HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/7/2002 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
MAY 7, 2002
CALL TO ORDER: M/Chang called the meeting to order at
8:45 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 of Zone change for Diamond Village/Kmart Center
ROLL CALL: Council Members Herrera, Huff, Zirbes,
Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor and Mayor Chang.
Also present were: James DeStefano, Deputy City
Manager; Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; 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. Management Analyst and April Blakey, Public Information
Manager.
1. REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
C/Huff felt that (Page 1-4) a goal of "study alternate use of library site if
funding fails" sends a wrong message to the community. He suggested
removing the item this year.
C/Zirbes thought it would be good to understand what alternatives the
community might like for the current location since grading is due to
commence. Therefore, it might be prudent to keep all options open.
M/Chang suggested that the Council leave the item for now. Even though
D.B. currently has no money or land for a library, Council should continue
to study this matter further.
C/Herrera understood that CM/Lowry recently met with Larry Kosmont, the
individual who wrote the Strategic Economic Plan for D.B. When he wrote
the plan nearly two years ago, his suggestion was for high utilization of
redevelopment agency funds, a vehicle no longer available to the
community. She felt that Council should hear the results of that
conversation before making a decision. In fact, Mr. Kosmont should be
invited to a Council Study Session to have him talk about other
possibilities.
' DCM/DeStefano said that one of the items that resulted from CM/Lowry's
discussion with Kosmont and Assoc. was a proposal by Kosmont to help
craft and facilitate an economic summit.. There is money left in the
Kosmont purchase order that can be used to assess D.B.'s needs and
how those unmet needs might be achieved.
MAY 7, 2002 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
The Council concurred to hold a study session and invite Kosmont to
participate.
MPT/O'Connor wanted to be sure that the study session would be all
encompassing. She then asked if it was still a priority to have a
permanent stage at Sycamore Canyon Park since the City has reduced
the number of Concerts in the Park.
CSD/Rose said that the ADA Retrofit project includes a permanent stage
in the area of the current portable stage.
M/Chang thought that the City should move toward instituting business
permit/licensing by holding a study session and inviting public comment.
C/Zirbes concurred. Since this was the only objective assigned to this
particular goal, he did not rank it because he assumed the Council would
pursue the goal of implementing a City business license and registration
fee. His ranking would be #1.
DCM/DeStefano said that the issue of business licenses has had an effect
on the City in the area of customer service to business clients. D.B. has
no control over the length of time it takes to process a license through L.A.
County that has an impact on the ability of businesses to legitimately
open. Institution of business licensing in D.B. would allow the City to gain
control over the process.
C/Huff suggested dropping the second goal on Page 9 "consider adding
newly designed bus stops with route maps, etc." Foothill Transit is
installing maps.
In the matter of communication, C/Zirbes asked that the ongoing issue of
the cable channel sound be left on the list. C/Huff concurred.
2. DISCUSSION OF ZONE CHANGE FOR DIAMOND VILLAGE/KMART
CENTER
DCM/DeStefano recommended that, Council move this matter forward to
the Planning Commission for Public Hearings regarding a possible zone
change to C-2 or C-3.
C/Zirbes moved, C/Herrera seconded, to forward the matter to the
Planning Commission for Public Hearings.
There was general consensus that other areas of the City should be
looked at for possible zone changes to bring the City into compliance with
the General Plan and that the City should start with this area first and then
consider other areas after this series of public hearings.
MAY 7, 2002 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION
' 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
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Chang
adjourned the Study Session at 9: 31 p.m.
ATTEST:
Mayor Wen Chang
I
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LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk
[7
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MAY 7, 2002
STUDY SESSION: Moved to the end of the meeting.
CLOSED SESSION: None
CALL TO ORDER: M/Chang called the meeting to order at
6:35 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government
Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by
C/Herrera.
INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Ahmad Sakr,
Ph.D., Islamic Education Center.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Herrera, Huff, Zirbes,
Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor, Mayor Chang
Also present were: James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager;
Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; 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: DCM/DeStefano asked that the Study
Session be held immediately following adjournment of the Council meeting
to discuss the Council's goals and objectives for FY 02/03 and a possible
zone change for the Diamond Village/Kmart Shopping area.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 Presented Certificate of Appreciation to Dexter MacBride, outgoing
Diamond Bar Community Foundation Member.
1.2 Proclaimed May 2002 as "National Older Americans Month" and
presented Certificates of Recognition to:
a. Tom Wuetcher, President, D.B. Senior Citizens Club
b. Mangal Gulshan, President, Sunshine Seniors Club
C. Chi Chang Cheng Teng, Diamond Age Seniors Club
d. Shih Wu Hsiang, President, D.B. Chinese Seniors Club
1.3 Proclaimed May 2002 as "Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month."
1.4 Proclaimed May 13-17, 2002 as "California Bike Commute Week."
1.5 Proclaimed Lanterman Developmental Center's 75th Anniversary on
May 14, 2002.
May 7, 2002 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
1.6 Presented City Tile to Jill Hofmann, representing Bill Baxter, owner of
Baxter's Frame Works, as Business of the Month, May 2002 and
screening of video regarding the company.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
DCM/DeStefano, responded to a question posed by a resident during the
April 16, 2002 City Council Meeting. Applicants who seek funding from the
City of Diamond Bar for use of Federal Community Development Block Grant
Funds must sign an application that provides a vehicle for abiding by all
requirements of the Federal community including anti -discrimination policies
within their programs.
DCM/DeStefano reported that three traffic signals are currently under design
for the following locations: D.B. Blvd. at Silver Hawk; D.B. Blvd. at Clear
Creek and Golden Springs at Sylvan Glen. Completion is contemplated for
conclusion by October 31, 2002.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mike Goldenberg explained that the D.B.
Community Volunteer Patrol is entering its ninth year of service to the
community. Approximately 30 members provide about 10,000 hours per year
of community service. The Patrol has participated in establishing
Neighborhood Watch programs; traffic safety checks; worked every
community event; completed vacation checks; worked with deputies to ease
traffic at schools sites; provided traffic control; assisted in location of
abandoned weapons; assisted during emergency situations, and assisted at
sporting events. Their presence in neighborhoods may account for lowering
the crime rate in the City. In addition, tickets that have been given out by the
Patrol has made residents aware of others who require special need parking.
The Patrol has received dozens of commendations from the Sheriff's
Department. He stated that he would find it difficult to conclude that the
Volunteer Patrol is less visible today.
Arlene Scott expressed concern about robberies at the Bank of America,
Wells Fargo, Washington Mutual and Jack -in -the Box. During a recent trip
to TOGO's, she was a victim of carjacking. She stated that she did not see
a presence of police officers or L.A. County Sheriff's (in D.B.) as much as she
sees in other communities.
Bill Harford, Executive Director, Inland Valley Humane Society, updated the
community on the activities of his organization.
Martha Bruske, continuing the discussion about Older American's Month,
said she would like to have heard what the last census report showed as the
number of senior citizens in D.B. There are many older citizens who are not
very secure. They become involved in money scams that sap their funds and
property. Acute hospitals are closing. Nursing homes have abuse problems.
Seniors are faced with high drug costs. She was also concerned about
May 7, 2002 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
' social security funds being re -directed. She encouraged people to let their
congressmen know they are being monitored and that they should keep a
watchful eye on issues that affect seniors. In addition, people should work
with their doctors to help reduce the cost of medicines.
Eileen Ansari was concerned about regulation of education academies that
have been opening up in the City's shopping centers.
Clyde Hennessee reiterated his belief that the Volunteer Patrol should be
more visible in residential areas of town.
Wendy Tanaka thanked the Humane Society for their animal rescue efforts
and asked residents to support the facility.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: MPT/O'Connor suggested
that anyone who criticizes the Volunteer Patrol should volunteer their time so
they can see how much commitment it takes.
DCM/DeStefano responded to Mrs. Bruske that approximately 6-8% of the
City's population is over the age of 60. Staff will present a more accurate
report at the next Council meeting.
' DCM/DeStefano indicated that the educational academies opening up in
shopping centers are permitted businesses in nearly every commercial zone
in the City. These uses are "by -right" permitted uses and there are no
requirements for maximum numbers of these types of businesses. Some
academies are for profit and some are not for profit.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING — May
9, 2002 - 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Hearing Board
Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — May 14, 2002 — 7:00 p.m.,
SCAQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.3 DIAMOND BAR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MEETING — May 16,
2002 — 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Room CC -8, 21865
E. Copley Dr.
5.4 CITY COUNCIL MEETING — May 21, 2002 — 6:30 p.m.,
' SCAQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING — May 23,
2002 — 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Hearing Board
Room, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
May 7, 2002 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by C2irbes, seconded by C/Herrera
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 16, 2002 - As submitted (C/O'Connor
abstained from approval due to her absence from the meeting).
6.1.2 Regular Meeting of April 16, 2002 - As submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES —
Regular Meeting of March 26, 2002.
6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES - Regular Meeting of March 28, 2002.
6.4 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER — dated May 7, 2002 in the
amount of $1,827,913.81. (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 REVIEWED AND APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT— month
of March 2002.
6.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002-31 AUTHORIZING
ACCESS/EXAMINATION OF SALES AND USE TAX RECORDS AND
RESCINDING RESOLUTION NOS. 96-37 AND 96-38.
6.7 APPROVED SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY AND ADOPTED
ORDINANCE NO. 06(2002) APPROVING DEVELOPMENT CODE
AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO COMPUTER
SERVICES/NETWORK GAMING CENTERS.
6.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002-32 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO APPLY FOR THE CYCLE THREE SAFE ROUTES TO
SCHOOL GRANT FUNDS.
6.9 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002-33 ESTABLISHING PARKING
RESTRICTIONS WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ALL FREEWAY
OVERPASSES AND UNDERPASSES.
May 7, 2002 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
' 6.10 RECEIVED AND FILED STATUS REPORT ON THE 2002 NATIONAL
POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM WATER PERMIT.
6.11 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2002-34 APPROVING
PARTICIPATION IN THE L.A. URBAN COUNTY COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
6.12 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 200-35 APPROVING PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE AREA 4 SLURRY SEAL AND AREA 4
ARAM PROJECT.
6.13 APPROVED MEMBERSHIP IN THE CALIFORNIA JOINT POWERS
INSURANCE AUTHORITY FOR THE CITY OF SEAL BEACH and
authorized the Mayor to approve.
6.14 AWARDED CONTRACT TO HONDO, INC. FOR ADA
IMPROVEMENTS AT SYCAMORE CANYON PARK IN THE
AMOUNT OF $77,902.94 PLUS A 10% CONTINGENCY OF $7,790
FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION OF $85,693.23.
6.15 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONSULTING SERVICES
' AGREEMENT WITH TOM VAN WINKLE IN THE AMOUNT OF
$23,800 FOR VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES.
6.16 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONSULTING SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH MARK BRIGGS & ASSOCIATES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $5,000 FOR SECTION 108 LOAN PROCESSING.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 CONSIDER REVISIONS TO THE DIAMOND BAR COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION BYLAWS CLARIFYING THAT CITY COUNCIL
APPOINTEES AND AT -LARGE MEMBERS SERVE TWO-YEAR
TERMS — DCM/Doyle presented staff's report.
MPT/O'Connor moved, C/Zirbes seconded, to approve the bylaw
amendment. 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
MPT/O'Connor explained the purpose of the D.B. Community
Foundation and encouraged residents and businesses to join in the
Foundation's fundraising effort and purchase tiles to be placed in the
May 7, 2002 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
area of the new Community Center.
8.2 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT OF SCOTT MC GOOKIN TO
THE DIAMOND BAR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.
C/Zirbes moved, MPT/O'Connor seconded, to approve the
appointment of Scott McGookin.
Mr. McGookin briefly explained his credentials and thanked Council
for providing him with the opportunity to serve his community.
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
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/ COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Huff said that, in his opinion, control of the educational academies is at the
discretion of the parents. Because they are growing in number in this
community, they are undoubtedly filling a need. He and MPT/O'Connor
attended the senior's luncheon today. He encouraged everyone to honor
their mothers while they still have the opportunity.
C/Zirbes said that he and C/Huff attended the Foothill Transit Cluster IV
meeting. He attended a warrant search with the Sheriff's Department, an
excellent opportunity to witness law enforcement at work. He attended a
hero's recognition at Chaparral Middle School He thanked staff and
especially CSD/Rose for their efforts at this year's excellent City Birthday
Party. He attended the Friends of the Library Wine Soiree and the Sheriff's
Open House. He recognized Coach Eric Baugh and Coach Juan Hernandez
on their Walnut Spring Fling Soccer Tournament win. He continues to work
on the neighborhood improvement committee and acquiring a food market
for the Country Hills Towne Center location. He has not yet heard from
Waste Management about reducing pickup to one day a week in the City. He
asked residents to please drive safely. Happy Mother's Day to his mother,
his wife and all mothers.
C/Herrera thanked staff for their fine efforts in putting together a very
successful birthday party at Pantera Park. She thought further consideration
should be given to holding future City birthday parties at Pantera Park
because of extra space. A resident who spoke about a carjacking and
robberies that have occurred near the intersection of D.B. Blvd. and Grand
Ave. needs to know that Captain Yim has a plan of action to protect residents
and businesses. As a commissioner of LAFCO, she reported that a new law
was enacted and all cities in L.A. County will pay their proportionate share of
May 7, 2002 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
' income toward the budget of that entity. Last year, D.B. contributed $800.
She was happy to report that next year's cost allocation will decrease to $578
due to that organization's decrease in budget. She is the City's
representative to the D.B. Chamber of Commerce. During the April 17
meeting DCM/DeStefano imparted a great deal of useful information to
Chamber members. In light of the Chamber's interest in community affairs,
she requested that staff agendize the matter of appointing DCM/DeStefano
and a Council Member as a regular Chamber member with appointment of
one alternate Council Member. She invited fellow Council Members to the
next League of Cities meeting on June 6 at the new Cerritos Library.
MPT/O'Connor reported that on April 18, she and M/Chang attended the
TRW ribbon cutting ceremonies. Also on April 18 she, M/Chang and
C/Herrera and staff members attended the Walnut Valley Unified School
District's superintendent search. In the evening, she attended the D.B.
Community Foundation meeting. On April 19, she represented the Mayor
and Council at the YWCA West End Women of Achievement Awards. D.B.
resident Mary Murshedi was honored as a Woman of Achievement. Ms.
Murshedi is a member of the D.B. Community Foundation and is the
individual who recommended Scott McGookin. She thanked staff for their
many hours of effort toward making the City Birthday Party a success. On
April 22, she attended the Operation Homeland Hazardous Simulation
conducted by the L.A. County Fire Department at the Pomona Fairplex. She
asked staff to find out if the fire department has an academy similar to the
sheriff's department so that Council Members can participate. On April 24,
she attended a Sanitation District meeting. The annual facility tour will take
place on Wednesday, June 5 beginning at 8:00 a.m. and continuing until 3:00
p.m. starting at the Whittier water treatment facility. That same evening, she
attended the Contract Cities meeting. On April 27, she attended the Eagle
Scout Code of Honor ceremonies for Ted John, a young man who
rehabilitated the playground equipment at Castle Rock Elementary School.
On April 28, she, C/Huff and C/Zirbes participated in the Wine Soiree. On
May 1, she attended the Pomona Unified School District's community awards
ceremonies. On May 2, she and C/Huff attended the Best Western ribbon
cutting ceremonies. On May 3, she attended a policy committee on solid
waste in Claremont. She asked C/Huff whether the grade crossings will be
able to accept a third rail and C/Huff answered that they accommodated the
railroad where feasible and kept the underpass clearance available to accept
a third rail. There was no funding available to install a third rail. On May 4,
she attended the Sheriff's Open House. On May 5, she and M/Chang
attended the Lions Leo Charter festivities. She announced that she was
currently attending a California Disaster Resistant Conference in the City of
Industry, Governor Davis' response to President Bush's request for
Homeland Security. The Northridge earthquake is the most expensive U.S.
disaster to date at a cost of $120 billion. The World Trade Center disaster
is estimated to cost $80 billion. She wished everyone a Happy Mother's Day.
She asked that the consideration of reducing waste collection to one day per
week in D.B. be opened up to other trash haulers. She also asked that D.B.
May 7, 2002 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
consider conducting another disaster preparedness event. She further
requested that City employees be recognized for reaching their five and ten-
year milestones.
M/Chang thanked the Parks and Recreation Staff and the Parks and
Recreation Commissioners for their efforts in presenting a successful City
Birthday Party. He commented that the Sheriff's Open House was a
wonderful event enjoyed by many community members. He commended the
young people of the Leo organization for their spirit and willingness to serve
as volunteers in the community. He thanked Lions Club members for
encouraging young people to serve as volunteers. He applauded C/Herrera's
contribution for a wonderful Teddy Bear Tea fundraising event for the Walnut
Unified School District. He encouraged the men to become involved in the
event. He regretted missing the Mother's Day event this afternoon. He
wished everyone a Happy Mother's Day. He will attend the League of Cities
event at the Cerritos Library. Cerritos was able to build a library and a
performing arts center using redevelopment agency monies. Sadly, D.B. lost
that ability when it lost its redevelopment agency.
RECESS TO STUDY SESSION: M/Chang adjourned the Regular City
Council Meeting to the Study Session at 8:39 p.m.
10. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct,
M/Chang adjourned the meeting in memory of Deputy David March and
Peter Ilasin, father of staff member John Ilasin, at 9:31 p.m.
LYNDA BURGESS, Cityd Clerk
ATTEST:
U
Wen Chang, Mayor
