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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/2/2002 Minutes - Regular Meeting1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR JULY 2, 2002 CLOSED SESSION: None CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Chang called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Marty Torres, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, lead the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION: Monsignor Loughnane, St. Denis Catholic Church, gave the Invocation. ROLL CALL: Mayor Chang, Mayor Pro Tem O'Connor and Council Members Herrera, Huff and Zirbes. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented. 1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERT0F11CATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 1.1 Proclaimed July 2002 as Parks & Recreation Month — accepted by Parks & Recreation Chairman Marty Torres and Commissioners ' Nancy Lyons and Andrew Lui. 1.2 Government Finance Officers Association and California Society of Municipal Finance Officers Awards. Presentation by Linda Magnuson, Finance Director. 1.3 BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: Presented City Tile to Ted and Lisa Chocek, Diamond Interiors and displayed a video highlighting the business. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: CM/Lowry stated that at the June 18, 2002 City Council meeting, a D.B. resident expressed concern about the Sheriff's department and that the City of Covina had found an accounting error in the amount of approximately $400,000. CM/Lowry reported that the City of Covina does not have a contract with the Sheriff's department. D.B. has no concerns about the veracity of billings presented on behalf of the Sheriff's department, nor does the City have issues with the appropriateness of the rate structure. During her many years working for contract cities, the only incident that she was aware of was a concern with the Sheriff's department with regard to administration of the liability trust fund. Since that time, a new fund management method was incorporated and the Joint Powers Insurance Authority (JPIA) with all claims subject to a review of a committee comprised of the contract cities within the JPIA has administered the fund. D.B. can feel confident that its tax dollars are spent appropriately for its share of services. JULY 2, 2002 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL SMA/Strojny reported on the current financial condition of Adelphia. Although Adelphia has filed for Chapter 11, its general manager has committed to continuing with the same level and quality of service of programming to D.B. that residents were offered prior to the bankruptcy. Additionally, Adelphia has committed to paying its quarterly franchise to the City on time. Finally, D.B. will join with 16 other California cities that.receive service from Adelphia to retain legal counsel specializing in bankruptcy matters to monitor the bankruptcy process and protect D.B.'s interest throughout the proceedings. CM/Lowry pointed out that in the event Adelphia is acquired, a new agreement would be brought to Council with opportunities to negotiate terms with the new provider. The current contract is not transferable without Council's approval. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Carol Gonzales, Charlyn Naasz and Yvonne Hoo spoke about the SCAQMD Day Care Center and asked for Council's support to keep the facility open. If the facility closes, 42 children will be displaced because SCAQMD indicated that they would no longer be providing this program. Ms. Gonzales presented petitions to the Council containing over 200 signatures of concerned residents. Nancy Lyons agreed that it is difficult to get good childcare in D.B. She supported the prior speakers. The Friends of the Library have introduced a unique program, "Read Together D.B." The group is encouraging everyone to read Steinbeck novels in honor of his 100th birthday. For information regarding additional Steinbeck programs to be presented throughout the year, visit the City's Web site. Clyde Hennessee also supported having the City assist in keeping the SCAQMD childcare facility operational. He felt that the "no parking during street sweeping signs" were too small to be readable. He appreciated having the speed trailer parked on Sunset Crossing Rd. Patty, a D.B. resident, supported keeping the SCAQMD childcare center open. To the best of her knowledge, it is the only accredited day care center in the City. Roseanne Aries also supported retention of the SCAQMD childcare center. She is the sole caretaker for her three grandchildren who came into her care in a fragile state. Step by Step has provided a secure environment for the children. She has witnessed much love and concern on the part of the daycare workers at that facility. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: M/Chang explained that the day care center is a private enterprise and that the City has no involvement with the facility. Because of concerns voiced by the residents, staff will schedule a meeting with the executive director of SCAQMD to discuss the matter. JULY 2, 2002 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL CM/Lowry reported that the size and print of parking restriction signs is typical of that recommended by Cal Trans and utilized by other cities. DPW/Liu pointed out that at Council's direction, orange flags have been added to all parking restriction signs at neighborhood entry points throughout the City. CM/Lowry stated that the City contracts with the County of Los Angeles for coyote control. Concerned residents should contact City Hall for assistance and not the Inland Valley Humane Society. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 JULY 4T" HOLIDAY — City Offices will be closed, July 4, 2002 in observance of the Holiday. City Offices will reopen Friday, July 5, 2002. 5.2 FOURTH OF JULY "BLAST" AND FIREWORKS SHOW — July 4, 2002 — 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Dr. 5.3 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE ROUNDUP — July 6, 2002 — 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mt. San Antonio College, Parking Lot W, 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut. 5.4 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — July 9, 2002 — 7:00 p.m., SAQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21825 E. Copley Dr. 5.5 CONCERT IN THE PARK — "Coyote Hills Jazz Band" - July 10, 2002 — 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Dr. 5.6 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING — July 11, 2002 — 7:00 p.m., Hearing Board Room, 21825 E. Copley Dr. 5.7. CITY COUNCIL MEETING — July 16, 2002 — 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD/ Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by MPT/O'Connor, seconded by C/Herrera to approve the Consent Calendar. 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: JULY 2, 2002 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL 6.1.1 Regular Meeting of June 4, 2002—As submitted. 6.1.2 Study Session of June 18, 2002 — As submitted. 6.1.3 Regular Meeting of June 18, 2002 — As submitted. 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular Meeting of May 28, 2002. 6.3 APPROVED VOUCHER REGISTER - dated July 2, 2002 in the amount of $432,957.19. 6.4 REVIEWED AND APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT - month of May, 2002. 6.5 APPROVED BOND RELEASES: 6.5.1 EXONERATED SURETY BOND NO. 418853S IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 POSTED BY DIAMOND BAR WEST, LLC TO COMPLETE GRADING IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT NO. 47850 (CRYSTAL RIDGE ESTATES). 6.5.2 EXONERATED SURETY BOND NO. 111-4160-9161 IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,750 POSTED BY STANDARD PACIFIC HOMES TO COMPLETE MONUMENTATION FOR TRACT NO. 52203 (DIAMOND CREST ESTATES). 6.5.3 EXONERATED SURETY BOND NO. 111-3331-7682 IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,250 POSTED BY STANDARD PACIFIC HOMES TO COMPLETE MONUMENTATION FOR TRACT NO. 52204 (DIAMOND CREST ESTATES). 6.5.4 EXONERATED SURETY BOND NO. 111-3331-7633 IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,250 POSTED BY STANDARD PACIFIC HOMES TO COMPLETE MONUMENTATION FOR TRACT NO. 52228 (DIAMOND CREST ESTATES). 6.5.5 EXONERATED CASH DEPOSIT IN LIEU OF GRADING BOND IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,060 FOR LOT 62 OF TRACT NO. 60577 (2515 CROW FOOT LANE, THE COUNTRY ESTATES). 6.6 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE CONTRACT WITH BONTERRA CONSULTING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MONITORING SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,685 FOR THE COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER PROJECT. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None JULY 2, 2002 PAGE -5 CITY COUNCIL 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: 8.1 AWARD CONTRACT TO LT EXCAVATING FOR THE DIAMOND BAR COMMUNITY/SENIOR CENTER GRADING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT SUMMITRIDGE PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,199,700. In response to C/Zirbes, DCM/Doyle stated that approximately 20 bid packages were sent out with three bids received. The low bidder submitted a bid that included a mathematical error and requested that the bid be withdrawn. C/Zirbes asked if the City obtained references from LT Excavating that would assure timely"and adequate performance. DCM/Doyle indicated that during the review process, LT Excavating was asked to provide reference information that was verified by staff. Staff paid particular attention to completed projects of a similar nature and those projects that were completed in sensitive residential neighborhoods, a unique issue with this project site. All references came back very favorable. There were no negative comments. In addition, the City's Public Works Department checked the California State licensing authority. There were no negative implications of any nature against LT Excavating. Additionally, staff reviewed the federal registry that identifies contractors that are no longer allowed to work on these types of projects. LT Excavating was not on that list. Moved by C/Zirbes, seconded by C/Huff to award a contract to LT Excavating and authorize a 5% contingency ($59,985) for a total authorization of $1,259,685. MPT/O'Connor asked if the rough grading contract included shoring up the hillside. DCM/Doyle responded yes, and elaborated that this project requires a considerable amount of slope stabilization and construction of shear keys as well as grading of the building pad as a part of this contract. The initial phase of the project is demolition. Staff does not anticipate any problems during the grading contract and award of contract for the inspectors. Grading will be limited to eight hours per day, five days a week. Staff does not anticipate this process will interfere with traffic. MPT/O'Connor said she was concerned about noise in the residential neighborhood. DCM/Doyle announced that a neighborhood meeting would be held July 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Summitridge Park picnic area to discuss JULY 2, 2002 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL potential concerns regarding the project. C/Herrera thanked staff for their very thorough preparation. She asked if temporary fencing would be installed around the project site for protection. DCM/Doyle explained that the fencing would cover the entire perimeter of the project. C/Herrera was excited that the project is moving forward. Following discussion, 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 SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Huff spoke about the community's library service level concerns regarding the state's budget cutbacks and resulting impacts to counties. D.B. received a letter from the County's librarian announcing that because of actions take by the library board, there would be no library closures or service hour reductions this year. On June 22 and 23, he attended selective service training and now serves on its board in the event that the draft is reinstated. He recently attended the Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority and Alameda Corridor East on the 24th, Foothill Transit on the 28th and the San Gabriel Council of Governments meeting on the 27th. COG took a non - position on Gloria Romero's bill to expand the board of the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. ACE has enjoyed cooperation among the 30 cities of the San Gabriel Valley. Montebello has been wrestling with their grade separation. Following a meeting with ACE, they filed a letter with the agency the day after the meeting threatening a lawsuit if their funding was not protected in the first phase. COG took action to deny the request. Our attorneys say that their cause of action is very defensible. On Saturday, he participated in the "Walk for Life" in memory of former Walnut Unified School District Supervisor Ron Hockwalt. The event is likely to raise close to $100,000 that will be used to assist victims of cancer. He lamented about the loss of his mother and other close friends who lost their battle with cancer. C/Zirbes attended several meetings on behalf of the City Council. In addition, he met with several residents to discuss several issues of concern to them and their neighborhoods. He encouraged residents to contact the Council if. they wish to discuss issues of concern. Quality childcare is difficult to find and when the community has such a fine facility, it wants to do everything possible to protect it. Unfortunately, that is not an issue for the City Council JULY 2, 2002 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL to address. He offered his support as a resident of D.B. This past week he ' was out of the state. He asked his neighbor to watch his house. While she was in the back of the house feeding his animals, she became concerned about something that happened. She called the Sheriff's department and reported her concern. Sheriff deputies arrived at his house in 12 minutes and completed a thorough search of the premises. Every contact he has had with the Sheriff's department has led him to believe that the officers are true professionals. He invited everyone to attend the 4th of July festivities at Sycamore Park. He wished Paul Wright, SCAQMD Audio Visual Technician, a very happy birthday today. C/Herrera announced that she had the pleasure of attending a dinner in honor of the Community Volunteer Patrol members. She is proud of their dedication and assistance to the sheriff's department. The patrol has grown from 12 to 30 volunteers since its inception in 1994. She pointed out that the volunteer patrol conducts vacation checks and encouraged residents to take advantage of this service. During her recent meeting with Lou Sarrao, Executive Director of Lanterman Development Center, she learned that the money that was designated for the Severe Behavioral Program was co-opted by the Governor and would not be in next year's budget. Nevertheless, Lanterman will be initiating some improvements on the campus and she asked residents not to be alarmed if they observe construction activities at ' Lanterman. For instance, the campus's air conditioning system will be replaced and the new building housing the unit will be 57 feet tall. Lanterman has replaced dead trees, renovated the gymnasium, opened the swimming pool, will be building an ideology building and plan to construct a tall wall to mitigate the noise from the Alameda Corridor trains passing the facility. Construction will commence immediately and continue well into the fall months. MPT/O'Connor said that at its June 20 meeting, the Diamond Bar Community Foundation finalized its brochure for the commemorative tiles. She asked residents to stop by the Foundation's booth to pick up a brochure and purchase a tile to be placed at the Community/Senior Center. Anyone interested. in purchasing a tile can view samples at City Hall. On June 21, the Mom's Club of D.B. South held a dedication and donated a changing table that was installed in the Heritage Park women's restroom. On June 22, she participated in the Sanitation District's boat tour in San Pedro to observe the positive results of the treated effluent. She encouraged other Council Members to take the trip. On June 26, she attended the Chamber's quarterly breakfast that provided a wonderful forum for business networking. On June 27, she attended the stamp dedication in memory of the 9/11 event at the post office. The stamps can be purchased for $.45 with the $.08 difference going to FEMA and to those who lost family members or whose family members were injured during the disaster. She also attended the recognition dinner for honoring the volunteer patrol members. It was a most enjoyable and fun evening. She encouraged everyone to celebrate a safe July 4. Fireworks are not allowed in D.B. but everyone can participate in the City's JULY 2, 2002 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL 0 of July celebration at Sycamore Park. M/Chang attended the Chamber of Commerce breakfast. He and CM/Lowry attended the L.A. County Library survey held at the Rowland Heights Regional Library. Several D.B. residents, including former Council Member Eileen Ansari and members of the Friends of the Library also attended the meeting. People from D.B. explained the terrible conditions under which the library must operate - especially, the lack of ingress/egress and parking. The input was well received and the information will be passed along to the County. Some of the Council Members attended recent Rotary Club installations. He congratulated outgoing president Joe Ruzika for a job well done. He also congratulated incoming president Al Flores. He also attended the walk-a-thon held in memory of Dr. Ron Hockwalt. It was a very touching event and he thanked the members who lent their support for the event. He received nearly 50 elementary and middle school students from the D.B. Chinese-American Saturday school and explained City Government and how the Council conducts meetings. He thanked City staff, and especially EA/Whitehouse for graciously accommodating the students. This is graduation and wedding season. This past weekend he attended four weddings. He wished all couples a very happy marriage and asked that they extend their love, patience and hope to each other forever. 10. ADJOURNMENT: There being no other business to conduct, M/Chang adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. (A LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk ATTEST: