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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/2/2003 Minutes - Regular Meeting1 J 1 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 STUDY SESSION: Mayor Herrera called the Study Sess on to order at 6:03 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Manag ment District/Government Center, 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. Present: Council Members Chang, O'Connor, 2irbes, Mayor Pro Tem/Huff and Mayor Herrera Also Present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyl , Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Comm inity Se ices Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Lynda Burgess, Ci y Clerk; April Blakey, Public Information Manager; Sharon Gomez, Managemeqt Analyst Ann Lungu, Associate Planner and Nancy Whitehouse, Executive Assistant. 1 } Discussion of Claims Process — report by DCM/Doyle. DCM/Doyle explained to C/O'Connor that in the rare instance tf paid by the JPIA administrator on behalf of the City, at claiml are Council would be advised. Staff's job is to deflect liability away from the Council a not generally d the Citt. DCM/Doyle presented a copy and explanation of the annual information report from Carl Warren, the City's Risk Manager. laims/re erve DCM/Doyle explained that staff's recommendation is to reject the alnut Valley Unified School District's May 15, 2003 claim (item 6.6). DCM/Doyle stated that the number of claims fluctuate from a low of seven to a high of 27 in one year. Generally, most claims are small dollar typically range in the area of $1,500 - $3,000 for sewer backup, tree amounts limbs that on vehicles and a few slip and fall. failing DCM/Doyle cautioned Council that statements they make (in pubic or one on - one) could come back to haunt the City in a lawsuit. Public Comments: None Offered. SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before h e City Council, MlHerrera adjourned the Study Session to the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. 4" X4�� ta�� LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this _f_day of October , 2003. CAROL HERRERA, MAYOR L J 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 STUDY SESSION: M/Herrera called the Study Se s ion to c 6:03 p.m. in Room CC -8, South Coast Air Quality Management D strict, 21 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. at E. Present: Council Members Chang, O'Connor, �irbes, Mayor Pro Tem Huff and Mayor Carol Herrera. Also Present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Mie Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle, Deputj City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Lynda Burgess, City Clerk April Blakey, Public Information Manager; Sharon Gomez, Management Analys ; Ann Lungu, Associate Planner and Nancy Whitehouse, Executive Assistant. ➢ Discussion of Claims Process RECESS: M/Herrera recessed the Study�ession a$ 6:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: M/Herrera called the Regular 6:40 p.m. in the Auditorium of the South Coast Air Quality ME 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. ng to orer at nent Di trict, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by M/Hebra. INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Ph.D., Islamic Education Center. ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, O' Mayor Pro Tem Huff and Mayor Herrera. Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Milo Attorney; David Doyle, Deputy City Manager; James DeStefano Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Comm Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director and Lynda Burgess, C APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATION: 1.1 Proclaimed September 2003 as National Alcohol and D Recovery Month. 1.2 Presentation given by the Diamond Bar Improvement Assoc sponsor of "Paint the Town" and display of this year's video. H. Pakr, or, Z Jenkins City Deputy City city Se ices Clerk. Addi6tion (DOIA), SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: 1.3 Presentation of City Tile to Grand Mobile as Business of the Month, September 2003, and display of video — Continued to September 16, 2003. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Margaret Sinohui, 2549 Harmony Hill Dr., asked for Council's assistance regarding a code enforcement action related to a fence on her property. Eileen Ansari discussed the "smear" campaign of 2001 and stated that the same persons are conducting a similar "smear" campaign this year. She urged candidates to conduct clean campaigns. Further, she suggested that D.B. adopt a resolution similar to the resolution adopted by Walnut last week that every Council Member would be given the opportunity to serve as Mayor during their four-year terms. Accordingly, she felt that Mrs. O'Connor should be the next Mayor, or D.B. should elect its Mayor. Clyde Hennessee, Sunset Crossing Rd., thanked staff for sweeping his street. He felt the person responsible for mounting a "smear" campaign should be named. Marie Buckland said the 2001 campaign flyers "smearing" candidate Eileen Ansari were disgusting. She hoped that kind of campaign would not occur in the future. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: CM/Lowry stated that it would not be appropriate to discuss Mrs. Sinohui's case except to say that staff is making every effort to make a fair process available to every property owner to obtain compliance with the City's Municipal Code. M/Herrera explained that the City and the Council is not responsible for any negative campaigning that was conducted. She, too, desired a fair and respectful campaign. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING — September 3, 2003 —6:30 p.m., Government Center/SCAQMD Room CC -6, 21865 E. Copley Drive. 5.2 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING — ADEUGERNDAL — September 4, 2003 — 6:30 p.m., Government Center/SCAQMD Room CC -6, 21865 E. Copley Drive. 5.3 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — September 9, 2003 — 7:00 p.m., Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 1 1 SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 3 5.4 CALTRANS MONTHLY MEETING — September 10, 20C Government Center/SCAQMD, Room CC -6, 21865 E. Copl 5.5 AMERICAN SPIRIT DAY — September 11, 2003 — 7:00 a.rn — Center/SCAQMD Patio Area, 21865 E. Copley Dr. FY CO NCIL — 6:3C p.m., Dr. Goverriment 5.6 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETI G — SBoaeF 11, 2003 — 7:00 p.m., Government Center/SCAQMD Hearin rd 21865 E. Copley Dr. 5.7 CITY COUNCIL MEETING — September 16, 2003 — 6:30 p.m., Govc Center/SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by Council Member Chang, secor Mayor Pro Tem Huff to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zirbes, M M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: 6.1.1 Study Session of August 19, 2003 —As submitted. 6.1.2 Regular Meeting of August 19, 2003 — As submitted. 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MIN 2003. /Huff, =S — J ment )d by 22, 6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION OMMIS ION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of July 10, 2003. 6.4 APPROVED WARRANT REGISTERS dated August 21, 2003 andAuguqt28, 2003, in the amount of $1,724,280.36. (C/O'Connor voted "no" on appro al of Invoice No. 080503-1 in the amount of $3,240 and the pay ent to Si ma Internet in the amount of $82,489.50.) 6.5 REVIEWED AND APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT � month of July 2003. 6.6 REJECTED CLAIM FOR DAMAGES —Filed by Walnut Valley nified Sc ool District on May 15, 2003. SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL 6.7 APPROVED GENERAL PLAN REPORT AND DIRECTED STAFF TO FORWARD COPIES TO THE STATE OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH AND TO THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. 6.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-39A AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2003-39 — FY 2003-04 MUNICIPAL BUDGET TO INCLUDE APPROPRIATION FOR PURCHASE ORDER AND CONTRACT CONTINGENCY CARRYOVERS. 6.9 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-53 ACCEPTING AN IRREVOCABLE OFFER OF DEDICATION FOR ROAD DIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES (ST. DENI,RPOSES O M THE ARCH S CHURCH) ATSILVER HAWK. 6.10 APPROVED AGREEMENTS WITH WALNUT VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT,CAT ONS AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLICO ELPHIA COMMUNICATIONS SCHOOL LIBRARY OMM FOR DISPOSITION OF SURPLUS COMPUTERS. 6.11 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO EXCEL LANDSCAPE CONTRACT FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT NINE LOCATIONS IN LLAT #38 FOR FY 2003-04, IN THE AMOUNT O CONTINGENCY MOUNT OF $5,000; BRINGING THE TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT TO $52,323.12. 6.12 AUTHORIZED ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE WORK AT PANTERA AND PETERSON PARKS TO BE PERFORMED BY VALLEY CREST LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000 FOR THE 2003104 FISCAL YEAR. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7.1 APPROVE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 03-2003 RELATING TO A DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO SETBACK REGULATIONS, DRIVEWAYS AND SITE ACCESS, SLOPE MAINTENANCE, TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION, RESIDE ACCESSORY UNITS, TELECOMMUNICATIONSFACILITIES AND LEGAL NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES. Staff report given by DCM/DeStefano. C/O'Connor asked for clarification concerning widening of driveways by 10 feet. Specifically, she questioned whether the apron leading from the street to the driveway could be widened as much as 10 feet as well. She said that in her neighborhood, h 'statedthe riveways that manyrthe hom homes n her area have black tirrons are narrower than e e garage. Further, 1 1 1 SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 5 TY COUNCIL marks where they've driven over their curb because there's not room. DCM/DeStefano explained that the specific section is a component of the Development Code and is focused on the actual width of the driveway throat. He indicated that what C/O'Connor was referring to is the driveway apron where it interfaces with the public street. There are standards f r the driveway apron, and typically, it is about 26 feet wide total or a resi ential property and about 30 feet, maybe 32 feet, for a commerci l props . He explained that the City can do is take a look at the site and lelp a pr perty owner determine what the maximum width might be. In some cases, h D said that there's will be some safety factors involved, depending on where he lot is located, if it's a corner lot, etc. But again, he said this code section refers to the throat width, not the apron width, which is covered in a different s ction of the Municipal Code. Further, he indicated that the standard width oftwo- car garage is generally 18 feet. la In further reply to C/O'Connor, DCM/DeStefano stated that if home ad an 18 foot driveway apron, the apron could be increased to ap roximat ly 26 feet. M/Herrera opened the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m. Clyde Hennessee asked for a description of "slope"—what type of ang depth is considered a slope and can it be considered hillside or part front yard of a home? He said there are many homes along S inset Or( that are anywhere from three to four feet higher than the phyE ical road Interpretation of "slope" can be tough. He felt that there anD a numl residents in D.B. who cannot afford the maintenance required b proposed Ordinance. He further said that it was mentioned at a cou study sessions that there may be a possibility that the City would ler money to these individuals. He was concerned about the ned to pe yearly maintenance on slopes after the first investment. DCM/DeStefano responded that the public testimony referred Maintenance Standards referenced earlier regarding the landscaping requirements of slopes, particularly those adjace streets and particularly those larger ones that are very visible public, usually at the rear of single-family homes. He explain not a specific definition of "slope" within the proposed modification and that a grandfather clause is not being propos already says that all yards and setback areas have to be lands( be maintained, foliage has to be mowed, pruned, adequately This amendment provides more detail and is very specific t adjacent to the public streets and highways. There being no further testimony offered, M/Herrera Hearing at 7:57 p.m. and the �r of the e of the orm :) the Pro Derty maintenance t to ourpublic :o the general J that th re is .,ode section d. The Code aped, have to wateredetc. those eas d the Pj blic SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL MPT/Huff stated that when discussion of grading took place during study sessions, it appeared as though it was Council's consensus to keep the slope neat, that it would be cumbersome for owners of some of these large slopes to irrigate, grow and actually maintain them. He was concerned that the very large slopes on D.B. Blvd. near Steep Canyon would cost a fortune to landscape. Therefore, a definition of "slope" might be appropriate. DCM/DeStefano explained that the standard is trying to capture those properties that have a complete lack of maintenance – meaning, those properties that are clearly visible to large numbers of residents – motorists on the road or residents in the neighborhood. It is not intended to capture those properties that have native vegetation that happens to be a part of their rear yard, native vegetation that may have been there when they purchased the house, when the house was constructed. The code amendment is meant to capture properties such as those that are across from Lorbeer Middle School where clearly, it has become a real eyesore. D.B. is going through a transition and somewhat of a battle between those that want additional preservation of the native vegetation and those that want to "green -up" the City. Part of the proposal was to achieve a level of consistency, but the predominant part was to make sure that those properties that don't presently have landscaping have it and that it's properly irrigated and we get rid of literally, the dirt and weeds appearance. MPT/Huff felt that the language of the slope section of the Ordinance should be tuned up and quantified as he wouldn't support the way it's currently written. Those slopes with native vegetation should be maintained to the extent that they're cleaned up at least once a year with removal of the foliage that rolls down to the bottom of the fence. There is a stretch along northern D.B. Blvd. that is behind chain link fencing which accumulates debris and becomes an eyesore that should be cleaned up. However, a hillside with a 500 ft. slope that would now require somebody to landscape, irrigate and maintain would be horrendously expensive MPT/Huff also commented on the issue of changing the provisions relating to political signs. He suggested that discussion of this issue be postponed until after the current election season—perhaps resuming discussion at the second Council meeting in November. He felt there was a need to witness what the political signs look like in the City and be freshly reminded of what the situation is. C/Zirbes referred to Chapter 22.30, Off -Street Parking Standards, regarding an driveway and site access --currently, someone would need to apply variance or some type of process, at City Hall in order to increase driveway size. With respect to the new language, could someone still come in and get a variance for an even wider driveway or a variance to increase the 50% coverage, or would there be no variances allowed beyond that point? SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 7 116,111ITY COUNCIL DCM/DeStefano responded that variances are very special tools that and felt re not frequently granted by the Planning Commission, nor are they fre uently granted by planning commissions throughout the state. They are nee led for very special circumstances that are typically characterized b specific actors on that lot where the variance is being requested. Usually, thoseactors p relate to the size, the topography or some physical quality that cre tes a need for an exception to the code. Approval of a variance for an increase ns in beyond 50% would depend on the specific case. at the pr C/Zirbes pointed out that very unusual topography exists in D.B. and felt that the City should not create anything too soon regarding slope maintenance. He supported the first three sentences of the proposed language, but once Council discusses where slopes should be irrigated and planted, p rhaps there might be a way to fine-tune and maybe make reco mendati ns in order to minimize the type of weeding and debris clearing & at the pr perty owners would need to do. He felt that the slopes should bemaintain( and that property owners have a responsibility to themselves and their neic hbors to maintain their slopes. He stated that in the City Council study se sion, there was discussion of a palette or series of standards A through F. C id the Planning Commission look at anything like that? Did Council fully d velop some type of a visual standard? DCM/DeStefano replied that the Planning Commission saw t ose pho os. It was a group of photos taken by our Community Services staff outlining levels of care. The Planning Commission did not recommend any type of a standard based on the photos. C/Zirbes then asked about wireless telecommunications. fie stated that Section G.4. discusses where the facilities may be located and indicates that there are different zones for locating a cell site. He asked if the "City Telecommunication Facilities Opportunity Map" includes residential property? DCM/DeStefano explained that the opportunities map does include residential properties, but only those that are compriseJ of schools, churches, water tanks, other public property and the like. He saic that currently, no private homes are included in the opportunities map. C/Zirbes stated that he was now in agreement with the way the new language is written; however, what will happen to those cellites cur ntly approved via Conditional Use Permits when the permits expi e? DCM/DeStefano corrected his earlier statement by stating that there 1E one single family home property with three or four different cell providers. Some of those sites have Conditional Use Permits that run with the land and are not subject to expiration. There are other CUPs for sites on that propertfor which the cell provider will be required to obtain Planning Commission approval for renewal. Other sites throughout D.B., i.e., St. Denis Ch rch, D.B.H.S., etc. are zoned residential but not utilized as reside tial. SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL ClZirbes explained that he was concerned about how the new language would affect that one private property. Regarding political signs, he agreed with MPT/Huff that now might not be the proper time to discuss changes to the Ordinance. He suggested that the discussion regarding political signs be scheduled for the first Council meeting in November as the political season would have ended and the affects of the current regulations would be freshly evident at that point. C/O'Connor said that the City should show that they care about their slopes before going after residents who have slopes and commented that the City has had tarps on part of the slope in lower Sycamore Canyon Park and another area has been fenced off. She stated that the fencing was only supposed to be for five years but the plants didn't take hold. She stated that she had a friend with a large slope facing D.B. Blvd. who can only afford to hire someone to come once a year to take down the weeds and get the trash company to come and pick them up. She would not be able to water, plant and irrigate that slope. Regarding the wireless issue, she reported that she receives complaints almost daily from people stating that they can't get cell service in D.B. and there's now discussion of restricting antennas in some areas. She suggested that Council remember the City is providing a service to its residents and there are areas in town where service is not available. With respect to political signs, she stated that she had been trying to get the issue on the agenda for five years. Since there are abuses every election season, she felt that the regulations should be fixed. Now that the matter is being postponed, it should become a discussion item with the new City Council after the November election. C/Chang said he agreed with pretty much of what staff prepared and proposed and confirmed by the Planning Commission. Regarding driveway and site access, he agreed with the 50% range allowing not more than 12 feet. In terms of slope maintenance, he suggested separation of this issue from the rest of the Ordinance so that Council can study the issue further. Slope maintenance in D.B. relates to the property value and prestige of the City. He supported proper maintenance of the slopes but there is the issue that some of the residents might not have the financial ability to do so. He felt that a proposal should be developed for the City to work with the residents in maintaining the slopes. Regarding political signs, he agreed that the matter should be postponed until after the November election. He then moved to 1) approve First Reading of Ordinance 02(2003) relating to Development Code Amendments pertaining to setback regulations, driveways and site access, tree preservation and protection, residential accessory structures, second units, telecommunication facilities; 2) to bring the slope maintenance back to the Council either for study session to make a decision afterwards, or just bring them at the same time; and 3) to bring the political signs standards back to the Council after the November 0 election. MPT/Huff seconded Mr.Chang's motions. SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 9 ITY CO JNCIL M/Herrera clarified that the motions are to accept the ordinance, remove the sections regarding reference to slopes and bring that back, and bring back the section on election/temporary signs after November 4. Jule a C/O'Connor indicated that she did not want the wireless communications Dublic issue to remain in the Ordinance at this time and recorded a "no" vote J and Igainst approval of the Ordinance and yes votes on the other two matters. at. Motion carried 4-1 by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, Zirbes, MPT/H iff, M/O'C onnor NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - O'Connor d the ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None City CA/Jenkins asked M/Herrera if the direction to staff would be to schei Jule a study session on the slope provisions and then thereafter reschedule a Dublic Hearing and re -notice it or should the Public Hearing be a-opene J and continued to a date certain, with a study session some point before tt at. Council concurred to schedule a study session on slop s and ait to schedule a Public Hearing when Council is ready after studying the matter. 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: None 9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/O'Connor reported that on August 20, the Sheriff's Department sponsorE d the Contract Cities meeting; on August 21, the D.B. Community Foundation, the, City and Office Depot presented backpacks to the YMCA for underprivileged chi dren, thanks to a grant for about 60 backpacks. Also, thanks to the City's ERC gro p for providing additional inserts. On August 22, she participated in the P mons U ified School District Measure J citizen's oversight committee. On August3, she ar d Mr. Chang joined the recreation staff for baseball program closing eremoni as at Heritage Park. She also attended the Diamond Ranch Football Kicl off fundr icer. On August 26, all Council Members attended Congressman Miller's Dpen hOL se at his new Brea office. On August 27, she attended the Sanitation Distri 4,t meeting and today she attended the Local Governmental Services Commission m Beting thi ugh L.A. County. She asked staff if they knew of a League of Cities contact in th L.A. County division? Recently, the City has experienced problems with their email system. She apologized to residents who have experienced non -response. She reported that sadly, long-time Planning Commissioner and former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Joe Ruzicka resigned. He was recently appointed tD the Three Valleys Water District and assumes his new position immediatc ly. She asked that the Council meeting be adjourned in memory of CM/Lowry's faff er and also in memory of Jim Thalman, Chino Hills Mayor, who passed away last week. C/Chang reported that the Council Members are very busy taking care of theCity's business. Summer vacation ended and students have returned to school. Palents and students probably encountered more traffic problems when D.B H.S. on ned SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL because the traffic signal installation was delayed and because a new traffic circulation plan was initiated. He stated that he and his family enjoyed several family events during the Labor Day weekend. C/Zirbes asked residents to please drive in a safe manner around the schools. He observed the new circulation plan at D.B.H.S. It is a shame the signal was not up in time for the new school year. He was looking forward to seeing how well the new circulation would move. He stated that he receives a lot of complaints about the speed of traffic on eastbound Pathfinder Rd. from Evergreen Springs to D.B. Blvd., an area that slopes down rapidly. He asked the Sheriff's Department to consider deploying the radar trailer in the area on a 24-hour basis. He felt very proud with staff's report regarding the General Plan (Item 6.7). Further, he spoke about the City's email problems. He thanked Joe Ruzicka for his many years of fine and dedicated service to the City as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner and as a Planning Commissioner. MPT/Huff said that, with respect to traffic in the D.B.H.S. area, traffic has been an on-going concern of this Council. Most of the City's schools were designed to be neighborhood schools that accommodated foot traffic. More and more people drop off and pick up their children. He said that schools are not concerned with traffic so it falls to cities to initiate mitigation. For the past few years, the City has been working with the school districts to improve traffic flow. D.B.H.S. is expanding and more and more students are driving. The new traffic signal and left turns will allow dedicated turns in and out of the D.B.H.S. parking lot and school perimeter. In the meantime, patrol officers are assisting the school with traffic regulation and education. Further, he reported that when he and M/Herrera came on the Council, D.B. had no communication with neighboring cities. While attending regional meetings, M/Herrera met two gentlemen from Chino Hills, one of whom was Jim Thalman, who succumbed to cancer last week. He will be missed as a colleague and as a friend. M/Herrera said she was taken aback by the loss of Jim Thaiman, a strong Chino Hills leader and a good friend to the City of D.B. She reported that the Mayor's Roundtable was held on August 28 and she received a lovely note from Jack and Cathy Newe thanking her for hosting the event and allowing residents to meet with her and staff members. She thanked John Rowe for attending. One topic of discussion was the need for the City to provide education to residents regarding recycling. She stated that Joe Ruzicka has selflessly served on the Planning Commission for the past eight years. Prior to that, he served on the Parks and Recreation Commission for six years. He is the only person who has continuously served as a Commissioner since City incorporation. She asked staff to plan a special recognition for Mr. Ruzicka at the October 7 meeting. She invited interested parties to apply for the vacated un -expired term by calling 396-5666 to request an application or to apply in person at City Hail. She wanted to finalize the appointment by September 16. She reported how proud she was of the City's Finance Department staff when she received a letter from the Government Finance Officers Association stating that D.B.'s comprehensive Financial Report for Fiscal Year ending 2002 qualifies for a Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in financial 1 1 SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 11 reporting. D.B. has received this award for the past eight cons noteworthy accomplishment. She reported that in spite of the st condition, D.B. remains very fiscally sound. In 14 years, D.B. has its annual revenues in expenditures. In fact, since incorporation, D. a positive reserve balance in excess of $20 million. On August 5, approved its goals for the new fiscal year. One of the goals was to complex. In 1998, she established several task force groups, one pursue a Community Center that is now under construction. Onci appoint a task force to look into the recreational needs of the Cil adults. She asked Council Member Zirbes to chair the task force representative. She would serve as alternate. She planned to discs representation and tenure of the group with staff and asked tha placed on the September 16 agenda for further consideration. NCIL live y ars, a s poo fiscal er ex eded . has an ie City C -ursue a if which again, s for you the Cc ;s the m; the ma, 10. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to con uct, adjourned the meeting at 8:58 p.m. in memory of George Fe Tera CM/Lowry and in memory of James Thalman, Chino Hills Mayor. LYNDA BURGESS, Cl The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 7th day of October, CAROL HERRERA, MAYOR CLERK iuncil ports as to e will and ncil's ter of �r be of