HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/17/2000 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
OCTOBER 17, 2000
CALL TO ORDER: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor
Pro Tem Ansari.
INVOCATION: The invocation was given by Dr. James
Price, Diamond Canyon Christian Church.
ROLL CALL: Mayor O'Connor, Mayor Pro Tem Ansari,
and Council Members Chang, Herrera, Huff.
Also present were: Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; James
DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle, Deputy City Manager; David
Liu, Director of Public Works; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Linda
Magnuson, Finance Director; Mike Nelson, Communications and Marketing
Director and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: M/O'Connor announced the receipt of a
letter from City Manager Belanger offering his resignation effective October
20, 2000. Due to the fact that the letter was just received, M/O'Connor
proposed that an emergency Closed Session be held immediately following
the Special Presentations portion of the agenda and that Item 9.2 be added
to the agenda for acceptance of the resignation and designation of an Interim
City Manager.
MPT/Ansari moved, C/Herrera seconded, to recess the Regular City Council
Meeting to Closed Session immediately following the Special Presentations
portion of the agenda, and that Item 9.2 "Acceptance of Resignation of City
Manager Terrence L. Belanger and waive 60 -day notice requirement,
appointment of Interim City Manager and authorizing staff to release a
request for proposals for a contract with an executive search agency and
declaring the urgency thereof' be added to the agenda under New Business
due to the fact that this matter came to the attention of the City and the City
Council after the posting of tonight's agenda, and that immediate action is
necessary because of emergency circumstances.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Herrera, Huff, MPT/Ansari,
M/O'Connor
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
3. A. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
3.A.1 Proclaimed October 22-28, 2000 as "Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Week."
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
3.A.2 Proclaimed October 28, 2000 as "National Immigrants Day."
3.A.3 Proclaimed October 22-28, 2000 as "Red Ribbon Week." Presented
to Superintendent Ron Hockwalt on behalf of the Walnut Valley
Unified School District and to Carol Thomas on behalf of the Pomona
Unified School District.
3.A.4 Proclaimed October 2000 as "Crime Prevention Month."
3.A.5 Presented Certificates of Recognition to Community Volunteer
member Eberhard Meyer for 500 hours of service, and to Glen
Plovanich for 1000 hours of service.
3.A.6 Presented Certificate of Recognition to Marissa McKendall for finding
Council Member Herrera's purse at Albertson's Market and returning
it to her.
3.A.7 Presentation by Ray Anderson, Vice President, Waste Management
regarding the New Trash Collection System.
3.A.8 Deputy City Manager David Doyle introduced Todd Strojny, Senior
Administrative Assistant.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION: M/O'Connor adjourned the meeting to
Closed Session at 7:20 p.m.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: M/O'Connor reconvened the City
Council Meeting at 7:55 p.m.
3. B. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None
offered.
4. 4.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Dave Reynolds expressed concern about
slope maintenance and potential hillside failures on Diamond Bar
Boulevard and other affected areas of the City. He reminded the
public to keep their storm drains cleaned out. He asked Council to
consider sending letters or to have the City's Code Enforcement
officer call on affected residents.
Clyde Hennessee again gave his view on certain November 7, 2000
ballot measures.
Larry Rhodes asked Council to look into what the City can do to stop
residents from feeding their pets outside because pet food attracts
vermin such as skunks, opossums, etc.
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
Toni Simmons, speaking on behalf of Northminster Presbyterian
Church, announced that on November 5, 2000 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m., the church would hold its annual Alternative Gift Market and
Cultural Celebration. Entertainment and food begins at 11:30 a.m.
William Klein spoke against adding a truck lane to SR 60.
Sue Sisk spoke about the Lanterman Agreement Principles and
Commitment. She emphasized to the residents that the City would
continue to monitor this situation.
Darla Farrell registered her concern about the Waste Management
pickup issue. She lives on a cul-de-sac street and it is difficult to
place containers on the street and she does not want trash containers
in her driveway.
Dick Farrell spoke about sewer problems at his home.
4.13. RESPONSE TO PUBIC COMMENTS: M/O'Connor acknowledged
Dave Reynolds' concerns regarding hillside slopes. She has also
noticed that storm drains are filled with dirt and residents needed to
be reminded that drains should be cleaned each year. She thanked
DBIA for their assistance.
DCM/DeStefano recommended that with respect to Larry Rhodes
concern about vermin, the City solicit suggestions from the Humane
Society for mitigating the problem. In addition, advice could be given
to the community through the City's newsletter or via a news release.
MPT/Ansari explained to Mr. Klein that SCAG is conducting a truck
lane feasibility study. To date, nothing has been determined. She
suggested that he write a letter to SCAG stating his concerns and that
he attend the truck lane task force meeting at the SCAG office on
Thursday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
C/Herrera explained that the reason the SR 60 is being considered for
a truck lane is because it accommodates the heaviest truck traffic in
Los Angeles County.
C/Huff spoke about the considerations regarding a possible truck lane
on the SR 60. He responded to Darla Farrell that the Alameda
Corridor East open house is tomorrow evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m. at Shilo Hilltop. Specifically, the open house will address the
project at Temple Avenue in Pomona that impacts the northerly
sections of D.B.
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 DIAMOND BAR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - October 19, 2000 -
7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Room CC -8,21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.2 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS EXPO - October 21, 2000
- 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Kmart Parking Lot, 249 S. D.B. Blvd.
5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION - October 24, 2000 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.4 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - October 26, 2000 - 7:00
p.m., SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.5 "HALL OF HORRORS" HAUNTED HOUSE - October 28, 30 & 31 -
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. - Heritage Park Community Center, 2900 S.
Brea Canyon Rd.
5.6 LANTERMAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE - October 30, 2000 - 7:00
p.m., Room CC -8, SCAQMD, 21685 E. Copley Dr.
5.7 FALL FUN FESTIVAL - October 31, 2000 - 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,
Heritage Park, 2900 S. Brea Canyon Rd.
5.8 COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER TASK FORCE MEETING -
November 2, 2000 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Room CC -2, 21865 E.
Copley Dr.
5.9 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - November 7, 2000 - 6:30 p.m.,
SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.10 ELECTION DAY -November 7, 2000 - Polls open from 7:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m.
5.11 TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION - November 9, 2000
- 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.12 VETERANS DAY - November 10, 2000 (Friday) - City Offices will be
closed in observance of Veterans Day - will reopen Monday,
November 13, 2000.
5.13 PLANNING COMMISSION - November 14, 2000 - 7:00 p.m., _
SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.14 COMMUNITY MEETING REGARDING THE COMMUNITY/SENIOR
CENTER - November 15, 2000 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Auditorium,
21865 E. Copley Dr.
OCTOBER 17, 2000
PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
5.15 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - November 21, 2000 - 6:30 p.m.,
SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865. E Copley Dr.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Chang moved, MPT/Ansari seconded,
to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 6.8 and 6.10.
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
6.1 APPROVED MINUTES - Regular City Council Meeting of October 3,
2000 - as submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -
Regular Meeting of August 8, 2000.
6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION MINUTES:
6.3.1 Regular Meeting of June 8, 2000.
6.3.2 Regular Meeting of July 13, 2000.
6.4 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES - Regular Meeting of August 24, 2000.
6.5 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated October 17, 2000 in the
amount of $656,649.53. M/O'Connor recused herself from approval
of P.O. 10293 for $120; Petty Cash of $14.98; A10471 for $1,496.03;
110310 for $35.00; 109874 for $17.50; 9885 for $5,882.42; and 10495
for $1,293.34, for a total of $8,559.27 due to potential conflict of
interest regarding the Lanterman Forensic Expansion Project.
6.6 REVIEWED AND APPROVED TREASURER'S REPORT - for August
2000.
6.7 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
IMPROVEMENTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF BREA CANYON
ROAD/DIAMOND CREST LANE, BREA CANYON
ROAD/GLENBROOK DRIVE AND BREA CANYON ROAD/GOLDEN
SPRINGS DRIVE - accepted the work performed by L.A. Signal and
authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion and release
any retention amounts thirty-five days after the date of recordation.
6.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-52: A JOINT RESOLUTION OF
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
ANGELES ACTING IN BEHALF OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
GENERAL FUND, LOS ANGELES COUNTY LIBRARY, LOS
ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, LOS ANGELES
COUNTY LIGHTING DISTRICT #10006 - DIAMOND BAR, LOS
ANGELES COUNTY FIRE-FFW, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 21 OF LOS ANGELES
COUNTY, AND THE GOVERNING BODIES OF CITY OF DIAMOND
BAR, GREATER LOS ANGELES COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL
DISTRICT, THREE VALLEYS MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT,
WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT (WVWD), WVWD-
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT #5 APPROVING AND ACCEPTING
NEGOTIATED EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUES
RESULTING FROM ANNEXATION TO COUNTY SANITATION
DISTRICT NO. 21 - approving and accepting the negotiated exchange
of property tax revenues resulting from Annexation No. 682 to County
Sanitation District No. 21 (McDonald's at 21095 Golden Springs
Drive.)
6.11 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2000-53: A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AUTHORIZING —
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR TO
ACQUIRE FEDERAL SURPLUS PROPERTY FROM THE
CALIFORNIA STATE AGENCY FOR SURPLUS PROPERTY.
MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
6.8 AWARDED CONTRACT FOR DOCUMENT CONVERSION
SERVICES - to Prime Ventures, Inc. dba Document Imaging Service
Corp. in the amount of $79,239.08 for document conversion services
for engineering drawings and maps and building permits, with a 10%
contingency for contract changes in the amount of $7,923.
In response to M'O'Connor regarding security of the City's records,
CC/Burgess explained that documents will be inventoried by staff prior
to transport to San Diego for scanning and again inventoried upon
receipt by the vendor. An inventory will be conducted again when the
documents are returned to City Hall. The proposal contains a
guarantee for the safety of these original documents.
CA/Jenkins did not believe there is any way that the City can
absolutely guarantee that nothing would get lost, even though the
possibility is remote. The alternative is to not proceed with the project
with respect to those types of documents that cannot otherwise be
copied.
M/O'Connor moved, MPT/Ansari seconded, to award a contract for
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
Document Conversion Services to Prime Ventures, Inc. dba
Document Imaging Service Corp. in the amount of $79,239.08 for
engineering drawings and maps and building permits, with a 10%
contingency for contract changes in the amount of $7,923. 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
6.10 APPROVED A TEN-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE SOUTH COAST
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (SCAQMD) TO LEASE
OFFICE SPACE (12,117 SQUARE FEET) FOR DIAMOND BAR CITY
HALL AT AN INITIAL COST OF $1.65 PER SQUARE FOOT - for the
first two years, escalating by $0.05 per square foot ever two years
thereafter.
MPT/Ansari explained the benefits of the SCAQMD lease contract.
C/Huff also spoke about the benefits of the SCAQMD lease contract
and location. The SCAQMD facility has 24-hour security. He asked
staff and Council to consider installation of an ATM at the new location
to allow residents the convenience of conducting business.
C/Chang pointed out that this option helps to offset the loss of
redevelopment agency funds. He reminded staff to continue the
lease -to -purchase agreement negotiations with SCAQMD, which he
believed was approved by their board. He thanked SCAQMD and
staff for their excellent negotiations.
MPT/Ansari moved, C/Huff and C/Chang seconded, to approve a ten-
year agreement with South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD) to lease office space (12,117 sq. ft.) for City Hall at an
initial cost of $1.65 per sq. ft. for the first two years, escalating by
$0.05 per sq. ft, every two years thereafter. 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 HEARING: None
8. OLD BUSINESS:
8.1 INLAND VALLEY HUMANE SOCIETY AND S.P.C.A. (IVHS)
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
CONTRACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000-01 - The contract for animal
control services through the IVHS expired June 30, 2000. IVHS has
submitted a contract for FY 2000-2001 in the amount of $72,486. This
is a $7,242 increase over last year's contract amount ($65,244).
Based on the information provided in the staff report, staff
recommends that the Council approve a one-year contract keeping
the contract at its current rate ($65,244) by adopting a new fee
schedule. Continued from October 3, 2000.
C/Huff asked that this matter be continued in order to give Council and
staff an opportunity to digest the materials provided and provide due
diligence to make certain that the Council's action best represents the
community's interest and concerns. He previously referenced his
concerns about the Humane Society. He asked Mr. Harford to
comment on an incident that happened at the home of C/Huff. He
again asked if those who canvas for the Humane Society could wear
a picture identification when registering animals in the field and forego
wearing a badge to which Mr. Harford replied that canvassers to carry
a pictured ID and since they are classified as limited law enforcement
personnel they are required to wear a Humane Society badge. Who
requires them to wear a badge?
Mr. Harford responded that under the Codes that allow the Humane
Society to enforce animal control contracts, the State requires that
personnel wear a badge.
C/Huff asked staff to verify the State Code and reiterated that the
person who visited his home and insisted that C/Huff had a dog was
not wearing picture ID which to him is more important than wearing a
badge.
Mr. Harford responded to M/O'Connor that 90%+ of the total violations
are leash law violations. Most leash law violations occur when one
neighbor complains about another neighbor.
In response to MPT/Ansari, Mr. Harford explained that the officer who
is assigned to D.B. is also assigned to Chino Hills. The officer
dialogues with Code Enforcement.
MPT/Ansari asked that Mr. Harford look into establishing an improved
and ongoing dialogue with the City.
Mr. Harford agreed with MPT/Ansari and offered to the Sheriff's
Department that a full-time educator and several administrative
members are available for presentations at block group meetings to
help citizens understand responsibility issues. As a result of AB 1755,
the Humane Society has experienced a significant increase in
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
operational costs. In the first year that AB 1755 was implemented, no
costs were passed along to the cities. He further stated that the
Society would look into what it can do to create solutions to the
problems previously expressed by Larry Rhodes.
In response to MPT/Ansari, Mr. Harford indicated that there have
been two or three in-service meetings to discuss issues such as those
brought up by C/Huff. The Humane Society desires to acquire
personnel who provide "code enforcement with emotion" and to find
ways to get people to comply without making them feel like they are
being interrogated or intimidated. Accordingly, his office has had
several staff changes since he last visited Council. The Humane
Society will continue to monitor these very serious issues.
Dr. Rhodes reiterated his concerns about adverse treatment of his
dogs by the Humane Society and was strongly opposed to continuing
the contract with the Inland Valley Humane Society.
Clyde Hennessee asked for the Council to continue the matter until
further information is available to the public.
C/Huff moved, MPT/Ansari seconded, to continue the matter to the
November 7, 2000 meeting and directed staff to contact other cities
utilizing the services of L.A. County for animal control services.
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
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.1 CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED 4T" OF JULY CONCERT AND
FIREWORKS SHOW - For the past 10 years, the Summer Concerts
in the Park series has been held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30
p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sycamore Canyon Park. In the summer of 2001,
the 4th of July falls on a Wednesday evening. When this circumstance
was presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission at its August
24, 2000 meeting, the Commission recommended that if a fireworks
show is not a part of the 4th of July concert, then there should be no
concert on that date. This issue was presented to Council at its joint
study session with the Parks & Recreation Commission on September
6, 2000 and Council directed staff to agendize this matter for a future
Council Meeting. Staff has developed two options for a 4th of July
patriotic concert. Option I is for an evening concert from 6:30 p.m. to
9:00 p.m., followed by a fireworks show. Cost for Option I is about
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
$20,000. Option II is for an afternoon concert from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00
p.m. with no fireworks show. Cost for Option II is about $10,000.
There is also a third option, which is to not have a concert on July 4,
2001, but instead have the patriotic concert on Wednesday, June 27,
2001.
In response to M/O'Connor, CSD/Rose explained that staff members
who work the Concerts in the Park series consist of primarily part time
staff members who do not receive any additional compensation for
working a holiday. In addition, management staff is not compensated
for working on holidays. Therefore, the staff cost would be the same
as for any other occasion.
C/Huff continued to have reservations about spending $20,000. How
can the City restrict fireworks to its residents when the City sponsors
fireworks. In addition, the City experiences a tremendous fire hazard
in July.
CSD/Rose explained that the fireworks display would be similar to the
one held during the Millennium Celebration. A lane on Golden
Springs Rd. would be closed and the fireworks would be set off from
the sidewalk. The site has been reviewed and approved by the
pyrotechnics provider. Before a show could move forward, the City
would have to have further assurance from the fire department that
the site is safe.
MPT/Ansari stated that although the expense is high, the actual
holiday occurs on the date of a Concert in the Park only once in eight
years. The City has never held a July 4th celebration and she believed
that the City needs to have something for the citizens to enjoy.
C/Herrera favored having fireworks and believed it may be a deterrent
to people setting off fireworks in their own neighborhoods. She would
like the City to sponsor a 4th of July celebration.
C/Chang has promoted the concept of a JUly 4th celebration for some
time.
M/O'Connor expressed concern about the potential parking problem
and how many people the park can accommodate.
Martha Bruske stated her opposition to having fireworks, which is _
against the City's Code. Sycamore Park is in a residential area and
the Concerts in the Park series impacts the surrounding
neighborhoods. In her opinion, a fireworks show in that location would
be unmanageable.
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
Jeff Koontz voiced concern about the impact on staff of having two
events, the City Anniversary Celebration and July 4th, within 70 days
of each other.
M/O'Connor asked if staff has looked into the parking situation. How
many people can the park accommodate. Where will they park? Has
approval been given by the Country Club for parking? Is Calvary
Chapel available for parking?
CSD/Rose stated that parking is available during the evening time at
the D.B. Golf Course and the Cafe Illustrado. parking lot. Staff would
expect at least 2400 people for this type of event.
C/Huff reiterated his concerns about fireworks sending the wrong
message to children and stated that he could not support a fireworks
show.
In response to MPT/Ansari, CSD/Rose stated that an $8,500 fireworks
show which amounts to about a 20 minute show. If staff is directed to
move forward, arrangements will be sought for parking with the golf
course, the Cafe Illustrado location and the Calvary Chapel location.
MPT/Ansari recommended that staff seek input from adjacent
residents.
C/Herrera moved, M/O'Connor seconded, to continue the matter to
November 21, 2000 to determine the actual capacity of the site,
parking availability and receive input from adjacent residents. 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
9.2 ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATION OF CITY MANAGER TERRENCE
L. BELANGER; WAIVER OF 60 -DAY NOTICE REQUIREMENT;
APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CITY MANAGER AND AUTHORIZING
STAFF TO RELEASE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR A
CONTRACT WITH AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH AGENCY AND
DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF - C/Herrera moved, C/Huff
seconded, to accept the resignation of City Manager Terrence L.
Belanger, waive the 60 -day notice requirement, appoint Jim
DeStefano as Interim City Manager; direct staff to release an RFP for
an Executive Search Agency, and direct the Mayor and Mayor Pro
Tem as a subcommittee to develop additional compensation for
Interim City Manager. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
OCTOBER 17, 2000
PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Herrera, Huff, MPT/
Ansari, M/O'Connor
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - MPT/Ansari
RECESS TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: M/O'Connor recessed the Meeting
at 10:00 p.m.
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: M/O'Connor reconvened the City
Council Meeting at 10:01 p.m.
5. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Herrera stated that on October 7, as President of the L.A. County Division
of the League of Calif. Cities, she conducted a League Retreat at which the
Executive Board discussed a strategic plan for the division next year, during
which they determined to promote legislation to strengthen local control of
cities and to be aggressive about returning revenue to the cities. She was
pleased that on October 12, the Lanterman Agreement of Statement of
Principles and Commitment was signed. The document was unanimously
approved by the Cities of Diamond Bar, Pomona and Walnut. Clifford
Allenby, Director of Developmental Services for the State, has approved that
Ruth Maples, Lanterman Director and C/Herrera will co-chair the State's
Advisory Committee. On October 10, the Lanterman Advisory Committee
met with Captain- Yim to discuss security plans for the Lanterman
Developmental Center's 128 severe behaviorals. She invited residents to
participate in this process. She pointed out that the Brea Community
Hospital is a full-service hospital within five miles of the city limits of D.B.
While she will personally miss Terrence Belanger and his talents, she looked
forward to the challenge of selecting a new City Manager.
C/Chang recently attended the NASA Commercialization Boards'
groundbreaking ceremonies at CalPoly, which is one of five such facilities in
the United States. He attended the President of Western University of Health
Sciences' presentation regarding his vision for the school. The school trains
about 20% of the family physicians that practice on the West Coast. He and
M/O'Connor attended the Council's joint meeting with the Pomona Unified
School District during which a dedication of Diamond Ranch High School was
discussed. Dedication ceremonies are slated to take place in January 2001.
At this time, Diamond Ranch High School has a full student body of 8th
through 12th grades. Pantera Elementary School construction is completed
and the facility is being used for teacher supported programs. It is likely that
the school will have open enrollment for September 2001. Last week, the
D.B. Chinese-American Association, the Chinese-American Self -
Improvement Organization and Vision 21 held a seminar on Proposition 38.
He commended the organizations for their efforts. C/Chang stated that Terry
Belanger is an outstanding, capable and very knowledgeable city manager
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
and is a walking encyclopedia of the city's affairs. He was privileged to
spend a great deal of time with him and respected his knowledge and is
grateful for his help. He is sorry to see Mr. Belanger leave D.B. and wishes
him great success in his new venture.
C/Huff asked staff if information regarding the waste rollout program could be
provided to the public on the City's Web site. He asked staff to agendize
discussion of a plan to address hillside and drainage maintenance. He also
asked staff to address the issue of feeding wild animals and notification to the
public. He spoke about attending the D.B. High School Band competition at
Nogales last Saturday. The band will be performing in this year's Rose
Parade. He encouraged residents to support the youth who are good
ambassadors for the City. On October 11, he and M/O'Connor met with
CalTrans to discuss traffic mitigation measures related to the Industry East
Project. He stated that the signing of the Lanterman document emphasizes
the extensive hard work and involvement on the part of the community. It is
time to set aside the rhetoric, move forward and re-establish the close ties
with Lanterman and its clients. He wished Mr. Belanger the best in his new
venture. It is difficult to replace someone of his knowledge and stature. The
measure of a good leader is the depth within the organization, which Mr.
Belanger helped to provide. He asked the public to be patient with staff and
the Council during this time of transition. He recommended that the City
present Mr. Belanger with a plaque and related parting ceremonies.
MPT/Ansari reported that on October 4, she met with the Inland Valley
Economic Corporation, which helps small businesses to integrate into
communities. Also on that date, she attended the SCAG retreat during which
the group discussed the regional transportation plan. That evening, she
attended a Calif. Contract Cities Board meeting in L.A. On October 5, she
attended the regular SCAG meeting and board meeting. On October 10, she
attended a Solid Waste meeting for L.A. County. On October 12, she
attended the Lanterman document signing. That afternoon, she attended the
Project Sister open house. The director is seeking volunteers. That evening,
she and three other Council Members attended the Chamber of Commerce
function at South Point Middle School. On October 13, she attended the
grass-roots lobby committee meeting for the League of Calif. Cities in
Sacramento. The grass-roots lobby was established to determine how the
16 regions could be more legislatively responsible to cities. On October 14,
she attended the NAACP San Gabriel Division dinner, during which three
D.B. residents were honored with scholarships. Today she attended a Water
Quality Committee meeting in L.A. at SCAG. MPT/Ansari said that she has
worked with Terry Belanger for seven years, which were interesting and
tumultuous years. Mr. Belanger managed to guide the City through those
times and took the City from a $4 million reserve to a $15 million dollar
reserve. He will be missed. D.B. will look to the future and attempt to
choose a City Manager with the attributes of Terry Belanger. She asked that
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
the meeting be adjourned in memory of Hal Sturim, husband of Carol Sturim.
He was a realtor and very involved in D.B. activities.
M/O'Connor joined C/Huff at the Foothill Transit Cluster meeting on October
4. She attended Lorbeer Middle School's Back to School night during which
she re -presented their Blue Ribbon Award. On October 5, many Council
Members participated in the YMCA fund-raising Golf Tournament. On
October 6, she and C/Huff attended the Chinese Independence Day
celebration. On October 11, they met with CalTrans to discuss the Industry
East Project. Also that day, a City On -Line meeting was held. The new
name for City On -Line is Diamond Bar On -Line. On October 12, she had the
pleasure of joining 10,000 women at the Governor's Conference for Women
in Long Beach. She attended the Chamber Mixer with the Walnut Valley
Unified School District and the Walnut Chamber of Commerce. With respect
to the Industry East Project, D.B. received a letter from Majestic Realty
updating the City on the project, portions of which she read aloud. On
October 13, the Finance Committee met. She was not able to attend the
Saturday DBIA slope maintenance session. She commended DBIA and all
of the volunteers who helped the homeowner. On Saturday she attended a
D.B. Community Foundation seminar training session on how to be good
board members and engage in fund-raising. During the subcommittee
meeting with the Pomona Unified School District, school officials stated they
are willing to help D.B. write grants for library funding. A couple of months
ago, Assembly Member Pacheco's office issued a press release stating that
the City of D.B. was given a $50,000 grant for a parole board museum.
Factually, the $50,000 was given to the Department of Corrections and not
to the City. Ribbon cutting ceremonies for the museum are slated for
November 1, 2000. She asked staff to pursue the sublease of the current city
hall facility. She also asked staff to address street parking on trash pickup
days. She reminded residents that a community meeting would be held on
November 15 to discuss the community/senior center. She spoke about the
accomplishments of City Manager Belanger. Personally, she felt he was the
most intelligent man she had met. He was able to state both sides of any
issues facing the City Council. If he did not know the answer to a question,
he got the answer. She also looked forward to the selection of a new City
Manager. D.B. staff is very capable and will be up to the challenge of taking
the City forward. She asked staff members to lend their support during the
long process of finding a new City Manager. She wished Mr. Belanger
success in his new venture.
OCTOBER 17, 2000 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/O'Connor
adjourned the meeting at 10:50 p.m. in memory of Hal Sturim.
LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk
ATTEST:
DEBORAH O'CONNOR, Mayor
