HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/03/2015 Minutes - Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
FEBRUARY 3, 2015
CLOSED SESSION: 6:00 p.m., Room CC -8
110Government Code Section 54956.9 (Anticipated Litigation) -
Potential One (1) Case — Government Claim filed by Diamond Bar Country
Estates Association Dated January 20, 2015 — Relating to Millennium — Diamond
Road Partners Project.
Public Comments on Closed Session - None
CA/DeBerry stated that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tye 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
INVOCATION:
gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL:
Tem Lyons, Mayor Tye.
Iq:�tI
Mayor Tye led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Shaykh Nomaan Baig, Institute of Knowledge,
Council Members Herrera, Tanaka, Mayor Pro
Council Member Lin was excused.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David
DeBerry, City Attorney; Ryan McLean, Deputy City Manager; Ken Desforges, IS
Director; David Liu, Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services
Director; Dianna Honeywell, Finance Director; Greg Gubman, Community
Development Director; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager; Kimberly
Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Anthony Santos, Management Analyst; Cecilia
Arellano, Public Information Coordinator, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
NEW BUSINESS OF THE MONTH:
1.1 M/Tye and City Council Members presented a Certificate Plaque to
Ravia Tej for Dilliwala Indian Kitchen, 303 S. Diamond Bar
Boulevard, Suite G, as New Business of the Month for February
2015.
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
CM/DeStefano reported that Diamond Bar Boulevard north of Sunset
Crossing where the Diamond Star Auto Shop used to be will now become
American Tire Depot which operates 73 stores in southern California and
is opening three additional stores in southern California including the
space in Diamond Bar. American Tire Depot may be forthcoming with
plans for a complete building renovation prior to moving the operation into
the facility.
The East 180 Restaurant formerly located on Diamond Bar Boulevard at
Palomino across from the Vons Shopping Center unfortunately closed.
The location is now under construction to be turned into a Japanese
restaurant. Plans are underway with demolition work being done to
demolish portions of the exterior and interior.
The Shell Station has now reopened and is moving forward with a 7 -
Eleven Convenience Store inside the station. For the next couple of
months there will be a temporary cashier station outside of the building
during its completion. In the future, the station may continue to move
forward with the carwash which was approved for construction several
years ago.
The K -mart property owner purchased the lease back from K -mart which
now allows the owner/developer to redevelop the property. The City has
been working with the property owner who has indicated interest in a retail
anchor shopping center with drawings forthcoming in about two months.
The Diamond Jim's Dairy 9 -unit condominium project on Golden Springs
northeast of Diamond Bar Boulevard was approved several years ago;
however, has been stopped for about a year and a half due to residual
contaminates from the gas station previously on site were found in the
soil when grading commenced on the project. The property owner has
been working with the State's Department of Substances Control via a
voluntary cleanup agreement which the City expects that the effort will
take some additional time. The project is moving forward but not yet
ready to begin formal construction during the remediation effort.
The shopping center located at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard
and Grand Avenue where the Windmill is located is currently undergoing
renovation including parking lot improvements, landscaping
improvements, painting of the entire center and the addition of "Crunch
Fitness" and reconstruction of the former Ralph's Market that will become
a Walmart Neighborhood Grocery Store scheduled to open mid to late
June.
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
Property commonly known as the Walnut Pools building on Golden
Springs Drive close to Brea Canyon Road has been closed and has also
been undergoing a transformation. Tenant Improvements are about 80
percent complete. The property owner is looking to complete the work by
modernizing the exterior and landscaping as well as, looking to possibly
reconfigure the parking lot. The site should be open later this year with
additional service and office oriented uses.
Property located in front of Target on Golden Springs Drive next to Chili's
Restaurant (Panda pad) recently received Planning Commission approval
for construction of a single building with a drive-thru that will house a
Starbucks, T -Mobile and likely a Waba Grill or some other fast-food
operation.
Inside the Gateway Corporate Center, Kaiser has almost completed its
significant expansion of its medical center property and should be done by
late March/early April.
The owner of what was previously the Honda property has established an
incentive -based zoning for the property in order to generate a hotel anchor
development. The City sees that site as significant in terms of generating
significant hotel occupancies whether or not a stadium is built next door to
it on the City of Industry's property. The anticipated project is about two
months away from draft of working plans for a hotel project. There is not
yet a hotel partner or franchise operator on board but staff is working with
the property owner toward a hotel on the property.
The Willow Heights Project at Brea Canyon Road and Diamond Bar
Boulevard (Lennar Homes/formerly Site D) is moving forward. About 63
building permits have been pulled. Models are planned for opening in
April for which there is an interest list of well over 1000 people. The City
expects the project to be a tremendous success for Diamond Bar and
there are a variety of activities currently underway.
CM/DeStefano said that if any member of the public has questions about
any of the projects they are free to contact him at City Hall.
M/Tye asked if the American Tire Depot is corporately related to America's
Tires that is slated to go in next to the carwash.
CM/DeStefano explained that they are two different companies.
America's Tires is also known as Discount Tires with their national tire
store located in Chino Hills near Costco. America's Tires is a retail store
going into the former 76 Unocal Station site also with contaminated soil
which is an issue between the buyer and seller of the property currently
under resolution. America's Tire still wants the site and has been talking
with staff about extending their previously approved permits.
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
M/Tye asked for assurance that Walnut Pools is making progress.
CM/DeStefano said it was a slow moving process.
M/Tye asked if it was possible that if the Honda property takes on a life of
its own that it could be fenced off including the Burger King property.
There are cars at a closed site and there seems to be a problem.
CM/DeStefano responded affirmatively.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Pui-Ching Ho, Diamond Bar Library, spoke about upcoming events
including playtime in a sandbox on February 4 at 11:00 a.m. where
children can mold, smash and explore in non-toxic moon sand. On
Wednesday, February 11 at 4:00 p.m. there will be a Chinese Calligraphy
workshop for children. Sign up for the class will be at the information desk
for this workshop which is sponsored by The Diamond Bar Friends of the
Library. The honor society from Diamond Bar High School will be
performing a puppet show based on the story The Listening Tree on
February 17 at 4:00 p.m. immediately followed by an art activity for
attendees. To learn more about the library and its programs visit the
webpage at www,colapublib.org
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — February 10, 2015 — 7:00 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive. (Canceled)
5.2 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — February 12,
2015 — 7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.3 Household Hazardous Waste and E -Waste Roundup - Saturday,
February 14, 2015 — 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Gateway Corporation
Center, 1300 Block of Bridge Gate Drive.
5.4 Presidents Day — February 16, 2015 — City Offices closed in
observance of Presidents' Day. City Offices reopen Tuesday,
February 17, 2015 at 7:30 a.m.
5.5 City Council Meeting — February 17, 2015 — 6:30 p.m.,
SCAQMD/Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: MPT/Lyons moved, C/Herrera seconded, to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
AYES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Herrera, Tanaka, MPT/Lyons, M/Tye
NOES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
None
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Lin
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
6.1.1 Study Session of January 20, 2015.
6.1.2 . Regular Meeting of January 20, 2015.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES -
Regular Meeting of November 25, 2014
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated January 15, 2015 through
January 28, 2015 totaling $506,672.18.
6.4 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATMENT — Month of December
2014.
6.5 RECEIVED AND FILED — GENERAL PLAN STATUS REPORT
FOR 2014.
6.6 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE RESIDENTIAL
AREA 2 (BOUNDED BY GRAND AVENUE TO THE NORTH,
GATEWAY CORPORATE CENTER TO THE WEST, DIAMOND
BAR BOULEVARD TO THE EAST AND PATHFINDER ROAD TO
THE SOUTH) AND ARTERIAL ZONE 1 (DIAMOND BAR
BOULEVARD BETWEEN SUNSET CROSSING ROAD AND
GOLDEN SPRINGS DRIVE) ROAD MAINTENANCE PROJECT.
6.7 LANDSCAPE DISTRICT NUMBERS 38,39 AND 41:
a) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2015-02: 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 2015-16.
b) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2015-03: 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 2015-16.
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
c) ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2015-04: 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 2015-16.
6.8 AUTHORIZED TO EXCEED THE CITY MANAGER'S
PURCHASING AUTHORITY TO APPROVE EXPENDITURES
WITH DIVERSIFIED PRINTERS, INC. FOR PRINTING SERVICES
IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO -
EXCEED $65,000 DURING FY 2014-15.
6.9 AUTHORIZED TO EXCEED THE CITY MANAGER'S
PURCHASING AUTHORITY TO APPROVE PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES EXPENDITURES WITH SIMPSON ADVERTISING,
INC. FOR SPECIALTY GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES IN AN
AMOUNT NOT -TO -EXCEED $80,400 FOR FY 2014-15.
6.10 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2015-05: AUTHORIZING A
RENEWAL OF THE GENERAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.1 ADOPT INTERIM ORDINANCE NO. 03 (2015): EXTENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 02(2015) PROHIBITING THE ISSUANCE OF
LAND USE PERMITS OR BUSINESS LICENSES FOR
ESTABLISHMENT, EXPANSION, OR RELOCATION OF
MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS CITYWIDE IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE PROVISIONS OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
65858 AND DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF.
CM/DeStefano stated that on January 6 the City Council adopted
an urgency Ordinance prohibiting the establishment of massage
facilities in the City. This evening staff is recommending adoption
of an ordinance to provide additional time for staff to craft new
ordinances for Council's consideration. CM/DeStefano indicated
that this matter requires a unanimous vote of tonight's four sitting
members of the City Council.
CDD/Gubman reported that as was discussed when the City
Council adopted this moratorium on January 6, AB1147 went into
effect the beginning of 2015. As was reported at that time, cities
and counties had been severely restricted in their ability to regulate
massage establishments due to a law that went into effect in 2009.
Thankfully, AB1147 went into effect at the beginning of this year
which restores many of the City's regulatory powers pertaining to
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
massage establishments.
Staff is studying AB1147 and anticipates that in the next few
months will bring the City Council a new regulatory ordinance that
applies to massage establishments. As staff further explained at
the January 6 City Council meeting, when the City embarks on a
moratorium to give staff time to develop new regulations while
simultaneously prohibiting the particular use addressed in the
moratorium from further proliferating, the City can initially adopt the
moratorium for 45 days, and within that 45 day period, staff can
come back to the City Council and request additional time. Thus,
with the adoption of this moratorium time extension, staff is seeking
the maximum 10 month and 15 day extension allowed by law which
extends the moratorium for an entire year. Staff does not believe it
will need the entire year to complete the ordinance and accordingly,
the moratorium can be revoked prior to the end of the moratorium
period at the same time the new regulations are adopted.
MPT/Lyons asked staff to remind the Council of how many such
establishments were in the City two years ago and how many are in
the City now.
CDD/Gubman responded that there are currently 12 massage
establishments in the City. Prior to ABI 147 going into effect there
were perhaps 4 or 5.
CDD/Gubman agreed with M/Tye that Massage Envy was the first
established after SB731 went into effect which enabled them to
open without a Conditional Use Permit. The 2009 law was written
to remove the barriers that kept these appropriate types of
businesses from opening. Prior to that the City has issued
Conditional Use Permits for two or three foot massage businesses
and there were some pre-existing massage establishments that
had come and gone.
M/Tye opened the Public Hearing.
With no one present who wished to speak on this matter, M/Tye
closed the Public Hearing.
C/Herrera moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to adopt Interim Ordinance
No. 03 (2015): Extending Ordinance No. 02(2015) Prohibiting the
Issuance of Land Use Permits or Business Licenses for
Establishment, Expansion or Relocation of Massage
Establishments Citywide in Accordance with the Provisions of
Government Code Section 65858 and Declaring the Urgency
thereof. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera, Tanaka, MPT/Lyons,
M/Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Lin
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION:
8.1 ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-06: AMENDING THE FY 2014-
15 MUNICIPAL BUDGET.
CM/DeStefano stated that this is the time of year when the finance
staff brings to the City Council the mid -year budget adjustment.
Details of the will be presented by FD/Honeywell who will provide
an update to a couple of changes on Pages 5 and 6 of the report
that actuall6y lower the appropriation needs for the remainder of
this fiscal year.
FD/Honeywell began her report announcing the following changes -
Page 5 should read the mid -year budget amendment includes an
increase in estimated revenue for the General Fund in the amount
of $586,208 and an increase in General Fund appropriations in the
amount of $299,750 which is outlined in Exhibit A. On Page 6 there
is a change to the Vehicle Replacement Fund which should read
$2,500 for the appropriations increase changing the grand total
appropriation increase to $297,223 for all funds.
FD/Honeywell that went on to state that the purpose of this report is
to update the City Council on the City's financial condition at the
midpoint of the 2014-15 Fiscal Year and make the appropriate
adjustments to the budget. The City has continued to see
moderate increases in most revenue sources, which is a positive
indicator of an improving local economy. Property and Sales tax
revenue represent 57 percent of the General Fund revenue, so
meaningful increases in these categories are important financial
indicators for the City. While property tax is showing significant
increases of nearly $300,000 over the original adopted budget,
sales tax is projected to go down nearly $185,000 which is due
primarily to falling gas prices and the City's reliance on sales tax
revenue from service stations. A notable increase in General Fund
revenue can be found in the Building Fee category. Building fees
have increased significantly due to increased permit volume related
to the new housing development known as Willow Heights.
Building is ahead of schedule; therefore, more revenue is expected
to be realized this fiscal year. Overall, there is an increase to the
General Fund revenue in the amount of $586,000 of which $6,000
is a use of General Fund reserves.
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
The City has continued to control expenditures in order to best
meet the needs of the organization and its residents. Staff is
recommending an increase of General Fund expenditures at mid-
year of $298,000 over the current adopted budget. This increase
includes a variety of things ranging from the implementation of a
new safety program to increased professional services related to
the building permit volume. A large portion of this General Fund
expenditure increase is the anticipated savings of $250,000 from
the Public Safety budget being transferred into the Law
Enforcement Reserve Fund. These funds will be used to offset
future increases in the Sheriff's Department's contract. This
savings is due to an unfilled position in the Special Assignment
Team. Due to the fact that the 2014 crime rates declined
significantly, this position will likely remain unfilled for the remainder
of the year. The details of all of these changes can be found in
Exhibit A of staff's report. The adjustments of the mid -year will
bring projected General Fund balance reserves by June 30, 2015 to
$17.2 million which is 68.2 percent of General Fund appropriations.
Also included in this mid -year report are a variety of adjustments to
the special revenue funds and the internal service funds. The most
notable adjustments include a decrease in Proposition C
appropriations of $100,000 due to recent changes to the Dial -A -
Cab program and, as previously mentioned, the $250,000 increase
in transfers into the Law Enforcement Reserve Fund.
M/Tye asked FD/Honeywell about the Beverage Container
Recycling Grant on Page 5 and a carryover of $24,443. He asked
if staff was keeping an eye on that because his understanding was
that it would not be long before the program was broke and
wondered if the program would go away or if beverages costs
would be increased.
FD/Honeywell said she understands that the City Manager's office
has a plan in place to utilize those funds by the end of this fiscal
year.
M/Tye asked if the City was obligated to these types of programs
and by paying attention to the program, when these funds are no
longer available would the City no longer be obligated to continue
funding those programs.
DCM/McLean responded that those are grant funds. The City can
use the funds for different recycling programs in its Environmental
Services Program and that the City has a certain amount of time to
allocate those funds toward those programs. In this instance, staff
is in the process of creating a program and an allocation for the
FEBRUARY 3. 2015 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
funds and accordingly, the City plans to spend those funds shortly.
As far as M/Tye's question about funding the future program, the
City does not pay into that program — it is a grant program that the
State delivers funds to the City to use in its Environmental Services
Program.
MTye asked for confirmation that the City was not committed
beyond the resources it currently holds.
DCM/McLean responded "no."
MPT/Lyons asked staff to comment on what the Safe Parks Fund is
and what the City spends money on.
CSD/Rose explained that the Safe Parks Fund is money the City
receives from Proposition A, an LA County Proposition which is
based on population. Within the Safe Park Act Funds are
"unrestricted" funds which can be used for any type of park
improvement and "restricted" funds which can only be spent on
programs that utilize "Youth at Risk". The Youth Group Program
includes the use of California Conservation Corp which
automatically qualifies for that funding. The California Conservation
Corp does trail maintenance and work on weed removal, fire
brushing, etc.
C/Herrera moved, MPT/Lyons seconded, to Adopt Resolution No.
2015-06: Amending the FY 2014-15 Municipal Budget as
recommended by staff. Motion carried by the following Roll Call
vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera, Tanaka, MPT/Lyons,
M/Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Lin
8.2 RATIFY APPOINTMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO
FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF APPOINTED COUNCIL
MEMBER JIMMY LIN.
M/Tye stated that two individuals submitted applications to serve on
the Planning Commission and he spoke with a number -of other
interested parties. He recommended that Bob Nishimura be
appointed to serve as a Planning Commissioner for the unexpired
term previously held by City Council Member Jimmy Lin. Bob
Nishimura was a candidate for the City Council vacancy and has
been very involved in the community for many years. He has
served on the WASK Accreditation Committee, is an assistant
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
coach for the Girls Softball Team and has been involved in
Diamond Bar Girls Softball since 2002, Diamond Bar MJB
Basketball League, Diamond Bar AYSO and a variety of different
things. He is a retired policeman and has dedicated many hours of
service to the City.
C/Herrera moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to ratify M/Tye's
appointment to the Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term
of appointed City Council Member Jimmy Lin. Motion carried by
the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera, Tanaka, MPT/Lyons,
M/Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Lin
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Tanaka said that last Tuesday he attended the DB 4 Youth "In Action"
and the group continues to grow with over 50 youth in attendance.
CSC/Meyers does a great job coordinating and scheduling events. He
congratulated Garrett Masuda who chairs the group. Last Wednesday he
attended the Los Angeles County Fair Community Committee Chairman's
meeting at the Fairplex for a recap of last year's community days and what
is being planned for this year's Diamond Bar Community Day at the Los
Angeles County Fair scheduled for Thursday, September 24. On
Thursday he attended Armstrong Elementary School's Living Museum.
He thanked the Sheriff's Department and Volunteers on Patrol for keeping
the City safe. This afternoon there was a terrible accident on Grand
Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard and the intersection was closed
down very quickly and efficiently and traffic was diverted through Diamond
Bar without much elay.
C/Herrera said she knows it is very important for residents to have a safe
community and she wanted them to know that their Sheriffs Department is
doing everything possible to provide that safety. A couple of significant
occurrences happened recently during which the Sheriff's Department
took quick action. On January 20 the Diamond Bar team served a
narcotics warrant on the street where it was determined that a male was
distributing drugs out of his house. The warrant was served and the
suspect was arrested without incident and narcotics and money were
seized from the location. That same day a resident on another street in
town called 911 to report his neighbors house being burglarized which
brings to attention how important it is for residents to be aware of their
surroundings and when witnessing .an activity that seems to be out of
place the Sheriff's Department should be called immediately. This
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
neighbor did so upon witnessing two females exit a vehicle which was
parked in the driveway, go to the back of the house and carry shopping
bags full of goods from the house. The neighbor took down the vehicle
license number and later that day the vehicle was stopped in the City of
Industry with the stolen items still inside. Three people were arrested for
burglary. She thanked the Sheriff's Department for their great action and
all that they do to keep neighborhoods safe and said it was a reminder for
all community residents to be alert and report things they believe are
strange and out of order and if residents do that, this will be a much safer
community.
MPT/Lyons reported that last week she joined the Sunshine Senior's
Dancing Divas for an exercise class; and, attended the Planning
Commission meeting last week. She asked that residents check the
Diamond Bar Connection which is the City newspaper that is delivered to
each home that contains a lot of interesting information and pictures. One
article refers to getting free help with income taxes for individuals over 55
and another article about the E -Waste event.
M/Tye said he was privileged to attend the Diamond Bar Friends of the
Library volunteer appreciation gathering and honor MPT/Lyons as she,
Tony Torng and Rick Rogers were recognized for their service to this
group that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the library in a
variety of ways to offset many of the cuts that have impacted the library
over the years. During the event he bragged about Pui-Ching Ho to
Margaret Donnellan Todd. Residents appreciate the Friends and all that
they do. The 22nd Annual Wine Soiree is coming up the end of April and
all proceeds go to benefit the library. On Sunday he represented Diamond
Bar as its Mayor to the Southern California Chinese American
Environmental Protection Association. He addressed about 200
attendees and spoke about the fine work they are doing and what
Diamond Bar is doing to curtail water use and be as efficient as possible.
He was invited by Scarlett Kwong, Walnut Valley Water District Board
Member. The event was held at the Diamond Bar Center and it was a
pleasure to represent the City. Too often he thinks that people do not take
a moment to say "thanks' and he gave a synopsis of a couple of letters
from residents sent to the City regarding the Sheriffs Office. He believes
the benefit realized in this community starts at the top with Captain
Scroggins and his team. He said he would share the letters with the new
Sheriff's Captain McDonald. One person said "it was nice to see the same
deputies in their neighborhood, deputies who take the time to get to know
the residents. Where he grew up in Whittier everyone knew the policeman
and knew the guys that patrolled the neighborhood. He went on to say he
learned about the special project team consisting of Deputies Villasenor,
Thorn and Scheller who are attacking problems in our neighborhood.
Please thank these deputies and the Diamond Bar Sheriff's Station for
keeping our neighborhood safe. Again, in the span of just over a week
FEBRUARY 3, 2015 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
they have caught a burglar breaking into a neighbor's home, arrested a kid
dealing drugs on our street, and quickly responded to a man walking on
the hillside in our back yard." M/Tye quoted "if it is to be, it's up to me." If
DB is going to be a safe community and take action we have to start the
action and do what needs to be done so that not only our property is
protected but our neighbors' properties as well. The writer went on to say
"they can no longer be in denial about the activity that is taking place
under their roof. With the excitement last week of the in -progress burglary
and search warrant yesterday, our neighborhood knows that crime is not
tolerated here." M/Tye said that goes for his neighborhood and for all of
Diamond Bar and he hoped that bad guys would get the message that if
they wanted to do bad things keep driving past Diamond Bar because bad
behavior is not tolerated here. There are eyes and ears everywhere. He
again thanked Captain Scroggins and his team.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tye adjourned
the City Council Meeting at 7:25 p.m.
TOMM E CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 17th day of __February
2015.
v�u:
STE TYE, MAYIDR