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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/16/2012 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR OCTOBER 16, 2012 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Ling -Ling Chang called the Regular City Council meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Jack Tanaka led the Pledge of Allegiance. INVOCATION: Cantor Paul Buch, Temple Beth Israel, gave the invocation. ROLL CALL: Council Members Ron Everett, Carol Herrera, Mayor Pro Tem Jack Tanaka and Mayor Ling -Ling Chang. Absent: Council Member Steve Tye was excused. 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; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City Manager; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Kimberly Young, Associate Engineer; and Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: NEW BUSINESS OF THE MONTH: 1.1 MIChang and the City Council presented a Certificate Plaque to Curry India Bistro, 2779 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard as New Business of the Month. Manager Nick Sethi accepted the Certificate Plaque on behalf of Curry India Bistro. 2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: CMIDeStefano reported that the City continues to construct the "Bark Park" Dog Park off of Pantera Drive near Pantera Park with the Grand Opening scheduled for Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. CMIDeStefano announced that the City is working on a "Diamond Bar Restaurant Guide" that will be transmitted to all households in the December issue of The City News. The restaurant guide will include all restaurants within DB, their prices; addresses, whether or not they deliver along with all of the different categories of food found in DB. Curry India Bistro and the new Ranch House Grill which opened today will be included in the guide. The Guide is intended to provide residents with opportunities for new food choices and to visit restaurants they might not have OCTOBER 16, 2012 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL 3. otherwise known existed. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Drake Yoshida, District Director of Operations for the Ranch House Cafe and Grill, announced that his firm proudly opened its second location in DB which is located on Golden Springs not far from City Hall. He also announced that he had brought souvenir glasses from the restaurant and had placed them on the table in the lobby for whoever would like one. MlChang stated that she and other Council Members attended the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting and that the food was phenomenal. Tina Javid, Diamond Bar Community Foundation, invited everyone to the Foundation's 9t" Annual Fundraising Gala on November 10th and announced that the Pomona Unified School District will be this years' honoree. Carolyn Hamilton, Senior Public Information Specialist, for the South Coast Air Quality Management District, introduced herself as the newly appointed DB liaison to the District. She announced that there will be public hearings in four different locations in November on the proposed 2012 AQMD Plan and that flyers are available for anyone interested. She also stated that she was looking forward to working with the City Council and staff. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: None 5 SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: 5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — October 23, 2012 — 7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive. 5.2 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting -- October 25, 2012 — 7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive. 5.3 Halloween Haunted House 3D — October 30-31, 2012 — 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Heritage Park, 2900 S. Brea Canyon Road. 5.4 Fall Fun Festival — October 31, 2012 — 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Heritage Park, 2900 S. Brea Canyon Road. 5.5 City Council Meeting — November 6, 2012 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive. 6. CONSENT CALENDAR: ClHerrera moved, ClEverett seconded, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Without objection, the motion was so ordered with CITye being absent, OCTOBER 16, 2012 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL 6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: 6.1.1 Study Session of October 2, 2012 —Approved as corrected. 6.1.2 Regular Meeting of October 2, 2012 — Approved as corrected. 6.2 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of August 23, 2012 — Received and Filed. 6.3: RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated September 27, 2012 through October 10, 2012 totaling $1,525,272.55. 6.4 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (MTA) FOR "STATE ROUTE 60/LEMON AVENUE PARTIAL INTERCHANGE (ON & OFF RAMPS) CONSTRUCTION" (EXTENDING TIMELINE TO 2014). 6.5 AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JOSUE ESPINO TO PROVIDE ONSITE PLANNING SERVICES FOR A NOT -TO - EXCEED COST OF $40,000. 6.6 APPROVED AUTHORIZATION TO EXCEED THE CITY MANAGER'S PURCHASING AUTHORITY OF $25,000 TO EXTEND VENDOR SERVICES WITH DUNN'S FENCE, INC. FOR THE FENCING AND CONCRETE CURBING AT THE DOG PARK IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $48,100 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012113, AN AMOUNT THAT INCLUDES A 10% CONTINGENCY. 7. PUBLIC HEARING: None 8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: 8.1 FISCAL YEAR 2012-13 APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENTS FOR CARRY FORWARD EXPENDITURES, CAPITAL PROJECT CARRYOVERS AND FIRST QUARTER ADJUSTMENTS. FD/Honeywell presented staff's report which included corrections to Item 2, Recommendations: Carryover for Capital Projects listing $120,752.92 which is correct. The latest version of the Council Report updates the number in the body of the report to match the number in the recommendation section. Item 4, Recommendations: Changes the number from $60,437.55 to $60,527.55. OCTOBER 16, 2012 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL FD/Honeywell went on to report that the purpose of this item is to carry forward the appropriations from Fiscal Year 2011-12 to Fiscal Year 2012-13 for purchases that for various reasons could not be made by June 30. In accordance with the City's budget policy, all appropriations lapse at the end of the fiscal year. The carryover of appropriations must be approved by the City Council. Capital Project carryovers were included in the adopted 2012-13 budget but were only estimates based upon the expected percentage of completion of the projects as of June 30." This agenda item includes final adjustments to those adopted carryovers as well as carryovers for operating appropriations, which includes purchase orders for the Civic Center improvements, the General Plan and various consultant agreements, and purchase orders that were inadvertently not carried over from prior years. The adjustments to the 2012-13 budget include changes in projected revenues for gas tax, sales tax compensation fund and library reimbursements. The adjustments also include a change in funding for the Dog Park project from General Fund appropriations to Quimby Funds. C/Herrera moved, ClEverett seconded, to approve Fiscal Year 2012-13 Appropriation Adjustments for Carry Forward Expenditures, Capital Project Carryovers and First Quarter Adjustments. Without objection, the motion was so ordered with CITye being absent. 8.2 RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT TO THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF KEVIN HOUSE. CMIDeStefano stated that the City recently received a letter of resignation from Traffic and Transportation Commissioner Kevin House. In accordance with the City's typical policy and practices, the City Council received the letter of resignation and advertised the vacancy in order to seek a new person for consideration. Two applications were received by City staff. This is C/Herrera's appointee to the Traffic and Transportation Commission. C/Herrera stated that it is with regret that she and the City Council accepted the resignation of Kevin House. There were two applicants, both of whom she interviewed. She selected Peter Pirritano as her candidate for Traffic and Transportation Commissioner and offered his name in motion. ClEverett seconded the motion. Without objection, the motion was so ordered with CITye being absent. OCTOBER 16, 2012 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL Peter Pirritano stated that he was greatly honored for the appointment and looked forward to working in the best interests of the City. This appointment offers him a great opportunity to contribute to the community. He has lived in the City for 12 years with his wife, Carolyn and their family of six daughters and14 grandchildren. M/Chang stated that she has known Mr. Pirritano for some time and that he is very active in the community currently serving as President of the Rotary Club as well as being involved with the Diamond Bar Community Foundation, and head of the Vantage Homeowner's Association. She thanked him for his participation and his appointment. 9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE REPORTSICOUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS: C/Everett stated that on Friday, October 5 he along with M/Chang and MPT/Tanaka attended the celebration at Golden Springs Elementary PreK-8 School's 50th Anniversary Celebration. The event was particularly exciting to see what looks like a brand new school. During the past couple of weeks the school has refurbished everything, including the fencing and gating around the perimeter which is beautiful and includes a state-of-the- art play and exercise area that got everyone's attention. He thanked all who serve and have served over the past 50 years - students, staff, parents, PUSD Board of Trustees, leadership represented by the current board at the celebration and Superintendent Martinez. Congratulations and thanks for all of the participation over the last 50 years which each person that has been through those doors has contributed in some significant way to what we have now in our 23 year old City of DB. C/Everett said that the Council has already talked a little bit about economic development. The City had two great celebrations in the last two weeks. The Mayor and entire Council joined Pei Ching Lee, Project Developer and the C.G.M Development, Inc. team for the first Business Opening Celebration of the last two weeks. It is the Diamond Star Office Condos in the Super Hmart Center at Fountain Springs, a beautiful new three story building. It was great to see the success, movement in and addition to the economy so we thank C.G.M. and each one of the new owners in that development. Sunday morning, October 7 he joined the Southern California Chinese and Taiwanese community in celebrating the 101st Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of China. This event was particularly impressive because it was bigger and better or at least equal to our birthday celebrations and they are celebrating over a hundred years at Barns Park Amphitheater in Monterey Park. There were a number of DB residents all ages and all stages performing and celebrating and the event is actually a celebration of the flag raising ceremony. It is important to all of us to know that this Asian community or OCTOBER 16, 2012 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL country was the first democracy in 1912 and has continued to lead for democracies in that region. That was just a great community celebration and for democracy. The Regional Chamber of Commerce does a good job and Wednesday, October 10 he had the privilege of attending their luncheon meeting. Steven Ly, Chief Executive Office, Regional Chamber of Commerce, San Gabriel Valley, gave an excellent thoughtful legislative update on the Regional Chamber's position on the upcoming election, the propositions especially that affect — and there were seven of them, in detail, business and the Chamber's efforts for pro jobs positioning. That was helpful to understanding and seeing the options we have. He challenged each person to take a listen and a look. Call the Chamber if you want some of their input. It is important to us. Finally, we heard from RH, the new Ranch House Cafe and Grill. Mayor Chang, Mayor Pro Tem Tanaka, C/Herrera and he were able to attend the lunch which was a real trip -- economic business reopening, probably done the fastest we have in our City — four weeks Carrows closed four weeks ago. We were disappointed. Four weeks later we have a terrific Ranch House Cafe and Grill that opened here. It's not their only presence. They also have Coco's and it was most interesting to meet the Executive Vice -President of Operations who was actually Jojo's Pizza Kitchen Manager in DB, the first one in 1972. He is still with the firm --- energetic and of course, Jojo's is now Coco's. So welcome to another opportunity in dining. You heard a little bit about it, saw the menu. He. would encourage everyone to experience firsthand steak and chicken with all the fixin's, and they've got at least seven creative, innovative fixin's. His favorite is to go back and have the Rainbow trout in DB — freshwater Rainbow trout. He thought that everyone would love it all, what he's tasted already in the day. He is looking forward to going back and welcoming them to our community and best wishes to the Catalina Group who owns and operates this new themed Ranch House Cafe and Grill. ClHerrera talked about the Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies attended by the City Council Members this morning at Ranch House Cafe and Grill. The facility is totally refurbished inside and looks very, very different from the Carrow's look. She invited everyone to check out the great menu and generous portions of the food they serve. Everywhere she goes people ask her how it is going with the Dog Park and when will it open? Amazingly, November 17. She thinks it is on schedule and maybe even a little ahead of schedule. She knows there are residents and their little four -legged friends that are eager to try it out and it won't be long. She thanked the LA County Sheriff's Department for their good work recently in arresting three burglar suspects following attempted burglaries. Through keen observation a neighbor noticed on the street in northern DB that there was a suspicious car driving around and contacted the Sheriffs Department. The Deputies located the car, chased it around town and arrested three suspects. These individuals had three different license plates inside the vehicle as well as burglary tools and what appeared to be OCTOBER 16, 2012 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL stolen property from other residences. It takes a partnership between the residents and the Sheriff's Department in order to keep the City safe. Please watch out for your neighbors when you see someone or something that appears to be out of place, contact the Sheriff's Department so that DB can continue to be a very safe and wonderful City in which to live. She reported that Monsignor James Loughnane, Pastor of St. Denis Church, is progressing well in his recovery from his quadruple bypass surgery. He is doing very well and doctors are very amazed by his progress. She thanked Kevin House for serving as her Traffic and Transportation Commissioner for five years and, requested that at the next City Council meeting he be presented with the City's thanks and gratitude for his service to DB. MPT/Tanaka stated that a couple of weeks ago he and M/Chang attended the Public Safety Committee meeting with representatives from the LA County Fire and LA County Sheriffs Departments to receive fire department updates and review of the City's most recent crime statistics. The committee also reviewed the City's false alarm program. The Community Relations Office will most likely be replaced shortly and that item was discussed as well as the Mobile Command Post and Neighborhood Watch trailer proposal. He attended the 50th Anniversary at Golden Springs Elementary that was a wonderful celebration coordinated by Principal Dr. Cynthia Quan. The Council was also present at the Diamond Star Medical Condo building which was a wonderful ribbon - cutting ceremony for a nice building that C.G.M. has put together. The Council also attended the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the Ranch House Cafe and Grill this morning. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and they have great food and service and it is a very clean and bright restaurant. On a sad note he attended a funeral service for long time DB resident Robert Miller and asked that tonight's meeting be adjourned in his memory. He expressed his condolences to the Miller family. MlChang said as usual residents can follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare. In addition to events already commented on by her colleagues, she attended the Nuclear Regulatory Commission meeting at the St. Regis in Dana Point regarding the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and it was powerful to see a lot of employees of SONGS who have testified as to the safety aspect of the generating station which was reassuring. It lasted for a few hours and one could actually follow a feed of SCE on Twitter. She will be participating on their Government Affairs Panel on October 31 and will bring back and update to the City. She and CMIDeStefano attended the League of California Cities meeting during which they received an update on a few of the measures such as Measure J and a measure regarding Storm Water Runoff. She attended the Contract Cities Conference and moderated a session on Emergency Preparedness. The LA County Fire Department as well as Fire Chief OCTOBER 16, 2012 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL Daryl Osby gave a phenomenal presentation and hoped to invite him to make a presentation to the City Council. They talked a lot about Japan and she hoped to provide some of her input in terms of what she observed when she was there. She attended the Mayor's Cup. DRHS won for the second year in a row. She congratulated DRHS and hoped for another great game next year. On October 26 Sushi Koyo will celebrate their 30th Anniversary in DB. She hoped that they could be honored for their accomplishment at the next City Council meeting. She thanked Kevin House for his years of service to the City on the Traffic and Transportation Commission and congratulated Peter Perritano on his appointment to the Commission. She will adjourn tonight's meeting in memory of Robert Miller as well as, David Huff, brother of Senator Bob Huff who passed after a long battle with brain cancer. The City sends its condolences to the families of both men. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Chang adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:20 p.m. in memory of longtime DB resident Robert Miller and David Huff, brother of Senator Bob Huff. azl, TOMMYlt tkfBINS, CITY CLERK The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 6th day of '. November , 2012. LIN ,MAYO