HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/19/2002 Minutes - Regular Meeting[]I
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MARCH 19, 2002
CALL TO ORDER: M/Chang called the meeting to order at
5:10 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management
District/Government Building, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.
Discussion re: Options for Landscaping of Private Property Slopes
along Major Boulevards
Discussion Regarding' Feasibility of a New Redevelopment Project
Area
ROLL CALL: Council Members Herrera, Huff, Zirbes,
MPT/O'Connor and Mayor Chang.
Also present were: James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; Mike
Jenkins, City Attorney; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose,
Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Lynda
Burgess, City Clerk; Kirk Phillips, Assistant Engineer; Ann Lungu,
Associate Planner and Todd Stronjy, Sr. Administrative Assistant.
Discussion re: Options for Landscaping of Private Property Slopes
along Major Boulevard.
CSD/Rose reported that the work is difficult and hazardous, He
suggested that staff review state codes and legislation to determine
whether it is possible to expand Lighting and Landscape Maintenance
District No. 38 to place a maintenance easement over some of the priority
slopes. Steps toward this end would be to inventory major slopes
adjacent to major boulevards for size and condition, determine the level of
improvement appropriate for each slope and obtain a conceptual cost
estimate for improvement and ongoing maintenance. Ongoing
maintenance costs per sq. ft. for one year are estimated to be $1.20
(excluding utility cost). The cost to develop and irrigate one sq. ft. for one
year would be approximately $2.13. The cost for one water meter is about
$6,260 per meter. Maintenance would be approximately $800,000 per
year for one side of the street. He believed that the first step toward
formulation of a slope maintenance program is to develop priorities based
upon an accurate inventory of the slopes.
C/Huff asked if the City could legally maintain private slopes.
CA/Jenkins said that one way for the public to assume responsible
alternatives would be to obtain City or landscape district easements.
Properties would be assessed if a district were established. Either way,
the City requires some type of entry to private property. Another
possibility is that the City could obtain the property through acquisition as
open space.
MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
MPT/O'Connor said that a resident living on D.B. Blvd. south of Goldrush
has about 100 ft. of slope. This resident is on fixed income and cannot
afford to water the slope.
C/Huff said that if the City did only a portion of the maintenance, it would
be perceived as doing nothing.
CA/Jenkins said that the City would create equity and precedent issues.
By setting up a landscape and lighting district, the City would establish a
funding mechanism for City or district subsidy for people who are elderly,
disabled or low income.
C/Huff asked if the City could establish criteria for a matching fund
incentive program.
CA/Jenkins thought the City could legally establish such a program.
MPT/O'Connor asked if CDBG funds could be used for public
improvement to which DCM/DeStefano responded that such funding is not
typically used for this type of landscape effort — they are typically used for
health and safety issues. If these funds could be used for landscaping --
properties, they would have to meet low and moderate -income
qualifications.
C/Zirbes agreed that slope maintenance is an ongoing problem. On the
north side of D.B. Blvd. between Mountain Laurel and Montefino, there are
many homes that stop against a common wall with an area between the
wall and the street. Some homeowners maintain those areas while others
do not. Further north on D.B. Blvd. at Lorbeer, homeowners in that area
also sporadically maintain their homes as well. He recommended that the
City first look at what ordinances are available regarding landscape
maintenance in all areas of the City.
DCM/DeStefano said that with respect to code enforcement, staff took the
ordinance change to mean that these areas needed to be properly
landscaped. However, there is no detail as to what "landscape" actually
means. Some cities have created standards in accordance with what the
community believes to be appropriate for the area. It is helpful information
for the public to understand what is required from a code enforcement
issue.
C/Zirbes thought that, at a minimum, weeds should be kept to a
manageable level and people should be encouraged to display a certain
image and allow for a funding mechanism for low and moderate income
housing.
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MARCH 19, 2002
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CC STUDY SESSION
MPT/O'Connor said that the homeowner she referred to earlier has the
weeds removed each year. However, she does not have the funds to
maintain the property beyond weed removal. She believed that it would
help to inform the homeowners that they are responsible for maintaining
their slopes.
C/Zirbes agreed and thought that the City could take a look at the situation
a year after homeowners were informed about the need to keep their
slopes maintained. He thought that the notification should include some
standards. Staff could propose standards to Council for consideration.
C/Huff liked the idea of setting standards and creating a palate of desired
vegetation. This would put additional stress on code enforcement that
may necessitate hiring an additional code enforcement officer. He agreed
with MPT/O'Connor that the City should launch an educational program to
inform the residents about what is expected. He thought that non-profit
organizations could be encouraged to volunteer to help people who can't
maintain their slopes. He would be disinclined to form a district or create
easements because of the logistics. He would prefer to seek voluntary
compliance. In the future, if voluntary compliance does not work, then the
City could look at creating a tighter regimen of compliance.
C/Herrera said she is uncertain whether residents would approve a $60
per year assessment even though they would prefer better appearing
slopes.
CSD/Rose agreed with M/Chang that a reasonable first step would be for
staff to review the Municipal Code and determine a somewhat higher
standard for slope maintenance.
C/Herrera liked DCM/DeStefano's suggestion to send brochures to
residents advising them of the plan.
M/Chang thanked CSD/Rose for his thoughtful consideration about this
matter and his report to Council.
Discussion Regarding Feasibility of a New Redevelopment Project
Area
DCM/DeStefano stated that the City's consultant, A.C. Lazzaretto &
Associates, determined that there is continuing deterioration in certain
portions of the City. Some shopping centers are worse off than they were
in 1997 when a project area was first created and some shopping centers
are better. There is evidence of deterioration in certain shopping centers,
evidence of lack of attention by property owners and property
management companies, lack of financial investment in some shopping
centers and high vacancy rates. In addition to commercial areas, there
MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION
are concerns regarding deterioration in some residential areas. Some
older areas of town tend to indicate a lack of investment and loss of
interest in maintenance, etc. A possibility in dealing with these issues is
the creation of a new redevelopment project area. Andrew and Dominic
Lazzaretto were engaged to look at D.B. in detail, review the documents
surrounding the 1997 effort, review the court case and provide a report to
Council with respect to those findings. Further, staff asked that an area of
approximately 30 existing parcels located between Golden Springs Dr.
and the SR 60 on both sides of D.B. Blvd. (the Von's-Kmart area) be
considered for a specific project area.
Andrew Lazzaretto concluded that with such a limited area, the feasibility
of financing and sustaining a viable redevelopment project area in D.B. is
very low. He recommended that in lieu of pursuing the goal of forming a
redevelopment project area, that the City continue to work with the current
property owners to explore alternate ways to solve the problems that exist
in the older commercial areas of the City.
DCM/DeStefano asked Council for direction.
M/Chang felt that this was a very important issue and that Council should --
move forward to request a proposal. He further recommended that
CA/Jenkins provide information regarding potential methods for obtaining
approval for a redevelopment project area.
C/Zirbes said that, based upon Mr. Lazzaretto's report, he was concerned
about the challenge of creating even a small project area that would be
economically feasible to achieve success. Based upon the fact that the
original project area was successfully challenged in court, is it feasible that
additional studies would provide success. He recommended that Council
consider growing the project area to include residential along with the
commercial area. He questioned whether a proposal would stand up to
the legal challenges.
C/Herrera did not favor adding residential. However, to extend the project
area, perhaps the Council could consider extending the area down D.B.
Blvd. toward Temple Ave., stopping at Highland and the center that
houses Oak Tree Lanes. She hated to give up on economic development
because it is important to D.B.
C/Huff said that he was not in favor of incorporating residential properties.
He agreed with C/Herrera about extending the project area consideration
to incorporate the center that houses Oak Tree Lanes.
MPT/O'Connor was not in favor of moving forward.
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MARCH 19, 2002
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CC STUDY SESSION
C/Herrera asked staff to give Council the cost of providing a blight
assessment. Depending on the cost, Council could then decide whether
or not to proceed.
M/Chang said his proposal was not to spend the money but to decide
whether to pursue the study based upon the cost. He agreed with
C/Herrera that the City can not afford to give up the economic
development tool. Surrounding cities have this type of tool. The majority
of residents question why D.B. does not have economic development and
cannot afford to build a community center. Other cities have used
economic development to build their community centers. D.B. is forced to
use its reserves to build a community center.
Council Members concurred to direct staff to bring back cost estimates for
a blight area study and financial feasibility study for the area along D.B.
Blvd. from Golden Springs to Highland Valley for Council's consideration.
ADJOURNMENT:
p.m.
ATTEST:
Wen
Mayor Chang adjourned the Study Session at 6:34
4LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MARCH 19, 2002
STUDY SESSION: 5:10 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Room CC 8.
• Discussion re: Options for Landscaping of Private Property Slopes
along Major Boulevards
• Discussion Regarding Feasibility of a New Redevelopment Project
Area
ADJOURNED STUDY SESSION: 6:34 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION:
CALL TO ORDER:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
None
6:45 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor
ROLL CALL: Council Members Herrera, Huff,
Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, Mayor Chang
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Also present were: Jame DeStefano, Deputy City
Manager; Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; David Lid,, Public Works Director; Bob
Rose, Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director and
Lynda Burgess, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: DCM/DeStefano asked that the
Redevelopment Agency Agenda for this evening be removed in its entirety
and moved to the April 2, 2002 meeting, the annual meeting date.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 Proclaimed March 23-29, 2002 as "Safe Communities Week."
'.. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: DCMIDeStefano
reported that staff recently received notice that Lanterman Developmental
Center will conduct a tabletop disaster drill on Tuesday, March 26, from 8:00
a.m. to 12:00 noon. At 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, sirens and horns will be
sounded to commence and conclude their portion of the statewide event.
Notices were sent to members of the City's Lanterman Monitoring Committee
and notice will be displayed on Channel 17.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mr. Rick Richmond, Chief Executive Officer, Alameda Corridor East
Construction Authority, discussed the relationship between the ACE project
MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
and the recent rate increase put into effect by the Walnut Valley Water
District.
Allen Wilson complained because the fines levied against the energy
consultants who did not file Conflict of Interest Statements during the energy
crisis have to be paid by the taxpayers.
Jack Tanaka advised the public that the Breakfast Lions Club drum concert
would be held at DBHS on Sunday, April 7.
Betts Griffone, President, D.B. Friends of the Library, invited residents to
participate in the Friends of the Library Annual Wine Tasting Soiree on April
28 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Shilo Hilltop Suites.
Dick Farrell said that some cities such as Paris, Rome, Florence, Madrid and
others age well. D.B. is an aging city that has not acquired a patina and no
longer exhibits charm. This City is deteriorating. He encouraged Council
and residents to support the upcoming initiatives for the betterment of the
community.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: M/Chang said that one of the
Council's objectives is to keep the City well maintained. As a result, the
Neighborhood Improvement subcommittee was recently formed to entertain
ideas and solutions for improving the aesthetics of D.B.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 DIAMOND BAR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MEETING - March 21,
2002 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Room CC -8, 21865
E. Copley Dr.
5.2 10th ANNUAL CITY OF DIAMOND BAR YOUTH TRACK MEET
March 23, Walnut High School Track, 400 Pierre Rd., Walnut.
Participant Parade begins at 8:20 a.m. with the first race beginning at
9:00 a.m.
5.3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING - March 28,
2002 - 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Hearing Board
Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.4 19th ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT — March 30, 2002 - Co-sponsored
by the D.B. Breakfast Lions Club and the City, Summitridge Park,
1425 Summitridge Dr. The hunt begins at 10:00 a.m.
5.5 CITY COUNCIL MEETING —April 2, 2002 —6:30 p.m.,
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CITY COUNCIL
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr
CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by C/Huff, seconded by C/Zirbes to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following
Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Herrera, Huff, Zirbes, MPT/O'Connor,
M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS - None
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
6.1.1 Study Session of March 5, 2002 - As submitted.
6.1.2 Regular Meeting of March 5, 2002 - As submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -
February 12, 2002.
6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES — January 24, 2002.
6.4 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION MINUTES - January 10, 2002.
6.5 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated March 19, 2002 in the
amount of $1,061,958.15 (MPT/O'Connor abstained from approval of
P.O. 11013 in the amount of $5,716.63 due to a potential conflict of
interest relating to the Lanterman Forensic Expansion Project).
6.6 EXONERATED SURETY BONDS (FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE AND
LABOR AND MATERIALS) POSTED BY STANDARD PACIFIC
HOMES FOR COMPLETION OF STREET AND SEWER
IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACTS 32400, 52203, 52204 AND 52228
- Bond Nos. 111 4160 9146 in the amount of $135,919; 111 3331
7658 in the amount of $98,169; 111 3331 7674 in the amount of
$269,239 and 111 1940 5360 in the amount of $484,023.
6.7 APPROVED NOTICES OF COMPLETION:
6.7.1 AREA 3 SLURRY SEAL PERFORMED BY PAVEMENT
COATINGS COMPANY — authorized the City Clerk to file the
Notice of Completion and release any retention amount thirty-
five days after the recordation date.
MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
6.7.2 CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION
IMPROVEMENTS AT PETERSON PARK PERFORMED BY
GREEN GIANT LANDSCAPE - authorized the City Clerk to file
the Notice of Completion, release any retention amount thirty-
five days after the recordation date; and approved a C.I.P.
budget transfer of $17,582 for final project cost of $297,582.
6.7.3 CONSTRUCTION OF LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS ON
PARKWAY MEDIANS ALONG GOLDEN SPRINGS DR. AND
ON SUNSET CROSSING RD. PERFORMED BY MEGA WAY
ENTERPRISES — authorized the City Clerk to file the Notice of
Completion and release any retention amount thirty-five days
after the recordation date.
6.8 APPROVED CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH DMC DESIGN GROUP
FOR CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION SERVICES FOR PETERSON
PARK DRAINAGE AND IRRIGATION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
FROM $14,100 TO $16,523.
6.9 RECEIVED AND FILED REPORT ON FRANCHISE FEES AND
OTHER CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO THE
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH ADELPHIA.
6.10 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002-21 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO APPLY FOR ALL AVAILABLE HOUSEHOLD
HAZARDOUS WASTE AND USED OIL RECYCLING GRANTS
OFFERED BY THE CALIFORNIA INTEGRATED WASTE
MANAGEMENT BOARD.
6.11 AWARDED CONTRACT TO P&D CONSULTANTS FOR ON-GOING
WATER CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES IN AN ANNUAL AMOUNT
OF $48,540 PLUS 20% OF VERIFIED WATER -COST SAVINGS.
6.12 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002-22 AUTHORIZING
APPLICATION FOR 50% GRANT FOR TECHNOLOGY
OPPORTUNITIES.
6.13 AUTHORIZED EXCEEDING THE CITY MANAGER'S PURCHASE
AUTHORITY FOR OFFICE SUPPLIES FROM BOISE CASCADE IN
THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 FOR FY 01-02.
6.14 APPROVED MID -YEAR BUDGET ADJUSTMENT.
6.15 AWARDED CONTRACT TO BONTERRA CONSULTING TO
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CITY COUNCIL
PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR PROPOSED
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 53430, DIAMOND ROAD COMPANY,
LLC/STANLEY CHUNG IN THE AMOUNT OF $117,220 WITH A
CONTINGENCY OF $23,444 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT OF $140,664.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.1 FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 04 (2002) DEVELOPMENT
CODE AMENDMENT NO. 2001-04 PERTAINING TO ALLOWED
TEMPORARY USES OF PROPERTY.
MPT/O'Connor asked that letters be sent to all youth organizations
advising them that "garage" type sales would not be allowed in the
Kmart parking lot according to this ordinance.
M/Chang declared the Public Hearing open.
There being no testimony offered, M/Chang closed the Public Hearing.
Moved by C/Zirbes, seconded by C/Herrera to approve first reading
by title only and waive full reading of Ordinance No. 04(2002). 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
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 CONSIDERATION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
FOR THE PROPOSED SUMMITRIDGE COMMUNITY AND SENIOR
CENTER PROJECT. (Continued from March 5, 2002)
There was no one present who wished to speak on this matter.
Moved by M/Chang, seconded by C/Zirbes to approve the Mitigated
Negative Declaration for the proposed Summitridge Community and
Senior Center Project. 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
MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
8.2 CONSIDERATION RE: SETTING PRIORITIES FOR SPECIAL
EVENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003.
Moved by C/Huff, seconded by C/Herrera to approve the special
events schedule listed in the staff report for FY 02/03 for a total cost
of approximately $133,000 and an estimated revenue of $14,000 and
reducing the number of Concerts in the Park to six. Motion carried by
the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Herrera, Huff, Zirbes, M/Chang
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - MPT/O'Connor
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
9. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS/ COUNCIL MEMBER
COMMENTS: C/Zirbes said that during the past week he received numerous
telephone calls and e-mails regarding the "no parking on street sweeping
day" matter. He thanked everyone for participating. For those who still have
questions, contact a City Council or staff member. He further stated that
economic development is a vital and key issue for D.B. During the past two
weeks, he worked with the Ralph's Market folks regarding their Country Hills
Towne Center location. Ralph's conducted a feasibility study that resulted
in no expansion in D.B. However, they will now allow a competitor to occupy
the site. With Ralph's permission, the City has been actively marketing the
center. Von's is currently analyzing the site and potential business
opportunity and the Council is hoping for a positive outcome. He stated that
he would be meeting with Albertson's on March 21 to discuss the possibility
of expanding to that location. He is currently pursuing other markets about
locating in the center. He thanked staff and DCM/DeStefano for their
assistance. He also thanked C/Huff and M/Chang for everything they
accomplished on their trip to Washington D.C. He announced that the Miss
D.B. pageant would be held March 22, at 7:00 p.m. at Mt. SAC.
C/Herrera reported that various staff and Council Members have spoken with
Trader Joe's many times. Trader Joe's does not feel that D.B. and the
surrounding area has enough households to support locating a store locally.
The State Lanterman meeting is scheduled for April 18 at the Walnut Senior
Center at 7:00 p.m. However, there is potential for delay once again.
C/Huff traveled to Washington D.C. to attend a transportation conference as
Vice President of Foothill Transit. While there, he and Mayor Chang used
the opportunity to lobby legislators for federal funding. Whether or not the
lobby was successful will be revealed when cost appropriations are handed
down.
MPT/O'Connor attended the City's first Arbor Day celebration sponsored by
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MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
Parks and Recreation. The event was well attended and a sycamore tree
was planted at Pantera Park during the festivities. Three Community
Foundation members held a telephonic conference with the City's grant
writer and discovered that the Foundation has a tough road ahead with
respect to obtaining grant funding. On March 9, she attended the D.B.
Chinese Senior Club meeting at Heritage Park. Staff members were present
in an attempt to sign people up for the Dial -A -Ride program. Fortunately,
Mrs. Wen Chang assisted in the effort. She and C/Zirbes attended the Little
League opening game during which C/Zirbes threw the first ball. Senator
Margett also attended. That evening, she attended an Eagle Scout Court of
Honor for Richmond Choy. She attended the Chamber's ribbon -cutting
ceremonies for the opening of American General Finance located adjacent
to the Acapulco Restaurant. She, M/Chang and DCM/DeStefano traveled
to Sacramento on Wednesday to attend an appreciation dinner for the City's
lobbyists. While there, the group met with Senator Margett and Assembly
Member Pacheco to ask for funding to assist with the community center and
Proposition 40 funds. On Friday, the Sheriffs Department conducted a
safety checkpoint on Golden Springs Dr. in front of L.A. Fitness.
Approximately 1200 vehicles passed through the checkpoint in a five-hour
period. The individual who has been placing flyers on vehicles to let people
know about the "no parking on street sweeping days" has unwittingly done
the City a great service by alerting residence to the situation. People who
have questions should call a Council or staff member to get accurate
information. She stated that she had received a threatening letter that she
turned over to the Sheriff's Department.
M/Chang announced that the L.A. Fire Department would host "Operation
Homeland." He asked the Assistant Fire Chief to explain the event.
M/Chang then spoke about his attendance at the League of Cities
conference in Washington D.C. The concerns addressed were "Homeland
Security" and federal support for critical municipality programs. The League
requested that the allocation formula for CDBG funding not be changed.
Local communities are concerned about the effect of the $50 million budget
reduction. He asked staff to remain vigilant when it comes to use of CDBG
funds. The entire nation faces water shortages and the League asked the
federal government to commit to the investment of the water infrastructure
to prevent future shortages. Additionally, the League asked the
administration to foster a stimulus plan for the economy. The League
continues to discuss the loss of remote sales tax for catalogues and Internet
purchases. Sales tax contributes about 30% to city government revenue
nationwide. The League is also asking for local control over public right of
way use fees to help improve the quality of life at the local level. While in
Washington, he visited the offices of Senators Feinstein and Boxer and
Congressman Miller. Among issues discussed were the Four Corners SR
57/60 interchange and grade separation project and the bypass corridor
MARCH 19, 2002 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
project. They also spoke about the possibility of federal assistance for the
community center/library project and the ongoing zip code problem. One of
the problems with the current post office is the lack of space. M&H
Properties indicated an interest in discussing the possibility of locating a
larger (25,000 sq. ft.) postal facility at the Country Hills Towne Center at a
very attractive rental rate. Council is proactively pursuing this matter. He
met the governmental affairs manager for Adelphia at a recent event and
mentioned the ongoing broadcasting problems experienced by the City. The
gentleman asked for two weeks to resolve the problem. Further, he met the
Mayor of Porterville when he was in Washington, D.C. who stated that his
community was happy to have helped resolved the Lanterman issue.
Porterville is pleased to have forensic patients at their facility because the
center is the foundation of their economy. M/Chang then commended staff
for their good service to the D.B. Chinese Association's Senior Club. He
congratulated Western University of Medical Sciences in Pomona on
receiving funding for construction of their facility. This is the only occasion in
which a veterinary school has been granted funding in the past 20 years in
the U.S. This will be the second veterinary school in California.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Chang
adjourned the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk
ATTEST: