HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/02/2012 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
OCTOBER 2, 2012
STUDY SESSION: M/Chang called the Study Session to order at 5:30
p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, 21865 Copley
Drive, Diamond Bar, California..
Present: Council Members, Ron Everett, Carol Herrera, Steve
Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Jack Tanaka and Mayor Ling -Ling Chang.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; Dianna Honeywell, Finance
Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director;
Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City
Manager; Kimberly Young, Associate Engineer; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Marsha
Roa, Public Information Manager, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
0- SR -60 FREEWAY/LEMON AVENUE PARTIAL DIAMOND INTERCHANGE
PROJECT UPDATE — AE/Young
0- REGIONAL FREEWAY AND TRANSPORTATION PROJECT UPDATES AND
PRESENTATION OF MAP -21 — PWD/Liu
CM/DeStefano stated that it has been several months since staff updated the City
Council on the City's Freeway project efforts. Tonight the City Council will receive a
report on these pending items as well as, a report on a couple of projects that are
occurring in Pomona and Brea areas and how MAP -21 signed by President Obama in
July applies to the freeway confluence project. During tonight's regular meeting, staff
will present a summary version under City Manager Reports and Recommendations for
the public's information.
AENoung stated that the Partial Diamond Interchange will consist of a westbound
onramp, an eastbound off ramp and eastbound onramp. Once the interchange is
constructed the Brea Canyon hook ramps at Golden Springs will be removed; however,
the existing westbound Brea Canyon on and off ramps will remain open. Since the April
update, right-of-way coordination began with the State as lead on all right-of-way
acquisitions and negotiations with affected property owners. The authorization to
proceed was received in March and residents and commercial property owners were
sent notice of decision for acquisitions and negotiations for partial property takings and
temporary construction. Inspections were set up with the appraisers to determine fair -
market value of properties. Once the appraisal amount was approved by the State the
State had 30 days to present an "offer to purchase" to each of the property owners.
Likewise, the property owners had 30 days to accept or deny the offer. In the event the
owners reject or ignore the offer condemnation proceedings would begin. The right-of-
way impacts that will be imposed are to seven private property partial takes, five
residential rear yard and two commercial property slivers (the landscaped corner at the
shopping center located at the northwest corner of Lemon Avenue and Golden Springs
Drive and approximately nine parking spaces at LA Fitness). In addition to the property
OCTOBER 2, 2012 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
partial takes there are 13 temporary construction easements which will be reverted back
to the property owners once construction is completed. There are nine rear yard TCE's
and four commercial property TCE slivers. The commercial property acquisitions have
not been completed. Residential Parcels 1 through 4 are temporary construction
easements only. Parcel 4 has accepted the State's offer and escrow has closed on that
TCE. Parcels 5 through 9 are partial takes and have grade construction easements.
Offers have been presented to Parcels 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and the owners have either
ignored or denied the State's offer and are scheduled to go to the October CTC review
at which time a resolution of necessity will need to be passed to begin condemnation
proceedings. Property owners will have the opportunity to negotiate during the
condemnation proceedings. Parcels 2, 3 and 9 have requested that the TCE lines be
redrawn in an attempt to avoid impacts to certain property features — Parcel 2 — patio
cover, Parcel 3 — pool and Parcel 9 — pool. Once the designers redraw the TCE's the
appraisers will go back out to reappraise the property and present new offers to the
property owners. In the event the owners do not accept the new offers they will be
scheduled for the December CTC's.
AE/Young reported that the State's current estimated right-of-way budget is $2.23
million. The City of Industry has committed to pay the State 100 percent of the cost up-
front and IDB will obtain reimbursement to the City of Industry through the Federal
SAFETEA-LU Funds (a reimbursement fund) after invoices are submitted to provide
expenditure of funds up to $1.12 million and the remaining $1.1 million will be funded
fully by the City of I-ndustry. A Memorandum of Understanding which is on the City
Council agenda for consideration this evening is to be executed between the City of
Industry and.DB to outline the reimbursement funds. The total project resources and
budget include about $16 million in funds that includes $8.6 million in SAFETEA-LU
Funds; $400,000 in Highway Safety Improvement Program funds; $2.3 in Metro Prop C
and $4.9 from City of Industry. The current suggested cost for the project totaled
$22.33 million and includes the Environmental Document and Design $2.78 million,
Right -of -Way phase $2.23 million, Estimated Construction with 5% Contingency for
$13.60 million, and Construction Management Costs of $3.72 million (Caltrans
estimate). This leaves a project shortfall of $6.14 million which Industry has verbally
committed to paying in the event that additional funding sources cannot be obtained
through DB or Industry. Current Schedule is as follows. Right-of-way phase: Projected
completion in December 2013; Ready to List December 2013; Construction project to
begin May 2014 with completion by the end of calendar year 2015.
C/Herrera asked if staff had pursued funding from Caltrans for this project.
PWD/Liu responded yes, butt
here is no funding source available from them.
C/Herrera asked about Metro and PWD/Liu responded that this was one of the funding
sources the City had obtained in the year just past. Currently, there is County
participation, Federal Government participation, and City of Industry as a local funding
resource. The State has no funding resources for this project and the only commitment
they have made is for administrative support.
OCTOBER 2,2012 PAGE 3 . CC STUDY SESSION,
PWD/Liu reported that the SR60/Grand Avenue Confluence Project is purposely
designed to alleviate some of the weaving movements within the Grand Avenue
segment of the interchange by building a series of bypass collector roads. As part of
the funding strategy, this project has been developed into three phases: 1) Westbound
SR -60 Slip Ramp; Phase 11 — Local Improvements at Grand Avenue and Golden
Springs Drive and along street frontage to the Diamond Bar Golf Course; Phase III —
Grand Avenue Bridge Widening, Bypass roads, and on/off ramp reconfig u ration. Phase
I is fully funded by the County as well as Industry's participation. Total cost is estimated
at $16.5 million and to date, the Environmental Document has been certified, the plans
and specs are currently being reviewed by Caltrans, right-of-way activities have
commenced, and construction is scheduled to begin July 2013 and completed by the
end of 2014. The channel replacement for this project has been completed. Phase 11 is
fully funded between the County, Metro and City of Industry. The EIR approval is
expected next year with construction scheduled to begin in 2014 and proceed through
2015. Estimated resource needs is at $15 million and Caltrans is conducting the
administrative review of the Draft EIR. Phase III has yet to be finalized with respect to
funding. The estimated cost is at $233.5 Million; however, in order to move the project
forward, the City of Industry has committed to completing the EIR and design.
Completion of this project will depend on funding sources and availability. This phase is
expected to begin May 2015 and continue through 2017. There are other major
components of the "Big Fix" for the SR57/60 and staff would like for the City Council to
continue to note that these major and missing components are critical to staffs ongoing
efforts. There are missing connectors within the SR57 and SR60 such as the
westbound SR60 bypass to Grand Avenue as well as, the carpool lane connectors from
the SR57 to the SR60 and vice versa, at the north end of the interchange the carpool
lane from the SR60 to the northbound SR57 and the reverse thereof. In order to
complete these missing connectors an additional $1 million would be required. With
respect to the City's next step, staff will continue to pursue funding options for the
Project Study Report to further study the missing connectors and the westbound 60 to
Grand Avenue.
C/Herrera asked if staff knew what the Project Study would cost
PWDILiu responded that it was estimated to cost'between $300,000 and $500,000. If
the study looked at missing connectors only the cost would be about $200,000.
C/Herrera asked if DB would pay for the Study.
PWD/Liu said it was not staffs plan. Staff is talking with other stakeholders. In fact, he
and CM/DeStefano spoke with Doug Failing about a possible opportunity to work with
the County as well as, Caltrans on the PSR. Mr. Failing said although he had nothing
available at this time he mentioned that if Measure J (30 -year extension) gets approved
by the voters in November there would be an opportunity for DB to work closely with
Metro and Caltrans as well as, the City of Industry for funding the PSR. ClHerrera
asked whether staff knew if the PSR would be eligible for funding under the Measure R
extension.
OCTOBER 2,2012 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION
PWD/Liu responded yes, it would be eligible. If the City wants to look at that option it
would need to start the PSR study now to see what the ultimate solution might be.
C/Herrera said she was under the impression when this matter was discussed a couple
of years ago that it was a compromise agreement and that the entire Big Fix would be
$500-$900 million and that to go to Washington DC to obtain Federal Funding for that
much money the City would have the door closed so the project was purposely scaled
back to what was doable and that was the plan that was developed along with the City
of Industry for the $233-$240 million. She wondered why the City was going to a big
major plan. PWD/Liu explained that the plan had to match Metro's Transportation Plan.
The SR57/60 improvements include all of the components, not just the Grand Avenue
Confluence project. At this point, neither Metro nor Caltrans know what they need to
do. They have indicated that within this region, there are two priority projects for them —
the SR57/60 and SR71.
M/Chang said that trips to Washington, DC have been only for the primary project and
not for" the connectors which was a point of contention with the SCAG Regional
Transportation Project because DB was pushing for the connectors and part of the
argument was that no one wanted these connectors except for DB. Initially, the City
advocated for the $233 million for Industry's supportive segment.
C/Herrera agreed and said it was a compromised plan. Her question is that if DB
pursues getting funding for the PSR and pursues for the missing connectors and the
carpool lanes will that completely unravel what DB has been working on with the City of
Industry for the past several years.
CM/DeStefano responded no, not at all, because this discussion talks about years in the
future that this will take and part of what DB will need to know and has wanted to know
for awhile, is the impact the SR71 completion has on the discussion. Some members of
Caltrans believe that the SR71 is the solution to the problem reducing the amount of
traffic that moves from the SR57 to the SR60 and vice versa. DB is not so sure which
goes back to the development of the PSR but this will not disrupt what is being done
with the City of Industry, the lobbying efforts or the funding opportunities. This is so-
called Phase IV that is years in the future.
C/Herrera asked if the plan for these connectors will interface and overlay and be in
perfect alignment with the first three phases.
PWD/Liu said that staff has been working closely with Industry to make certain the
funding is nailed down. After completion of all three phases, if DB continues to pursue
the construction of any major components aforementioned, the engineers will make
certain that it will all fit together
C/Herrera asked what DB's stand is on pursuing these connectors on its own if City of
Industry does not want to pursue the plan?
OCTOBER 2,2012 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION
CM/DeStefano said that Caltrans likely has a higher priority and focus on the HOV
connectors. After that it is a tossup and more likely the Grand Avenue piece and then
the missing connectors. Caltrans probably has the least interest in the missing
connectors. D13 would be on its own and would have to find partners and prove that the
resources that would be allocated to the missing connectors were the most appropriate
use of the funds versus any other competing project. CM/DeStefano said he believed it
would be tough because DB would be on its own. Pomona would not be interested in
assisting and other cities up and down the SR 57 are not going to be interested
because it is not on the "preferred" side of the street — it is not cargo leaving the ports
going to Indiana, it's the empty trucks coming back. It does not mean that the City does
not push forward and not try to gain partners and gain solutions as DB has on many
things over the years. The wildcard is the San Jose Creek Wash Truck Lane project
and whether it is a figment of SCAG's imagination in order to get their Air Quality Plan
approved or is it a project that is going to have life. It is a biilions-of-dollars project and
it effectively dumps onto the intersection of the SR57 and SR60. There is no
discussion, no planning effort at all regarding how it will connect and how it will then
translate down the SR60 to the SR15.
C/Herrera said that question will be answered by February/March 2013 by the SCAG
Goods Movement Subcommittee which she was recently appointed to. One of the
members requested more detail on the proposed truck lanes, where they will be located
instead of just constantly talking about "it is somewhere within a 5 -mile swath along the
alignment of SR60". SCAG responded that they would provide the subcommittee with
the information.
CM/DeStefano said he did not believe there would be any level of detail that would
inform DB, he felt it would be a matter of the fundamental of whether or not it is the
creek or some other parallel route but the actual details would be years away.
PWD/Liu reported that the SR71 Freeway Gap Closure is really a widening project to
the existing four -lane expressway by adding additional mixed flow and carpool lanes in
each direction between the SR10 and SR60. The project has been divided into two
segments — the first being the segment (approximately 1.7 miles) between Interstate 10
to Mission Boulevard and the second being Mission Boulevard to Rio Rancho Road
near the SR60 (about 2.6 miles). In order to facilitate this project and accelerate
delivery of these improvements Metro will advance this project by funding the project as
part of the Highway Goods Movement public/private partnership bundlelpackage. If the
project begins in 2014 it is estimated it will be completed in 2018-2019. The first
segment is estimated to cost $115 million and the second segment $330 million. Metro
believes it can accomplish this under P-3 and of course Pomona is very excited about
this strategy. At the same time DB needs to watch this project very closely to determine
whether this project will actually help to eliminate cut -through traffic on DB streets.
PWD/Liu indicated that another project important to Orange County is the SR57 Truck
Climbing Lane between Lambert Road to the Orange County/LA County line. This high
priority highway project is part of the Orange County Goods Movement Policy as well as
OCTOBER 2,2012 PAGE 6 CC STUDY SESSION
the SCAG Multi -County Goods Movement Action Plan. The project is considered a pilot
project by Orange County with an estimated cost of $155 million and will add a
northbound truck lane for approximately two miles in addition to the four (4) general
purpose lanes and one (1) carpool lane. The stated goals are that this will help Orange
County improve truck travel speed, reduce congestion, increase mobility and improve
safety. Currently, this project is in the process of completing a Draft EIR and
construction is tentatively scheduled to start in 2028. DB knows there have been
ongoing efforts to accelerate this project to much sooner than 2028. DB learned that
according to OCTA, truck traffic is very, very considerable. In 2000 northbound
vehicular traffic was over 110,000 daily vehicles with 22,000 of that number being truck
traffic. Projecting to 2020, the daily traffic will be 280,000, 40,000 of which will be truck
traffic coming from Lambert toward DB. Unfortunately, Metro does not have this project
in their long-range transportation plan.
PWD/Liu reported on'MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21't Century Act)
which was signed into law by President Obama on July 6, 2012, which establishes a
National Freight Policy and calls for the establishment of a National Freight Network
consisting of three (3) components: A primary Freight Network (PFN), Interstate
System, and critical rural freight corridors and provides over $105 billion for FY 2013-
2014. What is important is that MAP -21 contains specific provisions for a national
freight policy and funding. He explained the details of the program using a slide
presentation. When it comes to MAP -21 provisions, the Federal DOT has until October
2013 to come up with the network system. The two-year bill will expire October 1, 2014
so the City needs to make sure that the House and Senate are willing to commit more
resources to establish the $2 billion investment for the freight transportation
i nfrastru ctu re fo r FY 2 015.
C/Herrera asked how staff defines "freight transportation".
PWD/Liu responded rails and highways.
C/Herrera said that if DB wants the SR57/60 to be included it means DB has to accept
truck lanes in some fashion as a possibility and that is what DB is agreeing to in order to
get part of the $2 billion.
PWD/Liu said that C/Herrera was correct and one of the questions staff asked Metro
yesterday was whether they felt the SR60 was the appropriate corridor and they said
they felt that the SR60 was the correct corridor for the freight system.
C/Herrera said the reality is that trucks are traveling more heavily on the SR60 because
it is a more level corridor than the 1.0 freeway where they have difficulty climbing
Kellogg Hill.
PWID/Liu concluded that staff would continue to monitor all projects that would affect DB
and the surrounding area.
OCTOBER 2, 20112 PAGE 7 CC STUDY SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City Council,
M/Chang adjourned the Study Session at 6.22 p.m. to the Regular City Council Meeting.
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TOMMYtCRIBBINS, 6ity Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 161--h day of c),t,h,, 12012.
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MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
OCTOBER 2, 2012
STUDY SESSION: 5:30 p.m., Room CC -8, SCAQMD, 21865
Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
► SR60 Freeway/Lemon Avenue Partial Diamond Interchange Project
Update
► Regional Freeway and Transportation Project Updates and Presentation
of MAP 21
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Ling -Ling Chang called the Regular City
Council meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. in the SCAQMD Main Auditorium, 21865
Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
CM/DeStefano reported that during tonight's Study Session that began at 5:30
p.m. Public Work's staff provided the Council with an update on several freeway
projects as well as, some of the provisions relevant to the upcoming SR57160
Confluence Project "Big Fix" provided in the recent MAP -21 legislation signed by
President Obama in July. Under "City Manager Reports and Recommendations"
PWD/Liu will provide a synopsis of the discussion. No actions were taken on the
items.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Council Member Carol Herrera led the Pledge
of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Pastor Bob Stebe, Northminster Presbyterian
Church, gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Ron Everett, Carol Herrera,
Steve Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Jack Tanaka and Mayor Ling -Ling Chang.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; Michael Jenkins, City Attorney; Dianna Honeywell,
Finance Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Greg Gubman, Community
Development Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Ken Desforges,
IS Director; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City Manager; Kimberly Young,
Associate Engineer; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator, and
Tomrnye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 M/Chang and the City Council presented a City Tile to Captain
Halm who accepted on behalf of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's
Derartment Diamond Bar/Walnut Sub -Station on the occasion of its
25t Anniversary.
OCTOBER 2, 2012 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
CM/DeStefano stated that during tonight's study session staff provided an
update on the SR60 projects that are underway which include: the Lemon
Avenue Interchange, the Confluence Project (SR57/60 crossover) as well
as bringing the City Council up to speed on a couple of area projects that
will impact DB positively when concluded (the Pomona SR71 project and
the Truck Climbing Lane project on northbound SR57 a few years from
now). Staff also provided the City Council with a briefing on the MAP -21
provisions that were enacted by the President's signature in July. At this
time, staff will present` an overview for the public.
2.1 Updates of Regional Freeway and Transportation Projects;
Presentation of the Freight Provision of MAP -21 — PWD/Liu.
AENoung stated that the SR60/Lemon Avenue Partial Interchange
Project consists of a westbound onramp, eastbound off ramp and
eastbound onramp. A westbound off ramp was not pursued due to
the extent of right-of-way impacts that would have been incurred to
construct the ramp. Once the partial Diamond Interchange is
constructed the existing Brea Canyon eastbound on and off ramp
(hook ramps) will be permanently closed; however, the existing
westbound on and off ramp at Brea Canyon Road will remain open.
The authorization to proceed with the right-of-way acquisitions was
issued by the State in March 2012 and the residential/commercial
property owners that will be impacted by this project have been
sent a Notice of Decision to Appraise from the State. Appraisals
are currently underway for seven private property partial takes, five
residential and two commercial properties, as well as, 13 temporary
construction easements for nine residential and four commercial
properties. The temporary construction easements will be fully
reverted back to each property owner upon completion of
construction. Once an appraisal price for each of these partial
takes and TCE's is approved by the State it will have 30 -days to
present the offer to purchase to each of the owners and in turn, the
owners will have 30 -days to either accept or deny the offer. In the
event the owners reject or ignore the offer, condemnation
proceedings will commence. However, each owner is given the
right to negotiate with the State for the duration of the
condemnation proceedings. The total right-of-way phase of the
budget is estimated at approximately $2.23 million and the City of
Industry has committed to paying the State 100 percent of the cost
upfront and will in turn be reimbursed with the Federal SAFETEA-
LU funds that DB has earmarked for the project. The Federal
SAFETEA-LU reimbursement is estimated at $1.12 million. DB and
Industry will have to execute a Memorandum of Understanding to
outline the reimbursement terms that DB will pay to Industry
OCTOBER 2, 2012 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
(Agenda Item 6.5). The total project resources that have been
attained to date are $16.19 million which includes $8.6 million in
SAFETEA-LU Funds; $400,000 in Highway Safety Improvement
Program funds; $2.3 million in Metro Prop C funds. In addition,
Industry has committed upfront a total of $4.9 million toward this
project. The current suggested cost for the project totaled $22.33
million and includes the Environmental Document and Design
phase, Right -of -Way phase,
Estimated Construction with 5 percent Contingency, and
Construction Management Costs whichwillleave an approximate
project shortfall of $6.14 million which Industry has verbally
committed to paying in the event that additional funds cannot be
obtained through other means. Current Schedule for the project is
as follows: Right-of-way phase - Projected completion in
December 2013; Ready to List December 2013 for construction;
Construction project to begin May 2014 with a projected completion
by the end of calendar year 2015.
PWD/Liu reported that the SR601Grand Avenue Confluence Project
is purposely designed to alleviate some of the weaving movements
within the Grand Avenue segment of the interchange by building a
series of bypass collector roads. As part of the funding strategy,
this project has been developed into three phases: 1) Westbound
SR -60 Slip Ramp at Grand Avenue; Phase II — Local Improvements
at Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive and along street
frontage to the Diamond Bar Golf Course; Phase III — Grand
Avenue Bridge Widening, Bypass roads, and onloff ramp
reconfiguration. Phase I is fully funded by the County as well as
Industry's participation. Total cost is estimated at $16.5 million and
to date, the Environmental Document has been certified, the plans
and specs are currently being reviewed by Caltrans, right-of-way
activities have commenced, and construction is scheduled to begin
July 2013 and completed by the end of 2014. The channel
replacement for this, project has been completed. Phase II is fully
funded by and between the County and City of Industry. The EIR
approval is expected next year with construction scheduled to begin
in 2014 and proceed through 2015. Estimated resource needs is at
15 million and Caltrans is conducting the administrative review of
the Draft EIR. Phase III has yet to be finalized with respect to
funding. The estimated cost is at $233.5 Million; however, in order
to move the project forward, the City of Industry has committed to
completing the EIR and design in 2014. Completion of this project
will depend on funding sources and availability. This phase is
expected to begin May 2015 and continue through 2017.
OCTOBER 2, 2012 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
PWD/Liu stated that beyond these three phases there are other
major components of the "Big Fix" for the SR57160 and those major
and missing components will require further studies and resources.
Staff will continue to pursue other funding options for the project
study report in order to study the missing components along this
important interchange and will also continue to coordinate with
Industry as well as, other stakeholders to continue pursuing any
local, state and federal grants or funding opportunities to finance
Phase III.
PWD/Liu further stated that the SR71 Freeway Gap Closure
between the SR10 and SR60 is a widening project that will widen
the existing four -lane expressway by adding a mixed flow and a
carpool lane in each direction between the SR10 and SR60. The
project has been divided into two segments — the first being the
segment between Interstate 10 to Mission Boulevard
(approximately 1.7 miles) and the second being Mission Boulevard
to Rio Rancho Road near the SR60 (about 2.6 miles). The first
segment is estimated to cost $115 million and the second segment
$330 million. To save costs and to accelerate delivery of these
improvements, Metro, working closely with Pomona has bundled
this with five other highway projects as part of the County's
Highway Goods Movement Public/Private Partnership Bundle
(package). Measure R will be one of the county's major funding
sources together with anticipated private funding sources which will
accelerate the improvements.
PWD/Liu indicated that another project important to Orange County
is the SR57 Truck Climbing Lane between Lambert Road to the
Orange County/LA County line. This project is part of the Orange
County Goods Movement Policy as well as the SCAG Multi -County
Goods Movement Action Plan and is considered a high priority
highway project by Orange County with an estimated cost of $155
million and will add a northbound truck lane for approximately two
miles in addition to the four (4) general purpose lanes and one (1)
carpool lane. The stated goals are that this will help Orange
County improve truck travel speed, reduce congestion, increase
mobility and improve safety. Currently, this project is in the process
of completing a Draft EIR and construction is tentatively scheduled
to start in 2028. DB knows there have been ongoing efforts to
accelerate this project to 10 years sooner.
PWD/Liu reported on MAP -21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the
21st Century Act) which was signed into law by President Obama
on July 6, 2012 establishes a National Freight Policy and calls for
the establishment of a National Freight Network consisting of three
(3) components: A primary Freight Network (PFN), Interstate
OCTOBER 2, 2012 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
System, and critical rural freight corridors and provides over $105
billion for FY 2013 and 2014. MAP -21 contains specific provisions
for a national freight policy and funding. The program establishes a
national freight policy that requires the US Department of
Transportation to establish a national freight network in order to
assist states in directing their resources toward goods movement.
The national freight network will consist of three main components:
1) Primary freight network; 2) Any portion of the interstate not
designated as part of the primary freight network; and, 3) Critical
rural freight corridors. The DOT has until October 2013 to
designate the primary freight networking system which may contain
a maximum of 27,000 centerline miles of existing highways or
roadways that are most critical to goods movement and the DOT
may also add to the primary freight network up to 3,000 additional
centerline miles of road and finally, the states will designate the
critical rural freight corridors using criteria contained in MAP -21.
Within three years of enactment of MAP -21 DOT is also required to
develop a National Freight Strategic Plan in consultation with states
and other stakeholders. This plan is required to be updated every
five years. MAP -21 also authorizes $500 million through FY 2013
appropriations for projects of both national and regional
significance. The eligible projects and applicants are a State DOT,
a tribal government, a transit agency or a multi jurisdictional group.
Congressional approval is required of any of these eligible projects
and prior to any funding commitment or obligation, the DOT is
required to submit a report that describes the reasoning for project
selection to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as
well as the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
Within two years of enactment of MAP -21 the DOT is required to
submit a report to include a comprehensive list of each project of
national and regional significance that has been compiled through a
survey of State DOT's. Under the funding provisions of MAP -21
the Federal DOT may increase the Federal share to 95 percent for
projects on the interstate system and 90 percent for any projects if
the DOT certifies that these projects meet the requirements.
Eligible projects include construction to rehab of any goods
movement highways, intelligent transportation systems as well as,
any environmental impacts caused by freight movement. DB needs
to work closely with its stakeholders at the State and Federal levels.
Staff will continue to monitor and track the MAP -21 because staff
knows that this Act will expire on October 1, 2014 and contains only
$500 million which is very inadequate for the overall freight
transportation infrastructure. The City hopes that within the next
reauthorization the next extension on the bill will have at least $2
billion for the freight transportation improvements.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered
OCTOBER 2, 2012 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — October 9, 2012 -- 7:00 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley
Drive.
5.2 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting -- October 11, 2012
— 7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.3 City Council Meeting — October 16, 2012 — 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: CITye moved, C/Herrera seconded, to approve
the Consent Calendar as presented. Without objection, the motion was so
ordered.
6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES — Regular Meeting of September 18,
2012 — approved as Amended.
6.2 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER Dated September 13, 2012 through
September 26, 2012 totaling $767,715.20.
6.3 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT — Month of August
2012.
6.4 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE COPLEY
DRIVE BUS STOP RELOCATION PROJECT.
6.5 APPROVED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU)
WITH THE CITY OF INDUSTRY FOR THE RIGHT-OF-WAY
ACTIVITIES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FREEWAY
INTERCHANGE AT LEMON AVENUE ON STATE ROUTE 60.
6.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2012-46: APPROVING THE
APPLICATION FOR $158,646 OF LAND AND WATER
CONSERVATION GRANT FUNDS WHICH, IF AWARDED,
REQUIRES A $158,646 MATCH FROM THE CITY, FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF PETERSON PARK TRAIL.
6.7 ACCEPTED RESIGNATION OF KEVIN HOUSE AS A MEMBER
OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AND
DIRECTED THE CITY CLERK TO ADVERTISE TO FILL THE
UNEXPIRED TERM.
OCTOBER 2, 2012 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
6.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2012-47: APPROVING FINAL
PARCEL MAP NO. 71362, FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF AN
EXISTING 3.07 ACRE VACANT LOT INTO TWO (2) SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL LOTS LOCATED AT 2127 DERRINGER
LANE (APN 8713-034-030); AUTHORIZED THE MAYOR TO
EXECUTE A SUBDIVISION AGREEMENT AND DIRECTED THE
CITY CLERK TO PROCESS THE FINAL MAP.
7. PUBLIC HEARING None
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: None
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Tye reported that it was great to get together with neighbors and
colleagues to celebrate 25 -years of service by the DBIWalnut Sheriff's
Station. The City appreciates their efforts and as Captain Halm stated,
"since we've been incorporated, they have been our police department".
They do a great job and keep us safe and attend to the needs of the
community. Congratulations on 25 years and DB looks forward to many,
many more. It was a privilege for him to attend the celebration lunch
along with C/Everett honoring Jack and Wanda Tanaka as the Lions of the
Year with the caveat that it is for the entire world. interesting during the
presentation that there was some question about naming a couple and not
an individual as "Lion of the Year" and when it was pointed out to
them that Jack and Wanda are inextricably linked and when you get one
you get both and they do a great job together and it was great to be a part
of the celebration of their service over so many years. He loved the way
President Brian Quan put it — "this award was not given to Jack and
Wanda, it was earned". They were recognized for their years of service
and the untold hours of volunteer efforts making a difference in DB and in
everything they touch on behalf of the Lions in this neighborhood, around
the State and obviously around the world if they are "Lions of the World".
Congratulations to Jack and Wanda! It is sad to note that tonight this
meeting will be adjourned in memory of Cathy Johnson. Steve and Cathy
have been longtime residents and Cathy was lost about a week ago and
thoughts and prayers go out to Steve and his family.
C/Herrera thanked Kevin House for serving as her Traffic and
Transportation Commissioner for the last five years or so. Due to work
constraints he finds it necessary to resign. She thanked him for his
service and dedication to the City. This presents a vacancy for her to
appoint a replacement and anyone who is interested in serving on the
advisory commission, please contact her. The public heard a presentation
tonight about the SR57/60 Freeway Interchange Improvements that DB
OCTOBER 2, 20'12 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
has been working on for a number of years. DB has been very focused on
transportation issues. Two major freeways dissect the City and DB is
very, very affected by what happens on the freeways. It is very
consuming and arduous to get improvements because DB does not
control the freeways so it takes a great deal of time and effort to pursue
improvements, as well as a great deal of money. She spends much of
her time on transportation issues and is pleased to have been appointed
to the SCAG Goods Movements Subcommittee. In the past, DB has
talked about proposed truck lanes that it was opposed to that were
proposed to be located either on the center median of the SR60 or on the
San Jose Creek which runs parallel to the SR60. Either way, DB would be
very much adversely affected and the City is monitoring those plans very
closely. She is pleased to have been appointed to the subcommittee
which will be discussing in more detail where exactly these truck lanes will
be. She believes everyone recognizes and acknowledges that there are a
tremendous number of trucks that travel the SR60. She will be bringing
updates back to the community in the future. This subcommittee will be
active between now and March 2013. She is the City's representative for
Foothill Transit and there has been discussion about a proposed Park `n
Ride structure that Foothill Transit has agreed to build. It will be located at
the current Caltrans Park 'n Ride on Diamond Bar Boulevard, on the larger
lot where the trailer is located. At the Foothill Transit Board Meeting of
last Friday Foothill Transit agreed to transfer $1 million into the DB Park 'n
Ride Project Fund for additional Environmental Impact Reports. The
project is moving forward and will necessitate the City reaching an
agreement with Caltrans on the transfer of property and then Foothill
Transit will construct the facility. Commuters who have been unable to
find parking at the Park `n Ride and were forced to find parking at other
locations such as Kmart and residential neighborhoods will now have a
structure in which to park which is a good thing and which will take more
cars off of the freeways and improve air quality for DB. C/Herrera
reported that Monsignor Jim Loughnane, Pastor of St. Denis Church, has
suffered recent health problems. On September 24 he found it necessary
to have a pacemaker installed. Within a couple of days of the surgery, he
was experiencing blockage and on September 28 he had to have
quadruple bypass surgery. He is doing remarkably well and is up and
walking to the doctor's amazement. Monsignor Jim comes to Council
Meetings often to give the invocation. DB appreciates his dedication to
the City and to the Council Meetings as being someone the City can
always count on. Everyone wishes him well and a speedy recovery.
C/Everett spoke about his participation in an Open Space workshop in the
San Dimas Council Chambers along with staff members. The workshop
was started in 2003 with Congressional Representatives Hilda Solis and
David Drier and has been understudied by the National Parks Service
study group. The final report is available online and it is most interesting
because it covers thousands of acres in the San Gabriel Mountains and in
OCTOBER 2, 2912 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
the watershed that emanates from that. One of the aspects of this is to
determine if there is a national significance to this area and defining it
appropriately and whether it needs to be coordinated in any way with a
national recreation area. He encouraged everyone to look at the study.
Later that morning he attended a Power Lunch Series with the Regional
Chamber of Commerce. He encouraged businesses to look at the agenda
for the San Gabriel Valley Chamber of Commerce which meets at the
local Holiday Inn. Chuck Bennett, IT Forensics Specialist, talked about
"Nothing Private in Technology". Friday of that week there was a big
celebration at CalPoly and he was privileged to represent the City at the
Ribbon -Cutting of their $38 million business administration complex, three
very beautiful and functional buildings. Senator Huff and other local
leaders attended. The Provost (Senior Academic Officer) told him that
CalPoly has some of its very best students from DB at attending CalPoly
Pomona. ClEverett also attended an interesting Ribbon -Cutting for the
Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, September 27 for American
Integrated Medicines and Aesthetics Center, a business located at 21671
Gateway Center. It was a real treat for him to attend a special Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting during which 91 Volunteens were
recognized. Lastly, ClEverett wished everyone to Enjoy the Holiday
Season coming up.
MPT/Tanaka reported on his attendance at events during the past couple
of weeks including the Princess Tea at the library. He thanked Miss
Diamond Bar and her court for providing photos with all of the young
women in attendance. There were games and activities and lots of
refreshments. He thanked the City and his colleagues, family and friends
for helping him and Wanda celebrate the Lion of the Year award that was
presented to them by Lions Club International. On Wednesday evening
the Diamond Bar Seniors held an Italiano Dance and Dinner. He attended
the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting by Dr. Bahl with her American
Integrated Medicine and Aesthetics Center. DB is pleased that she
remained in DB at this new location in the Gateway Corporate Center. He
and Wanda attended the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting last
week to thank the 91 Summer Volunteens for logging in 6,749 hours of
volunteer working this past summer. These 13-15 year olds have learned
leadership and responsibility skills. They worked with the Senior Citizens,
the Tiny Tots program, Day Camp, Concerts in the Park, and Movies
under the Stars. He offered special thanks to Allison Meyers for
coordinating all of the Volunteens. He thanked Jessica Gomez from
Lorbeer Middle School and Adam Hsu from DBHS for their outstanding
work on behalf of the Volunteens. He congratulated the DBHS Wrestling
Team on their very successful car wash fundraising event last Saturday.
The City Council was at the DBAValnut Sheriff's Station helping celebrate
their 25 h Anniversary. Captain Halm provided a history of the station and
it was great to see so many retired and current staff members join in the
celebration. DB will be adjourning tonight's meeting in memory of Cathy
I OCTOBER 2, 2012 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
Johnson. He and Wanda have known her for over 26 years as park of the
Lion family. She was very active in her children's school activities and
was actively involved with the Miss Diamond Bar Pageant, Chamber of
Commerce, City of DB, YMCA and as a mother, wife and friend. She will
be greatly missed!
M/Chang reminded residents that they can follow her activities on Twitter,
Facebook and Foursquare. In August she attended the League of
California Cities Economic Development Conference as well as, the last
Concerts in the Park, which was a great series and looks forward to next
year's concerts. She attended the League of California Cities Conference
early September during which there was a very interesting session to
discuss innovative ways to promote cities. Another innovative way is to
promote a dog park and she is pleased to announce that on November 17
it will be the grand opening of the DB Dog Park at the Pantera Park site.
She also participated in the Southern California Edison's conference call
regarding SONGS (San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station). She will be
on another conference call this Thursday and will participate in an in depth
discussion on SONGS on October 31 with Edison's Government Advisor
Panel. Between September 13 and 28 she was part of the 29�
Delegation to Japan with the American Counsel of Young Political Leaders
having been nominated by Congressman Royce and his wife and chosen
to participate. It was a very strenuous two weeks with back to back
meetings morning to night and it was a phenomenal experience. This was
the first delegation to visit the Tsunami disaster sites since the March
2011 disaster. It was devastating. She saw Rikuzentakata which was one
of the most impacted cities. There were shrines and temples set up for
many victims. She also visited another city where the mayor perished in
front of city hall while coordinating disaster management efforts. People
literally had 30 minutes after the 9.0 earthquake before the Tsunami hit.
The group met with the Mayor of Kamishi to discuss his disaster
management efforts. The city had built a sea wall that was so deep it is
recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. However, due to
complacency, the wall was expected to hold back the devastation of any
Tsunami. The waves came in at 33 feet and the water rose to 50 feet.
She learned a lot of great disaster management lessons, two of which are
1) take everything seriously and 2) never take anything for granted. Be
prepared and that is the most anyone can do. The group met with
Ambassador John Roos. who informed them about Operation Tomodachi
— Friends to the Rescue and the United States was actually the first
country to go in with helicopters to provide aid. The Japanese
government expressed their gratitude for the aid operation. All of the
roads were broken and all of the rails were as well so that no one could
get in but for the helicopters. The group also discussed foreign energy,
trade education, and economic policies which was a very interesting time
with government governance. Japan is the third largest economy in the
world and they have made great progress. Japan is the second largest
OCTOBER 2, 2012 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL.
donor to Afghanistan's rebuilding efforts behind the United States so it is
imperative that the US maintain a strong relationship moving forward.
When she arrived back in DB on September 28 she went straight to the
Armstrong Elementary School carnival which was a great event. She
commended PTA President Alfonso Gomez for his efforts. The event was
very well attended. On Saturday she and C/Everett attended the
DB/Chinese American Association's Moon Festival which is an Asian -
American event similar to Thanksgiving. She attended the DB/Walnut
Sheriff's Station's 25th Anniversary Celebration. The Diamond Bar
Community Foundation Gala will be held on November 10 from 6:00 to
11:00 p.m. For more information please contact her. A flyer will be
provided at the next City Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Chang
adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. in memory of longtime
DB resident Cathy Johnson.
TOM M E CRIBBINS, GIT' CLERIC
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 16th day of October
2012.
FWL NG tHANG, MAY4RV