HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/17/2008 Minutes - Regular Meeting1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
JUNE 17, 2008
CLOSED SESSION: 6:00 p.m. — Room CC -8
Public Comments on Closed Session Agenda
11-- Government Code Section 54956.9— Initiation of Litigation — One Case
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tanaka called the regular City Council
meeting to .order at 6:38 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium,
21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: C/Herrera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Monsignor James Loughnane, St. Denis Catholic
Church, gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, Herrera, Tye, Mayor Pro
Tem Everett and Mayor Tanaka.
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; Ken Desforges, IS Director;
Nancy Fong, Community Development Director; Greg Gubman, Planning Manager;
Ryan McLean, Asst. to City Manager; Rick Yee, Senior Engineer; Joyce Lee, Sr.
Management Analyst; Kimberly Molina, Associate Engineer; Patrick Gallegos,
Management Analyst; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator; and
"fommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: M/Tanaka announced that Consent Calendar
Items 6.5(I) and 6.8(c) were being pulled and would be presented to Council at a
future date.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 M/Tanaka and C/Tye presented Certificates of Recognition to
members and coaches of the Diamond Ranch High School Panthers
Varsity Baseball Team in recognition of their participation in the CIF
Playoffs.
NEW BUSINESS OF THE MONTH:
1.2 M/Tanaka presented a City Plaque to Eric and Sarita Schubel, owners
of Panini Grill/Mix It Up Ice Cream, 2040 S. Brea Canyon Road as
New Business of the Month for June 2008.
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
PWD/Liu introduced Christian Malpica Perez, Associate Engineer who will
oversee operation of the Traffic Management Center and provide support for
other traffic management duties.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Robert Deerfield stated that he had been visited by the Inland Valley Humane
Society to collect a pet tax. He further stated that neither he nor his
neighbors had been notified prior to their visit that there was a pet tax. He
suggested that the City do more to publicize such an event.
Sid Mousavi who previously served the City as its engineer recently moved
his residence and business to D.B. and complimented staff for improving the
quality of life for residents.
Fly Girl, Diamond Bar Library, spoke about the Library's Summer Reading
and Movie Program.
Aziz Amid, President, Regional Chamber of Commerce, Nef Cortez, Past
President, and Maggie Yen, member of the Chamber, thanked Council for
approving the contract between the Chamber and City for FY 2007-2008 and
thanked CM/DeStefano for formulating a model contract for the Chamber.
They asked Council for unanimous approval of the FY 2008-2009 contract
and encouraged the Council to continue to explore new ideas for improving
the City's economy.
Al Rumpilla, felt that the program under Consent Calendar Item 6.4 (a) Home
Improvement Program (HIP) should be better advertized to residents
because it is a great program for low income homeowners who qualify. He
further stated that Art who heads up the program should be commended for
his efforts in providing good customer service.
Debbie Obregon, 21217 Washington St., Sp. 55 spoke regarding Consent
Calendar Item 6.7(e) Dial -a -Cab program. She presented Council with a
written proposal explaining why riders should be given 50 rides per month
instead of the 30 currently offered.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
ACM/Doyle responded to Mr. Deerfield's comments regarding the Inland
Valley Humane Society by stating that every two years the Inland Valley
Humane Society conducts its citywide canvassing which is intended to
generate dog or animal licensing fees established through an Ordinance
passed by the City Council. Information regarding this program is provided
through a variety of mechanisms including the City News that is delivered to
every D.B. home on a monthly basis; the City's Website, DBTV 3 and others.
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JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
Staff will endeavor to provide better communication to the residents
regarding this program in the future.
CM/DeStefano responding to Mr. Rumpilla stated that the City's Home
Improvement Program has limited funding from the Federal Government.
Although the program is not heavily advertized, when it is, it generates a lot
of interest resulting in a long waiting list. If anyone has questions regarding
eligibility, information is available on the City's Website or homeowners can
contact City Hall at 839-7030.
,`i. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — June 24, 2008 — 7:00 p.m.,
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr.
5.2 Teen Night — Concert & Movie at Dusk (Thornbird/Transformers) —
June 25, 2008 — 6:30 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden
Springs Dr. — Sponsored by DB 4 -Youth in Action.
5.3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — June 26, 2008 — 7:00
p.m., AQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley
Dr.
5.4 City Council Meeting — July 1, 2008 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government
Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr.
5.5 4th of July Celebration (Concert and Fireworks) — July 4, 2008 — 5:00
p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Diamond Bar High School, 21400 Pathfinder Rd. —
Performance by the Ravelers and Fireworks beginning at 9:00 p.m.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Chang moved, C/Herrera seconded, to approve
the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items 6.5(a) and 6.8(c). Motion
carried by the following Roll Call:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS
6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
Chang, Herrera, Tye, MPT/Everett,
M/Tanaka
None
None
(a) Study Session of June 3, 2008 — Approved as Submitted.
(b) Regular Meeting of June 3, 2008 — Approved as Submitted.
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES:
(a) Housing Element Workshop of May 13, 2008.
(b) Regular Meeting of May 13, 2008.
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — dated May 29, 2008 through June
11, 2008 totaling $1,359,763.85.
6.4 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REQUESTS:
(a) APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH LDM ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR PROVIDING HOME
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (HIP) ADMINISTRATION
SERVICES FOR THREE (3) YEARS ENDING JUNE 2011;
AND, APPROVED FY 2008-09 HOME IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $30,000.
(b) APPROVED CONTRACT WITH DAPEER, ROSENBLIT &
LITVAK, LLP FOR PROVIDING CITY PROSECUTOR
SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO -EXCEED $40,000 FOR
FY 2008-09.
(c) APPROVED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH LDM ASSOCIATES, INC., FOR PROVIDING AS -
NEEDED PLANNING SERVICES FOR A TOTAL OF THREE
(3) YEARS.
(d) APPROVED EXTENSION OF CITYWIDE GRAFFITI
REMOVAL CONTRACT WITH GRAFFITI CONTROL
SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,400 FOR FY 2008-09.
(e) AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER TO CONTRACT WITH
REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF THE SAN
GABRIEL VALLEY FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND
RETENTION SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,000 FOR
FY 2008-09.
6.5 COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT REQUESTS:
(a) AWARDED CONTRACT TO TAMANG ELECTRIC, INC. FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF AN EMERGENCY GENERATOR AT
THE DIAMOND BAR CENTER IN THE AMOUNT OF
$157,861, PLUS A CONTINGENCY OF $7,893 (5%) FOR A
TOTAL AUTHORIZATION OF $165,754; AND,
APPROPRATED $57,146 FROM THE PARK DEVELOPMENT
FUND TO FULLY FUND THIS PROJECT.
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
(b) AWARDED CONTRACT TO REEDCORP ENGINEERING IN
THE AMOUNT OF $7,300 FOR CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED DURING CONSTRUCTION
OF THE EMERGENCY GENERATOR AT THE DIAMOND
BAR CENTER, PLUS RATIFIED THE CITY MANAGER'S
AWARD OF CONTRACT TO REEDCORP ENGINEERING TO
DEVELOP CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR THIS
PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,800 FOR A TOTAL
AUTHORIZATION OF $31,100.
(c) AWARDED CONTRACT TO TWO HORSE CONSTRUCTION
FOR CONSTRUCTION OF V -DITCH AND LANDSCAPING
IMPROVEMENTS ON GOLD RUSH DRIVE EAST OF
DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,500;
PLUS, A CONTINGENCY OF $6,250 (10%) FOR A TOTAL
AUTHORIZATION OF $68,750.
(d) AWARDED CONTRACT TO EMAD NABIH FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF TRAIL CONNECTIONS AT STEEP
CANYON AND AT THE DIAMOND BAR CENTER IN THE
AMOUNT OF $150,138.05; PLUS A CONTINGENCY OF
$15,014 (10%) FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION OF
$165,152.05.
(e) APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AGREEMENT WITH
GROUP DELTA CONSULTANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION
INSPECTION SERVICES FOR TWO (2) PROJECTS: 1)
CONSTRUCTION OF V -DITCH AND LANDSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS AT STORM DAMAGED SLOPE ON GOLD
RUSH EAST OF DIAMOND BAR BLVD.; 2) CONSTRUCTION
OF TRAIL ACCESS POINTS AT STEEP CANYON/CLEAR
CREEK CANYON AND DIAMOND BAR
CENTER/SUMMITRIDGE PARK — FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT
NOT -TO -EXCEED $48,740.
(f) AWARDED CONTRACT TO INTERNATIONAL PAVEMENT
SOLUTIONS, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STORAGE
CONTAINER AND PAD AT PANTERA PARK NEAR
BASKETBALL COURTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,214.58;
PLUS, A CONTINGENCY OF $5,821 (10%) FOR A TOTAL
AUTHORIZATION OF $64,035.58.
(g) APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE
CONTRACT WITH RJM DESIGN GROUP FOR DESIGN OF
PANTERA PARK STORAGE PAD TO REVISE CONTRACT IN
AN AMOUNT NOT -TO -EXCEED $53,253; PLUS, ADDED
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TO SCOPE OF WORK AND
TO EXTEND CONTRACT TERM THROUGH DECEMBER 31,
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
2008.
(h) AWARDED CONTRACT TO CALIFORNIA SURFACING FOR
TENNIS AND BASKETBALL COURT RESURFACING AT
HERITAGE, MAPLE HILL, PANTERA AND RONALD
REAGAN PARKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,000; PLUS, A
CONTINGENCY OF $6,400 (10%) FOR A TOTAL
AUTHORIZATION OF $70,400.
(i) AUTHORIZED EXPENDITURE TO MCE CORP. IN THE
AMOUNT OF $31,050 PLUS A 10% CONTINGENCY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $3,105 FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION OF
$34,155 FOR SLURRY SEAL AND RESTRIPING OF THE
DIAMOND BAR CENTER PARKING LOTS AND ACCESS
ROADS.
Q) AWARDED CONTRACT TO MATLOCK ASSOCIATES FOR
CONSULTING SERVICES TO COMPLETE THE UPDATE OF
THE 1998 PARKS MASTER PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF
$146,900 AND AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT
OF $10,000 FOR REIMBURSABLES FOR A TOTAL
AUTHORIZATION OF $156,900; PLUS, APPROPRIATED
$44,900 FROM THE PARKS DEVELOPMENT FUND TO
FULLY FUND THE CONTRACT.
(k) APPROVED AUTHORIZATION TO EXCEED CITY
MANAGER'S PURCHASING AUTHORITY OF $25,000 TO
EXTEND VENDOR SERVICES FOR SENIOR AND ADULT
EXCURSIONS PROVIDED BY INLAND EMPIRE STAGES
LTD., IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO -EXCEED $70,000 FOR FY
2008-09.
6.6 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REQUESTS:
(a) APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH REPUBLIC
ELECTRIC FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE
SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2008-09 AND 2009-10.
(b) APPROVED WASTE MANAGEMENT'S REVISED MONTHLY
SERVICES RATES.
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
(c) APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND
AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR TRAFFIC
SIGNAL MODIFICATIONS AT BREA CANYON RD.
/PATHFINDER RD., BREA CANYON RD. /DIAMOND BAR
BLVD.; AND, GOLDEN SPRINGS DR. /LEMON AVE. IN THE
AMOUNT OF $170,400 TO POUK & STEINLE, INC.; AND,
AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $17,040 FOR
CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS TO BE APPROVED BY THE
CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT
OF $187,440.
(d) APPROVED A CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH ADVANTEC
CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES FOR THE
TRAFFIC SIGNAL MODIFICATION PROJECT AT DIAMOND
BAR BLVD. AND BREA CANYON RD.; GOLDEN SPRINGS
DR. AND LEMON AVE.; AND, BREA CANYON RD. AND
PATHFINDER RD., IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,000 PLUS A
CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $2,000 FOR CHANGE
ORDERS TO BE APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER FOR
A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT OF $18,000.
(e) APPROVED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AWARDED
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE 2007-08
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CURB RAMP
INSTALLATION PROJECT TO CJ CONCRETE
CONSTRUCTION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,062.50
AND AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $4,000
FOR PROJECT CHANGE ORDERS TO BE APPROVED
BY THE CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION
AMOUNT OF $43,062.50.
(f) AWARDED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO
HARDY & HARPER, INC. FOR FIVE (5) YEARS — FY 2008-09
THROUGH FY 2012-2013 — FOR ON-CALL STREET
MAINTENANCE SERVICES SPECIFIC TO ROAD
PAVEMENT, SIDEWALK CURB & GUTTER AND STRIPING
MAINTENANCE.
(g) APPROVED EXTENSION OF CONTRACT AGREEMENT
WITH DIVERSIFIED TRANSPORTATION, LLC FOR FY 2008-
09 DIAMOND RIDE (DIAL -A -CAB) SERVICES.
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JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
(h) REALLOCATED PROP. 113 FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF
$350,000 TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
BUDGET FOR FY 2007-08; APPROVED PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS; DECLARED THE BID SUBMITTED BY
DOUG MARTIN CONTRACTING CO. NON-RESPONSIVE
AND AWARDED THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR
RESIDENTIAL AREA 4 AND ARTERIAL ZONE 2 ROAD
MAINTENANCE PROJECT TO AMERICAN ASPHALT
SOUTH, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,712,430.50; AND,
AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $102,745.83
FOR CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS TO BE APPROVED BY
THE CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION
AMOUNT OF $1,815,176.33.
(i) AMENDED DESIGN SERVICES CONTRACT WITH NORRIS-
REPKE FOR RESIDENTIAL AREA 4 AND ARTERIAL ZONE 2
ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$11,390.
6.7 IS DEPARTMENT REQUESTS:
(a) APPROVED ONE YEAR CONTRACT WITH COMDYN
GROUP, INC. (COMDYN) FOR PURCHASE OF SECURITY
RELATED PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL SERVICES AND
GIS RELATED PROFESS IONAL/TECHN[CAL SERVICES,
FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT COST NOT -TO -EXCEED $75,000
FOR FY 2008/09 AND AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER
TO SIGN THE CONTRACT.
(b) APPROVED CONTRACT WITH SIMPLEX/GRINNELL, INC.
(SIMPLEX/GRINNELL) FOR REDESIGN OF EXISTING WET
SPRINKLER SYSTEM TO INCORPORATE A DRY GAS FIRE
SUPPRESSION COMPONENT IN THE CITY'S DATA
CENTER FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT COST NOT -TO -
EXCEED $55,000, AND A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF
$3,500 FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION OF $58,500; AND,
AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE
CONTRACT.
6.8 CITY MANAGER REQUESTS:
(a) APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE LICENSE _
AGREEMENT WITH OMNIPOINT COMMUNICATION, INC., A
DELAWARE CORPORATION, A SUBSIDIARY OF T -MOBILE
USA, INC., TO CONSTRUCT A WIRELESS
COMMUNICATION SITE AT SUMMITRIDGE PARK.
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JUNE 17, 2008
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CITY COUNCIL
(b) APPROVED REINSTATEMENT OF ONE (1) SWORN LAW
ENFORCEMENT POSITION IN THE FY 2008-09 BUDGET,
AND APPROPRIATED $148,000 FROM GENERAL FUND
RESERVES.
(c) INCREASED THE CITY'S FY 2007-08 TRANSIT PASS
SUBSIDY FARE REVENUE AND TRANSIT PASS SUBSIDY
FARE EXPENDITURES BY $65,000.
(d) INCREASED THE CITY'S FY 2007-08 DIAMOND RIDE DIAL -
A -CAB BUDGET BY $700,000 FOR A TOTAL
APPROPRIATION OF $420,000 FROM PROP A TRANSIT
FUNDS.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR:
6.5(I) ACCEPTANCE OF WORK PERFORMED BY FS
CONSTRUCTION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF BATTING CAGES AT
PETERSON AND PANTERA PARKS; DIRECT THE CITY CLERK TO
FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND RELEASE THE
RETENTION THIRTY-FIVE DAYS AFTER THE RECORDATION
DATE. Continued to July 1, 2008.
6.8(e) APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT OF
PURCHASE AND SALE BETWEEN THE CITY AND HORIZON
PACIFIC, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION FOR THE
SURPLUS PROPERTY AT 1325 SUMMITRIDGE DRIVE,
REDUCING THE SALE PRICE FROM $1.255 MILLION TO $933,750
TO REFLECT LIMITATIONS IN DEVELOPABLE ACREAGE.
Continued to July 1, 2008.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.1 PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE DISTRICTS
NOS. 38, 39 AND 41 (Continued to July 1, 2008)
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 REPORT ON THE DIAMOND RIDE (DIAL -A -CAB) PROGRAM:
PWD/Liu explained how the program currently functions and that it
has proved to be a much-needed and appreciated alternative mode of
transportation. However, many factors have rendered the program
very costly. For example, gasoline has risen to approximately $4.53
per gallon compared to November 2001 when the price per gallon
was $1.42. To continue viability of the program staff examined the
current state of the program and offered the following analysis: In
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
addition to the geographic boundaries there are 13 designated
medical facilities. To date the City has a total of 1,342 registered
Diamond Ride Users with an average monthly ridership of 1,863 and
average monthly contract expense of $35,467.48. Demand for
service continues to increase and has steadily increased on a monthly
basis since January 2008. Staff compared Fiscal Years 2001-2002 to
the current Fiscal Year 2007-2008 and found that the current fiscal
year experienced the highest monthly cost. Staff expects that
monthly costs and usage will increase due to the low cost of using the
service and the continued increase in fuel costs. Assuming that the
net monthly cost continues to average approximately $40,000 it is
estimated that for Fiscal Year 2008-09 the expenditure will reach
about $500,000. Recently, the City Council approved a budget
amount of $400,000 for the program which resulted in a 25%
expenditure increase. Currently, staff is reviewing options that include
a voucher program, increased funding for the program, enforcement
of established service guidelines, volunteer driving programs,
increasing the fare, restricting the list to the 13 designated medical
facilities and eliminate on a case-by-case basis for facilities not
currently listed and review and modify geographic boundaries. Staff
continues to review the program and seeks direction from the City
Council.
Jerry Hamilton asked for help for residents who cannot afford to get to
and from their medical facilities. In addition, the Diamond Bar Center
has no bus service and the only way for some seniors and the
disabled to get to the facility is by Dial -a -Cab. The Council should
consider the needs of its residents first.
Mike Graves, a 38 -year resident, said he lost his sight about five
years ago and needs the program. He asked if City of Hope was on
the approved list. He would like to have the City increase the number
of allowable trips to 50.
C/Tye asked how many times per month Mr. Graves used the service
and he said about 20 round trips or 40 trips total.
Donna Rumpilla, resident, said the program offers a good service to
residents and asked Council to consider more medical access for
residents. She also asked that the City publicize the program via
medical centers and doctors and asked that the program not be
eliminated or reduced.
Linda Graves said she still has to work in order to get benefits for her
husband Mike, and she would be unable to continue working if she
had to take time off to transport her husband to his many doctor
appointments. She works for a doctor and he did not tell her about
the program, she found out about it on her own. The program needs
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
to be publicized.
Al Rumpilla said he was disappointed with staff's report. He wanted
the City Council to be aware of where the money is coming from
because D.B. could make it the best program in the nation. If riders
are using the program to reach medical facilities the cost for the rider
should be kept at $1.50 or waived. Prop A money is tax money that
residents have paid. If the City can sell Prop A funds at 50 cents on
the dollar the money is being wasted because every penny should be
spent on this program and users should not have to be approved time
and time again. The City should count each round trip as one trip. If
this City needs more money for the program it should ask for more
Prop A funds because it is not coming out of the General Fund. He
urged the Council to form a citizens' committee so that problems can
be addressed.
C/Herrera asked staff how and where the City gets Prop A funds for
this program.
PWD/Liu responded that Prop A funds are based on population.
Each year the City gets $800,000 to $900,000 in Prop A funds.
CM/DeStefano stated that the funds are used for a variety of transit
programs including the Dial -A -Cab and the Transit Pass program.
C/Herrera asked if it was correct that the City could not increase its
allocation without increasing its population.
CM/DeStefano responded affirmatively.
C/Herrera agreed that this was a very popular program and the City
was pleased to offer the program to its residents. The City's
population is aging evidenced by the declining enrollment in the
school districts. Therefore, it behooves the City to take care of its
aging population. She stated that she supports that effort and that the
program is of benefit to the City's population and that it appears the
need outweighs other types of transportation uses. In reviewing the
approved list of medical facilities there are several in the same city.
She recommended that Brea Community Hospital be eliminated from
the list since it is now closed and not name specific facilities within the
cities just the city. Also, Upland and San Dimas should be added to
the list of the cities because these are places residents visit for their
medical needs. From time to time and under special circumstances
patients are referred to other medical facilities beyond the City's
boundary and such destinations should be approved under special
circumstances because it is not the choice of the resident but rather
his or her physician. Because this program is based more on need
than on enhancements she recommended modifications be made to
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
the program including deleting trips to the airport and deleting trips to
malls outside of D.B. She thought 30 round -trips were allowed and
felt that 30 one-way trips was an unreasonable expectation.
C/Tye agreed with C/Herrera that as residents age this program is as
important as anything the City does for the elderly and disabled. He
believed City of Hope should be added as well as other facilities since
this is not a budget issue. If there is a request for a resident to go to
Loma Linda, for example, it should be allowed. If a resident is
referred to City of Hope, for example and it requires a faxed
authorization from the patient's primary physician why does the City
continue to burden the doctor and staff with such requests if the
referral results in a longer treatment period. He wondered why the
City was providing transportation to the airport and Amtrak without
charging full fare from the City limits to the final destination. In his
opinion, the fact that fuel prices have risen so dramatically is further
reason that the City must maintain this program.
MPT/Everett did not question the need for the program. His big
concern was how the City would allocate the costs and continue to
service all of the needy folks. Classifying them as suggested by
C/Tye is an interesting thought. Also, folks should be classified with
respect to ability to pay and not pay. There are organizations to assist
with supplemental funding. Not many cities have this type of a
program because it is difficult and costly to administer. He said he
liked the voucher program approach because in reviewing the report
some folks have significant numbers every other month rather than
every month. He recommended "reasonable flex" in the program and
felt the Council should consider a fuel surcharge to be absorbed in the
program. It is not free money — it is taxpayer money and he felt a
keen responsibility for taxpayer money just as he did for General
Fund monies. He supports the need but was reluctant to remove
Amtrak and the airport and wants to see and hear more.
C/Chang felt it was a great program for the City and that to his
knowledge, no Council Member intended to eliminate the program.
This discussion involves cost. Regardless of where the money comes
from it is taxpayer money and must be used wisely, intelligently and
effectively. For now the program is running smoothly and average
one-way trips are running about $25. The program offers 30 -trips
amounting to about $750 per month. Only about 13 of the riders
require more trips so if only a few people are asking for special
consideration it would not require an overhaul of the entire program.
As gas prices and usage increases, the program cost will soon reach
a half million dollars. He would rather leave the program as it exists
and review on a case by case basis the need for individuals to go to
distant facilities.
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,JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
M/Tanaka suggested that staff review the program on an annual
basis. He felt the current boundaries were generous and allowed
residents to get to and from different locations. The $800,000 budget
covers several programs and residents should not expect the City to
provide this program but rather accept the program as a benefit. In
fine-tuning the program the City needs to make sure that it is available
to all who qualify on a fair and equal basis. He
asked Council Members to provide their comments to staff for future
consideration.
C/Chang suggested that staff use the same principle as the City uses
to administer the home improvement program on a case-by-case
basis.
C/Tye said that if the Council decided to include Amtrak and airport
service it should be based on transporting folks to the border of D.B.
and from the border on the flag goes up and residents pay the going
rate. This program was designed to accommodate folks who are on a
fixed-income and if the City does not come up with a program that
accommodates those individuals the City does not get to use Prop A
funds for this program. The City should not seek more users and the
cost should not be increased — especially for those who are using the
program for medical purposes. Prop A funds were implemented in
1980 when the voters agreed to a '/2 cent sales tax increase. If the
City provides someone a ride to Target for example, they are
essentially giving back and that is what these funds were intended for
and it behooves the City to continue to protect folks who are most
impacted by fuel increases and skyrocketing costs. He would not
want to limit the program to a certain number of dollars within a month
and the fact that only 13 users are exceeding the number of trips is
very encouraging. If the City agrees that Mike Graves should have 50
round trips so be it. Abuses should be eliminated and the program
should be reserved for its intended use and folks should plan their
trips carefully to include necessities.
C/Herrera reiterated her suggestions explaining that in her opinion,
trips to the airport were amenities whereas medical trips were
necessities. She also suggested the program limit taking folks to
shopping malls outside of D.B. because it would curtail expenses and
enhance shopping within D.B. She would like staff to tell the City
Council how much would be saved if the City eliminated those two
items.
MPT/Everett agreed with C/Herrera and asked staff to provide a
guideline for providing for airport and Amtrak service in accordance
with C/Tye's suggestion that the user pay the difference from the
City's boundary to those destinations for what he believed was a fair
option to continue providing the service. He would also like to see
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
volunteer driving programs except for the legal issues. He further
proposed that the City proceed with the current program at least until
July and propose something to address case-by-case considerations,
and prioritize according to medical, shopping and "other with
boundaries. He was hopeful there were financial aid options and
other options such as service organizations that could assist and
supplement the program.
C/Tye asked CM/DeStefano to address Mr. Rumpilla with respect to
customer service, what is meant by a "voucher" program and a
"volunteer driving program.
CM/DeStefano stated that City staff is responsible for administering
the contract with the service provider and when complaints occur they
are received by the Public Works staff. Public Works staff responds
immediately to complaints and in addition, meets on a regular basis
with the taxi companies to further discuss the issues.
MA/Gallegos explained that the voucher/coupon program distributes
30 coupons to each Diamond Ride participant at the beginning of
each month. Coupons are non -transferable and expire at the end of
each month. The program makes certain that no individual will
exceed the maximum allowed trips. The volunteer driving program is
a community -driven non-profit based driving program and used to
supplement the Dial -A -Cab program. Problems associated with the
volunteer program include finding drivers, funding and insurance.
CM/DeStefano stated that staff would present further information to
the Council as directed at the July 15 meeting.
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Tye welcomed the newest D.B. staff member. Last weekend was busy
with the Relay for Life, Vantage Point Homeowners neighborhood barbecue,
and the D.B. Chinese-American Association annual fundraising gala. On
June 12th he, C/Herrera and MPT/Everett attended the LA Division of
League of Cities meeting and last night he and CM/DeStefano attended the
International Rotary Club Convention. He congratulated all D.B.H.S. and
D.R.H.S. Seniors celebrating graduations this month. He encouraged
everyone to take advantage of the Health Faire sponsored by Assemblyman
Bob Huff on Saturday, June 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Westfield
Mall in West Covina. For more information contact Lea Hernandez at 909-
860-5560.
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL
C/Herrera said she appreciated tonight's thorough discussion about the Dial -
A -Ride program. She felt it was about balancing needs and funding with
prudent decisions. She reminded the public that Thursday, June 26 will be
the opening of the City's newest restaurant — Chile's - around lunchtime and
hoped residents would support the business.
C/Chang echoed C/Herrera's sentiments inviting everyone to participate and
support the City's newest restaurant in the Target Center. During May, 177
graffiti sites were mitigated at a cost of $5,310. He reported that during May
the Neighborhood Improvement Committee and enforcement officers cited
954 houses, which included illegal display of temporary banners, balloons,
businesses signs, illegal signs on the City right-of-way, poor landscaping and
lack of maintenance as well as, holiday lights, trash can debris, parking
vehicles on unpaved surfaces and encroachment on the public right-of-way,
etc. There will be a concert at 6:30 p.m. and a movie at dusk at Sycamore
Canyon Park on June 25. He invited everyone to attend the July 4
celebration at D.B.H.S.
MPT/Everett reported that he and other Council Members and staff attended
the 49th annual California Contract Cities Conference on "Taking the Greener
Path." He represented the City at the League of California Cities Mayors and
Council Executive Forum and Advance Leadership Workshop where he was
privileged to meet Judge Dave Rosenberg, a legend in city government. He
acknowledged those who graduated from High School. He and M/Tanaka
attended the monthly Chamber Government Affairs Committee meeting.
Friday he attended a youth summit meeting hosted by the San Gabriel
Council of Governments and sponsored by Sheriff Lee Baca and Attorney
Constance Rice.
M/Tanaka attended the Three Valleys Water District Meeting Breakfast; the
Vantage Homeowners Association's goodbye to Brookfield Homes barbecue;
the American Cancer Society D.B. Relay For Life and thanked all who hosted
and participated. He attended the Father's Day luncheon with the D.B.
Seniors; the Lorbeer Middle School Academic Awards night; the WCCA
meeting; Regional Chamber meeting; and, the D.B. Girls Softball League
Allstate Invitational Tournament last weekend. He also attended the annual
performance of Polynesian Dancing and Marshall Arts Demonstration at the
Hula Studio; and both he and C/Chang attended the LA County Fair D.B.
Day at the Fair Committee meeting this morning. He wished his wife Wanda
a Happy Anniversary as well as a Happy Anniversary to C/Tye and his wife
Patty.
1
JUNE 17, 2008 PAGE 16 CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tanaka adjourned the
regular City Council meeting at 9:15 p.m.
- dt'
TOMMY CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this ILL_ day of ;g , t 12008.
JACK TANAKA, MAYOR