HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/07/2009 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
MAY 5, 2009
CLOSED SESSION:
STUDY SESSION:
5:30 p.m., Room CC -8
None
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Everett called the regular City Council
meeting to order at 6:53 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium,
21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA.
CA/Jenkins reported that there were no public comments and that no reportable
action was taken on the three Closed Session items. Closed Session was
adjourned at approximately 6:45 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Tye led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
INVOCATION: James Price, Sr. Pastor, Diamond Canyon
Church, led the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, Tanaka, Tye, Mayor
Pro Tem Herrera and Mayor Everett.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; Ken Desforges, IS
Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director;
Greg Gubman, Acting Community Development Director; Ryan McLean,
Assistant to the City Manager; Kimberly Molina, Associate Engineer; Anthony
Santos, Management Analyst; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator;
and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 Mayor Everett proclaimed May as Water Awareness Month and
presented a proclamation to Walnut Valley Water Board President
Ed Hilden, Board Member Ling Ling Chang and General Manager
Mike Holmes.
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH:
1.2 Mayor Everett presented a plaque to Shannon Holley owner of
Island Tan and Spa as Business of the Month for May 2009.
MAY 5, 2009 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.1 WATER UPDATE BY WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
GENERAL MANAGER MIKE HOLMES.
Mike Holmes, General Manager with Walnut Valley Water District
presented a PowerPoint presentation on the status of water
conditions in California and the San Gabriel Valley.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Desiree Lee, the new Community Library Manager at the D.B. Library
introduced herself and stated that she was happy to be back and thanked
the City for its support.
Steve Offing, 228 EI Vado Rd., stated that the oil wells between Diamond
Bar and Brea did not appear to be pumping, and is concerned about the
developer who wants to build homes in the area.
Cathy Chavez, 300 S. Rock River Rd., said she was concerned about the
Golden Spgs. Traffic Calming Project in her neighborhood. She stated
that it doesn't appear that the traffic mitigation is effectively slowing down
speeding traffic. She also stated that there are no warning signs about the
speed humps and that the cars tend to hit them hard. She was also
concerned about water conservation on the median on Sunset Crossing
Rd. and Prospectors Rd.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CM/DeStefano stated that with respect to the Prospectors Rd. and Sunset
Crossing Rd. Neighborhood Traffic Mitigation, the project is still under
construction. The landscaping theme will be similar to what was recently
placed on Grand Ave. and will use recycled water. He said he would send
the Public Works Department out to look at the area to make sure it is
safe. The second speaker referred to a postcard he received about a
possible construction which is most likely the AERA Energy project that
came to the City's attention in 2006. In May 2008 a letter was prepared by
the City to AERA Energy that outlined a number of problems that staff and
the City's consultants asked to have addressed. There have been no
significant discussions since that time and D.B. has not been engaged in
this project for more than a year.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Fire Service Day — Saturday, May 9, 2009 — 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The public is invited to come and learn more about the services of
the Fire Department.
MAY 5, 2009 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
0
5.2
Planning Commission Meeting — May 12, 2009 — 7:00 p.m.,
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr.
5.3 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — May 14, 2009 —
7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865
Copley Dr.
5.4 City Council Meeting — Tuesday, May 19, 2009 — 6:30 p.m.,
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr.
5.5 Diamond Bar/Walnut Sheriff's Station Open House — May 30, 2009
—10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 21695 E. Valley Blvd., Walnut.
CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Tye moved, C/Chang seconded, to approve
the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll
Call:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
Chang, Tanaka, Tye,
MPT/Herrera, M/Everett
None
None
(a) Study Session Meeting of April 21, 2009 — Approved as
submitted.
(b) Regular Meeting of April 21, 2009 — Approved as submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION MINUTES for the Regular Meeting of March 26,
2009.
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated April 16, 2009 through April
29, 2009 totaling $620,576.16.
6.4 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT — Month of March
2009.
6.5 ACCEPTED WORK PERFORMED BY TAMANG ELECTRIC FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF THE EMERGENCY GENERATOR AT
DIAMOND BAR CENTER; DIRECTED CITY CLERK TO FILE THE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND RELEASE THE RETENTION
THIRTY-FIVE DAYS AFTER THE RECORDATION.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
MAY 5, 2009 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF FY 2009-2010 CITY
COUNCIL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.
CM/DeStefano reported that each year staff assists the City Council
in considering its fiscal year budget items. Tonight staff presents
the Fiscal Year 2009-2010 City Council Goals and Objectives for
consideration and adoption.
Asst. to the CM/McLean stated that many of the goals and
objectives are multi-year items that require continual planning and
implementation. He itemized the topics: 1) Traffic Mitigation; 2)
Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development; 3)
Communication; 4) Other Items and 5) Completion of Projects. He
also stated that once approved, the document would be posted on
the City's Website.
MPT/Herrera said she appreciated staff's work and advised the
public that over the past several weeks the City Council has worked
with staff to complete this document.
With no one present who wished to speak on the matter, M/Everett
closed Public Comments.
MPT/Herrera moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to adopt City Council
Fiscal Year 2009/2010 Goals and Objectives. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye,
MPT/Herrera, M/Everett
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
RECESS: M/Everett recessed the Regular City Council Meeting to the
Redevelopment Agency Meeting at 7:48 p.m.
RECONVENE: M/Everett reconvened the City Council Meeting at 7:54 p.m.
9 COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER
COMMENTS:
C/Tanaka said he attended the Senior Tea, the Arbor Day Presentation,
Teddy Bear Tea and Silent Auction; and the Mother's Day luncheon at the
Senior Club. He wished all the mothers a Happy Mother's Day.
MAY 5, 2009 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
C/Chang spoke about the devastating fires in Santa Barbara and
reminded everyone to remain on alert and to cut the weeds around their
homes and on the hillsides. He reported on the number of citations issued
to residents who violated City Codes. He stated that in March 207 graffiti
sites were mitigated at a cost to the City of $5,200. C/Chang also
reported that he had attended the Mother's Day event at the Seniors Club
this morning and wished everyone a Happy Mother's Day.
C/Tye welcomed Desiree Lee to her new position with the D.B. Library.
He congratulated the Walnut Valley Education Foundation on their 13th
Annual Teddy Bear Tea. He also congratulated Mrs. Tye on being named
the Teacher of the Month for April at Diamond Ranch High School. C/Tye
stated that it was a privilege to meet with members of the Walnut Valley
Unified School District Board and invited residents to join him at the
D.B.H.S. Casino Night. C/Tye then requested that M/Everett adjourn
tonight's meeting in memory of 29 year old Jennifer Meister.
MPT/Herrera spoke about the 57/60 interchange fix and her meeting with
Elizabeth Delgado with Sen. Feinstein's office to impress upon them the
importance of this project for the region. Tomorrow she will join the City of
Industry in again meeting with MTA on this issue. Foothill Transit, OCTA
and MTA provide bus service for D.B. Foothill Transit recently authorized
the purchase of three electric powered buses and wayside equipment in
an effort to provide cleaner air. She thanked Mr. Holmes for speaking to
the Council and residents concerning the conservation of water and
suggested he be invited back in a couple of months to provide an update.
M/Everett said he too attended the meeting with Elizabeth Delgado with
Sen. Feinstein's office to discuss upcoming Federal Transportation Bill
MAP21. He joined C/Tanaka at the Arbor Day festivities and presented a
$50 Gift Certificate to the winning poster contestant. He thanked Audrey
Hamilton for her dedication to the City through the Vector Control Agency
and education to the City's youth. He reported that during the last Council
meeting, Council proclaimed National Crime Victims Awareness Week
and that he presented a proclamation to the Director of the Department of
Corrections. M/Everett announced that at the next meeting Council will be
presenting a proclamation to all three fire stations in D.B. and reminded
everyone to help "fill the boot" for MDA at Grand Ave. and Diamond Bar
Blvd. on May 14, 15 and 16.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Everett
adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:12 p.m. in memory of Jennifer Meister.
TOMMY CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
MAY 5, 2009 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 19th day of May ,
2009.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
APRIL 7, 2009
CLOSED SESSION: 5:00 p.m., Room CC -8
► Government Code Section 54956.9(c) – Initiation of Litigation, One Case
Public Comments on Closed Session Agenda – None offered.
STUDY SESSION:
6:00 p.m., Room CC -8
► Goals and Objectives - Discussion and Action – Continued to April 21,
2009.
Public Comments: None Offered.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Everett called the regular City Council
meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium,
21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA.
CA/Jenkins reported that during tonight's Closed Session no reportable action
was taken.
— PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Everett led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION:
Center gave the invocation.
Dr. Ahmad H. Sakr, Ph.D, Islamic Education
ROLL CALL: Council Members Wen Chang, Jack Tanaka,
Steve Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Carol Herrera and Mayor Ron Everett.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; Bob Rose, Community
Services Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Linda Magnuson, Finance
Director; Greg Gubman, Acting Community Development Director; Ken
Desforges, IS Director; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City Manager; Rick Yee,
Senior Civil Engineer; Kimberly Molina, Associate Engineer; Anthony Santos,
Management Analyst; Lauren Hildago, Public Information Specialist, and
Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 C/Tye presented Certificates of Recognition to D.B. Students and
teacher coordinators who participated in the 2009 Inland Valley
Regional Spelling Bee sponsored by the Diamond Bar Friends of
the Library.
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
1.2 MPT/Herrera proclaimed the month of April 2009 as "DMV/Donate
Life California Month" and presented the proclamation to Sabrina
Ho.
1.3 C/Tanaka proclaimed the month of April 2009 as "Sexual Assault
Awareness Month" and April 22, 2009 as Denim Day." With no one
present to accept, it was announced that the Proclamation would
be mailed.
1.4 C/Chang proclaimed April 12-18, 2009 as "National Library Week"
and presented the Proclamation to Judy McCasland, D.B. Librarian.
Ms. McCasland presented the Mayor with a book that he would be
reading at the library.
NEW BUSINESS OF THE MONTH:
1.5 M/Everett presented a Certificate Plaque to Dr. Ta Siu, for East 180
Cuisines of China, 23525 Palomino Dr., as New Business of the
Month for April 2009.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None
offered.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Don Sutton, 1107 North Moonlight Summit Dr.,
asked what was being done about the landslide at Sunset Crossing.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: CM/DeStefano responded to Mr.
Sutton that since the property suffered damage it remains in disrepair as a
result of pending litigation which is now drawing to a conclusion. Once the
litigation concludes staff anticipates that the homeowners, who are
ultimately responsible for the repair of the hillside, would come together to
develop a project to restore the property to its former state.
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — April 9, 2009 —
7:00 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley
Dr.
5.2 Easter Egg Hunt — April 11, 2009 — 10:00 a.m., Pantera Park, 738
Pantera Dr. with Pancake Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.
5.3 Planning Commission Meeting — Tuesday, April 14, 2009 — 7:00
p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr.
5.4 City's 201h "Spirit of Diamond Bar' Birthday Party — April 18, 2009 —
11:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m. (Carnival rides until 8:00 p.m.) — Pantera
Park, 738 Pantera Dr.
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
5.5 City Council Meeting — April 21, 2009 — 6:30 p.m.,
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Dr.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Tye moved, MPT/Herrera seconded, to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS
6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
Chang, Tanaka, Tye,
MPT/Herrera, M/Everett
None
None
(a) Study Session of March 17, 2009 — Approved as submitted.
(b) Regular Meeting of March 17, 2009 — Approved as
submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION MINUTES:
(a) Special Meeting of February 23, 2009
(b) Regular Meeting of February 26, 2009
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated March 12, 2009 through
April 1, 2009 totaling $1,724,727.86.
6.4 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT — Month of February
2009.
6.5 ACCEPTED $10,016 DONATION FROM THE DIAMOND BAR
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND APPROPRIATED $10,016 TO
THE RECREATION SERVICES CAPITAL EQUIPMENT BUDGET
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008/09 FOR PURCHASE OF FOUR (4)
PITCHING MACHINES TO BE USED IN THE BATTING CAGES
AT PANTERA AND PETERSON PARKS.
6.6 APPROVED BUDGET ADJUSTMENT SHIFTING FUNDING
SOURCES FOR PHASE II AND PHASE III OF THE SYCAMORE
CANYON PARK TRAILS PROJECTS RESULTING IN $65,062 OF
PROPOSITION 12 FUNDS FOR PHASE II AND THE SAME
AMOUNT OF PARK DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR PHASE III.
6.7 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE 2008/09
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT CURB RAMP
INSTALLATION PROJECT IN THE VICINITY OF NEIL
ARMSTRONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
6.8 APPROPRIATED $25,000 FROM THE TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT
FUND AND APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH --
SASAKI TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT
OF $25,000 FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RELATED TO THE
STATE ROUTE 57/60 FREEWAY CONGESTION RELIEF
STRATEGY.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 CONSIDERATION OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE
CITY OF INDUSTRY REGARDING THE 2008 REVISED
INDUSTRY BUSINESS CENTER DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
(NFL STADIUM BASED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT).
CM/DeStefano made a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the
proposed settlement agreement detailing the commitments the City
of Industry must do to mitigate the impacts of the proposed project
and provide additional community benefits including resources for
traffic mitigation, community and recreation facilities and programs,
reimbursement of the City's project -related legal fees as well as
additional benefits. He then went on to provide a brief of history of
events surrounding the EIR.
CM/DeStefano stated that during the March 17, 2009 D.B. City
Council meeting, the City Council authorized the City Manager and
City Attorney to enter into a tolling agreement with the City of
Industry and the Industry East Business Center to extend the
deadline for filing litigation. On March 26, 2009 the City of
Industry's City Council approved the tolling agreement extending
the time period on which D.B. may file a lawsuit from March 30,
2009 to April 23, 2009. Also at the same meeting, the City of
Industry approved a proposed Settlement Agreement with the City
of D.B. The purpose of the tolling agreement is to protect D.B,'s
right to initiate litigation while D.B. considers the proposed
Agreement with the City of Industry. The Settlement Agreement is
intended to secure the mitigation of project impacts as well as
provide additional benefits to D.B.
CM/DeStefano stated that tonight the City Council is presented with
three options: 1) to direct legal counsel to initiate litigation; 2)
approve the Settlement Agreement as proposed; 3) continue the
matter to a later date. CM/DeStefano then went into detail,
explaining each option and outlined the following items within the -
proposed Settlement Agreement that would directly benefit D.B.
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
1) A traffic mitigation fund in the amount of $20 million to mitigate
traffic issues generated by the stadium based development
within the City.
2) Public Safety Impacts mitigation
3) Noise and Light Impacts mitigation
4) D.B. Community Facility Fund funded by Industry
5) Recreation Facilities Fund of $1 million for creation of a new
athletic field at Lorbeer Middle School
6) Protection of a minimum of 5 acres for future development
(former Honda site) and possible conveyance of an additional
1.3 acres to the City of D.B.
7) Most Favored Entities Clause
8) Reimbursement of Legal Fees up to $300,000 for legal and
consultant fees.
The provisions described within the Agreement only arise if Industry
commences and proceeds with the development of the so-called
2008 revised IBC Plan which incorporates the NFL Stadium or any
other substantially comparable plan of development. In exchange
for the Settlement Agreement, D.B. agrees not to sue Industry or
the Industry East Business Center or support any other legal
challenge concerning the 2004 development proposal or the 2008
development proposal and mutual releases expected should the
settlement agreement be approved. Staffs recommendation is to
approve the Settlement Agreement subject to receiving the Mutual
Release from the Industry Urban Development Agency. Since the
initial announcement of the City of Industry project, the City of D.B.
has vigorously communicated its concerns to the City of Industry
and has actively participated in the process in order to protect the
residents of D.B. from the impacts of the proposed project.
Recognizing the project's size and scope, D.B. has remained
engaged in the process at every step providing on -the -record
correspondence and testimony outlining issues of concerns to the
community. The City of D.B. has engaged expert consultants and
outside legal counsel to help guide it through the process and
protect its legal position. Extensive information regarding the
proposed project has been made available at D.B. City Hall and on
the City's Website for more than a year. D.B. has kept all options
open at all times so that the City could consider and take action
determined by the City Council to be the best and most prudent to
protect and serve the D.B. residents. City of Industry's willingness
to enter into negotiations with D.B. demonstrates their
understanding of the proposed projects' impacts upon D.B. and the
needs of the D.B. community. The agreement provides mitigation
of impacts and revenue-sharing not specifically required by the EIR.
The terms of the agreement will ultimately benefit the City of D.B.
and its residents for generations. City and their legal staff have
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
negotiated the settlement agreement that is being recommended to
the City Council in considerable detail. The agreement has been
approved by the City Council of the City of Industry. It should be
noted that any proposed modification to the agreement would
provide the City of Industry with an opportunity to change any of the
obligations to which they have already agreed. In reviewing the
relative merits and disadvantages of suing versus settling as
discussed, staff recommends approval of the settlement agreement
as submitted as it provides for enhanced mitigation measures and
significant long-term benefits to the residents of D.B.
M/Everett opened the meeting for Public Comments:
Cecilia Bolbolian, 309 N. Pintado Dr., cited the City's General Plan
as being opposed to the spirit and intent of the proposed project
and asked the Council to fight for the City's vision and to litigate
and not mitigate.
Grace Lim -Hays, 21323 Cottonwood Ln., said she was very
disturbed about this proposal and asked the Council to please
litigate for a new EIR.
Ling -Ling Chang, 3232 Bent Twig Ln., an active and long-time
resident, said that based on observations and logic, the project is in
the City of Industry and the residents cannot forget the choice is not
between a stadium or an empty lot, it is between an already
approved project that will generate more daily traffic than the
stadium's 35 game days. At this juncture, the stadium will be built
whether residents want it or not. From her perspective the City has
two choices: 1) lose $300,000 in attorney's fees just to delay the
project; or 2) get everything proposed in the settlement agreement.
Either way, the stadium will be built. She felt the residents should
compare the proposed stadium to The Rose Bowl rather than to
The Forum. She felt the benefits would outweigh the negatives.
Virginia Pina, 23433 Robinbrook PI., said she supported the NFL
Stadium project.
Frank Satullo, 20949 Ambushers, supported the Council's decision
and commended the Council for its good decision despite the
threats and character assassinations by outside influences that are
not in the best interest of this community. He resented the
interference of people from other cities who promote their agenda's
during D.B. City Council meetings. He has known MPT/Herrera
since they were neighbors in 1966 and he has great respect for her
and knows that she has dedicated herself to the best interests of
the community she serves. People can have differing opinions on
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
matters of concern and should respect others' opinions and not
resort to character assassinations.
John Forbing, Charwood PI., said he is proud of his community and
believes the Council has done a good job recently and he too
believes in mitigating and not litigating. Litigation is the most
ridiculous thing the City
can do. He complimented CM/DeStefano and his staff for the
wonderful job they have done in negotiating this settlement and
hoped the Council would vote yes on this matter tonight so that the
community could move forward for the good of its youth.
Tom Ramos, 1028 Jason PI., said he felt this project was much
needed for the community and congratulated everyone involved.
Robert Hunt, 1750 Ano Nuevo Dr., spoke in favor of the stadium
project and said he was proud of the Mayor and City Council.
Kiran Saluja, 21240 Sunwood Dr., thanked the Council for patiently
listening to speakers and wished the Mayor and Council the best.
— On February 27 the Council posted on the City Website a message
that they were opposed to the project until the concerns were
mitigated to the City's satisfaction. She has studied this matter and
feels there is a lot more room for negotiations. She did not
understand the noise mitigation portion of the proposal. The
citizens are still concerned and felt the City was correct to litigate
and should continue to litigate fora better settlement.
Raul Galindo, 1252 Blenarm Dr., thanked and commended the City
staff for doing a great job on the settlement which he supported.
He said he was in favor of the NFL and the stadium project that
would revitalize the City.
Fred Encinas, 610 Skyline Dr., felt that the City's staff and Council
had done a great job in mitigating this settlement. At the same
time, there are items that have been negotiated that should have a
base CPI increase. He suggested that banners be placed
throughout the City to advise residents they have time to comment
before the next Council meeting.
Eileen Ansari, 1823 Cliffbranch Dr., thanked Council and staff for
working on the beginnings of mitigation. She is not opposed to the
project but does not 'favor the project until mitigation is completed.
She said she was concerned about what type of events would be
acceptable and she too wondered about tailgating; the number of
people that would be entering and exiting the stadium and how the
noise mitigation woult be addressed. She wondered if there would
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
be a limit on alcohol consumption and rowdiness. She felt $20
million would not mitigate the traffic. She urged the Council to
continue this matter for further consideration. Caltrans may not
contribute to this project and D.B. may be asked to pay a portion of
the bill.
Dr. Ron Sigler, 22839 Dry Creek Rd., referred to a front page article
in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune about the street closure and
evacuation of some businesses due to a gas leak on Valley Blvd.
within a few blocks of Grand Ave. A 1998 traffic study indicated
19,000 people would use the street daily and he was sure the
figures were much higher today. No mention was made about
traffic moving in and out of D.B. What will happen to the peace and
quiet of the City and what affect will lighting have on its citizens. He
asked the Council not to sell out the beauty, peace and quiet of
D.B. for the commercial whims and greed of the City of Industry.
John Semcken, Vice President, Majestic Realty, development
partner in charge of the NFL stadium project in the City of Industry,
said that over the past several months he has been very involved
with the citizens and staff of D.B. He and his staff have given
dozens of presentations to community groups, business
organizations, concerned citizens, charitable organizations, social
organizations, politicians and members of the . D.B. staff. During
every presentation the common theme was "how do we turn the
proposed stadium project into a win-win for D.B. and the City of
Industry and Majestic. As always, the greatest concern was traffic
impacts from the project and the quality of life for the people of D.B.
Majestic received hundreds of pages of comments to the SEIR and
recommendations on how to improve the project and decrease the
impacts on the City. Majestic has worked very closely with City
staff and congratulated the City on the quality of its staff and the
Council for having the political courage to trust that staff will
properly analyze and then forcefully negotiate on behalf of the
Council and the citizens of D.B. Staff has estimated the cost of the
improvements and has ensured that the money will be there when
the improvements are constructed. Finally, staff negotiated
ongoing benefits for the City, its citizens and its programs that will
grow as the project grows. The plan that was put into action over a
year ago for ensuring the proper environmental impacts were
analyzed, studying the Draft SEIR, providing comments and
negotiating a settlement to ensure that the mitigations were in place
to handle the impacts of the project is a model for cities throughout
California. The citizens of D.B. should be proud of their elected
officials and their staff for ensuring that impacts of the project will
be mitigated and that the City of D.B. will benefit for years to come.
He encouraged Council to validated staff's hard work and vote to
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
approve the settlement agreement.
Todd lsackson, 3040 La Paz Ln., urged the Council to initiate
litigation and bring the City back to its current quality of life. He
does not believe the NFL would be happy to see all of the
opposition to the proposed project.
Mitchell Haimov, 21715 Santaquin Dr., read from the City's Legal
Counsel's letter outlining concerns with the EIR. He stated that
CM/DeStefano did not address the fact that anything in the
proposed settlement agreement would resolve those problems.
Counsel made it clear that there are pervasive troubling problems
with the CEQA process for the proposed statement. Tonight the
Council would reach agreement that would eliminate its objections
to the proposed project in exchange for minor re-routing of Old
Brea Canyon Road, a wall, a berm, other minor things and many
millions of dollars. The proposed settlement is entirely inadequate
to mitigate the horrendous traffic impacts that even the flawed
CEQA document admits will result from the stadium project and
does not even begin to address many of the other significant
impacts identified in the document. Therefore, because he felt the
stadium would adversely and permanently affect the quality of life in
D.B. asked the Council to please support Walnut in their lawsuit
rather than undercutting them.
Tamara Otting, 228 EI Vado Rd., respectfully requested that the
Council vote against the proposed stadium. She said she was
concerned about traffic and the safety of her children. $20 million is
not a very substantial amount in this economy. D.B. was
established in 1989 and has been fine without professional sports
money. If D.B. needs money then the community needs to come
together to provide the funds as it has done over the years. D.B.
will lose its charm as one of the top ten cities. It is the Council's
responsibility to do what is right for the citizens of this community
and it should look beyond the temporary fix of $20 million.
Peter Pirritano, 918 Terrace Lane West, spoke in support of the
proposed stadium and in support of the City's due diligence on
behalf of the citizens and families of D.B. He encouraged
completion of the settlement agreement that would benefit the City
of D.B. and its residents. It is the Council's leadership and
commitment that has made D.B. the great community that it has
become and Council Members can count on his vote at the next
election.
Reverend Ted Meyers, 671 Great Bend Dr., spoke in opposition to
the stadium.
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
Richard Toombs, 760-D N. Golden Springs Dr., spoke in favor of
the NFL Stadium.
Gene Doss, 23806 Chelame Dr., reiterated his support for the
proposed stadium and felt the proposed agreement was more than
generous. He hoped the Council would support the agreement in
consideration of the
majority of residents who supported the stadium.
Lorna Tate Wilson, 556 Great Bend Dr., thanked CM/DeStefano
and his staff for the agreement and said she supported the stadium
and recreation support for Lorbeer Middle School. She has
children who are actively involved in sports in the area and it would
be nice to have investment in the City's youth.
George Davidson, 2342 E. Wagon Trail Rd., stated that he
canvassed his neighborhood handing out more than 200 flyers
asking residents to attend tonight's Council meeting. He found that
about 60-70% of residents were absolutely in support of the project
and the other 30-40% said they were not against it, but were
concerned with the traffic issue. From personal observation the
vast majority of citizens are in support of the stadium project.
William Bryan, 3 Rancho Vista PI., Phillips Ranch, serves on the
D.B. YMCA Board, Jr. All-American Football Program Board and
coaches baseball, basketball, football and track in the City. He also
has children that attend school in D.B. and at Lorbeer Middle
School. While traffic is a problem in southern California he knows
that growth is occurring. He felt it was very important to support the
kids and that studies show that elementary activities are going
away. The YMCA is working hard to raise money to hold physical
education classes in 28 schools because kids need that kind of
activity. If D.B. can get more support for Lorbeer stadium and other
schools and parks, we believe we can help the kids be healthier.
He thanked the Council for all it is doing for the community.
Kim Chapman, 22713 Happy Hollow Rd., thanked Council for its
hard work. This is about the kids and their future. She stated that
it sounds to her like Majestic is a very nice company but one cannot
compare D.B. with the blighted downtown LA. She said she was
not against the stadium and did not promote litigation but she does
not believe this project has been mitigated. She urged the Council
not to sign the agreement and instead force the City of Industry to
do the right thing.
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
Michael Brown, 733 Bonnie Claire, Walnut spoke in favor of the
proposed project and its benefits to the community and the youth.
He said he was amazed by staff's ability to come up with this type
of agreement.
Reon Moag, 21719 Lost River Dr., said that things and times
change and he is glad that the City is represented by this Council
acting on behalf of the residents. He believes the Council will take
the information provided by staff and apply it in a very just manner
for the good of the community. He also represents San Gabriel
Valley Jr. All-American Football and felt everyone could benefit
from the use of the stadium in some way including the money that
would be available to the youth from this agreement.
Edmond Bolbolian 309 N. Pintado Dr, said he was disturbed by the
slide program presented by staff in an attempt to sell to the
community of D.B. a project that would negatively impact the City
over the long term. He believed that all efforts to stop this project
were futile but at least D.B. could demand that a new EIR be
submitted by an unbiased agency in order to determine the true
affect on the community.
Lew Herndon, 22853 Rio Lobos Rd., speaking as a private citizen
said he has concerns about the stadium. He and his neighbors live
on a hill that has direct line -of -site to the stadium and will be
subjected to extreme light and sound from the stadium. He
proposed that the Council negotiate a curfew of 11:00 p.m. to be
placed on loud noise and extreme lighting at the stadium. He
hoped the stadium would plant hundreds of trees to help with air
quality. The City of D.B. is extremely deficient in parkland and
sports fields. Representatives for the stadium have repeatedly
stated that they "intend" to build a place that would accommodate
the City's youth sports program. As the Council is aware, D.B. has
been working on updating the Parks Master Plan. He believed the
City should press the stadium owners to commit in writing what
they will do for the children on their property provided the stadium is
built. He is pleased in general with the negotiations to date and
would like to see the aforementioned minor refinements added.
Sam Guillaume, 505 Navajo Springs Rd., said he has heard good
arguments on both sides of the issue this evening and is in support
of the project.
Nef Cortez, 947 S. Longview, said he was in support of the Council
individually and as a group because it has served first and foremost
the interest of D.B. The settlement agreement addresses most of
the issues that are of concern to the residents and he commended
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
staff for negotiating a good agreement. He urged support of the
settlement agreement this evening. - -
Andrew Wright., 527 Deep Hill Rd., said he realized the project
would move forward but was concerned about the mitigation of
pollution during construction, especially for residents who live
immediately adjacent to the project. He requested that the Council
postpone their vote and attempt to contact some of the residents to
let them know what is happening. He felt that burglaries and traffic
would increase and read statistics about incidents related to
stadium attendees.
Jim Hays, 21323 Cottonwood Ln., spoke about how the type of fans
attracted to events held at the stadium would damage the City and
said that residents were not aware of the ramifications of the
proposed stadium. He felt citizens had not been adequately
informed about this project and that the Council Members were
elected to represent all of the people of D.B., not just the few that
would benefit from youth sports. He asked the Council to postpone
their decision and use the City News to inform the residents about
this issue.
Andrew Wong, 901 Golden Spgs. Board President of the Pomona
Unified School District thanked D.B. liaisons Jack Tanaka and
M/Everett for attending school board meetings to keep the Board
updated about City events. During discussions with parents and
school groups the benefits for schools and students in D.B. and
Pomona are seen through the money that goes to Lorbeer for field
improvements that will increase the use and benefit to students.
With respect to the Stadium, the school district has looked into and
is exploring partnerships with Majestic and the City of Industry with
respect to the use of other fields at the stadium site so that PUSD
students will be able to use those sites for their activities as well.
He urged the City Council to adopt the settlement agreement.
Vinod Kashyap, 21452 Chirping Sparrow, stated that he was
impressed at the quality of the analysis that CM/DeStefano and his
staff have done on this issue and on that basis he would
recommend that the Council vote for the agreement.
Don Sutton, 1107 North Moonlight Summit Dr., said he was
opposed to the stadium because it would create traffic nightmares
for the City.
Mike Shay, 1042 Capen Ave., said it looks like this project is almost -
a done deal and he commended the City Council Members for their
cooperation, compliance, commitment and most importantly for
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
their common sense and overall professionalism. He also
commended Majestic Realty and the City of Industry for their
cooperation, their commitment and professionalism and that their
word is good and they will stand behind their commitments to D.B.
Ron Clark, 20940 Ambushers St., Board Member for the Pacific
Crest Drum & Bugle Corps, said his organization is very supportive
of Majestic Realty and their foundation that supports and helps
many community organizations and non-profit groups.
Carolyn Elfelt, 21119 Silver Cloud Dr., congratulated the City
Council on the agreement before them tonight for the proposed
NFL Stadium. Since moving to D.B. in 1980 traffic has continued to
increase and since the opening of Grand Ave. the residents have
lived with hundreds of thousands of cars passing through the City
and there has never been a source of income to mitigate traffic until
now. She also serves on the Walnut Valley School Board and that
in addition to having traffic mitigation the students of Lorbeer and
the children of the entire community who use the Lorbeer field will
all benefit from the funding thanks to the efforts of the City's
- negotiator. This is a perfect example of how schools benefit when
cities, areas and regions prosper. She sent kudos to staff under
the leadership of CMIDeStefano for providing the Council with this
excellent agreement.
Karen Wade, 4395 Palo Cedro Dr., has been involved with the
Girls' Softball League for many, many years and understands the
problems the City is having with its parks and recreation procuring
money for the City. However, she is disappointed and sad that she
may be looking at a parking lot. She wanted the City Council to
postpone its vote until the residents are told what is going on.
Ronni Levine, 2173 E. Buckskin, Walnut, and D.B. business owner,
said she was very concerned about the traffic that would seriously
impact her business and that most of the concerns about this
project have not been addressed in the settlement agreement.
Lydia Plunk, 1249 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. PMB 194, said that the
City has the opportunity with a project of this magnitude to receive
financial assistance and should not let it go by the wayside. She
felt that anything the City could do to soften the impacts would be
appreciated. The project is good for this area and if this project is
delayed it may be lost. Unless the City Council believes it can get a
better deal it should adopt the resolution.
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
With no further comments being offered, M/Everett closed the
Public Comment portion of the item.
MPT/Herrera thanked the 42 individuals who spoke and made their
concerns known to the Council. She completely understood many
of the concerns. She understands those who are frustrated with
too many cars — they want the quiet rolling hills, the country living
that is in the Vision Statement. She stated that in 1966 when she
moved to D.B. that was the situation. There were 7,000 people
who lived in D.B. and there was no Diamond Bar Blvd., there was
no Grand Ave., there was no 57 freeway and there was no 60
freeway. It was beautiful. Residents saw the rolling hills, heard the
long -horn cattle crashing their horns as dusk fell. D.B. finds itself in
the middle of a major transportation corridor — a goods movement
corridor. We are located where we are located. We have the 57
and 60 freeways, two major freeways that dissect this community.
350,000 cars pass through that intersection every day. You see the
trucks; you see the trucks with the containers. Our region is
growing and in the southern California area, particularly the San
Gabriel Valley. In 15 years there will be another 10 million people
who will live in California and most in southern California because
that is where the better jobs are; that is where the more affordable
housing is. Actually, the more affordable housing is in San
Bernardino and Riverside Counties but the better paying jobs are in
Orange County and so people and cars will continue moving
through the 57/60 corridor. Vehicles will still cut through D.B. and
we will still have major accidents on the freeways and cars will still
come down Diamond Bar Blvd. to avoid the accident. D.B. is
impacted and will continue to be impacted with or without the
stadium because of the changes that are happening — changes that
D.B. cannot control and residents cannot control. The best that
D.B. can do is to try to work with those who can help us make the
changes better by focusing on working with federal and state
legislators to get funding to fix the 57/60 interchange allowing traffic
to move more smoothly through the area and not impact this
community. Some people want the City Council to file a lawsuit
believing that will be the end-all action that is required to stop this
project. It will not stop the project. To file a lawsuit forces the City
of Industry to complete a new EIR which they will and then they will
build the project. Meanwhile, D.B. loses all of the negotiation items
that your representatives have worked on and gathered to date —
the items that are on tonight's agenda for approval. D.B. would end
up being the big loser should it take that course of action. This is a
project that is located in another City — it is not within the City limits
of D.B. D.B. does not own the beautiful rolling hills on the other —
side of the freeway that everyone enjoys. D.B. does not own it and
neither to the residents. It is owned by a private entity that has a
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL
right given by California Courts to develop its property. And if there
is no stadium there will be a development on that property. The
EIR has been approved, it was approved in 2004. There will be a
project. And that project brings thousands more cars than what the
stadium will bring. It will bring trucks. The new development will be
a development park with warehouses and there will be trucks
delivering goods and with their motors idling which will put more
noxious fumes and pollution and more noise in the air. Certainly,
that does not seem to be something that would be good for the
community. Anyway you look at this situation, a project is coming.
There is no way to stop it. What the City Council and the City has
in front of it at this point in history is a settlement agreement — an
agreement to mitigate the impacts. No one is trying to fool the
residents. D.B. will be impacted. When you negotiate you try to
negotiate the best settlement possible recognizing that there will be
impacts. All of the concerns that were mentioned today were talked
about in the negotiations. And the negotiations did not just happen
in a week. The City's Chief Negotiator, CM/DeStefano has done an
outstanding job. He is one of the most knowledgeable planners in
the San Gabriel Valley region. So with his knowledge, experience
- and expertise he thought about all of the things that were
mentioned and tried to negotiate those. What is before this Council
and its citizens today is what the City has agreement on — an
agreement insofar as the City Council of the City of Industry has
already approved. All that is needed is for D.B. to approve the
agreement. She said she believed it was a good agreement and
the City Council should take action to approve the agreement. It
brings a lot of dollars to the City of D.B. Some individuals said
"well, it only brings $20 million". No, that is not all that it brings. It
is a minimum of $700,000 for the youth in D.B. Someone else
mentioned there should be a CPI inflation factor — well, there is an
inflation factor and it will not be on the CPI because some years it
may be higher so every five years it will be looked at and increased.
And so it has the potential to bring the City well over a million
dollars a year for as long as the stadium is there. At this point there
will be a 30 -year lease for the stadium. D.B. has a Parks Master
Plan and unfortunately the City has not been able to fund
everything in the Parks Master Plan. D.B. has a Youth Master
Plan. This Council and staff care very much about its community,
its youth, its parks and the City is trying to fund them but the City
does not have all of the money it needs to do so because the City
does not get a lot of sales tax revenue. D.B. does not have a
"Shoppes" and does not have a Brea Mall and so there are limited
opportunities to fund things for the residents and its youth. Today,
D.B. has the opportunity to have the money that will allow it to
concentrate and focus on the City's youth. She believes the City
should take this opportunity and -vote today. The time to take action
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 16 CITY COUNCIL
is now and she urged her colleagues to do the same.
C/Tye said he was looking through some of the comments that
were in the minutes of the past few meetings and takes the input
very seriously. He does not know when he reads what people's
concerns are whether they are pro or con about this project. One
of the comments was that "we need to protect the best interests of
the residents" and he believed that the agreement before the City
Council does exactly that. Another comment was to "be sure and
defend the residents' interest" and he believed that the agreement
before the City Council does that. Even a Walnut resident said "we
need to do the right thing" and he believed the City had the
opportunity to do the right thing. It is best to state that if individuals
are against this project there is nothing that will be said to convince
those individuals otherwise. If individuals are for this project there
is nothing that will be said to convince those individuals otherwise.
It is a very divisive issue — there is no gray area. It seems like D.B.
has more than its share of divisive issues. One of the speakers at
the last meeting said "we need to consider the long-term benefits to
D.B." and he felt this was the opportunity to do that. When he
thinks about what the City is faced with people said tonight that $20
million is not enough, when one contemplates that the $200 plus
million that has been estimated to fix the 57/60 interchange, that
will be a drop in the bucket. But this $20 million that is being
discussed is specific to D.B. It has nothing to do with the 57/60
interchange. Last month MPT/Herrera and staff members were in
Washington, D.C. to lobby legislators for funds to get the 57/60
interchange done. These are two separate issues. He believed
the most important thing was that this agreement speaks to
payments in perpetuity, payments that run with the stadium. When
Diamond Bar Honda decided to leave they left nothing behind but
an empty building, from which D.B. gets nothing. In this instance,
as long as the stadium exists in this location the people of D.B. will
benefit. There will be funds available for projects in D.B. for people
that have not been born yet and for people who have not yet moved
to D.B. This will benefit D.B. residents long after this Council is
gone. This is an annuity for the well-being of the residents of D.B.
now and into the future. He felt this agreement was accomplished
because this Council and staff had a vision. He agreed that
CM/DeStefano is the best at what he does. This was done with the
Council's guidance and direction. A comment was made tonight
that there is no need to "abruptly sign this agreement". Your City
Council and staff have been working on this and negotiating and
remember that the position of this Council was that it was opposed
unless mitigated — this Council is opposed unless it could get to the --
point where it could look in the face of the people of D.B. and say
this is the best this City Council could do with what was available
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 17 CITY COUNCIL
for the community of D.B. and he believed that had been
accomplished. One of the speakers talked about the crime, traffic
and drunk drivers this project would bring to D.B. It made him think
about Deputy Rick Wright being hit by a drunk driver that had
absolutely nothing to do with the stadium. It is a fact of life. This is
a commuting community and residents have to put up with these
things and do the best we can do while trusting law enforcement to
see that those kinds of things do not happen. How many people
realize that the City of Industry provided the land that Diamond
Ranch High School sits on? How many people in the community
realize that the City of Industry spent millions of dollars to grade
that land? How many people realize that the City of Industry that
purchased the Boy Scout property continues to make that property
available to them? That's a good neighbor. People can disagree
on whether this is the right location and how this will impact the
lives of residents and how we will need to adapt and adjust.
However, he believed it was inappropriate to demonize the parties
that are involved. The Majestic Foundation and their philanthropic
efforts that this community will benefit from — talk about the NFL
and the NFL Foundation and the players that come to communities
and support that community and surrounding Boards, programs,
kids, education. Through this process and certainly during the last
three meetings reasonable people can agree to disagree
agreeably. C/Tye said he believed this was the best the Council
could do and it is the best that has been negotiated and was willing
to support the agreement tonight.
C/Tanaka thanked staff for doing such a wonderful job in
negotiating with the City of Industry and Majestic Realty and
especially CM/DeStefano and ACM/Doyle and legal counsel,
CA/Jenkins. As everyone heard earlier this was a period of time
when all were challenged with personal feelings about decisions
that would impact residents for a very long time. After considering
staffs reports, project presentations, public comments, emails,
personal conversations and legal counsel, he believed that the City
Council had provided staff with the input and direction needed to
protect the residents of D.B. All of the impacts that were
considered including traffic, public safety, light and noise,
community facilities funds, recreation facilities funds and all of the
supplemental guarantees that were negotiated, he believed the
Council had done the best job it could do. Understanding that a
lawsuit would not guarantee that the project would not move
forward, the Council wanted to make sure that residents were
protected today and for the future. In making his decision this
evening he had to consider what the greatest benefit for the
majority of D.B. residents would be and again, not only for today
but for the future.
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 18 CITY COUNCIL
C/Chang thanked the residents who have come before the City
Council to express their views and appreciated their concerns. He
thanked staff and legal counsel for working with the City Council
and the residents in the best interests of the City of D.B. This is a
big project and during his 11 years of service only one other project
garnered such interest. The City Council understands that this
project will affect residents now and in the future so the Council
was determined to pursue the best interest of the City and its
residents. Residents understand that this City Council was
opposed to the EIR and proceeded to disclose the information to
the public using every means at the City's disposal. The Council's
opposition was simply that the EIR did not fulfill the best interests of
the City of D.B. because it did not address mitigation of traffic and
other impacts to the City of D.B. including air, noise, aesthetics, etc.
The Council's decision was twofold — whether to negotiate with the
City of Industry and Majestic Realty or move forward with a lawsuit.
The Council instructed staff and legal counsel that if the City of
Industry could not meet the City's requirements it would proceed
with the lawsuit. D.B. is fortunate that the City of Industry on March
24 delivered a package to D.B. indicating it would mitigate the
concerns except for the traffic problems affecting the freeways,
which is a separate issue. The City of Industry agreed to mitigate
the local traffic concerns and included many other benefits for the _
City. Staff's presentation was designed to inform the public about
what the City would receive through the settlement agreement. He
reiterated the terms of the settlement agreement. During the past
20 years the City has been incorporated it has made decisions that
have kept it in sound financial condition. Without many funding
tools the City is fortunate to have a reserve every year. The City
does not have redevelopment and does not have much open land
for building and there is no continuity of funding resources, always
a concern of staff and the Council. If D.B. does not have continuity
of funding resources it is very difficult to compete with other cities
for revenue resources. The City Council Members understand
that it cannot please all of the people with every decision but we
believe that the decisions made this evening will address the best
interests of the super majority of its residents for now and in the
future.
M/Everett said the Council has listened to the concerns of its
citizens and read every letter received. Everyone has a Right to
speak and he respects and appreciates every position presented
and thanked residents for being respectful. If the Council votes to
approve the settlement agreement it is a written defined baseline.
The Reality is that jurisdictions and authorities are very important
and the process is very complex. Fiscal budgeting and
Responsibility is not trivial and this City has had a heritage of doing
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 19 CITY COUNCIL
those things very well — not perfect but very well. One of the items
he is deeply concerned with and when he accepted the opportunity
to serve, it was a key factor — and that is, the team members that
are in the fight — the staff, Council and community. This is a great
City with great teams. He heard concerns about a subject he
shares and that is public safety. One cannot put value on a life.
Change is coming and in the last two years he has watched public
safety officials and authorities do great work and he is committed to
that continuing. He pointed out that included in the settlement
agreement is the "establishment of a public safety oversight
committee" that includes the Sheriff's Department, Fire Department,
D.B. and Industry and the stadium personnel. Along with the City
and his colleagues he is committed to providing better public safety
with the resources available. Reference was made tonight and
during previous meetings and in the mail he received that the
Council needed to vote the way it needed to vote but also alluded
to the fact that those individuals, depending on how the vote goes,
were keeping a record and may or may not vote for the current
Council Members in the future. He exclaimed that he wanted to
serve and he wanted to be re-elected but he was not willing to
-- compromise his conscience and the best interest of D.B. The way
he votes and the consequences of his vote he leaves to the
residents. He hoped that no one would leave angry and would
consider that there is a lot within the settlement agreement and a
lot to come to the City in the future. The Responsibility is to protect
and save lives considering the potential of projects around the area.
He said he has high regard and respect for the efforts that
MPT/Herrera and others have put into goods and traffic movement
issue on a local, state, regional and federal level. In referring to all
of the public comments, one gentleman stood out. Ming Lein said
at the last Council Meeting that ."if you build it, they will come. It's
not what comes, but what one does with the opportunity." Mr. Lein
challenged the Council to deal with the problems and make the
opportunity real and significant. This opportunity can provide a
great entertainment possibility for many and funds for the City's
discretion and opportunities not otherwise available. This
agreement can be a baseline for a relationship that can continue as
the City works with developers in the area benefiting all concerned.
C/Tye felt it was important to understand that some people feel that
by filing a lawsuit that challenges the EIR/SEIR it would stop the
project which is not true. It might delay the project but it would not
stop the project. If it isn't the stadium project it will be a warehouse
project. He felt it was important for people to understand that the
filing of a lawsuit would delay the project and not stop it. The first
thing a judge would likely do would be to recommend that all parties
negotiate toward a settlement. In this instance, D.B. has saved a
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 20 CITY COUNCIL
judge the burden of telling all parties to go negotiate. The City has
negotiated in good faith and has done its very, very best possible
toward implementing a useful agreement for the City of D.B.
MPT/Herrera moved, C/Chang seconded, to approve a Settlement
Agreement with the City of Industry regarding the 2008 revised
Industry Business Center Development project (NFL Stadium
based development project) contingent upon receipt of a Mutual
Release from the Industry Urban Development Agency.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tanaka, Tye,
MPT/Herrera, M/Everett
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Chang spoke about the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11 and the
City Birthday Party on Saturday, April 18. He urged staff to expedite its
application for stimulus funds. He again thanked the residents for sharing
their concerns and their time.
C/Tanaka attended the Contract Cities monthly meeting hosted by the City
of Claremont and the Miss Diamond Bar Pageant and congratulated the
16 participants.
C/Tye said it was a pleasure to spend time at last month's California
Contract Cities meeting with Supervisor Don Knabe. Supervisor Knabe
was as outraged as this Council at the theft of the two memorial benches
and has now doubled the $1000 reward to $2000. He participated with
the administration and his wife at Diamond Ranch High School as it
underwent their accreditation review. It is exciting that in 2004-2005 then
Mayor Zirbes asked him to participate in the Library Task Force and
although the library is not the greatest library building it is what the City
has to work with. It was always Bob's goal to make it the best that it could
be. One of the identified goals was to get a shared parking agreement
with the local businesses and that agreement is now under negotiation
with a nearby business. He hoped residents would participate in the
Friends of the Library 16t'' Annual Wine Soiree on April 19. He thanked
everyone for their participation tonight.
MPT/Herrera stated that as a representative of the League of California
Cities Environmental Quality Committee she attended a meeting that was —
primarily about four or five different bills making their way through the
State legislature with provisions for assessing a tax fee on plastic bags
APRIL 7, 2009 PAGE 21 CITY COUNCIL
that major supermarkets use to bag groceries. For the sake of the
environment the State is hoping to completely do away with plastic bags.
Everyone should be aware that this may be coming down the road.
M/Everett thanked and acknowledged two educators from two school
systems who received special recognition from the San Gabriel Branch of
the NAACP — Mrs. Helen Hall, a 24 -year WVUSD Board Member and Dr.
Thelma Melendez de Santiago, Superintendent, PUSD. He displayed a
photograph of the 16 participants in the Miss Diamond Bar Pageant and
recognized the individual board members. He thanked the participants
and congratulated the winners. The Friends of the Library do a great job
and the Spelling Bee is a model event that everyone can be proud of and
encouraged everyone to attend the Wine Soiree. He acknowledged the
testament of those who received donations from the Donate Life
California. The Sexual Assault Awareness and Denim Day on April 22 are
serious issues in this society. It will be a treat for anyone who participates
in the great dining experience at the East 180 Cuisine. Remember the
Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast on April 11 and the City's 20th
Birthday Party on April 18.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Everett
adjourned the regular City Council meeting at 10:25 p.m.
TOMMYE RIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 21s day of April ,
2009.
RON EVERETT, MAYOR