HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/17/2013 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
DECEMBER '17, 20'13
CLOSED SESSION: 6:00 p.m., Room CC -8 (canceled)
Public Comments: None
► Government Code §54956.8
Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Property: Brea Canyon Road and Diamond Bar
Boulevard
(City owned 1 acre)
Negotiator:
City Manager
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Carol Herrera called the Regular City
Council meeting to order at 6:30 p.m: in the South Coast Air Quality Management
District /Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Pro Tem Tye led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Pastor Mark Hopper, Evangelical Free Church
of Diamond Bar, gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, Lyons, Tanaka,
Mayor Pro Tem Tye and Mayor Herrera.
STAFF PRESENT: James DeStefano, City Manager; David Doyle,
Assistant City Manager; David DeBerry, City Attorney; David Liu, Public Works
Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Greg Gubman, Community
Development Director; Dianna Honeywell, Finance Director; Ryan McLean,
Assistant to the City Manager; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager;
Kimberly Young, Associate Engineer Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager;
Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator; Anthony Santos, Senior
Management Analyst; and, Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 Presentation by Captain Jeff Scroggin from the Diamond
Bar/Walnut Sheriffs Station who spoke about home invasions and
the City's crime statistics.
C/Chang asked Captain Scroggin to.explain how residents should
react when approached by individuals who are dressed as deputies
as in the case of the recent home invasion perpetrators.
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
Captain Scroggin reiterated that those events are very, very
infrequent (police imposters). Deputies are easily identified by
professional dress. Residents should look out their window to
determine whether there is a patrol car parked at the curb and
should be shown identification prior to entry. In addition, residents
should call the Sheriffs Department to make certain that there is
legal business pending at their residence by calling 911 or the
business line.
1.2 Lt. Tachias introduced Sheriff's Deputy Heidy Villasenor, Special
Assignment Deputy.
1.3 City Council Presented a Certificate of Recognition to "Report for
Reward" Recipient Barbara Decarbo for providing information that
aided in the arrest of burglary suspects.
1.4 City Council presented Certificates of Recognition to Editor Krystal
Spindler and Kirsten Khory, Layout and Graphic Designer for their
outstanding work with The Windmill Magazine. Continued from
December 3, 2013). Kirsten Khory was unavailable.
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH:
1.5 MPTITye and City Council presented a City Tile to Sam and Abby
Baskar, new owners of Mr. G's Pizzeria & Pasta, 2767 S. Diamond
Bar Boulevard, as business of the Month for December 2013.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.1 Overview of year long schedule of activities planned in recognition
of Diamond Bar's 25 years of cityhood in 2014.
CM1DeStefano stated that the City of Diamond Bar celebrates 25
years of cityhood in 2014. Staff has a long line of activities planned
throughout the year. He introduced PIMIRoa who presented an
overview of the activities.
PIMIRoa stated that in celebration of 25 years of cityhood, events
and activities have been planned for 2014 beginning with the 25th
Anniversary Commemorative Logo featured on the City's monthly
newsletter. Beginning January 2014 and throughout the year this
logo will become a prominent fixture throughout the community by
way of street light pole banners at various intersections near city
facilities and along major boulevards. The commemorative logo will
also emblazon City vehicles, fire engines, city letterhead and
merchandise for sale such as tee shirts and mugs as well as,
giveaways at special events. Because the City already holds
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL.
several popular events it was natural to expand them to tie into the
anniversary. For instance, the State of the City event in March will
feature a 20 minute video depicting the City's history. The City
Birthday Party in April will feature extended hours of operation, a
second stage, strolling entertainment and photo opportunities with
historic themes throughout the park.
The 4th of ,duly returns to Diamond Bar next year and will include
additional fireworks and like the birthday party, there will be much
more to see and do. Concerts in the Park will include an extra
concert with the 1980's music theme celebrating the year of the
City's incorporation.
In addition to the annual events, there are several new one-time
events planned whichinclude a Bridal Show at the Diamond Bar
Center on March 23 (the 10th anniversary of the facility's grand
opening), a special themed event at the Bark Park featuring an
array of vendors and service providers as well as, demonstrations
for dogs and their owners to enjoy. There are also a few activities
specifically designed around Diamond Bar's history including
designing the April edition of the City News as a Commemorative
Anniversary Edition with information about the City's history — its
early beginnings forward to its incorporation. There will also be a
Time Capsule which will invite the community to contribute and
suggest items for inclusion displayed at City Hall and opened
during the City's Golden 50t'' Anniversary in 2039. The first floor of
City Hall will be the location of a wall-to-wall mural depicting a
timeline of the City's history from the early 1800's to incorporation
as well as, a rotating display of various historical items, some of
which were donated by community members. Once completed (fall
of 2014) it will become a location for residents and visitors to learn
about the history of Diamond Bar. To close out the year, Diamond
Bar will have its history and first 25 years of cityhood captured in a
book that will be published as part of the Images of America -series.
In order to make the anniversary a truly community -inclusive
celebration, the 25th Ambassador Program has been launched, a
program that is open to all Diamond Bar community organizations
and businesses. Participation is free and requires very little effort.
Briefly, the role of an ambassador is to assist with the event
promotion and to add to the schedule of anniversary events by
branding their own events or promotions with the City's Anniversary
Logo. In exchange for their support, ambassadors receive free
promotion of their events on the City's website and may request a
City staff member to operate in the booth furnishing 25th themed
giveaways at one of their special events. There are already a few
individuals who have signed up for the program and the City needs
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
to push to expand that list. Once the program is officially rolled out
in January the ambassadors will be given special decals to display
on their storefronts as well as, lapel pins to wear identifying them as
go -to sources for information related to the City's 25th Anniversary
Celebration. More details of events will be provided in the coming
months and the City's website will have detailed information about
everything planned for the 25th Anniversary. The dedicated web
page can easily be accessed using the friendly URL
www.diamondbarca.gov/db25
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Allen Wilson thanked the City Attorney's email response and CC/Cribbins
for answering questions regarding City issues. He said he sent an email
to CMIDeStefano regarding the Diamond Bar Honda site seeking
background information on the rezoning of a property.
Pui-Ching Ho, Diamond Bar Librarian, announced that Santa will be at the
Diamond Bar Library on Saturday, December 21 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
after which there will be a Holiday Music Program with music performed
by Clint Perry.
Beginning January 2, 2014 the Diamond Bar Library will be open one hour
earlier Monday through Thursday. The new hours are 11:00 a.m. to 9:00
p.m. Monday through Thursday, Friday/Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On behalf of the Diamond Bar Library she wished everyone the best
Holiday Season.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CMIDeStefano stated that with respect to Mr. Wilson's comments
regarding the property formerly known as the Honda Dealership, the email
he thought he sent to Mr. Wilson actually was sent back to him. He read
his email response dated 12:08 p.m. December 13: "By State law, a city
sets policy for all land use decisions within the incorporated boundary and
the city's sphere of influence. Therefore, yes, it is the City that is indeed
the applicant (in this instance) and a recent example of where the City of
Diamond Bar was an applicant for a land use application was the Tres
Hermanos rezoning that took place a couple of months ago wherein the
City was the applicant and the interested party behind changing hat land
use category to the one the City Council approved". Mr. Wilson asked in
his email whether or not it was typically more likely that a property owner
or developer would be an applicant for a zone .change and often, that is
the case, but often, it is the City because the City sets the land use policy
for the community and sets the tone for what specific uses will take place
on any given piece of property".
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
A question was raised about whether the applicant/property owner would
pay for those fees and the answer is "Yes", if the City was the applicant (in
this case it is) the City is processing and paying for all of the costs
associated with the application, and it is the City Council that makes the
final land use decision. The Community Development Department will
present the Honda property project to the City's Planning Commission on
Thursday, December 19 during 'its special meeting (regular meeting
December 24 canceled) and when the Planning Commission's Public
Hearing draws to a conclusion it will forward its recommendation to the
City Council and the City Council will likely take action no sooner than the
end of January 2014 and most likely in February. Again, the City Council
is the final decision maker on all land use matters .and certain
development entitlement matters like those before the Council later this
evening with Site D. This is a very transparent process on a very isolated
piece of property and as part of the process there: is a large sign on the
property that identifies the rezoning proposal. The information is on the
City's website and is found at the usual notification places including the
Library.
4. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Special Planning Commission Meeting — December 19, 2013 —
7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.2 Planning Commission Meeting — December 24, 2013 — 7:00 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive. (Canceled)
5.3 Christmas Holiday -- December 24 and 25, 2013 — City Offices
closed in Observance of the Christmas Holiday. City .Offices
reopen Thursday, December 26, 2013 at 7:30 a.m.
5.4 Holiday Tree Curbside Collection Program — December 26, 2013
through January 10, 2014. Trees free of stands, decorations and
flocking may be left at the curb for free pickup during this period.
Any tree over 6 feet must be cut in half.
5.5 Late Night Transit Pass Sale — Thursday, December 26, 2013 —
until 7:00 p.m., Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.6 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — December 26, 2013 —
7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
(Canceled).
5.7 New Year's Holiday — January 1, 2014 — City Offices closed
Wednesday, January 1, 2014 in observance of the New Year's
Day. City Offices reopen Thursday, January 2, 2014.
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
5.8 City Council Meeting — January 7, 2014 — 6:30 p.m.,
SCAQMDIGovernment Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive
(canceled)
5.9 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — January 9, 2014
— 7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.10 Planning Commission Meeting — January 14, 2014 — 7:00 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.11 Winter Snow Fest — January 18, 2014 — 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. —
Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: MPT/Tye moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Lyons, Tanaka, MPT/Tye,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES — Regular Meeting of
December 3, 2013 — As submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of October 24, 2013,
6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES:
6.3.1 Regular Meeting of October 22, 2013.
6.3.2 Regular Meeting of November 12, 2013.
6.4 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated November 28, 2013
through December 11, 2013 totaling $455,518.75.
6.5 APPROVED ADJOURNING THE JANUARY 7, 2014 CITY
COUNCIL MEETING TO JANUARY 21, 2014.
6.6 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 14(2013): AMENDING DIVISION 5
OF CHAPTER 8.12 OF THE DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO STANDARD URBAN STORM WATER
MITIGATION PLAN (SUSMP) REQUIREMENTS BY IMPOSING
RAINWATER LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID) STRATEGIES
ON PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE BUILDING, GRADING AND
ENCROACHMENT PERMITS.
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
N
6.7 REPROGRAMMED CONTINGENCY FUNDS FROM DIAMOND
BAR CENTER REMODEL PROJECT ($20,000) TO DIAMOND
BAR CENTER MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION BUDGET.
PUBLIC HEARING:
7.1 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2013-35: APPROVING THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
INCLUDING $201,787 IN FISCAL YEAR 2014-15 FUNDS AND
$11,504 FROM UNALLOCATED BALANCE OF FUNDS FOR THE
TOTAL AMOUNT OF $213,291.
ACM/Doyle presented staff's report requesting Adoption of
Resolution No. 2013-35: Approving the Community Development
Block Grant Program including $201,787 in Fiscal Year 2014-15
Funds and $11,504 from unallocated Balance of Funds for a total'
amount of $213,291. The Community Development Block Grant
Program is a federally funded program, for which funds are
provided by the federal government through the County of Los
Angeles Community Development Commission to the City. The
primary goal of the program is to provide for the development of
viable urban communities by providing decent housing, suitable
living environments and expanding economic opportunities,
principally to persons of low and moderate income. Eligible CDGB
projects are those that meet one of the following national objectives
for the program: Benefiting low and moderate income persons or
those that are presumed to be low to moderate income which would
include the disabled and/or the elderly. This is the primary way in
which Diamond Bar spends its funds. The other national project
objectives for the program are addressing slums or blight, and
meeting a particularly urgent community development need.
In addition, projects must meet one of the eligible activity criteria or
category which includes acquisition of real property; acquisition,
construction or rehabilitation of public facilities; acquisition of
deteriorated buildings; community service for low and moderate
income households; and, removal of barriers that restrict the
mobility for the elderly and/or disabled.
As part of the project/program presentation this evening, the City is
obligated by requirements through CDC to talk about the funding
for the current fiscal year. Last year at this time, the City Council
allocated $301,190 and those funds were used for a variety of
services. Community Development Block Grants can be thought of
in two major categories: 1) Public Services and 2) Public Works.
There is a cap on how much money can be spent on public
services which is 15 percent of the total allocation. Historically,
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
Diamond Bar has utilized those funds for two major programs: 1)
Senior Programs operated out of the Diamond Bar Center and, 2)
the YMCA to benefit low to moderate income children in afterschool
programs. In the current Fiscal Year the City is doing a number of
different programs with the remainder of the funds which includes
the Home Improvement Program ($150,000) for low to moderate
income families. This year one of the projects recently completed
is the ADA Handicap ramp at the Bark Park which was eligible for
CDGB funds and, a staircase which was not eligible for CDGB
funding.
For 2014-15 the allocation is dwindling. Diamond Bar is receiving
less money than it did for the current year which is a trend that has
continued over the past several years. Next year the City looks
forward to receiving $201,787; staff is asking the City Council to
allocate an additional $11,504 of unused fund balance for a total
allocation of $213,291 project dollars split between Public Service
projects (capped at 15 percent of the allocation). Staff
recommends that these funds be used for the Senior Program and
the YMCA.
ACM/Doyle reported that this year staff received an application
from the Community Garden. He met with members of the group at
the site and believes it is a very worthwhile project under the
guidance of the Diamond Bar United Church of Christ.
Unfortunately, due to the limitation of CDBG funds and the
minimum allocation of $10,000 per project, it would require the City
to lessen funds to the other groups so at this time, staff is not
recommending funding be provided. Staff is; however
recommending the City work with the Community Garden to
promote their programs and hopefully generate private donations.
Public Works projects will take up the balance of the funding of
$171,519 of new funds and $11,504 of the unallocated balance for
a total of $183,000. Staff is recommending $100,000 for the Home
Improvement Program and $83,000 for Sidewalk Improvements.
There is an additional request for completion of the design at
Stardust Mini Park and Longview South in the amount of $180,000;
unfortunately, the City does not have the funds available to satisfy
that request.
C/Lyons asked how the low and moderate income individuals are
identified for day camp families.
ACM/Doyle explained that the YMCA provides documentation to
the City.
DECEMBER 17, 20'13 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
C/Lyons asked if there were any new programs accepted this year.
ACM/Doyle stated that no new programs were accepted for Public
Service. However, there are Public Works programs that are new
every year. Public Service projects were much more heavily
funded in years past but the CDC initiated caps on those programs
which restricted the cities' ability to fund those programs.
Individuals do not necessarily receive "discounted" childcare, the
funds are provided to the YMCA for childcare and the City is
provided with the number of low and moderate income students
that'participate in that program.
MlHerrera further explained that there were no new programs
recommended for Public Service funding.
MlHerrera opened the Public Hearing at 7:28 p.m.
Bill Flournoy, Diamond Bar Unified Church of Christ, member of the
Community Garden Planning Committee and retired Southern
California Edison Engineer, said he understood that staff was not
recommending the Community Garden for funding. Although the
Federal and County requirements are onerous he did not believe it
would disqualify the program for funds. Staff's report indicates
there are insufficient CDBG funds to fund the program this year and
the proposed allocation for the Public Service CDBG funds would
be reduced if a new program was added. He suggested that
consideration be given for funding this project in the future,
perhaps with a more equitable distribution of Public Service funds.
The Planning Committee believes the grant application makes a
convincing case for the benefits and merits of such a project within
the City and Diamond Bar is one of the few progressive cities that
do not have a community garden. There is an ideal site designated
by the church which would principally benefit low and moderate
income families. The startup of a Community Garden requires
funding for land clearing, water supply, fencing, raised beds,
gardening tools and other elements. The grant request was for a
one-time request for startup funds after which the Community
Garden would be self-sustaining with nominal plot rentals covering
the cost of water and ongoing replacement of supplies. The
organization is pursuing other fundraising opportunities and realizes
that this is a new and different kind of project seeking grant funding
but it would attract a measure of visibility, excitement and support
from a large segment of the community and the City could take
credit for an environmentally -friendly and community building
project. The Community Garden will serve the same underserved
low income population as the other organizations and would
complement their work rather than compete with them.
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
MlHerrera closed the Public Hearing at 7:34 p.m.
ClLyons asked if there was an alternative to assisting the group
through grant writing.
ACM/Doyle said he discussed that with the group and said that staff
would be on the lookout for those types of grants. At this time he is
not aware of any such grants but certainly there is an opportunity to
explore that option with other cities that have these types of
facilities as well as, the ability for the City to promote the project
and give them visibility within the community for purposes of private
funding.
ClLyons moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to Adopt Resolution No.
2013-35: Approving the Community Development Block Grant
Program including $201,787 in Fiscal Year 2014-15 Funds and
$11,504 from Unallocated Balance of Funds for the Total Amount of
$213,291. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Lyons, Tanaka, MPT/Tye,
MlHerrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT. -COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 WILLOW HEIGHTS: VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO.
72295; DEVELOPMENT REVIEW; AND, TREE PERMIT
(PLANNING CASE NO. PL 2013-229). (Continued from December
3, 2013)
CMIDeStefano stated that this is a land use entitlement request that
is before the Council with a recommendation from the Planning
Commission. This matter was introduced during a City Council
Public Hearing on November 19. The Public Hearing was closed
on November 19 and the matter was continued to December 3. At
the request of the applicant, Lennar Homes, the matter was
continued from that date to tonight's meeting.
CDDIGubman stated that this matter was first presented to the City
Council on November 19. At that time he provided a detailed
overview of the proposed Willow Heights project covering all
aspects of the residential community and the adjoining
neighborhood park. The City Council closed the Public Hearing
and continued the matter to December 3 with direction to staff to
research the possibility of covering the County Flood Control
Channel that cuts through the proposed park site. Staff prepared a
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
detailed report of its findings which was published as part of the
December 3 City Council packet. Prior to the December 3 meeting,
the applicant, Lennar Homes, expressed concerns about the time
and certainty, cost and other permitting complications that a
requirement to cover the channel would add to the project. In light
of these concerns, Lennar requested a continuance to this evening.
During the intervening two weeks, Lennar approached the City with
a proposal to make a contribution to the City Park and Facility
Development Fund in lieu of covering the channel. Through
negotiations with the City Manager the dollar amount eventually
agreed to was $700,000. Staff recommends approval of this
contribution in lieu of covering the channel in order to avoid the
uncertainty related to seeking a channel covering permit through
the LA County Public Works Department Flood Control District.
More specifically, staff recommends that a new condition be
inserted between current conditions 4 and 5 on Page 16 of the
November 19 resolution originally submitted as part of the agenda
packet to read: "The applicant has voluntarily agreed to make a
one-time contribution to the City's Park and Facility Development
Fund in the amount of $700,000. Accordingly, the applicant shall
remit such contribution in 182 installments of $3,846.15. Each
installment shall be paid upon the issuance of a building permit for
a new dwelling unit".
Although the Public Hearing closed on November 19 and the focus
since that date has been on the channel issue, Lennar, Community
Development staff and CDDIGubman would be pleased to answer
any questions the Council may have about any aspect of the
proposed Willow Heights project.
Recommended Action: There are four options for the Council to
consider which are described below:
1. If the Council chooses to approve the project as previously
submitted, adopt Resolution No. 2013-36 approving the Vesting
Tentative Tract Map, Development Review and Tree Permit for
Planning Case No. PL2013-229, to allow the subdivision for the
development of 182 for -sale dwelling units and a 2.5 net acre
neighborhood public park, based on the findings of DBMC
Sections 21.20.080, 22.22.150, 22.48.040, and 22.38.110,
subject to conditions of approval as listed within the draft
resolution; or,
2. Direct the applicant to revise plans to include covering the
channel with landscape improvements and continue the item to
a specified date to allow the applicant additional time to submit
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
revised plans and studies. Upon submittal of the required
information, staff will complete the environmental assessment
associated with the impacts of covering the channel and
prepare a revised resolution for Council's consideration; or,
3. Remand the project to the Planning Commission with specific
direction from -the City Council; or,
4. Deny the Vesting Tentative Tract Map, Development Review,
and Tree Permit, specifically identifying the reasons the required
findings of DBMC Sections 21.20.080, 22.22.150, 22.48.040,
and 22.38.110 cannot be made.
C/Chang asked how Lennar arrived at the amount of $700,000.
CDD/Gubman reiterated that it was through negotiations with the
City Manager's office.
Geoff Smith, Lennar Homes, stated that as CDD/Gubman
mentioned Lennar has worked with City staff over the past several
weeks to understand, per the Council's request, the concept of
covering the channel. Lennar found it needed additional time to
fully understand what that entailed and what Lennar's options might
be which prompted a request for a continuance from December 3 to
this evening. He thanked the City Council for its patience.
Lennar's research and City staff's research yielded the same result
and Lennar believes that it has come to a very common approach
to address this issue that would benefit all parties especially the
community. Lennar is very excited about moving forward with
Willow Heights and honored to be a party that can execute the
City's vision that has been in place since 2012.
M/Herrera invited public comments on what is before the Council
this evening, the matter of the proposed $700,000 donation by
Lennar; however, no testimony would be received on any other
topics included in this agenda item for which the Public Hearing
was closed on November 19, 2013,
Vinod Kashyap offered traffic photos to the City Council. He
reiterated his concerns about a flawed EIR, and taxpayer money
that is paying for this hard design.
John Jones, Ambushers, said he researched the matter of covering
the drainage channel and discovered that it would be a problem.
After hearing about a negotiated donation of $700,000, he totally
agrees with the proposal because it would give money to the City
whether the City decided to cover the channel or not.
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
With no further comments, IM/Herrera closed public comments.
MPT/Tye said that discussion regarding Site D commenced in
December 2010 and at that time the discussion was whether it
would be a hundred percent commercial, a hundred percent
residential or 50150 and this process has been ongoing since that
time. The process has been as transparent as anything he can
think of every step of the way. Every public outreach that the City
required of Lennar, the entire community was invited to participate,
all of which is on record. He asked the question, for the record,
what could be done about covering the flood channel. Covering the
flood channel is a very expensive and time-consuming proposition.
A great example of a covered flood control channel that one can
visit is at the intersection of Imperial and Associated Road.
Last week he spoke with Councilman Ron Garcia of Brea to
compliment him on the job they had done. Councilman Garcia said
"well, you see the final result, but you have no idea how much it
cost and you have no idea how long it took us and all of the moving
parts that were involved when you get the Flood Control Channel,
Corps of Engineers and Fish and Game".
At this point with the Willow Heights project it is too late to
accomplish that. So he sincerely appreciates Lennar's effort to
contribute to the Parks Fund. If the City Council chooses to spend
that $700,000 toward covering the Flood Control Channel at some
point, it can be done at that time. As he said at the meeting, he
was not comfortable making the motion or making it a condition that
they had to cover the channel because he did not know what was
being asked of Lennar. He again said he appreciated Lennar's
efforts, their investigation and information and he has a much
greater appreciation for what was involved.
C/Tanaka said he felt that during the design process the park was
designed the best that it could be considering what is available.
MPT/Tye raised a question about the safety of pedestrians on the
over bridge and possibility of injuries. He believed that Lennar and
the City would design a plan to make certain that would not
happen. He said he believes it was very generous of Lennar
Homes to offer a contribution to the City's Park and Facility Fund.
C/Chang said she believed the Site D process started prior to 2010.
The City has solicited a great deal of input and the Council is now
facing the question before it.
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
MPT/Tye moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to Adopt Resolution No,
2013-36 approving the Vesting Tentative Tract Map, Development
Review, and Tree Permit for Planning Case No. PL2013-229, to
allow the subdivision for the development of 182 for -safe dwelling
units and a 2.5 net acre neighborhood public park, based on the
findings of DBMC Sections 21.20.080, 22.22.150, 22.48.040, and
22.38.110, subject to conditions of approval as listed within the
draft resolution with the addition of a condition to the November 19
resolution added between Conditions 4 and 5, Page 6 to read:
"The applicant has voluntarily agreed to make a one-time
contribution to the City's Park and Facility Development Fund in the
amount of $700,000. Accordingly, the applicant shall remit such
contribution in 182 installments of $3,846.15. Each installment
shall be paid upon the issuance of a building permit for a new
dwelling unit". Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Lyons, Tanaka, MPT/Tye,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT -.COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
8.2 RATIFY CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND ADOPT
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-37: CONFIRMING THE APPOINTMENT OF
SPECIFIC REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS.
ORGANIZATION DELEGATE ALTERNATE
California Contract Cities Association
Lyons
Tye
Foothill Transit Board
Herrera
Lyons
Four -Corners Transportation Policy Group
Herrera
Greater L.A. County Vector Control District
Tye
Tanaka
Joint Powers Insurance Authority
Tye
DeStefano
L.A. County Sanitation District No. 21
Herrera
Tye
L.A. County City Selection Committee
Herrera
Tye
League of CA Cities — L.A. County Division
Tanaka
Chang
San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
Herrera
Lyons
Southern California Assn of Governments (SCAG)
Lyons
Chang
Tres Hermanos Conservation Authority
Herrera
Lyons
Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA)
Tanaka
Chang
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL
STANDING COMMITTEES
City Council Audit Committee
Herrera
Tye
City Council Goals/City Manager Evaluation
Herrera
Tye
Economic Development
Herrera
Lyons
Industry East Development Advisory Committee
Herrera
Tye
Legislative
Herrera
Chang
Lighting/Landscape Assess Dist subcommittee
Herrera
. Lyons
Neighborhood Improvement
Tanaka
Lyons
Public Safety Committee
Herrera
Tye
Sphere of InfluencelAnnexation
Herrera
Tye
LIAISON
Chamber of Commerce
Chang
Tanaka
Diamond Bar Community Foundation
Chang
Tanaka
Library
Chang
Tanaka
PUSDICity
Chang
Lyons
Senior Citizen
Tanaka
Chang
WVUSDICity
Herrera
Tye
CMIDeStefano reminded M/Herrera that the Council needed
to appoint a
Delegate and Alternate for the Audit Committee which was approved by
Council in 2013.
MlHerrera stated that MlHerrera would be the Delegate and MPT1Tye the
Alternate as indicated on the above chart under Standing Committees.
ClChang moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to Ratify City Council Committee
Appointments and Adopted Resolution No. 2013-37: Confirming the
Appointment of Specific Representatives to the San Gabriel Valley Council
of Governments. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Chang, Lyons, Tanaka, MPT/Tye,
MlHerrera
None
None
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTSICOUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
ClTanaka reported that last Saturday he attended the Candy Cane Craft
Fair at the Diamond Bar Center that boasted over 70 vendors, music,
snacks and photos with Santa. That evening he celebrated with the Los
Angeles County Indian -American Professional Association's Diwali
Celebration and the following uesday he attended the Diamond Bar
Senior's Christmas Luncheon featuring the Stylus Choir from Diamond
Ranch High School.
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 16 CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday he attended the Diamond Bar Public Safety luncheon that was
held to thank the Sheriff's Department, Fire Department, Animal Control
personnel and fingerprint specialist from the West Covina PD; on
Wednesday afternoon December 11 he attended the Diamond Bar High
School Denis R. Paul Aquatic Center Ribbon -Cutting Ceremony and
Thursday he attended the Diamond Bar /Senior's Christmas Dinner Dance
with 250 attendees. Saturday he attended the Diamond Ranch High
School Breakfast with Santa and on Monday evening he attended the
Volunteers on Patrol Newport Harbor Dinner Cruise thanking the
volunteers for their countless hours of service to the City. He wished
everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
C/Chang reminded everyone that they can follow her on Twitter, Facebook
and Foursquare. She missed the December 3 Council meeting because
she was participating as a speaker at the Education Symposium.
ClChang went on to thank ClTanaka for his service as Mayor during the
past year and thanked former Council Member Ron Everett for his service
to the City for the past seven years. She also congratulated ClLyons and
MPTITye on their election and re-election and thanked MlHerrera for
serving as Mayor.
On December 5 she attended the League Legislative Action Day and
Reception and on Tuesday attended the Public Safety Appreciation
Luncheon and thanked the Public Safety employees for doing a great job.
She attended the Denis R. Paul Aquatic Center Ribbon -Cutting Ceremony
at Diamond Bar High School. When she attended Diamond Bar High
School, Denis Paul was her grade level coordinator and it was great to
see him being honored.
ClChang also congratulated Krystal Spindler with The Windmill. The
Diamond Bar Community Foundation has done a tremendous job with
transition from the old to the new Windmill which has become a very
popular publication. She thanked the Diamond Bar Community
Foundation Board for being so supportive of that venture.
She also thanked Barbara Decarbo for sharing her important story
because she too believes it is important to get to know one's neighbors
and to care for one another and participate in Neighborhood Watch. She
wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ClLyons said that much has been said about the beautiful swimming pool
at Diamond Bar High School. It is by far the most beautiful public high
school pool she has ever seen and encouraged her colleagues and staff
to think about how the entire community could use the pool. Many cities
including Glendora have partnerships with schools for use of pools. In her
opinion, since the pool was paid for with property tax money, she would
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 17 CITY COUNCIL
like to see the residents to have use of the pool while compensating the
school for the ongoing costs. She is very pleased that the Lennar Homes
project was approved. Conclusion of this property sale will truly improve
the lives of 15,000 children in the Walnut Valley Unified School District
and will mean that some 500 teachers and 200 plus employees will be
able to work through the next year without furlough days. She wished
everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
MPT/Tye reported that on Saturday he attended the Rotary Club Basket
Assembly which he has been doing for the past eight years or so.
Participants put together 250 baskets containing turkeys, produce, eggs,
bread, etc. for very deserving families. He thanked Senator Bob Huff for
his part in acquiring and making available the turkeys. The Denis R. Paul
Aquatic Venter Ribbon -Cutting Ceremony was a wonderful event.
Principal Catherine Real did a terrific job and the Walnut Valley Unified
School District Board did a terrific job and it was a terrific community
event. He hoped that the City would have an opportunity to program that
facility.
Last night he participated in thanking the Volunteers at the annual
Volunteers Appreciation Event for the thousands of hours they
cumulatively give to the community. Diamond Bar is very grateful for what
they do.
This morning he and M/Herrera attended the Public Safety Committee
meeting to hear from Captain Scroggin report on the many of the things
that were reported during tonight's meeting. The City appreciates the
Sheriff's Department and everything the officers do to keep Diamond Bar
as safe as possible, but it does take someone like Barbara Decarbo being
very diligent. The Sheriff's Department does not mind if they receive false
alarm calls because they want to know that neighbors are watching out for
neighbors, which is how the bad guys are caught. The committee heard
from Chief Stone about efforts made to keep homes safe with brush
clearance and from Rick Meza, Southern California Edison about their
efforts with the Fire Department to minimize problems with electrical fires.
He wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New
Year.
M/Herrera said she had also attended many of the meetings and events
her colleagues spoke about this evening. Volunteers are such an asset to
the City of Diamond Bar and she urged interested residents to sign up
because it takes all of us to watch out for all . of us. Unfortunately,
Diamond Bar is a City dissected by two major freeways which makes it an
easy target with easy access. Therefore, it is critical that everyone remain
alert and report any strange activity. She thanked the Public Safety
Officers present this evening to ensure a safe business meeting.
Residents value most highly Diamond Bar's Public Safety Officers, all of
DECEMBER 17, 2013 PAGE 18 CITY COUNCIL
whom do such an extraordinary job putting their lives on the line.
Diamond Bar is eternally grateful for their presence. She attended a
Sanitation District meeting today. February 15 is the next Household
Waste Pickup for Diamond Bar within the Gateway Corporate Center.
Further details will be made available. She thanked everyone for
attending tonight's meeting and wished everyone a very safe holiday
season. This is the final business meeting for 2013.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct„ M/Herrera
adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:10 p.m. to January 21, 2014.
ion.a
TOM YE CRIBBINS,'CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this . 2lstday of ; nila v
2014.�j
CAROL HERRERA, MAYOR