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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/18/2007 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 STUDY SESSION: M/Tye called the Study Session to order at 5:31 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, Everett, Herrera, MPT/Tanaka and Mayor Tye. Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle, Assistant City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Nancy Fong, Community Development Director; Greg Gubman, Planning Manager; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Ryan McLean, Senior Management Analyst; Rick Yee, Senior Engineer; Marsha Roa, P1O Manager; Alfredo Estevez, Desktop Support Technician and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. Also Present: Aziz Amid, President- Past -President Nef Cortez and staff with the Regional Chamber of Commerce. I► REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTATION REGARDING CURRENT AND FUTURE ACTIVITIES. Aziz Ameri, President, Chamber of Commerce, thanked the City for its generous support of the Chamber. He said that the goal of tonight's discussion was to strengthen the relationship between the City and the Chamber. Past President, Nef Cortez briefly gave the background of the local Chamber. A PowerPoint was then presented showing that by combining the membership of the D.B. and Walnut Chambers it has strengthened the service to the businesses in both cities more effectively. Mr. Cortez stated that the Chamber has attempted to help business members throughout the five communities the Chamber serves, and to develop a greater economic vitality for the region as a whole. Mr. Ameri stated that as the region benefits, so too will individual communities. H stated that there are currently 349 business members of the San Gabriel Valley Chamber and that the Chamber's objective is to add nine additional members per month and increase the Chamber's networking capabilities to a more diverse population. M/Tye asked how the Chamber would measure its goals and how would the City know that its' money was well spent? Mr. Ameri responded that the City would know from the first customer service email survey. Members have indicated their positive responses SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION and offered suggestions for additional meetings and further education. In addition, membership renewals have increased to an all time high. Mr. Ameri responded to MPT/Tanaka that the survey is sent to all members. MPT/Tanaka stated that he is an individual member and had not received the survey. Mr. Ameri asked for MPT/Tanaka's email address. MPT/Tanaka asked the status of the Farmers Market. Mr. Ameri stated that the Farmers Market is growing and is larger than ever. It has become a very popular family event. He stated that the current site is in escrow. However, the Chamber has reached an agreement to remain at the current location until 2009. The Chamber's plan is to bring the event back to D.B. and is in the process of looking for a site. He asked for the City's help. The Chamber is also looking to expand with sites in other cities. MPT/Tanaka asked what the Chamber's thinking was behind going after cities like LaPuente and other northern cities? Mr. Ameri explained that the even though the LaPuente Chamber had closed services provided to businesses are still needed. The reason the Chambers are not contiguous is because the City of Industry's boundary line cut into it and the Industry Manufacturers Council serves the City of Industry. There is still an opportunity in the City of Industry to serve the small businesses. MPT/Tanaka said he does not want the City of D.B. to be the "financial backbone" for a regional chamber because in his opinion, each area needs to fairly contribute to the organization. Mr. Ameri assured MPT/Tanaka that a major portion of the Chamber's funding is derived from membership services and special events with city contributions being only a very small percentage. The Chamber counts more on the City's support for economic development purposes. Mr. Cortez explained that the $12,000 contribution from D.B. represents about six percent of the Chamber's total budget. C/Herrera thanked the Chamber for its service to the community and emphasized that the City cannot merely contribute the citizen's money to the Chamber — there must be accountability for expenditure of those funds. SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION Mr. Ameri said the Chamber understood that it needed to do the right thing by the taxpayers. The Chamber is transparent and the City and its residents are free to review the Chamber's records. C/Chang said that the Council had always been supportive of the Chamber. One of the City's goals is to see that the Chamber become self-sufficient. In addition, the City is interested in joining with the Chamber to improve the City's economy. M/Tye said he was not interested in attending events outside of the City and would appreciate the Chamber's presence at ribbon -cutting ceremonies and other events involving businesses in D.B. PROPOSED BUSINESS LICENSE ORDINANCE AND FEES — Review Draft Documents and Direct Staff as Appropriate. CA/Jenkins stated that in accordance with Council's direction, staff drafted a proposed business license ordinance and fee document. The County of Los Angeles has been conducting the licensing and fee collection process on the City's behalf. The City's goal was to bring the regulatory business license component in-house and to retain the business registration component as it currently exists. This first cut is an ordinance that would replace the entirety of Title V. He explained the contents of the document. Essentially, the process will remain the same. The piece of paper the business owner receives will be called a business license rather than a business registration. Because certain businesses are allowed in the County that will never be allowed in the City of D.B. this ordinance was tailored to D.B. The core number of businesses that would undergo a background investigation/regulatory process has been reduced to 15. He explained how the process for applying has been dramatically streamlined and the cost has been dramatically reduced. Any party denied a license may appeal the decision to the City Council. Once a business is operating should a problem arise, the City would schedule a public hearing before the City Council to consider modifying or revoking the license. CA/Jenkins stated that in order to recoup the regular business license fee $53 would be charged. For the 15 businesses that require background checks the cost would be $300 per business owner/individual. The fees are strictly cost -recovery and are considerably less than what the County charges. CA/Jenkins responding to M/Tye stated that the City may not charge different rates for different businesses because it would be considered discriminatory. The City cannot charge based on whether the City wants to encourage or discourage a business from coming into town. SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION CM/DeStefano responded to C/Everett that the County has issued about 190 business licenses and the City expects that number to be slightly less. CA/Jenkins stated that the concept was that the licensing would be done at staff level and that an appeal would go directly to the Council. Staff was not eager to add an additional layer of red tape. C/Everett stated that he was concerned that the City might start the fee too low. C/Chang supported the process and felt this ordinance should be implemented as quickly as possible and that the businesses should fully fund the cost. M/Tye asked how many business registrations the City had implemented. CDD/Fong felt that about 40 to 50% of the 1700 existing businesses had registered with the City. ACM/Doyle explained that if the Council wants full cost recovery the charge would be $53.50. Or, the Council could decide to keep the business registration fee at $10 for 90% of the businesses and charge $300 for background checks for business falling into that category. CM/DeStefano said this was all part of a broader policy decision the Council needed to make. In terms of attracting businesses to D.B. not having utility taxes, gross receipt taxes, etc. cause D.B. to be highly rated for business development. Indeed, the City subsidizes other programs such as senior programs. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Aziz Ameri, President of the Regional Chamber felt that if the City wanted local businesses to flourish and work legitimately enforcement should be implemented. He was certain that the costs would increase and he encouraged the Council to review what other cities are doing to cover their costs. When cities acquire these types of responsibilities it presents an enormous burden to regulate businesses and non-compliance. He encouraged the City Council to thoroughly review its options. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City Council, M/Tye adjourned the Study Session at 6:43 p.m. TOMMY CRIBBINS, City Clerk SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 2na day of O Lo,ti c , 2007. _ STEV E, Mayo 1 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 CLOSED SESSION: 5:00 p.m., Room CC -8 Public Comments on Closed Session Agenda ► Government Code Section 54957 Public Employee Evaluation Title: City Manager STUDY SESSION: ► Presentation by the Regional Chamber of Commerce regarding Current and Future Activity ► Proposed Business License Ordinance and Fees — Review Draft Documents and Direct Staff as Appropriate Public Comments: Study Session adjourned to the regular meeting at 6:43 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tye called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:52 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. CM/DeStefano reported that during tonight's Study Session the City Council received a presentation by the Regional Chamber of Commerce and considered a proposed business license ordinance and fees. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mike Cribbins led the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION: Monsignor James Loughnane, St. Denis Catholic Church gave the invocation. ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, Everett, Herrera, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka and Mayor Tye. Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager, David Doyle, Assistant City Manager; Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; Ken Desforges, IT Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Greg Gubman, Planning Manager; Rick Yee, Sr. Engineer; Kimberly Molina , Associate Engineer; Ryan McLean, Senior . Management Analyst; Alfredo Estevez, Desktop Support Technician; and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 1.1 C/Herrera proclaimed September 2007 as "County of Los Angeles National Preparedness Month." NEW BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: 1.2 M/Tye presented a City Plaque to Greg Chiang, owner of Eden Garden Center, 21168 Golden Springs Dr. as New Business of the month for September 2007. Mr. Chiang introduced his son Daniel and daughter Lauren. A power point presentation of Eden Garden Center was displayed. 1.3 Rick Meza, Edison, thanked CC/Cribbins for her assistance during recent power outages that resulted from heat storms, tornadoes and earthquakes. Mr. Meza explained the problems that the City ran into the past two weeks. He further stated that steps are being taken to remedy the problems that Palo Cedro, Faglenest and surrounding areas experienced. He also introduced Mike LaRusso, District Manager who gave a brief presentation on what had been done and is being done in that area. He asked residents to keep their air conditioners at 78 degrees or higher to allow the system to cool down and rejuvenate itself during off-peak hours and to be aware of the usage of power throughout the day and night hours. C/Chang suggested that Edison send an explanation of what happened to their consumers. The City received a number of calls that placed an additional burden on staff. C/Everett agreed with C/Chang and asked that Edison immediately contact City Hall when it receives a complaint or concern. Mr. Meza stated that the problem with recent occurrences is that they were overwhelming and placed an extreme burden on Edison staff. He stated that CC/Cribbins intermediary actions helped him tremendously. In response to C/Everett, Mike La Russo, District Manager, Edison, explained that Edison has a capital maintenance program that addresses areas of improvement. Currently, Edison is analyzing the cable throughout The Country Estates to determine whether it needs to be improved and will then be scheduled as necessary. MPT/Tanaka thanked Edison for its prompt response. M/Tye felt that the problems in the Eaglenest Dr. area could have been addressed more effectively and that perhaps Edison should look at replacing cable in that area in a timely fashion. The reports about SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL power outages were very conflicted and it was difficult to determine from minute to minute whether service had been restored. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None Offered. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Gilbert Yanow said he was concerned about possible water shortages and suggested that the City initiate plans to meet a possible water shortage. He further suggested that the Parks and Recreation staff consider changing plants to California native plants to save water which would be similar to what the Inland Empire Utilities Agency in Chino has done. Additionally, staff could examine what kinds of grass would use the least amount of water and that could be used in the City parks. Also change the shrubbery in the parks to native vegetation. He also encouraged residents and swim clubs to purchase solar pool covers to curb evaporation and ease energy demands. The City could also consider providing educational materials for residents and encourage low flow toilets and showers. April Carlos, 249 Eaglenest Dr. spoke about the recent power outages and said that for the past 19 years her area has experienced power outages almost every year. The residents would appreciate better communication between Edison and the community. She also stated that in order for the residents in her area to recoup for food that spoiled during the power outage they were told to submit grocery receipts. Aziz Ameri and Nef Cortez, Chamber of Commerce, thanked the City for allowing the Chamber to make its presentation during tonight's study session and on behalf of the Chamber, recognized and honored residents Jack and Wanda Tanaka with a Certificate honoring them for their service and commitment to the quality of life in the City of D.B. Ling Ling Chang, President, Walnut Valley Water District, addressed concerns about the water crisis. She recommended that her Board conduct a town hall meeting to educate the public on current water issues. This is the driest year in history and the water supply from the Sacramento Delta may be reduced by 30% between December and June. In addition, many local agencies are beginning to ration water. She invited residents to visit the District's website at www.wvwd.com and attend board meetings and educational seminars to better educate themselves about the situation and determine what they can do to help. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: CM/DeStefano stated that staff would continue to work with the Walnut Valley Water District on coming up with information to distribute to the public about water awareness. CM/DeStefano stated that in order for the City to be SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 IJ C� PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL able to effectively communicate information about power outages to residents and business operators the City would need to have current and accurate information. Coincidentally, he was at a meeting where a City Manager of a much larger city was experiencing the same problems of notification and timely responses. As it happens, one of his city council members is the "Rick Meza" for that territory. Following a discussion about how to better notify city officials and in particularthe city managers and those involved in responding to the public a decision was made to create a task force of city managers and Edison officials to deal with the issue. Simply stated, the technology is available and why is it not being utilized. M/Tye said it did not seem reasonable to him for Edison to require a homeowner to provide a receipt for spoiled food that had to be discarded. In this unique situation of an incredible heat storm and other acts of nature that dramatically affect people's lives it seems to him that a homeowner could provide a receipt only upon replacement of the spoiled food. He would like for Edison to take care of residents who suffered losses in a more reasonable matter, SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — September 25, 2007 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive. 5.2 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — September 27, 2007 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Drive. 5.3 City Council Meeting — October 2, 2007 — 6:30 p.m. AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Chang moved, C/Herrera seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried by the following Roll Call: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Everett, Herrera, MPT/Tanaka, M/Tye NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES — Regular Meeting of September 4, 2007 — approved as corrected. 6.2 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of August 14, 2007 — Received and filed. 6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER dated August 30 through September 12, 2007 totaling $1,748,850.43. 1 1 1 SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL 6.4 RECEIVED AND FILED A NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE WASHINGTON STREET CUL-DE-SAC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. 6.5 AUTHORIZED STAFF TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH KEYSER MARSTON ASSOCIATES TO PREPARE A CITYWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION None 9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Chang reported on Council's attendance at the D.B. Day at the Fair and thanked the students for their support. He encouraged everyone to attend this wonderful event in the future. He also reported on his and C/Everett's participation in the Neighborhood Improvement Committee meeting. The purpose of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee is to keep a well- maintained community for the benefit of all residents. He encouraged everyone to follow the City's Code and avoid citations. He also stated that the Economic Development Committee met to discuss how the business and economic environment could be improved. Areas of discussion included the Kmart Shopping Center, Target Shopping Center, Chili's Restaurant, Panda Express, the Honda Dealership location, the PETsMART location, and the Country Hills Towne Center and its new supermarket. C/Everett commented that the D.B. City Day at the Fair was outstanding. He thanked C/Chang and all committee members who were responsible for organizing the event. He said it was a privilege for him to be a part of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee and pleased with the staff's and Council's attitude and spirit for their focus on improving the City. His concern is that the City not let a few individuals take advantage of the system and repeatedly offend. He attended the League of California Cities in Sacramento with MPT/Tanaka and CM/DeStefano. The event was educational, informative, challenging and stimulating. C/Everett offered to share his conference material. C/Herrera congratulated Jack and Wanda Tanaka for being honored as D.B. Heroes. She wished Eden Garden Center well and said that many residents expressed to her that they were pleased to have a nursery back at that location. She stated that she is the City's representative on the Foothill Transit Governing Board and offered that through her lobbying efforts and the lobbying efforts of others from D.B. MTA Metro Line 684 has been extended for several months until Foothill Transit can take over. The new line will be Foothill Transit's Line 286 with service commencing on October 14. Last Sunday she visited the BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Hindu SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL Religious & Cultural Center - Chino Hills, a spectacular group of buildings serving the public and consisting of 164,000 sq. ft. scheduled to open the summer of 2008. Also on Sunday she met the new Superintendent for the Walnut Valley Unified School District, Cynthia Sims who is relocating to D.B. from Washington State. Mrs. Sims begins her service with the WVUSD on October 1. C/Herrera said that she was pleased that the Council approved the contract for a consultant to conduct an economic development study. A study that is critical to the City's economic future. D.B. will soon lose about $300,000 to $400,000 in sales tax revenue when D.B. Honda moves out of the City. SigmaNet moved out of the City, another significant loss. She was sad to announce that Planning Commissioner Osman Wei submitted his resignation due to other pressing obligations. She asked that staff place on the agenda the matter of a new Planning Commission appointment for the October 2 City Council agenda. Those interested in the position may email or fax an application to 909-861-3421. C/Herrera thanked Osman Wei for his service and dedication to the City. MPT/Tanaka attended the LeagL-Pof_California Cities annual conference and expo in Sacramento with C/Everett and CM/DeStefano. He and the Mayor attended an Eagle Scout ceremony for Tyler Vale, Troop 737. He attended the City of Industry and Industry Manufacturer Council's luncheon with featured speaker Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley who spoke about crime trends in the communities. D.B. Day at the Los Angeles County Fair was an excellent event. He thanked the D.B.H.S. Thundering Herd Marching Band for their participation. MPT/Tanaka on behalf of his wife Wanda and the City Council offered his condolences to the family of Michael Reinoso and asked that the Mayor adjourn tonight's meeting in Mr. Reinoso's memory. M/Tye commented on the D.B. Day at the Fair and congratulated Jack and Wanda Tanaka on being recognized with the Community Hero Award. The Economic Development Subcommittee is important as evidenced by the consulting contract the Council approved this evening with a focus on the importance of economic development to the City's future. On Saturday September 29 Nickelodeon will go dark for three hours to encourage kids to turn their televisions off, get up and go out and play. The Council offers its thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family of Michael Reinoso who lost his life in a very bad accident last Friday. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tye adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:08 p.m. in memory of Michael Reinoso. TOMMAt CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK 1 1 1 SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this day of 2007. i STEVE'' , Y R