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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/2007 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 16, 2007 STUDY SESSION: M/Tye called the Study Session to order at 5:16 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 Everett, Herrera, MPT/Tanaka and Mayor Tye. Absent: Council Member Chang was excused. 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; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Ryan McLean, Senior Management Analyst; Rick Yee, Senior Engineer; Isaac Aziz, Network/GIS E=ngineer; Kimberly Molina, Associate Engineer and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. M BUSINESS LICENSING CA/Jenkins stated that the purpose of the ordinance was to continue the City's Business Registration program with a "regulatory ordinance" and not a "revenue -raising" ordinance. The only differences are that instead of a business registration, businesses would acquire a business license and continue paying either $10 or $53 representing an amount close to cost - recovery for the City. The ordinance would replace all of the work that Los Angeles County currently provides to the City in the area of business regulation. The ordinance focuses on 14 specific types of businesses that would require a more extensive background review. The ordinance further provides for procedures by which individuals/businesses will apply for business licenses, how the City will review the application and provides procedures for granting or denying the license and the basis upon which the City may deny an application as well as, the appeal process for someone who may be aggrieved by the decision. The Community Development Director will make the initial determination on the 14 businesses and the City Council will serve as the appellate body. This ordinance is business -friendly and puts control of the approval process in the hands of the City rather than the County. The fees will be substantially less than those currently imposed by the County. C/Herrera said she has difficulty proposing an increase of the "business registration" fee from $10 to $53 for a business permit. She wondered if the renewal fee could be increased. CA/Jenkins responded that when there is a business -owner change, the new owner would have to pay the initial background check fee. The OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION renewal presumes there has been no change in ownership or business. Staff perceives renewals to be an administrative action if the business is not presenting a problem and there is no code enforcement issue. A change in ownership or problems with the business would require a hearing and determination of any fee change. C/Herrera asked if staff proposes for the Council to take a single action. CDD/Fong responded yes, that the business registration would be appealed and substituted with the Business License Ordinance. Approximately 600 to 700 businesses have been registered. Staff is continuing to find other businesses to register and eventually all businesses should be licensed. CDD/Fong responded to C/Everett that the ordinance allows the City to cover the cost of enforcement. CA/Jenkins explained that the proposed fees cover only the cost of the paperwork and issuing of the permit. C/Everett reiterated his concern that the fee should pay for the process. CDD/Fong said there were two kinds of fees — 1) paper processing resulting in the issuance of a permit. Staff has been doing this process for about two years and the process takes about half an hour; and 2) for the 14 businesses that require background checks more staff time is required and the fees are set accordingly. The $300 fee is comprised of the LA County Sheriffs charge for the per -person background check plus staff time. For example, if the business requires the manager and owner to have a background check the charge is $300 per person. M/Tye asked how the City would charge for new employees. CA/Jenkins explained that the background check is required for owners and managers only. M/Tye wanted to know how to separate business registration from business licensing. CA/Jenkins said that staff intended to present the Council with two action items; 1) Introduction of an ordinance that would include the existing business registration program and business licensing into one. It would repeal the existing provisions regarding business registration and repeal the entirety of the code that referred to the County Code; 2) a resolution to adopt fees described in the chart to continue the fee for simple businesses at $10, $53.50 or any other amount including zero. When the Council adopts the ordinance it adopts the idea that business registration is OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION appropriate and that the City should continue doing so to monitor home- based businesses. The Council can select whatever fee it wishes. The only question is the fee for basic licensing. ACM/Doyle explained that with adoption of the new ordinance business licensing would replace the business registration process. ACM/Doyle explained that the $53.50 recovery cost was brought to the Council because staff thought that is what the Council wanted. CA/Jenkins said that business registration and business licensing for home-based businesses is the same thing. CM/DeStefano stated that the City is attempting to gain local control over the business licensing process that it currently contracts with LA County, in order to do away with a costly and cumbersome procedure that in some ways provides no direct benefit to businesses in D.B. This item allows the Council to approve the policy change and the ability to improve the cost recovery for the service. Staff is strongly suggesting that at a minimum the Council approve the policy change. Then Council could discuss the appropriateness of a full cost recovery fee versus any other fee level. ACM/Doyle stated that if the City were doing a full cost recovery for business registration the fee would have been set at $53.50 from the beginning. However, Council made a decision not to recover the full cost. M/Tye said he did not want home-based businesses to pay for either business registration or business licensing. He does not believe that home-based businesses should ever be subject to any kind of registration and licensing. CA/Jenkins said that if the Council does not want home-based businesses licensed at all the ordinance would have to be changed because this ordinance carries forward the current business registration program. C/Herrera agreed with M/Tye that home-based business registration should be excluded and that the City should license only the 14 businesses that have to go to Los Angeles for licensing. C/Everett stated that he felt business registration would be beneficial. CM/DeStefano reiterated the reasons Council and staff discussed business registration - to post information about the business on the City's website; to make sure that D.B. was getting its fair share of sales tax resources and for other monitoring reasons. If Council has a concern about the fee it can choose to apply the same fee that is currently being charged. The City has been subsidizing that portion of the development OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION services for the past two years. Staff is suggesting the $53.50 because Council asked staff to look at full cost recovery, which has been the policy in other development services arenas. From staff's perspective it is important to maintain some level of business registration. Staff needs to know what businesses are in the City in order to help grow their resources and make sure the City is getting its fair -share of the taxation attributable to these businesses. MPT/Tanaka felt business registration was important. C/Everett said he was in favor of the ordinance as presented without consideration to fees. CA/Jenkins said that staff would present the ordinance as written with a basic license fee of $10. If there are Council Members that would like to get rid of the "registration" component they can make a motion accordingly. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Jerry Hamilton felt the City needed business licensing and that it is important that the residents know what was going on in their community. No. ROUTE 57160 PROJECT UPDATE Steve Brown updated Council on the proposed projects. The MTA is seeking the City's input on which alternatives should be subject to further detailed studies. He again explained the six major alternatives and their possible benefits and drawbacks and asked for the Council's support for the three preferred options and request further study. MPT/Tanaka felt the most important aspect was the missing connector. PWD/Liu responded to C/Herrera that D.B. staff, consultants, Industry staff and Caltrans were involved in the selection of the three alternatives and the request for further study. C/Herrera asked at what point the 57/60 improvements as a goods seeking State funding? team would consider elevating the movement corridor with respect to Mr. Brown responded that as soon as there is consensus for a well- defined alternative it would be the time to hit hard for the money and support. PWD/Liu stated that this is one of the clearly defined tasks that the team will embark upon once there is consensus. OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION M/Tye asked the team to move forward and said that D.B. was not interested in a truck route through the City. I► GRAND AVENUE PROJECT Steve Brown updated Council on options the team has been working on to refine the Grand Avenue Project with the hope of not impacting properties along Grand Avenue south of Golden Springs Drive. Mr. Brown responded to Commissioner Lin that the MTA suggests between 700 and 1000 vehicles per hour want to move on Diamond Bar Blvd. between the two interchanges. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City Council, M/Tye adjourned the Study Session at 6:31 p.m. CRIBBINS, City Clerk The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6th day of NOV, :2007. 1 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR OCTOBER 16, 2007 CLOSED SESSION: 5:00 p.m., Room CC -8 Public Comments on Closed Session Agenda 10- Government Code Section 54956 — Public Employee Evaluation Title: City Manager 00, Government Code Section 54956.8 — Conference with Real Property Negotiators. Property Negotiations: Address: Southwest corner of Washington Street and Lincoln Avenue, Assessor's No. 8719-010-013 Agency Negotiator: City Manager Negotiating Party: Dorothy V. Cauff man, LTD. Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment 10- Government Code Section 54956.9(a) — Pending Litigation — (1 Case) People of the State of California v. Ratan Hospitality, LLS (Scribbles) Case No. BC351925 Closed Session adjourned to Study Session at 5:15 p.m. STUDY SESSION: Business Licensing 00- Grand Avenue and Route 57/60 Project Updates Public Comments: Study Session adjourned to the regular meeting at 6:31 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tye called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. CM/DeStefano reported that during tonight's Closed Session the City Council discussed the following items: public employee evaluation; a conference with its Real Property negotiator; and pending litigation. All three discussions resulted in no reportable action. During the Study Session that followed, Council discussed Business Licensing and transfer of the City's Business Registration program into a Business Licensing program incorporating the potential to remove the business license contract service from L.A. County to a City service. Council provided staff OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL direction to bring the matter to the November 6t' Council Meeting. Council also received a presentation regarding the studies underway for the Grand Avenue Upgrade and the SR57/60 Project. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: INVOCATION: the invocation. ROLL CALL: Tem Tanaka and Mayor Tye. Absent: Nef Cortez led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Ahmad Sakr, Islamic Education Center gave Council Members Everett, Herrera, Mayor Pro Council Member Chang was excused. Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager, David Doyle, Assistant City Manager; Mike Jenkins, City Attorney; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Nancy Fong, Community Development Director; Ryan McLean, Senior Management Analyst; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; Rick Yee, Senior Engineer; Gloria Molina, Assistant Engineer; Isaac Aziz, Network/GIS Engineer and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented_ SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 1.1 C/Herrera proclaimed the week of October 22 to October 26, 2007 as "Red Ribbon Week" and presented a proclamation to Deputy Yriarte. NEW BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: 1.2 M/Tye presented a City Plaque to Miss Couture, 564 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard as New Business of the Month for October 2007. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: 2.1 CM/DeStefano announced that Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk, was the first employee of the City of Diamond Bar, and recipient of the "Employee Award of Excellence" by unanimous vote of her peers. 2.2 CM/DeStefano announced that Ken Desforges, IS Director received the Municipal Information Systems Association of California's "Excellence Award" representing the highest level of achievement in information technology that a City can receive. 2.3 CSD/Rose gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Re -Dedication of the Lorbeer Middle School Sports Field held Monday, October 8. The project was completed on time and under budget. OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL C/Herrera said that some individuals asked her why beton he eCity would xpend funds on a school that did not g to the City. She asked CSD/Rose to explain what benefit the City derives from this project. CSD/Rose responded that the project was the culmination of an effort initiated through a Sports Task Force that considered recreational sports needs for the youth in the community. To create a complex would have cost a considerable amount. In fact, just to grade a City owned parcel for a sports complex would have cost the City millions of dollars because of the hilly terrain. As a result, the Task Force and staff looked to cooperate with the School Districts to meet the needs and Lorbeer Middle School presented a comparable opportunity. When the City installed lights at the facility it increased the use of the facility to an extent well beyond what the typical middle school maintenance budget could handle. Staff, Council and School Administrators agreed that the investment to bring the facility back to the prior level of quality and additional use seemed like a reasonable investment. As a result, the City has availed a state -of -the art facility from which thousands of kids will benefit without the high cost of building a new facility. M/Tye said it was music to his ears that this project came in on time and under budget. Kudos to CSD/Rose and staff. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Jerry Hamilton encouraged individuals to read their election booklets and know what they were voting for. He felt that bond issues were another way of imposing taxes. Lydia Plunk pointed out how far the City had come since city hood. How many improvements had been made to programs and facilities and how former and the present City Council has amassed a sizeable emergency reserve for which she thanked the City. Cooperation with the School District took years and years of consensus building and cooperation and she thanked the City. 14,000 trees in the public right-of-way that bloom at different times of the year and in the years to come will be even more beautiful and for that she thanked the staff and City Council. D.B. has two community centers it did not have when it was a part of the County. There are things that the residents would like to have but the City has much to be thankful for in the form of amenities and cash reserves. Lu Zheng spoke about the Aera and golf course projects, two dangerous projects that in his opinion, the residents oppose. Eileen Ansari said it was a privilege for her to be able to speak out and vote in every election. Last Tuesday she attended a candidate forum during which only three individuals appeared and this is the only forum that has taken place in the City of D.B. She was appalled that the City had no forum for candidates. She stated that building was a privilege and not a right and OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL wanted the Council to be more forthright on what was coming. People have a right to know and a right to expect Council Members to be upfront about what is happening. She congratulated staff for the Lorbeer project. Nef Cortez complimented the City and City Council on the manner in which information is distributed. There is no question that the City Council Members have his complete trust in their ability to lead and make informed decisions and to seek essential information for making decisions that represent the best interests of the community. Allen Wilson said there had been many positive changes in the City and he was happy to call D.B. his home. It is everyone's right to cast his ballot for City Council candidates. He said there was a vast difference in candidates and what they stand for and he was not willing to exchange an inexperienced novice campaigner for an experienced Council Member. Jack Shah wanted a clean election without candidates belittling other candidates. Perhaps the candidates who were not at the forum were not invited. He recommended that the residents make sure the City grows. No one wants to hurt this City. He hoped the community members would address issues with full knowledge rather than throw out half-truths. Al Rumpilla spoke about Dial -A -Ride services and commended Council for keeping the cost of a ride to a medical facility to $1.50 per one-way trip. He has taken the cab to Loma Linda and Los Angeles and is currently being treated by a doctor in Pasadena. Each of the round trips has cost him a total of $3.00. Helen Doss, a 36 -year resident asked the Council to provide an update on the golf course. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: C/Herrera felt it was important to clarify information and asked CM/DeStefano to place an item on the next City Council agenda that would formally remove from the Council's Goals and Objectives list the item relating to the golf course development. The City needs to make it perfectly clear to residents that the proposed project is dead and that the City is not pursuing any effort to develop or swap the golf course property. She has listened to the community concerns and has had concerns of her own and does not support any development of the golf course. She said she believed the City owed its residents a clear and unequivocal statement on this issue. M/Tye asked CM/DeStefano to please place the item on a future agenda and address the speaker's question about why a pre -annexation agreement was approved, an item that the Council has effectively dealt with over the last 10 months. He thanked Mr. Rumpilla for making the phone call to Councilman Everett to help speed up the service. M/Tye asked CM/DeStefano to elaborate on the reason for the pre- annexation agreement. CM/DeStefano stated that the project proposed by landowner Aera Energy incorporates property within Orange County, property immediately adjacent to the City of Brea, property adjacent to the City of D.B., some of which is in the City's future incorporated boundary as determined by a sphere of influence study several years ago and some of which is outside of the City's current boundaries and a sphere of influence in Los Angeles which Rowland Heights believes should be a portion of their City. Some of the acreage is adjacent to the City of LaHabra Heights and to the City of LaHabra. The project is of such magnitude that there are significant roadway segments; a variety of issues with respect to utilities; delivery of infrastructure services from water agencies and other utility agencies that surround the property. It is a very complex project and all of the issues related to construction and delivery of services and whether the project should be approved and constructed with residences and business operations. A scope of this magnitude has never been seen by D.B. and likely the scope that none of the OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL CM/DeStefano responded to a speaker that Aera Energy is the owner of of D.B.'s almost all of the vacant land between the southerly terminus the boundary of the City of Brea. Aera is looking at municipal boundary and a development and investment upon the property. Aera approached D.B. about whether it was interested in reviewing a proposal for development of the acreage. Prior to Aera Energy spending millions of dollars to prepare all of the documentation to process such a project through the City of D.B., Aera asked if D.B. would look at the proposal, the discussion of which grew into a pre -annexation agreement that set forth a roadmap for review of their proposal. Contained within the pre -annexation agreement which was by the then City Council in December 2006 speaks to approved unanimously D.B.'s interest in looking at the project and does not guarantee any approval whatsoever within the document. A few months later Aera presented its proposal to the City and an Environmental Impact Report writing consultant was employed by D.B. to look specifically at the environmental documentation. The EIR process is a protracted process. There are a variety of issues including a traffic study and environmental studies. The developer is paying the City of D.B. for the services that the City is employing to look at the project and in particular the environmental issues associated with the project. The City does not expect the EIR to be done for several Depending on the comments and timeline to respond staff more months. believes that the document will not be ready for any kind of decision-making until well into 2008. Why would the developer be interested in forming a pre- annexation agreement with D.B.? Prior to expending the enormous resources that would be required to process such a project the developer wanted to know if D.B. would be interested. D.B. responded that it would look at the project and would at the same time preserve all of its rights through the public hearing process in order to make an appropriate decision when all information is available. M/Tye asked CM/DeStefano to elaborate on the reason for the pre- annexation agreement. CM/DeStefano stated that the project proposed by landowner Aera Energy incorporates property within Orange County, property immediately adjacent to the City of Brea, property adjacent to the City of D.B., some of which is in the City's future incorporated boundary as determined by a sphere of influence study several years ago and some of which is outside of the City's current boundaries and a sphere of influence in Los Angeles which Rowland Heights believes should be a portion of their City. Some of the acreage is adjacent to the City of LaHabra Heights and to the City of LaHabra. The project is of such magnitude that there are significant roadway segments; a variety of issues with respect to utilities; delivery of infrastructure services from water agencies and other utility agencies that surround the property. It is a very complex project and all of the issues related to construction and delivery of services and whether the project should be approved and constructed with residences and business operations. A scope of this magnitude has never been seen by D.B. and likely the scope that none of the OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL I9 59 other surrounding cities have seen. If this project moves forward it will require decisions by a variety of governmental entities that go well beyond the City of D.B. This project will require several years to draw to any conclusion. Presuming those conclusions were favorable to the developer only then would construction commence and incorporate all of the issues that all of the decision -makers added during years of review. There is no current public discussion because there are no documents to present to the public. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — October 23, 2007 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive. 5.2 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — October 25, 2007 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Drive. 5.3 Los Angeles County Sheriff Diamond Bar/Walnut Station's 20th Annual Anniversary Celebration Open House — October 27, 2007 — 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sheriffs Station, 21695 E. Valley Boulevard near Grand Avenue across from Kohl's Department Store. 5.4 Diamond Bar Hall of Horrors — Haunted House — October 30 and 31, 2007 — 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 p.m., Heritage Park, 2900 S. Brea Canyon Road. 5.5 Fall Fun Festival — October 31, 2007 — 4:30 P.M. to 8:30 p.m., Heritage Park, 2900 S. Brea Canyon Road - $5.00 per person. 5.6 Election Day — November 6, 2007 — Polls open at 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. If individuals need help locating polling places they can go online to www.LAVote.net or, call City Hall at 909-839-7010. 5.7 City Council Meeting — November 6, 2007 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive. 5.8 Veterans' Day Recognition — November 7, 2007 — 9:00 a.m., Diamond Bar Community Center, 1600 Grand Avenue. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Herrera moved, C/Everett seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Everett, Herrera, MPT/Tanaka, M/Tye None Chang 1 1 OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 7 6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL 6,11 .1 Study Session Minutes of October 2, 2007 — as submitted 6.1.2 Regular Meeting of October 2, 2007 — as submitted. 6.2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting for August 23, 2007 — Received and filed. 6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER dated September 27 through October 10, 2007 totaling $976,701.16. 6.4 APPROVED FISCAL YEAR 2007/08 PERSONNEL SUMMARY AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENT. 6.5 AGENCY CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 1 I ENGINEERING (AE) ASSOCIATES, INC.TTES, LOCAL IN ACYTHE A AMOUNT OF $45,840 FOR AS -NEEDED ENGINEERING SERVICES. 6.6 APPROPRIATED $125,100 OF THE GENERAL FUND BALANCE RESERVE (RESTRICTED FROM THE PREVIOUS SALE OF PROP A FUNDS) TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2006/07 PUBLIC WORKS BUDGET FOR THE STATE ROUTE 57/60 FREEWAY CONGESTION RELIEF STRATEGY AND APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH SASAKI TRANSPORTATION SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $125,100 FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE STATE ROUTE 57/60 FREEWAY CONGRESTION RELIEF STRAEGY. 6.7 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SCIENCES (EIS), TO INCREASE THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BY $18,370 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $146,365 FOR ADDITIONAL WORK REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR SOUTH POINTE WEST PROJECT, JCC HOMES. CM/DeStefano noted that this project was sold to Lewis Homes of California and Lewis Homes has paid the City for this additional work. 6.8 REPORTED ON PROP A TRANSIT SUBSIDY PROGRAM AND DIAL -A -CAB PROGRAM AND AMENDMENT OF FISCAL YEAR 2006-07 PROP A TRANSIT FUND BUDGET TO INCREASE ESTIMATED REVENUE $199,500 AND INCREASE APPROPRIATIONS BY $185,000. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL .9 7 COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: 8.2 APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING COMMISSION BY COUNCIL MEMBER HERRERA. C/Herrera said that she recently received a letter of resignation from one of her Planning Commissioners. Upon soliciting applications she appointed Jack Shah to the Planning Commission, which left a void on the Traffic and Transportation Commission. Upon solicitation she received two applications, and selected Kevin House as her appointment to the Traffic and Transportation Commission. She asked for Council approval of her appointment. C/Herrera moved, MPT/Tanaka seconded to approve C/Herrera's appointment of Kevin House to the Traffic and Transportation Commission. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Everett, Herrera, MPT/Tanaka, M/Tye NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Everett thanked citizens for their public comments. He encouraged all residents to vote responsibly. He congratulated CSD/Rose and the TEAM; from staff and Pomona School District for culmination of the Lorbeer Middle School joint project. He also congratulated CC/Cribbins for being selected by her peers to receive the first ever employee "Award of Excellence" and congratulated IS Director/Desforges on his recognition. This afternoon he and C/Herrera attended the Public Affairs Network and Valley Economic Partnership meeting to hear speaker Steve Poisner, California Insurance Commissioner speak about his pursuit of issues including insurance fraud, uninsured motorists and workers' compensation. He spoke about 11 sustainability" aspects as they relate to the community and its residents. C/Herrera said she and CDD/Fong also attended the Sustainability Workshop, which offered a new way of thinking for communities. There is not a lot of opportunity for development in D.B. However, it would, in her opinion, be prudent for the City to consider this methodology and perhaps consult with experts that are building big communities. She asked that C/Everett and CDD/Fong make a presentation during a future City Council meeting for better understanding and insight. The Lorbeer Middle School field rededication was an important event for the City. Thanks to Andrew Wong and other Pomona School Board Members who agreed to improve the campus for the use and safety of the children. Several years ago the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) developed a OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL regional transportation plan (RTP). SCAG has jurisdiction over the planning determined that the SR60 should for six counties in Southern California and have dedicated truck lanes. At that time she contacted representatives from Walnut, Industry, Rowland Heights and Hacienda Heights, all of whom for truck traffic and discuss an east -west lobbied to consider other freeways that would include analysis of the 91, 210 and 10 freeways. SCAG corridor modified its plans and removed the SR60 from the document. However, that studying the idea seems to have again resurfaced and SCAG is again that she will not let this happen possibility. She wanted to reassure residents will marshal everyone she can get to lobby against such a proposal and because it would, in her opinion, be very detrimental to have dedicated truck She urged everyone to vote on November 6. This is the lanes on the SR60. residents' community and what happens in the future is critical to D.B. MPT/Tanaka attended two ribbon -cutting ceremonies hosted by the East San Gabriel Valley Chamber of Commerce; he congratulated CSD/Rose and staff for persevering on the Lorbeer Middle School track and field improvements. He attended the LA County Fair D.B. committee meeting. LA County Fairwill host another D.B. Day at the Fair next year and welcomes input on ways that to vote on November 6 and the event can be approved. He urged everyone exercise this very important right. M/Tye said that a speaker talked about the early endorsement of D.B. to vote and it is a privilege candidates. Residents have the opportunity enjoyed by all citizens of the U.S. He encouraged everyone to get the facts by going to the source. A reference was made to a candidate forum and that invitation only and not open to the public, which he particular forum was by felt did little to foster the exchange of ideas and information. M/Tye welcomed calls for information or questions at 839-7006 and said he would do his best to get back to the callers as promptly as possible. Residents can reach any of the Council Members at 839-7000 or via the Internet. He encouraged everyone to take advantage of all of the opportunities that the City makes available. Mei Lien Chang, wife of Council Member Wen Chang, the Taiwanese Government as one of the is being honored this evening by top 10 global business women and C/Chang took leave from his Council duties this evening to honor her. M/Tye said he took part in the 6th Annual Mayor's Cup Race in Irwindale. He congratulated CC/ Cribbins on her Award of Excellence and being the longest tenured City employee. He also IS/Director/Desforges and Mei Lien Chang on their honors. congratulated ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tye adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 8:15 p.m. TOMMYE CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6ui day of djQyj , ; ,- , 2007. STEVE ,MAYO