official opening of the Naval Recruiting
Office in the complex on No. D.B. Blvd. At 4:00 p.m., she attended a
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
meeting with M&H Management Group at the Country Hills Towne Center.
On March 16, she attended a joint breakfast meeting of the San Gabriel
Economic Partnership and the San Gabriel Council of Governments.
Speaker Senator Feinstein stated that one of her priority projects is to find
funding for the Alameda Corridor East. She also spoke about education and
gun control. MPT/Ansari said that today, she filled out her census form and
she was delighted to see the listing of diverse ethnic categories. She will be
presenting Solid Waste Bill AB 1939 in Sacramento, which will help to clarify
the D.B. pickup areas and assist with accurate counts for diversion
purposes. This weekend, the Used Book Store will hold a book sale at the
Country Hills Towne Center. The Miss D.B. competition will be held on
Saturday night.
M/O'Connor stated that on March 8, she attended the Industry
Manufacturers Council luncheon. The keynote speaker was Bruce Jenner.
On March 9, she attended a portion of the Chamber's Legislative Breakfast
and then went on to the City Birthday Celebration Subcommittee meeting.
She encouraged organizations to participate. She attended the annual
YMCA Fund-raising Dinner. D.B. raised over $18,000. The goal is $25,000
and there is still an opportunity for people to pledge their donations. She
attended the National League of Cities Conference during which President
Clinton spoke to the attendees. On March 15, the Navy opened a
recruitment office close to the bowling alley on No. D.B. Blvd. Also on March
15, a meeting was held with the Ralph's representative and M&H
Management Group for the Country Hills Towne Center. C/Herrera's 1999
letter -writing campaign resulted in Ralph's hiring a realtor to market the spot.
Ralph's representative indicated that they may be willing to give up their
lease, which gives the City an opportunity to attract a food business to the
site. Several concerned tenants attended the meeting. They indicated that
when Ralph's was in the center, there was a 93°% occupancy rate. Currently,
there is a 62% occupancy rate. On March 17, the Finance Committee met
and she and MPT/Ansari attended the Senior's St. Patrick's luncheon. Last
night's Community Coordinating Committee was very encouraging. Many
service organizations and ethnic groups were represented. She advised that
the two homes affected by the Minnequa landslide have been sold. She
asked Council Members to advise staff regarding their availability for the VIP
tour of the Ontario Airport. She reminded residents that it is very important
to the City that they complete their census forms.
MPT/Ansari said she would miss Keilee Fritzal, who has been a valuable
member of the City's staff.
M/O'Connor stated that the entire Council supported Kellee Fritzal in her
new venture and thanked her for her time and energy on behalf of the City.
MARCH 21, 2000 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/O'Connor
adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
6*041 �ao�
LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk
ATTEST:
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