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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/16/2002 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION APRILI6, 2002 CALL TO ORDER: M/Chang called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government Building, 21825 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar. Review of City Council Goals and Objectives Discussion Regarding Options for Landscaping of Private Property Slopes along Major Boulevards ROLL CALL: Council Members Huff, Zirbes and Mayor Chang. Council Member Herrera and Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor were excused. Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Lynda Burgess, City Clerk; Ann Lungu, Associate Planner; Kirk Phillips, Assistant Engineer; Todd Strojny, Sr. Administrative Assistant and April Blakey, Public Information Manager. 1. REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES C/Huff thought that the Council decided to proceed by having the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem review and revise the list. M/Chang said that he and MPT/O'Connor spoke on the telephone and pretty much decided to use the proposed format. C/Zirbes agreed with C/Huff that the format was acceptable and that the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem would revise and refine the list prior to Study Session discussion. He did not want to keep delaying the process. M/Chang said that he and MPT/O'Connor would meet with SAA/Strojny tomorrow afternoon and if something new were presented during this Study Session, it would be added to the list. C/Huff suggested that Council Members should have an opportunity to rank all proposed goals including those goals they wish to have dropped from the list so that the ranking is not skewed. He was agreeable to placing the dropped goals on a list of tabled items. 2. DISCUSSION REGARDING OPTIONS FOR LANDSCAPING OF PRIVATE PROPERTY SLOPES ALONG MAJOR BOULEVARDS CSD/Rose explained that most of the slopes are privately owned. He presented slides, which depicted various types of ground cover and varying degrees of maintenance throughout the City. He also pointed out APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION areas and types of damage. He proposed options for mitigation measures and related funding mechanisms. He further proposed that language be inserted in the Municipal Code to include maintenance of slopes adjacent to major boulevards. To confirm CSD/Rose's report, C/Huff said that the City has varying stages in its inventory and when slopes deteriorate to the point where they are truly objectionable, staff renovates the slope to give it life and the cycle begins again. M/Chang felt the Council needed to consider the effects of slope erosion as well as aesthetics. C/Zirbes said that CSD/Rose's report referred to a landscaping ordinance that Council considered in December. When he served on the Planning Commission, this matter was brought forward and the Commission decided not to include slopes in the landscaping ordinance at the time. He recommended that the Planning Commission revisit the issue of a slope maintenance ordinance in two ways - those along major boulevards and those that are within residential neighborhoods. He assumed laws to be already in place with respect to weed abatement and such matters. -� C/Huff said he did not want to pursue a landscape and lighting district. He was, however, interested in looking at an "easement" concept. He asked if it is legal for the City to set aside funds to help homeowners with long- term, no interest loans or to write Codes to allow the City to attach property thereby allowing the city to recoup funds when the property is sold. CA/Jenkins proposed the possibility of using CDBG funds for loans to residents who have limited income. C/Huff was in favor of residents maintaining their own properties. Some residents are financially incapable of doing so. Therefore, he would like staff to pursue the options for facilitating loans or financial assistance to needy homeowners. M/Chang thought the current ordinances were sufficient and that the matter did not need to go to the Planning Commission. Responding to C/Zirbes, DCM/DeStefano confirmed that the City has no slope maintenance ordinance. CA/Jenkins pointed out funding restrictions and options when using CDBG and General Fund monies. First, the City has to have very specific standards for slope maintenance. Violation of property standards is generally regarded as a public nuisance. To declare a property a public APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE'3 CC STUDY SESSION nuisance and have a public hearing, the property owner is first ordered to obey the standards. If they do not, the City is then ordered to abate the nuisance, which means that the City can then place a lien on the property and that lien is stated on the tax role and would have to be paid as part of the property tax package. The general disadvantage in this type of situation is that landscaping tends to require maintenance. C/Zirbes said that the type of landscaping is a major consideration. The type of landscaping along Pathfinder Road near Ronald Reagan Park and the SR 57 seems to last. Perhaps the Code should designate types of landscaping that should be incorporated to ensure the least amount of maintenance and watering and still provide a pleasant aesthetic look. M/Chang reiterated Council consensus to refer the matter of consideration of a slope maintenance ordinance to the Planning Commission with input from CA/Jenkins about possible assistance through available funding sources. CM/Lowry reminded Council that Al & 2 including City entrances could possibly be addressed out of existing district funds and that the City should pursue the feasibility of easement for those properties. C/Zirbes asked that the City investigate the possibility of easing the slope area on Golden Springs Drive surrounding Lorbeer Middle School. He reiterated his desire to have the Planning Commission discuss the slopes adjacent to major boulevards as well as slopes in residential neighborhoods. Clyde Hennessee felt it was not a good idea to loan interest-free money to homeowners. It sets a poor example. Do not burden the residents with laws they can't live with. Keep it simple and initiate an "adopt a slope" policy. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Chang adjourned the Study Session at 6:15 p.m LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk ATTEST: r ayor Wen Chang d d MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APRIL 16, 2002 STUDY SESSION: C/Chang called the Study Session to order at 5:15 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the SCAQMD/Govemment Center, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar. a) Review of City Council Goals and Objectives b) Options for Landscaping of Private Property Slopes along Major Boulevards Present: Council Members Huff, Zirbes and Mayor Chang. Council Member Herrera and Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor were excused. Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Lynda Burgess, City Clerk; Ann Lungu, Associate Planner; Kirk Phillips, Assistant Engineer; Todd Strojny, Sr. Administrative Assistant and April Blakey, Public Information Manager. Adjourned Study Session: 6:15 p.m CLOSED SESSION: None CALL TO ORDER: 6:35 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Tom Sawyer. INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Pastor Mike Gonzales, Diamond Canyon Christian Church. ROLL CALL: Council Members Herrera, Huff, Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, Mayor Chang. Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: CM/Lowry announced that a special presentation in recognition of National V'ictim's Week was added to the Agenda. APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL 1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 1.1 Presented Certificates of Recognition to Orien Pagan and J.J. Dinkin, outgoing Diamond Bar Community Foundation Board Members. 1.2 Proclaimed April 21 through 28, 2002 as "National Victim's Week." 1.3 Proclaimed April 28 through May 4, 2002 as "Law Enforcement Appreciation Week." 1.4 Proclaimed April 14 through 20 as "National Library Week." Proclamation presented to Irene Wang, Diamond Bar Librarian. 1.5 Recognized Marsha Roa, Kim Crews and the Community Services Department for receiving the Award of Excellence from the California Parks and Recreation Society for design of the Recreation Brochure. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: CM/Lowry stated that staff and management appreciate the support of a City Council that encourages excellence. Each time staff achieves recognition, it is because the City Council has created a work environment that allows creative pursuit. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Martha Bruske suggested that the City include spotlights in the design of the flagpole at Peterson Park, like those on the flagpole at the corner of Grand Ave. and Golden Springs Dr. in the Calvary Chapel lot so that the flag could be displayed at night. Eileen Ansari thanked staff for working with Adelphia to correct the problems related to broadcast of City Council meetings. She asked Council to reconsider the reduction in the number of Concerts in the Park and receive public comments on the matter. Regarding 8.1 and membership in the National League of Cities, the Mayor is appointed to one of the national committees and D.B. should become a member. Carolyn Anderson, Waste Management, commended the City and residents for recycling efforts. The City has achieved nearly 50% diversion. She reminded the public about the four annual bulky item pickup opportunities. Call 1-800-HHW-PKUP for pickup of household hazardous waste. The cost is $10. In addition, Waste Management can deliver a "sharps" container to residents free of charge. Sharps containers are for retrieval of medical injectors. She invited residents to visit their booth at the City's birthday party this weekend. On a personal note, her son Patrick graduated from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department four weeks ago. He is a member of the department serving at the men's central jail at IRC. 11 APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL Clyde Hennessee felt that he did not see the Volunteer Patrol on City streets as often as he used to. Apparently, the patrol is not doing the types of things they used to do for the community. Jeff Koontz, Executive Director, D.B. Chamber of Commerce, announced that the Farmer's Market continues every Saturday at the Calvary Chapel, Golden Springs and Grand from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. People who make crafts are encouraged to display their wares. He announced the Chamber Casino Night, April 20 and the Business Showcase April 21, events taking place during the City Birthday Party. He presented official D.B. Farmers Market aprons to C/Zirbes and CM/Lowry. Marie Buckland complained about trashcans being left out on Saturdays throughout the City. Do Code Enforcement officers work on the weekend? 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: CM/Lowry responded to Marie Buckland that Code Enforcement work a two- to four- hour shift on either Saturday or Sunday. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 DIAMOND BAR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MEETING — April 18, 2002 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Room CC -8,21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.2 DIAMOND BAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CASINO NIGHT— April 20, 2002 - 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Dr. 5.3 CITY BIRTHDAY PARTY — April 21, 2002 —12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m., Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Dr. 5.4 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — April 25, 2002 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.5 SKATE-A-BRATION — April 28, 2002 - 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — Peterson Park, Sylvan Glen Rd. 5.6 FRIENDS OF THE DIAMOND BAR LIBRARY WINE SOIREE - April 28, 2002 - 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Shilo Hilltop Suites, 3101 Temple Ave., Pomona. 5.7 YOUTH BASEBALL CLINIC SPONSORED BY THE KIWANIS CLUB AND THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR — May 5, 2002 — Sycamore Canyon Park, 2900 S. Brea Canyon Rd. 5.8 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE — May 6, 2002 — 7:00 p.m., Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff Station, 21695 E. Valley Blvd., Walnut APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL 5.9 CITY COUNCIL MEETING — May 7, 2002 — 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD/ Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by C/Zirbes, seconded by C/Huff 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: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - 6.1 .1 Study Session of April 2, 2002 - As submitted. 6.1.2 Regular Meeting of April 2, 2002 - As submitted. 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of March 12, 2002. 6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular Meeting of February 28, 2002. 6.4 REVIEWED AND APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER — dated April 16, 2002 in the amount of $502,697.00. (MPT/O'Connor abstained from approval of P.O. 11013 in the amount of $384.50 due to a potential conflict of interest relating to the Lanterman Forensic Expansion Project.) 6.5 APPROVED EXTENSION OF CONTRACT WITH CALSENSE FOR PURCHASE OF IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS FOR LANDSCAPE AREAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001/02. 6.6 APPROVED MEMBERSHIP IN THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS INSURANCE AUTHORITY FOR THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT AND THE LAS VIRGENES MALIBU CONEJO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS. 6.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002-26 APPROVING A $50,000 MATCHING GRANT APPLICATION FOR LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUNDS FOR THE SYCAMORE CANYON PARK TRAILS PROJECT. 6.8 AWARDED CONTRACT FOR 2001-02 CDBG SIDEWALK INSTALLATION PROJECT TO RANCO CORP. IN THE AMOUNT OF $271,162.50, AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY OF $30,000 FOR PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS, FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL ' AMOUNT OF $301,162.50 AND APPROVED TRANSFER OF $46,000 OF CDBG FUNDS FROM THE COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER PROJECT. 6.9 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002-27 APPROVING INSTALLATION OF MULTI -WAY STOP SIGNS ON PALOMINO DRIVE AT LA BONITA ROAD AND PALOMINO DRIVE AT S. PLATINA DRIVE. 6.10 RATIFIED LETTER SUPPORTING AB 2185 TO ESTABLISH LOCAL NOMINATIONS TO THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD. 6.11 AUTHORIZED D & J ENGINEERING TO PERFORM INSPECTION AND PLAN CHECK SERVICES IN A TOTAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $6,960 FOR: 1) FLAGPOLE INSTALLATION AT PANTERA PARK; 2) MONUMENT SIGN REPAIR ON GRAND AVENUE MEDIAN AT THE SR 60 3) INSTALLATION OF MONUMENT SIGN AT GOLDEN SPRINGS/WEST CITY LIMITS AND 4) PARK IMPROVEMENTS AT SYCAMORE CANYON PARK. 6.12 ADOPTED RESOLUTIONS: A) NO. 2002-28: SETTING FORTH PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2001- 43. B) NO. 2002-29: ESTABLISHING SALARY RANGES AND RATES FOR ALL CLASSES OF EMPLOYMENT. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7.1 PUBLIC HEARING - APPROVE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 06(2002) APPROVING DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO COMPUTER SERVICES/NETWORK GAMING CENTERS. C/Huff expressed concern about certain restrictions such as, "the glass doors shall be unrestricted." He likened this statement to a movie theater being asked to have windows in its facility. These types of establishments need reduced lighting in order for people to have a better view of the computer screen. He preferred adult supervision. ' With respect to automatic closing doors creating noise, he recommended the use of earphones. He felt the air needed to be circulated. He also felt that a six-month amortization period was too short. APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL M/Chang declared the Public Hearing open. Martha Bruske did not understand why the City was not enforcing current codes and was not issuing business permits. These businesses already exist in D.B. and why are we taking action after the fact? What is the curfew and who will monitor young children at the gaming center locations? Clyde Hennessee was surprised to find out that these businesses have existed in D.B. for the past nine months. He was concerned about the activities that might take place in these types of establishments among an age group of 12 to 23. He felt the centers would encourage gambling, fighting, off-site drug use, etc. He would not want to live in close proximity to one of these businesses. Paul Esteves, Co-owner, Garners X, apologized for opening his establishment before conducting full research about zoning regulations. He supported proposed regulations that he felt would minimize potential for the types of problems and concerns voiced by residents. He believed that his establishment presents a positive atmosphere and potential for higher learning. I The potential for this new industry is excellent but in order for it to !proceed in a positive direction, standards need to be established. In response to C/Huff, Mr. Esteves stated that there is a special tint on the glass doors and windows that allow people to see inside the facility at night. He believed the tint would meet the City's criteria; however, he was willing to abide by the City's regulations and remove the tint, if necessary. There being no further testimony offered, M/Chang closed the Public Hearing. C/Huff commented that he has visited a couple of facilities. He understands some residents who share his initial misconception about what these facilities are like. This afternoon, the facility was about half full of teenagers. A poll of kids about what they would like to see in a youth center would put this type of business at the top of the list. There are very few businesses in town that cater to the number of youth that visit this type of business that boast no enforcement calls in nine months. He believed it spoke to the high quality nature of the business being conducted at gaming centers. He had a concern about one particular business that would be required to close when the ordinance goes into effect and he wanted to find a way to help the owner stay in business --such as changing the center to a C-2 zone. APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL C/Herrera appreciated C/Huff's input. She asked DCM/DeStefano to explain where the business is located and why it would not be allowed to continue in that particular center. DCM/DeStefano responded that staff and the Planning Department determined that these types of businesses were not appropriate uses in the C-1 zones. It is most likely that the location of the Kmart center and Diamond Village is inappropriate as a C-1 zone, a neighborhood oriented zone. The center is more community/commercial oriented and the entire area should more likely be classified as a C-2 or 3 zone. A zoning change is accomplished through the Planning Commission Public Hearing process with a recommendation to Council and a subsequent Council Public Hearing. Approval is not required from property owners. However, it may be a more common practice to work with property owners in a cooperative effort. City Council sets forth land use districts and standards within the community. MPT/O'Connor first learned of these establishments from D.B.H.S. students who were pleased to have a place to go that was fun and safe. She believed the ordinance would help provide a safe and ' enjoyable atmosphere. She believed it important for the City to provide this type of venue. She thanked Mr. Esteves for his concern and due diligence. C/Zirbes said these types of businesses are popping up all over southern California. After reviewing staff's report and the Planning Commission meeting minutes, he concluded that the document was well founded. M/Chang said that it is not a new phenomenon to have businesses open before cities have an opportunity to react with ordinances. Technology often exceeds government. Council and staff began discussing this issue about a year ago. He believed this type of business is no different than electronic game arcades. His was reluctant to let his 14 year-old son go to electronic game arcades until he realized how much he enjoyed the facility and camaraderie. If D.B. establishes good regulations, problems that may occur will be manageable. He believed Council should consider changing the zoning for Diamond Village. He supported this ordinance. ' C/Zirbes moved, M/Chang seconded, to approve First Reading by title only of Ordinance No. 6(2002). C/Huff asked C/Zirbes to amend his motion to include direction to staff to bring back a recommendation for a zone change for the Diamond APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL Village and Kmart at the 2nd meeting in May. DCM/DeStefano explained the timing of the zone change process. CA/Jenkins indicated that if the Council is comfortable doing so, it could expedite the zone change process by simply referring the matter to the Planning Commission for their recommendation. By so doing, a zone change could likely be accomplished in six months. Alternatively, the time period for compliance by the business in question could be extended. However, that may be contrary to other Council objectives. The longer the Council extends the CUP process, the longer business owners have to delay complying with the requirements imposed in the ordinance. C/Huff said he was comfortable with proceeding with a zone change. C/Zirbes asked CA/Jenkins if there is a way for Council to give one particular business owner an extension with a stipulation for extension of his business permit on a six-month basis as long as he stays within the conditions of the permit. He would rather accommodate the business in this manner than proceed to consider a zone change based on the needs of one business. CA/Jenkins believed that it would be his and DCM/DeStefano's position that the business would be illegal at this time because it is not permitted under the City's zoning ordinance. Even if it were to be interpreted to be similar to other similar type indoor amusement facilities such as arcades, that only the two businesses located in 0-2 zones would have been allowed to approach the City for CUP's. The notion of "grandfathering has applicability only if they were interpreted to have been legally created and became illegal by virtue of adoption of a new ordinance. C/Zirbes said he would leave his motion as originally stated. DCM/DeStefano stated that it is his understanding that the business in question did approach the City and was cautioned against creating such a use in that shopping center because it was not permitted. Both the business owner and property owner were put on notice verbally by Code Enforcement and later through written communication. C/Huff said that while he is disappointed to learn that this business owner went against the advice of staff, he would still like Council to consider rezoning the area. 1 APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL 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 7.2 PUBLIC HEARING — ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2002-30 AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A U.S. DEPT. OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SECTION 108 LOAN GUARANTEE THROUGH THE L.A. COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $4,000,000 FOR THE SENIOR CITIZEN PORTION OF THE COMMUNITY AND SENIOR CENTER PROJECT. M/Chang declared the Public Hearing open. Martha Bruske was concerned about discrimination and the use of federal funds. Joe Kung asked that people refer to the group as Chinese-American and not Chinese. M/Chang closed the Public Hearing. M/Herrera moved, C/Huff seconded to adopt Resolution 2002-30. MPT/O'Connor asked if the City requires groups to provide bylaws that show that they do not discriminate. DCM/DeStefano responded that he would have to provide an answer at a later time. MPT/O'Connor said the City should require proof that groups using the facility have open enrollment policies and practices. 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 APPROVE CITY MEMBERSHIP IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,765 FOR THE FIRST YEAR — Continued from April 2, 2002. APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL M/Herrera moved approval of Membership in the National League of Cities in the amount of $1,765 for the first year. Mary Matson supported membership in the national League of Cities. She did not believe the small cost should be a budget consideration and it would benefit the City immensely. The benefits are many and invaluable. Marie Buckland supported membership in the National League of Cities. Joe Kung offered to donate $1,765 to the City for the first year's membership in the National League of Cities. He believed the City needed help from Washington, D.C. and said that he would be happy to represent the City in discussing transportation -related issues with officials in Washington, D.C. at his own expense. Clyde Hennessee was opposed to membership in National League of Cities. Martha Bruske asked if the City accepted the money offered by Mr. T Kung. C/Huff explained that Mr. Kung's offer is generous and Ms. Bruske deserves an answer to her question. The initial membership cost to join the National League of Cities is a small portion of the cost to the cities in travel and staff support time. There are numerous local issues that need the Council's attention including SCAG, the planning agency for southern California. M/Chang seconded C/Herrera's motion to approve membership in the National League of Cities. M/Chang felt membership in the organization would be beneficial to the City and not to one person alone. He commended Mr. Kung for his generosity. D.B. should be a part of the nation and not just stand on its own. It should be part of the 1800 city membership. It is not that much money to fly to Seattle or to fly to Washington. He doesn't attend meetings just to have fun, he goes to work for the benefit of D.B. C/Zirbes indicated that what he has heard about this issue has been based more on emotion than on fact. In order to obtain factual �. information, he researched the issue on his own and considered this matter on its merits and not on individual motions. This item was on previous agendas and did not pass. The Council is being asked to look at this item again because one Council Member has agreed to join a committee on the National League. is this a good policy for the D n APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL City. He ran for City Council and was elected on local issues — little things that have been ignored for years in D.B. There is a lot of work to be done in the City. We do not need to spend additional Council and staff time working on a national level — there is enough work to do right here in town. D.B. has representation on the national level through Congressman Miller. M/Chang said that, in the past four years, the City has carried out its local goals and has gone to Washington D.C. This is not for personal issues. D.B. should be a part of the national organization and join with them to have a better voice to be heard and have better decisions being made for the local government. Motion failed by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Herrera, M/Chang NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Huff, Zirbes, MPT/O'Connor ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/ COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Zirbes attended the Sheriff's appreciation lunch with a majority of City Council Members. Last week he and the rest of the Council Members attended the Chamber's annual installation dinner. He congratulated incoming president Mary Hall and he thanked outgoing president Angel Santiago for his efforts. C/Zirbes met with a market operator at the Country Hills Towne Center former Ralph's location. The market expressed some interest in the location. He encouraged residents who own classic cars to participate in the DBIA car show at the City's Birthday Party. He stated that he had had an opportunity to speak with Carolyn Anderson, Waste Management representative, about one day per week trash pickup. He asked that staff be directed to commence discussions with Waste Management about the possibility of restoring one day per week (Wednesday) trash pickup and place the matter on the May 7 agenda for discussion. C/Herrera was disappointed that her fellow Council Members voted down membership in the National League of Cities. She recently ascended to the office of President of the L.A. Division of the League of California Cities. As legislation came through the League that might affect D.B. adversely, she was in a position to influence L. A. County to adopt or oppose, depending on the item. The state's position was to follow the direction of the Division. Becoming a member on a national level would give even greater benefit to D.B. A resident expressed disappointment about the Council reducing the number of Concerts in the Park. Again, the Council did not reduce the number of concerts to be punitive to any community organizations. It is a matter of having enough dollars to go around. More and more activities have been added to the budget and something had to go. She did not believe that APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL a reduction in the number of concerts would adversely impact the community. In addition, community organizations still have an opportunity to participate at the activities and events that have been added to the City's roster. C/Huff commended C/Zirbes for his efforts regarding one day per week trash pickup by Waste Management. He looked forward to alleviating the street sweeping problems. Carolyn Anderson mentioned the hazardous waste program. He explained that the hazardous waste programs have been very successful The program is subsidized by City funding programs. If residents do not wish to participate locally, they can participate in regional programs. He encouraged staff to revisit the rezoning of Diamond Village and Kmart areas. He felt that a study session would provide sufficient consideration for the Council to decide whether to refer the matter to the Planning Commission for a public hearing process. He updated the Council and residents on the progress of the Four Corners Committee. The report indicates the status of certain issues such as the SR57/60 interchange upgrade. He attended the opening of the Alameda Corridor on Friday. Many dignitaries attended the opening. MPT/O'Connor encouraged residents to attend the City Birthday Party festivities at Pantera Park on Sunday from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. M/Chang congratulated Lorbeer Middle School on theirl"Evening of the Stars" event. He and C/Herrera attended the California League of Cities meeting. He congratulated C/Herrera on her re-election to LAFCO. He also congratulated the Chamber of Commerce and others who participated in creating the Farmers Market. He attended the Mt. SAC celebration for Asian Culture. On behalf of the Council, he conveyed appreciation to all Sheriff's Department personnel for their service to D.B. He and CSD/Rose drove around the City to identify slopes that need to be upgraded and maintained. He thanked CSD/Rose for a job well done and for helping to make the community a better place to live. He recently lunched with the Executive Director of the AQMD, during which he conveyed the Council's concerns about the facility's communication system. The projector being used during tonight's meeting is the result of that conversation. The AQMD appreciates that the City is a tenant in the building and encourages use of their cafeteria and food service facilities. He commended the Chamber Board Members for their performance during the past year and congratulated the new President Mary Hall. This morning he, CSD/Rose and DPW/Liu visited the senior group, explained the status of the community/senior center project and invited them to participate in several upcoming City events. He was disappointed that his fellow Council Members rejected membership in the National League of Cities. CM/Lowry confirmed that Council directed staff to look into the matter of one - day trash pickup in the City and what the implications would be to the already approved parking restriction resolution. In addition, staff will prepare a report [J 1 APRIL 16, 2002 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL 10. for Council's next study session regarding a possible zone change at the Diamond Village/Kmart center location or send the matter to the Planning Commission for consideration. Council concurred to direct staff to prepare a report regarding one -day trash pickup and to schedule a study session for May 7 to consider a possible zone change for the Diamond Village/Kmart center. MPT/O'Connor asked that tonight's meeting be adjourned in memory of Diamond Point Elementary School Principal Harold Vences, who suffered a fatal heart attack on Friday. The Council expressed condolences to the family of Mr. Vences and offered to assist them. M/Chang responded to Martha Bruske that Mr. Kung's check was returned to him. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Chang adjourned the meeting at 10:10 p.m. in memory of Harold Vences, Diamond Point Elementary School Principal. LYNDA BURGESS, City ATTEST: Wen Chang, Mayor