HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/18/2014 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
FEBRUARY 18, 2014
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Carol Herrera called the Regular City
Council meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management
District/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Herrera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Ab Kastl, Pastor, Diamond Canyon Christian
Church gave the invocation.
a
ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, Lyons, Tanaka,
Mayor Pro Tem Tye, and Mayor Herrera.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David
DeBerry, City Attorney; Ken Desforges, IS Director; David Liu, Public Works
Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Dianna Honeywell, Finance
Director; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Ryan McLean,
Assistant to the City Manager; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Anthony
Santos, Senior Management Analyst; Amy Haug, Human Resources Manager;
Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 MPT/Tye presented a Certificate of Recognition to Dr. Tony Torng
and President Jenny Zhang of the Diamond Bar Chinese-American
Association on their Annual Chinese Lunar Celebration "Year of the
Horse".
1.2 M/Herrera presented a City Tile to Lt. Mary Leef upon her
retirement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department after
34 years of law enforcement service.
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH:
1.3 C/Lyons presented a City Tile to owner Dan Bejmuk for
DREAMBOX CREATIONS, 556 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard as
Business of the Month for February 2014.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
2.1 Introduction of new City Employees: FD/Honeywell introduced
Tricia Negron, Accounting Technician; PIM/Roa introduced JR
Ybarra, Media Specialist; CDDIGubman introduced Josue Espino,
Assistant Planner; and, PWD/Liu introduced Rafael Lopez, Senior
Street Maintenance Worker.
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
2.2 Grand Avenue Beautification Project Update.
CMIDeStefano reported that staff has been working on the project
known as the Grand Avenue Beautification project. The
intersections on Grand Avenue at Diamond Bar Boulevard and
Longview Drive will utilize a combination of Federal, State and local
funds to improve the local right -of --way. These two intersections
were selected for this project because they serve as primary
gateways to the City.
The design process is currently underway to set a tone that will
result in new street furniture, new hardscape, a variety of street
elements that will lighten and brighten the areas as landmarks
within the community and gateways to other portions of the
community. Part of the project is to complete an overall, palate for
use throughout areas of the rest of the community as intersection
improvements are completed at Golden Springs Drive and Grand
Avenue as well as other areas.
Diamond Bar has received about $700,000 in Federal funds for this
project which have been augmented with about $300,000 local
additional funding sources for a total of about $1 million in
resources which can only be used on Grand Avenue in this
particular area.
A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19 in
the Windmill Room at City Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. for
businesses and members of the public to view design concepts for
future project approval, design and construction which should take
place 2014 into 2015. This project headlines the upcoming March
edition of the City's newsletter which will provide residents with a
sketch of the project, information about the project and an invitation
to the March 19 meeting.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Karen Eubanks and members of the Breakfast Lions Club invited City
Council, staff members and residents to attend their Fundraisers on
February 26 and March 26 from 5:00 p.m. to closing at Bob's Big Boy. All
proceeds will support the Lions Club charities and- other community
organizations.
Pui-Ching Ho, Diamond Bar Acting Librarian, announced upcoming library
events including a special workshop on Saturday, February 22 at 2:00
p.m. for individuals to learn to use the iPad more effectively. There is also
a workshop to learn more about the Affordable Care Act on Saturday,
March 1 and 8; and, the Dr. Seuss party and celebration of "Read Across
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
America" for children ages 2-7 is on Monday, March 3 at 4:00 p.m.
Gloria Shepherd, Shift Manager, Bob's Big Boy, said the restaurant has
been in the area for 30 plus years. The business is well known to the
community and offers its facility to the Calvary Church, Lions Club,
Kiwanis and Friends of the Library for meetings and fundraising events.
Bob's Big Boy is seeking the Council's help in becoming registered as a
Historical Landmark. The establishment has received great support from
the community and has obtained over 21,424 signatures from individuals
requesting that the restaurant remain in its current location; however,
there are only two years left on a low lease rate and the landlord wants to
increase the rent or non -renew the lease.
M/Herrera stated for the record that she and the Council received an email
from Steve and Marie Delgadillo making the same request that the City
assist in obtaining a Historical Landmark designation for Bob's Big Boy in
Diamond Bar.
She asked CMIDeStefano to speak on the possibility of staff reporting
back to the City Council on the feasibility of designating the site a
historical landmark and whether such a designation would assist the
restaurant in continuing to do business at that location.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CMIDeStefano stated that staff can pursue the matter at the behest of the
City Council. It seems to him that this is an issue between the lessee and
landlord, the operator of Bob's Big Boy and Lakeview Village Corporation
which owns the property and the building. The core issue appears to be
that at the end of the lease the landlord may choose to increase the rent
which is a typical practice throughout the City, particularly with those
establishments that have enjoyed a long-term favorable lease that is not
necessarily as beneficial to the property owner.
Declaring the property with a historical or landmark status designation is
rather tricky because there are generally specific circumstances, events or
reasons why the property should have some sort of specific status such
as, the architect or architectural design. This particular Bob's Big Boy is
153 in the company's portfolio and is basically the same Bob's Big Boy
that has existed in West Covina and many other locations so that it is not
necessarily an unusual architectural configuration.
Often, there is an association with a particular and significant event. He
said he was unaware of any event of any particular significance that has
occurred at this particular site that would give it the type of status that
properties and buildings can achieve. Other times there is an association
with a person of distinction who lived on the property for a long period of
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
time. As an example, there is a house in Diamond Bar that was occupied
by the Bartholomew family who were settlers and sub -dividers of the
community of Diamond Bar. The windmill in the community has
significance. There are other properties or sites that have great
significance and some are long gone. He is not personally aware of any
of those types of typical designations that come with the ability to
designate a property as historic or landmark. He is familiar with the
California Register of Historical Places and National Historic Register
having worked on projects in the past and can say with a great level of
confidence that this property would not be a candidate for either of those
two registers absent any particular status. He can look into it but advised
the Council that it would be very difficult to achieve the typical standards
for such status. He reiterated that he believes this is an issue between the
property owner and the business operator. Even if the City Council were
to determine that the property had local landmark status and that it should
in some way be designated, it could preserve the site/architecture but it
would not preserve the lease which is a private party issue.
MPT/Tye said he would like staff to pursue the matter. One of the biggest
outcries he has heard during his two terms on the City Council was when
the Jolly Bagel went out of business. It happened very quickly and was
brought to the City's attention to late for action. He does not know that the
City has a policy for historic locations but it is right for the City of Diamond
Bar and the residents to support Bob's Big Boy by making the property
owner aware that this is something that is valued in Diamond Bar and
should not be taken for granted.
All Council Members concurred.
4. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — February 25, 2014 - 7:00 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.2 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting -- February 27, 2014 —
7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.3 City Council Meeting — March 4, 2014 — 6:30 p.m.,
SCAQMDIGovernment Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: ClLyons moved, C/Chang seconded, to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
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
February 4, 2014 — As submitted.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of November 21,
2013.
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated January 29, 2014 through
February 12, 2014 totaling $1,377,308.73.
6.4 LANDSCAPE DISTRICT NUMBERS 38,39 AND 41:
a) APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH GFB-
FRIEDRICH & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR ASSESSMENT
ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR LANDSCAPING
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NUMBERS 38, 39 AND 41 FOR A
PERIOD OF ONE (1) YEAR FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT
AMOUNT OF $12,965.
b) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2014-06: ORDERING THE
CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE AND FILE A REPORT
RELATED TO MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
IN THE CITY LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO.
38 AND ANY ASSESSMENT THEREON FOR FY 2014-15.
c) ADOPTED RESOLUTION - NO. 2014-07: ORDERING THE
CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE AND FILE A REPORT
RELATED TO MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACE IN THE CITY
LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 39 AND ANY
ASSESSMENT THEREON FOR FY 20'14-15.
d) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2014-08: ORDERING THE
CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE AND FILE A REPORT
RELATED TO MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACE IN THE CITY
LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 41 AND ANY
ASSESSMENT THEREON FOR FY 2014-15.
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
6.5 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2014-09: REQUESTING THE LOS
.ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT TO ACCEPT
THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF STORM DRAIN
IMPROVEMENTS (CONSTRUCTED AS PART OF THE
IMPROVEMENTS FOR TRACT 53670) KNOWN AS MTD NO.
1815 IN THE CITY FOR FUTURE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE,
REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENT; AND, AUTHORIZED THE
TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE THEREOF.
6.6 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2014-10: AUTHORIZING THE
CITY ENGINEER TO EXECUTE ALL RIGHT-OF-WAY
CERTIFICATIONS FOR PROJECTS UTILIZING FEDERAL OR
STATE FUNDING THROUGH CALTRANS LOCAL ASSISTANCE.
6.7 APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 1 WITH THE TAIT
GROUP (TTG), IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,800 FOR
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING/ADVOCACY SERVICES
RELATED TO THE STATE ROUTE 57160 FREEWAY
CONGESTION RELIEF STRATEGY AND STATE/FEDERAL
FREIGHT PLANS.
6.8 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO THE CONTRACT WITH
RKA CONSULTING GROUP FOR FEDERAL FUNDING
COMPLIANCE SERVICES ($33,500); AND, PUBLIC
WORK/ENGINEERING SERVICES ($60,450), FOR A TOTAL
CONTACT AMENDMENT AMOUNT OF $93,950.
7. PUBLIC HEARING:
7. (a) ADOPT URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 03 (2014):
EXTENDING URGENCY ORDINANCE NO. 02 (2014):
SUSPENDING CHAPTER 8.26 OF THE DIAMOND BAR
MUNICIPAL CODE AND PROHIBITING THE OPERATION AND
ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES.
ATCM1McLean presented staff's report stating that California law
allows for the growth and use of medical marijuana. Access is
limited to qualified patients with a valid doctor's recommendation
and those defined as "primary caregivers". This remains in direct
conflict. with Federal drug laws which continue to criminalize the
use, distribution and growth of marijuana. Neither State nor
Federal law authorizes the establishment of operations of the retail
medical marijuana dispensaries that have become prevalent across
the State. In response, many local agencies across the region
including unincorporated Los Angeles and Orange counties, have
adopted ordinances prohibiting dispensaries citing the adverse
effects such as increased criminal activity and other property
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
concerns.
At its January 21 meeting, the City Council adopted an Interim
Urgency Ordinance No. 02 (2014) prohibiting the establishment or
operation of these retail medical marijuana dispensaries for a
period of 45 days with the understanding that a permanent
prohibition of such facilities would be forthcoming at a future
meeting for consideration.
Item 7.1 (a) on tonight's agenda is an extension of the Urgency
Ordinance for an additional 10 months and 45 days. This proposed
extension provides staff with time to study and. develop a
permanent ordinance, while ensuring that the temporary prohibition
does not lapse before a permanent ordinance is brought to the
Council. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Item 7.1 (a),
the Urgency Ordinance, as proposed.
M/Herrera opened the Public Hearing at 7:16 p.m.
With no one present who wished to speak on this matter, MlHerrera
closed the Public Hearing at 7:17 p.m.
C{Chang moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to adopt Urgency Ordinance
No. 03 (2014) extending Urgency Ordinance No. 02 (2014)
Suspending Chapter 8.26 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code and
prohibiting the operation and establishment of medical marijuana
dispensaries. 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
(b) FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 04 (2014):
REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 8.26 OF THE
DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE PROHIBITING THE
OPERATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA
DISPENSARIES.
CM/DeStefano explained that with the adoption of 7.1(a) the
Council has extended the temporary ordinance that prohibits the
establishment of a medical marijuana facility while a permanent
ordinance is being created. The permanent ordinance is presented
tonight as Item 7.1(b). This public hearing is requesting first reading
of an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Diamond Bar
repealing and replacing Chapter 8.26 of the Diamond Bar Municipal
Code which would prohibit the operation and establishment of
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
medical marijuana dipensaries.
ATCM/McLean stated that 7.1 (b) is the permanent ordinance
which would prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries in Diamond
Bar. It would be an unpermitted land use i any zoning district in
the City and would include not only fixed locations such as a retail
store, but any types of mobile delivery services as well. In an effort
to ensure that the City retain local land use authority, protect public
health and safety and avoid any conflict with Federal law, staff
recommends that the City Council approve Item 7.1 (b) for First
Reading and schedule the Second Reading for March 4, 2014.
M/Herrera opened the Public Hearing at 7:19 p.m.
With no one present who wished to speak on this matter, M/Herrera
closed the Public Hearing at 720 p.m.
C/Chang moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to Approve for First Reading
by Title Only and Waive Full Reading of Ordinance No. 04 (2014):
Repealing and Replacing Chapter 8.26 of the Diamond Bar
Municipal Code prohibiting the Operation And Establishment of
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, and schedule Second Reading for
March 4, 2014. 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
COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 (a) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-11: AMENDING THE FY
2013-14 MUNICIPAL BUDGET.
CM/DeStefano stated that included within the staff report is a
request to amend the existing Resolution that allows for various
classifications of positions within the City's organization including
the re-establishment of the position of Deputy City Manager,
associated salary grade and fringe benefits in order to assist him in
reorganizing the City Manager's Department, primarily as a result of
the departure of Mr. Doyle to serve as city manager in the City of
Aliso Viejo.
FD/Honeywell stated that the purpose of the report is to update the
City Council on the City's financial condition at the mid -point of the
2013-14 Fiscal Year and to make appropriate adjustments to the
budget. The City has continued to see moderate increases in
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
revenue sources, which is a positive indicator of an improving local
economy. There has been a steady increase in sales tax revenue
and the housing market continues to recover. Property and sales
tax revenue represents about 45 percent of the General Fund
revenue so meaningful increases as seen in these categories are
important financial indicators for the City. Another notable increase
in General Fund revenue can be found in the building fee category.
Building fees and engineering fees have increased significantly due
to increased permit volume and the large-scale housing project
known as the Willow Heights housing development. Overall, there
is an increase to the General Fund revenue in the amount of
$954,000 of which $329,000 is use of General Fund balance
reserves. The City has continued to control expenditures in order
to best meet the needs of the organization and its residents. When
the Assistant City Manager position was recently vacated, the
opportunity arose to re-evaluate the current organizational structure
and how best. to meet the needs of both internal and external
customers. As a result of that reflection and analysis, it is being
proposed that a Deputy City Manager position be re-established
within the classification and salary plan to meet the current and
upcoming needs of the organization while holding the Assistant City
Manager position "vacant", This reorganization results in a savings
of $64,300 for the remainder of this fiscal year.
Staff is recommending an increase of the General Fund
expenditures at mid -year of about $708,000 over the current
adopted budget. This increases a variety of things ranging from
supplies and banners for the 25th Anniversary Celebration to
increased utility cost estimates, the details of which can be found in
Exhibit A of staff's report. $329,000 of the $708,000 is use of
General Fund Balance Reserves for such items as PC replacement
at City Hall and Diamond Bar Center which have been deferred for
the past couple of years and for a variety of slurry seal projects in
the park parking lots throughout the City.
As in prior years, the General Fund continues to subsidize the three
Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts with an additional
$81,000 in General Fund reserves requested for utility costs due to
lack of rain for a General Fund subsidy of about $201,000. The
adjustments at mid -year will bring projected General Fund Balance
Reserves as of June 30, 2014 to $15.2 million which is about 66.2
percent of the General Fund Appropriations.
Also included in the mid -year report are a variety of adjustments to
the Special Revenue Funds and Internal Service Funds, the most
notable of which include a decrease in the Gas Tax Revenue of
about $56,000 due to revisions of estimates made by the State,
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
increase in appropriations made by the State, increase in
appropriations by Proposition C Fund in the amount of $55,000 for
increased usage of the Dial -A -Cab Program, and the $81,000
increase in the Lighting and Landscape Assessment Districts.
ClLyons said she was concerned when she learned that the budget
for the Civic Center had increased by more than $53,000 for
electricity in one year.
FD/Honeywell explained that last year was the first full year at the
new City Hall so refinements are being made accordingly.
CMIDeStefano stated that there is one electricity bill for the City
and for the County. Diamond Bar owns the entire building and the
City pays all of the utilities. The utilities are not split between the
City and County. Part of the reason for the increase in utility costs
is that the area is experiencing a warmer than normal fall season.
The City is looking at ways to reduce its utility use through the air
conditioning system, the primary source of the increase. Staff is
also looking at ways to tweak the system through the Community
Services Department which operates facilities and manages the
properties for the City.
ClLyons asked if the City has given thought to using solar energy.
CMIDeStefano responded that there is solar on the roof that has
reduced the electricity cost by about 10 percent. There are no
other solar opportunities for the City at this time since the building is
not LEAD Certified Silver but was designed and built to that
standard in many areas of the building. Staff is looking at the
potential for a different type of shade system on the building
windows and other tools and techniques to reduce energy
consumption.
MlHerrera opened the discussion for public comments. There were
none offered.
ClLyons moved, MPTITye seconded, to Adopt Resolution No.
2014-11: Amending the FY 201314 Municipal Budget. 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
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
(b) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-12: AMENDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2013-10 RE-ESTABLISHING THE DEPUTY
CITY MANAGER JOB CLASSIFICATION, SALARY GRADE AND
FRINGE BENEFITS EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 18, 2014.
MlHerrera asked for public comments on Item (b). There were
none offered.
ClChang moved, MPT/Tye seconded, to Adopt Resolution No.
2014-12: Amending Resolution No. 2013-10 Re-establishing the
Deputy City Manager job classification, salary grade and fringe
benefits effective February 18, 2014. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote.
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Lyons, Tanaka,
M PTITye,M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
8.2 CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION, PLANNING COMMISSION AND TRAFFIC AND
TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION.
ClTanaka reappointed Ted Owens to the Parks and Recreation
Commission; Kenneth Mok to the Traffic and. Transportation
Commission; and Frank Farago to the Planning Commission.
ClLyons reappointed Dave Grundy to the Parks and Recreation
Commission; Marnisha Sulakhe to the Traffic and Transportation
Commission; and Ruth Low to the Planning Commission.
ClChang appointed Peter Pirritano to the Planning Commission;
Ted Carrera to the Traffic and Transportation Commission; and Kim
Hsieh to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
MPT/Tye reappointed Lew Herndon to the Parks and Recreation
Commission; Jennifer Mahlke to the Traffic and Transportation
Commission; and Jimmy Lin to the Planning Commission.
MlHerrera reappointed Benny Liang to the Parks and Recreation
Commission; Edward Pechy to the Traffic and Transportation
Commission; and Jack Shah to the Planning Commission.
MPT/Tye moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to confirm Commission
appointees as represented above. Motion carried by the following
Roll Call vote:
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
AYES: COU NCIL,MEMBERS: Chang, Lyons, Tanaka,
MPTITye, M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Chang reminded everyone they could follow her on Facebook and
Twitter. On February 6 she attended the Diamond Bar Evergreen Senior's
Lunar New Year event; February 7 she attended the Diamond Bar
Woman's Club Roaring Twenties Casino Night; and, on February 8 along
with MPT/Tye and C/Tanaka attended the Chino Hills Community Center's
Grand Opening. She congratulated and welcomed the new Commission
appointees.
C/Tanaka welcomed the new staff members. He attended the Diamond
Bar Evergreen Senior's quarterly Birthday and New Year's celebration as
they welcomed the "Year of the Horse" and the Diamond Bar Woman's
Club Casino Night Fundraiser. On Saturday he attended the Chino Hills
Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening for the Community Center. Monday,
February 10 C/Tanaka attended a Neighborhood Watch group meeting on
Deerfoot. On Thursday he attended the Diamond Bar Seniors Valentine's
Day Dinner Dance.
C/Tanaka announced that this Sunday, February 23 the Miss Diamond
Bar Pageant will host a fashion show at the Diamond Bar Golf Course.
C/Lyons welcomed new City staff members and newly appointed and re-
appointed Commissioners.
C/Lyons expressed her appreciation to staff for how quickly they analyzed
the Evergreen School traffic problem and offering both a temporary and
permanent resolution. The situation has greatly improved and the
parents, teachers and principal are very appreciative of staff's intervention.
She also stated that she appreciates the research that was done on the
possible establishment of a City Aquatics program. She asked if staff
could provide the Council with information about gross versus net cost of
the facilities in La Mirada and Santa Fe Springs and, if staff believes it is a
viable option what would the actual net costs be. She asked if staff looked
at the facility in Glendora, which would be similar to Diamond Bar's
situation with a school district pool that is being used by the city. She
thought it was amazing that the research revealed that the City of Walnut
was paying only $31 per hour to use the pool at Walnut High School.
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
ClLyons also took part in the "Wine Walk" at Glendora Village which was
an event that showcased retail and commercial businesses. She found it
very interesting and possibly an event that Diamond Bar might consider.
She said she was beginning to hear a lot of buzz about the 25th birthday
and that she was looking forward to this special event.
MPT/Tye welcomed the new City staff members. Diamond Bar runs a
lean and mean contract city and it is very encouraging to him that the City
had so many applicants for those four positions. Congratulations to staff
for all that they do.
MPT/Tye reported that he had participated in the Lunar New Year
celebration with the International Chinese Transportation Professionals
Association which the LA Division chose Diamond Bar to host the
celebration.
As President of Contract Cities he had the opportunity to represent the
organization and Diamond Bar at the Association of California Cities
Orange County Division. There is a lot of opportunity for synergy between
the two groups to make sure that Sacramento pays attention to the Cities.
He too, enjoyed participating in the Chino Hills Community Center Open
House celebration and acknowledged the funds that furnished the center
were provided through fundraising efforts by the Chino Hills Community
Foundation.
M/Herrera said that most of the City Council Members attended the
meetings her colleagues spoke about. On January 20 she and ClLyons
attended the League of Cities Mayors and Council Members Workshop.
Council Members are required to complete Assembly 1234 Ethics Training
every two years and it is always a good reminder for Council Members to
listen to Brown Act regulations and other issues that concern council
members in the conduct of their council meetings as well as, their
behavior in their positions as Council Members. She offered to share the
workshop materials with her colleagues who wished to brush up on their
training.
She congratulated and welcomed all of the City's new employees and
stated that she is very impressed by all of the people who want to work for
the City of Diamond Bar. She congratulated all of the newly appointed
and re -appointed Commissioners and said she believed all would be very
conscientious about doing their jobs. The City and the City Council thanks
everyone for their time and service.
FEBRUARY 18, 2014 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNMENT. With no further business to conduct, M/Herrera
adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:47 p.m.
v�
TdMMYL CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 4th day of March
2014.
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CAROL HERRERA, MAYOR