HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/20/2013 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
AUGUST 20, 2013
STUDY SESSION: M/Tanaka called the Study Session to order at
5:30 p.m. in the Diamond Bar City Hall Windmill Room, 21810 Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Present: Council Members Ling -Ling Chang, Carol
Herrera, Steve Tye, Mayor Pro Tem Ron Everett, and Mayor Jack Tanaka.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney; Dianna Honeywell,
Finance Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community
Service Director; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Ryan
McLean, Assistant to the City Manager; Kimberly Young, Associate Engineer;
Ken Desforges, IT Director; Alfredo Estevez, IS Help Desk Support Technician,
and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
► TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UPDATE
CMIDeStefano reported that it has been a couple of years since staff
updated the City Council on its traffic management system. City Hall has
been in the new building for about a year and a half and after this
presentation, Council will be introduced to the Traffic Management Center
within City Hall.
PWD/Liu introduced Erlan Gomez, Transcore; Ben Chan, KOA; and,
Christian Malpica, Associate Engineer (Traffic) who operates the City's
Traffic Management Center. He stated that the purpose of the Traffic
Management System is to provide remote communication between traffic
signals at major arterials and the City's Traffic Management System
(TMS), This system is operated by managing the TMS, upgrading the
system and managing the demand on the TMS. There are four major
objectives that staff attempts to adhere to: 1) staff understands Diamond
Bar and the system is intended to minimize the delays for residents
entering the arterials; 2) maximize traffic flow from the arterials; 3)
maximize safety for pedestrians and motorists that travel through the City
and, 4) try to improve response times to address signal malfunctions to
reduce maintenance costs. The TMS allows staff to observe all of the
signal operations in real time while attacking the problems to address the
issues proactively; the system allows staff to review signal operation
history through the diagnostic tools built into the system; make changes to
the signal timings to accommodate traffic flow based on field conditions;
and, when there are special events or incidents the system allows staff to
stay ahead of the curve.
Housed in the Traffic Management Center is the central computer with
monitors and traffic control software that brings up the entire system. In
the field are the traffic signal controls, firmware and cameras which are all
AUGUST 20, 20'13 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
tied back to the TMC through underground infrastructure/interconnect. All
of the components of the system are interconnected and function as a
unit. The system uses closed circuit TV cameras (CCTV cameras) which
have the capability to pan, tilt, and zoom on a 360 degree basis. These
are the traffic "eyes" of the system. The system. also uses Video Detection
Cameras which are fixed location cameras that are used for detection
purposes only. There are 16 locations throughout the City which include
critical intersections that have large traffic volumes or are in close
proximity to schools. The interconnect system lies under major arterials
throughout the City. The cabinets contain TV monitors under which sits
the controller, two tiers of detection centers, the battery backup system
and switches and relays. Battery backup systems are at a total of 19
locations at this time. The TMC also contains a video board with eight
video displays which were incorporated when City Hall moved to its
present location.
Daily operations at the TMC include reviewing the system logs to verify
the signal operations in order to respond to timing complaints and
operational issues. Staff wants to be responsive and feels it is best to do
so by making sure that all data is reviewed on a regular basis and that the
mitigation makes sense. Staff is also able to observe traffic flow during
City Hall work hours through CCTV and the video detection cameras.
Some of the most recent improvements and accomplishments include an
almost seamless move from AQMD to the TMC video wall at City Hall and
the City's ability to connect to the countywide exchange network, a critical
component. By being part of the IEN the City is able to exchange data
with participating agencies to enable countywide responses to major
events. To date, only about 14 or 15 cities are on the system and the
County hopes to see more cities participate. From the beginning staff has
worked with the County and taken a very proactive approach with respect
to how it sees itself within the regional picture.
A few weeks ago the City received word from MTA that it would receive a
little over $1.4 million in Fiscal Year 2015-16 to develop and implement an
adaptive control system which is significant because no other cities the
size of Diamond Bar have this technology. Diamond Bar is unique
because it deals with regional freeway traffic. An Adaptive Control System
is simply designed to work on auto pilot and respond instantaneously to
changing conditions. As a result, many more sensors will be required to
be placed in the pavements and cameras. This system does not require
specific time plans. It is a "smart" system that monitors everything second
by second. For the next couple of years Diamond Bar has a Traffic
Responsive System that will be implemented within the next month which
will, through pre -determined timing plans, provide a view of the City's
three corridors, Grand Avenue, Golden Springs and Diamond Bar
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION
Boulevard. Those three corridors will be divided into five sections so that
within any given section three specific timing plans will be developed.
When a major incident occurs that closes the freeway and spills traffic
onto Brea Canyon, for example, there will be a surge of traffic going north
on Diamond Bar Boulevard and the system will have established certain
thresholds. When those thresholds are met, everything along Diamond
Bar Boulevard between Brea Canyon Road and Grand Avenue will be
affected by timing that favors northbound traffic and northbound traffic will
be given preferential treatment to get through the City to their destinations.
Residential neighborhoods will suffer during the surge but it will provide a
means to more quickly move traffic out of the City and restore residential
traffic flow.
In developing the Traffic Responsive System, Diamond Bar Boulevard will
be broken up into two sections, Golden Springs Drive will be broken up
into two sections and Grand Avenue, because of the uniqueness of the
location, will have only one Traffic Responsive System section to balance
the traffic volumes. Since all legs of traffic will be affected, one cannot be
favored over another and the system will be fine tuned to make sure that
ultimately, the City's traffic response plans will be assisting and facilitating
the circulation of freeway traffic. In September the Traffic Responsive
Plan will be implemented and a few years later the Traffic Responsive
System will be installed. When it comes to an adaptive traffic control
system, this system is instantaneous and requires only one timing cycle
with each timing change versus the Traffic Responsive Plan. Once the
thresholds have been met it will take two or three timing cycles before the
timing plans are implemented.
Some of the ongoing/current improvements to the Traffic Management
System include installation of 16 CCTV's, equipping 19 intersections with
Battery Backup Systems and during the current FY 15 more locations will
be added. As part of the CIP for this year, traffic signal upgrades will be
implemented such as updating the wiring, cable, conduits, etc. As a result
of next month's implementation of the Traffic Signal Operation
Maintenance Plan, upgrades will be looked at very comprehensively so
that staff can determine deficiencies and how to maintain all of the
necessary parts of the system to make sure the City's Traffic Management
System continues to provide the City continued assistance and continue
the lifecycle of the City's assets.
PWDILiu talked about recent accomplishments and stated that staff was
able to work with Caltrans to install communication units within their
controllers and although they do not communicate with local cities, they
will be looking to connect with the County and later with the IEN to share
data so that the City will be able to closely monitor their data to facilitate
AUGUST 20; 2013
PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION
local traffic management, especially when a freeway incident occurs. In
addition, staff was contacted by the County of Los Angeles to see if the
City wanted to be involved in the establishment of an incident
management protocol involving CHP and the County Sheriff's Department.
Ultimately, the goal is to get all cities along the freeway corridors to
discuss what this protocol will look like and how the communication
channels will be established.
In FY 2016117 the City expects to receive $1.4 million to use toward the
implementation of the Adaptive Traffic Control System. Beginning the
next fiscal year, staff will make sure that the City's ongoing investments
are upgraded to preserve the equipment infrastructure lifecycle. In
summary, staff would like the Council to understand that the City's Traffic
Management System enhances the City's mobility and has improved
staff's efficiency on a daily basis. Staff understands that public safety is
the Council's top priority and with that ,understanding, attempts to be
timely in responding to all requests and incidents with ongoing efforts to
minimize traffic delays and congestion to preserve the residents quality of
life. Of course, regional traffic issues continue to be a major challenge
and the City continues to work with all stakeholders including the County
and the State toward continuing improvement. Staff hopes to demonstrate
that this is an essential investment for the City and staff recommends and
appreciates Council's support in these efforts.
MPT/Everett asked what battery backup meant and whether it provided
full function capabilities.
PWD/Liu responded that when a signalized intersection experiences a
power outage the battery backup system kicks in and provides the power
to continue the full function of the traffic signal. Generally, to maintain the
energy needed to maintain a fully operational traffic signal, the battery
backup system will provide about five hours of fully operational traffic
signal work with another five hours of red flashing. If the power outage
lasts more than 10 hours the system goes dark.
MPTIEverett asked how many of the 14 cities involved with IEN are
neighboring cities to Diamond Bar and are either making a difference or
will make a difference once the City is interacting with them.
PWD/Liu responded that currently, Pomona has been connected as long
as Diamond Bar has been connected. Another is the unincorporated
portion of LA County and the City. of Industry is in the pipeline waiting to
be connected.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION
MPT/Everett asked if there was a benefit to being connected with
Pomona, the County and Industry or is the system still under design with
so many variables a benefit cannot be determined at this time.
PWD/Liu responded that the County is a bit frustrated because they do not
have many players in the system. However, the IEN has been around for
about 10 years and unfortunately, when it comes to local jurisdictions,
Diamond Bar is one of the few cities that believed from the beginning that
because the City understands its traffic issues it needs to look at these
issues from a regional perspective. The City decided early on that it is
better to be part of the system and have the opportunity to share and
exchange data. It takes only one major incident for the City to regret not
being part of the system. Remember that the County is looking to get
Caltrans to join because Caltrans has their own system. The ultimate goal
is that if Caltrans can become part of the IEN it will definitely benefit
Diamond Bar because then staff will be able to review the Caltrans data.
C/Chang said she really liked the chart comparing the Traffic Responsive
System versus the Adaptive Traffic Control System. She suggested
adding a third column to compare it to the City's current system to update
the City on how the current system is currently monitoring, how fast the
sensors work, what is the response time, etc.
PWD/Liu said that in September staff will be implementing the Traffic
Responsive Pian which is an "incident" management tool and the only
time that TRP would be activated would be with a "surge" of traffic when
there is a traffic or major incident along one of the City's major arterials so
it will be a case by case depending on the type of accident. For each of
these plans to be actuated the minimum traffic volume threshold would
have to be met. On a day to day basis, time plans are implemented based
on the time of day. For example, at any given traffic signal in the City
there are three preset timing plans: For the AM peak hours (6:00 to 9:00
a.m.), the PM Hours and noontime depending on traffic conditions at each
leg. On the weekends, the signals are not necessarily on a preset timing
plan.
C/Chang said she looked forward to implementation of the Adaptive Traffic
Control System once the grant is forthcoming.
C/Tye wanted to know how staff decides where to put the CCTV cameras.
For example, why would a CCTV camera be placed at Diamond Bar
Boulevard and Sugar Pine rather than Cold Springs or Fountain Springs
which is a signal that controls the shopping center on one side and homes
on the other side? When Cold Springs flashes red traffic backs up all the
way to the freeway for northbound traffic. When Fountain Springs flashes
red, it is a problem.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 6 CC STUDY SESSION
PWD/Liu said that was one of his questions when staff recommended the
locations. Part of the answer is the question "location." It is a mid -point
between Brea Canyon Road and Pathfinder. Cameras can pan, tilt and
zoom so ideally, locations are determined to take advantage of the eye for
the conditions that are being monitored which is one of the key factors.
Also, the topography or curvature of the roadway is a consideration
because if you pick the wrong intersection and roadway the camera
capabilities are Ibst. Sugar Pine allows the capture of data from and in
both directions and sides.
CITye said that the response to the red flashing this weekend was that the
system did not recognize it because there was "conflicting timing phases."
He asked what would happen if glitches were fixed over time and finally it
was determined that conflicting timing phases is a problem. The system
could be programmed so that it would not be a problem in the future.
PWD/Liu responded that CITye's observation is pretty close. Part of what
happened in this weekend's incident was that the computer was sensing
there were cars waiting in the left turn pocket. At the same time another
timing phase came up on the computer that allowed through traffic, so as
a failsafe because this would create issues, the system shut everything
down to avoid a possible conflict in order to protect the City from potential
liability issues. It could also be due to physical conditions of some of the
equipment because in this example there is no history. Through this
process staff wants to be able to zero in to make sure that whatever is
ultimately decided, it is the right decision. On Monday, PWD/Liu asked
how many communication failures the City had experienced to date and
discovered that it had been a handful. The paging alert system gives two
alerts only, red flashes and when the battery backup system is activated.
Because of the weekend example, staff's immediate concern is to look
into the matter and ultimately determine whether the City could work with
Transcore to add the communication loss feature into the paging system,
which can be done. Ultimately, additional alerts can be sent to staff once
it is determined that it is an efficient use of resources.
CITye said that emphasis is on Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar
Boulevard, Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive, and Golden Springs
Drive and Diamond Bar Boulevard and everyone knows when they are in
traffic in the morning and evening those are definitely areas that are
impacted, especially by freeway traffic. One that drives him crazy is
Diamond Bar Boulevard and Mountain Laurel Drive now that school is
back in session. When it takes three or four phases to get through a
signal it makes him think there has to be a traffic signal solution for that
area.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 7 CC STUDY SESSION
PWD/Liu responded that staff has been looking at that intersection for the
past three years. One recommendation was to eliminate the crosswalk at
the north leg to give more time to south bound traffic so that kids could
use only the south leg to cross Diamond Bar Boulevard. Staff continues to
look at options but ultimately, it is a choke point and in terms of drivers
entering and leaving the school area there are other options. For
whatever reason, most individuals prefer to use Mountain Laurel.
CITye said his thought would be to make it like the area at Lorbeer where
there is no right turn on red between specific hours. What if the City
installed a "no right turn" at all to move traffic to Maple Hill.
PWD/Liu responded that it was an option. The City would have to work
with all of the residents and force parents and school administrators to
convey the need.
Ben Chan, KOA said that unfortunately the problem is that there is not
enough green time on Diamond Bar Boulevard it is when they make the
turn to drop off the kids the cars are actually backed up to Diamond Bar
Boulevard. His suggestion was to lengthen the right turn lane to stack
more traffic. With a short right turn a surge of traffic leaves cars stranded
on the through lane.
CITye said that people are using that lane whether it is legal or not. Traffic
is backing up and blocking traffic into the condos which is a quarter of a
mile further north. He agreed that there were too many cars in too short of
a time and space and one of the things he asked Dr. Taylor when he met
with him a couple of weeks ago for ideas about improvements the City
would like to see, he told Dr. Taylor that if there was anything he could do
to start school later (in the morning) it would be ideal and Dr. Taylor is
thinking about that suggestion.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered.
RECESSED: MlTanaka recessed the Study Session at 6:15 p.m. for a site
visit the Traffic Management Room.
RECONVENED: Mayor Tanaka reconvened the meeting at 6:17 p.m. to the
Traffic Management Center.
AE/Malpica-Perez went on to provide the City Council and guests with a
demonstration of how the Traffic Management System works.
AE/MalpicaWPerez identified the hardware such as the cameras used in different
locations as well as the workstations and what is displayed from each one. He
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 8 CC STUDY SESSION
also showed how he can go back and access a systems log showing what
occurred at a specific intersection at any time.
He further stated that he can look at what is happening on the freeway
and if need be make adjustments to the signals in the City if a traffic
problem arises.
PWD/Liu stated that if a problem arises after hours, both he and Christian
receive information through e-mails and can, from their homes, access the
system and make any necessary adjustments.
C/Herrera asked what happens when there is a power failure at City Hall
does that affect what goes on in the streets.
PWD/Liu stated that City Hall has a battery back-up system and therefore
we stili have the ability to continue to monitor and make adjustments as
needed.
Resident, Jack Shah, asked how long the videos are kept and could
residents if in an accident come in and request a copy of the video.
AE/Malpica-Perez stated that the City does not video tape and that the
data is kept here for 3 months then sent to Transcore where it is kept for 2
years.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other questions asked, M/Tanaka recessed the Study
Session at 6:27 p.m. to the regular City Council me ting.
Fr
1
TOMMA CRIBBINS, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 3rd day of September ,
2013.
Jack Tanaka, Mayor
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
AUGUST 20, 2013
STUDY SESSION: 5:30 p.m., Windmill Room
► Traffic Management System Update
Public Comments: None Offered
Study Session recessed to Traffic Management Center at 6:15 p.m.
Returned to the Windmill Room at 6:28 p.m., and Recessed the Study Session to
the Regular City Council Meeting.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Jack Tanaka called the Regular City
Council meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Windmill Room, Diamond Bar City
Hall, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Tanaka led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Anwar Haq provided the Invocation for Dr.
Sakr, Islamic Education Center.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Chang, Herrera, Tye, Mayor
Pro Tem Everett and Mayor Tanaka.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney; Dianna Honeywell,
Finance- Director; Amy Haug, Human Resources Manager; Greg Gubman,
Community Development Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose,
Community Services Director; Ken Desforges, IT Director; Ryan McLean,
Assistant to the City Manager; Kimberly Young, Associate Engineer; Alfredo
Estevez, IS Help Desk Support Technician; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information
Coordinator, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 MPT/Everett presented a City Tile to Outgoing Planning
Commissioner Steve Nelson.
Mr. Nelson stated that he ` appreciated the recognition for his
community service and enjoyed working with his fellow
commissioners and City Staff.
, AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.1 CMIDeStefano introduced new City employee Amy Haug who wil
serve the City as its Human Resources Manager. Amy comes to
Diamond Bar from the City of Riverside and has many years of
service and expertise in both the public and private sector.
HRMIHaug has been with the City for about two weeks and will
provide a number of services to the organization and employees
including employee benefits, recruitment, selection, training and
development, etc.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Pui-Ching Ho, Diamond Bar Acting Librarian, reminded students that the
library offers live homework help, a free online service that assists
elementary and high school students with English, Math, Social Studies
and Science. College students can also get help for their college level
courses. Tutors are available for adult career help and offer services
including resume review, job search and interview preparation. Tutors can
also help with GED and Citizenship preparation and back to school needs.
Online help is available through the LA County website. To help students
develop critical thinking skills the library will start a Teen Book Club that
will meet every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. For more information, stop by the
library or call 909-861-4978.
Nancy Lyons, candidate for City Council, asked for an explanation of what
is going on with the Shell Station on behalf of her potential constituents.
This eyesore appears to be under construction, needs to be cleaned up
and needs to be finished and has been an eyesore for more than a year.
She and other residents would like for the situation to be taken care of and
wondered if the Council was aware of this ugly eyesore. Ms. Lyons asked
if the Shell has been contacted, can the City put a lien on the property,
can Von's do something about it. Ms. Lyons offered photos for Council
viewing.
James Price, Pastor, Diamond Canyon Christian Church, invited residents
to participate in a program that was started about 10 years ago by a young
woman, Candy Chang. This program has spread around the world and it
allows people to express what they would like to do before they die. This
is a community project that begins at the church on September 8, 2013,
3338 Diamond Canyon Road.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CM/DeStefano said that as Council is aware, the City and City staff and
particularly the Code Enforcement staff and City Prosecutor have been
actively working on a plan to eliminate the eyesore that is the Shell Station
at the corner of Palomino and Diamond Bar Boulevard. That property was
originally approved for a complete rebuild a few years ago. The
applicant/property owner/interested parties ran into a variety of financial
difficulties and the project was stalled and as a result it has become a
public nuisance.
Both Code Enforcement and the City Prosecutor became heavily involved
and as a result the City has been working through the property owners
and the courts for the past couple of years on this matter. The City was
successful in getting a judge to appoint a Receiver; successful in getting a
General Contractor selected by the Receiver and just this past week, staff
received additional and very positive information that he asked
CDD/Gubman to provide the details since he and his staff have been
overseeing this effort. As the property has come under decay during the
past year or two staff has worked with the property owner to get the
property cleaned up and/or the City has done the cleanup. Everyone in
the City and particularly those merchants and customers in the shopping
center have been extraordinarily patient through this process. For the first
time in many months the City is looking forward to the finish line with the
recent action by the court.
CDD/Gubman stated that as the Council knows, this has been an ongoing
issue that got the City to the point where it had to file suit to take
possession of the property and complete the work. He reported that last.
Friday the hearing on the Receiver's application for authorization for
funding, retaining the contractor, listing the property as well as, other
authorization was held. The defender of the property, until the Receiver is
able to liquidate the property, has been obstructing the City's efforts to
seek legal remedies the Court granted. Over.the next week the Receiver
should be finalizing the funding arrangements with the lender. Thereafter,
a contractor is lined up and construction is anticipated to resume under
the supervision of the Receiver in about two weeks.
MPT/Everett asked if the listing was a real estate listing for sale of the
property.
CDD/Gubman responded in the affirmative. Once the receiver completes
the work and the property is in a turnkey condition it will be listed and once
sold, the proceeds of the sale will be used to recover and satisfy the City's
attorney's fees and related Code Enforcement efforts, Receiver's fees and
all other liens that led to construction stoppage.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Final Concerts in the Park — August 21, 2013 — 6:30 p.m. to 8:00
p.m., The Ultimate Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute), Sycamore
Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive.
5.2 Movies Under the Stars — August 21, 2013 — Who Framed Roger
Rabbit? — Immediately following Concerts in the Park, Sycamore
Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive.
5.3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — August 22, 2013'-
7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.4 Planning Commission Meeting — August 27, 2013 —7:00 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.5 Labor Day Holiday — City Offices closed in observance of Labor
Day September 2, 2013. City Offices reopen on Tuesday,
September 3, 2013 at 7:30 a.m.
5.6 City Council Meeting September 3, 2013 - 6:30 p.m., Windmill
Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.7 Diamond Bar Day at the Los Angeles County Fair — Thursday,
September 5, 2013 — Los Angeles County Fair Grounds in
Pomona.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: CITye moved, CIHertera seconded, to approve
the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll
Call vote:
AYES:. COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Herrera, Tye, MPT/Everett
M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
6.1 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
(a) Study Session of August 6, 2013 — Approved as Submitted.
(b) Regular Meeting of August 6, 2013 — Approved as
Corrected.
6.2 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MINUTES:
(a) Regular Meeting of May 9, 2013 — Received and Filed.
(b) Regular Meeting of July 11, 2013 — Received and Filed.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated August 1, 2013 through
. August 14, 2013 totaling $766,649.86.
6.4 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2013-27. APPROVING THE
APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE HABITAT
CONSERVATION FUND PROGRAM FOR THE PANTERA PARK
TRAIL.
6.5 APPROVED AMENDMENT WITH WARREN C. SIECKE TO
UPDATE THE CITYWIDE SPEED ZONE STUDY IN THE
AMOUNT OF $30,000.
7. PUBLIC HEARING None
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 ADOPT URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. - 03(A) (2013):
IDENTIFYING THE TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF REGULAR
MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF DIAMOND BAR TO
DIAMOND BAR CITY HALL LOCATED AT 21810 COPLEY DRIVE
AND AMEND ORDINANCE NO. 03 (2013).
CMIDeStefano explained that this matter involves an extension of
the time staff anticipates the City Council will need to meet in the
Windmill Room. CCICribbins will present staffs report on this item.
CCICribbins stated that as CMIDeStefano pointed out during
tonight's presentation of Schedule of Events, the City Council
meetings "will need to continue being held at City Hall for an
extended period of time. On June 4, the City Council adopted an
Urgency Ordinance relocating the City Council meetings to the
Windmill Room. At that time, staff believed the time period would
extend through the months of June, July and August. On
Wednesday, July 31, staff received a letter from the AQMD stating
they had not yet begun remodeling their audio and video systems in
the auditorium and therefore, the City of Diamond Bar would need
to continue holding its Council Meetings in the Windmill Room for a
little longer. This ordinance is to continue the ordinance that was
previously adopted in order to hold City Council meetings in the
Windmill Room. Staff is requesting that City Council adopt the
Ordinance extending the time through November 5, 2013 by
adopting for First Reading the Amended Urgency Ordinance No.
03(A).
CITye asked if this ordinance was intended to extend the time
through the entire month of November or to November 5 as stated
in staff's report.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
CCICribbins responded that staff hopes to be able to return to the
AQMD after the first meeting .of November; however, in the event
that does not happen, staff will be coming back to the City Council
for another extension of time.
ClHerrera said that in the event that the City Council might have to
adopt another ordinance extending the time would it be prudent to
adopt Ordinance 3A through the month of November and at that
point, if the work has been completed, the Council can return to
meetings at AQMD in December.
CAIDeBerry responded that the ordinance must be date specific
and as the ordinance currently reads, meetings will be held in the
Windmill Room at City Hall through November 5. If for some
reason the second meeting in November has to be held in the
Windmill Room it will require another ordinance.
ClHerrera moved, CITye seconded, to Approve for First Reading,
Waive full Reading of Ordinance No. 03(A) (2013): Identifying the
Temporary Relocation of Regular Meetings of the City Council of
the City of Diamond Bar to Diamond Bar City Hall located at 21810
Copley Drive and amend Ordinance No. 03(2013). Motion carried
by the following Roll Call vote.-
AYES:
ote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Herrera, Tye,
MPT/Everett, MlTanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTSICOUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Chang reminded everyone they could follow her on Facebook, Twitter,
Pinterest and Foursquare. She attended an event sponsored by
Californian's for Affordable and Reliable Energy Care. This coalition is
made.up of small businesses, community groups, local elected officials,
local business organizations, statewide associations and large energy
consumers that are advocating for comprehensive state energy plans on
fuel and electricity that prioritizes affordability, reliability and adequate
supply. With the recent closure of SONGS (San Onofre Nuclear
Generating Station) it is something Diamond Bar needs to focus on. The
small Hoover Commission study says that what California really needs
now is a time-out. in terms of energy mandates. Governor
Schwarzenegger mandated 33 percent renewable energy but there has
been no evaluation of which programs have been effective and the State
has failed to develop comprehensive energy strategies with clearly
delineated priorities. When discussing environmental sustainability,
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
consideration should be given to the economic sustainability so, an
attempt is being made to begin a dialogue with all of the stakeholders to
encourage legislators to come up with a comprehensive plan so that
California does not find itself having to endure another energy crisis like it
did a few years ago.
C/Chang stated she was in favor of SB594. Recently, a letter was sent
out regarding the City's opposition and that she wanted to be on the
record that she supports SB 594.
CITye congratulated Steve Nelson for 13 112 years of outstanding service
to this community and for his efforts in always leading a wonderful
meeting. He is very insightful and is one of only a handful of people who
have changed his opinion on a given issue. He is a very effective
communicator and was a wonderful Planning Commissioner. He
extended best wishes to Steve and his wife, Marian, in their new location.
He attended ribbon -cutting ceremonies for Grand Army-Navy Surplus
Store and congratulated owner Frank Gutierrez and wished him every
success. Diamond Bar is grateful he chose this City for his business.
He joined M/Tanaka and Friends of the Library in celebration of the First
Birthday of the Diamond Bar Library. It is hard to believe it has only been
a year since the City held the dedication of library and reading garden.
Congratulations to the Friends of the Library and all they have done for the
library. Also congratulations to Pui-Ching Ho and all of her efforts to make
it a wonderful place for people to read, study and learn and a wonderful
community asset.
ClHerrera also thanked Steve Nelson for providing a tremendous service
and leadership to the City of Diamond Bar and the Planning Commission.
He will be greatly missed.
She also congratulated the Diamond Bar Library celebrating its first
birthday.
Tomorrow night is the Contract Cities dinner sponsored by LA County
Sheriff's Department. She is looking forward to joining everyone for dinner
and conversation with Sheriff's Department personnel who do such a
great job keeping Diamond Bar safe.
ClHerrera announced that in a couple of days she will be attending the
San Gabriel Valley Council of Government Meeting and will report on the
outcome at the next Council meeting.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
MPT/Everett reported that he attended "National Night Out" as part of the
23rd Annual Concerts and Movies in the Park and that it was a real
pleasure to have representatives from the Sheriff's Station and Fire
Department. It was a celebration for public safety and for drug abuse and
focus on improving public safety.
The following day he attended an annual event, hosted by LA County
Library Librarian Margaret Todd at the Pasadena Community College,
This event was attended by full-time staff representing over 80 branches.
The program included training, motivation and recognition. A significant
amount of time was spent on library strategic planning to make the best
fiscal decisions for the library system as well as provide the best service
and resources.
That evening it was his pleasure to attend a Neighborhood Watch Meeting
at Silver Tip Park along with 20 people from the surrounding
neighborhood. The presentation was provided by both retired Reserve
Deputy .St. Amant and newly assigned Community Deputy Aaron Scheller.
The purpose of neighborhood watch is to learn and come together as a
community, be aware of what is going on and if there is something that
doesn't look right in the neighborhood, notify the Sheriff. He feels that
these meetings are going to be taking a much more vital role in public
safety and is convinced that arrests have increased because of timely
reporting by witnesses within the community.
On Saturday, Youth Baseball held their celebration. At the beginning of
summer 84 children registered for the 2013 Diamond Bar Summer Youth
Baseball program which began with skills evaluations and then games that
began on July 1 and concluded with the ever -popular picnic and closing
ceremonies at Heritage Park.
RSIMcKitrick, staff, parents and families focused on progressive skills
from T -Ball on up. Most important has been the traditional focus on the
sportsmanship trophy at all levels. There is a great spirit and attitude that
focuses on sportsmanship, the primary objective — playing ball, learning
some skills and having fun. It is a great time for players, coaches and
families. Thanks to staff and all of the families who participated.
The following Tuesday the Diamond Bar/Walnut Sheriff's Station
conducted an "all station training" at Calvary Chapel/Golden Springs from
7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It started promptly at 7:00 a.m. with the Sheriff's
Assistant Chief Hellmold and Capt. Scroggin who greeted and challenged
the entire group and spoke of his desire to have two training ops each
year. It is a phenomenal experience. Council and staff were invited to
follow the exercises that were being performed, role playing and then of
course followed by lunch sponsored by the City.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
All of the LA County Sheriffs, Reserves, Explorers, Volunteers
participated in serious role plays with related critiques, debriefs and
discussions very honestly and very seriously. It was an excellent training
experience as he viewed it and heard from the real professionals what
great lessons were learned and sharpened and sensitivities by that all day
event. Thanks to the Calvary Chapel for providing the venue and Thanks
to the Sheriff's Department for organizing and inviting the City to join in
and be a part of that training exercise.
Friday he joined CITye, M/Tanaka, CMIDeStefano, PUSD Superintendent
Richard Martinez and local friend, PUSD President Frank Guzman and his
partner Daniel at the opening a unique business the Grand Army-Navy
Surplus store located at 1139 South Grand. It is a great place to visit and
check out the products.
He too, was delighted to celebrate the first birthday of the Diamond Bar
Community Library on Saturday. Festivities began at 10:00 a.m. Thanks
to Pui-Ching Ho, library staff, Ruth Low and the Friends of the Library
volunteers and members. It was a great time to see and celebrate
Diamond Bar's newest and best treasure, the library.
He thanked Steve Nelson for his excellent service. It was his real
pleasure to make the presentation tonight and to articulate the contribution
that Steve has made as a volunteer to this community. He will be missed.
MPTIEverett then stated that the planning commission vacancy has been
posted at all of the posting locations where the City posts hearings; as well
as being posted on the home page of the City's website. CCICribbins is
accepting applications until Friday, August 30 at 4:30 at the close of
business.
Thanks again to Steve and best wishes to Steve and Marian as they start
a new chapter.
MPT/Everett also welcomed to HRMIHaug. Thank you to all and be safe .
as everyone moves from summer activities and the last concert and movie
tomorrow night and return to school. All of the schools are in session so
watch out and be careful.
M/Tanaka thanked Steve Nelson. It was approximately 10 years ago that
Steve welcomed him on the Planning Commission and made him feel very
welcome. Best wishes to Steve and Marian on this new chapter of their
lives. The past couple of weeks he has attended Concerts in the Park and
Movies Under the Stars. Last week was also National Night Out and he
thanked the Sheriff's Department and Fire Department for their
participation. He thanked the Target Stores, a national sponsor for
National Night Out and thanked the LA County Fair for providing
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
information and freebies
He reminded residents that Diamond Bar Day at the LA County Fair is
Thursday, September 5. Entry tickets can be purchased for $5, with a
hundred percent of the proceeds going to benefit the Yellow Bus Program
which provides transportation to the Fair to grade school children at no
charge.
On Saturday he attended the Diamond Bar Youth Baseball end of season
celebration during which sportsmanship was emphasized. There were
games, bounce houses and snow cones and the afternoon ended with
teen barbecues. He thanked RSIMcKitrick and Brian Billings for doing
such an outstanding job and was appreciated by the players, parents and
coaches.
On Sunday as the Mayor of Diamond Bar he was invited to ride in the 73rd
Annual Nisei Week Grand Parade. The Nisei Week committee hosts
many different activities and festivities to help celebrate the Japanese
culture through Art, Music and Food. It is a good opportunity for folks to
gather.
Last Monday he welcomed new employee HRMIHaug. Tuesday was the
exercise and training held by the Diamond Bar/Walnut Sheriff's Station
where there were plenty of scenarios. He thanked Mr. Doss who was
present at this evening's meeting " for participating in the exercise and
training.
After Concerts he also attended the Wildlife Corridor Conservation
Authority (WCCA) meeting to thank Advisory Committee members and
Governing Board members who have gone on to other activities. He
extended a special thank you to Stephen Davis for representing Diamond
Bar and his service on the Advisory Committee. Friday was the ribbon -
cutting for Grand Army-Navy Surplus store and congratulated owner Frank
Guzman, a Diamond Bar resident, on the opening of his new store.
Saturday was the Diamond Bar Pop Warner Opening Ceremony at
Lorbeer Middle School. There were a lot of scrimmage games and the
team scrimmaged against the Pop Warner organization from the high
desert. He thanked the Diamond Bar High School Leo Team club
members for helping with face painting during that activity. He wished
President James Johnson best wishes and fundraising Chair Bernadette
Hernandez and the rest of the Board for a successful season.
M/Tanaka helped the Diamond Bar Library celebrate their one year
birthday. There was plenty of popcorn and cake, face painting, balloon art
and regular library activities.
AUGUST 20, 2013 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
MlTanaka announced that this Sunday, August 25 Diamond Ranch High
School will hold a fundraiser for their music program in downtown Pomona
off of Garey and Second Avenue that will include a car show.
ADJOURNMENT; With no further business to conduct, M/Tanaka
adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m.
.w
TOMMYE CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this __3rc day of September
2013.
JACK TANAKA, MAYOR