HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/18/2003 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR .
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
FEBRUARY 18, 2003
STUDY SESSION: Mayor Herrera called the Study S ssion
to order at 5:24 p.rn. in the South Coast Air Quality Management
District/Government Center Building, boom CC -8, 21865 E. Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, CA.
Present:I Council Members Chang, O'C nnor,
Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem Huff and Mayor Herrera.
Also present were: James DeStefano, Deputy City
Manager; Gregg Kovacevich, Assistant City Attorney; David Doyle, D puty
City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community
Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Lynda Burges , City
Clerk; Ann Lungu, Associate Planner; Fred Alamolhoda, Senior Engineer;
April Blakey, Public Information Manager and Sharon G mez,
Management Analyst.
1) Business License Fees — AssocP/Lungu presented staff's re ort.
C/Zirbes asked if the names of software companies were given to
staff by other cities as reference points.
AssocP/Lungu said that Pentamation and HDL, both software
companies currently utilized by the city, were provided by other
cities. The other company was taken from a mailer.
C/Zirbes asked if the City needed to go with an expensive soft are
program or could this be done with a simple data base grog am.
Additionally, if the City took over regulatory licensing, would that
supercede the need for registration?
DCM/DeStefano stated that if a business required a licens , it
would automatically be registered. The difference is that one is
simply a registration of the business (what it is and where it is) and
the other may have conditions associated with its operation and
management.
AssocP/Lungu confirmed that the fees quoted for regul ory
licensing are comparable or less than the fees currently charge by
L.A. County.
C2irbes was concerned about the "sticker shock" of the regula ory
program. The penalties and enforcement proposed are very gc od.
Personally, he preferred the West Hollywood version.
C/O'Connor asked if a company based outside of D.B. and ding
business in the City would be required to obtain a business
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
registration, to which DCM/DeStefano responded "yes." Business
registration would also apply to non-profit organizations.
In response to C/O'Connor, AssocP/Lungu indicated that Walnut
uses Pentamation. The Walnut staff member commented that if the
process is simple, the software works fairly well but he felt there
were better programs available.
DCMIDeStefano pointed out that staff provided three examples of
vendors and costs. However, no vendor had yet been contacted. If
Council directs staff to move forward with this package, one
component would be to initiate -an RFP.
2) Public Comments:
Clyde Hennessee felt that this matter had evolved rather rapidly.
He understood that licensing would enable the City to determine
what types of businesses were operating throughout the City. He
also felt that the proposal was business unfriendly. He felt that in
view of the City's attempt to attract business, further financial
burden should not be levied on the individual businessperson
through regulated business licensing. He did, however, feel that it
would be appropriate to register businesses in order for the City to
find who and what types of businesses were being conducted in the
City.
Jeff Koontz, Executive Director, Diamond Bar Chamber of
Commerce, said that the Chamber is the ombudsman for the
businesses in D.B. and he was concerned about any costs incurred
by those businesses beyond what they currently pay. The
Chamber for two years has pushed for a business registration
because it is important to know what businesses are in town and to
identify and quantify them for a possible relationship to economic
development. Currently, the Chamber is putting together a contract
proposal for the City that includes a business registry and other
things related to economic development that would benefit the City.
He anticipated a greater amount of discussion during tonight's
study session. He was hoping to be able to craft the contract
proposal to meet Council desires. The Chamber thinks that
business registration could be done for about $35 per business.
The Chamber is infinitely interested in joining with the Council in an
intense discussion period to attempt to map out a business
registration and regulatory program that would be beneficial to both
the businesses of D.B. and to the City of D.B.
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SE�SION
3) Further Council Discussion:
C/O'Connor asked for expansion on Mr. Hennessee's
about the high fees.
AssocP/Lungu stated that for the most part, the fees quo
staff's report are less than those charged by the County.
regulatory fees are higher than a simple business registration
$35 because of the investigation and background checks.
C/O'Connor confirmed that the business owners would be
the City the same fee they currently pay the County. The rE
the City would take over the regulatory licensing would I
hopefully speed up the process.
C/Chang said the Council's purpose is not to create income fc
City, the purpose is to provide safety and knowledge for the
and the Chamber to know what and where businesses are r
the community. D.B. would not charge the businesses any
than they are currently charged. If D.B. decided to implemen
program, it would merely be taking over that regulatory livens,
program from the County. He felt the business owners woui
happier dealing with the City than having to go down to the Co
He felt the City's efficiency would be an improvement over
County.
DCM/DeStefano reiterated staff's recommendation to have
Council direct staff this evening if it is prepared to do so.
MPT/Huff discussed the pros and cons of implementing suc
program. He wondered if there might come a point of diminis
return for the City. if the County is doing a good job with
regulatory licensing, it should be continued as is. D.B. staff is s
and he wondered why the City would want to take on somet
that is being successfully done. The most compelling reasor
D.B. to assume this task is to streamline the process.
wondered if it was really the direction the Council wanted to
When KOSMONT rates D.B. as a business friendly City, they m
a big point that there is no business tax or fee registrai
Platinum says that's disingenuous because the County has c
But we can still say that with a straight face and if there's ano
agency that does the licensing, D.B. is still business -friendly. In
diminishing economy, D.B. needs to be encouraging its busines
and not putting another layer in their way giving them a reasoi
locate in another city. There are a lot of home-based businesse
D.B. and as the Internet growth continues, there will be more.
felt home-based businesses should be encouraged, not
ents
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FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION
discouraged. Should an Amway salesman have to pay a business
registration or license fee? A lot of working moms conduct home-
based businesses to supplement the family income and those types
of business do not impact the City. Businesses need to realize a
benefit when they pay a license fee.
C/O'Connor believed another reason to implement business
registration was to make certain the City was receiving its fair share
of sales tax dollars. Some businesses may not impact the City
while other businesses such as pool cleaning could be hazardous
and impact the City.
MPT/Huff asked how the City would know about businesses that
chose not to register. The City learns about such businesses now
by accident or when someone reports activities. In the case of pool
cleaning, D.B. would have to have an ordinance that covers
adverse chemicals, how they are transported and how they are
used. .lust because you create a regulation does not guarantee
that people will follow those regulations. The good guys will
continue to pay and the bad guys will go under the radar and do
whatever they do.
C/Chang felt that the City needed regulations in place. If an
individual did not comply with the law, the City would have the
authority to act. This program was not intended to be business -
unfriendly. The whole purpose of the program is for the safety of
the community and to give the City the ability to claim its fair share
of the sales tax. If D.B. continues to grow, it will acquire more land
and we don't want to have to do another zoning change because
we don't know about the business without business registration. It
makes the City looks foolish. There is no intent to place a burden
on business and he believed that a fee of $35-50 was not a big
burden.
MPT/Huff said his reason for making the motion to pass the zoning
change for the computer arcade was not to respond to a non-
conforming business, it was in response to a better use for the
center, regardless of who was located in it. Secondly, the rate he
sees in the report is an initial fee of $120 with renewal fees of $50
to $75, not $35. $35 was the Chamber's proposed fee for their
handling of the business registration - it is not what staff is
proposing for the actual time and cost to administer the registration
fee. He was concerned that if the City collected a $35 business -
registration fee, it would be subsidizing the program where the
money would come out of the City's General Fund to make up the
difference between what is being collected and what the program
actually costs.
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SE4SION
DCM/DeStefano responded to MPT/Huff that pool s rvice
contractors can and do run businesses out of their homes and store
chemicals on their premises. That practice would continue under
business registration.
MPT/Huff said that if the City wanted to tighten that up, it co id do
so through zoning or what is allowed within a residential area just
as easily as having a business registration fee. He believed that
was the tool the Council should be considering.
C/O'Connor found it difficult to believe that it would take the ity's
efficient financial staff an hour to input one business int the
system. She did not believe $85 was correct.
C/Zirbes agreed with C/O'Connor. He could see the benefit
of
business registration in D.B., not only for the safety concerns of
the
residential neighborhoods, but also to determine what types
of
businesses are in the City's retail centers. He agreed
with
MPT/Huff that it would not be feasible to do the program under
the
fees quoted by staff. Chino Hills has a registration fee of $50 and
a
one-time zoning clearance fee of $50. Walnut has a
$45
registration fee and a lower fee for the home-based business.
Perhaps Council should ask staff to thoroughly investigate wh
ther
it would be too much of a burden to take on the regulatory pro
ess
for staff and leave that portion with the county. Certainly,
as a
business, he would prefer to walk in to his city hall, find out
what
type of business requirements he had to meet through regui
tory
licensing and if it could be done more expediently than coing
through the County, that would be a good thing. He felt tha
the
business registration fee could be lowered to a maximum of
$50
and even less for a home-based business. At the same time,
taff
should look at the penalties and enforcement aspect of
the
program. The West Hollywood approach seems to be the best
—
letting people know the City expects them to come in and reg
ster
or present their regulatory license. If not, there would be a warning
violation followed by stiffer penalties. He would also like staff to
talk
with neighboring cities to determine what type of software
program
they are using. It seems that a small data based program would
be
sufficient. Perhaps this information could be imparted to Council
in
the fall for implementation in 2004 since there does not seem to
be
a rush to implement the program.
C/Chang concurred with C/Zirbes. He felt that $85 was too high
M/Herrera said the Council consensus is for staff to obtaini
put
from other cities with respect to software programs, input time, cost,
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 6 CC STUDY SESSION
etc. and bring the information back to the Council in the fall for
discussion.
MPT/Huff asked if staff could establish whether the fee captures
actual costs.
C/O'Connor wanted the Chamber's input regarding administration
of the business registration program.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Herrera
adjourned the study session at 6:10 p.m.
LY DA BURGESS, Cityllerk
ATTEST:
CAROL HERRERA, Mayor
1
C
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
February 18, 2003
CLOSED SESSION: None
STUDY SESSION: M/Herrera called the Study Sessior
order at 5:24 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management/Governn
Center Room CC -8, 21865 E. Copley Dr. Diamond Bar, CA
to
nt
Present: Council Members Chang, O'Conor,
Zirbes, MPT/Huff and M/Herrera.
Also present: James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager:,
Gregg Kovacevich, Assistant City Attorney; David Doyle, Deputy ity
Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Sery ces
Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Lynda Burgess, City Clerk; 4nn
Lungu, Associate Planner; Fred Alamolhoda, Senior Engineer; April Bla (ey,
Public Information Manager and Sharon Gomez, Management Analyst
• Business License Fees
Public Comments
ADJOURNED STUDY SESSION: 6:10 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: M/Herrera called the Regular Meetin to
order at 6:38 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management/Govern ent
Center Room CC -8, 21865 E. Copley Dr. Diamond Bar, CA
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by M�yor
Herrera.
INVOCATION: The invocation was given by Mike
representing Monsignor James Loughnane, St. Denis Catholic Church
ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, O'Co
Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem Huff, Mayor Herrera
Also present: James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager;
Gregg Kovacevich, Assistant 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 C erk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 Plaques were presented by the City and by George Lizke, World Wide
Water Foundation, to Ed Beiderman for his dedication to providing
clean water for
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 2
CITY COUNCIL
cities.
1.2 Presented Certificates of Recognition to CAPP Cultural Faire Student
Program Essay Participants.
1.3 Introduced new Volunteer Patrol Members — Steve Chi, Frank James,
"Mo" Naik and David Porter.
1.4 Presentation given by Alison Meyers, Diamond Bar/Walnut YMCA
regarding the Annual Fundraising Campaign.
1.5 Presentation given by DCM/Doyle regarding improvements to City
Hall's Telephone System.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None Offered.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Hall, President, D.B. Chamber of Commerce
thanked the Chamber's Board Members and the City for their support during
her Presidency.
Nancy Lyons, President, D.B. Friends of the Library, announced that the
Annual Wine Soiree would be held Sunday, March 30, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at
the Shilo Hilltop Suites.
Clyde Hennessee expressed his opinion about the poor quality of television
reception with the switch over to digital (HDTV). If citizens are unhappy, they
should contact FCC officials.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: None offered.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION — February 20, 2003 — 7:00 p.m.,
SCAQMD/Government Center Room CC -8, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.2 COMMUNITY COORDINATING COMMITTEE — February 24, 2003
— Room CC -2, SCAQMD/Government Center, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.3 TOWN HALL MEETING — February 25, 2003 — 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD/
Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr, — Discussion
regarding the City's Street Sweeping Program.
5.4 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — February 25, 2003 — 7:00
p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center, Hearing Board Room, 21865 E.
Copley Dr.
1
1
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 3
CITY COUNCIL
5.5 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION — February 27, 20P3 —
7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center, Hearing Board R om,
21865 E. Copley Dr.
5.6 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING - March 3, 2003 - F:00
p.m., D.B./Walnut Sheriff's Station, 21695 E. Valley Blvd., Waln t
5.7 CITY COUNCIL MEETING - March 4, 2003 — 6:30 �.m.,
SCAQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by MPT/Huff, seconded by C2 rbes
to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items No. 6.4, 6.5,
6.7 and 6.8. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zirbes, MPT/ uff,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
6.1.1 Study Session of February 4, 2003 - As submitted.
6.1.2 Regular Meeting of February 4, 2003 — As submitted.
6.2 APPROVED WARRANT REGISTERS -dated February 6, 200and
February 13, 2003, totaling $1,007,001.15. (C/O'Connor voted o on
P.O. 12343).
6.3 REJECTED CLAIM - Filed by Maria Vicenta G. Pacheco -Pap on
January 28, 2003.
6.6 AUTHORIZED EXCEEDING THE CITY MANAGER'S PURCHASE
AUTHORITY FOR OFFICE SUPPLIES FROM BOISE CASCADE
OFFICE PRODUCTS IN AN AMOUNT UP TO $30,000 FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2002-2003.
6.9 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO A CONSULTING SERVI ES
AGREEMENT WITH DIANA CHO AND ASSOCIATES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $7,000 FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CONTRACT COMPLI CE
SERVICES.
MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
6.4 RATIFY PURCHASE OF TWO GATEWAY NOTEBOOK 200 SErIES
LAPTOP COMPUTERS ($4,500).
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
6.5 AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO HIRE INDEPENDENT
CONSULTANT (SATORI) TO MANAGE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
CUSTOMER REQUEST MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE APPLICATION
AT A COST NOT -TO -EXCEED $21,500.
C/O'Connor suggested that Items 6.4 and 6.5 be postponed until after
budget considerations.
DCM/DeStefano explained that Item 6.4 is for ratification of previously
purchased laptop computers. The primary purpose of the purchase
was to supplement the existing inventory and replace older models
within the inventory.
DCM/Doyle explained that Item 6.5 could be delayed. Several months
ago, Council approved purchase of a Customer Response
Management Software System. This item was placed on tonight's
agenda due to understaffing in the City Manager's office. In order to
proceed with Council's desire to implement the system in this fiscal
year, a new staff member would need to be hired to implement the
system.
Moved by C/Zirbes, seconded by C/Chang to approve Items 6.4 and
6.5. Motion for Item 6.4 carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Zirbes, MPT/Huff,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - O'Connor
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
Motion for Item 6.5 carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zirbes,
MPT/Huff, M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.7 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2003-09 APPROVING APPLICATION
FOR GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $125,791 FOR THE SAN
GABRIEL AND LOWER LOS ANGELES RIVERS AND MOUNTAINS
CONSERVANCY GRANT PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND
COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2002 TO FUND
RECREATIONAL TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS AT SYCAMORE
CANYON PARK.
C/O'Connor asked if the total amount for the Trails Master Plan could
be sought rather than the $125,791.
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 5
CITY COUNCIL
CSD/Rose responded that about $2,000,000 would be requir d to
implement the entire Trails Master Plan. Currently, funds availa le in
this grant are about $18,000,000. There are many agencies th t are
eligible to apply. Any funds received through this grant process must
be expended within three years. Staff compiled a grant request tased
on what it believed could reasonably be completed within the spe ified
period. To add additional trails to the proposal would require
significant environmental documentation as well as a lengthy CEQA
process. The grant applications are due the first week in March. Staff
initially heard of the availability of funds the last week of Janua and
had about six weeks to prepare the application.
C/O'Connor encouraged staff to continue pursuing these typ s of
grants in order to fund the entire Trails Master Plan.
Moved by C/O'Connor, seconded by MPT/Huff to adopt Resolltion
2003-09. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zirbe
,
MPT/Huff, M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
6.8 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2003-10 APPROVING
THE
APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS 1N THE AMOUNT OF $85(,000
FOR THE SAN GABRIEL AND LOWER LOS ANGELES RIVERS
AND MOUNTAINS CONSERVANCY GRANT PROGRAM UNDER
THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN
AIR,
AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2002 TO FUND
THE
ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY TO BE DEDICATED TO CPEN
SPACE.
C/O'Connor asked if the City were successful in acquiring th� 2.6
acres, would we be allowed to make parkland type improveme ts.
DCM/DeStefano explained that the zoning of the 2 1/2 acres is single
family residential R-1 (8000). That designation would permit up to 10
dwelling units on the property. Based upon the physical and
environmental constrains, 10 dwelling units is unlikely. More than
likely, it would contain a maximum of three to four dwelling unitq.
CSD/Rose stated that it acquired, this land could be developed as a
neighborhood park. Staff envisioned landscaping the flat portion
nearest Clear Creek Canyon with picnic and drinking fountain
facilities.
C/O'Connor suggested that staff look into whether development f nos
could be included in the grant request.
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
In response to M/Herrera, DCM/DeStefano explained that if Council
so directed, staff would work the numbers using recent park
improvement numbers and add the appropriate figure to the grant
request. The amount could possibly be in the range of $300,000-
$500,000 depending upon components, irrigation, landscaping, etc.
In response to C/O'Connor, CSD/Rose indicated that the property
would be available as open space and a park qualifies as open space.
The City could apply for grant funds for improvement during another
funding cycle.
Moved by C/O'Connor, seconded by C/Zirbes to adopt Resolution No.
2003-10 as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zirbes,
MPT/Huff, M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 VIDEO PRESENTATION - PUBLIC SAFETY YEAR -IN -REVIEW —
OUTLINING ACCOMPLISHMENTS, SERVICES AND GOALS — by Lt.
Maxey.
8.2 APPOINTMENT/REAPPOINTMENT TO VACANCIES ON THE
DIAMOND BAR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.
Chery Cooper, President of the Diamond Point Homeowners
Association, introduced herself as an applicant.
Fabiola "Fabby" Holguin, Administrator and Event Coordinator at
Diamond Point Club, introduced herself as an applicant for the
Community Foundation Board.
Moved by C/Zirbes, seconded by C/Chang to continue the matter to
March 4, 2003. Motion carried 4-1 by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Zirbes, MPT/Huff,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - O'Connor
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
C/O'Connor invited these and other interested applicants to attend the
Diamond Bar Community Foundation meeting on Thursday, February
20 at 7:00 p.m.
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 7
CITY COUNCIL
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/ COUNCIL MEMBER COMMS TS:
C/Chang said that during the past two weeks, many Asian -Americans ere
celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year. While we enjoy the unity o our
Country we are also celebrating our diversity. When he joined with the for
an event hosted by the D.B. American -Chinese Association, most ol the
Council Members also joined him as invited guests. The Asian -American 3 get
together to celebrate their heritage and celebrate something they treasure
that is a very big strength that is injected into the overall strength of our Jreat
Country. He congratulated them and joined with them in celebration He
also attended the annual CAAP (California African-American Parents) event.
As witnessed tonight, several young kids were award recipients. He
congratulated them for their great event and also the students who id a
wonderful job on the article competition. The Council had a great joint
meeting with the Traffic and Transportation Commission and enjoyed
receiving the Commissioner's comments on several issues. The
Commissioners enjoy their job - they do a wonderful job and are dedicated
to serving the community.
C/O'Connor joined the Council for the Chinese Association's celebrati n of
the New Year and participated in the CAAP event. She also attended the
Chamber Mixer at Administaff. She encouraged fellow Council MembE rs to
attend the mixers. Speaking about her "no" votes this evening, she saic
she
felt it was important that Council and staff look closely at its resources in
light
of the State budget crisis. She believed that if there were items that cou
d be
postponed, it was important to do so until the City was certain of its fur
ding
resources. The City's Community Services Department provided the C
unci)
with a list of items that could be postponed and she encouraged other
City
departments to do the same with the result being that Council would consider
postponing certain items.
C/Zirbes was busy the past couple of weeks working with staff and residents
on neighborhood improvement issues. Along with other Council Mem ers,
he participated in the usual spate of meetings and events, the most no able
of which was the joint meeting with the Traffic and Transportation
Commission meeting. He reminded residents to participate in next Tues ay's
Town Hall Meeting for discussion of the street -sweeping program. He, fellow
Council Members and staff members continue to pursue economic
development. He and DCM/DeStefano are meeting with a very prom nent
market player early next week to discuss possible occupancy of space v ithin
the Country Hills Towne Center.
MPT/Huff reported that he and M/Herrera serve as liaisons to the S nior
organizations in town. Today he visited with members of the group who
voiced concerns on certain issues. If any of the many active seniors in D.B.
have questions, either he or M/Herrera would be pleased to speak with t em.
Recently, the COG President's Council participated in a meeting with the
economic partnership leaders last week to provide feedback about how COG
viewed their role and to gain understanding about how they intend to look for
FEBRUARY 18, 2003 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
a new executive director. This morning, he met with Congressman David
Dreier at Foothill Transit's new maintenance facility in Irwindale.
Congressman Dreier was instrumental in getting funding for the state of the
art facility.
M/Herrera said that February 8 was a big cultural day for D.B. and it was
most enjoyable to participate in the many events of the Chinese New Year
and the CAAP annual fair. She felt that such events were very important to
show the diversity in the culture and the importance of continuing with
traditions. She was sorry to see that the Wherehouse in the Country Hills
Towne Center was closing. It will be a big challenge to see what can be
done to revitalize the center. She thanked the City's public safety providers
— the Fire Department, Sheriff's Department and Volunteer Patrol for making
D.B. a safe environment for its citizens. She congratulated the students who
were honored this evening. She was proud of their commitment to education
and art.
10. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct,
M/Herrera adjourned the meeting at 8:28 p.m. in memory of Vernon Rose,
father of Community Services Director Bob Rose and in memory of Harriet
Isaack, charter member of the Diamond Bar Senior organization.
LYNDA BURGESS, CITY CLERK
ATTEST:
CAROL HERRERA, MAYOR