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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/17/2001 Minutes - Study SessionCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION DECEMBER 17, 2001 ' 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Chang called the study session to order at 5:40 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the SCAQMD/Government Building, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. ROLL CALL: Council Members Huff, Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, M/Chang. C/Herrera was excused. Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; 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; Lynda Burgess City Clerk; Kirk Phillips, Associate Engineer; Linda Smith, Development Services Assistant; Teresa Arevalo, Senior Administrative Assistant, and Todd Strojny, Senior Administrative Assistant. 2. STUDY SESSION: 2.1 DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED BUSINESS RETENTION/SALES TAX AGREEMENT — SIGMA -Internet Inc. Following discussion, Council directed staff to pursue a $200,000 base minimum with a 50 percent penalty in the third year. 4. ADJOURNMENT: M/Chang adjourned the Study Session at 6:26 p.m. L NDA BURGESS, City Clerk ATTEST: �1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR DECEMBER 17, 2001 STUDY SESSION: M/Chan called the Stud Session to order in at 9 Y 5:40 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the SCAQMD/Government Building. BUSINESS RETENTION/SALES TAX AGREEMENT —SIGMA -Internet Inc. M/Chang adjourned the Study Session to the Regular City Council Meeting at 6:26 p.m. ROLL CALL: Council Members Huff, Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, M/Chang. C/Herrera was excused. Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; 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; Lynda Burgess City Clerk; Kirk Phillips, Associate Engineer; Linda Smith, Development Services Assistant; Teresa Arevalo, Senior Administrative Assistant, and Todd Strojny, Senior Administrative Assistant. ' 1. CLOSED SESSION: None 2. CALL TO ORDER: M/Chang called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Hearing Board Room of the South Coast Air Quality Management District /Government Center Building, 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Lead by Council Member Zirbes INVOCATION: None given. ROLL CALL: Council Members Herrera, Huff, Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, Mayor Chang Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; 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 and Lynda Burgess City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Approved with the requested amendment to staff report for Item 9.1. 3A. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS; CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 3.A.1 Presentation by DBHS "Marquis" under the direction of Mr. Dave Willert. DECEMBER 17, 2001 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL 3.A.2 Presented Certificate of Recognition to Sgt. Bill Flannery for his dedicated service to the residents of D.B. 3.A.3 Proclaimed December 2001 as "California Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month." BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: 3.A.4 Presented City Tile to Fitness Advantage owners Celvin Pruenster and Sylvia Galelli. 3B. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None Offered. 4. 4.a PUBLIC COMMENTS: Eileen Ansari, speaking about Consent Calendar Item 6.8, said she believed there should not be an automatic renewal of Mr. Neeley's contract and that this matter should go out to bid. Marie Buckland expressed concern about ethics, conflict of interest and nepotism with respect to the volunteer interpreter for the City of Diamond Bar. 4.b RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: CM/Lowry reported that the City does not have records related to the position of interpreter. Administration has been involved only to the extent that the prior City Manager ordered business cards for Mrs. Huff several years ago. C/Huff said that prior to serving on the City Council and before Mei Mei became his wife, she accompanied the City Council to China acting as an interpreter for the City Manager and then Mayor Phyllis Papen. She has been involved in organizing several trips for City Council Members and staff. All of her work as been on a volunteer basis. Those who act as volunteers are entitled to their political opinions. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 HOLIDAY RIDE — November 23 through January 2, 2002 — Free ride to any shopping area in Diamond Bar for all residents 18 and older. 1-800-578-6555. 5.2 CITY OFFICES CLOSED — 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 1 DECEMBER 17, 2001 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL will re -open Wednesday, January 2, 2002 at 7:30 a.m. 5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — December 25, 2001 — Cancelled 5.4 HOLIDAY TREE COLLECTION — December 26 through January 11, 2002. 5.5 **CITY COUNCIL MEETING — January 1, 2002 — Rescheduled to January 8, 2002. 5.6 **RESCHEDULED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — January 8, 2002 — 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.7 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — January 8, 2002 — 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/GOVERNMENT CENTER Hearing Board Room, 21825 E. Copley Dr. 5.8 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING — January 10, 2002 — 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21825 E. Copley Dr. 5.9 ***CITY COUNCIL MEETING — January 15, 2002 — Rescheduled to January 29, 2002. 5.10 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING —January 22, 2002 — 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21825 E. Copley Dr. 5.11 ***RESCHEDULED REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING — January 29, 2002 — 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by C/Herrera, seconded by C/Huff to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Item 6.8. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Herrera, Huff, Zirbes, MPT/O'Connor, M/Chang NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 6.1 APPROVED MINUTES: 6. 1.1 Study Session of November 20, 2001 —As submitted. DECEMBER 17, 2001 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL 6.1.2 Regular Meeting of November 20, 2001 — As submitted. 6.1.3 Regular Meeting of December 4, 2001 — As submitted. 6.1.4 Special Meeting of December 6, 2001 — As submitted. 6.2 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated December 17, 2001 in the amount of $435,338.13. 6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2001. 6.4 EXONERATED CASH DEPOSIT IN LIEU OF GRADING BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,680 FOR LOT 21 OF TRACT 24046 (1636 DERRINGER LANE, 'THE COUNTRY ESTATES") - and authorized the City Clerk to notify the owner and Wells Fargo Bank of this action. 6.5 APPROVED NOTICES OF COMPLETION: 6.5.1 AREA 3 ASPHALT RUBBER AND AGGREGATE MEMBRANE (ARAM) OVERLAY PROJECT - and authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion. 6.5.2 2000-2001 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - and authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion. 6.6 APPROVED GRANT OF EASEMENT TO COX PCS ASSETS, L.L.C., FOR USE OF EXISTING CITY OWNED ACCESS ROAD TO THE EASTGATE WATER TANK SITE — authorized the City Manager to execute the Agreement. 6.7 AWARDED CONTRACT TO CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $19,750 FOR INSTALLATION OF A SIX-FOOT HIGH WROUGHT IRON FENCE AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE SKATE PARK. MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR: 6.8 AWARD OF CONSULTANT AGREEMENT EXTENDING SERVICES WITH GARY L. NEELY FOR "AS -NEEDED" GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS CONSULTING SERVICES FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WITH AN OPTIONAL THIRD YEAR OF SERVICE. Moved by C/Huff, seconded by C/Herrera to approve the agreement and allocate the necessary resources for the remainder of FY 2001- DECEMBER 17, 2001 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL 2002 ($21,060) from General Fund Reserves. Motion carried 3-2 by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Herrera, Huff, Zirbes NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - MPT/O'Connor, M/Chang ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None. 7.1 CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING — DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 2001-02 PERTAINING TO FREEWAY ORIENTED SIGNS WITHIN THE C-3 ZONE (Continued to January 8, 2002.) M/Chang re -opened the Public Hearing. There was no one present who wished to speak on this matter. Moved by C/Zirbes, seconded by MPT/O'Connor, to continue the Public Hearing to January 8, 2002. Motion carried unanimously. 8. OLD BUSINESS: 8.1 APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO FILL THE VACANCY AND UNEXPIRED TERM CREATED BY ELECTION OF COMMISSIONER ZIRBES TO THE CITY COUNCIL. C/Huff appointed Dan Nolan to fill the vacancy. Upon motion by C/Herrera, seconded by C/Zirbes, Council unanimously confirmed the appointment. 8.2 CONSIDERATION OF E -GOVERNMENT MASTER PLAN. Martha Bruske again asked how many residents use computers to communicate with the City. The residents' problems are not being addressed by investing in technology. C/Zirbes stated that he understood how technology could benefit business and agreed with the overall concept of the E -Government Master Plan. However, he too, was concerned with how many residents might use this type of technology. M/Chang cited examples of how the Internet might help residents communicate their concerns to the City. Council will be very cautious when it comes to expenditure of the citizens' money. DECEMBER 17, 2001 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL E Moved by C/Zirbes, seconded by C/Huff to accept the document. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS- Herrera, Huff, Zirbes, MPT/O'Connor, M/Chang NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None NEW BUSINESS: 9.1 APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEES BY MAYOR ORGANIZATION DELEGATE/ALTERNATE Calif. Contract Cities Assn. Chang/Zirbes Calif. Joint Powers Ins. Authority Chang/O'Connor CLOUT Zirbes/Huff Foothill Transit Board Huff/Zirbes Four -Corners Transportation Policy Group Huff/Chang Greater L.A. County Vector Control MacBride L.A. County Sanitation Dist. 21 Chang/O'Connor Lanterman Community Adv. (City) Herrera/Huff L.A. County City Selection Comm. Chang/O'Connor League — L.A. Div. Herrera/Chang San Gabriel Valley Council of Govts. Huff/O'Connor San Gabriel Valley Partnership of . Commerce & Cities Chang/Zirbes So. Calif. Assn. of Govts. (SCAG) Chang/Zirbes Tres Hermanos Cons. Authority Huff/Herrera/Zirbes Wildlife Corridor Cons. Authority (WCCA) O'Connor/Herrera CITY COUNCIL STANDING COMMITTEES Finance Huff/O'Connor Community Coordinating Committee Huff/O'Connor D.B. Community Foundation O'Connor Economic Development Chang/Zirbes Lanterman Comm. Adv. Comm (City) Huff/Herrera Legislative Huff/Herrera Neighborhood Improvement Zirbes/Chang Redevelopment O'Connor/Zirbes Sphere of Influence Herrera/Chang AD HOC COMMITTEES Industry East Development Adv. Herrera/O'Connor PUSD/City Chang/O'Connor WVUSD/City Huff/Herrera DECEMBER 17, 2001 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL LIAISON Chamber of Commerce Liaison City Anniversary Liaison Senior Citizen Liaison Herrera/Zirbes O'Connor/Zirbes Zirbes/O'Connor C/Zirbes proposed the addition of a Neighborhood Improvement Committee. Martha Bruske supported C/Zirbes' proposal to add a subcommittee for neighborhood improvement. Jeff Koontz, Exec. Dir., D.B. Chamber suggested expanding some standing committees to include citizen involvement. Nina Goncharev also supported the proposal. Marie Buckland hoped the committee would finally address residents' concerns. Following Council discussion and community input, M/Chang formed a Neighborhood Improvement Committee and appointed C/Zirbes delegate and himself alternate. 9.2 CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 0X(2001): AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR RESCINDING ORDINANCE NO. 09A(1989) WHICH ESTABLISHED CITY COUNCIL SALARIES. C/Herrera moved, C/Huff seconded to approve first reading by title only, waive full reading of Ordinance No. 5X(2001) repealing Ordinance 9A, and directing staff to prepare a report and recommendations to adjust Council salaries within the limits permitted by the Government Code for Council terms commencing 2003. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Herrera, Huff, Zirbes, MPT/O'Connor, M/Chang NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 10. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Huff welcomed Dan Nolan to the Planning Commission and acknowledged his service to the City and the community. C/Huff said that his wife serves at the pleasure of the City Council. She has also served as a volunteer to the City of Walnut, Foothill Transit, Economic Partnership, COG; the Sheriffs Department, Mt. SAC Foundation and others. She takes time away DECEMBER 17, 2001 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL from her paying job to volunteer for the City. If any member of the public questions the accuracy of her interpretation, please let her know. The area of concern seems to be centered on a videotape of M/Chang for which she advised that there was no reason for concern. C/Huff stated that he was baffled by the public's concern. His wife is a professional person and represents herself in that manner. He wished everyone a happy holiday season. C/Herrera said that the City took official trips to Chinese communities in February, 1997 during which Mei Mei Huff served as an official interpreter and liaison for the City. She wished everyone a very happy holiday season and safe new year. C/Zirbes thanked staff for making him feel very welcome and thanked his fellow Council Members and Mayor Chang for their advice and guidance. He also thanked M/Chang for allowing the creation of a Neighborhood Improvement Committee as a Council Standing Committee. He looked forward to working for the residents of the community. He wished everyone a happy holiday season. MPT/O'Connor reported that on December 5, she attended ribbon - cutting ceremonies for the CareNet Medical Clinic created by a D.B.H.S. graduate. Also on December 5, she participated in the manufacturing industry's golf tournament. On December 6, she and M/Chang attended the community librarian recognition luncheon during which The Friends of the Library recognized school librarians. On December 7, all Council Members attended the Chamber's Eggs and Issues. Congressman Miller was the featured speaker. Kudos to staff for the successful Winterfest event. On December 10, she attended a luncheon event with Beng Bu delegation in the City of Industry. On December 11, she and M/Chang attended the senior's luncheon during which the D.B.H.S. singers performed. Also on December 10, she attended the Chamber's Santa Golf Tournament. In addition, she attended the D.B. Amateur Radio Society party that evening. On December 12, she participated in the D.B.H.S. Mentor program and attended the Community Volunteer Patrol's Christmas party. On December 13, she met with Pathway Academy students at the Country Hills Towne Center. Later that day, the Finance Committee met, a City On -Line meeting was held and the D.B. Community Foundation met. The Foundation would like Council feedback re the possibility of selling tiles, bricks or cobblestones for the new Community Center as a means of fundraising. The Foundation is recommending the addition of five at -large members to expand the Board of Directors, requiring a change in the bylaws. She supported C/Zirbes in the formation of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee but felt that it may be too far-reaching. She DECEMBER 17, 2001 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL ' expressed sorrow on the re -assignment of Sgt. Bill Flannery because he was a great asset to D.B.She wished everyone a happy and safe holiday and a happy New Year. M/Chang stated that Council has been very busy representing the residents of D.B. He understood those community members who believe the Council may be too busy to take care of the City's business. He believed the Council and staff continue to improve services to the community. Current Council goals include items that will be addressed by the new Neighborhood Improvement Committee. He thanked residents forjoining the Council in the Hearing Board room this evening and apologized for the meeting not being televised. He wished everyone a happy holiday season and a happy New Year. 11. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Chang adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m. J ATTEST: Wen Chang, May n LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk