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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/2/2003 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION DECEMBER 2, 2003 STUDY SESSION: Mayor Herrera called the Study Se to order at 5:40 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Q Management District/Government Center, 21865 E. Copley Dr., Diai Bar, CA. Present: Council Members Chang, O Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem/Huff and Mayor Herrera Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Jenkins, City Attorney; James DeStefano; Deputy City Manager; I Doyle, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Director of Public Works; Rose, Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Din April Blakey, Public Information Manager; Ann Lungu, Associate Pla Fred Alamolholda, Senior Engineer; Sharon Gomez, Manage Analyst; Kim Crews, Senior Management Analyst; Jim Clarke, Cons and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk. 1. Grand Avenue Beautification Project and Adel/Gerndahl Calming Project. PWD/Liu introduced Wait Lundin and Surender Dewan, Engineers from DLA; Charles Foley, Landscape Architect ' Hirsch & Associates and Rock Miller with Katz Okitsu Associates. He reported that the project estimate is $1.5 n which includes resurfacing Grand Ave.jrom Diamond Bar BI) the freeway along with landscaping. He pointed out that staff proposing that the eastern half of Grand Ave. be resurfaced time. He recommended that the following timetable be consi( so that construction can begin in June: 1) Give consu direction to finalize design plans in February, 2004; 2) receiv design from the consultants in March or April; 3) begin adver in April and 4) begin construction in June when traffic is intense. Regarding the asphalt, C/Chang asked whether the total $2.5 million? PWD/Liu responded that that is the total construction cost entire project between the freeway and the easterly City limit. C/Chang confirmed that for the asphalt, the cost is $1.5 million. and nor, /like avid Bob ;tor; ner; lent tant iffic civil rom and Ilion i. to not this ?red ants the sing less 3t is the C/Zirbes asked when the CalTrans freeway closures will be ripen ' again? PWD/Liu reported that the Grand Ave. eastbound onramp s ould be open February 04. DECEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION C/Zirbes asked whether future design considerations regarding the intersection of Grand and Golden Springs will take into account any future development that might take place on the corner. PWD/Liu indicated that the project team is looking into that right now and a design of the left turn pocket on westbound Grand Ave. into the property that's already there. Rock Miller reported that a traffic study was prepared for this project. He highlighted key findings of the study: 1) there are not a lot of options that could be done in the corner without a lot more growth in the project than currently considered; 2) identified a potential project on Golden Springs that would allow all the lanes to be narrowed somewhat to squeeze an additional lane toward the freeway but it would eliminate the raised median and is not currently part of the recommendation; it would improve the traffic capacity of the street but it would still be rated a level of service F; 3) the actual intersection of D.B. Blvd. and Grand Ave. does not have a lot of design options but the left turn onto S. D.B. Blvd. from Chino Hills is heavily congested and he recommended that the three -lane section be extended along D.B. Blvd. to just beyond Mountain Laurel; 4) analyzed the capacity of the street east of D.B. Blvd. to see if it should be re -striped for more lanes but there is so much less traffic, that it didn't make a lot of sense to do this; 5) will recommend some minor re -striping treatments at some of the unsignalized residential accesses to create a "painted refuge" in the middle that would allow residents to pull out in the median and wait for a gap in the traffic; 6) a companion project to optimize the signals along Grand and D.B. and streets in the area and the project has been approximately 99% implemented so far. Chuck Foley, Hirsch and Associates, gave a power point presentation showing existing conditions of the landscaping and pointed out that excess irrigation water is deteriorating the asphalt in several areas. He stated that one of the causes of the runoff is due to the topography with high slopes along the streets. He stated that the problem can be addressed by changing the plantings to limit the runoff. The second condition promoting runoff is the berms in some of the smaller parkways. Since there is extensive tree planting within the median now, he suggested that the City work with what it has already and attempt to beautify certain areas within Grand Ave. He stated that his firm is looking for direction from the City regarding the eucalyptus trees because some of them are located so close to curb or asphalt that, within the near future, those trees will lift the curb and affect the streetscape. DECEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSI Walt Lundin, DLA, stated that the street rehab is a fairly 3imple approach involving removal of 2" of asphalt and replacing it with overlay. He reported that there are some sections where some reconstruction may be necessary. Further, he stated that some intersection improvements would be part of the project. He o tlined the options available for consideration: 1) leave the intersections as they are now; 2) apply color and stamped concrete ata cost of $125,000 more per intersection; or 3) install a very simple or intricate design at the intersections of Golden Springs/Gran and D.B. Blvd./Grand Ave. showing a D.B. symbol in the middle of the intersection but it is a lot more expensive. C/O'Connor asked how the design in the intersections would affect traffic? She also asked whether the lane striping would stil exist across the intersection? PWD/Liu stated that the lane lines could be incorporated into the design. C/O'Connor said she did not want to see the large old-growth trees removed. DCM/DeStefano said that on the east side of Grand Ave. at G Iden Springs just past Calvary Chapel, there would be a left turn p cket allowing vehicles to enter the new center below the Mon efino condos. He explained that it would be a lengthy left turn p cket and would require the removal of some Eucalyptus trees. C/O'Connor said she could see taking out some of the trees to accommodate the left turn pockets. MPT/Huff agreed with the comment. He said he was concerned about runoff and wanted to preserve as many trees as pos ible. Perhaps the City could take out one tree at a time as necessay as long as there were new trees coming along to replace t ose eliminated trees. M/Herrera asked if some of the trees in the Grand Ave. mdian were some of the original trees planted in D.B. DCM/DeStefano responded that he did not believe the Grand Ave. trees were the original plantings because there are much bigger trees at the south end of D.B. at Brea Canyon and D.B. Blvd. which are approximately 36" and 48" in diameter. He indicated that there may be some older trees on Grand Ave. but the oldest tree are located in the south end of town. DECEMBER 2,,2003 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION CSD/Rose explained that one option would be to remove all of the trees. He said that another option would be to remove the ones that needed to be removed --approximately seven or eight --because of the berming and because they are close to the curb. He explained that they would be replaced in accordance with the planting program for the medians; and by planting the trees now they could be placed at the proper grade to eliminate the problem with the berm. MPT/Huff said that in that particular location, there are some pretty high hillsides. He felt that the trees fill the gap and present a good balance and did not believe the palette of trees that the City was currently planting would give that type of height because they were more of a median type tree. He stated that he was not in favor of removing trees other than those required to access the shopping center. He felt it was a beautiful entry into the City and should be preserved. PWD/Liu explained that modifications to meet ADA requirements are being included in the project. C/Zirbes asked if the areas of sidewalks that are damaged or missing entirely, but are not required as ADA improvements, would then be included in the project? PWD/Liu explained that between the freeway and D.B. Blvd., there are limited opportunities for landscaping improvements but better opportunities exist for the area of Grand Ave. east of D.B. Blvd. Charles Foley, Hirsh and Associates, responded that the presentation included improvements from face of curb to face of curb within the street as well as hardscape improvements. CM/Lowry asked if $1.3 is required for the western half of the Grand Ave? Then we would need an additional $100,000 because we have $1.2 budgeted right now. In the future, we would continue to accumulate the allotment of street funds with the expectation that we would finish the project in the future. C/Chang agreed that the City should not remove any trees that were not necessary to be removed at this time. PWD/Liu requested approval for Phase I of the project which includes asphalt and concrete between the freeway and D.B. Blvd. along with landscaping. DECEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION C/Zirbes suggested that the City move ahead with the project because the area is highly traveled, is in disrepair and shoul8 be readied for future development. C/Huff asked whether the approval would include the staped intersection? M/Herrera explained that she did not feel comfortable elimin ting the dots which separate the turn lanes. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered. MPT/Huff asked the life expectancy of the pavement. PWD/Liu recommended replacing the entire section of pavement. He explained that total reconstruction would provide a 10-15 year life while a two-inch overlay service life would be between 5 an J 10 years. Council agreed to support staff's suggestion to move ahead. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, adjourned the Study Session to the regular meeting at 6:35 p.m. d LYNDA BURGESS, City Clerk The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6th day of 2004. ATTEST: N44_vtv�_ CAROL HERRERA, Mayor 1 1 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR DECEMBER 2, 2003 CLOSED SESSION: 5:00 p.m., Government Center/SCQMD Room CC -8. Public Comments on Closed Session Agenda ➢ Government Code Section 54957 — Public Employee Performance Evaluation. Title: City Manager No reportable action taken. ADJOURNED TO STUDY SESSION: 5:30 P.M. STUDY SESSION: Mayor Herrera called the Study Ses ion to order at 5:40 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government Center, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. ➢ Grand Avenue Beautification Project and Adel/Gerndahl Taffic Calming Project. ➢ Public Comments M/Herrera adjourned the Study Session at 6:35 p.m. to the Regula City Council meeting. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. in the Auditorium of The Government Center/SCAQMD, 2 865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The Pledge of Allegiance was lea by Mayor Herrera. INVOCATION: The Invocation was given by Ahmad PhD, Islamic Education Center. ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, O'Connor, Zirbes, Mayor Pro Tem Huff, and Mayor Herrera. i Also present were: Linda Lowry, City Manager; Mike Jen cns, City Attorney; Jim DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; David Doyle, Deputy City Manager; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director, and Lynda Burgess, City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: CA/Jenkins reported a recent change ii i the Government Code requiring that city councils must wait to reorganize intil the next regular meeting after certifying the results of their elections. H DECEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL stated that as a result, Council had two options: 1) continue with the reorganization at tonight's meeting and ratify the selection at the next regularly scheduled meeting with a report to Council listed in the form of a Consent Calendar item or, 2) postpone the matter to the next regularly scheduled Council meeting. MPT/Huff moved, M/Herrera seconded, to continue the reorganization of the City Council to the next regular meeting of December 16, 2003. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zirbes, MPT/Huff, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 1. POST ELECTION PROCEDURES 1.1 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2003-66: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON NOVEMBER 4, 2003, DECLARING THE RESULT AND SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW. C/Zirbes moved, C/O'Connor seconded to adopt Resolution No. 2003- 66. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zirbes, MPT/Huff, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 1.2 ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS OF OFFICE TO COUNCIL MEMBERS ELECT CAROL HERRERA AND BOB HUFF BY CONGRESSMAN GARY G. MILLER. Congressman Miller administered the Oaths of Office. M/Herrera said it was a pleasure to have been elected for a third term. She thanked the community for their faith in her and appreciation for work she has done on behalf of D.B. She especially thanked the individuals who assisted in her campaign. MPT/Huff echoed M/Herrera's sentiments. He also thanked the community for placing theirtrust in him once again and looked forward to continuing to build for the future of D.B. 2. CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION — Continued to December 16, 2003. DECEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 3 CITY COONCIL RECESS: M/Herrera recessed the meeting at 7:06 p.m. RECONVENE: M/Herrera reconvened the meeting at 7:27 p.m. 3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS 3.1 Presentation by the Diamond Bar Community Foundation do ating funds toward purchase of snow for the City's Winter Snow Ifest — Presentation of $3,275 check by Member Jody Roberto. I 4. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Eileen Lazarre updated the Council on the Allegro complex trash collection charge problems she spoke about at a recent City Council meeting. She said that the City met with Valley Vista to resolve their accounting discrepancies. She indicated that she had spoken with Valley Vista on several occasions in an effort to negotiate the 00% increase and erroneous late fee to no avail and she did not understan J why they were allowed to increase their contract by such a large amount. S ie felt the City would want to reconsider their contract with Valley Vista. ' M/Herrera suggested that the Allegro Homeowners Association pay th late fee and continue negotiations to resolve the matter. Ms. Lazarre indicated that although Valley Vista initially agreed during the meeting with the City, they later decided not to waive the late fee. II M/Herrera said she would discuss the matter with staff. Ms. Lazarre also expressed concerns regarding control on Pathfinder between Brea Canyon Road and Fern Hollow. PWD/Liu responded that staff is working with Caltrans to resolve raffic signal ization timing and with the high school to resolve on-site circulatio and the matter should be resolved within a month. Joe McManus congratulated M/Herrera and MPT/Huff on their re-elect i n to the City Council. He read and commented on a letter to the editor writt n by Mary Matson. Judy Pai said that her company was concerned about the amount of red curbing recommended for Earlgate Street. Some of the employees and customers park on Earlgate. Placement of red curbing would eliminate the parking space and adversely impact the well-being of their business. She respectfully requested the Council review the request and consider redcing the amount of red curbing to a reasonable amount required for visibilit . DECEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL Marie Buckland rebutted comments made by Mr. McManus. 6. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENT: C/O'Connor asked if the Allegro complex had an option to move to individual containers and contracting with Waste Management under residential rather than commercial. PWD/Liu said that he understood that the physical constraints at the complex precluded individual containers. There are 22 bin areas and over 120 units. C/O'Connor asked to see a copy of the letter read by Mr. McManus. The only letter she saw written by Mary Matson appeared in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. She reported that she had nothing to do with that letter. 7. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: As presented in the Agenda for this meeting. 8.0 CONSENT CALENDAR: Moved by C/Chang, seconded by C/O'Connor to approve the Consent Calendar, with the exception of Items 8.8 and 8.11. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zirbes, MPT/Huff, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 8.1 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of October 23, 2003. 8.2 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of October 9, 2003. 8.3 APPROVED WARRANT REGISTER —DATED November 20, 2003 in the amount of $584,213.45. 8.4 APPROVED SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 06(2003) ADOPTING DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 2003-01 PERTAINING TO SLOPE MAINTENANCE STANDARDS SECTION 22.34.030, 22.34.040, 22.34.050 AND 22.34.060 AND AMENDING THE DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE. 8.5 APPROVED SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 07(2003) ADOPTING DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT NO. 2003-02 PERTAINING TO CHAPTER 22.10 — PERMIT PROCESS FOR PSYCHIC READERS, CHAPTER 22.44— DELETING THE PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM PROCESS, CHAPTER 22.46 — ZONING CLEARANCE, CHAPTER 22.47 — PLOT PLAN REVIEW, CHAPTER 1 1 DECEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL 22.48 — DEVELOPMENT REVIEW AND CHAPTER 22.80 — DEFINITIONS AND AMENDING THE DIAMOND BAR MUNIC41PAL CODE. 8.6 REVIEWED AND APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT— Month of October 2003. 8.7 REJECTED CLAIM — FILED BY KIRK SALMON, FILED Octot er 31, 2003. 8.9 APPROVED AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM TO OPERATE NEW LIBRARY. II 8.10 APPROVED LETTER IN SUPPORT OF SB1-5X (BRULTE): LICENSE FEES. MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM THE CONSENT CALENDAR: 8.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2003-67 SUPPORTING THE LOCAL TAXPAYERS AND PUBLIC SAFETY PROTECTION ACT: A STATEWIDE BALLOT INITIATIVE TO REQUIRE VOTER APPROVAL BEFORE THE STATE GOVERNMENT MAY TAKE LOCAL. TAX FUNDS. C/O'Connor moved, C/Zirbes seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 2003-67. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zir MPT/Huff, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 8.11 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CIT OF DIAMOND BAR INSTALLING 120 FEET OF RED CURB SOUTH OF EARLGATE STREET AND 260 FEET OF RED CURB NORI H OF EARLGATE STREET ON THE WESTERLY SIDE OF LEMON AVENUE. Moved by MPT/Huff, seconded by C/Zirbes to continue them er to December 16, 2003. Motion carried by the following Roll Call ote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Chang, O'Connor, Zii MPT/Huff, M/Herrera ' NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None 9. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None DECEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL RECESS TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY: 8:15 p.m. RECESS TO PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY: 8:26 p.m. RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 8:31 p.m. 10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: 10.1 ADEUGERNDAHL TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT— continued from Study Session. Council agreed to install the traffic signal but to wait on medians and bulb outs until signal effectiveness has been evaluated. 11. COUNCIL SUB -COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Chang spoke about the City's revenue and the state's subventions. All Council Members, approximately 20 residents, the City Manager, Deputy City Managers and other staff members attended the SCAG Compass Public Workshop held at the Ontario Convention Center addressing future traffic and growth problems in the Southern California region. He said that the City faces serious challenges about how to resolve these problems in the future. C/O'Connor encouraged everyone to be careful during the holiday season and to have a designated driver when attending parties that serve alcoholic beverages. C/Zirbes asked residents to shop Diamond Bar during the holiday season. He stated that, as a former Planning Commissioner, it was interesting and fun attending the Compass Public Workshop and participating in a vision for the Inland Empire and surrounding areas. He indicated that he has attended a number of meetings during the past two weeks including the notable Chamber Board meeting that he attended along with DCM/DeStefano. He also stated that he met with the principals of both high schools on different issues as well as residents to discuss issues important to them in their neighborhoods. MPT/Huff spoke about the Compass workshop being an outgrowth of the Four Corners regional planning. He reported that a lot of the traffic stems from population centers being a great distance from job centers and that if jobs could be moved closer to workers, the flow of traffic could be reversed. He said that he attended a Foothill Cluster meeting during which transit - oriented development was discussed. He reported that Foothill Transit asked the Federal Government for money to help build Park -n -Ride facilities because a key West Covina Park -n -Ride facility was lost last year and the loss of the facility brought it home that the region needs a key location to 17 1 DECEMBER 2, 2003 PAGE 7 CITY COUNPIL develop the commuter business. Further, he indicated that Foothill Tran; in the process of losing a Park -n -Ride facility at the Puente Hills mall but the City of Industry provided space by their city hall which is off the be path. He reported that he, CM/Lowry and staff enjoyed greeting third gra during their City Hall tour from Quail Summit Elementary School. reminded everyone take a little extra time to enjoy your family relationships during the holiday season. M/Herrera spoke about the Southern California Association of Governm (SCAG) workshop. She explained that SCAG is composed of 6counties Riverside/San Bernardino County to Imperial County serving 17 m people — half the population of the entire State of California. Reports wt by SCAG are significant because projects written in their report are eli for state and federal funding. She reported that D.B.'s participation significant and focused on improved freeways and bypass roadways anc there were enough participants from D.B. to cover each breakout group. said that her group's solution for traffic is increased freeway capacities bypass roadway. She reminded residents that it is important to recy especially ink printer cartridges and indicated that plastic envelope: provided for mailing and the recycling effort provides D.B. with extra cri She announced that the Council reorganization would take plat December 16. 10. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to conduct, MIH adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m. in memory of Wendy Keel. is at =rs He ion that She nd a are lits. on 64 a&C 41 12 LYNDA BURGESS, CITY CL ERN The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6TH day of Janua , 64&-Jk-MA--, CAROL HERRERA, MAYOR