HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/3/2006 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
OCTOBER 3, 2006
STUDY SESSION: MPT/Zirbes called the Study Session to order
at 6:20 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management
District/Government Center, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA.
Present: Council Members Chang, Tanaka, Tye and
Mayor Pro Tem Zirbes. Mayor Herrera. was excused.
Also Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; Michael
Jenkins, City Attorney; David Liu, Public Works Director; Nancy Fong,
Community Development Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Ryan
McLean, Senior Management Analyst; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager,
and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
► LIBRARY REBATE PROGRAM DISCUSSION
SMA/McLean gave a brief overview of the SCE Low -Income Rebate Program
related to Measure L. He advised that the program would mirror the program
instituted by Southern California Edison (SCE) "Care" Program, which offers a
20% rebate to the low-income residents that meet a specific criteria.
C/Chang stated that he favored the program saying that this would help certain
homeowners by decreasing their burden.
C/Tye asked if there was any precedent for discussing or establishing a rebate
before the Measure is voted on.
SMA/McLean stated that he was not aware of any precedent.
C/Tye asked how many people in Diamond Bar were enrolled in the SCE
program.
SMA/McLean stated that there were approximately 1900 people enrolled with the
assumption that those people would sign up for the City's rebate program and
that they live in single family homes.
C/Tye asked if they have to be enrolled in the SCE program now in order to take
advantage of this program.
SMA/McLean said yes but it could be changed by the City Council.
C:M/DeStefano stated that it is staff's recommendation that if the resident is
already on the SCE program they would merely need to let the City confirm their
participation and that that they would then be eligible for this program.
OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
C/Tanaka stated that he doesn't believe that the operating costs for the library
will go up
the same as the CPI and therefore if we are able to operate the library for a
period of time without an increase it would be less of a burden to the resident.
Public Comments:
Jerry Hamilton wanted to know if there was special consideration for the renters
because it was not included in the last presentation.
CM/DeStefano responded no, because were the assessment to pass it would
apply to property owners only.
Mr. Hamilton felt the seniors and others should be given information about how to
apply for the program.
Allen Wilson said he was advised that no legislative body was allowed to
intervene in an election and believed discussion of a rebate program was
premature (Agenda Item 8.2)
Al Rumpilla concurred with Mr. Wilson and said that the Council should not
confuse the issue by bringing this matter up before the election because it might
look as if the Council is in favor of the ballot issue.
Clyde Hennessee wanted to know the ceiling on the rebate program. He said he
was under the impression that the City's legislative body was supposed to be
impartial regarding the ballot measure.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City
Council, MPT/Zirbes adjourned the Study Session at 6:35 p.m.
TOMMY CRIBBINS, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this fd' day of ° `T
2006.
BOB ZIRBE , ayor Pro Tem
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
OCTOBER 3, 2006
CLOSED SESSION: 6:00 p.m., Room CC -8
Public Comments on Closed Session Agenda:
► Government Code Section 54956.9(a) — Pending Litigation — One case -
People of the State of California v. Ratan Hospitality, LLS (Scribbles) — Case
No. BC351925
► Government Code Section 54956.9(a) — Pending Litigation:
(1 Case) Diamond Bar v. Southern California Edison
LLACSCC — No. BC351266
Closed Session adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
STUDY SESSION:
6:20 p.m. — Room CC -8
► Library Rebate Program Presentation and Discussion
Public Comments on Study Session Items
Study Session adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Pro Tem Zirbes called the Regular City
Council meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA.
CA/Jenkins reported that Council began the evening with a Closed Session. There
were no public comments offered. Council added one item of litigation to the
agenda under Government Code Section 54956.9(a), a newly filed Federal Court
action by Ratan Hospitality against the City of D.B. The only reportable action taken
was to defend the new case filed against the City by Ratan Hospitality. The Closed
Session was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
MPT/Zirbes reported that the Closed Session was followed by a Study Session
during which time Council received a reported from staff regarding a potential library
rebate program that appears on tonight's agenda as Item 8.2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: C/Tye led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Monsignor James Loughnane, St. Denis Church
gave the Invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, Tanaka, Tye and Mayor
Pro Tem Zirbes. Mayor Herrera was excused.
OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; Michael
Jenkins, City Attorney; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; David Liu, Public
Works Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Nancy Fong, Community
Development Director; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Ryan McLean, Senior
Management Analyst, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 Presentation by Dianne Forbing, Vice President of the Friends of the
Library, spoke on behalf of "Read Together Diamond Bar 2006". She
asked that the community join together in reading of the Pulitzer
Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee and to
participate in the events planned around the book.
C/Chang presented Mrs. Forbing with a Proclamation proclaiming
October 2006 as "Read Together Diamond Bar Month."
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None Offered.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Roger Kirk, a 35 -year resident and homeowner spoke in favor of the library
bond issue.
Vince Galloway, a 25 -year resident living at Fall Creek Condos asked for an
update on Scribbles since the Club seems to be operating as usual. He also
wanted to know how Gentle Springs Ln. could become a City street.
Helen Doss spoke in opposition to a new library because the tax would go on
forever.
Keith Vorndran said he agreed with the previous speaker about taxes going
on forever and was opposed to a new library. He also spoke about the
yellow (English) circles on his street and said they were difficult to drive
around. He wondered how much it cost him for the installation and
suggested the City just put in stop signs.
Jerry Hamilton, opposed the library measure because it would impose new
taxes on residents. There are several bond issues on the ballot and all of
them have to do with raising taxes. He asked if there would be an increase
in the landscape assessments next year. He also wanted to know the results
of the City's vote.
Al Rumpilla, a 34 -year resident spoke in opposition to Measure L. He stated
that since he is on a fixed income a new mandatory tax would place an
OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
additional burden on him. He stated that there is already a County library in
D.B. that serves the City. He referred to the City's telephone survey
conducted in February and to a flyer he recently received in the mail
regarding Measure L.
Kathleen Newe said she moved to D.B. in 1977 and currently resides in
Phillips Ranch. She said as a D.B. taxpayer she would pay more than $300
per year for Measure L and said she supported Measure L because a new
library is very important to the people of D.B. and would enhance the entire
City. One hundred percent of the tax collected for Measure L will remain in
the City to build the library.
Clyde Hennessee reiterated his opposition to Measure L and encouraged
everyone to vote no on all tax propositions.
5, RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CM/DeStefano stated that CA/Jenkins would respond regarding Scribbles.
With respect to the traffic circles, the City involved neighborhood residents in
a Neighborhood Traffic Management Program for the past two years. As a
result of dialogue and study regarding traffic problems within the City's
neighborhoods, staff commenced installation of a variety of traffic calming
measures within 12 neighborhoods as a pilot project. During the next six
months staffs' intent was to measure effectiveness of the installations,
engage in further dialogue with affected residents and present its finding to
the City Council at the end of the pilot project period. In fact, staff has
accelerated the process and believes that it will be able to present its
findings in two months. The total cost for installation within the 12 areas is
about $110,000.
CM/DeStefano responded to Mr. Hamilton that with respect to a possible
increase in the landscape assessments, there are three assessment districts
in D.B. that were present when the City incorporated in 1989 and none of the
assessments have been raised in the 17 years the City has existed. Costs
have increased as well as expenses (labor, materials), etc. The City has re -
landscaped the medians in almost every part of the City and has added a
variety of medians in other parts of the City. Funds for ongoing maintenance
of those three districts are very, very limited and earlier this year Council was
presented during budget discussions with preliminary information regarding
staff's concerns. Staff is considering a variety of options including the
possibility of seeking voter approval of an assessment increase for one or
more of the three districts. None of those options have yet been forwarded
to the City Council, for action as the staff continues to work on the matter.
CA/Jenkins stated that with respect to Scribbles that it was a matter of days
after the City Council took action to modify the CUP that the City filed action
to enforce the City Council's action. Since that time the City has been
OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
focused on this matter on an almost daily basis. In addition, the City as well
as the resources of his office has been devoted to attempting to enforce the
City Council's action to return Scribbles to its permitted use and to restore
some semblance of quiet to the nearby neighborhood. While it is frustrating
that things do not appear to have changed at the location the truth is that the
owners of Scribbles and their attorneys have engaged in a great many legal
maneuvers and have evaded service of process and employed all possible
stratagems available to delay the court process. The City is committed to
moving forward and has a hearing on a preliminary injunction on October 20
and is employing all resources available through a variety of different means.
He assured the residents that the City is keenly focused and fully engaged
on this issue and on this problem, and continues to work on behalf of the
citizens of D.B.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — October 10, 2006 — 7:00 p.m.,
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr.
5.2 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — October 12, 2006 —
7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865
Copley Dr.
5.3 City Council Meeting — October 17, 2006 — 6:30 p.m.
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Tanaka moved, C/Tye seconded to approve the
Consent Calendar. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye, MPT/Zirbes
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: M/Herrera
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
6.1 .1 Study Session of September 19, 2006 — as corrected.
6.1.2 Regular Meeting of September 19, 2006 — as submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES:
6.2.1 Regular Meeting of August 22, 2006
6.2.2 Regular Meeting of September 12, 2006
6.3 RATIFIED WARRANT REGISTER — containing checks dated
September 14, 2006 through September 27, 2006 for a total amount
of $577,984.26
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OCTOBER 3, 2006
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CITY COUNCIL
6.4 REVIEWED AND APPROVED PRELIMINARYTREASURER'S
STATEMENT — for the month of August 2006.
6.5 APPROVED FOR SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY, WAIVED
FULL READING AND ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 07(2006)
APPROVING AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT 2004-01 AND AS AMENDED BY AMENDMENT NO. 1
ON JULY 22, 2005 BETWEEN THE CITY AND LEWIS-DIAMOND
BAR, LLC FOR THE DIAMOND BAR VILLAGE PROJECT.
6.6 AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXTEND THE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CIVIC
SOLUTIONS, INC., TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY
$80,000 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$120,000 TO PROVIDE CONTINUED ON-SITE PLANNING
SERVICES.
6.7 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
SCIENCES TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $42,390
FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $127,995
FOR THE PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
FOR SOUTH POINTE WEST PROJECT, JCC HOMES.
6.8 AWARDED CONTRACT TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRUCTION,
INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SYCAMORE CANYON PARK
PHASE III ADA IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,378,800.40, PLUS A CONTINGENCY OF $137,880 (10%) FOR A
TOTAL AUTHORIZATION OF $1,516,680.40; AND
APPROPRIATION OF $691,880.40 FROM THE PARK
DEVELOPMENT FUND TO FULLY FUND THE PROJECT.
6.9 APPROVED APPROPRIATION OF $76,000 FROM.GENERAL FUND
RESERVES AND $45,000 FROM THE PARK DEVELOPMENT
FUND, FOR A TOTAL APPROPRIATION OF $121,000 FOR THE
2006/07 FY BUDGET TO FULLY FUND THE CONTRACT WITH
POMONA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR CONSTRUCTION
AND MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS AT LORBEER MIDDLE
SCHOOL.
6.10 APPROVED ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATION OF $12,000 FROM
GENERAL FUND RESERVES TO INSTALL 50 ADDITIONAL
ARMED FORCES BANNERS DURING THE 2006/07 FISCAL YEAR.
6.11 APPROVED AN "ON-LINE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
PERMITTING SYSTEM: AND APPROVED AGREEMENTS WITH
MUNICIPAL SOFTWARE CORPORATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO
EXCEED $275,000 AND GO LIVE TECHNOLOGY, INC. IN AN
OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
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AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $193,500 AND AUTHORIZED A
CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $56,500 FOR A TOTAL
AUTHORIZATION OF $525,000 AND APPROPRIATED
$275,000 FROM GENERAL FUND RESERVES TO FULLY
FUND THE PROJECT.
PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 (a) APPROVE FOR FIRST READING BYTITLE ONLY, WAIVE FULL
READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 08(2006) AMENDING
PROCEDURAL PROVISION OF THE DIAMOND BAR TRANSIENT
OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE AND AMENDING TITLE 3,
CHAPTER 3.16 OF THE DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE.
CA/Jenkins reported that this ordinance was designed to bring the
transient occupancy tax ordinance into compliance with State law and
recommended City Council approval.
C/Tye moved, C/Tanaka seconded to approve for First Reading by
Title Only, Waive Full Reading of Ordinance No. 08(2006) amending
procedural provision of the Diamond Bar Transient Occupancy Tax
Ordinance and amending Title 3, Chapter 3.16 of the Diamond Bar
Municipal Code. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye,
MPT/Zirbes
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: M/Herrera
(b) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2006-73: APPROVING THE USE OF
THE "TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE
EXEMPTION FORM" IN CONJUNCTION WITH ITS TRANSIENT
OCCUPANCY TAX ORDINANCE.
C/Tye moved, C/Tanaka seconded to adopt Resolution No. 2006-73.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Chang, Tanaka, Tye,
MPT/Zirbes
None
M/Herrera
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OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
8.2 Consideration of a City Funded Low -Income Rebate Program
Related to Measure L.
CM/DeStefano reported that this matter is presented this evening
for consideration about whether or not the City Council wishes to
create a rebate for low and moderate -income residents who qualify
for rebate with respect to Measure L that is before the voters in
November.
SMA/McLean stated that the Council discussed the concept of a
library rebate program related to Measure L. At this time staff is
seeking Council's direction as to what type of rebate program if any,
the City wishes to pursue.
Before proceeding, it should be noted that the City is prohibited from
using any bond revenues toward this rebate program should Measure
L pass. The rebate program would be funded from General Fund
resources and would have annual budget implications depending
upon the type of program chosen. If Council wishes to implement a
program it must determine the actual percentage of the rebate as well
as which portion of the library assessment to which the rebate would
be applied. Currently, Southern California Edison offers a "Care"
program that offers a 20% rebate to qualified low-income residents.
There are presently 1,889 D.B. households enrolled in the program.
Staff recommends that any City rebate program mirror the 20% rebate
rate of the "Care" program and that the income qualifications for the
"Care" program be applied to the City rebate program. Assuming that
all 1889 households would chose to participate in the City's rebate
program the maximum annual General Fund impact in the first year
would be $33,624. Staff recommends that to ensure eligibility the City
would require enrollment in the Care program prior to enrolling in the
City's program and in offering a rebate program the City Council may
reserve the right to expand or suspend the rebate program due to
economic conditions.
Jerry Hamilton said he was sorry to hear that the City would leave the
renters out of this program because he believed the property owners
would pass the increase on to the tenants. The City should be telling
the renters they are not eligible for this rebate.
Allen Wilson respectfully requested that the City Council seek
guidance from CA/Jenkins as to whether this item can be approved or
disapproved prior to the November election.
CA/Jenkins said he had not had an opportunity to look at the specific
Elections Code item that Mr. Wilson cited during tonight's study
session. However, based on his general understanding of the
OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
Elections Code he does not agree with Mr. Wilson's interpretation that
the code would preclude the Council from discussing this item at this
time.
C/Tanaka said he felt Edison had a very good rebate program and
that he would be in favor of a rebate program for both the construction
and operational costs based at 50 percent.
C/Tye agreed that the Edison probably had a very good program.
However, his concern was that they are a private for-profit concern
and the City is a public agency. He felt that the rebate program could
be construed as an incentive to the voters that would mislead them to
believe the City Council was interfering in the process.
C/Chang said that for several years this Council and prior Councils
have talked about building a new library and has discussed a possible
rebate program to show good faith to help the residents. Everyone
agreed this was a good thing and he did not understand why
everyone was pulling back at this point. Edison's program is a good
program and it offers a good program for the City to mirror.
Regardless of whether D. B. is a private or public agency the program
helps low income residents so that they suffer less of a burden.
MPT/Zirbes said that when he joined the Council five years ago one
of the priorities of the Council was its attempt to procure state grant
funds to build a library. At the time it was a great idea and based on
the possibility of grant funds the City agreed to contribute 35% of the
costs. Staff and Council spent a great deal of time and money
pursuing the issue and unfortunately, the City was unsuccessful in
obtaining grant funds. During the year he was Mayor he put together
a Library Task Force to look at alternative options to building a library
such as improving the existing facility, seeking shared parking
agreements, reducing the collection, creating more floor space, etc.
Everyone seemed to be adamant about building a new library, thus
Measure L was placed on the November ballot. He has continued to
believe and has stated that this is a decision too big for the five City
Council Members to make because five Council Members should not
decide whether residents want to spend their tax dollars on a new
library. As such, he voted with the rest of the Council to place the
responsibility with the voters of D.B. He said he was not in favor of a
rebate program because the City Council agreed to dedicate $4
million and to put out a bond of $11 million for the construction of a
new library if Measure L passed. The $4 million is the citizen's
money. If the City offers a rebate program it is essentially spending
the taxpayer's money to subsidize other taxpayers. Certainly at a 20
percent rebate based on the current $90 tax it would result in an $18
rebate and would not, in his opinion, motivate anyone to vote either
for or against Measure L because it would still cost those individuals
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OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
$72 per year in a new library tax. Many have said that a new library is
for the entire community, that it will be available to everyone and will
raise everyone's property values. If those statements are true
everyone should pay their fair share and therefore he would be
opposed to any form of a rebate program because this issue needs to
either "sink or swim" on its own merits.
MPT/Zirbes moved to recommend that the City Council not consider a
rebate program for Measure L. C/Tye seconded the motion. Motion
failed by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Tye, MPT/Zirbes
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: M/Herrera
C/Tanaka moved to have the Council consider a 50 percent low-
income rebate program related to the Construction and Operations
Costs for Measure L. C/Chang seconded the motion. Motion failed
by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Tye, MPT/Zirbes
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: M/Herrera
C/Tanaka said that when this issue was originally discussed he was in
favor of a rebate program. He felt that if Measure L passed and the
City obtained accurate bids the City would find out that the actual bid
was lower than the proposed building costs. If the City looks to build
a sustainable building the operational costs would be reduced rather
than elevated beyond the current costs. Additionally, if the
construction cost were less the annual assessment would reduce
accordingly for the following years.
C/Tanaka moved to have the City mirror the Southern California
Edison "Care" program parameters to offer rebates in the amount of
20%. C/Chang seconded the motion.
C/Chang said the City was fiscally conservative and even though the
State was having problems D.B. continued to find ways to manage its
money in a more prudent fashion. In 1998 the General Fund Budget
was $12 million. Today the City's General Fund Operating Budget is
$23 million. The City has to be optimistically conservative because in
his opinion, if everything is pessimistically conservative the City will
not be able to move forward. The Council's job is to figure out how to
use the people's money to make the best quality of life for the people
and that is what the Council has been doing. The City of D.B. has
been improved quite a bit and as a result everyone enjoys the quality
of life and that is how the City attracts people to locate in D.B. That is
OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
how the Council is managing the City's money, to maximize benefits
for the people. The City of D.B. is working harder to have more
money and that $12 million eight years ago is today $23 million, which
shows how the City has improved. The Council is supposed to come
up with a way to help the residents and alleviate their burden.
C/Tye said that trying to figure out what the operational costs would
be is like looking into a crystal ball and he felt that operational costs
for a new library would be very similar to remodeling a home — it will
take a lot more than first thought and it will take a lot longer to
accomplish. And he did not believe it was a prudent way to deal with
the City's resources and the City needed to be very concerned about
continuing to build its reserves. He felt the Council could not move
forward to spend the community's money on a rebate program that
was not inclusive.
Motion failed by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Tye, MPT/Zirbes
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: M/Herrera
MPT/Zirbes moved to continue this matter to November 21, 2006 at
which point it would be known whether or not Measure L was passed.
C/Tye seconded the motion. Motion carried by the following Roll Call
vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
MPT Chang, anaka, Tye,
rbes
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
None
M/Herrera
8.3 APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSIONER:
C/Tye introduced Kathleen Nolan, listed her many community
accomplishments and asked for Council consensus that she be
confirmed as his Planning Commission appointee.
C/Tye moved, MPT/Zirbes seconded to confirm the appointment of
Kathleen Nolan to the Planning Commission. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang,Tanaka, Tye,
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: M/Herrera
OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
Kathleen Nolan thanked the Council Members for their accolades.
She said she understood the challenge and dedication required to
fulfill the position and looked forward to serving the City.
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Chang said that Target's soft opening was held earlier this afternoon.
Target provides a wonderful shopping opportunity for D.B. residents. He
encouraged everyone to attend the Grand Opening at 8:00 on Sunday,
October 8 and support the store and the economy of the City of D.B.
C/Tanaka attended two meetings with JCC Homes to discuss their South
Point West project, one a public meeting at SCAQMD and one a field trip to
similar projects in Torrance and Lomita. Last week he attended the PUSD
Board meeting, the California Contract Cities meeting hosted by the LA
County Sheriffs Department. He congratulated two new Eagle Scouts,
attended the D.B. Chinese Association Moon Festival and Teacher
Appreciation Day with C/Tye and C/Chang. He attended the ribbon -cutting
ceremonies at Target this afternoon with the Council. He said he understood
the store (Target) hours were until 10:00 p.m. and if the meeting adjourned in
time Council Members could continue shopping.
C/Tye said it was a delight to be at the ribbon -cutting ceremonies for the
Target opening. It is an exciting day in D.B. when the City has a new
shopping destination and when the City has been able to attract a national
retailer like Target after many, many years of hard work. He encouraged
residents to feel free to spend freely for Halloween and knock themselves out
for Christmas at Target in D.B. He attended Castle Rock Elementary
School's celebration for the IB Primary Years Program, one of only five
schools in the State of California. Castle Rock will sponsor a golf tournament
on Tuesday, October 10 to support the International Baccalaureate Primary
Years Program and raise money for a technology teacher, foreign language
teacher as well as equipment and supplies. Those interested in donating or
have questions, to call Bonnie Carren at 598-5006. Certainly everyone
knows that Walnut Valley School District is rated as one of the top school
systems in the San Gabriel Valley, the State of California and the nation and
Six teachers in the District in D.B. were named "Teacher's of the Year' for
2005-06. C/Tye was asked by a constituent to mention that the D.B./Walnut
American Association of University Women will hold a special meeting on
Monday, November 6 at SCAQMD at 7:00 p.m. The featured speaker will be
Shirley Goins, Executive Director for the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children, California branch. C/Tye said it was frustrating to go
through voting time. He reminded residents that when he proposed putting
the library issue to a vote he hoped it would not appear in any campaign
literature or hear or read any rhetoric about the matter. The literature he
received last week goes to that point. The flyer he received from "Citizens
for a New Library" was deceptive in showing pictures of all five Council
OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
Members above a panel that says "yes on L" When he asks people what
there impression is without reading the verbiage the instant impression is that
they believe the Council unanimously supports Measure L. He said he
supports the library, not necessarily Measure L. What is lost in this
discussion is that D.B. has a library. Is it the best? No — Is it the newest? No.
Could it be improved? Absolutely. And that was certainly his impression of
the M/Zirbes' pursuit. It was how can we make this library better and how
can the City improve on what it has". He said he wanted to make very clear
to the people who supported him in his bid for Council overwhelmingly last
November that he along with two other Council Members opposed the
imposition of bonded indebtedness also known as a tax, to build a new
library that the County will operate. The residents of D.B. are faced with over
$40 billion of new bonded indebtedness this November. There are different
ways to accomplish the same goal and C/Tye said he believed the goal for
D.B. was a better library not $15 million of bonded indebtedness to build a
new library. The same day the pamphlet came out the San Gabriel Valley
Tribune ran an editorial that read "Putting Funds in Right Places" and went
on to say that "bonds are the most expensive method of financing anything
typically costing two to three times the face amount because of interest
added to long-term payback." The City sought grant money, asked
Congressman Gary Miller for assistance and, C/Tye has heard people say
that D.B. ought to do things like San Marino, Monterey Park and so forth. In
fact, San Marino is building a new library with donations. He believed that
D.B. was a well-to-do community and when residents put their minds to it
could accomplish wonderful goals. A new library, a better library is a
wonderful goal. What D.B. needs is for 15,000 people to each contribute a
thousand dollars. He said he would write a check tomorrow for $1,000 and
challenged his colleagues and others to do the same. It would be less
expensive for him to put $1000 out and not have bonded indebtedness than
it is to go through 30 years of $90 per year on his tax bill, which will escalate
with the CPI. He challenged the proponents of Measure L to be honest and
straightforward and reiterated that it was not accurate to portray a hundred
percent support by the City
Council nor was it accurate to indicate that 75 percent of the public
supported a new library. He thanked everyone for participating in tonight's
meeting.
MPT/Zirbes said it had been a good meeting and although there was not
always concurrence on every matter he appreciated the respect for different
points of view among his colleagues. With respect to the Neighborhood
Traffic Management pilot program he has heard from a number of
constituents who have diverse opinions. The one common thread is that
they did not know something was coming which he finds a shame because
when the meetings were scheduled over the past several years the City sent
out thousands and thousands of cards to the affected residents inviting their
participation and yet, only a handful participated. He encouraged residents
to provide feedback to staff, to watch for the survey and take time to
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OCTOBER 3, 2006 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
complete the survey and send it back to City Hall because this is how
residents take charge of their neighborhoods. Staff cannot guess what the
residents want. In Covina for example, a City comparable to the size of D.B.,
only a fraction of residents vote and make decisions for the majority. He
encouraged everyone to become involved and stay in tune to the situation.
Over the past few weeks he has come to appreciate the Sheriffs Department
even more. Lt. Maxey and his team strive to put together new and innovative
programs to assist D.B. As an example, the new fingerprint program has
been extremely effective. Lt. Maxey and his D.B. team are impressive,
dedicated officers arresting felons and getting the word out that D.B. is not
the place to commit crimes because they will be arrested, prosecuted and
incarcerated. MPT/Zirbes thanked Lt. Maxey and his crew for keeping D.B.
the safest City in the East San Gabriel Valley.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, MPT/Zirbes adjourned the
Regular City Council meeting at 8:56 p.m.
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TOMM CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this .2 day of 0--7- , 2006.
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