HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/02/2010 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
NOVEMBER 2, 2010
STUDY SESSION: M/Herrera called the Study Session to order at
5:15 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 Ling -Ling Chang, Ron
Everett, Jack Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Tye and Mayor Carol Herrera.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; Linda Magnuson, Finance Director; David Liu, Public
Works Director; Rick Yee, Senior Civil Engineer; Erwin Ching, Assistant
Engineer-, Kimberly Molina, Associate Engineer; Anthony Santos, Management
Analyst; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City
Manager; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager, and Tommye Cribbins, City
Clerk.
Also Present: Traffic and Transportation Commissioners Ken
Mok, Leanne Pincher; Kevin House, Jimmy Lin, Loren Bloomberg with CH2M
Hill, Steve Brown and Anna Luo with Fehrs & Peers, John Ballas, Wei Koo and
Eduardo Pereira, City of Industry and Ben Jong, Los Angeles County
Metropolitan Authority.
PROJECT UPDATES FOR SR 57160 INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENT
FEASIBILITY STUDY AND GRAND AVENUE CONFLUENCE PROJECT
— Discussion and Action.
Following a brief overview, PWD/Liu introduced Loren Bloomberg, with
CH2M Hill, who presented the proposed SIR 57/60 Interchange
Improvement Project concepts with emphasis on traffic issues which
included weaving problems when freeways are widened to too many
lanes, truck traffic and lack of effective freeway connectors. He stated that
several concepts were considered from which the list was narrowed to
three alternatives (5, 8 and 10), which he explained in more detail using
the Power Point presentation.
PWD/Liu indicated that the next step toward moving forward with the
project was funding which would be a challenge. The long range
transportation plan would cost approximately $475 million; however, that
money won't be available until 2023 which means the big fix
improvements would not commence until 2029. In the meantime, D.B. is
doing everything possible to keep the momentum going to get this project
listed in the next Federal transportation bill.
Following discussion, Steve Brown, with Fehrs & Peers presented an
update on the Grand Avenue project. He stated that the key aspect of the
November 2, 2010 Page 2 City Council Study Session
project is to construct a bypass that takes traffic from the SR60 to Grand
Avenue without having to merge with the SR57 traffic before exiting Grand
Avenue. This would remove the weaving condition, improve capacity and
improve safety. The second aspect is improving the interchange by
widening the structure, adding additional lanes on the over crossing,
adding an onramp, and widening Grand Avenue. Construction on the first
phase is scheduled to commence in 2011 and be completed in 2012 with
the rest of the project beginning in 2013 and concluding in 2016.
PWD/Liu spoke about the funding of the Grand Avenue project and the
quest for regional support for future environmental and economic benefits.
SCE[Yee showed Council a simulation of the merger of the two freeways
and how the bypass would alleviate the weaving condition with the new
ramps in place.
CM/DeStefano talked about the Lemon Avenue project and how the
discussion has focused on "right of way takings" for the ramps and what is
being proposed to make those minimal property takings.
PWD/Liu said that with Concept A, most of the right of way taking affects
the golf course and to a lesser degree, residential properties.
CM/DeStefano stated that on the golf course side of the freeway it may
require a sliver from the hotel but won't affect the operation of the Ayers
Suites. It may require a sliver of property behind the Best Western hotel
or the businesses between the Best Western and Diamond Bar Boulevard,
but that too will not affect the businesses. Across the street (Chevron,
East 180, etc) it picks up pieces of the back of their properties adjacent to
the freeway but does not affect the operation of their businesses. On the
golf course it will cause the redesign of nine holes of the golf course. At
point of construction, nine holes will be shut down and once those nine
holes are redesigned and substantial improvements made to the golf
course, those nine holes will be reopened.
PWD/Liu stated that in order to move the project forward, Council will be
asked to take certain actions such as co-op agreements for Grand Avenue
and right-of-way issues. Further, it is likely that there will be co-op
agreements between D.B. and Caltrans and D.B. and the City of Industry.
Additionally, the Council and staff will need to make sure that everyone
understands that the City is advocating this project and needs financial
help and regional support to get these projects completed.
M/Herrera asked how long the engineering studies are good.
PWD/Liu responded that the environmental studies are good for 2, 3, 4
years subject to changes that call for updates. It is important that the
construction follows the studies. At some point they will require additional
November 2, 2010
Page 3 City Council Study Session
environmental studies which could require a significant investment. D.B.
will continue to work with Industry to come upwith the next level of study
and D.B. may have to come back to the City Council for participation in the
feasibility study. In addition, staff continues to pursue appropriation
requests from congress members.
M/Herrera said that it was likely that Council and staff would travel to
Washington D.C. to again lobby for funds when it appears the
transportation bill will receive serious consideration.
John Ballas with the City of Industry stated that his City is doing everything
it can to move these projects forward.
Public Comments: None Offered.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to discuss, M/Herrera
adjourned the Study Session at 6:07 p.m.
TOMMYE! CRIBBINS, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 1 ct-h day of
2010.
CAROL HERF�ERA, Mayor
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
NOVEMBER 2, 2010
CLOSED SESSION: 4:30 p.m., Room CC -8
Public Comments on Closed Session Agenda
► Government Code Section 54957
Public Employee City Manager Performance Evaluation
STUDY SESSION: 5:15 p.m., Room CC -8
► Project Updates for SR 57/60 Interchange Improvement Feasibility
Study and Grand Avenue Confluence Project — Discussion and
Action
Public Comment: None Offered
Study Session recessed at 6:07 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera called the Regular City Council
- - meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in The Government Center/SCAQMD Auditorium,
21865 Copley Dr., Diamond Bar, CA.
M/Herrera announced that the City Council had met in Closed Session to discuss
the City Manager's evaluation and that during the Study Session Council had
received an update on the SR57/60 Interchange Improvement Feasibility Study
and the Grand Avenue Confluence Project. No action was taken in either matter
and no public comments were received.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Herrera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Lee Bendeli gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Ling -Ling Chang, Ron
Everett, Jack Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Tye and Mayor Carol Herrera.
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;
Rick Yee, Senior Civil Engineer; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City Manager;
Christy Murphey, Recreation Supervisor; Anthony Santos, Management Analyst;
Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; and, Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: None
CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None
NOVEMBER 2, 2010 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
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4
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Jesse Lantz, D.B. Library Manager, announced a new "Baby Time"
reading program for ages 0-12 months held on the first and third Fridays
of each month at 10:30 a.m. as well as other programs offered by the Los
Angeles County Library. He invited everyone to check with the library on
all programs offered.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Eco Expo — November 6, 2010 — 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — Pantera
Park, 738 Pantera Drive.
5.2 Planning Commission Meeting — November 9, 2010 — 7:00 p.m.,
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
5.3 Veteran's Celebration — November 10, 2010 — 9:00 a.m. to 11:00
a.m. — Diamond Bar Center Grand View Ballroom, 1600 Grand
Avenue.
5.4 Veteran's Holiday — November 11, 2010 — City Offices closed in
observance of Veterans Holiday. City Offices reopen Friday,
November 12, 2010 at 7:30 a.m.
5.4 City Council Meeting — November 16, 2010 — 6:30 p.m.,
AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Chang moved, C/Everett 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, Everett, Tanaka,
MPT/Tye, M/Herrera
None
None
6.1.1 Study Session of October 19, 2010 — Approved as
submitted.
6.1.2 Regular Meeting of October 19, 2010 — Approved as
submitted.
6.2 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of
September 28, 2010 - Received and filed.
NOVEMBER 2, 2010 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER Dated October 14, 2010 Through
October 27, 2010, Totaling $1,819,733.74.
6.4 AUTHORIZED CITY MANAGER TO EXCEED PURCHASING
AUTHORITY OF $25,000 TO EXTEND THE VENDOR SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH ACCESS CONTROL SECURITY, INC. FOR
SECURITY SERVICES IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$30,000 FOR FY 2010-11; PLUS, APPROPRIATED $22,700 TO
FULLY FUND THE AGREEMENT DURING FY 2010-11 BUDGET.
6.5 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 04(2010): AMENDING IN ITS
ENTIRETY CHAPTER 8.16 OF TITLE 8 OF THE DIAMOND BAR
MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATION SOLID WASTE AND
RECYCLABLE MATERIAL COLLECTION AND AMENDING THE
DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE.
Due to the time, Council Subcommittee Reports/Council Member
Comments were brought forward prior to the scheduled Public
Hearing.
- 9. COUNCIL , SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTSICOUNCIL MEMBER
COMMENTS:
C/Everett announced that last week was Red Ribbon Week and that he
along with other Council Members attended events at Pantera
Elementary, Armstrong Elementary and Diamond Point Elementary. He
thanked staff, volunteers and DB4-Youth for a great job with the annual
Haunted House and Fall Fun Festival. He invited everyone to participate
in the annual Veteran's Recognition on Wednesday, November 10 at the
Diamond Bar Center from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and the ECO Expo at
Pantera Park this coming Saturday, November 6.
C/Tanaka also spoke about Red Ribbon Week; the Haunted House and
Fall Fun Festival and attending the LA County Fair D.B. Day Community
meeting. He congratulated all the students who participated in the Read
Together D.B. Challenge and the winners from Susanne Middle School.
He also commended the students from the Civics class attending tonight's
meeting.
C/Chang encouraged everyone to follow her activities on Facebook. She
commended teachers and students on a very successful Red Ribbon
Week in D.B. She reminded residents that the second forum on the Site D
Specific Plan will be held at the WVUSD Board meeting on November 9th
and thanked everyone who participated in the first forum. She shared her
thoughts on the focus group and asked residents to contact her with their
thoughts. She announced that the Diamond Bar Community Foundation
Fundraising Gala will be held at the Diamond Bar Center on November 13
NOVEMBER 2, 2010 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. and she encouraged everyone to vote.
MPT/Tye hoped residents would not take the voting process for granted
and get out and vote and honor the veterans November 11 who fought for
the right to vote. There is a lot to do in and hoped residents would
participate and support the Diamond Bar Foundation's Gala Fundraiser
and DBHS Brahma Foundation's Annual Performing Arts Showcase on
Friday, November 19 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m.
M/Herrera reiterated that today is Election Day and there are many
important issues on the ballot so she hopes everyone will vote. She
announced that Foothill Transit received a Federal Grant of $10 million for
its electric buses. The entire State received $27 million. Foothill Transit
recently began running three electric busses from Pomona to Laverne.
With approval by CA/Jenkins, M/Herrera went on to the Public Hearing.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7:00 p.m.
7.1 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2010-37: CONFIRMING A COST
REPORT FOR NUISANCE ABATEMENT COSTS CONCERNING
24236 SPRINGWOOD DRIVE (APN: 8701-013-029) AND
ESTABLISHING A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AND LIEN
THEREON. --
CM/DeStefano introduced Management Analyst Anthony Santos
who gave staffs presentation.
MA/Santos stated that due to the high maintenance standards of
the D.B. community, the act of abating public nuisances by code
enforcement staff is a practice that the City rarely engages in. He
provided a brief overview of the process and stated that the
enforcement process began with a routine code enforcement patrol
on April 26, 2010 with issuance of a courtesy notice. Subsequently,
a violation notice and courtesy letter were issued. Additionally,
enforcement escalated to include the issuance of two citations
bringing the total number of notifications to five to date. After giving
the property owners a fair chance to take care of the problem and
observing the property conditions continuing to deteriorate with no
indication that the situation would improve, under his scope of
authority, the Community Development Director, declared the
property a public nuisance. On July 15, 2010 an Abatement
Warrant was secured and a landscape contractor was utilized to
clear the overgrown conditions as depicted in his power point
presentation. The City is authorized to seek fair compensation for ---
the expenses incurred in performing the abatement. Per the City's
Development Code, an effective method for cost recovery is to
NOVEMBER 2, 2010 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
impose a special assessment on the property that becomes due
with the property's tax bill. The assessment before the Council this
evening is for the amount of $1,563.86. The purpose of tonight's
hearing is to present Council with staffs accounting of the costs
incurred by the City excluding attorney's fees; allow the owners to
be heard, and ask Council to render a decision whether or not to
impose the assessment and if so, to set the amount to be
assessed. While the property shows improvement, staff will
continue to monitor the property for compliance. Staff's
recommendation is that the City Council adopts the resolution to
authorize the City to record a special assessment of $1,563.86.
The resolution contains a provision giving the owner 10 days to pay
prior to the assessment being filed with LA County.
MPT/Tye stated that one of the slides appears to show a pool filter
and a pool net and yet, there is no indication that a pool had to be
emptied.
MA/Santos returned to the aerial photo of the property which
showed no pool. In fact, the overview shows that the only pool is
across the way.
MPT/Tye said the property looks improved to the point of the lawn
being green and under care.
MA/Santos said it appears that someone is taking care of the
property. However, staff has been unable to verify whether it is
being cared for and if so, who is providing the care.
M/Herrera asked if staff planted grass in the front yard.
MA/Santos stated that grass had not been planted but that it had
rained a couple of weeks ago that could have helped green the
lawn.
M/Herrera opened the Public Hearing at 7:05 p.m.
With no one present who wished to provide testimony, M/Herrera
asked if the property owner of 24236 Springwood Drive, Diamond
Bar, California, was in the room. No one responded.
M/Herrera closed the Public Hearing at 7:06 p.m.
MPT/Tye asked staff to again state whether the property owner had
time to take care of this obligation prior to a lien being placed on the
property.
NOVEMBER 2, 2010 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
CA/Jenkins responded in the affirmative.
MPT/Tye asked for the time frame.
CA/Jenkins reiterated that the property owner would be given 10
days notice before a lien was filed.
C/Everett moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to adopt Resolution No.
2010-37: Confirming a Cost Report for Nuisance Abatement Costs
concerning 24236 Springwood Drive (APN: 8701-013-029) and
establishing a Special Assessment and Lien thereon. Motion
carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Everett, Tanaka,
MPT/Tye, M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: None
9. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Herrera
adjourned the Regular City Council meeting at 7:07 p.m.
L lK
TOMMYE tRIBBINS,,CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 16th day Of �QmhAr
2010.
&4�4A4J'
CAROL HERRERA, MAYOR