Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/4/2008 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MARCH 4, 2008 STUDY SESSION: M/Tanaka called the Study Session to order at 5:35 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, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Everett, Mayor Tanaka. Council Member Herrera 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; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Ken Desforges IS Director; Rick Yee, Senior Engineer; Kimberly Molina, Assistant Engineer; Ryan McLean, Asst. to City Manager; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator, and Debbie Gonzales, Administrative Records Coordinator. I► LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 38,39 AND 41 — Discussion and Action. CSD/Rose stated that there are more than 17,000 parcels within District 38 with the current annual assessment of $15 for a total annual revenue of $265,000 with the City contributing $29,200 for personnel costs. Based on the total cost to operate District 38 the per -parcel assessment would take a per parcel assessment of $18.43 annually for a total revenue of $326,335. If a 4% CPI had been applied since incorporation the per - parcel assessment would be at $31.61. District 39 has 1,263 parcels with a current assessment of $130 for a total annual revenue of $164,190 with the City contributing $29,200. In order to cover all costs including personnel costs it would take a per parcel assessment of $209.30 annually. If the 4% CPI had been applied the per - parcel charge would be $273.89. District 41 has 554 parcels currently paying $220.50 for a total annual revenue of $122,157 with the City contributing $29,200 for personnel. Total expenditures amount to $187,932. In order to cover the cost it would require a per -parcel annual assessment of $339. If the 4% CPI had been applied the per -parcel charge would be $424. Staff believes that if the City Council wishes to have the districts maintained at their current level, additional options could be studied for reducing the current costs including removing curbs in District 38 and replacing them with planting materials or artificial turf. Additionally, irrigation and maintenance could be eliminated for some slopes in Districts 39 and 41, and water conservation efforts could be put in place. Staff could request that the Walnut Valley Water District increase the availability of reclaimed water. In addition, if the Council were interested in improving the irrigation of the medians to reduce runoff and MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION conserve water the City could replace overspray irrigation systems on the turf medians and install an automatic centralized irrigation control system. CSD/Rose asked for Council guidance. Staff recommends one of three options: 1) maintain the existing maintenance level without raising the existing rate for each district; 2) increase the existing district rates to cover the cost to maintain the districts at the existing levels and charge future capital improvement costs to the General Fund; or, 3) increase the district rates to cover the costs to maintain the existing maintenance levels including future capital improvement costs. Options 2 and 3 would require a vote of the people. CM/DeStefano talked about the economy, stating that the City will have a substantial loss of income from the Honda Dealership leaving and increased costs for maintaining current and new levels of service. There are opportunities for revenue during the 2010-2011 fiscal years with revenue growth opportunities from waste hauler contracts as well as additional expenses depending upon what occurs with regards to the possible expansion of City Hall. CSD/Rose further explained that planned improvements could add even more costs to the districts. The existing maintenance levels do not include about $1.4 million in CIP projects. In order to cover CIP projects District 38 assessment would have to be increased by another $80 per year which would not cover the ongoing maintenance. CM/DeStefano explained how beautification projects have been financed through the districts and how there have been no increases in assessments since 1989 to cover the increased maintenance costs. C/Tye wondered what would happen if Districts 39 and 41 were turned back to the residents absent an association. In response to C/Tye's question, CSD/Rose stated that there are HOA's within District 41; however, it is possible that those areas would not be maintained. CM/DeStefano said it would be up to the residents to decide whether they wanted to increase the fee to cover maintenance or determine other degrees of maintenance or would those in the district prefer to assume the maintenance believing they could do so for less cost. Under this scenario the residents would likely continue to maintain the interior areas and allow the perimeters to go native. CSD/Rose said that since District 39 consists of private property everything except the mini parks could be turned over to the homeowners. The options proposed by staff at this time would be to decide whether MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION Council wanted to continue using General Funds to maintain existing maintenance levels or pursue increasing the rates. CM/DeStefano said that staff was just beginning to learn the cost benefit of new irrigation measures. Staff has rough ideas about the cost benefits but more needs to be done before definitive answers can be provided to the Council. Prior to Prop 218 if more money or a four percent CPI was needed, rates could arbitrarily be raised. Post Prop 218 rate increases now require a vote of the people. CM/DeStefano asked if other assumptions should be built into future analysis. MPT/Everett said he was concerned about "fairness" with respect to the disparity in assessments and the components of the districts, particularly the two standalone districts and whether the City would benefit as much by maintaining Districts 39 and 41. CSD/Rose said he assumed MPT/Everett's concern was that there was not as large of an issue with the City subsidizing District 38 as there would be with the City subsidizing Districts 39 and 41 because there is a citywide benefit in District 38. C/Chang asked how the City was able to subsidize the maintenance for 15 years with a minimal amount of support from the General Fund and now there seemed to be a considerable increase in the amount needed to maintain the districts. CSD/Rose said there was a time when the amount of assessment exceeded the maintenance costs and reserves were built up which covered ongoing maintenance. At a point the expenses and revenue balanced out but at this point the expenses are exceeding revenues and the reserves have been eaten away. MPT/Everett asked if an election could be held in November to resolve this issue. CM/DeStefano stated that the City would need at least a year preferably 18 months to prepare for a successful benefit election. C/Chang felt the first option was not viable. M/Tanaka said he favored Option 2. C/Chang wanted to discuss the differences between Options 2 and 3. MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION CM/DeStefano stated that it is fairly apparent that some sort of assessment increase is part of the formula to resolve the matter. C/Chang said he preferred Option 2. C/Tye asked if staff could do an analysis of long-term cost benefit of replacing turf with artificial turf. MPT/Everett said he had a problem with Option 2 because he was not sure the City should supplement CIP and maintenance with use of General Funds unless the City directly benefited. He would prefer to have the landscape districts carry all of the costs. C/Tye said he did not have a problem with Option 2 because CIP's have, in his opinion, enhanced the City. MPT/Everett suggested that this analysis would bode well for all properties to be moved into District 38. C/Tye agreed that it might make more sense to combine all three districts so that each parcel would pay say $44 if it is a benefit citywide. ACM/Doyle suggested that perhaps 39 and 41 could be turned over to the homeowners and the City would continue to maintain 38 through assessment. CM/DeStefano said that a few years ago staff talked about creating another district but it is well beyond the City's capacity to work through that issue in addition to current issues. MPT/Everett said it seemed fair to all D.B. residents that it would benefit the City to get rid of Districts 39 and 41. C/Chang felt it was better to assess all properties under one district. CM/DeStefano asked Council to consider creating a subcommittee to work with staff on this issue. M/Tanaka appointed MPT/Everett and C/Tye to serve as subcommittee members. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, M/Tanaka adjourned the Study Session at 6:37 p.m. TOMMYr CRIBBINS, City Clerk The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 18tt3 day of arcxi 2008. ' MACK TANAKA, Mayor C D 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MARCH 4, 2008 CLOSED SESSION: STUDY SESSION: None 5:35 p.m., Room CC -8 ► Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts 38, 39 and 41 — Discussion and Action. Public Comments: None Offered Study Session adjourned to the regular meeting at 6:35 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tanaka called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:49 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. CM/DeStefano reported on this evening's study session re: the Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts and that at the conclusion of the discussion M/Tanaka appointed MPT/Everett and C/Tye to serve as subcommittee members to work with staff in determining the course of action to take. (PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE INVOCATION: Church, gave the invocation. ROLL CALL: Everett and Mayor Tanaka Mayor Tanaka led the Pledge of Allegiance. Monsignor James Loughnane, St. Denis Catholic Council Members Chang, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Council Member Herrera 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; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Nancy Fong, Community Development Director; Fred Gubman, Planning Manager; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Ryan McLean, Asst. to City Manager; Rick Yee, Senior Engineer; Kimberly Molina, Assistant Engineer; Lauren Hidalgo, Public Information Specialist; and, Debbie Gonzales, Administrative Records Coordinator. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: NEW BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: 1.1 M/Tanaka presented a Certificate Plaque to Elizabeth Meraz, owner of Taqueria EI Huizache, 23545 Palomino Drive as New Business of the Month for March 2008. MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Responding to questions from Council Members regarding status of the temporary sign ordinance as it relates to political signs, CM/DeStefano stated that staff intends to bring a full report to the City Council at its March 18 Study Session for discussion and recommendation. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Irene Wang, Head Librarian, Diamond Bar Library, thanked MPT/Everett for his visit to the library last Tuesday as well as, his donation of Wine Soiree tickets to library employees. She thanked the City Council and staff for their continued support of the Diamond Bar Library. Ling -Ling Chang, Walnut Valley Water District, reported on the water crisis and asked residents to continue conserving water. She thanked CM/DeStefano, CSD/Rose and City Council Members for their participation and support and announced that the District Board meetings are now held every third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: None 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — Tuesday, March 11, 2008 — 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive 5.2 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — Thursday, March 13, 2008 — 7:00 p.m., SCAQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Drive. 5.3 City Council Meeting — Tuesday, March 18, 2008 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive. 5.4 State of the City Address — Thursday, March 20, 2008 — 6:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m., Diamond Bar Center Ballroom, 1600 S. Grand Avenue. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Tye moved, MPT/Everett seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tye, MPT/Everett, M/Tanaka NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL 6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: 6.1.1 Study Session Minutes of February 19, 2008 — as submitted. 6.1.2 Regular Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2008—as submitted. 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular meeting of January 10, 2008. 6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER dated February 14, 2008 through February 27, 2008 totaling $1,028,377.11. 6.4 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT— Month of January2008. 6.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2008-11: ESTABLISHING A REIMBURSEMENT POLICY IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 53232.2 AND 53232.3 RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2006-24 IN ITS ENTIRETY. 6.6 APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH ADVANTEC CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE DESIGN OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENTS AT GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE/LEMON AVENUE AND AT BREA CANYON ROAD/DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,000 PLUS A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $2,000 FOR CHANGE ORDERS TO BE APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT OF $20,000. 6.7 APPROVED STATUS REPORT ON INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 2(2008) ADOPTED TO PROHIBIT THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT AND OTHER SPECIFIED CONGREGATION USES IN THE COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONING DISTRICTS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858(d). 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7.1 ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 02A(2008) EXTENDING ORDINANCE NO. 02(2008) PROHIBITING THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AMUSEMENT, ENTERTAINMENT AND OTHER SPECIFIC CONGREGATION USES IN THE COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ZONING DISTRICTS ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONS OF CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858. MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL CDD/Fong reported that on February 5 Council approved the urgency ordinance. At this time staff is collecting and reviewing a variety of standards. He felt that it will take some time to craft an ordinance that meets the City's needs. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council extend the moratorium for ten months and 15 days. M/Tanaka opened the Public Hearing. With no testimony being offered, M/Tanaka closed the Public Hearing. C/Chang moved, MPT/Everett seconded, to Adopt Ordinance No. 02A(2008) extending Ordinance No. 02(2008) prohibiting the issuance of permits for establishment of amusement, entertainment and other specific congregation uses in the commercial and office zoning districts according to the provisions of California Government Code Section 65858. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tye, MPT/Everett, M/Tanaka NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: None 9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: On February 21 along with his colleagues and staff C/Tye attended the Site D EIR Scoping Meeting which provided significant inputfrom the community. On March 1 he attended the first annual Inland Valley Spelling Bee sponsored by Diamond Bar Friends of the Library. The event was wonderful and well -attended. He congratulated Shannon Linn from Chino Hills who won the Spelling Bee and who will go on to Washington, D.C. to compete. He hopes everyone will attend the State of the City address. C/Tye spoke about an article in the Los Angeles Times that indicated that the City of Vallejo was near bankruptcy. He recalled that at a past meeting the City was encouraged to spend its reserves, reserves that have been built up over the past 19 years. He felt the article spoke to the basic reason D.B. should continue to carefully protect its reserves, especially in light of the State's current budget debt and financial problems other cities are experiencing. He wished C/Herrera well as she and her family awaits the birth of a new grandchild. C/Chang thanked everyone for their participation and wished everyone a good night. MARCH 4, 2008 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL MPT/Everett spoke about special events he attended including the Little League season opening celebration, the Inland Valley Spelling Bee. He encouraged residents to participate in the Friends of the Library Wine Soiree to support the library and its programs. He spoke about the Los Angeles Marathon participants; and, encouraged community members to participate in the Site D Scoping meetings. He commented on a Neighborhood Watch meeting and the education presented by Deputy St. Amant. He asked residents to give their input to Council Members. M/Tanaka attended the Pomona/D.B.YMCA fundraising kickoff breakfast and monthly meetings for Contract Cities and San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. On Saturday he attended the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy offices Grand Opening. On Sunday he attended the Miss Diamond Bar fashion show announcing that this year's Miss Diamond Bar Pageant will be held on Sunday, March 16, at D.B.H.S. 2:30 p.m. He attended the Cub Scout Pack 730 annual Blue and Gold Banquet. M/Tanaka attended the Sanitation District's monthly meeting and the Chamber Mixer. M/Tanaka also attended the D.B. 4 -Youth meeting; the Neighborhood Watch meeting; Walnut Valley Kiwanis Club Breakfast meeting; Mt. SAC Alumni Association's 4th Annual Monte Carlo Night; the D.B. Little League ceremonies and on March 1 Troop 730 held an Eagle Court of Honor. He spoke about the First Annual Inland Valley Spelling Bee and congratulated Elsa Boykin who recently retired from her position with Vineyard Bank. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tanaka adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 7:33 p.m. in memory of Don Buckland. I � TOMMY CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this18th day of Xiirch 2008. C JACK TANAKA, MAYOR 1