HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/15/2001 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MAY 15, 2001
CLOSED SESSION: None
2. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Huff called the Regular City Council
Meeting to order at 6:47 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management
District Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California.
Mayor Huff announced that immediately prior to tonight's Council Meeting,
Council Members were present at Diamond Ranch High School to dedicate
its new facility.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor
Pro Tem Herrera.
INVOCATION: The invocation was offered by Reverend
Mike Schuenemeyer, Diamond Bar Congregational Church.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Huff, Mayor Pro Tem Herrera, and
Council Members Ansari, Chang and O'Connor.
Mayor Huff welcomed new City Manager Linda Lowry.
Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; James
DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle, Deputy City Manager; Mike
Jenkins, City Attorney; David Liu, Director of Public Works; Bob Rose,
Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Mike
Nelson, Communications & Marketing Director and Lynda Burgess, City
Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
3. A. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
3.A.1 Proclaimed May 13-19,2001 as Taiwanese American Heritage Week."
3.A.2 Certificate Awarded to CIO'Connor for being named "Woman of the
Year' by the State Legislature, sponsored by Senator Bob Margett.
3B. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
4. 4.A. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Matson addressed her concerns
about the ongoing traffic congestion on southbound D.B. Blvd. from
Kiowa Crest to Grand Ave. At the intersection of Quail Summit and
D.B. Blvd., there is a right turn -only lane, which is being ignored by
motorists the majority of the time. People are prevented from getting
out of Montefino onto D.B. Blvd.
Tom Ortiz invited residents to participate in flag dedication ceremonies
MAY 15, 2001 PAGE 2
on May 28, 2001 at Memory Garden Memorial Park in Brea. He
believed D.B. should have veterans' advisory committee to assist
veterans in getting medals they deserve.
Kim Cleveland, Pathways Academy, D.B.H.S., thanked the City for
supporting the Pathways Communications Academy.
4.B. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT:
CM/Lowry stated that staff would look into the matter of traffic congestion on
southbound D.B. Blvd. at Quail Summit.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 CITY ON-LINE - May 16, 2001 - 6 )0 p.m., CC -2,21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.2 D.B. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MEETING - May 17, 2001 - 7:00
p.m., CC -8,21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING - May 22, 2001 - 7:00 p.m.,
SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.4 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - May 24, 2001
- 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.5 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY - City Offices will be closed on Monday,
May 28, 2001 in observance of the Holiday. Offices will reopen on
Tuesday, May 29, 2001 at 7:30 a.m.
5.6 EXTENDED CITY HALL HOURS BEGINNING MAY 29, 2001 - City
Hall will remain open until 7:00 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each
month for Transit and Recreation Services.
5.7 BEGINNING JUNE 1, 2001 - Cite Council meetings will be televised
live on Channel 17.
5.8 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - June 5, 2001 - 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: MPT/Ansari moved, MPT/Herrera
seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 6.3
and 6.7. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Chang, O'Connor, MPT/
H ,�rrera, M/Huff
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
MAY 15, 2001 PAGE 3
6.1 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS AND RECREATION MINUTES:
6.1.1 Regular Meeting of February 13, 2001.
6.1.2 Regular Meeting of March 22, 2001.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES:
6.2.1 Development Code Amendment Study Session of April 10,
2001.
6.2.2 Regular Meeting of April 10, 2001.
6.4 REJECTED CLAIM FOR DAMAGES - Filed by Rajesh K. Dang July
27, 2000 and referred the matter for further investigation to the City's
Risk Manager.
6.5 EXONERATED GRADING BOND FOR LOT 2 OF TRACT 39679
(TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY, 21688 GATEWAY CENTER
DRIVE) - in the amount of $162,000 as posted with the City on March
4, 1999 and directed the City Clerk to notify the owner and surety of
this action.
6.6 AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE 2000-2001
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT SIDEWALK
INSTALLATION PROJECT - to Kalban, Inc. in an amount not -to -
exceed $76,762.50 and authorized a contingency of $8,000 for project
change orders to be approved by the City Manager, for a total
authorization of $84,762.50. Sidewalks to be included in this project
are: 1) south side of Golden Springs Dr. from Copley Dr. to Gateway
Center Dr.; 2) west sire of Copley Dr. from Golden Springs Dr. to
existing sidewalk, anc 3) west side of Gateway Center Dr. from
Golden Springs Dr. to e-cisting sidewalk.
(a) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001-22: A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING
THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22623
OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE WITH
RESPECT TO THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT NO. 38; AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY
AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR CERTAIN LANDSCAPING
MAINTENANCE WITHIN SAID DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-
02; AND FIXING A TIME AND PLACE FOR A HEARING OF
OBJECTIONS THEREON - (The amount to be assessed for FY 2001-
02 is to remain at $15 per parcel) and directed the City Clerk to
advertise the Public Hearing for the City Council meeting of June 5,
2001.
MAY 15, 2001 PAGE 4
(b) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001-23: A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING
THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22623
OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE WITH
RESPECT TO THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT NO. 39, AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY
AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR CERTAIN LANDSCAPING
MAINTENANCE WITHIN SAID DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-
02; AND FIXING A TIME AND PLACE FOR A HEARING OF
OBJECTIONS THEREON - (The amount to be assessed for FY 2001-
02 is to remain at $130.00 per parcel) and directed the City Clerk to
advertise the Public Hearing for the City Council Meeting of June 5,
2001.
(c) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001-24: A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING
THE ENGINEER'S REPORT FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 22623
OF THE CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE WITH
RESPECT TO THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT NO. 41, AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO LEVY
AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR CERTAIN LANDSCAPING
MAINTENANCE WITHIN SAID DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001-
02; AND FIXING A TIME AND PLACE FOR A HEARING OF
OBJECTIONS THEREON - (The amount to be assessed for FY 200-0
is to remain at $220.50 per parcel) and directed the City Clerk to
advertise the Public Hearing for the City Council Meeting of June 5,
2001.
6.9 (a) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001-25: A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR ACCEPTING
AN IRREVOCABLE OFFER OF DEDICATION FOR ROADWAY
PURPOSES - to accept a deed from Pulte Home Corp. to the City for
portions of northbound D.B. Boulevard to eastbound Crestview Dr. for
a right -turn pocket.
(b) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2001-26: A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF DIAMOND BAR ACCEPTING A GRANT OF EASEMENT
FOR PUBLIC UTILITY AND PUBLIC SERVICES PURPOSES
- to accept from Pulte Home Corp. portions of Lots D, G, J and
K of Tract 52267 (Crestview Dr.) which are being granted to
the City as easements for public utility and public services
portions. Design modifications of the street improvements
plans were made by Pulte Home Corp. to provide portions of
the street for easements required for public utility purposes, i.e.
fire hydrant, catch basin, traffic signal poles, street lights and
respective appurtenances; and "turn -abouts" for emergency
MAY 15, 2001 PAGE 5
service vehicle purposes. Easements over the portions of the street
that encroached into the lots are to be granted to the City. Pulte
Home Corp. completed a Grant of Easement for Public Utility and
Public Services Purposes.
MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
6.3 VOUCHER REGISTER - dated May 15, 2001 in the amount of
$335,124.47. (C/O'Connor abstained from approval of $12,700.27
relating to a potential conflict of interest regarding the Lanterman
Expansion Project.)
C/Ansari questioned services provided by the L.A. County Fire
Protection District relating to weed abatement. She further questioned
the scope of work provided to the City by its contractor Gary Neele.r
and whether the amount will be increased.
DCM/DeStefano explained that under his authorization, Mr. Neeley
was employed as a consultant in order to assist the City in reviewing
options pertaining to the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority and
purchase of the Boy Scout property by the City of Industry and the
announced plans by the City of Industry to pursue a large water
reservoir in that area. In addition, Mr. Neeley has been utilized by the
City Manager's office to review, attend meetings and understand the
County's effort to redefine the Significant Ecological Areas within the
County and, more specifically, the ecological area within city limits and
the sphere of influence (the area between D.B. and Brea).
MPT/Herrera moved, M/Huff seconded, to approve the Warrant
Register excluding payment to the Los Angeles Agricultural
Commission in the amount of $7,739.09. Motion carried 4-1 by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, MPT/
Herrera, M/Huff
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.7 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH GONZALES-GOODALE ARCHITECTS FOR
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT
OF A NEW SENIOR/COMMUNITY CENTER AND LIBRARY - to
reflect additional services and appropriate the necessary funds
($96,400) from General Fund reserves.
DCM/DeStefano responded to C/Ansari's query that D.B. employed
Gonzales -Goodale in September 2000 to provide architectural site
MAY 15, 2001 PAGE 6
planning and design services for the proposed community/senior
center and library project at Summitridge Park. At that time, the
variety of services proposed did not include a landscape architect.
Staff has been working with Gonzales -Goodale to engage the
services of a landscape architect. He cannot speak with certainty that
Gonzales -Goodale bid out' that assignment. They hired an award-
winning architect that has worked on a variety of public and private
projects over the years. Staff believed that the price was competitive.
C/Ansari moved, MPT/Herrera seconded, to approve Amendment No.
1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Gonzales -Goodale
Architects for Architectural Services related to the development of a
new senior/community center and library to reflect additional services
and appropriate the necessary funds ($96,4000) from General Fund
reserves. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Chang, O'Connor, MPT/
Herrera, M/Huff
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
6. OLD BUSINESS:
8.1 STATUS REPORT RE: LANTERMAN DEVELOPMENTAL CENTER
- presented by MPT/Herrera.
Sue Sisk commented on residents' concerns regarding the budget
language of AB 95, which appears to be in violation of the agreement.
DCM/Deitefano stated that staff has been working with the City's
special ci,:►unsel, Jack Rubins, who drafted a letter reviewed and
revised bit DCM/DeStefano. It is anticipated that the letter will reach
Clifford Allenby, the state's counsel, Senator Margett and
Assemblyman Pacheco tomorrow. The letter specifically addresses
the community's concern that the language was changed between the
statement in last year's budget bill and the statement in the current
draft budget bill, and a request/demand that the language be re-
instituted as described in last year's budget bill. Upon receipt of the
formal final letter, it will be distributed to Council and members of the
Lanterman Monitoring Committee.
8.2 RESOLUTION NO. 2001-27: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APPROVING THE
RECREATIONAL TRAILS AND BICYCLE ROUTE MASTER PLAN
FOR THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR - The draft Recreational Trails
MAY 15, 2001 PAGE 7
and Bicycle Route Master Plan was reviewed by Council at their May
1, 2001 meeting. In addition to the overall presentation of the Master
Plan, a significant amount of time was spent reviewing estimated
development and maintenance costs for the proposed trail system.
This discussion has led to the development of Table 10, the
Summary of Estimated Costs for Total Program and Table 11, the
Trail Cost Detail. These tables have now been added as Pages 80
and trails system as described in the Master Plan is between
$1,067,300 and amenities. Annual maintenance cost is estimated to
be between $37,800 and $48,500. Also added to the Master Plan
since the presentation on May 1 is Appendix F, which includes
photographs and a summary of existing conditions along the proposed
recreational trail routes - presentations by CSD/Rose and Marlene
Roth, The Roth Group.
C/Ansari commended staff on its presentation. She suggested that
staff pursue state funding for a nature center at Larkstone Park.
MPT/Herrera emphasized Council's commitment to fund the
community/senior center and library. She recommended that Council
hold study sessions to discuss budgeting this project in phases and
include on-going maintenance considerations in that discussion.
C/Chang echoed C/Ansari and MPT/Herrera's recommendations and
commendations to staff for their work on this project. He agreed with
looking into alternative funding and consider this project on a phase-in
basis. Until sufficient funding is available without depleting current
resources, he would not approve of implementing the plan.
M/Huff thanked staff and Marlene Roth for their participation in this
oroject.
,'/O'Connor- moved, C/Ansari seconded, to adopt Resolution No.
X001-27 approving the Recreational Trails and Bicycle Route Master
Plan for the City. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Chang, O'Connor, MPT/
Herrera, M/Huff
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS — None
7. NEW BUSINESS: None
RECESS TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: M/Huff recessed the meeting to the
Redevelopment Agency at 8:00 p.m.
MAY 15, 2001 PAGE 8
RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: M/Huff reconvened the City Council
meeting at 8:05 p.m.
8. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMENTS: C/Ansari
welcomed M/Huff and C/O'Connor back from their China trip. She
congratulated the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation for the wonderful
"Teddy Bear Tea" that they sponsored. She was invited to participate by
MPT/Herrera, President of the Foundation, which does an outstanding job of
raising money for teachers. She attended the Inland Valley Economic
Development Committee Meeting, which is focusing on businesses of the
year in the Inland Valley. She hoped that D.B. businesses would be
recognized by the committee this year. She and C/Chang attended the
senior's Mothers' Day luncheon - it was a good day. She commended
Washington Mutual for its sponsorship of the Chamber Mixer, which was well
attended, thanks in large part to the good efforts of Jeff Koontz. She
attended the State Community Advisory Committee meeting and thanked
Darla Farrell, Sue Sisk and MPT/Herrera for continuing to serve on the
committee. She complimented the Chamber on the networking breakfast
Cinco de Mayo Festival at the Holiday Select. She attended the General
Assembly for California Association of Governments during which the
Regional Transportation Plan was discussed and adopted. She mentioned
the following "pet peeves'; 1) the right hand turn on eastbound Diamond Bar
Boulevard at Quail Summit; 2) the failure of motorists to properly
acknowledge neighborhood stop signs, and 3) excessive speed in shopping
centers and grocery store parking lots. She would like for the City to look at
how much of D.B. property taxes are going toward the library budget. How
much is D.B. giving and how much is D.B. getting back in services. She
thanked everyone who participated in formulating the Parks Master Plan.
She congratulated Diamond Ranch High School on its dedication.
MPT/Herrera stated that at last night's Lanterman Monitoring Committee
meeting, some of the committee members asked her to research information.
Situated on the Lanterman Facility is a program run by the Str ite of California,
which was reported to her to be a California Youth Authorit , (CYA)
program. In fact, it is a California Conservation Corp (CCC) program.
Eighty-four individuals who participate in this program are housed at
Lanterman and they range in age from 18 to 23. The duration of their stay
is one year. Individuals become enrolled in the program through an
application process. It is not a program for behavior correction. Individuals
enrolled in the program cannot be on parole or on probation for any offenses.
Their scope of work consists of conservation programs throughout the state.
They respond to various disasters such as fire and earthquakes and assist
public safety officers. Many participants are working on the "light brigade" -
passing out light bulbs to make people more aware of the energy crisis. She
stood in for the Mayor this morning at a job expo for veterans held at the
SCAQMD as a part of D.B.'s commitment to its veterans.
MAY 15, 2001 PAGE 9
C/O'Connor thanked the D.B. Sister City, Nick Anis, Mayor and Mrs. Huff, for
the wonderful cultural exchange excursion from which she returned last night.
C/Chang attended the "Teddy Bear Tea" and commended the organization
and the leadership of MPT/Herrera. He attended the senior's Mothers' Day
luncheon and is always happy to join with the seniors. He attended the D.B.
Chinese-American Association for their Mothers' Day Celebration. Diamond
Ranch High School is a model campus with state-of-the-art buildings resting
on a very selective site. He applauded everyone who participated in the task
force and its pursuit of this fine facility. On Saturday 130 cars were
vandalized in D.B. He asked the community to report any citing of
vandalism.
M/Huff commented on the magnitude and vision required to make the
Diamond Ranch High School a reality. While the school is currently knowr
for its architecture, the time will come when the school is known for its fine
quality of student population. Upon his return from China he read a
newspaper article reporting the resignation of City of Industry Mayor Winn
who recently underwent heart surgery. He is progressing well and expects
to continue a good relationship with D.B. and will continue to help move
things forward in a positive direction. The Sister City trip was an excellent
trip. Sister City officials plan to visit D.B. in the fall.
9. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Huff
adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk
ATTEST:
WO Mayor