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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/17/2006 Minutes - Regular MeetingCI OF DIAMOND BAR CITY CO NCIL STUDY SESSION J NUARY 17, 2006 STUDY SESSION: Mayor Herrera called the Study Session to order at 5:30 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government Center, 218135 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. Present: Council Members Chang, Tanaka, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Zirbes and Mayor Herr ra. Also Present: Linda Lowry, City Manager; David Doyle, Assistant City Manager; Bradley Wohlenberg, Asst. City Attorney; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Nancy Fong, Interim Community Development Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Sharon Gomez, Senior Management Analyst, and Tommye Cribbins, Executive Asst. A. "TAKING TRAFFIC SIGNALS TO THE STREETS" — A Report on the City's Traffic Signal Man gement- PWDILiu stated that D.B. has numerous regional traffic issues and attention is being focused on what has been done, is being done and what the future holds. For example, City streets provide overflow capacity for the SR57/60 interchange, an interchange that creates a number of impacts that affect quality of life, economy and public safety. SMA/Gomez stated that tr, Laurel neighborhood feed are two schools with 1950 hours the traffic dramatica Bar Blvd. Two vehicles pe day. As a result the City i experience when they atte to the freeways; and to fins through the area. Bernard Lee, Warren C. conducted. Typical warrant peak hour volumes, delay; Once the intersections are intersections are prioritized due to accident occurrence Pathfinder Rd. and Peacei Blvd. About four years ago incandescent to LED techs savings of 85% ($81,OOC explaining that the traffic County back to the City in o ffic from about 668 residences in the Mountain nto Diamond Bar Boulevard. In addition, there students and during peak drop-off and pickup y increases on Mountain Laurel and Diamond neighborhood household average 10 trips per challenged to minimize delays that residents npt to access the arterials and move smoothly a way to effectively and safely move vehicles ;iecke Engineers, explained how studies are to be met for installation of traffic signals are from side streets, and intersection accidents. identified as warranted for traffic signals the according to funding decisions. For example, high priority signals were recently installed at it Hills and at Cold Spring and Diamond Bar the City converted its traffic signal lights from ology, a change that resulted in energy cost during the first year). Mr. Lee continued ignal maintenance was transferred from the der to increase maintenance response time. JANUARY 17, 2006 PA9E 2 CC STUDY SESSION All traffic signal controllers w controllers enabling the signal to of video detection. He presented signal system operates. D.B. doe; However, the City has a master signals to a master computer sign Warren Siecke reported on w interconnect system. Once the sy from constructing new signals to n efficiency of the system and imple synchronization and monitoring fr( future staff will have the cap coordination programs based on adjacent communities to address t other major incidents in the area. :re converted to full traffic -activated �hange function on demand with the use 3 2 -minute video to show how the traffic not have a Traffic Management Center. plan to eventually link all of the City's iI by about 2007. at was being done to finalize the :em is in place the emphasis will switch )difying, monitoring and maximizing the nenting the PV -ITS system to allow for n the City Hall master computer. In the bility to implement traffic response traffic flow, and provide linkage with 3ffic diversion resulting from freeway or Mr. Siecke responded to questions that staff had received. PWD/Liu concluded that public s traffic continues to be a major cf resources and partnerships with all a proactive approach to the situ immediate and timely response monitoring efforts would minimize implementation of the system wa: elected officials, staff, consultants that this was a serious undertaking M/Herrera asked if it was possib extent pending installation of the r Mr. Lee responded that it was diff because the synchronization was individual signal monitoring. Due to beginning to "drift" causing the systE requires that residents notify the I malfunctioning so that attention particular intersection. He said tha timing and progression of traffic alor M/Herrera pointed out that resident: has not acted in accordance with traffic issues and that nothing has move through the City. She said sf resident who was sifting at a red approaching traffic on Cold Springs itety was a top priority; that regional alienge and would require substantial stakeholders. The implementation was ition; that the system would provide to incidents and that the ongoing ielays and congestion. He stated that a team effort that included citizens, and the maintenance company, and D preserve the quality of life for D.B. to improve intersections to a greater system. :ult to coordinate the existing system !me -based coordination that required the aging of the controllers some are m to be out of synch. The system also :ity when the system appears to be ;an immediately be focused on a his goal was to improve the signal I the City's streets. are complaining that the City Council `heir promises to work on improving happened and residents still cannot received a call at 4:00 a.m. from a light at Diamond Bar Blvd. with no n. in either direction. She would hope JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION that at the very least the City could replace malfunctioning detectors and clocks. PWD/Liu responded to M/Herrera that it was staffs responsibility to replace malfunctioning itms when it became apparent that they needed replacing. MPT/Zirbes thanked staff for the presentation. He wanted to know what the City needed to do to gt to where the City needed to be and how much interconnect was left, Mr. Siecke said he believed that about 90% of the system was in place. MPT/Zirbes asked if it was possible to finish the interconnect system without adding more signals. PWD/Liu explained that the interconnect system was a separate e rt that would not have to be done in connection with the new signals. pically, the interconnect system is done in connection with signalizati n to provide additional monetary savings. The interconnect system coulc be finished ahead of signal installation but it would likely result in additional cost to the City. In the meantime, staff was working with LA County to see if the City could contract with them to pay for the improvements to complete the interconnect. Mr. Siecke responded that no additional signals would have to be installed in order to complete the interconnect system. have the technology to be MPT/Zirbes asked how many current signals converted into the in-house said that basically the system system. Mr. Siecke was in place. MPT/Zirbes asked how quickly the system could be up arid running and whether the standalone system would provide the City with the ability to regulate traffic breaks that allowed residential traffic to gain better and more immediate access to the arterials. PWD/Liu said "yes and no." Historically, mitigation was motivated by residents' concerns and for many years the residents have experienced a great deal of frustration at not being able to easily navigate to and from their neighborhoods. The City has to first consider whether the perceived scenario is creating a dan Brous condition that justifies mitigation through a warrant study and specific plan. PWD/Liu said he believed that if the City moved forward with mani ulating the traffic through completion of the interconnect system it woId not necessarily address potential liability issues. Mr. Siecke stressedthat he system would give the City the ability to minimize the negative imp cts of the required signal by controlling the delays on the arterials. MPT/Zirbes asked if it we possible to use the interconnect system to move traffic out onto arteria s thereby possibly eliminating the traffic signal warrant issue. He felt that the City should move to the next phase as quickly as possible to get the community the most up to date technology it needed to move the traffic ore effectively without further delay. JANUARY 17, 2006 PA�E 4 CC STUDY SESSION PWD/Liu said the City was pushing LA County to come to a contract agreement for implementation of the system and that the City is ready to complete the interconnect system this year. Staff is very frustrated with the County because they have been working on this project for more than 10 years and cited technology as the reason for the holdup. Within a month or two of signing the contract wit i the County the equipment could be in place. PWD/Liu cautioned Council that the system would not be able to accommodate a continuous flow f traffic because a large number of the City's intersections were already, t a high level of service. Unless the City was able to obtain additional right-of-way it would not be able to accommodate all of the traffic t at comes through the City. The best scenario is to minimize the inc nveniences using the most advanced technology available to date. MPT/Zirbes reiterated that he believed it would be more effective for the City to implement the system and then take a second look at whether or not additional signals were warranted. He would prefer to implement the system and work through the bugs before proceeding with signal installations because the signal might no longer be warranted with better signal management and traffic flow. CM/Lowry felt that if that was C cease further complaint driven % place. M/Herrera felt the City cou initiated at the behest of the impossible to slam the door on co CM/Lowry felt that Council Mer themselves to respond to public understanding of how the City w respond to short-term and long-te to be educated to tell the City w example she explained how she w register a complaint. M/Herrera felt that the Council matter and asked if staff and the the discussion. C/Chang felt that progress had installation of the interconnect sy could do at this time. C/Tanaka thanked staff for the pr the City was moving in the right di incil's direction it should direct staff to grant studies until the system was in not act in such a manner. Studies are iblic and it would be difficult if not plaint responses. bers and staff could better educate questions and complaints through an s proceeding on an ongoing basis to 'n traffic issues. And, the public needs en a controller is not working. As an s able to go into the City's website and Jed additional time to discuss this ineers would come back to continue n made and was excited about . He felt the City was doing all it and said he was pleased that JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION MlHerrera asked that the slide presentation be placed on the City's message board on DBTV Public Comments: None Offered. B. TAX SHARING AGREEMENT WITH COUNTRY HILLS TOWNE CENTER (Continued frorr January 3, 2006 Study Session) Mr. McCarthy informed Council that he had reached contract agreement with H -Mart and that he Would appreciate consideration of a tax sharing agreement to assist with development of the center. MPTIZirbes recommended that CM/Lowry and the Economic Development Committee meet to discuss the matter and make its recommendation to the Council at the February 21 City Council Study Session. Council concurred. Public Comments: Nonebffered. ADJOURNMENT: With Council, MlHerrera adjourned th, The foregoing minutes are he 2006. CAROL HERRERA, Mayor no further business to come before the City Study Session at 6:40 p.m. id �L Lowry, City Cl approved this 7-t1i day of February MINUTES F THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR JANUARY 17, 2006 STUDY SESSION: ► "Taking Traffic Signals to Management ► Tax Sharing Agreement February 21, 2006) MlHerrera adjourned the Study S 30 p.m., Room CC -8 Streets" —A Report on the City's Traffic Signal Country Hills Towne Center (Continued to n at 6:40 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:47 p.m. inThe Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, A. MlHerrera announced that followii Signal Management she request( Economic Development Subcomi on a potential Tax Sharing Agree PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: INVOCATION: ROLL CALL: Tem Zirbes and Mayor Herrera. Staff Present: Assistant City Manager; Bradley Public Works Director; Bob Ror Public Information Manager; Ken Director; Nancy Fong, Interim Car Management Analyst and Tamm APPROVAL OF AGENDA: 1. SPECIAL PRESENTA 1.1 CITye presented SCAQMD Calend Specialist for SCF Members. I tonight's Study Session presentation on Traffic I that staff scroll the information on DBTV. The ittee will work with staff and the property owner lent for the Country Hills Towne Center. MlHerrera led the Pledge of Allegiance. Ahmad H. Sakr, Ph.D. gave the Invocation. Council Members Chang, Tanaka, Tye, Mayor Pro Linda Lowry, City Manager; David Doyle, E. Wohlenberg, Acting City Attorney; David Liu, e, Community Services Director; Marsha Roa, DesForges,IS Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance imunity Development Director; Kim Crews, Senior ve Cribbins, Executive Asst. As Presented. , CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: Certificates of Recognition to winners of the r Coloring Contest. Janet Laiblin, Public Affairs )MD presented calendars to each of the Council 1.2 C/Tanaka presented Certificates of Recognition to Chaparral Middle School and Lorbe r Middle School winners of the "Read Together Challenge" and to Chaparral Middle School for winning the championship. Marsha Hawkins presented a plaque to Chaparral and JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL announced that a perpetual plaque would be placed at the library to commemorate annual school winners. She presented a plaque to former Mayor Chang for his support of "The Friends of the Library." 1.3 MPT/Zirbes presented Certificates of Recognition to Community Volunteer Patrol members Ron and Judy Johnson for their participation in the apprehension of two residential burglary and arson suspects. M/Herrera thanked all of th volunteers for their contribution to the safety of D.B. 1.4 C/Chang presented Certificates of Recognition to Eric Loree, John D. Radtke and Taylor Illig fortheir extraordinary efforts toward helping revise the Skate Park Rules to include Scooters. 1.5 Sandra Cheng, Miss Diamond Bar, and her court presented a Certificate of Appreciate o the Council and a Certificate of Appreciation to host MPT/Zirbes. Miss D.B. Board Mem assistance in securing a pageants. 1.6 M/Herrera proclaimed Day." Sergio Islas ac( 1:1116"ll 11011 1.7 C/Tye presented a C Pharmacy as New Bt Joe McManus asked for Council's location for future Miss Diamond Bar ary 3, 2006 as "Wear Red for Women the proclamation. Plaque to Stephen Lee, owner of JJ's of the Month for January 2006. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND (RECOMMENDATIONS: CM/Lowry introduced Lt. Joe Maxe who responded to a speaker's question regarding Sheriff response times or the City of D.B. and enforcement of immigration laws. Lt. Maxey explained that he, Captain Kwan and City staff carefully monitor response times as witnessed by the low numbers indicated in The Tribune article. D.B. was significantly lower than all other contract cities and much, much lower than L.A. County. He assured residents that response time is not a concern for the D.B./Walnut Sherffs Station. With respect to enforcement of immigration laws, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department most certainly enforces all immigration laws. In addition, all offenders arrested and prosecuted through the County Jail systems are monitored and reviewed by the U.S. Immigration Services. JANUARY 17, 2006 IMAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Clyde Hennessee suggested that residents just simply say yes or no to a library tax when asked to respond to the survey. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC OMMENTS: None Offered. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE (EVENTS: 5.1 Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Meeting —January 19, 2006 — 7:00 p.m. (for neighborhoods of Armitos PI., between Pantera Dr. and Top Ct. and Pantera Dr. between Armitos PI. and Bowcreek Dr.), Diamond Bar C ommunity Center Pine Room, 1600 Grand Ave. 5.2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING — January 24, 2006 — 7:00 p.m., Auditorium, A MD/Government Center, 21865 Copley Dr. 5.3 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING —January 26, 2006 — 7:00 p.m., Board Hearing Room, 21865 Copley Dr. 5.4 CITY COUNCIL MEETING -- February 7, 2005 — 6:30 p.m., Auditorium, AQMD/ overnment Center, 21865 Copley Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Tye moved, MPTIZirbes seconded to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye, MPTIZirbes, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: 6.1.1 Study Session of January 3, 2006 — as corrected. 6.1.2 Regular Me ting of January 3, 2006 — as submitted. 6.2 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER—Containing checks dated December 23, 2005 through J nuary 12, 2006 totaling $1,755,747.35. 6.3 DENIED CLAIMS: 6.3.1 Filed by Carllos and Erlinda Luceno on November 28, 2005. 6.3.2 Filed by Heif1s of Roque Abalsamo on December 21, 2005. JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE 4 7. 6.4 APPROVED SECOND REA READING AND ADOPTED ( SECTION 12.00.420 OF THE PERMANENTLY ALLOW N, THE SKATE PARK AT PET CITY COUNCIL DING BY TITLE ONLY, WAIVED FULL )RDINANCE NO. 01(2006) AMENDING DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE TO DN -MOTORIZED SCOTTERS TO USE ERSON PARK. 6.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2006-01: CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF MAYOR CAROL HERRERA AS DELEGATE AND COUNCIL MEMBER STEVE TYE AS ALTERNATE TO THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS. 6.6 AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CIVIC SOLUTIONS, INC., TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ON-SITE PLANNING SERVICES ($60,000). 6.7 RECEIVED AND FILED C MPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR NDED JUNE 30, 2005. 6.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION OF VACANT PROPERTY BOULEVARD WITH A AUTHORIZED CITY MAIC DOCUMENTS AND APPR( FUND RESERVES DEVELOPMENT. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARIN 7.1 ADOPT RESOLUTION COMMUNITY DEVELOP ALLOCATION OF $383,0 January 3, 2006). O. 2006-02 APPROVING PURCHASE OCATED AT 3100 S. DIAMOND BAR 'URCHASE PRICE OF $950,000; GER TO EXECUTE ALL REQUIRED 'RIATE SAID FUNDS FROM GENERAL ,ESTRICTED FOR ECONOMIC NO. 2006-03 APPROVING THE IENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM ) FOR FY 2006-07. (Continued from ICDD/Fong presented staff' report and requested that the Mayor re- open the Public Hearing, R ceive Testimony and Adopt Resolution No. 2006-03 for a total allot tion of $383,090. M/Herrera asked for an eplanatlon of what appeared to be an advancement of insurance for the senior groups. CM/Lowry explained that the appropriation was intended to equally support the four groups thro gh the CDBG allocation process without tapping the Community Support Fund allocation of the General Fund. M/Herrera opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no testimony being offered, the Public Hearing was closed. JANUARY 17, 2006 RAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL MPTIZirbes moved, CITye seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 2006- 03 approving the Community Development Block Grant Program Allocation of $383,090 for FY 2006-07. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUN iL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye, MPTIZirbes, M/Herrera NOES: COUN IL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUN IL MEMBERS: None 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERA 8.1 CONSIDER DELEGATING THE DUTIES OF THE ISSUANCE OF PUBLIC CONV NIENCE AND NECESSITY (PCN) DETERMINATIONS FOR ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) LICENSES. (RESOLUTION NO. 2006-04). CM/Lowry stated thz t this was a question of the City Council deciding if it wished to delec ate its authority to the City Manager or to the Planning Commission to render opinions about whether a liquor store/facility should be granted a liquor license. Last year was the first time that D.B. was a ked by LA County if it wished to allow licenses to be permitted when ir fact the numbers indicated by closeness to other facilities, closeness o children or by crime statistics that the County would not have permitted the license request that was then in process. At an ear ier meeting the Council deemed it would be appropriate to delegi ite the authority to the Planning Commission but rendered no final decision. Staffs concern was that such a delegation would delay the proc ess for the business owner. In lieu of delegating the City Manager to render an opinion, staff would recommend that the City Council coni inue the responsibility as the final authority. If the Planning Commission rejected the application, it was likely that the matter would be appealed to the City Council and further delay the timeline. Staff prepa ed two resolutions and should the Council decide to remove the app al option the resolutions would require further amendment. There was no one present who wished to speak on this matter. MPTIZirbes said he was comfortable granting the authority to the Planning Commission or leaving it with the City Council and did not understand the urgency to grant a liquor license. There are a number of outlets that serve the community and he believed that applicants preparing to open a business in D.B. would have sufficient time to obtain approval fro the City. He felt it was the City Council's responsibility and t at the matter should not be put off to another individual or Commi sion when it could be appealed to the City JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL Council. ClChang felt it was better tc let the Planning Commission review the matter and render a decis on that could be appealed to the City Council. C/Tanaka agreed with MPT Zirbes that there were few applications for business licenses and when a business chose to locate in the City it would be business -friendly to speed up the process by giving the authority to the City Manager or her designee. C/Tye agreed with C/Chan licenses. He agreed with C making these types of deci use applications to be reN where applicants are advi City Council. that there was no urgency to issue liquor /Lowry that the Council was charged with ons and he felt it was appropriate for land :wed at the Planning Commission level !d that any decision is appealable to the M/Herrera agreed with MP /Zirbes that the authority should remain with the City Council sine its members were elected to render decisions on such matters and because the City Council Members were more in touch with the wishes of the residents. MPTIZirbes moved, M/Her�era seconded, to leave the authority with the City Council. Motion faiied by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL M MBERS: MPTIZirbes, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL M MBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye ABSENT: COUNCIL M MBERS: None C/Tanaka felt that this Council creating a checl MlHerrera said that while did not live within the community wants. ClChang reiterated that b was not a matter of urgen the Planning Commission fc process to the City Counci . s an administrative responsibility with for the approval process. had a great deal of respect for staff they munity and may not know what the rause an application for a liquor license it would be best to give the authority to r a better review process with the appeal JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL C/Chang moved, /Tye seconded, to grant the authority to the Planning Commission. Motion failed by the following Roil Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tye NOES: COU CIL MEMBERS: Tanaka, MPT/Zirbes, M/Herrera ABSENT: COU CIL MEMBERS: None ACA/Wohlenberg s ated that in the absence of a decision to the contrary the determination would remain with the County. Only if there were a finding of an undue concentration under State Law could the owner seek a waiver and place another liquor license where there was an undue concentration as defined in state law. CM/Lowry said th t her understanding of the call received in December from L.A.County was that they had a recent case wherein the applicant did not qualify and they wished for the City to use its own authority to give them direction. Since there was no procedure in place to handle su h matters staff told L.A. County to proceed to issue the license for Gourmet Essentials because staff was aware of the location and did not wish to put the business in a bad position and, it was understood that D.B. would take a position on how it would deal with future requests. The County is looking to the City to establish guidelines for future requests denied by the County. MPT/Zirbes reiterated his belief that the City Council was the appropriate and final authority and should step forward to rule on such infrequent matters rather than acquiesce its authority to the County. MPT/Zirbes moved M/Herrera seconded, to place authority with the City Council. C/Tye agreed that the ultimate authority belonged with the City Council. However, the City should have the opportunity to address all such matters with the public. He believed that the Planning Commission should hold a public hearing on the matter to better inform the public and that the City Council should be the final approval authority. He felt th re was no urgency to issue liquor licenses. MPT/Zirbes said h too felt no urgency to issue liquor licenses and that the community was more aware of City Council matters and that the public would more fully participate in discussions before the City Council. He said lie had not received calls about the Planning Commission agenda even when he served on the Planning Commission and if the final authority rested with the City Council it should begin and e d with the City Council. JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE 8 X CITY COUNCIL C/Chang reiterated his feeling that the Planning Commission's job was to review land use ma ers and make recommendations to the Council. Motion failed by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPTIZirbes, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None C/Tanaka moved, C/Tye seconded to approve Resolution No. 2006- 04 delegating authority to the Planning Commission. Motion carried 4- 1 by the following Roll Callvote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye, M/Herrera NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPTIZirbes ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REP RTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Chang said he had been very b attended the kickoff Chamber Mixe of Commerce on their good work. for their wonderful Neighborhood T Management. He was pleased to City including Champs -Elysees B Diamond Bar Blvd. and Spring MlHerrera held the "State of the Ci attendees. He thanked the resid concerns. The City's consultant sl discuss economic development F Year's Eve and he wished everyo Dog" New Year. C/Tye complimented C/Chang on terrific vision for 2006. He congrat recently named Republican Whip milestone that in just 13 short mo risen to a position of such respon appointment is very important to District. Last week C/Tye traveled t, Cities and met with Assemblyman to present the case for receiving 1 Interchange. This is a very long CM/Lowry and ACM/Doyle the pei right people to achieve the objectk isy during the past couple of weeks. He for 2006 and congratulated the Chamber /Chang thanked the Public Works staff wn Hall Meeting on Neighborhood Traffic ee several new businesses open in the ikery on the corner of Grand Ave. and Wireless adjacent to Kmart. He and (Address" in the evening with about 120 .nts for participating and sharing their oke with the Council Members today to -ograms. January 28 is the lunar New e a happy and prosperous "Year of the is recap of 2005 and MlHerrera for her lated Assemblyman Bob Huff who was in Sacramento. It is a very important the on the job Assemblyman Huff has ibility within State government and his ie City of D.B. and the 60th Assembly Sacramento with the California Contract ob Huff and State Senator Bob Margett Inds for improvements to the SR57/60 process and thanks to the efforts of inent information was presented to the to be in line for funding for the project. JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL One of the campaign highli hts for him was to meet with concerned residents and in an effort to maintain an ongoing relationship with his constituents he invited them to join him or coffee at Starbuck's on Saturday morning between the hours of 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. C/Tanaka attended the Le gue of Cities LA County Division meeting at the Metropolitan Water Distric in L.A. He attended several Chamber activities including the first mixer of the year at D'Antonio's Ristorante and ribbon cutting events at Sprint Wireless and the Champs -Elysees Bakery. He attended the Brahma Foundation meeting wherein preparations were being made for a fundraiser to enhance services for D.B.H.S. He attended the Neighborhood Traffic Management meeting. He said he felt that one of the most important things the residents gleaned from the meeting was that they play an important roll in he ping to provide solutions for their traffic problems and that there is a toolbox of items they can consider in trying to alleviate neighborhood traffic problems. He felt that the State of the City address was very nice — a good recap by outgoing Mayor Wen Chang and incoming Mayor Carol Herrera as to the visions for the coming year. He attended the funeral services for Genev eve Peterson, one of D.B.'s pioneers whose late husband Carl Peterson we s a charter member of the D.B. Breakfast Lions' Club and worked for the ater District. MPTIZirbes expressed hiE gratitude to staff for planning and executing a great State of the City add ess that was very well attended and felt that the evening meeting was a bri liant move. Both C/Chang and MlHerrera did an outstanding job presenting the before and after picture of the City. There are many meetings and events that each Council Member attends between Council Meetings. Tonight during the study session the Council received an update on the progress of the plan to update the technology of the City's traffic signal synchronization program, learned about the current status of the interconnect program and what it would take to get it on-line with the digital program later this year. As she mentioned, MlHerrera asked for the information to be displaye on the City's website and on the rolling DBTV guide. He believed the State of the City Address would be re -broadcast and felt that it would provide a lot of good information to the residents. He said that as always it was an honor to serve the residents as a member of the City Council. He encouraged r sidents to call him and his colleagues with their questions and concerns. MlHerrera commented th the State of the City Address was great and well attended by four times the usual participants. She preferred the evening program and said she had received requests to have the address moved back to 6:30 p.m. instead of 6:00 p.m. to allow for even greater attendance. Another suggestion she eceived was that perhaps the lights could be dimmed at the Diamond Bar Center for better viewing and to avoid glare on the slide presentation. She thanked staff members who worked hard to plan the event and write the scripts for the speakers. Staff works hard to support the Council Members and make certain that they are prepared to fully JANUARY 17, 2006 PAGE 1 12 participate at meetings and fund ADJOURNMENT: With no k adjourned the regular City Cou Genevieve Peterson. The foregoing minutes are , 2006. CAROL HERRERA, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL opportunities. er business to conduct, M/Herrera I meeting at 8:30 p.m. in memory of iINDIAAC." L , TY CLERK approved this 7th day of February