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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/16/2008 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION DECEMBER 16, 2008 STUDY SESSION: M/Everett called the Study Session to order at 5:20 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government Center, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA. Present: Council Member Chang, Tanaka, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Herrera, Mayor Everett. Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle, ,Assistant City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; David Liu, Public Works (Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Greg Gubman, Acting Community Development Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Patrick Gallegos, Management Analyst; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City Manager; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Rick Yee, Senior Engineer; Kimberly Molina, ,Associate Engineer; Christian Malpica-Perez, Associate Engineer; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; Anthony Santos, Management Analyst, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. Also Present: Traffic & Transportation Commissioners House, Pincher, Shay, City of Industry Representatives and Steve Sasaki, Sasaki Transportation Services. ► UPDATE ON MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SR57 & SR60 CONFLUENCE AREA PWD/Liu announced that tonight's discussion will include an update on the improvements to the SR57 & SR60 as well as a presentation on the City of Industry's proposed Grand Avenue Interchange Improvement Project. PWD Liu then introduced Steve Brown with Fehr and Peers who made the formal presentation. Steve Brown, reported that the MTA Feasibility Study for the "Big Fix" is underway with environmental studies to be undertaken soon and that the Grand Avenue Interchange Project is concurrently moving forward. He further reported that staff's draft Project Study Report has been resubmitted to Caltrans for their review and that the Lemon Ave. Interchange is entering the study and community discussion phase to determine how to move forward. The fourth item is consideration of the NFL stadium in the vicinity of the Grand Ave. Interchange. Mr. Brown provided background on the "Big Fix" project and showed drawings of what the proposed project area would look like. Also using DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION drawings, he followed up with a presentation on the Grand Ave. interchange alternatives being studied. C/Tye recalled that there was a plan to use the Old Brea Canyon Rd for an onramp instead of at the edge of the Honda property. CM/DeStefano said that this proposal in effect uses the same right-of-way. The new ramp would take the same space as Old Brea Canyon Rd. shortly after the Honda property. What has occurred over time is that the ramp is being placed closer and closer to the freeway reducing the impact on the Honda property. Also over time a new intersection of Old Brea Canyon Rd. and Grand Ave. would be created pushing the property north allowing the property to become whole for development purposes regardless of whether there is a stadium based -project or an office -based project behind it and mitigates the loss of the onramp. ► SOLID WASTE NEGOTIATION SCHEDULE PWD/Liu reported that recently the City retained the services of HF&H to provide Solid Waste contracting assistance. HF&H has a long history of successfully providing their services exclusively to local jurisdictions. PWD Liu introduced Laith Ezzet who provided the Council with information on the scheduling of the negotiation process. Laith Ezzet, Senior Vice President, with HF&H, stated that he will serve as project manager. He further stated that HF&H has helped approximately 250 cities in California to plan and manage their solid waste programs and does not work for waste haulers. He then walked the Council through the project schedule. Mr. Ezzet indicated that they had held its kick-off meeting with staff just about a week ago and wanted the Council to understand where the checkpoints would be and when information would be brought back to Council using the printed schedule of events. C/Tanaka wanted to know at what point Mr. Ezzet would propose rates and terms and offer a comparison with other cities? Mr. Ezzet responded by stating that when his company completes the evaluation of the rates proposed by the contractors, then negotiations would take place. As part of that process he will gather comparables from other cities to see how the rates line up and when staff brings the agreements to Council for consideration that information will be provided along with the comparables from other jurisdictions. Mr. Ezzet stated that at this point in time his company has 24 contracts in process. 1 1 DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION C/Tanaka wanted to know if any of those negotiations addressed the closure of the landfill in 2013 and how that issue would be addressed. Mr. Ezzet said that the Puente Hills landfill closing will occur during the City's next contract period and certainly he will want the proposals to reflect long-term disposal arrangements either with their own landfills or contract landfills. M/Everett asked if there were other similar elements, i.e., landfill closures that might be significant. Mr. Ezzet responded No. There will not be enough permitted daily capacity in the region to accept all of the waste so it will either have to be very long-distance hauling or some other large landfills in the region will have to expand their permitted daily capacity. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Carolyn Anderson with Waste Management stated that her company was concerned that the consultant would provide apples to apples comparisons that included rates and services. John Balas, City Engineer with the City of Industry thanked D.B. for its support. He stated that the City of Industry has an uphill battle because the money anticipated for this project is contemplated for the future and not available at this time. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Everett adjourned the Study Session at 6:00 p.m. �. L a-&, TOMMYE CRIBBINS, City Clerk 'The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6th day of January , 2009 110N EERETT, Mayor MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR DECEMBER 16, 2008 CLOSED SESSION: 5:00 p.m. — Room CC -8 Public Comments on Closed Session Agenda — None Offered. ► Government Code Section 54956.9(c) Initiation of Litigation — One Case STUDY SESSION: 5:20 p.m., Room CC -8 ► Update on Major Improvements to SR57 & SR60 Confluence Area — Discussion and Action. ► Solid Waste Franchise - Discussion and Action. M/Everett recessed the Study Session to the Regular Meeting at 6:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Everett called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Tanaka led the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION: Monsignor James Loughnane, St. Denis Catholic Church, gave the invocation. ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, Tanaka, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Herrera and Mayor Everett. Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle, Asst. City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; Ken Desforges, IS Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; Greg Gubman, Acting Community Development Director; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City Manager; Rick Yee, Senior Civil Engineer; Kimberly Molina, Associate Engineer; Christian Malpica-Perez, Associate Engineer; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator; Lauren Hildago, Public Information Specialist, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk. CM/DeStefano reported that there were no reportable actions taken during tonight's Closed Session. He further reported during tonight's Study Session Council received updates on major freeway improvements being contemplated DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL for the SR57/60 Interchange, Grand Ave. and related roadway networks. Also, staff provided the City Council with a schedule for negotiations with its current solid waste haulers over the next eight months. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented. 1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: 1.1 C/Tanaka and Diamond Bar Community Foundation Members Jody Roberto, Ling Ling Chang and Carolyn Anderson presented Certificates of Recognition and monetary prizes to "Diamond Bar through My Lens" Photo Contest Winners. The Grand Prize was awarded to Fengyu Shu. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None Offered. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Carolyn Anderson announced that the Diamond Bar Foundation Gala Fundraiser has been rescheduled to Sunday, January 4. She further announced that once again Waste Management would be offering free pickup of holiday trees and outlined the criteria for pick up. Also, used gift wrapping and cards may be recycled by placing them in the gray bins. Sandy Wang, 23834 Strange Creek Dr., spoke in opposition to Item 6.4. He felt a stop sign at Strange Creek Dr. would present a safety hazard because drivers coming down Overlook Dr. would not pay attention and automatically assume the right-of-way. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: PWD/Liu explained the reason for the recommended action under Item 6.4 using an overhead map. At this intersection, there is a very apparent line - of -site issue and concern about the T -Intersection. The proposed recommendation is the first step in reinforcing the California Vehicle Code as well as the installation of additional warning signs along the curvature of Overlook Ridge advising motorists to drive slowly in this residential neighborhood. If after installation of these improvements there continues to be violations, staff will work with the residents to initiate a neighborhood traffic calming project. C/Tye stated that the problem appeared to originate on Overlook Ridge and that the mitigation does not slow the traffic as it approaches the T- DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL Intersection. He stood at the intersection of Strange Creek and Overlook Ridge and it was obvious to him that where the proposed stop sign will be located, cars will stop where their line -of -site will be blocked by the home on the corner and that drivers will have to creep out into the intersection as they do now without a stop sign. Why would the City not put a three- way stop at that intersection instead of a one-way stop? PWD/Liu agreed with C/Tye about the downgrade; however, staff wants to place the stop bar to position vehicles to stop at the proper location. At this time drivers are stopping at any given area behind the prolongation of the curb along the intersecting leg and by having the stop sign installed along with the stop bar, it is hoped that it will help educate drivers to pull up to have a better line -of -site. This effort does not stop the speeding issue along Overlook Ridge but at this point based on the most recent traffic data, there is a low volume along the street. PWD/Liu believed that drivers are traveling at speeds greater than 25 mph; however, staff is recommending that the City take an incremental approach. 5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 Planning Commission Meeting - December 23, 2008 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr. - Canceled due to anticipated lack of quorum. 5.2 Christmas Holiday - December 24 and 25, 2008 - City Offices will be closed in observance of the Christmas Holiday. City Offices will reopen Friday, December 26, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. 5.3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - December 25, 2008 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Dr. - Canceled due to anticipated lack of quorum. 5.4 Holiday Tree Curbside Collection Program - December 26, 2008 through January 17, 2009. Trees free of decorations and flocking may be left at the curb on trash day for free pickup during this time period. Any tree over 6 feet must be cut in half. 5.5 New Year's Holiday - January 1, 2009 - City Offices will be closed Thursday, January 1, 2009 in observance of the New Year's Holiday - City Offices will reopen Friday, January 2, 2009 at 7:30 a. m. DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL 5.6 City Council Meeting — January 6, 2009 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr. 5.7 Winter Snow Fest — Saturday, January 17, 2009 — 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Dr. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: MPT/Herrera moved, C/Chang seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item 6.4 pulled by C/Tye. Motion carried by the following Roll Call: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye, MPT/Herrera, M/Everett NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: (a) Study Session of December 2, 2008 — Approved as submitted. (b) Regular Meeting of December 2, 2008 — Approved as submitted. 6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of October 14, 2008. 6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — dated November 26, 2008 through December 10, 2008 totaling $757,451.95. 6.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2008-44: ACCEPTING AN IRREVOCABLE OFFER OF DEDICATION FOR ROAD PURPOSES FROM EDEN DONGSAN INVESTMENT, INC., OWNERS OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF BANNING WAY AND GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE (20657 GOLDEN SPRINGS DR.). 6.6 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR RESIDENTIAL AREA 4 AND ARTERIAL ZONE 2 SLURRY SEAL ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECT. 6.7 APPROPRIATED $50,000 FROM GENERAL FUND RESERVES FOR SPECIAL LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON, LLP. DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL 6.8 ACCEPTED WORK PERFORMED BY EMAD NABIH FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRAIL CONNECTIONS AT STEEP CANYON AND THE DIAMOND BAR CENTER; DIRECTED THE CITY CLERK TO FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND RELEASE THE RETENTION THIRTY-FIVE DAYS AFTER THE RECORDATION DATE. 6.9 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 8 WITH EXCEL LANDSCAPE TO ADD TWO NEW LOCATIONS TO THEIR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,000 FOR FY 2008-09, WHICH INCLUDED A $2,720 CONTINGENCY; PLUS APPROPRIATION OF $5,000 FROM GENERAL FUND RESERVES TO FULLY FUND THE AMENDMENT. ITEMS WITHDRAWN FROM CONSENT CALENDAR: 6.4 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2008-45: APPROVING INSTALLATION OF A STOP SIGN ON STRANGE CREEK DRIVE AT OVERLOOK RIDGE ROAD. C/Tye asked for additional clarification on this recommendation and whether or not a stop sign southbound on Overlook Ridge would be more appropriate? PWD/Liu stated that staff had conducted a full three-way stop analysis and determined that the only criterion that was met to consider was visibility. The engineering analysis tells staff that this intersection is not warranted for a three-way stop. However, with the visibility issue identified it suggests an educational effort begin by working with the residents to determine the best method of enforcement while the City continues to investigate the ongoing reported conditions of speeding, etc. C/Tye said he was still at a loss as to how putting a stop sign on Strange Creek would address the speeding issue on Overlook Ridge. PWD/Liu stated that it doesn't address the speeding issue, but is an attempt to educate drivers coming down Overlook who will see signs warning that there is a stop sign at the intersection. Strange Creek does give advance warning that the driver is coming up on an intersection. Additionally, as previously stated, there will be pavement markings (stop bar) that will be painted in a location that could enhance the line -of -site for drivers who intend to make left DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL turns southbound on Overlook Dr. C/Tanaka moved, C/Chang seconded, to Adopt Resolution No. 2008-45: Approving installation of a Stop Sign on Strange Creek Drive at Overlook Ridge Road. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, MPT/Herrera, M/Everett NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Tye ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7.1 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2008-46: APPROVING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM ALLOCATION FOR FY 2009/10 IN THE AMOUNT OF $356,033. ACM/Doyle reported that the only change from the current year to next year as proposed is a reduction of $50,000 from the Home Improvement Program which has been reprogrammed into the ADA Retrofitting for Design Services for various parks throughout the City. The reason is that the City has a number of carryover funds and CDBG wants the City to draw those funds down. Putting those funds into the Home Improvement Program would hamper the City's efforts to draw that amount down in an expeditious manner. ACM/Doyle recommended that the City Council open the Public Hearing, Receive Testimony and Adopt Resolution No. 2008-46. MPT/Herrera asked what other allocations would be forthcoming if the City were successful in getting the full amount requested. ACM/Doyle responded that staff believes that the pre -determined CDC allocation is $356,033 and it is highly unlikely that it would be more than that amount and more likely it could be less. M/Everett opened the Public Hearing. With no one present who wished to speak on this matter, M/Everett closed the Public Hearing. MPT/Herrera moved, C/Tye seconded, to Adopt Resolution No. 2008-46: Approving the Community Development Block Grant 1 1 1 DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL Program Allocation for FY 2009/10 in the amount of $356,033. AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye MPT/Herrera, M/Everett NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: 8.1 CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS — recommended by M/Everett. ORGANIZATION DELEGATE _ ALTERNATE California Contract Cities Association Tanaka Tye Foothill Transit Board Herrera Everett Four -Corners Transportation Policy Group Herrera Everett Greater L.A. County Vector Control District Hamilton Chang Joint Powers Insurance Authority Tye Everett L.A. County Sanitation District No. 21 Everett Tanaka L.A. County City Selection Committee Everett Herrera League of CA Cities — L.A. County Division Tye Everett San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Herrera Tanaka San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership Chang Everett Southern California Assn of Governments (SCAG) Everett Herrera Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority Tye/Herrera Chang Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA) Tanaka Chang Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority Advisory Rogers Davis STANDING COMMITTEES Economic Development Tye Tanaka Neighborhood Improvement Chang Tanaka Public Safety Committee Everett Herrera AD HOC COMMITTEES City Council Goals/City Manager Evaluation Everett Herrera Industry East Development Advisory Committee Herrera Tye Legislative Chang Everett Lighting/Landscape Assess Dist subcommittee Tye Chang Sphere of Influence/Annexation Herrera Everett DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 8 LIAISON Chamber of Commerce Diamond Bar Community Foundation Library PUSDICity Senior Citizen WVUSD/City CITY COUNCIL Everett Tanaka Chang Tye Chang Tye Everett Tanaka Chang Tanaka Everett Tye MPT/Herrera moved, C/Tye seconded, to adopt the City Council Committee Appointments as recommended by M/Everett. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: 9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE COMMENTS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye, MPT/Herrera, M/Everett None None REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER C/Chang thanked the residents who participated in the first "Diamond Bar through My Lens" Photo Contest. On December 5 the Council held a Holiday Party. He stated that Staff works diligently to make certain that the residents are safe and thanked them for their dedication. He said he appreciated the talent displayed by the D.B.H.S. Brahmas on December 5. Students are talented and academically accomplished with good teachers backing them up. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. C/Tye congratulated Diamond Ranch High School for being named, for the second year in a row by US News &World Report, as one of the top 604 high schools out of more than 21,000 high schools in the nation by earning a Silver Medal. D.B. is blessed to have such outstanding schools. He congratulated Diamond Ranch High School football team on playing at Mt. SAC in the CIF finals. He hoped that residents would join the Diamond Bar Community Foundation Gala event on January 4. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holy Days and a very happy and safe New Year. C/Tanaka reported on his attendance at the Diamond Ranch High School music program breakfast fundraiser; East 180's Ribbon -Cutting Ceremony; Pam Meeker's retirement as executive Director at Lanterman Developmental Center, having spent almost 40 years with the Center; D.B. Seniors Christmas Luncheon; Regional Chamber of Commerce DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL Holiday Mixer; Thank you ceremony for former Council Member and newly elected Assembly Member Curt Hagman; Candy Cane Craft Fair at the Diamond Bar Center where the D134 -Youth in Action sold snacks throughout the morning and the D.B.H.S. Performing Arts Showcase. He thanked the photo contest participants and specifically thanked staff members Hildago and Arellano for their assistance with the event. He thanked the D.B.H.S. students who attended tonight's meeting as part of their Civics class requirement. He thanked staff members who helped him as Mayor and the City Council look good during his tenure. He and his wife Wanda wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. MPT/Herrera thanked M/Everett for her committee assignments. She said she appreciated his faith and confidence in her. Many Council Members meet up with each other at City events. She was also at the Candy Cane Fair and had a good time shopping. She congratulated staff on a great job and did not remember the Fair and booths going into all of the other rooms within the Diamond Bar Center. To everyone in the City, she hoped that all would have a great Christmas Holiday and New Year and especially to staff who work very, very hard helping implement the Council's direction and policies and keep the City running smoothly. In these economic times it is sometimes troubling to wonder how the City is doing. She reassured everyone that D.B. is very, very stable in comparison to many of its surrounding neighbors. She hoped that with that news everyone would have a secure and wonderful holiday celebration. M/Everett acknowledged the photo contestant participants and their photos. D.B.'s students are the greatest and the City gets a lot of recognition for student participation and achievement. He acknowledged the students who were present during tonight's meeting and the performance of the students on the field and in the classroom. The Diamond Ranch Panthers went to the CIF finals with a record of 7 and 6 and did very well in competing against a very strong Charter Oak team. He thanked students and parents for creating a team spirited environment. During the fire that covered 30,000 acres he has heard and shared thank yous' with the Fire Department and Sheriffs Department officials. The spirit and attitude of staffs support during this time was also outstanding. Let us continue giving thanks, enjoying this season that begins with Thanksgiving and be thankful that we can share during these difficult economic times. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Everett adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 7:50 p.m. DECEMBER 16, 2008 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6th day of January--, 2009. RON EVERETT, MAYOR