Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/13/2003 Minutes - Adjourned Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF MAY 13, 2003 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera called t e Adjo jrned Regular City Council Meeting to order at 4:34 p.m. in the Room CC -8 f the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government Center, 21 E 65 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, O Connor, and Mayor Herrera. Mayor Pro Tem Huff arrived at 4:55 p.m. Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; J, DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle; Deputy City IV anager; I Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community ServicesDirector; I Magnuson, Finance Director; Lynda Burgess, City Clerk; Kim Drews, S Management Analyst; Fred Alamolholda, Senior Engineer; T resa Are Senior Management Analyst; Sharon Gomez, Management A lyst and Blakey, Public Information Manager. 2. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: 2.1.1 LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE MATTERS— Report y Jim Legislative Liaison. 2.1 .1 AB 1221 (STEINBERG AND CAMPBELL) BALANED COMMUNITIES ACT (Continued from May 6, 2003.) - Continu d to May 20, 2003. Mr. Clarke reported that the hearing initially scheduled for May 14, had been postponed until the next Wednesday, May 21. If the bill does not get out of committee by the end of May 2003, it dies The Sta a is advocating taking away 50% of cities' sales tax revenue and repla Ing it with what they are calling a "property tax backfill", whicwould7 me from the Educational Revenue Augmentation fund. He briefly reported that the formula does not work for all Cities and a study conducted by Hinderliter, using 1993 to 200C tax figL indicated Diamond Bar would have received approximat gly $100. to $200,000 less revenue in each of those years had A 3 1221 b implemented. It is a fluctuating formula that is locked -in using the pror erty tax to for 2004. The market is volatile and in that there is no gL arantee I lat this legislation benefits the City, but quite the opposite. TI ie legisla ion actually takes away funds allocated at the local level tc use for he State's own general fund. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE .2 CITY COUNCIL CM/Lowry suggested that the matter be continued to Tuesday, May 20, giving Council the opportunity to review the revised material. It was noted that the League is adamantly opposed to the legislation and a number of cities have taken adverse positions. Mr. Clarke stated that even though the hearing was rescheduled, the City's legislative lobbyist, Gonsalves & Son, is working hard to defeat the bill. C/Zirbes was interested in moving forward but preferred to wait for MPT/Huff to arrive to the meeting. C/O'Connor was not comfortable voting on something she had not had an opportunity to study and absorb. If the balance of the Council wanted to take a vote, she would step outside. _ C/Chang was opposed to the legislation and stated that the State tends to resolve its problems at the expense. of local government. He commented that regardless of what other cities were doing, if this Council wants to show its opposition, he would be okay with taking a vote at this time. CM/Lowry briefly explained that the State's proposal to use 2004 as its base -year allows Diamond Bar only a 50% return on any financial enticements used to encourage developments and minimize the capturing of future sales tax. The language of the bill as written is complicated beyond reason. MPT/Huff arrived at 4:55 p.m. After a brief summary of the discussion by M/Herrera, MPT/Huff commented on the benefit of hearing Sacramento's feedback first- hand citing that Sacramento was still trying to address the real problem. It just doesn't yet work for Diamond Bar. Part of the problem is the City is anticipating retail and the City is working hard to get it, If the State had a mechanism for averaging five years out instead of using the current base it would more likely capture future sales tax growth and take into account those cities that have tried to be responsible under existing laws. Neighboring cities come out on the plus side,. Diamond Bar is still. growing. And yet their councils have consistently fought retail growth and only included residential growth. M/Herrera said that therein lies the quandary should Council act now or go to Sacramento and get more information and take action next Tuesday. MPT/Huff suggested that a step in the right direction would be to get away from sales tax to property tax and get feedback from Sacramento to find out whether they would be receptive to something that would work for more cities. 1 1 MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 3 Mr. Clarke said that if the Council waited to take Tuesday, the resolution could be taken to Sacr morning and presented to the offices of the Appropri members. Council concurred to continue the matter to May 20, 2.1.2 SB 537 (ROMERO) — SOLID WASTE MANAGEM from May 6, 2003) Mr. Clarke presented Council with a copy of a Board of Supervisors opposing SB 537. C/O'Connor talked about an article in the newspaper tc that the City of Industry had changed the language or be restricted as well. COUNCIL next next (Continued m from the whict said ed them to Mr. Clarke stated that the bill was amended late last night ani I the language has not yet been added to the legislation but that he had obtained a list of the amendments that were madEl. In se tion 44013.a, the amendment restricts the Grand Central re cling/tra isfer station in the City of Industry. MPT/Huff pointed out that the article indicated that Indu ry was illing to do that because there is a common feeling that the are try] g to restrict the County landfill and not the transport station in their itV. According to Los Angeles County Sanitation, there is an applic tion by Grand Central to raise their daily transferable tonnage to 5 000 tons a day, which would be more than what is proposed for Puente Hills. The theory is that if Grand Central had obtained the new pe Tnit, they would have been able to make more money. Ob ]ously, ]tas not fair and LA County decided that Grand Central wo Id rema n at the March 2001 limit of 1500 tons per day. Mr. Clarke indicated that Gonsalves would also t to kill this legislation. While it did pass out of committee with these amendments, the prognosis for the bill is not good. In response to C/O'Connor's inquiry as to why Gon alves wuld attempt to kill the bill when they sent out a message to support it, Mr. Clarke responded that this was done prior to the amendments. C/O'Connor reminded Council that she took a position ir favor of this bill at the Sanitation District on direction from Gonsalve ' staff. Ir an attempt to acquire all the pertinent information relating tc this bill, 5he suggested they study the bill more closely. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL Mr. Clarke said that C/O'Connor's reasoning was correct at the time. However, the bill has been stripped of everything having to do with expansion and building of new facilities, and focuses on Grand Central and Puente Hills and the amount of times that they can move in -and - out. It's a totally different bill. And it's not doing exactly what the author intended it to do. CM/Lowry said staff's recommendation would be "no action" at this point. 2.2 DISCUSSION: CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. M/Herrera reported that she and subcommittee member MPT/Huff agreed that Council needed to first review the goals that it adopted last year and determine how many were accomplished before determining next year's goals. CM/Lowry commented on the importance for Council to dialogue with staff as to the goals' creation, status, and how they were accomplished or not accomplished, as it is staff that has to make them happen. CITY COUNCIL GOALS WITH ONGOING OBJECTIVES FOR FY 2002- 2003: CM/Lowry stated that the same format was being used as in the past, with an update in the middle column. The column on the right contains other comments that staff feels should lead us into further discussion such as to whether the matter should be carried into the next year. Staff is seeking direction from Council as to what each goal entails and are the Council and staff on the same page visioning how to carry the goal into the next year's budget or the year after that. Goal Finalize Plans for Community/Senior Center-, Commence Construction of Facility and Design Schematic Plans for Library. Obiective - "Community/Senior Center" — construction is proceeding. Next year's goal would include the operations and the opening costs. Monies for opening, operations, and purchase of fixtures and furnishings were not included in the budget but will be coming to the Council in the form of a Decision Package to be presented at the next meeting. It was questioned as to Council seeing the Senior Center as remaining an objective on next year's Goals and Objectives or does Council see it being absorbed with construction of the center ending. C/Chang agreed that this goal should be refined to create a policy for use of the facility by the community and seniors. _Obiective - "Actively pursue alternative forms of library funding (i.e. bonds, assessment districts and state/federal grants) and hire a grant writer to search for funds, explore the cost/benefit (feasibility) of seceding from the n 1 MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 5 County for Library services"— staff is recommending that consider withdrawing from the County Library system and sul grant applications. C/Chang recommended additional study sessions to discuss whether Council wanted to move forward in the pursuit of g In response to MPT/Huff, DCM/Doyle explained that Objectives state that the City was looking at withdrawing fro August or September rather than in July in order to make su application is substantially complete and the operating accomplished before withdrawing. Staff will be preparing direction by July. In response to M/Herrera regarding a Study Session to re-ei direction the City should go, DCM/Doyle suggested that the a couple of months. CITY COUNCIL City should stand alone Proie t and Goal( the COL that the and v in greem nt is move iidi that to as tp the ncil w it for Staff has requested financial information from the County regarding the amount Diamond Bar is paying into the system and how it is b aing sper it, as well as the revenue being generated by the City for the Coun y. Additionally, staff needs to develop a "plan of service" for the new libr ry in order to understand staffing needs. At that point, staff c uld givthe information to an outside service -provider and have them co it out. MPT/Huff concurred that it would be good to have a study information had been gathered. Obiective - "Develop concept of teen program" — CM/Lowry sta dthat s recommendation is to move the objective to implementation of the Y Master Plan Goal. M/Herrera explained that, historically, when Council Member submit goals, staff looks at the list and categorizes them. Objective - "Study alternate uses of library site if funding fails `— C% pointed out that, at this point, the funding has not failed so the Goal stay on the list. DCM/Doyle also indicated that, if the City gets the funding Library, the goal should include reuse of the present library sits commented that the Fire Department had priority over the cur ' DCM/Doyle explained that the Fire Department has discuss( current site, but the Library District actually owns the current they publicly stated that the Fire Department would have to purr from them. for the the ra use ofthe e. In fact, se the site MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL C/O'Connor stated that the City has the money to build a library but the question is funding the operations. She inquired as to the City's ultimate intent in the event the City does get the bond. DCM/Doyle said that when the application is submitted, we will know what it would cost to operate the library and the Council and the County have to make a statement to the Bond Board that we would be running a library for 40 years. Council should have all of the operating costs up front before going into the Bond Act application process. Goal: Consider Ado tion and Im lementation of Economic Develo meat and/or Strategic Plan Obiective - Phase i "Identify unmet retail needs; target revitalization of existing commercial areas; attract commercial development; consider strategies with Project Area; prioritize commercial areas for economic development opportunities; examine the feasibility of creating a new redevelopment project area". Phase II "Consider strategies without redevelopment; utilize elements of economic plan from Kosmont study; work to pass redevelopment legislation and support other measures allocating stable funding for cities, such as through property taxes; creation of an `Economic Assistance Program' to formulate alternative methods to finance economic development (use of money or bonds to replace lost; redevelopment funding)." DCM/DeStefano said that the Redevelopment Project Area concept did not succeed. Staff conducted a roundtable discussion with business -savvy individuals in September, with the results provided to Council in October. It was apparent that focus should be placed on the two vacant pieces of property in the City — Site D and the hospital site, and The Country Hills Towne Center, as well as focus on Kmart. This has evolved into a continuing quest for a grocery store at Country Hills and possible uses in the future that may be residential rather than retail. Site D is being considered by the School District as a possible site for freeway oriented/neighborhood shopping center to fill existing voids in that area. DCM/DeStefano responded to C/O'Connor that about two years ago, Council wanted to look at Site D as a freeway -oriented retail commercial opportunity. It is important for Council to either affirm or redirect this position as staff intends to market the site as a 20 -acre potential for a retail project at the upcoming National Developers Conference. At this point, the City's position is that the site should be retail. DCM/DeStefano commented that the School District is interested in more residential and at this point it may or may not offer a compromise. MPT/Huff stated that the school district was interested in maximizing the dollar and felt MAY 13, 2003 PAGE.7 Cl" it would be through housing. C/O'Connor questioned the City's intent to market the property M knowing the School District's intentions. DCM/DeStefano r sponde there is an opportunity being currently vacant, and staff would like to a that opportunity in the current "hot" market. Staff knows of si nfficont tax producers that want to locate on Site D; even though the roperty is not interested, the City is, in marketing the property. The sane thing true for a couple of other sites in the City, such as the Waln t Valley site. COUNCIL that M/Herrera said that one of the reasons the City is aggressively marketing these sites is that the City needs $1,000,000 in new sales tax in order to be in a position to afford the ongoing maintenance for the new Community/Senior Center and Library. C/O'Connor said that a number of residents have proposed hat Site be considered for location of a sports complex. DCM/DeStefano reiterated the importance for staff to know Cou oil's direction so that marketing energies are maximized for potential developers, as well as staff. Staff could focus its energies on other sites in the City for a sports complex. C/Chang, in response to C/O'Connor, stated that the property owner for Site D doesn't really care what type of facilities go onto the site, they are looking for funds in the area of $15,000,000 and $18,000,000. He could certainly understand the community's desire to have a swimming p ol, a sports complex, but everything has a priority and the current Prionty is the Community/Senior Center and the Library. He commentec that it VVas important for the City to focus on finding commercial retail s lutions f r its vacant property in order to ensure an ongoing revenue strearr and provide a more secure financial future for the City. The administrate n fee of the Community/Senior Center has been projected at $750,000 ar d the Lib ary cost would double that. Regardless, it is estimated that the City needs approximately $1,000,000 more in annual income to cover these costs_ DCM/DeStefano commented that there is also an opportunity to deve!c p a retail center on the current Calvary Chapel property. Staff was focusing on the hospital piece just above it and that appears to be leaning toward a residential opportunity with a small office development. There is more interest on the bottom portion of the property for retail, and there is a ell - known developer with an exclusive to do the development. That portion of the four sites has shifted a bit but in a positive direction. Staff sees WE as an ongoing objective so that the City can move on to revitalizinC some of the centers. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL CM/Lowry said she didn't know whether the feasibility of creating a new redevelopment project area would continue to be carried forward with the State's unraveling of redevelopment and sales tax benefits. DCM/DeStefano said staff would recommend deleting this item because the climate is unfavorable. Both sides are working hard to cause redevelopment to go away or make it so onerous that it's not worth pursuing in project areas. In addition, it is difficult to produce enough blight in this City to meet the test to generate enough revenue to support creation of a project area. CM/Lowry said the City made a big step by creating the Financing Authority and that was part of her concern regarding AB 1221. The City committed itself to having funds on hand to do economic development, and, if it was going to end up that the City was not going to get its portion of sales tax out of it, the City would have to change considerably its approach on nearly everything. This would include the first phase on how the City was going to develop the properties. Obiective - "Establish supermarket for Country Hills Towne Center and/or .south end." DCM/DeStefano stated that C/Zirbes has helped to coordinate, through his contacts, business meetings with members of that business -industry. As a result, staff has spoken with about 20 different grocery store operators that have stores in this marketplace; with limited success. Staff is hoping to gain interest in that center at the International Council of Shopping Centers conference. It also appears that a grocery store could be a significant portion of a Site D development because it's a site above the street and even with a lot of grading, and it's a corner location. If that happens, staff would look for a higher -end use with the same kind of regional advertising on a weekly basis, the same kind of high customer counts that a grocery store provides. This would also be done for the Country Hills Center. C/Zirbes said Site D is a prime piece of freeway real estate that the objective should be to put the market in Country Hills rather than creating another center of the same type on Site D_ Even with the site's grade difficulties, getting a market back into the Center would be beneficial because it would satisfy the need at the south end of town and would open up the opportunity for sales tax generating businesses on Site D. The School District seems determined to have a retail center at Site D. He would like to see a sports complex there as much as anyone else but we don't have $15 million to build it. C/Chang stated that the community wanted a high-end shopping center and restaurant available and that Site D would offer the highest and best use site _ for such a project. It's been nearly impossible to attract a grocery store to the Towne Center because of competition with Wal-Mart. 1 1 MAY 13, 2003 .. - ._PAGE 9 CI1TY COUNCIL M/Herrera understood that the Council concurred that Sit D should be commercial.CM/Lowry confirmed that pursuit of a supermarket for the Country Hills Towne Center would remain an ongoing item. Objective - Conduct a business town forum/open houa to di cuss business/economic development. DCM/DeStefano confirmed that a portion of this has been co ple#ed. Staff is uncertain as to what the Council intended for a town foru open house. C/O'Connor suggested that one idea for a town forum/open h use would be to display maps of the City's shopping areas and ask. what thE residents had in mind for development, revamping, etc. DCM/DeStefano said that thiE may have been appropriate a year or two ago but may not be app opriate today. It would be staff's recommendation to remove that section oi the item from the list. C/O'Connor pointed out that the City's view of the type of de would generate sales tax may completely differ from the re; the type of uses they would like to see. CM/Lowry said that the Council's desires, as well as, possible differences in desires of the consumer against those of a fiscal manager. may completely compete with each other. It may be contrary perhaps, but it would be in keeping with the goal to make th commercial decisions. C/O'Connor stated given a choice of a Home Depot or a sl Site D, she believes the residents would choose the sl DCM/Doyle questioned the revenue source that would be type project. M/Herrera pointed out that if the City does not bring in the $•` that Home Depot represents, the City won't have the mon afford the Youth Master Plan, or a sports complex or, even to build it without the money to operate it. C/Chang commented that a business complex could provide of entertainment as well as retail in a center that has good free At this time, people spend money in other cities to get ente services. DCM/DeStefano said that with a high sales tax producer, Diamc reap the reward, or it could go in an adjacent City and Diamo get nothing. We could do the same with a sports complex or athletic facility. The City could put it in an athletic facility on c or it could locate it on an adjacent piece of property by enteric City effort. At least Diamond Bar would have the opportunity to revenue to run the facility with the limited land the City has left. that Diamond Bar has Industry -property on three sides and th, elopmen that dents' view of tall discu 3sed )alancin the Those d sire quality life,. most prL dent is comp' x at is comp ex_ ceded fo this ,000 tax ase to be ab a to rse woul J be ►arious types ay expos ure. ainment and nd Bar w uld id Bar would some so t of big -,box site, f into a ic int- ;apture base -le explai ied iy have MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL thousands of vacant acres that present an opportunity for some of the other kinds of uses that are needed, and have been asked for, but don't generate revenue, thus leaving Diamond Bar with the land to generate the revenue to help pay for it. MPT/Huff said that some of this discussion represents an opportunity for educating the residents. They have identified where they would like to see the sports complex if cost were no object but the reality is, cost is an object. The best way to get the amenities is to develop the revenue streams. M/Herrera requested Council's pleasure as to staff's recommendation to deleting the objective conduct a business town forum/open house". C/Chang pointed out that he did not want to jeopardize the relationship with the Chamber of Commerce. M/Herrera gave assurance that Diamond Bar regards the Chamber as part of its family, however the item will be deleted. CM/Lowry said that even with the removal of this item from the list, the first item at the top of page 3 would ensure C/Chang's objective. Objective 'Work with the Chamber of Commerce, business owners, residents and management companies to seek the following: a national chain (middle to upper level) restaurant; businesses to fill vacancies, conduct a survey of residents to determine what businesses would be best for the City" — ongoing. 6/O'Connor questioned if the Council's Chamber Subcommittee meets with the Chamber Economic Development Subcommittee. DCM/DeStefano responded that the Chamber Subcommittee has been inactive until just recently --the last three months or so --and they have met only with City staff, CM/Lowry and him. C/O'Connor explained that the Council has a Chamber Liaison Subcommittee (C/Zirbes and C/Chang) and wondered if that Subcommittee was also included in the Chamber Economic Development Committee in the meetings. C/Zirbes responded "no." in response to M/Herrera, DCM/DeStefano indicated that staff views this matter as ongoing. Objective — "Revisit sign ordinance related to the percentage of non-English characters." DCM/DeStefano explained that the City Attorney's stance prevents the City from prohibiting non-English characters on signs. The leading and current case occurred 10 years ago, which involved the Asian -American Business Group vs. Pomona; wherein Pomona mandated that English be the only language on signs. Diamond Bar would be hardpressed to accomplish this goal. Cities that have contemporary ordinances read very similar to Diamond Bar. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE .11 CITY COUNCIL C/O.'Connor said she never meant this goal to be interpreted tl iat there ould be no foreign language on signs at all. M/Herrera agreedSome f the issues she hears are that residents feel that English should, a. the very least, be the same size as the foreign language. MPT/Huff stated that the current Diamond Bar ordinance is r Elective of the best legal opinion available. DCM/DeStefano said that therein lies the difficulty staff finds in attempting to address the objective. The old cod and old policy was 50/50. The new code doesn't say that — a direct res It of caselaw and direct opinion of the City Attorney. C/O'Connor commented that she remembered it as a percenlage issue and that the letters should be no more than 2 inches high. D M/DeSt fano explained that the percentage issue has been out of the code since mid - 1999. There is a requirement that there be some sort of a ge eric encapsulation of what the sign says; it has to be on the sign n Englis and with no smaller than 4 -inch letters. That is more of a public sai ety issue than anything else. DCM/DeStefano responded to C/Chang that there has been some op nion expressed by the Chamber of Commerce, as well as others, that t iere should be less foreign characters and more English in the s gn progr 1m. That's where the City has been moving but with difficulty from a first Amendment perspective. When questioned by C/0 -Connor as to whether there was any law that dictated that a certain percentage of the sign be in English, DC M/DeSte ano responded "no." C/Zirbes commented that the majority of the sign -face should be in English and in the event of size limitation, the limit should be placed on the second language. He cited the signs along Colima to be hodge-pod a and do not make people feel welcome. There needs to be a balance within the community's diversity. He heard that in San Marino, the percentage is 900. He said he may have been the one to bring this matter forward in our last Goals and Objectives and the purpose was to see that Diamc nd Bar avoid a hodge-podge of signs. DCM/DeStefano said that staff is st II working on this issue and will continue to obtain contemporary ordinanc s from o her cities: In response to C/O'Connor, DCM/DeStefano stated that theQty was and continues to administer the program by policy. According tote Code, the sign can be in foreign characters with the appropriate translate n. In response to C/Chan po g, DCM/DeStefano explained that Diamond Bar's de is fine in terms of the Pomona case because it is being done for public safety purposes. M/Herrera concluded that staff continues to work with the Crity Attorney on this matter and Council looks forward to a recomrr endation for MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL resolution in June. Objective - Look into the creation of an "uptown" or "downtown" area. DCM/DeStefano said that this is an ongoing issue in terms of trying to create landmarks within the community. Some suggestions have been to add street furniture, streetlights, pavement treatment, etc. There is very little opportunity in terms of new development projects to do this type of thing. Staff indicated that the focus should be on the two sites earlier mentioned as an opportunity to create a sense of place — at Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd. or the KmartNons area. The way to accomplish this is to select a couple of locations within the City for placement of flags and other types of defining .characteristics. M/Herrera stated that the Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd. area offered the greatest opportunity because it was probably the most frequently visited area. DCM/DeStefano said that other cities have done it by working with development of new areas. Unfortunately, it is difficult for Diamond Bar because of the land and lack of resources. However, it is not impossible, it will just take longer to figure out how to get it done. CM/Lowry asked Council if it saw this as a way of securing the value of its community by encouraging areas to go this route with similar foliage or similar signage, etc. The Council would have to determine this as a way for Diamond Bar to keep its value over the next 20 years so that when a site goes up for sale or rehabilitation, there would be some kind of overlay zone or district concept in place. That is a long-term planning idea. "Uptown— Downtown" -- what does that mean to Council. She speculated as to the vision, aesthetically and physically, that should be set for the future. MPT/Huff commented that even though it would look nicer and people might feel better about it, he did not agree that "spilling up" Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar Blvd. would make a difference. He cited various locations where ambiance could be created, the golf course or possibly in the Tres Hermanos area. C/O'Connor noticed that some stores have small outside seating areas. Some of the businesses in The Country Hills Towne Center have attempted to do that so they are destination points. She felt the best place to try it would be at The Country Hills Towne Center so that there could be an effort toward upgrading the center and making it a place people wanted to shop. C/Zirbes agreed that presently there is no continuity in the City. He agreed with DCM/DeStefano that the obvious sites for such opportunity would be Site D or the hospital property, as well as the Country Hills Towne Center building perhaps an "underground structure". He didn't see a need for labeling "uptown -downtown" because other centers provide the same basic level of service. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE -13 I CITY COUNCIL C/Chang said that he was not so concerned about t e concept of "uptown/downtown." Diamond Bar needs a dynamic, quality s iopping center that offers good theater, quality restaurants, and family ente lainment. He indicated that the best location was at the corner of Grand Ave and Dia nond Bar Blvd. M/Herrera commented that "Uptown/Downtown" was just aoncept. The City is looking for some place with ambiance. She comment d that th golf course was an ideal spot, that it had a lot of potential. C/O'Connor offered that the Objective could be "Uptown/Downtown" to create a "destination area." Council Objective - Work with County for possible acquisition of the Diamon Bar Golf Course. DCM/DeStefano said that the objective is to work with the C ounty toward acquiring the golf course for some other purpose. There are a numb r of opportunities for this one -mile -of -freeway -frontage at Grand A e., aboul 170 acres. The key is finding a suitable replacement site for theCounty golf course, most likely within the same Supervisorial District. Tie City is not actively marketing the area, rather, looking at it as a future pr ject. Objective - Evaluate Site "D". DCM/DeStefano said that this item should be rolled i Development on Page 2. Goal: Establish An All -Encompassing Beautification Plan Objective - Improve slope maintenance by implementing c mprehen ive plans for both slope beautification/maintenance and medians. CSD/Rose stated that a draft ordinance is currently being presented to the Planning Commission in an attempt to define the rating stand rds of slopes presented to the Council about a year ago. Additionally, th re are o her items in various stages of completion. - Plans and specs for Brea Canyon Cutoff (should beomplete� by fall 2003). Entry statement at Temple Ave. and Diamond Bar Blv CSD/Rose stated that basic survey work had been complete The next step is to approach the property owners and make w they concur with the project. The entry project is pro sed for southeast corner. The north side of Temple Ave. wa landscal through District 38 funding, MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL In response to C/O'Connor, CSD/Rose confirmed that the area belongs to the property owners. If the project proceeds and the property owners concur, the City would assume maintenance of the area through an easement, budgeted through District 38. Although the survey included two properties, the City may want to incorporate only one property. Grand Ave. median project (across from the Honda dealership). The City of Industry agreed to allow Diamond Bar to do the project. Most of the project can be accomplished using District 38 funds but there's a small section in Industry and that has to be General Fund monies. Once the State Budget is approved, staff will have a better perspective as to the project's completion. In response to C/O'Connor, CSD/Rose confirmed that the City of Industry is not interested in participating in funding this project. - Diamond Bar Blvd. between Maple Hill and Mountain Laurel (District 38), a project to remove the asphalt and landscape the area. Plans and specs are just about ready. - Pathfinder at Evergreen Springs (similar to the aforementioned project) — The residents have indicated that they would like the canary island pine trees and the oleanders removed and replaced with landscaping similar to that in the area of Golden Springs and Ballena. CSD/Rose said he would like to complete the project before school starts. - Brea Canyon Rd. at Gemdal — a small parkway between the sidewalk and the street to dress up the entry to the residential neighborhood. - Golden Springs at Adel — a small parkway between the sidewalk and the street to dress up the entry to the residential neighborhood. The above projects are ongoing. CM/Lowry suggested that the Council might consider bringing forward another set of beautification projects for next year. Obiective - Develop repair program (research funding programstopportunities to assist low to moderate income families with improvements). CM/Lowry reported that the Neighborhood Improvement Subcommittee has done its job. The home improvement program funded through the CDBG allocation is in place and an amount is being planned for the next year's allocation of CDBG funds. There are five projects currently being worked on with another 11 on the waiting list. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 15 CI1Y COUNCIL In keeping with the repair program, DCM/DeStefano has been workin I with DBIA to try and find use of the set-aside funding for the Paint The To that will meet the requirements and avoid the lead-based paint issue. M/Herrera expressed concern in not keeping the item in the goals, and objectives, it may be overlooked in the future. C/Zirbes said t at the pr gram has actually been completed so the item could be deleted. M/Herrera indicated. that her concern included monitoring also. C suggested the goal be to Monitor the Program — Council con ourred. Obiective - Adopt slopes on major roads and/or possibly provide assistance; staff to prepare list of options. CSD/Rose stated that the first project is the slope on Temple Ave. tha was previously discussed. He referred Council to the OTHER NOTES secti n --to conduct a feasibility study to determine the funding mechani m to fun I the adoption of private property slopes. District 38 is getting tote point t lat it will probably not be able to expand beyond what is cont mplated the question would then be whether to increase the assessment or drop additional projects. CSD/Rose confirmed to C/O'Connor that an increase in thi 1 assess ent would have to be approved by a vote of the people. Staff wou d recomr iend that if the Council wanted to pursue funding for addition il projec s, a feasibility study should take place to determine the City's capabilit es. CM/Lowry suggested this be placed on a long-term list and in Jude it u der a number of categories. Management would seek Council's, advice on a policy decision — are we going to stop improving or are we gc ing to as for voter -approved funding. C/O'Connor said a third option would be to ask the homeowners to start maintaining their properties. MPT/Huff suggested that if a citiz an decided to pay for slope maintenance, the City could provide a sign indi acing "S ope Maintained by Joe Citizen," similar to what CalTrans does. Obiectiv-e: Clean up freeway entrances and improve slopes into City with CalTrans). PWD/Liu reported that CalTrans maintains a minimum level of service w thin their right-of-way. With additional anticipated budget sh rtfalls, staff continues to voice dissatisfaction but does not expect improvement. If a funding source can be identified, Diamond Bar would need ai agreement with the State. C/O'Connor asked PWD/Liu to add to the list of complaints t CalTran to cleanup under the SR60 overpass at Golden Springs by Pe rson P rk. MPT/Huff stated that the freeway areas should be cleaned up nce or ice MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 16 CITY COUNCIL a week instead of once or twice. a month. CM/Lowry pointed out that this is an ongoing monitoring issue that should remain on the list. As opportunities arise, they need to be added to the list. C/O'Connor asked if the cleanup and beautification effort could include the freeway side of Golden Springs west of the Golf Course to Brea' Canyon, suggesting trees be included. PWD/Liu responded "absolutely." At the end of the four-year HOV project, if there is any left over money, additional landscaping with irrigation could be installed in those areas, as well as replacement of the chain link fence with the vinyl coated product, similar to that around the golf course. C/Chang pointed out that the northbound SR 57 slopes are over grown with weeds and should be maintained. Regarding the "Other Notes Section" - Conduct a feasibility study to determine funding mechanism to fund clean-up, improvement and maintenance of freeway entrances and adjacent slopes. It was determined that this would be a lower priority item. Objective. Enforce City codes and ordinances Citywide in an equitable manner and on weekends. Continue discussion of this item until DCM/DeStefano is present. Obiective: Initiate educational program and/or ordinance for gardeners related to blowing of debris into streets. C/Zirbes said that one of the most controversial issues for the City in this past year was street sweeping. Diamond Bar is attempting to keep the streets clean and avoiding debris from flowing into the storm drains. There was brief discussion on the use of blowers by gardeners and clean-up responsibilities. C/Zirbes indicated that many cities have ordinances requiring gardeners to have permits to do business in the city. C/O'Connor suggested an article in The City News would assist in educating the community. MPT/Huff concurred. Objective. Develop a comprehensive ordinance to require shopping centers to enforce and remove temporary signs (i.e. political signs) from shopping centers (identify groups or individuals who will work with private property owners to remove unauthorized signs on private property if City cannot; require letters of approval from shopping centers to be on file at City Hall; if no letter on file, staff or shopping center has to remove within 48 hours); possibly establish permit system for sign companies. Continued until DCM/DeStefano is present. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 17 COUNCIL Objective - Continue to plant more trees around the City. nsibilitie and CSD/Rose reported that staff is developing a sidewalk streel tree maintenance program document. The intent is to bring the document to Council for feedback as to when to remove trees, etc. a vari ty.of M/Herrera inquired as to replacement of the sidewalk in the vicinity of huck- e-Cheese at Brea Canyon Rd. and Pathfinder as the ficus trsarecalusing seeing what damage. CSD/Rose said it was an ongoing issue and a ma Ter of timl until the tree roots again caused the pavement to elevate. trees ould M/Herrera said it is nice to enter a city that has nice large of J growth trees but is it feasible to maintain the trees at such a cost. CSD/Rose said Mat is the issue — what does Council want the City to look like in 2 years. If the City continues to remove a tree to redo a sidewalk, in a few yearc, the canopy would be removed. CSD/Rose briefly explained the homeowners' and city's resp nsibilitie and liability issues with the trimming and removal of trees, as well s replac ent of sidewalk. C/O'Con nor commented on the unsightliness of a phalt pa hes for sidewalks. CSD/Rose reported that rubber sidewalks comein a vari ty.of colors and patterns including a brick pattern that residents seemed to Ike. M/Herrera said she would be interested in revising the policy arid seeing what the. City could do to preserve its trees. C/O'Connor agreed Remo al of trees can devastate an area. M/Herrera did not realize removig trees ould make such a big change. r I in MPT/Huff encouraged staff to save the trees if at all possible. M/Herrera asked staff to frame a policy and provide the Council with suggestions. C/Chang asked staff to include proposed types of trees and possible root barriers. Obiective: Enact a comprehensive investigation into the (i.e. conditions of sewers, etc.). CM/Lowry explained that there are varying opinions on whetl ier or no the infrastructure reporting requirements of GASB34 affects a City'c. credit re ling., In her opinion, this is something that should be done because one o the City's assets is its financial position and another asset is that it has a rd - winning financial statements. Thus, the Council can be certain is accou ting is accurate. The part that is to her even more interesting is the discussion about sewers. C/O'Connor said that this morning's s paper had an article that disco ed Glendora raising their water rates 50% to 300% over the next few yeas in order to meet the infrastructure needs for their water lines. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 18 CITY COUNCIL CM/Lowry said that although the sewers were never given to Diamond Bar when it incorporated, the County says they will become Diamond Bar's sewers in terms of ownership. Even though the County has been taking the money to maintain the sewers, when it is time to replace the sewers, it will be Diamond Bar's .problem. Council should keep this in mind in terms of planning for the future. PWD/Liu said that last year, residents were notified about an increase in sewer service charge. In the notice to the residents, the County indicated two separate fees — money for ongoing operations and money for rehab. With the upcoming EPA mandate, it falls to cities to rehab their own infrastructure.. Staff will continue to monitor the situation. CM/Lowry pointed out that the Pavement Management System will be an ongoing "business as usual" item. The third piece of the investigation of the infrastructure would be the GIS Implementation. PWD/Liu stated that, additionally, the State Water Board has mandated that cities have to participate in the production of a statewide GIS inventory system. Staff is looking into a system that will meet State and County requirements. Objective: Develop sidewalk/curb replacement fund. C/O'Connor questioned if this item includes fixing the closed Grand Ave. sidewalk by the golf course. DCM/DeStefano indicated that the City would be taking care of that. PWD/Liu explained that the problem is the CalTrans signal -controller and the sidewalk has to be dome at the same time. Staff will coordinate that. CM/Lowry said that staff's position is that it has ongoing use of either Gas Tax or CDBG monies. Typically, these funds have been used every year to do sidewalks; what is the necessity of a replacement fund. MPT/Huff said his thought about this item was that when trees cause sidewalks to buckle, these monies could be used to mitigate the state of disrepair. That is different from upgrade projects. This was intended to be a totally -separate item for repair matters only. C/O'Connor agreed. Brief discussion continued as to necessities for dedicated monies, and tree and sidewalk replacement fees. FD/Magnuson said that line -item budget appropriations fall back into the General Fund at the end of the year and the monies are re -budgeted on an annual basis. This offsets any proliferation of specialized areas. She --� recommended an all-encompassing infrastructure fund, or add a line -item for sidewalk maintenance. Council agreed to add a line -item for sidewalks. Further, it was determined to preserve trees that are damaging sidewalks and that DCM/DeStefano 1 MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 19 C17Y COUNCIL would bring back a policy. Objective - Develop entry signs that display the different servi a clubs ithin the City. C/O'Connor said she has received requests from many service organiz tions for City entry signs that promote their businesses. She would like to sE e the City develop some type of display. Council voiced concern about how any signs would be needed at one entrance. MPT/Huff suggested this be in the "when we have mi C/O'Connor said the service organizations would pay for it. DCM/Doyle suggested listing the service organizations on a on the bulletin board at Diamond Bar Honda. M/Herrera said she would like to see at least one sign. Objective - Build a permanent stage at Sycamore Canyon F C/Chang commented that a permanent stage be constructs Canyon Park due to the Concerts in the Park event ei CSD/Rose reported that a permanent stage would alter the usefulness of the park and that the portable stage is put beginning of the summer and taken down at the end of the Council concurred to remove this item. at colu su Ibiancel and once a the Objective - Enforce City codes and ordinances citywide in an eq manner and on weekends. DCM/DeStefano said that some of the objective had been accomplished (the brochures and the re -direction of the code enforcement efforts, hiring a City Prosecutor). Staff is experiencing more property maintenance issu s. "Combo" inspectors are anticipated to broaden code enforcement Work beyond zoning. C/O'Connor expressed dismay at the number of sandwic -boards and temporary signs that crop up around the City on the weekenc s. DCM/DeStefano said that with the use of the City prosecutor, staff is c ose to taking cases to court, citing three or four businesses that refuse to co ply with fundamental property maintenance issues. In the event of econornic hardship or physical handicap, service clubs are enlisted to assist in Ithe event residents. C/O'Connor cited violations that the Community Services Office (CSO) o concentrate on when not occupied, and suggested that an awaren campaign can be conducted. Discussion ensued to give warning tickets, MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 20 CITY COUNCIL amount of. the fine, the weekend enforcement, staggered hours, overtime pay, as well as the array of signage in the medians on the weekend. DCM/DeStefano said the City could go back to doing all of those things. Objective_- Develop a comprehensive ordinance to require shopping centers to enforce and remove temporary signs, etc. DCMIDeStefano explained that the Planning Commission is looking at a draft proposal this evening for potential changes to about eight different areas of the City's Code. The Commission may continue the matter to. a later meeting, bringing the matter to the City Council sometime late June or early July. Goal - Improve Communications with citizens and ex and or enhance customer service. Objective - Improve communication/public relations with residents. C/O'Connor said that these items have become a part of staff's ongoing occurrence. Council concurred that these matters were included in PIM/Blakey's ongoing job description. Objective - Establish departmental procedures for returning calls within 24 hours; staff to draft letters for Council in response to community letters (letters responded to within 72 hours); conduct customer service training for staff. DCM/Doyle reported that staff is in the process of implementing the approved CRM program, tracking correspondence and attaining a 72 -hour turnaround time. All letters to the City could be input into a tracking system and the information regarding numbers and response time would be available for Council to consider. Staff requested clarification as to Council's intent relating to correspondence responses; i.e. draft for Council or City Manager signature. It was suggested that an acknowledgement letter be sent indicating the staff member assigned the responsibility. Further, Council would receive copies of all responses, with a copy of the initial request/concern attached. Objective - Utilize DBTV for public service announcements and videos; define usage of DBTV by community organizations; utilize channel to enhance communications with residents; monitor audio/sound issue related to live City Council broadcasts. - PIM/Blakey said that since the City has taken over the programming for DBTV, her ongoing goals include monitoring the sound and looking into more 1 MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 21 CI11Y COUNCIL ways to add and upgrade programming. Objective - Involve residents in establishing goals/objective (possibly with survey/flyer). Council agreed to remove this item. Obiective - Expand e -government capabilities. DCM/Doyle reported that the program is currently being fine tuned an J will be operational in about a month. Objective - Establish a 24 hour kiosk in lobby to conduct City services PIM/Blakey reported this would be available to the public in the very near future, Objective - Keep website current in content and technology PIM/Blakey reported this is an on-going process Objective - Inform residents of needed permits. DCM/DeStefano reported that this program would include articl s in theCity's News, as well as informational brochures available upon request, and can be viewed on the City's website. Obiective - Establish programs with local school districts. DCS/Rose commented that this, as well as the mentorship pr gram, w uld be incorporated in the Youth Master Plan. Objective - Establish "Mayor/Council Member for a day" progr am. Objective - Establish internship program. CM/Lowry commented that the City has this type of program i i place. Objective - Establish mentorship program This is combined with the local school districts programs. "laborato " for the local schools, colleges and universities. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 22 CITY COUNCIL Objective - Compile list of properties desired for parks/open space; develop plan and financial method for possible acquisition. Objective - Implement Trails Master Plan (includes developing a landscape area overlooking Sycamore Canyon Park). CSD/Rose commented that staff is currently seeking a grant that would incorporate this plan. Objective - Consider development of a sports complex (work with property owners school districts, surrounding cities and counties to purchase property and/or enter into joint use agreement to develop complex which includes a gymnasium, swimming pool and sports fields). Previously discussed. Obiective - Build basketball courts, gazebos and benches in each park, as well as initiate flower planting projects. CSD/Rose reported that there is a neighborhood meeting at Starshine Park this evening. One of the topics is the ADA retrofit of the park, as well as acquiring the residents' input regarding installation of a double half -court with the baskets in the middle. Regarding gazebos, two shelters are being constructed at Pantera Park and two at Sycamore Canyon Park; all should be completed by fall 2003. MPT/Huff asked about the Tamaya memorial. CSD/Rose indicated that that is being considered as part of the overlook at Sycamore. C/O'Connor stated that Mrs. Tamaya indicated that she would be in favor of installation of a bench and trees in the trail in Sycamore with the remaining funds to go toward purchase of a Community Foundation tile. CSD/Rose explained that there are places that are like platforms overlooking the canyon from the trailhead with two benches. Two donations are to be made: one is in memory of Hal Sturim and the other is in memory of Steve Tamaya. Staff hopes to have this completed by July 3`d. Obiective - Establish youth advisory committee. CM/Lowry asked if this item could be removed from the goals and objectives list and be included in the Youth Master Plan. Council concurred. Objective - Establish and design memorial area for veterans — included in Community/Senior Center construction — remove from list. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 23 CITY COUNCIL Regarding the memorial area for Veterans, DCM/Doyle st< flagpoles with a bronze plaque has been envisioned for that Council agreed that this item can be removed. and Transportation Issues which im act Cily residents. Obiective - Computerized Signal Management System ruby County (Interconnect Master Plan). PWD/Liu stated that the City is about 80% connected to the I the County. There is an opportunity to work with the COL Management System which has been in progress for the last The conceptual design will be completed by the end of th actual design estimated to be completed by 2004 and imp begin. The City has informed the County that it wants ultim and we have been assured that that can happen. In response to MPT/Huff, PWD/Liu indicated that the funding this project. Once the system is built, operation and mainten, have to be absorbed by the cities. MPT/Huff asked what the decision-making process would be of the regional center. PWD/Liu stated that the County's con., is to negotiate a site. There are still some remaining issu location of the center. This matter will continue to be ongoir Objective - Pursue/monitor traffic solutions (Four Corners PI Obiective - Support ACE funding requests and construction grade crossing projects. CSD/Rose explained that the comment has to do with irrigation improvement plans. PWD/Liu reported that the grade separation design, has been least one year. With both design and funding issues now, the delayed for at least two more years. MPT/Huff said that funding may be available from the High% lane project. MTA staff suggested they can come up with replace what the Governor removed from the Congestion Man Fund. And if they don't, there is an alternate plan to pull the m car pool lane (the COG's idea) that was scheduled with tl project. CM/Lowry indicated that this activity will remain on the Goals that ionas uple of y year wit nentatioi local cc still inta ce costs r the loci Cant's pr concer for a wh — ongc nearby not with final jars. the will itrol tfor ing alayed f r at oject wil be 10 carp ool a money to ,ment Relief :y out of the 10 free ay for a wHile. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 24 CITY COUNCIL Ob ective -Study feasibility of hiring a consultant to study in -town shuttle service feeding park & rides, Metrolink and commercial areas — Consider "Get -About" minibus system for short trips within the City. MPT/Huff reported that Calabasas implemented a very successful City - sponsored shuttle system to pick up students after school and transport them to the library. He recommends that a similar program would be useful in Diamond Bar. C/O'Connor said that Foundation members suggested applying for a grant to administer this type of program. Council consensus was to keep this on the long-term list of Goals_ Objective - Monitor State Route 60 truck lane project ongoing, part of the Don Camph Project. Objective - Effectively and aggressively pursue resolution of citywide speeding problems. PWD/Liu reported that staff interviewed consultants and a recommendation could be ready for Council consideration in the near future. The concept is to partner with the residents to become part of the stakeholder process and identify some of the priorities. The Sheriffs Department and City staff have been dealing with neighborhood issues in a reactive manner. In response to MPT/Huff, PWD/Liu indicated that the speed hump moratorium will expire this coming August. M/Herrera stated that there should be a Study Session in July to discuss the situation. Objective - Develop an in-house traffic signal synchronization system. PWD/Liu reported that the City's consultant has recently completed the project, short of implementing it. It is now on hold because of CalTrans' Traffic Management Plan scheduled to be in effect over the next few years. Resources have been allocated for this fiscal year. C/Zirbes asked if the synchronization program would be somewhat flexible and fluid. PWD/Liu responded "absolutely." There is going to be on-going speeding enforcement, but with the surge of traffic, it is not known exactly how the CalTrans construction project will impact City streets. C/Zirbes stated that once detour routes are known, staff could program the signals to work with the new detour route that CalTrans is establishing. The SR57/60 HOV project presents an opportunity to test the system to change the dynamics as needed. Objective - Provide bike lanes along Grand Ave. and Brea Canyon_ Rd. in order to connect to surrounding cities. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 25 CRY COUNCIL. PWD/Liu reported that Grand Ave. was too heavily traveled tc accommodate a Class it or III bike lane. The street is considered a Class IIOUke lane t this time. In order to accommodate five traffic lanes, Grand Ave.Id los part of its median or infringe on the residential and business aspe of the trees. CSD/Rose pointed out that bike lane improvements were a part of the rails Master Plan. Council concurred to strike this item and conside it a part f the Trails Master Plan. use in Tres Hermanos. — ongoing All items on Page 13 are to remain in the ongoing status. safgV and maintain propeny values — ongoing com feted — delete from list v C/Zirbes said that he and C/Chang discussed crafting an ordinance rega ing trashcans. Perhaps first-time warnings could be given out and a fine o $10 or whatever amount could be established for repeat offender . CM/Lowry asked Council if they would like this matter agen ized for fluly, Council concurred. code issues — on oin . Strategic Planning Workshop CM/Lowry said that a percentage of a plan is in place. She outlined s aspects of the City's General Plan and its interpretation meeting toc standards, desires, and future expectations by the community and the Council. Some cities create 10 -year plans that are updated every year or every years. For their budget they create a work plan out of the master plan goes by department and indicates completion dates. The smallest emph is placed on the budget. After the city has decided on thework plan, i decide how they will fund it. Also, the plans and ideas need t be in pl first, then presented to the public for evaluation. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 2S CITY COUNCIL DCM/DeStefano said that although the City's General Plan is almost 10 years old, that probably 90-95 percent remains to be done. He suggested that introspection would allow the Council to be amazed at how much has been done and how much is being done that ties back into the General Plan. He did not believe it was necessary for the City to spend a lot of time changing the General Plan. CM/Lowry commented that she viewed the General Plan as the guiding document. Explaining to the public that an item is on the goals and objectives list because it is in the General Plan is much more meaningful and empowering. DCM/DeStefano explained that everything the City does ties into the vision that helped create the General Plan. CM/Lowry said that having a recent buy -in from the constituents like Diamond Bar has on the General Plan is a good thing, a real asset. She recommended that Council and staff do everything possible to maintain that connection. CM/Lowry concurred with MPT/Huff that the City has seen a big change in demographics. Concepts about the city's character may also vary as well. CM/Lowry explained that the second goals and objectives document was resorted to coincide with the General Plan's Vision Statement — a strategic planning format document. If the Council is comfortable with the new format, it could focus on the new format at its next meeting. CM/Lowry said that Business Registration is coming back later. Industry East is never going to go away. Chamber of Commerce Contract -- ongoing — eliminate. Senior Housing Program/first time -buyer 12rograrn — eliminate. Hire a local grant writer who can assist City and various organizations DCM/Doyle said this consists of two items: the City grant writer that has been budgeted in this and the past budget year. The grant writers have worked on a number of grants, have been successful on some and not on others. Staff is recommending that this item be removed so that the grant writer could be considered as an item for the City's annual budget. The second item involved the Diamond Bar Community Foundation grant writer. Last year Council awarded $15,000 for the Foundation's grant writer services. Staff has not included this item in next year's budget and would like direction from the Council on this matter. If the Council chose to consider providing this service, it could be included in the annual budget. MAY 13, 2003 PAGE 27 CITIY COUNCIL C/O'Connor said she would like to see this item included in the City's budget. M/Herrera commented that (having a grant writer) was important to the success of the Foundation. C/O'Connor said that after a year, the Council could determine whether the Foundation could support itself. She reiterated that the Foundation wallts to meet with the Council to get answers to several questions, i.e., City involvement. Currently, the City's Finance Director andity Clerk are members of the Foundation, treasurer and secretary, respec iveiv. M/Herrera confirmed that the item should be stricken from the. list, it in the budget and remain as a goat. Review Fee Schedules completed except for Review fees for Community and user fees for the new Community/Senior Center. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered. 2.3 FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 BUDGET — Continued to May 20 2003 Session. 2.4 BUDGET DECISION PACKAGES — Continued to May 20, 2003 Session. CM/Lowry requested direction from Council. M/Herrera said she would like to see the decision package. C/O'Connor asked staff to provide costs for community service events. CSD/Rose responded that at the end of each event staff prepared a summary of costs. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to M/Herrera adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m. to the May 20, 2003, s udj Linda C. Lowry, i�ty Clerk The foregoing Minutes are hereby approved this 1S' day of July 2003. ATTEST: Carol Herrera, Mayor