HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/15/2013 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
OCTOBER 15, 2013
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Jack Tanaka called the Regular City
Council meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. in the Windmill Community Room,
Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Allegiance.
INVOCATION:
invocation.
ROLL CALL:
Everett and Mayor Tanaka.
/.1=a — a I
Council Member Chang led the Pledge of
Cantor Paul Buch, Temple Beth Israel gave the
Council Member Chang, Tye, Mayor Pro Tem
Council Member Herrera was excused.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney; Dianna Honeywell,
Finance Director;reg u man, ommuniyeve o� Director; Raymond
Tao, Building Official; David Liu, Public'Works Director, Bob Rose, Community
Services Director; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Ryan McLean, Assistant to the
City Manager; Kimberly Young, Associate Engineer; Anthony Santos, Senior
Management Analyst; 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 Mayor Tanaka and Council Members presented a Certificate 'of
Recognition to Joseph Lee, student at Mount Calvary Lutheran
Church/School for saving a relative from drowning. Teachers Ms.
Randall and Mrs. Trotter were also in attendance.
1.2 MPTIEverett proclaimed October 17, 2013 as "The Great California
ShakeOut" during which people worldwide will practice how to
"Drop, Cover and Hold" at 10:17 a.m. MPT/Everett presented the
proclamation to Robert Alfaro, Assistant Regional Administrator of
the program.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
CMIDeStefano introducing Tina Javid, Representative of Southern
California Gas Company reported that the Gas Company is engaged in a
regional effort to upgrade gas meters and the methods by which the
information from the gas meters will be transmitted back to the Gas
Company adding to a greener environment and a more accurate meter
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
reading for consumers. The program is being deployed throughout the
Southern California Gas Company region and was most recently installed
in the City of Walnut. Tina is present this evening to talk about the
deployment in Diamond Bar.
Tina .favid provided a power point presentation on the "Advanced Meter
Program" which will automate the meter -reading function. The program
benefits information for consumers. Currently, the Gas Company reads
meters once a month and residents receive a bill after consuming a
month's worth of usage. Once this program is implemented, residents will
be able to get next -day information. The goal is that with this information,
consumers will save money. Individuals who are on fixed incomes for
example, can look at the usage, plot their usage and decide how to use
gas. Commercial consumers will benefit in this manner as well. Energy is
very expensive and anything consumers can do is helpful. With the focus
on the environment, once this program is rolled out 1000 trucks will be
taken off the road every day helping with traffic as well as air duality.
Currently, employees enter properties once a month to read meters. Once
the system is implemented, that privacy issue will be enhanced and the
need for employees to enter. back yards will be eliminated as well as the
safety of the employee.
SCG is regulated by the California Public Utility Commission. An order
was issued for this program in 2010 with the Gas Company having until
2017 to implement the program and have it fully operational. SCG is the
last of the large utility companies to roll out this program and by being last
SCG has learned a great deal from sister utilities Edison and PG&E.
She is proud to report that SCG is the only large utility that will use its
employees to roll out this program. The company made a commitment
upfront that meter readers would be retained as employees and although
they will not be meter readers they will install the hardware and have
opportunities to find other careers within the company once the program is
implemented.
Ms. Javid showed a meter and how the system will work. The same meter
residents currently use will continue to be used with one piece that will be
added on the face of the meter. A receiver will be installed that sends
information to the company's billing group. Information will be available the
following day via computer and smart phone. 20 -year Lithium batteries
will power the receiver that remains in the off mode except for 4
microseconds per day during which turns on and transmits meter -read
information to the billing unit. The information will be encrypted and no
personal information will be transmitted. Before the meters can be
installed, data collection units which are the backbone of the system must
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
be up and running.
In order for the system to go online 4,000 units will be placed throughout
the service territory with 24 of those collection units residing in Diamond
Bar. She showed a map that pinpointed the locations of the units. The
number of units installed depends on the topography, number of homes
and the number of businesses. Because Diamond Bar has a lot of rolling
hills, more units will be required in order for the systems to talk to each
other and pick up the read. If the system is on a Gas Company pole, the
pole needs to be in the public right-of-way or within the Gas Company
easement for homeowners associations. If cities own their street light
poles the system can be attached. In addition, the Company has made an
arrangement with Edison to attach the unit to one type of their pole. The
goal is to select appropriate sites that are least intrusive to the community.
She showed photos of what the various installations would look like and
stated that the Company has made a commitment to the City of Diamond
Bar that prior to installation information will be provided to residents. Once
installation has been completed we will work with both City staff and the
am er o ommerceo�the in orma ion out o resp en s an
businesses about the actual roll out of the meters next year.
Ms. Javid said that it has been an absolute pleasure working with staff
members who have remained thorough and focused and have been great
partners in this effort. She also stated that she had left information
packages for Council and residents.
MPT/Everett thanked Ms. Javid for communicating the Company's efforts
very effectively and for acknowledging staff. Residents will appreciate
being able to communicate with Ms. Javid as this program rolls out.
MPT/Everett asked if the Company would provide software for smart
phones and computers.
Ms. Javid reiterated that residents can go online to the Gas Company
website at www.socalgas.com to sign up for the Advanced Meter program.
Because "The Country Estates" is such a large HOA there will be three
collection units within the subdivision. The Company has been working
very closely with "The Country Estates" Homeowner's Association Board
of Directors to make certain proper sites are being selected and
information is being communicated to the residents.
CMIDeStefano thanked the City's Public Safety Team. Diamond Bar
remains one of the safest cities in Southern California and in the nation.
The City has minimal crime and year-to-date statistics continue to reflect
that data. Diamond Bar is about two percent below the statistics from
2012 and about 10 percent below the crime statistics from the last five
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
years. Crime has ebbs and flows and crime categories have ebbs and
flows. Diamond Bar has done a good job of pushing out crime from the
community sometimes to the detriment of surrounding communities and
unincorporated areas which has seen some increases in crimes,
particularly home burglaries.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Allen Wilson thanked the City Council and particularly MlTanaka and
MPT/Everett for responding to his questions. As a pedestrian he is
concerned for his safety, especially when he crosses Golden Springs
Drive to visit Chili's and Target. Although the pedestrian has the right-of-
way, many drivers disregard that fact. About six months ago as he was
walking from Golden Prados to Golden Springs to cross over to the golf
course a driver made a left turn in front of him. Fortunately, there was a
Deputy Sheriff in the area and the driver was cited. Mr. Wilson asked if he
was correct in assuming that pedestrians are entitled to complete the
crossover to the other side of the street before drivers can make a left or
right turn.
April Carlos said she appreciates all of the new trails and other amenities
that the City manages to. keep adding when other cities are going
bankrupt. She asked C/Chang about a letter of support from Senator Bob
Huff and. asked her to explain how a Council Member can have any impact
in a classroom or school curriculum and whether or not the City will have
to hold another election in the event that she succeeds in winning a seat in
the State Assembly.
Vinod Kashyap spoke detailing his opposition to the Site D project and
that he felt that even though the Planning Commission agenda for October
8th had a noticed Public Hearing for Site D there was no Public Hearing
because ,Chair/Torng restricted speakers to five minutes each. He also
stated that in his opinion the City Council owes residents a public hearing.
Mr. Kashyap stated that Lennar Homes is listed as the applicant; however,
the property owners are listed as Walnut Valley Unified School District and
the City of Diamond Bar and that the only property owner who was
present at the Planning Commission meeting was MlTanaka.
Mr. Kashyap stated that he has appealed to Supervisor Knabe to look into
what is going on in Diamond Bar and made the same appeal to Diamond
Bar's Congressman, Assemblyman and Senator. He is also making the
same appeal to the City Council Members. He is concerned about the
potential for fraud based on his belief that because public land is being
sold at yesterday's prices with a flawed EIR and the fact that he has read
the CEQA report and finds nothing that tells him that CEQA has been
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
followed. A lot of things happened at the Planning Commission and the
general consensus which was made plain to M/Tanaka is that there has
not been transparency. Over and above that, the land is inundated with
faults and slip circles. He suggested that the City Council place a
moratorium on this site and have a proper engineering study done and
appoint a task force to study the issue.
Pui-Ching Ho, Diamond Bar Library Acting Librarian, reported that the
library will offer a series of five workshops for children aged 0-4 and their
parents on Wednesdays beginning October 16 at 10:00 a.m. The
workshop offers a setting in which children and parents can learn and play
together. Parents will be introduced to some of the local resources
available to help them in the rewarding but challenging task of parenting.
Topics to be discussed will include dental care, speech, child
development, nutrition and literacy. On Saturday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Clint Perry and the BooHoo Crew will present a special Halloween Party
for children and their families. On Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m.,
teens and adults are invited to make holiday themed sketch books.
Supplies are limiend ona first-come,irstserve basis. For more
information please stop by the Library's Reference Desk or call 909861-
4978.
Nancy Lyons congratulated CMIDeStefano for getting the Grand Avenue
electronic sign working again. In walking around the City and talking with
residents she has heard concerns expressed about the condition of
properties and streets. One of the worst problems she encountered is on
Evergreen Springs near Diamond Bar High School. One home burned
down about five years ago and has been left. The chain link fence
surrounding the property has been folded over so low that people can step
over it and walk onto the property which she believes has happened
because there is trash on and around the property. She asked what the
City's process was for eliminating blight. Residents around Evergreen
School complained about the trash and debris on the business side of
Fountain Springs.
Terry Straley said she was concerned about what the Walnut Valley Water
District is hiding. Five residents present at tonight's meeting have suffered
broken pipes. Her neighbor was the first to calf the Water Company on
October 3 and she called on October 4 to check on the matter. Her
plumber checked the water pressure for both houses and found the
pressure in the neighboring home to be two points higher than hers.
When the Water Company representative came to her home she asked if
there was a problem with the water pressure because the Water Company
had been on their street to fix a water break and was told by the employee
that no work had been done on their street since 2002. The five sitting in
the audience can testify to the fact that someone from the Water Company
or its contractor was working on a broken water line on her street. The
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
employee told her that if there had been a break there would have been a
patch on the street. She asked the representative to turn around so that
he could face the street and see what she was telling him. He said
nothing and left. Her neighbor asked him to check her water pressure and
he refused to lower it. Mrs. Straley said that she was told her water
pressure was 80-120 in Diamond Bar. Her insurance company and her
plumber told her that 80-120 is way too high.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CMIDeStefano responded to Mr. Wilson that Diamond Bar places a high
priority on pedestrian safety. The City has an active Sheriff's Department
that includes traffic enforcement deputies and staff will work with Mr.
Wilson regarding the scenarios presented and see what, if anything, staff
can do to check the area to make sure that motorists are behaving
appropriately. Pedestrians clearly have the right-of-way while they are
within the public sidewalk and public crosswalk areas.
CMIDeStefano stated that with respect to comments about Site D, Site D
is a 30 -acre property located at Brea Canyon Road and Diamond Bar
Boulevard. This property has been owned by the Walnut Valley Unified
School District for decades. The City of Diamond Bar owns a little over
one -acre strip at the corner between Brea Canyon Road and the flood
control channel which Diamond Bar purchased about seven years ago.
Diamond Bar and the School District have entered into a purchase/sale
agreement with Lennar Homes, one of the nation's largest home builders.
Lennar Homes entered into a purchase agreement with the School District
and the City of Diamond Bar to purchase the entire property for $40 million
which is a substantially higher price than what the property appraised for
last year when Lennar was the winning bidder. The reason Lennar
Homes was at the Planning Commission last week was to seek its
recommendation for City Council approval for the construction of 182
homes within three different major model types and a new public park.
The request to the Planning Commission was implementation of a City
Council decision that was made about a year and one-half ago to change
the land use on the property to permit homes and a park. The City
Council's policy decision to establish land use on that property was the
result of several years of public discussion, several public workshops,
public meetings, public newsletters, and notices sent out over the years.
In addition, the School District sent out a district -wide newsletter that
talked about the project. The San Gabriel Valley Tribune and other media
produced news items/stories about the project and again, there were
numerous public workshops and public hearings, some of which were held
at Castle Rock Elementary School, as well as, onsite tours, etc. There
was a lot of debate about whether that land should be developed and if so,
how it should be developed.
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
The City Council made the land use decision in early 2012 to permit up to
200 homes on the property. The developer has designed it at 182 homes
and that project received a Planning Commission recommendation for City
Council approval during its October 8 meeting. The project is on its way to
the City Council and the City Council is tentatively scheduled to hear the
project on November 19. The City Council's decision is solely on the
issue of whether or not those specific 182 homes and park should be
approved. This is no longer about whether or not homes should be built
on the property it is now a matter of what size, shape, location, amenities,
etc. because the policy decision to develop that property was made a year
and one-half ago. As part of that policy decision, a major environmental
study was done on the project involving numerous experts. The
Environmental Impact Report was publicly available, was reviewed by the
public which presented comments to the EIR. The EIR was discussed at
length during Planning Commission meetings and the EIR was certified.
Now, as part of the overall project component, that EIR is being
implemented with many things including trees and other components for
the property in question. This was a multi-year effort and the Planning
ommission's chat tinge -at the las meefing was size, shape; -location -of
homes, location of the park and amenities within the park. The Planning
Commission has recommended Council approval of the package which
the City Council will review on November 19. The Public Hearing for
November 19th will be advertised in the newspapers, the City's website
and individually to all residents living within 1000 feet of the property, etc.
There is nothing mysterious about the Site D project which has been
underway for several years and will provide significant revenues to the
Walnut Valley Unified School District which, they have indicated, will go
directly into teaching students within the District, an effort the District has
had underway for several years. The City's piece of land is being sold as
part of the project which will primarily be a landscape amenity and small
tot lot at the end of Crooked Creek. The City Council has not yet made
any decision with respect to where the proceeds of the sale of the City's
property will be used, but discussions are underway.
CMIDeStefano thanked the speaker for comments regarding the library
sign. Staff was able to track down the missing components, put the
pieces back together and develop a system in cooperation with the library
and most importantly with the LA County Fire Department to advertize
public service messages on that sign for the benefit of the community.
This sign which was donated to the library by the Friends of the Library
was important to the City Council which challenged him to find a solution.
As to the Evergreen Springs home, CMIDeStefano said he was not
personally familiar with the issue; however, staff will absolutely take a look
at the situation. When a house is no longer habitable as a result of a fire,
it often takes far longer than it should to resolve issues with insurance
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
companies before someone is allowed to rebuild the home.
CM/DeStefano responded to comments about the Walnut Valley Water
District stating that the District is a separate governmental political entity
from the City of Diamond Bar, much like the school district, but the City
works very closely with the Walnut Valley Water District. If any resident
has a question, concern or comment regarding the Water District, they are
encouraged to immediately let staff know because staff will immediately
contact the Water District to assist in getting attention paid to a particular
issue. General Manager, Mike Holmes is very professional and has been
with the District for many years. He is an excellent advocate and
executive director for the District. CMIDeStefano said he would check
with staff and contact Mr. Holmes directly tomorrow.
C/Tye asked if staff would invite Mr. Holmes to a future City Council
meeting to discuss water pressure in Diamond Bar. He said he
remembers the house on Evergreen Springs from four years ago and
asked if that property was a candidate for receivership.
CMIDeStefano said it is difficult to know at the moment whether it is a
candidate for receivership but a similar circumstance prompted the City
Council to move forward with receivership after all other efforts to correct
the problem with the property owner failed. He assured C/Tye and the
Council that he would be looking into the matter first thing tomorrow
morning.
C/Chang responded to the political inquiry by giving everyone her
personal cell phone number 909-319-5446 and her personal email
address Lingsquared(a-gmail.com so that they could contact her with any
questions. She is not retired and has had a job which for the past 10
years has been in science education.
M/Tanaka thanked the Fire Hollow homeowners for coming to tonight's
meeting. He reported that he has spoken with Claudia Huff and questions
that were asked this evening have gone to the Walnut Valley Water
District via the City's Public Works Division.
4_ SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — October 22, 2013 — 7:00 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.2 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting -- October 24, 2013 --
7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
5.3 3D Halloween Haunted House — October 30 and 31, 2013 -- 6:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Heritage Park, 2900 S. Brea Canyon Road
(recommended for children 8 and older). Admission $5 per person.
5.4 Fall Fun Festival -- October 31, 2013 — 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.,
Heritage Park, 2900 S. Brea Canyon Road. Free admission.
5.5 Eco Expo 2013 — November 2, 2013 -- 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. —
South Coast Air Quality Management District Parking Lot, 21865
Copley Drive.
5.6 City Council Meeting November 5, 2013 - 6:30 p.m., Windmill
Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Chang moved, MPT/Everett seconded, to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tye, MPTIEverett,
M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES — Regular Meeting of
October 1, 2013 - As Submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES — Regular Meeting of August 27, 2013.
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated September 26, 2013
through October 9, 2013 totaling $1,200,667.18.
6.4 SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO.
08(2013): ADDING CHAPTER 9.02 TO TITLE 9 OF THE
DIAMOND BAR. CITY MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING A
REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST OR
CONVICTION OF A PERSON DAMAGING PROPERTY AS A
RESULT OF A RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY.
7. PUBLIC HEARING:
7.1 ORDINANCE NO. 09(2013): AMENDING TITLE 15 OF THE
DIAMOND BAR CODE AND ADOPTING, BY REFERENCE, THE
"CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE" VOLUMES 1 AND 2,
INCLUDING APPENDICES C, I AND J THERETO, CHAPTER 1
DIVISION 11 OF THE 2013 "CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE" AS
OCTOBER 19, 2013 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, THE 2013 "CALIFORNIA
MECHANICAL CODE" AND THE APPENDICES THERETO, THE
2013 "CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE: AND THE APPENDICES
THERETO, THE 2013 "CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE" AND
THE APPENDICES THERETO, THE 2013 "CALIFORNIA
RESIDENTIAL CODE" INCLUDING APPENDICES G, H, J, K AND
O THERETO, THE 2013 "CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING CODE"
WITHOUT THE APPENDICES THERETO, TOGETHER WITH
CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND
EXCEPTIONS.
BOITao stated. that every three years or so the City amends the
State Building Codes which this year is due January 2014. The use
of the building codes are for building construction, electrical,
plumbing and mechanical work, disabled access and green
building. The State Health and Safety Code mandates adoption of
the codes every three years. The local area of Diamond Bar is
different from the rest of the State in that it has hillside areas,
expansive soils and fire zones. In order to protect the welfare of its
residents, the City adopts local amendments which include hillside
management, etc. One important side note is that the
administrative items do not need any special planning but the
construction items do, so the amendments contain administrative
items that were listed previously in 117 through 119 that were
moved to the construction side upon producing findings.
Amendments to the code include three items which are generally
reduced to numbering changes rather than the bulk of the code
which remains generally the same. The three items that were
amended include 1) the length of time for building permits is 180
days which can be extended one time. Code enforcement permits
will be changed to 90 days unless it is a complicated project which
will be granted 180 days which would mean a maximum of 360
days. Rather than indicate a permit is suspended or abandoned it
must be signed off by the Building Inspector who has to say that a
portion has been passed rather than suspending or abandoning. 2)
For major remodels in a fire zone, the project would be required to
meet the fire zone requirements and sprinkler requirements it would
essentially need to be a new building. 3) Accessibility is required
retroactively for site improvements so the site access is required to
be improved and will be part of the inspection process.
BO/Tao stated that new building codes throughout the State require
that plumbing fixtures be modified to be low -flow fixtures, especially
the low -flow toilets, for any remodel that is 10 percent or greater
than $160,000. The Green Building Code which was instituted last
code cycle is now required for additions as well as new
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
construction. The California Building Code for Accessibility has
been modified completely to be more in line with the ADA. Some of
the dimensional criteria have changed and the format is completely
different and looks almost identical to the ADA. The Energy Code
requirements are becoming rather strict by requiring more
insulation, more glazing and a solar -ready roof which would require
varied orientation toward the south side of the building.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve for First Reading
by Title Only, Wave Full Reading of Ordinance No. OX (2013) and
set the Second Reading for November 5.
M/Tanaka opened the Public Hearing.
Vinod Kashyap asked if the new code would apply to permits
issued in the past if something was missed during the inspection.
BO/Tao responded that Chapter 34 states that depending on the
situ fan antic what percentages are modified wiEYdeermieewhatis
to be done with the existing structure so some grandfathering might
apply depending on the amount of work required.
With no further testimony being offered, M/Tanaka closed the
Public Hearing.
MPT/Everett thanked BO/Tao for his report. He asked if there was
a significant potential for additional costs for modifications with the
changes in the code.
BO/Tao responded that when codes change City's must abide by
the new code and the ADA requirements are retroactive so as a
result of that factor, something built today would have to be
modified to the new code.
When this new code was written the authors realized there were
many changes that would affect buildings and they allowed that for
this cycle the previous cycle could be used if it matches the
requirement. Obviously, if one is required to upgrade for
accessibility there is going to be an added cost.
MPT/Everett said he appreciated the stronger language for the
local amendments in the fire zone.
CMIDeStefano read the Ordinance Title into the record.
MPT/Everett moved, C/Chang seconded to Approve for First
Reading by Title Only, Waive Full Reading of Ordinance No. 09
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
(2013) and set the Second Reading for November 19. Motion
carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
Chang, Tye, MPT/Everett,
M/Tanaka
None
Herrera
8.1 FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 10(2013): AMENDING TITLE
10 BY ADDING SECTION 10.16.115 TO THE DIAMOND BAR
MUNICIPAL CODE PROHIBITING PARKING OF VEHICLES ON
CITY STREETS AND PUBLIC PROPERTY FOR THE PURPOSE
OF SLEEPING.
SMA/Santos presented information regarding the proposed
ordinance. The primary purpose for parking on City streets and
public property is to provide places for persons to temporarily park
their vehicles to access residences, business and recreational
facilities. The City currently has a prohibition for sleeping in
vehicles in City parks; however, there is no prohibition for sleeping
in vehicles on public rights-of-way such as streets, alleys and other
facilities of that nature. This ordinance would add Section
10.16.115 to the Municipal Code that would add restrictions for
sleeping in vehicles on public streets, alleyways and public
facilities, as well as the current prohibition beyond parks.
The Sheriff's Department had observed on one occasion where an
individual was sleeping in his vehicle in a particular part of town and
because this was not included in the ordinance it did not allow
deputies to monitor the situation.
The draft ordinance was taken to the Public Safety Committee on
September 27 for their review and consideration and based on the
Committee's feedback it was recommended that the matter be
brought to the entire Council for review and consideration. Staff
recommends that the City Council approve for First Reading by
Title Only and Waive Full Reading of Ordinance No. OX (2013).
C/Chang asked if there were any provisions for a person who was
tired from driving to pull onto a City street for a nap. She knows
friends who have been driving long distances and feel it is
necessary to pull off of the freeway for a short nap.
SMA/Santos responded that the draft ordinance does not contain
provisions for that type of activity and would most likely be a
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
situation that the Sheriff's Department could monitor and determine.
C1Chang reported that there was an incident a few years ago in
which a designated driver was exhausted and fell asleep at the
wheel and hit a tree killing the passenger and C/Chang felt
individuals should not be prevented from pulling aside to take a nap
if they are tired and should not continue driving. She said she was
very worried that the ordinance did not contain exceptions for that
type of activity.
M/Tanaka said that the Public Safety Committee discussed the fact
that the Sheriff's Department would have latitude in enforcing the
ordinance but that the proposed language would prevent someone
from habitually sleeping in a vehicle within the City limits.
CITye asked what the Sheriff's Department does when it comes up
on someone sleeping in a car on the City's streets.
S1��San os s6icFthat-6asecTon his unclers�nding, that—if-there is a
call, the deputy goes to the scene and if they see someone
sleeping there is nothing that can be done because there is nothing
in the City Code that prevents someone from sleeping on City
streets. Unless there is another issue for which the person can be
cited, there is nothing the Sheriff's Department can do.
MPT/Everett stated that it appears there is an exposure where cars
park with the purpose of sleeping and a growing number of those
people get together which becomes a problem in some cities. One
of the objectives of the committee was to give the Sheriff's
Department the tools to properly manage the parking and sleeping
situations.
Vinod Kashyap asked when the ordinance would go into effect.
.SMA/Santos responded that if the First Reading were approved a
second reading would follow and the ordinance would go into affect
30 -days after the Second Reading is adopted by the City Council.
CITye felt that someone sleeping in his car was a neighborhood
and safety issue and the City needs to have the tools to prevent
such issues.
C/Tye moved, MPT/Everett seconded, to approve for First Reading
by Title Only, Waive Full Reading of Ordinance No. 10 (2013).
Motion carried 3-1 by the following Roll Call vote:
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Tye, MPT/Everett,
M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera
8.2 APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2013.14 APPROPRIATION
ADJUSTMENTS FOR CARRY -FORWARD EXPENDITURES,
CAPITAL PROJECT CARROVERS AND FISCAL YEAR 2012-13
FINAL ADJUSTMENTS.
FD/Honeywell stated that the Council has a redlined report which
adds language that was inadvertently left out regarding carryovers
in the special revenue funds. The schedules were in the original
agenda packet but the language was left out and added for
clarification in this revised report.
The purpose of this agenda item is to carry forward appropriations
from Fiscal Year 2012-13 to Fiscal Year 2013-14 for purchases that
for various reasons could not be made by June 30, 2013. In
accordance with the City's budget policy, all appropriations lapse at
fiscal year end. The carryover of appropriations must be approved
by City Council. These carryovers amount to approximately
$622,000 in the General Fund and can be found in Exhibit A_ Also
included in Exhibit A is the carryover of appropriations for the
Specific Revenue Funds. These carryovers amount to
approximately $215,000 and staff is asking the City Council to also
re -appropriate these funds into Fiscal Year 2013-14. Capital
Project carryovers were included in the adopted FY 2013-14
Budget which were estimates only based on the expected
percentage of completion of the projects on June 30. This agenda
item includes final adjustments to those adopted carryovers. These
carryovers amount. to approximately $169,000 and can be found in
Exhibit B. The agenda item also includes final budget adjustments
for FY 2012-13 for changes in the amount of revenue to be
received for gas tax, transfer of the savings realized in the Sheriff's
Department Budget to the new Law Enforcement Fund, and
additional appropriations for various accounts. Details for Fiscal
Year 2012-13 Final Budget Adjustments can be found in Exhibit C
of the report. Finally, it should be noted that the revised adopted
budget anticipated that the City would end Fiscal Year 2012-13 with
$16.7 million in General Fund Reserves. Preliminary estimates
show that the General Fund Reserves will be nearly $17.1 million at
June 30, 2013. Staff will be coming back to report on the final
figures after the audit is complete and the CAFR has been
published in late December.
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL
MPT/Everett moved, C/Chang seconded to approve Fiscal Year
2013-14 Appropriation Adjustments for Carry Forward
Expenditures, Capital Project Carryovers and Fiscal Year 2012-13
Final Adjustments. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tye, MPTIEverett,
M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera
8.3 (a) APPROVE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 11(2013):
AMENDING DIVISION 5 OF CHAPTER 8.12 OF THE DIAMOND
BAR MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO STANDARD URBAN
STORMWATER MITIGATION PLAN (SUSMP) REQUIREMENTS
BY IMPOSING RAINWATER LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)
STRATEGIES ON PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE BUILDING,
GRADING AND ENCROACHMENT PERMITS.
CMIDeStefanostated-Itfat-this matter is being -broughtt to-th-e—City --
Council as a result of requirements by regional authorities for the
City to adopt measures that lessen impacts upon water quality.
AEIYoung introduced the City's Environmental Services Consultant,
John Hunter who has served the City for many years and has been
quite instrumental over the past 18 months with respect to
stormwater compliance and the new 2012 permit.
AE/Young went on to report that Item a) is the Low Impact
Development (LID) Ordinance. In November 2012 the Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer System Permit referred to as the MS 4
Permit was adopted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board,
Los Angeles Region. Prior to the 2012 Permit, there were three
previous permits for the County of Los Angeles. The first and
second permit established data collection requirements and legal
authority while the third permit established program implementation
requirements, especially for new development. Page 3 of the
report states that the last permit was adopted in December 2000
but it was actually adopted in 2001. The current permit, the 2012
MS 4 Permit, expanded water quality monitoring and focused on
the elimination of non-stormwater discharges. The 2001 permit
was about 100 pages and the current 2012 permit is over 600. The
2012 permit is a multi -faceted permit; however, tonight the focus
will be on the LID Ordinance and Green Street policy that is
required to be passed by the City Council.
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 16 CITY COUNCIL
Specifically, the new permit affects projects because it reflects a
fundamental shift f from implementation of structural control
measures to low -impact development control measures which
means that previous development projects were able to install
catch basin filter inserts and direct all of their stormwater to the
catch basin which would then go into the Storm Drain System and
ultimately to US waters.
Projects are now required to follow low -impact development
guidelines which means that development projects need to mimic
the natural hydrology character of -the site and in order to do so the
project needs to either retain the stormwater onsite or infiltrate it ,
where feasible or bio -filtrate the water. Water would need to go
through some type of organic filtration process before it can be
directed to the Storm Drain System. The effects on local projects
remain the same as the old permit with a few changes specifically
to commercial and industrial projects. The previous threshold was
that if a commercial or industrial project created 100,000 of
impervious area, it was required to mitigate stormwater. The new
permit has lowered that threshold to 10,000 square feet. In
addition, street construction projects of 10,000 square feet are
identified in the new permit where under the 2001 permit road
construction was not identified as criteria for following stormwater
mitigation. Under the 2001 permit existing single family dwelling
and accessory structures were exempt. Now, if those projects
create, add or replace 10,000 feet of impervious surface they will
be required to mitigate stormwater.
To mitigate stormwater impacts, projects are required to implement
Best Management Practices (BMP's) and the new permit prioritizes
how impacts will be mitigated. Whereas under the old permit
developers may have been able to choose how they mitigate, there
is now a prioritized list that developers must go through in order to
mitigate the stormwater as follows: 1) provide onsite infiltration by
retention and/or rainfall harvest and use of site groundwater
replenishment. In Diamond Bar that can be very difficult because
of the clay soil which does not allow for infiltration in many areas of
the City if not the entire City. If developers can prove through
geotechnical determination that infiltration is infeasible they can
move to bio -treatment as the next best mitigation tool for
stormwater. What this means to developers in terms of financial
impacts with respect to developments in the City of Diamond Bar is
that development as is currently known, has basically changed.
Previously, developers were able to install a catch basin insert to
direct the water to catch basins which would have been sufficient.
Now, developers must implement low -impact development
guidelines during the planning period for the project. This can be
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 17 CITY COUNCIL
done at a fairly low building and maintenance cost if filtration
through landscape areas are incorporated. Developers will need to
do so prior to planning the development, make sure there is
sufficient room in the development to incorporate these landscape
areas for filtration which presents an opportunity for developers to
create aesthetically pleasing developments for the Diamond Bar
community that will have landscaped areas that would not
otherwise exist if not for stormwater quality purposes.
Staff recommends that the City Council Approve for First Reading
by Title Only, Waive Full Reading of Ordinance No. OX (2013)
Ordinance Amending Division 5 of Chapter 8.12 of the Diamond
Bar Municipal Code Relating to the Standard Urban Stormwater
Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) Requirements by Imposing Rainwater
Low Impact Development (LID) strategies on projects that require
building, grading and encroachment'permits.
C/Chang movecr,__C ye seconded, to pprove�rF' st ea ng g Gy
Title Only, Waive Full Reading of Ordinance No. 11 (2013), an
Ordinance Amending Division 5 of Chapter 8.12 of the Diamond
Bar Municipal Code Relating to Standard Urban Stormwater
Mitigation Plan (SUSMP) Requirements by Imposing Rainwater
Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies on Projects that Require
Building, Grading and Encroachment permits. Motion carried by
the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tye, MPTIEverett,
M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera
(b) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-31: APPROVING A GREEN
STREETS MANUAL FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND
RECONSTRUCTION OF ROAD PROJECTS.
AE/Young reported that the Green Streets Manual for new
construction and reconstruction of road projects is before the
Council for consideration this evening. As previously mentioned,
the 2012 MS 4 Permit requires that permittees demonstrate that
Green Street policies are in place for transportation corridors. A
copy of the draft manual that was modeled after the USEPA
publication Managing Wet Weather Green Infrastructure was
included in the Council's packet. This manual implements LID
opportunities along roadways because roadways represent a
significant percentage of impervious area and generate a
substantial amount of runoff from storm events. Traditional street
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 18 CITY COUNCIL
design focuses on removing water off the roadways as quickly as
possible by getting it into the curb and gutters, catch basins, storm
drains and ultimately the US waters. Green streets help transform
the_ street design from conventional methods of moving water off of
streets as quickly as possible as well as, promoting storage and
treatment of the water before it enters US waters. Green Street
Practices will be required to be implemented if one. of the three
criteria is met for projects: 1) street or roadway construction of
10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface area within a
transportation corridor; 2) street or roadway improvements creating,
adding or replacing, 5,000 square feet or more of impervious
surface area in an RE developed site. This will not include any
roadway maintenance projects that have been undertaken as long
as the original line and grade of the roadway is maintained; and, 3)
for any projects not listed above, the Director of Public Works
maintains the authority to require Green Street policies. She
highlighted a few examples of Green Street design elements in the
LA area and responded to Council questions.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2013-
31: Approving a Green Streets Manual for New Construction and
Reconstruction of Road Projects.
C/Tye asked what the adoption of this manual would mean for Site
D.
AE/Young responded that because Site D is a larger development it
is implementing low -impact design guidelines and criteria within the
development that addresses the housing development area, streets
and sidewalks. The entire site is being treated through bio-
treatment.
C/Tye asked if the Site D project would include gutters that catch
the water,
AE/Young responded that the protect does not currently include
that type of design but it does include specific landscape areas that
water is being directed to throughout the site that are treating the
stormwater.
C/Chang said that in 2007 she did a research project of the Inland
Empire Utilities Association which is a platinum lead building entity.
Their entire parking lot is impervious pavement and a couple of bio-
swales are included as well. In addition, there are bio-swales in the
City of Diamond Bar so the City is already moving along that path.
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 19 CITY COUNCIL
ClChang moved, MPT/Everett seconded, to Adopt Resolution No.
2013-31: Approving a Green Streets Manual for New Construction
and Reconstruction of Road Projects. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Tye, MPT/Everett,
M/Tanaka
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTSICOUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Tye said that following the last City Council meeting as the City's
representative and the organization's President he presided over the
Contract Cities Fall Seminar during which MS 4 and water bonds were
discussed. He thanked APITobon for five years of service to the City,
NIO/Flacks for 10 years of service to the City and FA/Pacheco for 15
years of service to the City. Diamond Bar is a lean and mean machrne - __-- and the people that do the work for the City, want to be present and have
been for so long are very much appreciated.
ClChang reminded everyone they could follow her on Facebook and
Twitter. She is very active on those two sites. On October 3 she and
C/Tye attended the League of California Cities meeting and as the City's
representative and President of the LA County Division, the focus was on
the issue of water. Diamond Bar has been encouraged to provide input
toward the crafting of a new bond. On October 5 she attended the US
Army Advisory Board meeting. On October 7, she, M/Tanaka and
MPT/Everett attended the Neighborhood Watch Emergency Preparedness
Meeting in "The Country Estates which was very well attended. On
October 12 she attended Diamond Bar High School's Food Trucks
Fundraiser.
MPT/Everett stated that on October 4 he attended the Diamond Ranch
High School 4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser. The
Diamond Ranch High School Panthers beat Los Altos 30-13 and Miss
Diamond Bar and her Court participated. On October 7 he also attended
the HOA Disaster Preparedness and Neighborhood Awareness meeting.
On October 21 a more traditional Neighborhood Watch meeting will be
held. He reminded everyone about the 3D Haunted House and Fall Fun
Festival events.
M/Tanaka acknowledged the presence of Diamond Bar High School Leo
President Atharshna Singarajah. He thanked President Steve Tye for
hosting the California Contract Cities Association's 33rd Annual Fall
Seminar in Temecula. He attended the Community Safety and Disaster
OCTOBER 15, 2013 PAGE 20 CITY COUNCIL
Preparedness meeting in "The Country Estates" and thanked Battalion
Chief Hook and Leticia for attending along with Captain Scoggin and Lt.
Tachias. October 8 he attended the Chaparral Middle School Fundraiser
"Tip a Teacher" at Chili's Restaurant. Principal Thibodeaux and teachers
served food and waited on tables. Last Saturday he attended the Pomona
Library 3K Walk Fundraisers. Volunteers from Leo Club, Kiwanis Club,
Pomona Police Department Explorers Group, Pomona Friends of the
Library and Pomona Art School participated. Last evening he attended
the volunteers meeting for the upcoming Haunted House and Fall Fun
Festival events. He thanked all of the volunteers in attendance. He
congratulated the 14 Walnut Valley Unified School District teachers who
received "Teacher of the Year" awards. They will be formally recognized
tomorrow afternoon at Diamond Bar High School. He congratulated
"District Teacher of the Year" Science teacher Maggie Strand from
Chaparral Middle School.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tanaka
adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:28 p.m.
TOMMYEtRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 5th day of November ,
2013.
J
JACK TANAKA, MAYOR