HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/20/2001 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
NOVEMBER 20, 2001
1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Huff called the study
session to order at 5:05 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management
District Room CC -8, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California.
ROLL CALL: Mayor Huff, Mayor Pro
Tem/Herrera and Council Members Chang and O'Connor. Council
Member Ansari was excused.
Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Mike Jenkins, City
Attorney; JamesDeStefano, Deputy City Ma-nager; David Doyle, Deputy
City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community
Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Lynda Burgess, City
Clerk; Kirk Phillips, Associate Engineer; Sharon Gomez, Development
Services Assistant; Linda Smith, Development Services Assistant; Teresa
Arevalo, Senior Administrative Assistant; Todd Strojny, Senior
Administrative Assistant; April Blakey, Communications & Marketing
Coordinator and Diane Dodd, Deputy Sheriff.
a) City Council Certificate Designs — Presentation by CC/Burgess
MPT/Herrera said she envisioned three classes of Certificate/plaques from
which to choose: - the paper certificate, a slightly fancier framed
certificate/plaque (painted flower frame) and the wood plaque/tile. She
liked the examples presented but felt they were too plain.
C/O`Connor said she would like to know the .cost of floral borders. She
believed the certificates from Supervisor Knabe's office are handmade.
Perhaps those special certificates could be used for special occasions.
M/Huff reported that the handmade certificates are $250 each.
C/Chang liked the wood photo frame for mounting photographs. He
thought the cost for handmade certificates was too expensive and
preferred the small version presented by CC/Burgess.
Council concurred to proceed with the smaller version. In addition, staff
was directed to determine the cost of the enhanced version. -
b) Residential Street Name Signs — Presentation by AS/Gomez
DCM/DeStefano stated that staff's recommendation is that the Council
approve a green sign similar to the color orlhe Pantera Park sign, the
City's logo at the center of the sign and typeface similar to the White Star
Dr./Bower Cascade Dr. (upper -lower case) samples.
C/O'Connor liked green or blue.
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
M/Huff, C/Chang and MPT/Herrera said they preferred green.
MPT/Herrera said she would like to see what it looks like with a simplified
D.B. logo. She thought the logo looks better peaked.
M/Huff liked upper case print, with the first letter being larger.
ci E -Government — Presentation by DCM/Doyle and Greg Curtain,
CRIB.
DCM/Doyle asked Council to consider approving the document only. The
Council needs to take sufficient time to explore the document and obtain
answers to all questions before making a final decision.
MPT/Herrera said that this is a huge investment for the City and the
Council needs time to digest the information and thoroughly discuss the
matter. She asked for an explanation of the cost of the Phase
implementation. An investment of $736,000 requires a lot of discussion.
Council concurred to have Greg Curtain make a public presentation during
tonight's City Council meeting, consider accepting the document, and
schedule further study sessions on this matter.
Greg Curtain cautioned the Council to stay away from proprietary systems
and instead, develop focused applications through the web.
DCM/Doyle cited the example of an on-line reservation system for the
Parks & Recreation Department. Currently, there is a program that has
been developed specifically for that application and has been in use in
other cities. This proven off-the-shelf technology is adaptable to D.B. and
can be readily adapted into the D.B. system. If D.B. attempted to recreate
that program it could be very costly.
ADJOURNMENT: M/Huff adjourned the Study Session at 6:31 p.m.
I'DitRGtESS, City Clerk
ATTEST:
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
NOVEMBER 20, 2001
' 1. CLOSED SESSION: None
2. CALL TO ORDER: M/Huff called the meeting to order at 6:45
p.m. in the Auditorium of the South Coast Air Quality Management
District/Government Center, 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Council Member Ansari.
INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Monsignor
Loughnane, St. Denis Catholic Church
ROLL CALL: Council Members Ansari, Chang,
O'Connor, Mayor Pro Tem Herrera, Mayor Huff
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Mayor
3A. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
3.A.1 Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Jane Morf, Manager,
Friends of the Library Bookstore on the occasion of the 2nd
' Anniversary of the Library Bookstore.
3.A.2 Recognition of City Clerk Lynda Burgess for earning the designation
of Master Municipal Clerk.
3B. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
None Offered.
4. 4.a PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Kathleen Newe protested the Council's lack of response to the hate mail
distributed against C/Ansari just prior to the election. When C/Ansari was in
line to become Mayor Pro Tem, she was passed over without cause. She
hoped that that would not happen again. The Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
should be selected on seniority and rotation of the office and the vote of the
citizens should be taken into account. She hoped Council will not pass over
Wen Chang, who in her opinion, richly deserves to be Mayor Pro Tem this
year and Mayor next year.
Marie Buckland expressed concern about the negative flyer regarding Eileen
Ansari, the usage of the City logo on campaign literature and supported
selection of Wen Chang as Mayor since he was the highest vote getter.
Mary Matson wanted to know why the U.S. flags were removed along D.B.
Blvd. She asked that the flags be re -installed.
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 2 CITY COUNCIL
Ken Schafer said it was an embarrassment to the City to have had such
slanderous information distributed about Eileen Ansari prior to the election.
He also expressed concern about protocol for selection of the mayor. He
then stated reasons why he believed D.B. needs a community swimming
pool.
4.b RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: CM/Lowry stated that the
flyer information was reviewed by the Sheriff's Department and the
information was forwarded to the District Attorney. Based upon the DA's
initial review, the flyer was not deemed a matter that required their attention.
CA/Jenkins stated that the City's policy precludes the use of the logo on any
printed document. There is some question as to whether this photograph
constituted a printing of the logo and whether or not the policy was intended
to be applied to a photograph. The use of the logo in this manner did give
an official appearance to a document that clearly was not an official
document. Ultimately, the determination of whether or not there was a
violation of the policy is up to the City Council and whether or not anything
should be done about it is up to the City Council. This is not rule of law, it is
simply a policy that was adopted by Council a number of years ago to
address the use of the logo on correspondence where it gave the impression
the correspondence reflected the official view of the City or of Council and
created a misperception. The policy does not speak directly to this type of
use for the logo. The logo, in context, raises questions about whether it gives
the impression that the document was official. The document was a
campaign piece and it did reflect above the logo that it was, in fact, a
campaign piece paid for by a campaign committee. There are certainly
arguments on both sides of the issue and he suggested to Council that now
that the City has witnessed the situation where a logo has been used in an
unanticipated manner, they may wish to re -visit the policy and ascertain
whether it was intended to apply to this type of situation. If Council
determines it to be necessary, make some modifications to the policy so as
to fine-tune it to make it clearer and more accurate in this situation.
CM/Lowry further stated that the flags were placed as a result of the
September 11 attacks and it was clear that a majority of Council wanted
them placed in the Community, which was not the normal practice of the city.
The flags were removed because Veterans Day had been celebrated and
it seemed an appropriate time to put up the holiday season flags. It is also
important to note that the City received a request to remove the flags.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: .
5.1 THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY — In observance of the Thanksgiving
Holiday, City offices will be closed Thursday, November 22, and
Friday, November 23, 2001. City offices will reopen Monday,
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page_3 CITY COUNCIL
' November 26, 2001.
5.2 HOLIDAY RIDE — November 23 to January 2, 2002. Free
transportation available to all residents 18 and older (children under
18 must be accompanied by adult) and carrying proof of residency.
Free to travel throughout the City (house to shopping center and
back, or shopping center to shopping center.
5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING —November 27, 2001 — 7:00
p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.4 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND SPECIAL REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY MEETING — December 4, 2001 — 6:30 p.m.,
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.5 WINTER SNOW FEST — December 8, 2001 —11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,
Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Dr.
5.6 SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL MEETING WITH WALNUT VALLEY
UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT — December 15, 2001 — 8:30 —11:00
a.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.7 RESCHEDULED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING —December
17, 2001 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/ Government Center Auditorium, 21865
E. Copley Dr.
5.8 *CITY COUNCIL MEETING — December 18, 2001 — Cancelled
5.9 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY — Monday, December 24 and Tuesday,
December
25,2001. City offices will be closed in observance of the Christmas
Holidays. Offices will re -open Wednesday, December 26, 2001. City
offices will be closed Tuesday, January 1, 2002. Offices will re -open
Wednesday, January 2, 2002 at 7:30 a.m.
5.10 *CITY COUNCIL MEETING —January 1, 2002 —Cancelled
5.11 RESCHEDULED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — January 8,
2002 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/ Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E.
Copley Dr.
' 5.12 *CITY COUNCIL MEETING —January 15, 2002 —Cancelled
5.13 RESCHEDULED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING —January 29,
2002 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E.
Copley Dr.
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 4 CITY COUNCIL
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by MPT/Herrera, seconded by
C/Chang to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items No.
6.1.1 and 6.1.2. 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
6.1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1.1 Study Session of October 29, 2001 — Continued to December
4, 2001.
6.1.2 Regular Meeting of November 6, 2001 — Continued to
December 4, 2001.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of October 11, 2001.
6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES: --
6.3.1 Regular Meeting of October 9, 2001.
6.3.2 Regular Meeting of October 23, 2001.
6.4 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER —dated November 20, 2001 in
the amount of $385,637.37. (C/O'Connor abstained from approval of
P.O. 11216 due to a potential conflict of interest relating to the
Lanterman Forensic Expansion Project).
6.5 EXONERATED CASH DEPOSIT IN LIEU OF GRADING BOND IN
THE AMOUNT OF $7,200 FOR LOT 101 OF TRACT 30091 (23324
RIDGELINE ROAD, COUNTRY ESTATES) — and directed the City
Clerk to notify the owner of this action.
6.6 APPROVED SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVED
FULL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 03(2001): AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DIAMOND BAR AMENDING CHAPTER 12.08 OF THE DIAMOND
BAR MUNICIPAL CODE TO ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY
FORESTRY PROGRAM - establishing a municipal tree ordinance.
6.7 APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH WARREN C. SIECKE
FOR TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE
COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER AT SUMMITRIDGE PARK IN AN
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 5 1CITY COUNCIL
' AMOUNT OF $17,500 AND AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY
AMOUNT OF $8,000 FOR PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS TO BE
APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL
AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT OF $25,500.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.1 PUBLIC HEARING - DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO.
2001-02 PERTAINING TO FREEWAY ORIENTED SIGNS WITHIN
THE C-3 ZONE.
MPT/Herrera stated that the City is losing tax dollars from various
sources. One of the City's biggest tax contributors is contemplating a
move out of D.B. D.B. Honda was, at one time, one of the largest tax
contributors. Businesses that contribute a lot of tax dollars bear a
great burden of the cost of this City's purchasing power. When the
businesses are gone, the burden shifts to the residents. Even though
D.B. does not want to look like a typical commercial city, it needs to
be supportive of those businesses that remain and contribute sales
tax dollars. Redevelopment Agency funding is gone and we need to
think differently about how to support businesses. If the City becomes
too rigid in its attitude toward businesses, they will leave.
C/O'Connor said she e-mailed about 48 residents for their input on
this matter — 23 responded — 11 yes and 11 no and one uncommitted.
C/Ansari was concerned about the quality of the sign. She believed
it would be a good marketing tool for businesses. D.B. Honda has
talked about moving to another city and she would like to encourage
them to stay in D.B. She favored sending this item back to the
Planning Commission for further consideration.
M/Huff declared the Public Hearing open.
Staff Interns Brian and Crystal reported the results of their survey of
about 50 D.B.H.S. seniors, conducted at the request of C/O'Connor.
Most students were concerned about cost and safety issues but
supported approval of the sign. Students were split 50/50 with slightly
more students favoring such a sign. The major concerns were cost
and safety.
I
There being no further testimony offered, M/Huff closed the Public
Hearing.
C/Chang reminded everyone that when the grocery store closed in
the Country Hills Towne Center, residents wanted the space filled.
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 6 CITY COUNCIL
One of the drawbacks to attracting a quality business to that location
was lack of exposure. The current location of the D.B. Honda should
not provide interference of the view to any residential properties in the
area. He felt that the City should provide this amenity to this
business.
M/Huff said that there is no question that D.B. is a City impacted by
traffic. Attractive and readable signage will attract patrons to the
businesses. Sales tax revenue generation may not be the best model
for running cities. In order to provide the services sought by residents
(libraries, parks, trails, swimming pools, etc) revenue must be
generated. Therefore, tax revenue from retail outlets near the
freeway is a good thing for the City. He supported sending the matter
back to the Planning Commission for further consideration.
Moved by C/Herrera, seconded by C/Chang to reopen the public
hearing, refer Development Code Amendment No. 2001-02 pertaining
to freeway oriented signs within the C-3 zone back to the Planning
Commission and continue the Public Hearing to December 17, 2001.
C/O'Connor believed the Honda dealership can be seen from several
different areas of D.B. including the D.B. Racquet Club condominiums
above the golf course, Birdseye Dr. and Diamond Crest homes. She
wanted to be certain the City looks at the impact to those three
locations even though they are beyond the 1000 feet. In addition, she
requested clarification by staff regarding what is meant by "adjacent
to the freeway."
DCM/DeStefano stated that the current sign code says that freeway
adjacent sites are those sites within 200 feet of the freeway right-of-
way. It is appropriate to ask the Planning Commission to review
whether this is appropriate consideration for the type of sign that is
being contemplated.
MPT/Herrera asked that the Planning Commission be provided the
Council's comments regarding this matter.
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
M/Huff reopened the Public Hearing and continued the matter to the
December 17, 2001 City Council meeting.
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 7 CITY COUNCIL
7.2 PUBLIC HEARING — ORDINANCE NO. 04(2001) — AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
ADOPTING DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 2001-03
AND AMENDING THE DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TO LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE AND LOT
COVERAGE REGULATIONS AND RESIDENTIAL ZONES.
M/Huff declared the Public Hearing open.
Martha Bruske expressed concern that the City does not have enough
ordinances and the ones that are in effect are not enforced. Further,
she was concerned that setbacks are fading away and stated that she
was against building homes on hillside slopes.
Sue Sisk spoke in favor of the ordinance. She agreed with Mrs.
Bruske that there is not sufficient staff to enforce the ordinances
currently in effect. She asked Council to consider how this ordinance
and other ordinances will be monitored on a timely basis.
There being no further testimony offered, M/Huff closed the Public
Hearing.
C/Chang agreed with the proposed ordinance. The lack of
landscaping infringes on the good image of the City and reduces the
value of adjacent homes.
Moved by C/Chang, seconded by MPT/Herrera to approve first
reading by title only and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 04(2001).
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
8. OLD BUSINESS:
8.1 APPROVAL OF PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS LIMITING TRIPS AND
INCREASING CERTAIN FARES FOR THE DIAMOND RIDE (DIAL -A -
CAB) PROGRAM.
' MPT/Herrera asked how a fee increase would help defray abuses.
DPW/Liu said the intent of the proposed modification is to increase
the awareness level. Most of the residents are not abusing the
program. Staff feels that more than 98% of the users will continue to
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 8 CITY COUNCIL
use the program as intended and the more frequent users will plan
their usage more carefully. This is a first step toward self -compliance.
MPT/Herrera wanted to eliminate the abuse.
DPW/Liu stated that if Council approves the recommendation, staff
would issue new ID cards to all users, which will present an
opportunity to explain the intent of the program. He explained that
when the program was first established in 1995, the parameters were
very broad and general and unrestricted. If the City wants to
eliminate certain types of trips, Council may wish to consider revisions
to the guidelines.
C/Ansari favored limiting the number of trips to Amtrak, limiting the
overall number of trips and increasing the charge to $10 each way to
the airport.
DPW/Liu responded to C/Ansari that abuses came to light after the
implementation of the service provider's computer tracking system
last year. The County provides access service for the disabled.
Transportation needs are provided to those in medical need.
C/Ansari suggested providing emergency (red) cards to senior
residents.
DPW/Liu reiterated that medical transportation would be provided
when requested. The computer system will allow staff to monitor daily
trips and in the event that an individual's trips becomes excessive,
create the opportunity for personal contact with the individual.
C/Ansari asked that prior to implementation of the program
modifications that the abuses be eliminated — specifically, trips by
residents to the airport to pickup family and friends and trips to other
cities to pick up friends for shopping.
C/Chang supported this type of program but did not support the
abuse. He doesn't believe the new program will eliminate the abuses.
Therefore, the Council should consider reducing the radius miles or
initiate a method for regulation. If the program cannot be revised to
eliminate the abuses at this time, the matter should be returned to
staff for further consideration.
Barbara Jones, a D.B. senior and frequent Dial -A -Ride user, said
there are a large number of seniors who depend entirely on this
program and decisions regarding changes to the program should be
made by the 2000 or so people who take advantage of it. It is very
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 9 CITY COUNCIL
' depressing for seniors who depend on this program as a way of life
to be severely restricted and penalized because one or two people
abuse the system. Medical trips take care of the body but the mind
also needs nourishment.
Bob Zirbes recommended limiting the number of daily trips allowed.
M/Huff complimented the Traffic & Transportation Commission for
their thoughtfulness on this issue. He believed that there should be
an attempt to curb the abuses without penalizing legitimate users.
Moved by C/O'Connor, seconded by C/Ansari to approve the
following modifications: 1) Limit the number of one-way trips to 30 per
month per cardholder; 2) increase the out -of -boundary fare from
$1.50 to $3.00/per one -.way trip for all but medical facilities; 3)
increase the fare to the Ontario Airport and Fullerton Amtrack Station
from $5.00/one way to $10.00/one way, in addition to placing a limit
of six one-way or three round trips per year; and 4) limit trips to the
malls outside D.B. to eight one-way trips or four round -trips per
month. Motion carried unanimously by the following Roll Call vote:
I
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Chang, O'Connor, MPT/
Herrera, M/Huff
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS- None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
8.2 PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING AND
IMPLEMENTING THE E -GOVERNMENT MASTER PLAN AND
IMPLEMENTING PHASE I.
Martha Bruske wanted to know how staff knows how many people are
interested in this technology and how many people don't care. The
City needs data before deciding to launch into a project of this
magnitude. Does E -Government help enforce ordinances and get
her street clean? She would be interested in a system that will
identify problems, thoroughly gather the facts and renew them,
propose solutions, implement the solutions and test those solutions.
Will E -Government improve businesses in the City and improve the
quality of life for residents or will it merely provider a higher tech city
hall?
' Harry Ahn said that the nature of the Internet is to build -as -you -go and
implement improvements based upon user feedback. Currently, basic
things are missing from the City's web site. He was fearful that a
grand plan would fail. There is no need to spend a lot of money on
technology that is available at no cost.
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 10 CITY COUNCIL
Moved by MPT/Herrera, seconded by M/Huff, to accept the report and
continue the matter to a future date. 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
9. NEW BUSINESS:
9.1 CONSIDERATION OF AMENDING THE POLICY REGARDING
PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES, PLAQUES AND CITY TILES.
Moved by C/Ansari seconded by MPT/Herrera to table the matter.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES
NOES:
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBERS - Ansari, Chang, O'Connor,
MPT/Herrera, M/Huff
COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
10. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER
COMMENTS:
C/Chang recommended that Council return to the City's original rotation
system process of selecting Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem by seniority. He
believed that selecting Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem by who gets the most
votes is not fair to the community. With respect to the letter sent by Mayor
Huff to one of the Chinese language television stations regarding C/Chang's
interview, the interview was pretty simple. He spoke about the Chinese
community having better understanding about what the City stands for today,
problems facing the City and possible solutions. Mayor Huff sent out a very
suspicious and negative letter to the TV station. Comments made to the
Mayor by two residents were serious enough to arouse the Mayor's
suspicions. He asked Mayor Huff if there was anything wrong with his
interview and whether his letter represented the entire Council and the City.
He felt the Mayor's letter was very damaging to him and to the reputation of
the City as well as the entire Council. He hoped Council could find a better
way to work together cohesively.
C/Ansari thanked citizens for their support for the past eight years. She was
honored to represent the City and serve on regional committees. She
thanked the people who spoke out against the hate literature distributed
about her during the campaign and those 220 people who presented her with
personal donations. Although staff responded that the literature is not
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 11 CITY COUNCIL
considered to perpetrate a hate crime, the ADC, ADL and other groups
consider the piece as "hate -speak." According to the First Amendment,
anyone has a right to say anything about anyone regardless of whether it is
true, false, exaggeration or innuendo. The marketing firm that distributed the
flyer has been identified. This matter is still being investigated and she will
pursue this matter vigorously and the people who perpetrated this
viciousness will be subpoenaed. This is not about losing an election — it's
about the people who follow her and it's about nastiness. She thought
everyone had gotten beyond this type of behavior and that there was mutual
respect on the Council. She will remain a community activist. Initially, she
ran for office because she had differences with people who were on the
Council. This is a community of diverse ethnicity and we must all respect
those differences. She asked her fellow Council Members to be fair with
respect to selection of the next Mayor and be fair to their fellow Council
Members. The highest vote getter should be placed at the top of the ladder.
She thanked her husband for his support during her many hours of
community service and the residents for their support.
C/O'Connor said she attended a WCCA meeting on November 7 during
which she protested to the use of a video that misrepresented D.B. She
asked staff to comment on sections of the video that misrepresented D.B.'s
position. WCCA commented that they would reduce the 45 -minute tape to
a 25 -minute tape and perhaps in completing the reduction, the objectionable
portion would be removed. On November 8 she participated in the
Chamber's shopping center tour. That evening she attended the Chamber's
Mixer. On November 11, she joined in the Veteran's Day Celebration. She
thanked staff for their work on this event. On November 13, she attended
the Sheriff's Forum on a residential survey of about 700 homes in the
Pathfinder Rd./Brea Canyon Rd./D.B. Blvd. area. On November 14. she
participated in the Pathways Mentorship at D.B.H.S. On November 15, the
finance committee met. On November 17, four Council Members attended
the Walnut Valley Unified School District Conference on how to improve the
schools. On November 19 she and MPT/Herrera attended Assemblyman
Pacheco's luncheon honoring the area sheriff and fire departments. That
evening, she and M/Huff attended the Coordinating Council meeting. Today
she attended Lorbeer Middle School's career day. She thanked the voters
of D.B. for their confidence in allowing her to represent the City for the next
four years. She looked forward to working with the Council Members in
support of the City's business. She asked residents to contact her with any
questions they might have. She thanked Mrs. Ansari for her eight years of
service to the residents of D.B. and looked forward to continuing to work with
' Mrs. Ansari as a citizen and community activist. She thanked Mayor Huff for
his service and leadership and she looked forward to working with the new
Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem that will be selected at the next meeting.
NOVEMBER 20, 2001 Page 12 CITY COUNCIL
MPT/Herrera said she was sorry that emotions have run so high and out of
control. It is not a good place for the City and residents to be and she hoped
for quick healing so that Council can come together for the good of the
community. She thanked Mrs. Ansari for her eight years of service to the
residents and City. She has been selfless in her dedication and
commitment. On October 25, the State Lanterman meeting took place. The
State has decided to do a full EIR and expand the cost of the project by
$188,000 to build a separate security building. Approval for the expanded
project will be sought before the Public Works Board on December 14 or in
January 2002. The next meeting is scheduled for February 7, 2002 during
which the state members will announce the release of the initial study and
dates for the public meetings. The D.B. Lanterman Advisory Committee will
next meet on February 11, 2002. She congratulated the Council Members
who were re-elected and congratulated Council Member -elect Bob Zirbes.
M/Huff responded to comments made by C/Chang and .stated that after
talking with the City Manager, he drafted a letter on his home stationery due
to concerns expressed by several members of the public. The television
station was not very cooperative in sharing the tape but once he viewed it,
he saw that C/Chang had conducted himself properly during the interview.
There was absolutely no offense intended by his letter. It was meant to set
the record straight. He was sorry that C/Chang took offense to his letter. In
the interest of teamwork, anyone who has a problem can come to him and
make his concerns known. M/Huff the reported that he received a call from
Congressman Gary Miller who said he was able to get through Congress
$240,000 for the D.B, Senior Center project. Yesterday, he participated in
a hot air balloon ride for disabled children event at Irwindale Speedway
sponsored by Foothill Transit. He hoped everyone would take this
Thanksgiving Eve opportunity to reflect upon the goodness in their lives.
11. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Huff
adjourned the meeting at 10:19 p.m.
LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk
ATTEST:
Wen P. Chang, M