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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/1/2003 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES APRIL 1, 2003 STUDY SESSION: M/Herrera called the Study Sessl order at 5:34 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air C Management District/Government Center, 28165 E. Copley Dr. Dia Bar, CA. to ity Present: Council Members Chang, O'Conor, Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem Huff and Mayor Herrera. Also Present: Linda Lowry, City Manager; ike Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Fose, Community Services Director; Fred Alamolhoda, Senior Engineer; Ann Lungu, Associate Planner, Lt. Joe Maxey, Walnut Sheriff; April BI key, Public Information Manager and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk. ➢ Diamond Bar High School Traffic Circulation Presentation by Ray Abassi and Darren Adrian, Applied Engineering (AAE) — Alternative 1 through 6 (renderings). Alternative 1- Mr. Adrian explained that one negative of this alternate a is that the westbound left turns at the westerly and middle driveways into through lanes will cause stacking. C/O'Connor suggested it would help the traffic flow by making the wearly turn a right turn -in and the easterly turn a left turn -in. Mr. Adrian agre . Alternative 2 — Mr. Abassi responded to C/O'Connor that the cost fod this alternative would be about $80,000. DPI/Liu explained that with d ign and construction, the cost would be approximately $150,000. Alternative 3 - Mr. Adrian explained that the advantage of this alternative is that there is only one loop that is completely separate from the bus traffic. The disadvantage is that there is only one loop to incorporate the drop-off areas. Based on 25 feet per car, the drop-off area w uld accommodate about 20-25 cars. In response to MPT/Huff, Mr. Adrian explained the comment about this alternative creating a bus conflict means that although the vehicular traffic stays away from the bus drop-off area, the exit route for buses conilicts with a certain number of vehicles in circulation. Alternative 4 — According to Mr. Adrian, the benefits of this alten were plenty of drop-off area and plenty of queuing area for stacking. drawback is the location of the bus drop off area and the conflict bet the bus and vehicular traffic in the exit area. APRIL 1, 2003 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION Alternative 5 -- utilizes a full traffic signal with two separate loops. Alternative 2 has a similar concept with a partial traffic signal. ClZirbes said he lives to the east of the high school. The problem is the amount of traffic coming northbound on Brea Canyon Rd. and the amount of time it takes to exit onto northbound Brea Canyon Rd. out of the school driveway. Unless there is something to stop motorists from driving up Brea Canyon Rd., it will continue to create a significant conflict for vehicles exiting the school onto Brea Canyon Rd. and make it difficult to get to Pathfinder Rd. Mr. Abassi felt that proper signalization and timing would address the problem. Alternative 6 — delineates two separate loops without signalization improvements. The disadvantage is that there will be an increase in northbound left turns from Brea Canyon Rd. to Pathfinder Rd. Mr. Adrian then presented three improvement options (Alternatives SR -1, SR -2 and SR -3) for the high school. These options generally include a full signal at the westerly driveway, signal modification at the intersection of Pathfinder Rd. and Brea Canyon Rd., and signinglstriping to Pathfinder Rd. for proper vehicle channelization. Total cost of the improvements range from $315,000 to $450,000 including signalization. If necessary, during Phase 11, a raised center median with curbs along with right -turn diverters at each entrance could be added for an additional cost of $130,000. ClZirbes said that on days when school is not in session, he did not see a need for a left turn signal on Evergreen Springs Dr. Abassi said that at this time, there were not a lot of people making left turns and U-turns at Evergreen Springs. However, the design of the proposed signalization is permissive/protected and the signal would not likely be used during non - peak hours. Mr. Adrian explained that without the protected left -turn, a minimum of two cars would be able to make a left turn on each phase. During one hour of time, 80-100 cars could make the turn without a protected left. MPT/Huff reiterated his concern about the dedicated left arrow. He could remember when it was a major drop-off point and two or three cars could get through at the light. If you introduce a protected left turn, more people would use it as an alternative so that they would not have to get through the mess. However, he and M/Herrera walked the neighborhood and found out the residents were not concerned about it and he was less concerned about that issue. He felt it would become a major issue that would introduce another concern. Because the new driveway by the buildings is right at the intersection, a stacking problem could be created with vehicles backed up into the intersection. APRIL 1, 2003 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION Mr. Abassi said that without the driveway being open, he had no idea what the number of cars would be that would use the driveway so he had no recommendation but felt that MPT/Huff was correct in his assumptio . MPT/Huff felt that a good method for assessing the situation would a not to do the signal at this time, implement the remainder of the mit' ation measures and look at how the traffic worked with the new signalizati n. Mr. Adrian further explained the third improvement option (Alternativ SR - 3) without the signal. In this scenario, there would be split phasing done at the Brea Canyon Rd. and Evergreen Springs Dr. signals. Mr. Dennis Paul, Diamond Bar High School Principal, thanked the C uncil for its consideration of this long-standing problem. The situation will be even more difficult next year because the student population will inc ease. He felt the consultants had provided a very comprehensive plan. The school district is amenable to looking at internal adjustments of its p rking lot to support the outside improvements. He could not speak to participating in the costs. However, the parking lot is overdue for improvements. Due to the increase in school population, the school is considering staggered start times. PWD/Liu explained that in light of the information presented, staff recommends Alternative 5R2. M/Herrera asked if the projected costs included signage in and around the school that the school would have to provide. Mr. Abassi responded that the school's cost would be minimal. Sine the school district had plans to repave and reconfigure the parking area and entrance to accommodate the City's modifications at a cost of about $40,000 - $50,000. 2] Public Comments: None Offered. CM/Lowry stated that bids for two Pathfinder Rd. signals were previously forwarded to the Council for approval. The option was to either accept that bid or go out to bid again if the Council wanted to consider alterations. Staff is seeking guidance from the Council whether to reject the first bid and redesign the project. Council concurred 3-2 to reject the bids and go out for redesign. PWD/Liu stated that staff would present a recommendation to Council on April 15 to reject the current bids. APRIL 1, 2003 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Herrera adjourned the Study Session at 6:31 p.m. LY DA BURGESS, City Clerk ATTEST: CAROL HERRERA, Mayor n 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR APRIL 1, 2003 STUDY SESSION: MlHerrera called the Study Se order at 5:34 p.m., in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Management DistrictlGovemment Center, 28165 E. Copley Dr. Diam CA. Present. Council Members Chang, Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem Huff and Mayor Herrera. Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Mike Jer City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle, Df City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Comm Services Director; Fred Alamolhoda, Senior Engineer; Ann Lungu, Assc Planner, Lt. Joe Maxey, Walnut Sheriff; April Blakey, Public Inform Manager and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk. ➢ Diamond Bar High School Traffic Circulation Presentations made by Ray Abassi, then by Darren Adrian, of Ap Advance Engineering (AAE). I to ality Bar, nor, :ins, )uty nity Following discussion, MlHerrera asked Council Members if they favored going forward with the current bid on this project. Council consensus indicated that they were not in favor of continuing with the current bid by a vote of 2 ayes, 3 noes. With respect to obtaining bids for redesign of the project, Council const indicated that this was a favorable choice by a vote of 3 ayes, 2 noes. will schedule rejection of the current bids for the City Council agenda on 15, 2003. Mayor Herrera adjourned the Study Session at 6:31 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: MlHerrera called the meeting to ord r at 6:40 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Governent Center Auditorium, 28165 E. Copley Dr. Diamond Bar, CA. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Herrera. INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Bishop Stevens, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, O'Connor, Mayor Pro Tem Huff, and Mayor Herrera rk APRIL 1, 2003 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL 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 and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: CM/Lowry requested that the Public Hearing for Extended -Stay America Retail/Commercial development project review be continued to April 15 at the request of the applicant. Since this item was properly noticed as a Public Hearing item for this evening's agenda, public testimony should be received during this meeting. 1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 1.1 Proclaimed April 2003 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month." Accepted by Francine Munoz. 1.2 Proclaimed April 6 —12, 2003 as "National Library Week." Accepted by Irene Wang, Community Library Manager. BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: 1.3 Presented City Tile to Diamond Jim's Dairy as April Business of the Month and displayed Business of the Month video. Owner Nick Patel was unable to be present. Mr. Patel's sister Lila Patel and daughter Priyanka Patel accepted the tile. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Ted Meyers stated that the inter -library loan service for people who are trying to get books that are difficult is a wonderful community service. This is his fourth attempt to speak to the community concerning the consequences of a now raging war. He felt the concerns he first wanted to talk about were legitimate but with the onset of the war they will now have to be addressed in a new way at future meetings. He spoke about being treated with respect by people passing him at a local intersection. He did not want anyone to believe he did not respect the men and women of the armed forces. His hope is that the war ends quickly and that the U.S. and its allies intend to win the peace as well. In his faith and tradition he prays for God's mercy, love and peace on all combatants. As a mental health professional and Lutheran minister, he was concerned about the City's children and families who may be traumatized by the war. The City Council meetings are a community forum and business meeting. This is not the Council's private business, this is a citizen's of Diamond Bar meeting and you the Council, are the people's elected representatives. When you deny one person the right to speak you deny all people the right to speak. He asked the City Attorney to address Mr. D 11 APRIL 1, 2003 PAGE 3 CITY COU McKee's concern about the article in the City's Charter regarding this He will have more to say at successive meetings. Some people belle may have frightened Council Members by his words or actions. If he h apologizes. He had nothing to do with the Los Angeles Times show interest in this story. Why have people said that it took courage for speak? Does that mean that anyone who comes before the Cou express a difficult subject has something to fear in this chamber? Francine Munoz stated that this is the Department of Corrections' first fundraiser for victims of child abuse for Beaumont Village, the only reE treatment center in Southern California. She invited residents to par in the "National Day of Hope." 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: M/Herrera indicated 1 regard to Mr. Meyers' comments, CA/Jenkins previously explained the comment venue and she did not believe it served public interest to b the point. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 5.2 he he an n to it to in PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING - April 7, 2003 - 7:001p.m., Diamond Bar/Walnut Sheriff Station, 21695 E. Valley Blvd., W Inut. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — April 8, 2003 — 7:00 Ip.m., Auditorium, SCAQMD/Government Center, 21865 E. Copley qr. 5.3 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION —April 10, 2003 — 7:00 p.m., Hearing Board Room, SCAQMDIGovernment Cnter, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.4 CITY COUNCIL MEETING — April 15, 2003 — 6:30p.m., SCAQMDIGovernment Center Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley D . 5.5 ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST�April 19, 2003 - 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Pantera Park, 738 Pantera r. 5.6 JOINT CITY COUNCIL/PARKS AND RECREATION COMMI SION MEETING — April 24, 2003 — 5:00 — 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Gover ment Center, Room CC -8, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.7 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR 14th ANNUAL BIRTHDAY CELEB TION — April 27, 2003 —12:00 noon — 6:00 p.m., Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by C/Zirbes, seconded by MPT/Huff to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by the following R II Call vote: APRIL 1, 2003 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zirbes, MPT/Huff, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: 6. 1.1 Study Session of March 18, 2003 —As submitted. 6.1.2 Regular Meeting of March 18, 2003 — As submitted. 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of February 25, 2003 - Receive and file. 6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MINUTES: 6.3.1 Regular Meeting of January 9, 2003. 6.3.2 Regular Meeting of February 13, 2003. 6.4 APPROVED WARRANT REGISTERS dated March 20, 2003 and March 27, 2003 in the amount of $1,178,746.62. (C/O'Connor voted NO on approval of P.O. 12343). 6.5 REVIEWED AND APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT- month of February, 2003. 6.6 REJECTED CLAIM - Filed by Virginia Soto-Rodarte on February 28, 2003. 6.7 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-15 SUPPORTING A COMPLETE AND COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF ALL ALTERNATIVES TO THE EXPANSION OF TRUCK LANES ON THE POMONA (SR -60) FREEWAY. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7.1 EXTENDED STAY AMERICA RETAIL/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT REVIEW — A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION NO. 2002- 07, GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 2002-01, ZONE CHANGE NO. 2002-01, SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 2002-01, DEVELOPMENT REVIEW NO. 2002-07, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 2002-05, AND TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 26771; FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 850 BREA CANYON ROAD (APN 8719-013-010) (Walnut Valley Trailer Park Property) — continued to April 15, 2003. APRIL 1, 2003 PAGE:5 CITY COyNCIL MlHerrera opened the Public Hearing. Anthony Gonzales, 852 Silver Fir Rd. supported the developmei it and ridding the City of the eyesore that currently exists. He was concerned about the westbound traffic as well as SR60 exit ai Brea Canyon Rd. He hoped the hotel would have a well -landscaped and sophisticated look to the entrance rather than a motel look. He was also concerned about an elevated monument sign and asked that it be moved away from the Brea Canyon entrance and out of the view of the residential neighborhood. His neighborhood has a lot of concrete and block walls and lacks greenery. He opposed the two proposed retail spaces. He had no problem with office use. MlHerrera invited Mr. Gonzales to speak during the April 15 m when the applicant is present. There being no further testimony offered, MlHerrera continuE d the Public Hearing to April 15, 2003. 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: No items offered. 9. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: CIO'Connor wished everyone an interesting April Fools Day. Her th ughts and prayers are with families of those serving in the military. Condolences to families who have lost loved ones that made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for freedoms we treasure. May God Bless the military and ma God Bless America. C/Zirbes echoed CIO'Connor's thoughts and wished everyone a good evening. C/Chang thanked the troops for their service and those who sacrifice their lives in protecting our country and its freedoms. Condolences to families who have lost loved ones. He congratulated Richard Malooly, newly -e ected Chamber of Commerce President and looked forward to his leadership. He thanked the Chamber for its work with the City and looked forward tow rking toward the same goal, to bolster the economy of D.B. He congratulated the Friends of the Library on their successful "Wine Soiree." This group contributes $20,000 to $25,000 each year to the local library. MPT/Huff echoed comments of his colleagues and wished every ne a goodnight. M/Herrera — God Bless America, God Bless our children and God Bless those who are fighting to preserve our freedoms. APRIL 1, 2003 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, M/Herrera adjourned the meeting at 7:29 p.m. in memory of Hilma Jerzykowski and in honor of those serving in the military. LYN' A BURGESS, CIV CLERK ATTEST: