HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/04/2013 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
JUNE 4, 2013
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Jack Tanaka called the Regular City
Council meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management
District Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Tanaka led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Cantor Paul Buch, Temple Beth Israel gave the
invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Chang, Herrera, Tye, and
Mayor Tanaka.
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Everett was excused.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney; Ken Desforges, IT
Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services
Director; Dianna Honeywell, Finance Director; Greg Gubman, Community
Development Director; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the City Manager; Grace Lee,
Senior Planner; Kimberly Young, Associate Engineer; Sterling Mosley, Assistant
Engineer; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator, and Tommye
Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 M/Tanaka and City Council Members presented Certificates of
Recognition to the NJB Basketball Team Members and Coaches
for winning the 7th Grade NJB All-Star Invitational Divisional
Tournament in San Diego.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.1 PWD/Liu introduced new staff member Sterling Mosley, Assistant
Engineer.
2.2 Video Presentation regarding the SR57160 Confluence Project.
CMIDeStefano stated that the Council has for the last several years
emphasized traffic improvements within the community. Most
notable of these improvement projects is the "Big Fix" Confluence
Project to the SR57160. This, area accommodates hundreds of
thousands of vehicles and tens of thousands of trucks per day, and
those numbers will grow as the ports receive more goods that need
to be moved from Southern California through the DB area out to
the Midwest and beyond. There has been a longtime goal of the
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
City Council to fix the freeway which is detailed in the 2013-14
Goals and Objectives to work with partners and Members of
Congress (local and in Washington DC) to obtain the resources
necessary to fix the freeway. Once fixed it would eliminate the
unnecessary weaving due to the addition of ramps, HOV lanes, etc.
to route traffic through the area. The first phase of the project is
scheduled to take place in the next couple of years; however, the
City is still waiting for funding for the final component of the overall
project. The problem of congestion at the SR57160 interchange
has existed for many, many years. During those years there has
been significant development in the immediate area with the City of
Industry and the region in general. Ports have grown significantly.
There are more and longer trains as well as many more trucks
moving cargo from the ports to the rest of the nation. This project
has a long way to go.
PWD/Liu presented a four minute video that presents the facts and
statistics and explains both the urgency and the immediate need for
the SR57160 Interchange improvements as well as, the $265 million
multi -phase plan for this bottleneck area.
CMIDeStefano stated that the problem with the congestion at the
SR57160 Interchange (Confluence area) has existed for . many,
many years and in those years there has been significant
development in the immediate area, not only with the City's partner,
the City of Industry, which has developed more than 1,000 acres of
industrial and commercial nearby, but also, the region itself. As
previously mentioned, the ports have significantly grown. There are
more and longer trains as cargo is moving from the ports to the rest
of the nation and certainly, many thousands more trucks, which will
continue as the ports continue to grow due to the Southern
California hub and access to nations east where goods are coming
from. This is a promotional video that was produced to assist DB
and other regional partners_ While DB is leading this effort with the
City of Industry, many other cities have joined in to support the
overall effort. This Video was created in order to help understand
and promote the initiative before regional transportation agencies,
the State's efforts as well as in Washington DC. Last week DB
along with the City of Industry and the strong efforts by
Congressman Royce were host to Pennsylvania Congressman
Shuster who is also the Chairman of the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee. It is a very important committee where
this policy matter is going to be discussed at the national level and
where the funding will eventually be forthcoming. DB is also very
fortunate to have local Congress Members including the City's
former Congressman Gary Miller on that same Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee as well as Congresswoman Janice Hahn
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
from the ports area of Los Angeles. While this effort will continue to take at
least a couple of years to gain funding, the City is hopeful that with all of
these efforts it will be able to bring this matter to the forefront; gain the
perspective that it is a national issue that needs to be addressed. With
funds for local improvement, through contacts that have been made during
trips to Washington DC and the most recent Sacramento trips that gained
the attention that this area deserves and needs. Council Members have
had the opportunity to talk about this for several years. Last week's
meeting was significant for DB and for the effort.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
John Martin, 40 -year resident, spoke about Agenda Item 6.7 (c) and said
that he continues to be concerned about the poor maintenance of the
medians along Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue. Excel has
had the responsibility for the maintenance of these districts for 10 years
and there is no excuse for the condition of the lawns. The cost of
maintaining these areas has risen from $24,000 (which may be a
typographical error) in 2002 to $333,575 in 2013. If the City believes that
Excel is doing a great job there should be a competitive bid process for
the 2013-14 FY. There has not been a competitive bid on these
Landscape Districts for over 10 years.
Eric Stone thanked the City Council for allowing him to speak under the
Brown Act and thanked CITye for returning his phone call and discussion
about keeping appropriate things in check. He thanked CMIDeStefano in
making ongoing headway toward meaningful City improvements and
thanked CDDIGubman for returning his phone call. Reflecting on the
Memorial Day holiday he thanked those who have given all to protect
American ideals.
Pui Ching Ho, DB Library, spoke about the Summer Reading program that
continues through August 17, 2013. Individuals can participate in the
countywide online summer reading program at www.cola udlib.or , stop
by the library or call 909-861-4978.
Captain Dave Stone, LA County Fire Department, said that today was the
second annual Sidewalk CPR Day, a partnership between the LA County
Fire Department, LA County Emergency Medical Services and the
American Heart Association. He thanked residents and the City Council
for hosting one of the events at the Diamond Bar Community Center as
well as staff members Marsha Roa, Cecilia Arellano and Cloris Vargas for
their assistance. Ninety one residents including M/Tanaka and Wanda
Tanaka participated in the training. Capt. Stone said he appreciated the
City's support and continuing partnership.
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CSD/Rose responding to Mr. Martin's comments stated that the $24,000
item listed in the report is the correct amount. Excel started with that
amount of service which included nine specific areas that had been added
to the City's inventory. Over the next eight years more areas were added
to -the contract to the point that Excel now maintains all of the areas in
District #38 which includes all of the median areas and parkways, District
#39 --includes slopes and parkways and District #41 includes turf areas and
slopes; The most recent addition to the contract was Washington Park
which Excel maintains for $325 per month. Each of the areas that were
added was bid with at least three landscapelmaintenance companies
including Valley Crest, TruGreen and Excel. Excel has always provided
the best price and staff believes they provide good service to the City.
C/Chang asked CSD/Rose to explain what the Lighting and Landscape
Districts are about.
CSD/Rose explained that the City has three Lighting and Landscape
Maintenance Districts that residents pay for in the form of property taxes
which the City uses to maintain these districts. District #38 includes all of
the medians on the major boulevards including Diamond Bar Boulevard,
Grand Avenue, Golden Springs Drive, Pathfinder Road, and parkways on
Temple Avenue and Grand Avenue. . District #39 is in the area of the
Diamond Bar Center including Summitridge Drive, Longview and some of
Grand Avenue. District #41 is in the vicinity of Ronald Reagan Park near
Pathfinder Road and Peaceful Hills. These three districts were formed by
LA County prior to the City's incorporation and at time of incorporation in
1989 the City absorbed the districts as well as the maintenance.
C/Tye felt it was disingenuous to imply that the City was paying $24,000
for something eight years ago for which the City is now paying $333,000
because what started as a small amount of property has now grown to
include most of the City.
CSD/Rose said there were some CPI increases during the early 2000 era
when the cost of living rates were running at about 4-5 percent per year.
For the past two years there has been no CPI increase and Excel is
offering to provide services for the next two years with no CPI increase.
C/Herrera said that in the report it talks about the contract expiring in
2014. Is staff asking for a contract extension?
CSD/Rose stated that the contract actually expires on June 30, 2013;
however, in the contract it allows for the contractor to seek a two-year
extension if they are offering no CPI increase for the entire period. Or, the
City has the option for extending it for one year and the contractor would
JUNE 4, 2013
5
PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
have the option of negotiating a CPI next year if the City is interested in
continuing their service. Staff is asking for a two-year extension which
would extend the contract to June 30, 2015.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — June 11, 2013 — 7:00 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive (canceled).
5.2 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — June 13, 2013 —
7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.3 City Council Meeting — June 18, 2013 -- 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Herrera moved, C/Chang seconded, to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Herrera, Tye, M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPT/Everett
6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
6.1.1 Study Session of May 21, 2013 -Approved as submitted.
6.1.2 Regular Meeting of May 21, 2013 - Approved as submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES —
Regular Meeting of April 23, 2013.
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated May 16, 2013 through May
29, 2013 totaling $1,229,734.31.
6.4 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT — for the month of April
2013.
6.5 (a) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2013-11: CALLING AND
GIVING NOTICE OF GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013, FOR THE ELECTION
OF CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS
OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO
GENERAL LAW CITIES.
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
(b) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2013-12: REQUESTING
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS
ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2013 WITH THE
SCHOOL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON THE DATE PURSUANT
TO SECTION 10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE.
(c) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2013-13: ADOPTING
REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE
PERTAINING TO CANDIDATES STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO
THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY,
NOVEMBER 5, 2013.
6.6 APPROVED ADJOURNING THE JUNE 18, 2013 CITY COUNCIL
MEETING TO JULY 16, 2013.
6.7 APPROVED CONTRACT EXTENSIONS FOR COMMUNITY
SERVICES DEPARTMENT:
(�) APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE VENDOR
SERVICES CONTRACT WITH D.H. MAINTENANCE
SERVICES TO PROVIDE JANITORIAL AND BUILDING
MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT THE LIBRARY AND CITY
HALL FOR THE TERM OF JULY 1, 2013 TO JUNE 30,
2014 IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $78,000.
(b) APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE CONTRACT
WITH WEST COAST ARBORISTS FOR CITYWIDE TREE
MAINTENANCE AND WATERING SERVICES FOR THE
2013114 FISCAL YEAR IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$201,300.
(c) APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. .2 TO EXTEND
LANDSCAPE FOR LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
SERVICES AT LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS #38, #39 AND #41 AND
WASHINGTON STREET PARK FOR THE 2013114 AND
2014115 FISCAL YEARS IN THE ANNUAL AMOUNT OF
$333,575; PLUS A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT EACH YEAR
NOT TO EXCEED $27,000 FOR AS -NEEDED WORK, FOR
A TOTAL ANNUAL AUTHORIZATION OF $360,575.
6.8 APPROPRIATED GENERAL FUND RESERVES IN THE AMOUNT
OF $44,154, PROP C FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,460, AND
MEASURE R FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,418 TO THE
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BUDGET FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2012-2013; ADOPTED RESOLUTION 2013-14
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
APPROVING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND
ESTABLISHING A PROJECT PAYMENT ACCOUNT; AWARDED
THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE RESIDENTIAL
AREA 113 (BOUNDED BY SR57160 TO THE NORTH; GRAND
AVENUE/DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD TO THE SOUTH, AND
THE QUAIL SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD) AND ARTERIAL ZONE 7
(GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE BETWEEN LAVENDER DRIVE AND
BREA CANYON ROAD AND DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD
BETWEEN BREA CANYON CUTOFF AND BREA CANYON
ROAD) ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECT TO HARDY &
HARPER, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,345,000; AND,
AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $67,250 (5% OF
THE TOTAL CONTRACT) FOR CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS
TO BE APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL
AUTHORIZATION AMOUNT OF $1,412,250.
6.9 AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE HEWLETT
PACKARD SERVERS AND ADDITIONAL HARDWARE
REPLACEMENTS FROM HEWLETT PACKARD, CISCO AND
VENDORS ON THE CURRENTLY APPROVED VENDOR LIST
THROUGHOUT FY 2013-14 FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$275,500.
6.10 AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE CONTRACT
WITH GO -LIVE TECHNOLOGY INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $65,000 FOR THE
PERIOD JULY 1, 2013 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2014.
6.11 AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE
TIGHTROPE MEDIA CONTROL SYSTEMS' CABLECAST TY
AUTOMATION SYSTEM AND CAROUSEL DIGITAL MESSAGE
PLAYER FROM MEDIA CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR THE
OPERATION OF THE CITY'S GOVERNMENT ACCESS
CHANNEL (DBTV) IN THE AMOUNT OF $51,000; PLUS A
CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $5,100 FOR A TOTAL
AUTHORIZATION OF $56,100.
7. PUBLIC HEARING:
7.1 (a) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-15: ADOPTING THE
NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING AMENDMENT TO
THE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN TO
ACCOMMODATE THE NEED FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER AND
SINGLE -ROOM OCCUPANCY HOUSING IN THE I (LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL) LAND USE CATEGORY OF THE GENERAL PLAN
(PLANNING CASE NO. 2012-513).
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
(b) FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 04 (2013):
AMENDING TITLE 22 OF THE DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTION REGARDING EMERGENCY SHELTERS,
TRANSITIONAL AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING, SINGLE ROOM
OCCUPANCY HOUSE, AND DENSITY BONUSES.
SP/Lee reported that on January 18, 2011 the State Department of
Housing and Community Development certified the City's 2008-
2014 Housing Elements, and the City Council adopted the Housing
Element in April of that same year. Staff is proposing amendments
to the Development Code and Land Use Element of the General
_Plan in order to implement policies and programs that are
contained in the Housing Element and to be in compliance with
State law. The City is not proposing anything above and beyond
State mandates. The amendments fall into the following three
categories: Establishing zoning standards for Emergency Shelters
and Transitional and Supportive Housing to be in compliance with
SB 2; establishing zoning regulations for Single Room Occupancy
Housing; and, amends the existing Density Bonus provisions
to be in compliance with SB1818. There is currently no
development proposed in connection with these amendments and
these amendments are necessary in order for the City to ensure
continued conformance with State law.
On April 23, 2013 the Planning Commission held a Public Hearing
to consider the amendments and recommended by a 3-0 vote, that
the City Council adopt the amendments with modifications to the
definitions section specifying that Transitional and Supportive
Housing shall not include Halfway Houses or Maternity Hotels
which SP/Lee discussed using a slide presentation. The first
category of the proposed amendments establishes Emergency
Shelter standards. An Emergency Shelter is a facility that provides
shelter to homeless families and/or individuals on a limited short-
term basis, typically six months or less. These facilities are
permanent year-round facilities for the homeless and not a
temporary disaster relief shelter that might be set up at a school
gymnasium, community center or churches. These facilities may
be established by right without a Conditional Use Permit or other
discretionary approvals and is subject to location and operational
standards. No more than one emergency shelter is permitted
within a radius of 300 feet from another shelter to avoid over
concentration of such facilities. Each resident shall be provided a
minimum of 50 square feet of living area not including spaces for
common areas. This facility shall not exceed 30 residents at any
one time; therefore, it is limited to a maximum of 30 per facility.
The shelter will be required to submit a management and
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
operations plan to include hours of operation, staffing levels, length
of stay, safety and security measures. There are also provisions
regarding exterior lighting and off-street parking requirements.
These facilities will be allowed in the "I" Light Industrial Zone which
is appropriate because it is in close proximity to public transit which
has a Metrolink station in the City of Industry directly to the north of
the Light Industrial Zoned properties and there are several bus
routes as well as, vacant warehouse buildings in the area. She
pointed to the I Zoned properties on the map which are located in
the northwesterly portion of the City north of the SR60.
The proposed amendments also define Transitional and Supportive
Housing. Transitional Housing is a temporary housing, with typical
occupancy six months to two years for homeless individuals and/or
families who are transitioning to permanent housing. Transitional
Housing often includes supportive service components such as job
skills training or rehabilitation counseling. Supportive Housing may
be permanent and includes services to its residents with daily
necessities. SB2 requires that
the City treats these facilities no differently than other residential
uses of the same type in the same zone. For example, if a single
family residence has been established as Transitional Housing,
only one household may occupy that residence. These housing
types. are not Group Homes and the key distinction is whether it is a
single housekeeping unit.
The Planning Commission recommended supplementing the
definitions to clarify that these housing types exclude Halfway
Houses and Maternity Hotels and since these terms are not defined
in our Development Code, staff is proposing language to reflect the
Commission's intent by adding the following sentence to the
definitions of Supportive and Transitional Housing: "Supporting and
Transitional Housing does not include Parolee Probationary Homes
nor does this definition include Commercial Lodging Facilities
providing pre -natal and/or post -natal accommodations.
The second category of the proposed amendments establishes
single -room occupancy standards as the facility is a multiple tenant
building that houses one or two persons in individual rooms;
tenants typically share bathrooms and kitchens and are viable
housing options for students, single tenants, empty nesters and
others who do not desire or require larger dwellings. The Code
Amendment would conditionally permit these facilities in the "I"
Industrial Zone which is subject to location and operational
standards and requires approval by the Planning Commission. The
minimum size of the unit shall be 150 square feet to a maximum of
375 square feet and limited to two persons per unit; the facility shall
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
have 24-hour onsite management with a management plan and is
required to provide kitchen, bathroom, laundry and common areas
such as recreation areas and lounges. There shall be no more
than one SR development within a radius of '/ mile from another
SR facility.
The Code Amendment includes changes to the existing Density
Bonus regulations to be in compliance with SB1818. SB1818
created a greater incentive to include Affordable Units. These
amendments included calculations for maximum Density Bonus
based on a sliding scale of up to 35 percent Density Bonus for
Affordable Units provided and 20 percent Density Bonus for Senior
Housing. It includes criteria and incentives and concessions,
reduced off-street parking ratio and includes provisions on Land
Donation Childcare facility requirements.
To be consistent with the Development Code, the General Plan and
Land Use Element must be revised to accommodate the need for
Emergency 'Shelters and Single Room Occupancy Housing. The
italicized and underlined text contained within staff's report
highlights the recommended revisions to the General Plan. Staff
prepared and fled a Notice of Negative Declaration with the LA
County Clerk to support Findings of the proposed amendments to
the Development Code and the General Plan that the proposed
amendments would not have any potentially significant impact on
the environment. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the
Resolution approving the General Plan Amendment amending the
General Plan Land Use Element to accommodate the need for
Emergency Shelter and Single -Room Occupancy Housing in the "I"
Land Use category; and, approve for First Reading by Title Only
and Waive Full Reading of the Ordinance adopting the
Development Code Amendment and schedule the Second Reading
for June 18.
C/Herrera asked if with this zoning change these new units would
count toward the RHNA requirement of the different cities by the
State of California.
CDD/Gubman responding affirmatively stated that if an SRO facility
or Transitional Supportive Housing were established in the City,
those units would be counted toward its RHNA total.
M/Tanaka opened the Public Hearing.
With no one present who wished to speak on these items,
M/Tanaka closed the Public Hearing.
JUNE 4, 2013
91
PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
ClChang moved, ClHerrera seconded, to Adopt Resolution No.
2013-15: Adopting the Negative Declaration and approving
Amendment to the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan to
accommodate the need for Emergency Shelter and Single -Room
Occupancy Housing in the "I" (Light Industrial) Land Use Category
of the General Plan (Planning Case No. 2012-513). Motion carried
by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Herrera, Tye, M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPT/Everett
ClChang moved, ClHerrera seconded, to approve First Reading of
Ordinance No. 04 (2013): Amending Title 22 of the Diamond Bar
Municipal Code Section regarding Emergency Shelters,
Transitional and Supportive Housing, Single Room Occupancy
House, and Density Bonuses. Motion carried by the following Roll
Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Herrera, Tye, M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:MPTIEverett
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 ADOPT URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 03(2013): IDENTIFYING
THE TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF REGULAR MEETINGS OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR.
CM/DeStefano stated that this item was referenced during the last
City Council Meeting that there will be construction pending within
the SCAQMD facility that will render it unavailable for the next
several months. As a result, the City Clerk has prepared an
agenda item for the Council's consideration to relocate the
meetings.
CCICribbins reported that Section 2.08.010 of the Diamond Bar
Municipal Code designates regularly scheduled meetings of the
City Council shall be held in the.SCAQMD Auditorium located at
21865 Copley Drive. On May 8, 2013 staff was notified that the
City's use of the Auditorium for City Council regularly scheduled
meetings would be unavailable due to the audio -video upgrade for
the auditorium, audio-visual control room, GB Room, Hearing
Board Room and various other smaller conference rooms.
Construction is scheduled to commence July 5, 2013 and continue
to September 9, 2013. Therefore, the City Council will be unable to
conduct regularly scheduled meetings during July, August and
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
September in the auditorium. Staff is proposing use of the Windmill
Community Room on the -first floor of City Hall for City Council
meetings. Because the Windmill Room does not have the
capability for live broadcasting of meetings, staff has made
arrangements for taping Council Meetings to be aired at a later date
and time. Upon conclusion of the September 17, 2013 City Council
meeting, this urgency Ordinance will automatically terminate and
the publicly noticed time and place of the regular meeting of the
City Council will revert back to the SCAQMD Auditorium as
specified in Section 2.08.010 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code.
By adopting this Urgency Ordinance it allows the City, Council to
continue the City's business and therefore, staff recommends City
Council adoption of Ordinance No. 03(2013) as an Urgency
Ordinance allowing the relocation of the City Council meetings for
July 2, July 16, August 6, August 20, September 3 and September
17, 2013 in the Windmill Community Room located on the first floor
of the Diamond Bar City Hall. There is one correction on the
Urgency Ordinance under Section 3, second line to change the
effective date from July 4, 2013 to July 18, 2013 if it is not
considered an Urgency Ordinance.
CITye moved, C/Chang seconded, to Adopt Urgency Ordinance
No. 03 (2013): Identifying the Temporary Relocation of Regular
Meetings of the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar. Motion
carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Herrera, Tye, M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPT/Everett
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
ClHerrera reported that on May 24 Foothill Transit Executive Board met
and took action to no longer contract with Veolia Management Company
allowing Foothill Transit to take control of its employees and all services.
Councilwoman Paula Lantz along with ClHerrera served on the
subcommittee to review the management contract under the auspices of
Darold Pieper, the attorney for Foothill Transit. Upon analysis, it is
believed that between $1 and $2 million would be saved annually. Foothill
Transit is currently negotiating with Veolia for the exact date when they
would conclude their management services. Board Members look forward
to Foothill embarking on this new process and perhaps saving more than
$2 million as it looks for different ways of providing services.
On May 28 Congressman/Chairman Bill Shuster came to visit which was
very significant toward finding a fix and finding money to fix the SR57/60
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
which has been a project of many Council Members in this City for many
years. What is significant is that the Chairman actually saw the
congestion. In addition, the City provided significant statistics, but what hit
home was the City's argument that the SR60 is a Goods Movement
Corridor, a vital link from the ports to Interstate 15 where all of these
containers are moving and 35 percent of the containers are goods moving
farther east to the rest of the nation. When those containers get bogged
down at the SR57160 it presents a delay in the goods reaching back east
which make the goods more costly. That argument hit home and that is an
argument that Chairman Shuster can then deliver to the rest of the
members of the committee as well as, other congressional representatives
that do not live in California and probably figure "why would we care about
what happens with congestion out in California". If it is their goods being
delayed and bogged down that hits home to them.
On May 30 the San Gabriel COG met with the major topic of discussion
being the separation of ACE (Alameda Corridor East) from the San
Gabriel COG. The Executive Director spent a great deal of time talking
about her vision for the San Gabriel COG and her vision for the Alameda
Corridor East which would take on new functions for both organizations.
She reported that her vision for changing the public works directors'
technical advisory committee where they would handle transportation
projects and there was a lot of debate and a lot of information shared and
ultimately, the COG Board Members voted 19 yes to separate — 11 no and
1 abstention who was Angel Correo who had a financial interest in the
issue. Unfortunately, also on the agenda was a resolution against the City
of Chino Hills. Edison is planning on very large towers that will go right
past the neighborhoods in Chino Hills which has been fighting against this
for a number of years. Edison asked the San Gabriel COG to adopt a
resolution to support these tall towers and if Chino Hills wanted them
underground for the three miles of a particular neighborhood, Chino Hills
would pay for it, which would amount to between $400 million to $1 billion.
She. was disappointed that the majority of the COG Board Members voted
to support the resolution; 26 voted "Yes" and 5 voted "No"; she was one
of the "No" votes.
Lastly, today she received an email from a resident who asked that she
make an announcement, a statement, and a plea to residents. A lot of DB
residents like to walk their dogs and some residents are very responsible
and carry their doggie bags and clean up after the dogs. However, a great
many residents are not responsible and just leave their dog's droppings in
the street. The area in question is around Chaparral and Maple Hill Park
areas. This individual counted droppings every 88 feet. Children walk
these streets to school and don't want children stepping in these
droppings on the sidewalk. She asked that perhaps the City could put up
reminders to the residents to please clean up after their pets.
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
C/Tye attended DRHS Band and Jazz Concert held at the Fox Theater.
This is an opportunity for them to show off at the end of the year. Phil
Ruiz has done a tremendous job with the music program at the high
school, especially in the face of budget cutbacks and we certainly
appreciate his efforts. The parents have stepped up and done a fabulous
job of raising the necessary funds to keep the program going. It was a
terrific evening to watch them highlight their talents.
Last Thursday he attended DRHS 13th Annual Commencement Ceremony
at the Fairplex - Congratulations to the new graduates as they set out to
conquer the world and congratulations to the graduates of DBHS as well.
He had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Bill Shuster, the Chair
of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to discuss the
SR57/60 Confluence Project along with Congressman Ed Royce. C/Tye
shared with Congressman Shuster, when the SR57/60 gets cold, DB gets
pneumonia When one is out on the roads early and on the way to work
and Diamond Bar Boulevard or Golden Springs or Grand Avenue is
jammed one does not need the traffic reporters to tell them there is an
accident on a local freeway. So, residents deal with this every day. It
wasn't news to us, but for Congressman Shuster, it was eye-opening to
see the traffic for himself. We actually took him over on the Grand Avenue
Bridge and let him watch the traffic weave back and forth and he now has
a better understanding of the problem. We appreciate his efforts to look at
the problem firsthand and not simply look at reports and information about
this local, regional and truly a national problem for freight. Identifying this
interchange, as Congressman Royce said, as a primary freight network
will help in getting the funds necessary to "fix" the problem. He thanked
staff and Councilwoman Herrera for the perseverance it has taken over
13-15 years to stick with this problem. We have lobbied Congressman
Miller for years and by making sure that Congressman Royce realizes the
impacts this has on DB and surrounding communities and the Inland
Empire, we have not missed a• beat as a result of redistricting. We
appreciate their efforts to be here. Congressman Shuster coming all the
way from the 9th District in Pennsylvania to see the problems that impact
our area and the traffic that we put up with is greatly appreciated.
To piggyback on Councilwoman Herrera's request about dog owners and
their responsibility/irresponsibility, he asked CM/DeStefano to include
public service announcements on DBTV although he is not sure that
people who do not pick up after their dogs are really paying too much
attention to PSA's.
C/Chang reminded everyone that as usual, they can follow her on
Facebook and Twitter. M/Tanaka, MPT/Everett and she attended the
Chino Hills State of the City presented by Mayor Peter Rogers. It was
interesting to learn what the neighboring city is doing. She attended the
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL
DB Chinese School Honors Presentation. The DB Chinese School has
been run by the DB Chinese-American Association for quite a number of
years and it is wonderful to see that so many kids are learning Chinese.
Another very interesting presentation was that Dr. Tony Torng is an
advisor for the DBHS Robotics Team and they made a presentation with a
Frisbee throwing robot which they built.
She and MPT/Everett attended the United Advocates Association Mental
Arithmetic presentations. These kids who use an Abacus are like human
calculators and probably faster.
As everyone heard from C/Herrera and CITye as well as CM/DeStefano,
the Council gave a presentation to Chairman Shuster. She believes credit
goes to Congressman Royce. She and Chairman Shuster shared a
conversation during which he said that Congressman Royce twisted his
arm several times to get him to visit the SR57160. DB is very fortunate to
have Congressman Royce represent the City. She has been focused on
the SR57/60 Confluence Project since she was elected to Council. Traffic
is getting worse and hopefully, this can be fixed as soon as possible. She
heard from other cities surrounding DB that Chairman Shuster apparently
mentioned the SR57160 during the Association of California Cities Orange
County presentation so it is locked in his mind. DB also caught the eye of
Channel 4 news and the LA Times so that is a huge, huge win for us, just
to have the spotlight on this problem that everyone has been working so
hard on to gain relief. Thanks again to Congressman Royce for his
diligent efforts. She was very impressed that when he was going through
the numbers he did so from memory so that shows how much he has
studied and absorbed this issue. She spoke with PWD/Liu about the fact
that on the SR60 west between Grand Avenue and Brea Canyon exit
there is a sign that is misleading motorists going to the SR57 northbound.
The sign indicates that drivers are allowed to go onto the SR57
northbound but it does not, so hopefully Caltrans can shift the sign more to
the right.
She also attended the Lorbeer Middle School 8th Grade Promotion and it
was great to see the young kids move on to high school and thanked the
principal for a more efficient program.
M/Tanaka said that it has been a very busy couple of weeks. He hoped
that everyone had a chance to celebrate the Memorial Holiday to
remember our fallen heroes from our military services. He welcomed
Sterling Mosley to the DB family.
Last Wednesday he attended the LA County Sanitation District 21 meeting
where routine business was conducted as well as attended the Chino Hills
State of the City address given by Mayor Peter Rogers where he
emphasized the youth and their programs. He also talked about Edison's
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 16 CITY COUNCIL
Tehachapi Renewable Energy High Power Lines and mentioned doing
away with the birthing hotel. There was a nice reception in the city hall
lobby sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
That Friday he attended the Pacific Crest Youth Arts Program Dinner and
Casino Night where they celebrated their 201h Anniversary. This is a DB
music program that allows students that have graduated from high school
to continue their musical interests. He thanked Stuart Pompel for his
leadership over the last 20 years.
That Saturday he had an invitation from AQMD's chemist and engineers
who play a co-ed softball game over the weekend and asked that he
present a key from the City of DB which he explained that we don't have a
key to the City but he had an old squeeze ball from years back that he
autographed and presented to the winning team. That Saturday evening
he attended the Taekwondo International Festival in the City of Industry, a
wonderful event that was coordinated by Grand Master Young In Cheon
and his daughter Ann. Taekwondo schools from around the world were
represented in Olympic fashion with demonstrations and competitions all
day long.
On Sunday evening DRHS Music Department had a chance to showcase
their musical program in the historic Pomona Fox Theater. The Pageantry
performed the Winterline Symphony. Soloists and the Women's
Ensemble also performed. The evening concluded with the jazz band
performing to allow guests to dance the night away.
Last Tuesday there was a transportation meeting and he thanked
Congressman Shuster for coming out to DB to actually look at the
SR57160 Confluence problem. Again, the crowning point was the trip to
the Grand Avenue Bridge where he was able to observe firsthand, on a
relatively light day, all of the weaving that trucks and vehicles do on that
freeway.
Last Wednesday he attended the 44th annual LA County Peace Officer's
Memorial at Sheriffs Headquarters, the last leg of the Memorial Torch
Run, which runs through each of the LA County Sheriffs Stations
throughout the County. The guest speaker was Jackie Lacey, L4
County's District Attorney.
This past Thursday he attended the promotion exercise at Southpoint
Middle School and a shout out for promotion for his Grand Niece Peyton
Eubanks. That evening he attended the DBHS graduation to witness
dozens of Leo Club members graduate and go on to the colleges of their
choice. Best wishes to all of the graduates from DBHS. He wished Kay
Everett a Happy Birthday the wife of MPT1Everett who is not here because
he'is out celebrating with family members.
JUNE 4, 2013 PAGE 17 CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, MlTanaka
adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:55 p.m.
TOMMYE CRIBBINS,:CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this lsthday of June ,
2013.
JACK TANAKA, MAYOR