Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/5/2008 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AUGUST 5, 2008 STUDY SESSION: M/Tanaka called the Study Session to order at 5:32 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, Herrera, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Everett and Mayor Tanaka. Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle, Assistant City Manager; Brad Wohlenberg, Assistant City Attorney; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Nancy Fong, Community Development Director; Greg Gubman, Planning Manager; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Ryan McLean, Asst. City Manager; Patrick Gallegos, Management Analyst; Kimberly Molina, Associate Engineer; and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk_ Also Present: John Douglas, Conexus ► DISCUSSION OF HOUSING ELEMENT CM/DeStefano gave a brief synopsis of the considerations before the City Council for adoption of the Housing Element. CDD/Fong pointed out the changes included in revised pages 3 and 4 to the Housing Element that have been provided. The purpose of tonight's Study Session is to give Council a chance to receive the information and ask questions. John Douglas with Conexus, made a Power Point presentation that included a brief overview of the Housing Element Document process; the explanation of key issues (how will D.B. deal with the growth allocation and how the City will comply with SB 2); spoke about the importance of certification and possible consequences of non -certification; and, the plan for moving forward toward certification. CDD/Fong referred the City Council to possible sites for affordable housing. She emphasized that Council is not being asked to make a decision this evening. She indicated there were three possible sites for affordable housing: A four -acre parcel, a 13 -acre parcel and a 1.25 -acre parcel. 1 August 5, 2008 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION C/Herrera asked who owned the parcels and whether the parcels close to the churches were planned for church use or affordable housing. CDD/Fong stated that one of the properties may be owned by the church and is vacant property behind the church that is not currently being utilized. Staff is not saying the church would not be able to expand, rather that these locations could be possible sites for affordable housing. If the church has plans for expansion staff would have to look at other sites. Staff has not contacted the property owners and has only looked at sites that may be available for further study and appropriate for high density housing. Mr. Douglas responding to C/Chang stated that the Housing Element ties affordability with density. The City has certain tools at its disposal to create affordable housing: zone the land and use Redevelopment Agency money. If the City were to rezone these or other sites, they would not have to be built as affordable housing. The City has to do what the State refers to as "encourage and facilitate affordable housing" by doing things it has the ability to do such as offering density bonus i.e. expediting processing, reducing permit fees, etc. Assuming the City moves forward on that basis, zoning would have to allow 30 -units per acre and would depend on a developer coming forward and agreeing to build the project under those rules. However, the requirement would be for the City to allow 30 -units per acre to satisfy the REMA requirements and Housing Element Law. 20 units is the highest density in the current zoning code. Cities place contingencies on property such as allowing 30 -units per acre and the developer can only get the 30 -units per acre if an affordable component is included in the budget. C/Tye asked how a City can tell a contractor what he can build and what he can charge for rents? Mr. Douglas stated that the short answer is State law says cities have to do this or open the door to legal challenge; and if the City goes down this path and identifies sites suitable for 30 units per acre other appropriate requirements and General Plan conditions such as those previously mentioned should apply. The State's intrusion has become greater and greater over the past five years. It would be pure speculation to second- guess the City Council's decisions and he can only talk about what he has seen happen in other jurisdictions. Mission Viejo is the poster child for housing law. State law says that new growth should be similar in characteristic to what the City has. 1 1 1 August 5, 2008 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION Responding to Council Members, Mr. Douglas stated that census distribution differs from community to community and the need is based on the State's statistical formula as well as the County's median income with the distribution being city to city. On average, about 40% are in the lower category because lower is defined as up to 80% of the needy. The State forces cities toward the middle so that in a high income City the allocation of low income housing is bumped up whereas conversely, in a low income community, low income housing is dropped so that cities move toward the middle. Mr. Douglas then spoke about emergency shelters. The new law states that each jurisdiction has to accommodate its fair share of need for emergency shelters and if a jurisdiction does not have sufficient emergency shelter beds to accommodate its needs then some action is required applying the same logic as fulfilling the housing needs. The law states that there are two ways jurisdictions can comply with the fair -share requirement: by identifying at least one zoning district in the city where shelters are allowed by right; and a multi -jurisdictional agreement that provides for one or more facilities to address the needs of all participants. The San Gabriel Valley COG has embarked on a study of homeless needs in an attempt to arrive at the entire valley's homeless needs through a fair -share process and come up with a plan for dealing with the needs in sync with the requirements of SB 2. Therefore, the Draft Housing Element proposes to state that there are no known homeless people in D.B. at this time and because no homeless people have been identified there is no need for shelter facilities. In his opinion, such language will not fly with the State because their intent is to coerce every City to take on these steps. The proposal is to send the document to Sacramento and await comments on the document in order to properly move forward. The City is continuing to cooperate with the COG and to continue in that process. CDD/Fong stated that COG plans to have its report available by December 2008. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, M/Tanaka adjourned the Study Session at 6:28 p.m. TOMMYECRIBBINS, City Clerk August 5, 2008 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 19th day of _gugust , 2008. q JACK TANAKA, Mayor MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AUGUST 5, 2008 STUDY SESSION: 5:32 p.m. — Room CC -8 IN. DISCUSSION OF GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tanaka called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:43 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium, 211865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: C/Chang led the Pledge of Allegiance 1'NVOCATION: Associate Pastor Timothy Sherreitt, Evangelical F=ree 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; Brad Wohlenberg, Assistant City Attorney; David Liu, Public Works Director; Ken Desfores, IS Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Nancy Fong, Community Development Director; Greg Gubman, Planning Manager; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City Manager; Kimberly Molina, Associate Engineer; Patrick Gallegos, Management Analyst, Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator; and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 1.1 MPT/Everett proclaimed "National Night Out," read and presented the Proclamation to Lt. Maxey. BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: 1.2 M/Tanaka presented a City Tile to Madhu Papudesi, owner, Round Table Pizza, 1220 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard; Business of the Month for August 2008. 2'. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: CM/DeStefano asked Lt. Maxey to give an update on the residential burglaries that have occurred in the City. AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL Lt. Maxey announced that several suspects had been arrested and charged with various offenses in connection with the recent rash of D.B. home burglaries. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Audrey Hamilton, 1429 Copper Mountain Dr., and Trustee, Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District representing D.B informed the Council and public that the West Nile Virus threat is on the increase. Twelve human cases have been reported in Los Angeles County and in her district alone there have been eight. West Nile Virus is preventable and can be treated. She cautioned individuals not to allow water to collect around their residences. If residents find dead birds or experience individual problems they should call 562-944-9656 for further information, assistance or supplies. Tom Ortiz thanked family, residents, staff and the City Council for the support he received when his wife passed away. He also requested that a Veteran who served in the Chinese Army during WW II be recognized during the annual Veteran's Day Event. Eileen Ansari said she wanted to set the record straight on the Dial -A -Ride Program and the use of Prop A funds. Prop A funds are used for several programs. Dial -A -Ride was never meant to be an all-out program for residents. She encouraged staff to research other "access services" and how individuals qualify as well as contacting hospitals in the area about any transportation services they may offer. She said she would like to have a better breakdown on the use of Prop A funds. She concurred that the Council had a fiscal responsibility with respect to the budget and would like to see a newsletter article about what services are available to the public. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 Concerts in the Park — Cold Duck (70's Top 40)/National Night Out — August 6, 2008 — 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Dr. 5.2 Movies Under the Stars — Shrek the Third — August 6, 2008 — Immediately following Concerts in the Park event, Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Dr. 5.3 Planning Commission Meeting — August 12, 2008 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr. AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL 5.4 Palomino Drive Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Meeting — August 12, 2008 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center, Room CC -6, 21865 Copley Dr. 5.5 Concerts in the Park — Upstream (Caribbean) — August 13, 2008 — 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Dr. 5.6 Movies under the Stars — Daddy Day Camp — August 13, 2008 — Immediately following the Concerts in the Park event, Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Dr. 5.7 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — August 14, 2008 — 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Dr. 5.8 Parks Master Plan Community Workshop — August 16, 2008 —10:00 a.m., Diamond Center Grand Ballroom, 1600 Grand Ave. 5.9 City Council Meeting — August 19, 2008 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr. 5.10 Final 2008 Concerts in the Park — Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar Tribute) — August 20, 2008 — 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Dr. 5.11 Final 2008 Movies under the Stars —Bee Movie —August 28, 2008 — Immediately following Concerts in the Park, Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Chang asked to pull Item 6.6 and MPT/Everett asked for clarification on Item 6.7. Following the clarification C/Herrera moved, C/Chang seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item 6.6. Motion carried by the following Roll Call: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Herrera, Tye, MPT/Everett, M/Tanaka NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES - Regular Meeting of July 15, 2008 — Approved as Amended. 1 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES: AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL 6.2(a) Housing Element Workshop of May 27, 2008. 6.2(b) Regular Meeting of June 10, 2008. 6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of June 26, 2008. 6.4 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER dated July 10, 2008 through July 30, 2008 totaling $2,597,370.56. 6.5 APPROVED PRELIMINARY TREASURER'S STATEMENT— month of June 2008. 6.7 RECEIVED AND FILED STATUS REPORT ON INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 04(2008) PROHIBITING CERTAIN GROUP RESIDENTIAL USES INCONSISTENT WITH RESIDENTIAL ZONES AND PROVIDING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION PROVISIONS FOR THE DISABLED PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858(d). 6.8 RECEIVED AND FILED GENERAL PLAN STATUS REPORT FOR 2007. 6.9 APPROVED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE TRUSTEES FOR THE FERN PL. CAUFFMAN TRUST FOR PURCHASE OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF WASHINGTON STREET AND LINCOLN AVENUE (APN 8719-101014,15 (PORTIONS) AND APPROPRIATED $380,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS. 6.10 APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 2 WITH LOCAL AGENCY ENGINEERING (LAE) ASSOCIATES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,720 FOR AS -NEEDED ENGINEERING SERVICES. 6.11 APPROVED CONTINGENCIES FOR THE 2007-08 SLURRY SEAL PROGRAM DESIGN CONTRACT ($7,800) AND FOR THE 2008-09 PROGRAM SLURRY SEAL DESIGN CONTRACT ($8,200) WITH NORRIS-REPKE. MATTERS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR: AUGUST 5, 2008 1 9111 1 1 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL 6.6 APPROVAL OF LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION TO ADOPT A CITYWIDE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM. C/Chang stated that due to the Legislative Subcommittee not meeting on a regular basis, the recommended platform enables staff to respond immediately and not have to wait until the Subcommittee meets. C/Chang moved, C/Tye seconded to approve Item 6.6. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Herrera, Tye, MPT/Everett, M/Tanaka NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7.1 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2008-31: FINDING THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP) AND ADOPTING THE CMP LOCAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089. CDD/Fong reported that adoption of this resolution is required in order for the City to receive State gas funds as well as, other State and Federal transportation monies. As part of the program, the City is required to implement a program to analyze the impacts of the local land use decisions along with the regional transportation system. As in the past with ongoing programs, the City has balanced new development with those programs such as transit program, use of the web page, online services, info to go and transportation capital improvements. As it has in past years, the City remains in compliance with the Congestion Management Program. Therefore, staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. 2008-31. M/Tanaka opened the Public Hearing. There was no one present who wished to speak on this matter. M/Tanaka closed the Public Hearing. AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL C/Chang moved, C/Tye seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 2008-31. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Herrera, Tye, MPT/Everett, M/Tanaka NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: 8.1 APPROVAL OF MODIFICATIONS TO THE DIAMOND RIDE (DIAL -A - CAB) PROGRAM. CM/DeStefano reminded Council that several decisions regarding the Dial -A -Ride program were made at its last meeting leaving two items remaining for discussion and consideration this evening. PWD/Liu reported that the Dial -A -Ride program was established by the City in 1995 to augment public transportation service options available to seniors 60 -years and older and persons with disabilities. The program was last reviewed in 2001. The rising costs to operate the program including fuel costs and a high increase in ridership led staff to review the program earlier this year. The review took into consideration data obtained from the ridership report and input from current users. Based on review, staff devised a re -focused program that successfully meets the needs of the majority of Dial -A -Ride participants, which by and large are additional trips to medical facilities. This program is one of several programs funded with limited Prop. A funds. Because of the limited funds the refocusing of the program which extends trips to medical facilities has prompted the re- establishment of the service response program for non-medical trips like those to shopping centers outside of the City. PWD/Liu reiterated that some modifications had been approved by Council during the July 15 meeting. At the same meeting, Council directed staff to return with recommendations to address the allowed number of 30 trips per month as well as the "special trip" authorization process. In addition, Council requested updated information for May and June 2008, which is provided in the staff report. Staff proposes two recommendations with respect to the number of allowed trips per month: 1) Approve unlimited medical trips within the 20 -mile medical facilities boundary that will not be counted as part of the 30 -allowed trips per month; and 2) Grant 10 additional non- AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL medical trips within the medical facilities boundary to qualified participants. Under the proposed modifications the fare within City limits will be 50 cents and $2.50 per mile outside of the City limits. The second modification is to eliminate the "special trip" requests. Previously, participants were required to contact the City, submit the required information and await a decision which placed staff in the position of approving or denying trips on an individual basis which would lead to claims of favoritism or unfairness. Furthermore, special trip requests have no real boundary, which created an environment that caused staff to make arbitrary medical determinations while exacting a high cost on the City. Staff believes that creation of a 20 - mile medical facilities boundary as well as, providing unlimited trips for medical purposes within this area is a generous expansion of the Diamond Ride program. Users will still have the ability to travel outside the 20 -mile medical facilities boundary by paying the $2.50 per mile rate once the rider exits the medical facilities boundary. Therefore, staff recommends eliminating the "special trip" requests from the program. PWD/Liu stated that in conclusion, staff believes that in conjunction with the other available transportation programs, users gain greater independence while meeting their transportation needs. Staff will review the Diamond Ride amended program and present a report in March 2009 on the impacts these modifications have made. C/Herrera said that earlier today she asked staff what other expenditures fell under Prop A funds. Council Members and residents were under the impression that there were only two categories for use of Prop A funds, the Diamond Ride Program and transit subsidy. There are, in fact, other great City programs forwhich these funds are being utilized. CM/DeStefano responded that the City receives its funding as a portion of the '/2 cent sales tax measure that was passed by Los Angeles County voters many years ago. D.B. receives a percentage of sales tax that is contributed to Los Angeles County by D.B. residents and the amount of money the City receives is based upon its population. The number changes each year based upon the amount of purchases and resulting sales tax. Former Council Member Ansari talked about the beginnings of the program. Several years ago the revenue was in the range of about $760,000 overall. In the current year's budget adopted July 1, 2008 there is about $980,000 budgeted to be received from Prop A which is used for a number of different items including $400,000 for the Diamond Ride AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL Program. Staff will need to evaluate that number at mid -year (February) when the City Council typically reviews its budget status and makes adjustments. Staff evaluates the Diamond Ride Program every mid -year. While $400,000 of the $980,000 anticipated Prop A Funds has been budgeted last year the City spent about $430,000 for the Diamond Ride Program. With the increase in gasoline prices and increased interest in use of the program staff anticipates that the program will need more than $400,000 this year. $300,000 is allocated toward transit subsidy; $227,000 is budgeted for overall operations and maintenance including personnel costs; $76,000 is allocated for excursions provided by the City's Community Services Department and about $10,000 is allocated toward the specialized Holiday shuttle that runs during the year-end holidays. The total expenditure for this year is about $1,013,000. There are reserves in the Prop A funds and from time to time those excess reserves are collected and put out into the marketplace for sale to cities that have extraordinarily extensive programs seeking additional resources. As an example, last fiscal year $500,000 of Prop A money was sold to the City of Commerce. The highest bid was 76 cents on the dollar so the City received $382,000 for use in other transit and transportation oriented projects. For example, as a result of the sale to another public agency, about $200,000 was used for neighborhood traffic mitigation; about $186,000 is being used forthe SR57/60 solution and most recently about $30,000 was utilized for installation of traffic calming devices in the Prospectors Roadway area. C/Tye asked who benefited from the transit subsidy under the current $300,000 budget. CM/DeStefano stated that D.B. residents receive discounted passes for Metrolink and other mass transit services in the region. C/Tye asked if it was based on the number of individuals asking to use the program or was capped at $300,000. CM/DeStefano responded that the program was based on the number of individuals seeking the program and could increase if more individuals were to ride the bus. C/Tye said that these recommendations were geared toward limiting the Diamond Ride Program and that no other programs were being considered to be limited or cut back. CM/DeStefano said that in fact, the discussion has been about an AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL expansion of the Prop A program with the most recent City Council decision to increase the radius for trips to 20 miles from City Hall at the reduced price. C/Tye said that the 10 -mile radius was eliminated which should offset the increase and make it work for everybody? CM/DeStefano stated that a million dollars is a lot of money but there is a limit on the amount of money that comes from the program and the City has to find ways to be frugal in the use of its money and at the same time honorthe rules and regulations of the program in order to make sure that sufficient resources are available. Other sources of money would be the City's General Fund; however, the City has issues with the use of General Fund monies for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the City's Landscape and Lighting Districts. There is a somewhat finite amount of resources available to the City each year. M/Tanaka disagreed with the recommendation for approving unlimited medical trips within a 20 -mile radius because it may create an additional burden and the original 30 -trips per month would help the City stay within the program budget. He also disagreed with the 10 - additional trip recommendation because there are other transportation options. He agreed with recommendation three to eliminate the special trip request authorizations which would not eliminate a participant's ability to go beyond the boundary. Linda Bailer, 21242 Fountain Spgs Rd., said that C/Tye addressed her concerns about seniors having needs other than medical needs and if seniors are prohibited from using Dial -A -Ride they may as well take a regular cab. She felt however, that it should be offered to seniors at an affordable rate. She suggested the City offer affordable passes for other uses. Sharon Young, 1253 Porto Grande Dr., said she was present to speak in support of the 10 -mile non-medical option. She listened to comments of the last meeting and heard Council Members say they wanted a balanced program for citizens. These are "transportation" funds — they are not medical funds and they are not welfare funds. They are provided to augment and enhance transportation services for residents. The bulk of the testimony by residents seemed to be related to extreme medical concerns. Maybe the extremes have held the Council's attention and at the same time the Council says its wants a balanced program. Where is the balance for those AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL individuals who are no longer getting full use of the program? Is non- medical frivolous? She said she was concerned because MPT/Everett spoke about not wanting individuals to take frivolous trips. She is a member of Dial -A -Ride. She is not indigent but she has fixed and limited resources and she does not have transportation. She is old and is therefore qualified to speak as an "old" D.B. person and she said she was speaking for the middle person. She compensates for not having transportation by walking. She rarely uses Dial -A -Ride within the City limits. She has and would like to continue using the 10 -mile service area. According to the City's Engineer, Diamond Bar Blvd. from one end to the other is 6.6 miles and it seems that it is pretty much the sum and substance of retail activity in the City. She said she could walk from her residence to Kmart, Ace Hardware and so on. The City is residential, not commercial. The commercial development has taken place outside of the City. She needs to go to Chino Hills or Walnut so a trip that might have cost her 50 cents before would now cost her $10. She asked the Council to seriously consider continuing the 10 -mile non-medical radius for individuals who have concerns for their personal needs. Robert Arciero stated that he is still concerned about the veterans getting medical assistance and wanted to know why it was not brought up during tonight's meeting. Debbie Obergon thanked the City for the program and continuing support and hoped the Council Members would consider staff's recommendation regarding unlimited medical trips. AI Rumpilla recommended that the City Council do away with the 30 one-way trips per month since the staff report indicates that only about 1 % of users ever exceed the trip maximum. This would also result in less paperwork for the yellow cab staff and would help individuals who really need the extra trips. He recommended that Council extend the 20 -mile distance for medical trips to a 45 or 50 - mile radius to take care of all special requests. He recommended that the 10 extra trips staff is recommending be offered to all physically handicapped residents and not just the legally blind. Finally, he recommended that Council reinstate the 10 -mile boundaries for non- medical trips at the regular price of $3.00 for one-way and $6.00 roundtrip. He also stated that ridership has declined by about 30 rides per week. Irene Stinson asked if the City or other agency funded the Dial -A -Ride program and why it was being cut back. She retired 20 years ago and AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL although the City has grown beautifully, there are no shopping centers. She felt the program was not broken and did not need to be fixed. C/Chang reiterated that this is a good program that helps many residents and should be maintained as it currently exists. However, because of special needs for fewer people the 10 -mile radius was increased to a 20 -mile radius. Everything has a limit and someone has to pay for increased services. There has been a lot of discussion over the past few weeks and he would like to deliberate on the current information presented by staff. He does not believe that "limited" should be inserted in the document. He agrees with the 20 -mile medical facility boundary and did not believe there should be unlimited medical service. Some residents need special trips beyond 10 miles and need additional trips so he agrees with additional 10 non-medical trips within the 10 mile medical facilities boundary for those who qualify. Without increasing services the cost will increase due to the increase in oil prices and will likely result in a budget change and the City must be careful about its expenditures. He agreed with staffs recommendations except for the unlimited medical trips and preferred to limit it to10 trips. C/Tye said he would like for the City to re-establish a 10 -mile radius for the bulk of users. He said he was slightly uncomfortable with "limited" but felt the Council needed to accommodate individuals with the greatest need. It is frustrating to hear Mrs. Ansari, a proponent of the program in 1995, indicate she wants to set the record straight and completely ignore the changes that have taken place during the 13 years the program has been in effect. Considering the changed demographics, this program needs to change and that is what the Council is discussing — how does the City tweak the program to make changes that will accommodate individuals who are utilizing this program. The aging population requires different services than they required 13 years ago when this program was initially implemented. C/Tye said he does not shop at just one store and does not eat at just one restaurant. This discussion has moved to the extreme of considering only the medical necessity and extra outside -the - boundaries necessities. He would really like to see the 10 -mile overlay for trips other than medical. How many individuals are already using other forms of transportation and looking to Dial -A -Ride as a supplemental program. He asked the Council not to overlook the possibility that because individuals exceed 30 trips and go outside the boundaries that they might actually have only medical necessities. To Ms. Young's point, he would not like to lose more users. The City is AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL asking individuals to use the program and use it judiciously and to use the program to maintain some semblance of normalcy in their lives as things are taken away. He also has a problem with recommendation 2 making it available only to users that are legally blind and unable to operate a motor vehicle. What about individuals that for other reasons are unable to operate a motor vehicle. He felt the program could be fine-tuned within a reasonable budget and still be fiscally responsible. M/Tanaka felt the original program was an outstanding program as written and changes were made in response to individual needs. The program as initially written for medical and non-medical trips as well as, trips to the airport and Amtrak was an excellent program and he would like to see that reinstated as well as expand the non-medical trips outside of the City limits. If the program is being underutilized for those types of purposes perhaps it will not add a lot of cost to reinstate that portion of the program. In his opinion, non-medical trips are just as important as medical trips. He does not see trips to the grocery store and hairdresser as frivolous trips. The bulk of individuals use 30 trips or less a month because those individuals monitor themselves to make sure they use their allotted trips wisely. The comment he made at the last meeting referring to the Dial -A -Ride program as one of several means of transportation for residents holds true today. There are other transportation opportunities available to residents and should be explored by individuals seeking transportation. He asked that whatever changes are made to the program the City have a system for notifying residents about the changes so that residents are not surprised when the cab operator presents the bill to the user. MPT/Everett said he voted against the action at the last meeting for two reasons: 1) he did not want to defer a major component or two and would rather have the entire package to vote on and 2) he felt as has been stated that residents have developed a lifestyle based on expectations for the service boundary as originally called out — the 10 - mile boundary. He felt the 10 -mile boundary was an imperative component for the current term and if the City reviews the program on a six-month basis it might become clear that this component is not quite right but should not result in a drastic change in the program. To the question about why the City Council is considering changing something that is not broken, the last fiscal year numbers provided by staff in the past couple of days, monthly costs have increased 25%. That's a significant increase and it will be impossible to continue at that pace with a usage strategy that has been in place for Diamond AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL M/Tanaka proposed that the Council consider reinstating the original program, take out the "special trip" requests and extend the medical trip boundary to 20 miles. The original program was a great program. However, due to the increase in ridership and fuel costs the City could not continue to provide all services without compromise. At the same time, it would be very helpful to residents if the City increased the radius for medical services. At the same time the City has to consider non-medical trips and trips that are restricted to the City are confining so he would like the non-medical trips reinstated to the 10 - mile radius. C/Chang clarified M/Tanaka's proposal and said he felt the matter had been discussed too long because residents seem to be puzzled about what the Council is trying to do. The program was a good program and as he said he did not believe it needed to be fixed. He agreed Ride. Additionally, everyone is responsible for looking at all alternatives and for some individuals Diamond Ride will be the primary and exclusive program for what he trusts are "thoughtful" reasons. Tonight the Council has discussed several options. Another option he discovered was that an HMO "Caremore" paid for transportation for the mate of an individual who was terminally ill. Individuals need to check out all options and keep this excellent program the best it can be. He wants to continue to develop the program as a supplemental program and he wants it to be fair for all seniors, all disabled and all other D.B. residents. The City may grow some of the subsidy programs to help individuals who are going to work in downtown Los Angeles for example, to give them some much needed assistance. He reiterated that he would like to have a full package to vote on. He supports the last element that there should be no exceptions left to staff's responsibility or discretion because that would be unfair. The Council should not have to define a system that has no exceptions that takes care of everything for everybody because it is irresponsible. He would prefer to go back to the base system with the 10 -mile service area and 30 -trips defined for all uses and let each person decide what is important and what is vital and critical to them. He hoped it was clear that he was against removing Amtrak and the airport. He would like a system with incentives such as, all trips that begin and end in D.B. should not count. D.B. does not have all options and many people go outside the City for services and needs. He believed the boundary for medical should be extended to the 20 -mile radius. For non-medical services beyond the 10 -mile radius the user pays the going rate. He hopes that the Council can come to agreement tonight or at the next meeting. M/Tanaka proposed that the Council consider reinstating the original program, take out the "special trip" requests and extend the medical trip boundary to 20 miles. The original program was a great program. However, due to the increase in ridership and fuel costs the City could not continue to provide all services without compromise. At the same time, it would be very helpful to residents if the City increased the radius for medical services. At the same time the City has to consider non-medical trips and trips that are restricted to the City are confining so he would like the non-medical trips reinstated to the 10 - mile radius. C/Chang clarified M/Tanaka's proposal and said he felt the matter had been discussed too long because residents seem to be puzzled about what the Council is trying to do. The program was a good program and as he said he did not believe it needed to be fixed. He agreed AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL with M/Tanaka that the City should go back to the original program and ask residents to be conservative and preserve theirtrips. He also agreed that the medical trip boundary should be extended to the 20 - mile radius and said he would second that motion. C/Herrera said it was difficult for Council to figure out the right solution for everyone. For users it is a matter of living within a budget and staying within a fixed income. It is the same thing for a City. There are 59,000 citizens in D.B. that have to be considered. The City is trying to make the best decisions for use of a certain amount of dollars that have to be apportioned to serve all taxpayers. She agreed with C/Tye that instead of special requests the medical boundary should be extended to a 50 -mile radius. She liked staff's recommendations although she felt item #2 should not be limited to "visually impaired" but should be extended to anyone who qualifies for a blue handicapped sticker. MPT/Everett clarified the motion that there would be no exceptions and that users would pay the going rate beyond the 10 -mile service boundary and the 20 -mile medical boundary. M/Tanaka concurred. C/Tye stated that he has no idea why the Council would want to go back to where it started because the same fiscal concerns and constraints are still in place and it was his understanding that the Council was attempting to fine-tune the program. He is absolutely not a proponent of adding back trips to the airport or Amtrak. He felt it was unfair to staff because staff implemented what the Council told them to implement immediately. Council should have said "let us get this right and tweak this as much as we can and then implement the changes. And by the way, we know who the 1300 plus cardholders are and let's notify them but let's notify them at once, not "piecemeal." He believed the program could be fine tuned. He recommended replacing the 10 -mile overlay and say that if individuals use the Dial - A -Ride in D.B. it does not count against the 30 one-way trips which would help conserve the 30 one-way trips. One of his previous recommendations was to replace the number of trips per month by a number of days per month. Do not eliminate special requests to Cedar Sinai for example and take staff completely out of the judgmental aspect and for this fiscal year approve the location because he did not believe there would be a lot of calls for special requests to Cedar Sinai. In short, he does not support going back to where the Council was a month ago. AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL M/Tanaka said that one of the things that bothered him about the program early on as the Council was looking to refine the program was that there were rumors afloat that the Council wanted to dismantle or eliminate the program. In fact, that was never a consideration. He agreed that eliminating the special needs request would be a positive change and that increasing the medical trips to a 20 -mile radius would cover the bulk of the needs for users. Rather than looking at the changes as going back to the original program the Council may have made decisions a little too quickly. Over the past five or six weeks Council Members have had an opportunity to talk with residents and encourage program users to really look at what is available. Looking back at the original packet he felt the original program was an outstanding program and perhaps needed a little fine tuning. M/Tanaka stated that there is a motion to eliminate the special needs requests and to expand the medical trips to a 20 -mile radius and all other aspects of the program would remain in place. With the following Roll Call vote, motion carried: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, MPT/Everett, M/Tanaka NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera, Tye ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None M/Tanaka stated the motion passes 3-2. He requested that all of the Dial -A -Ride Program subscribers be notified of the changes in a timely manner. CM/DeStefano asked for clarification of the approved motion and asked if it was intended to become effective immediately. C/Chang asked why staff was concerned. CM/DeStefano said staff was concerned about notification to the users. M/Tanaka asked what would be a reasonable effective date. CM/DeStefano responded that staff would arbitrarily need about a week to 10 -days in order to clarify the issues with the cab company and to get notification out to the 1300 or so users. M/Tanaka asked if mid -month would be satisfactory to the Council. AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 16 CITY COUNCIL CM/DeStefano said that while the Council deliberated about the effective date he would advise Council that staff would work with the senior groups that utilize the Diamond Bar Center and Heritage Park facilities, issue press releases, etc. to get the message of the Council's decision out to the public. M/Tanaka said 10 working days and two weeks. 9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Herrera said that the Council spent a lot of time discussing the Dial -A -Ride program and the Council will re-evaluate how the changes will affect the costs. Because it comes down to what the City can afford the Council will be evaluating the program again in six months. She voted No because she feels that what was put out on the table today was not in the best interest of all residents but this is a democracy and majority rules. She is concerned about finances and is very fiscally prudent. D.B. cannot afford to add on and add on and spend and spend and spend because other areas of the budget will suffer. She is concerned about balancing the budget and living within the budget. She believed the Council had an obligation to all 59,000 residents who depend on the Council to make fully prudent decisions and while this program is very important to the individuals sitting in the audience, there are other programs that are very important to the City's youth and other residents. The City needs to balance its budget and continue to be fiscally healthy for the future. C/Tye said he appreciated C/Herrera's comments. D.B. does things differently and lives within its means which he believed was appropriate. He voted No (on the Diamond Ride issue) because he felt it was not a good use of the Council's time to make changes toward being fiscally responsible and then undo those changes. His question for staff was that the policy for two weeks was for residents to pay for leaving the boundary of D.B. and would the City reimburse those folks by undoing that policy or just let it go? C/Tye felt that the Council was getting very close to fine tuning and tweaking the program and he believed the Council had undone a lot of good work and essentially all the Council did was add a medical overlay and eliminate special requests. He thanked Audrey Hamilton for her work on the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District and appreciate that she brought the Bug Bus to the schools in D.B. Audrey does an outstanding job and the City appreciates her efforts. D.B_ resident George Fullerton who happens to be the assistant principal at Diamond Ranch High School was in New Orleans the last week in June to compete and placed first in the Open Creative Breaking Division in Martial Arts. 1 AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 17 CITY COUNCIL C/Chang said the Council spent a lot of time talking about Diamond Ride and was glad that all Council Members were concerned about a fiscally responsible government. The program the Council passed tonight is a better program so that the City does not spend more money than it should. Last Tuesday the earth shook with the epicenter in Chino Hills. He was out of town and glad to learn that no one was injured and that there was no appreciable damage in D.B. He urged residents not to panic but to be very alert and get prepared. MPT/Everett said he hoped residents were enjoying the summer season, the concerts and the movies. The Neighborhood Improvement subcommittee met with staff on July 21 to continue a focus on the amenities and serenity of the neighborhoods in which residents live and believed staff was doing a very good job with what is available in that regard. On July 24, he along with the Mayor and Mrs. Tanaka participated in celebrating Parole Officers' Week. The Region IV Parole Headquarters and Department museum is located on Pathfinder Rd. in D.B. He thanked the parole officers for their excellent work. On Friday many Council Members along with 175 business owners joined in the Grand Opening festivities for the Kaiser-Permanente full service facility on Bridge Gate Dr. Saturday he, the Mayor and Mrs. Tanaka attended an Eagle Scout ceremony for Nathan Leon from Troop 888 at the Chinese Baptist Church in Anaheim. Last week two significant decisions were made by the Pomona Unified School District Board. One was to appoint Steve Lustrow to fill the Board vacancy, a long-time resident and Community Development Director for the City of Claremont. Secondly, the Board passed a resolution ordering an election to authorize school bonds, a move that has the potential to deliver excellent resources to every school in the District. On Saturday he attended the D.B./Walnut Sheriff's Station employee picnic at the Brookside Equestrian Center in Walnut. He said that his comments tonight were his way of communicating and asked residents to visit the D.B. website to view the Council's goals and provide feedback to Council Members and staff. He said he personally appreciated residents' comments this evening regarding the Dial -A -Ride program. M/Tanaka said he had a couple of busy weeks. He attended the Southern California Customer Information meeting on Renewable Energy, Cost of Electricity in the Future and Challenges facing Southern California Edison. Two weeks ago he and C/Chang attended the Taipei Elementary School orchestra performance at the Diamond Bar Center hosted by the D.B. Chinese American Association's Evergreen Senior Club. The YMCA had a ribbon -cutting ceremony on Maple Hill where they were given the Maple Hills Club which provides them with a fitness center, outdoor basketball court, and swimming pool. There was a memorial service for long-time D.B. resident and Pomona Host Lions Club Member John Isaac last week. The San AUGUST 5, 2008 PAGE 18 CITY COUNCIL Gabriel Valley COG Transportation Committee met last week to talk about Proposition 1A funding and proposed'/2 cent tax increase for Los Angeles County to fund transportation and project needs for the County particularly the Gold Line extension. LA County Sanitation District 21 held its regular meeting and discussed routine matters. Parole Officers week was held at Region IV Headquarters and was a wonderful event that included a color guard from the California Institution for Men. The ribbon -cutting for D.B. Kaiser-Permanente was an outstanding event and the facility incorporated green construction. The construction staff praised the efficiency of the D.B. Planning Department staff members. He congratulated Nathan Leon for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout at the young age of 14; he also congratulated Troop 888. This past weekend the D.B. Soccer League held its family picnic in celebration at Peterson Park. He thanked the Sheriff's Department for the D.B./Walnut Sheriff's Station employee picnic. The hardworking employees had a chance to relax with their families. He thanked the employees who take care of D.B. Yesterday morning he attended the LA County Fair meeting to discuss D.B. Day at the Fair on Thursday, September 11. He invited everyone to participate in this week's Concerts in the Park and National Night Out. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tanaka adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 9:08 p.m. Q n TOMMYE CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK The foregoin minutes are her approved this 19tl�lay of August , 2008. JACK TANAKA, MAYOR