HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/05/2015 Minutes - Regular MeetingSTUDY SESSION: M/Tye called the Study Session to order at
5:17 p.m. in Room CC -8, South Coast Air Quality Management District Center,
21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Present: Council Members Carol Herrera, Jack Tanaka,
Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons, and Mayor
Steve Tye.
Council Member Jimmy Lin arrived at 5:25 p.m.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David
DeBerry, City Attorney; Dianna Honeywell, Finance Director; David Liu, Public
Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Greg Gubman,
Community Development Director; Amy Haug, Human Resources Manager;
Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Ken Desforges, IS Director; Anthony
Santos, Senior Management Analyst; Marsha Roa, Public Information Manager;
Christy Murphey, Recreation Superintendent; Anthony Jordan, Parks
Maintenance Superintendent, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
all 44[00K•1JiIir I:I►11 5
Dave Reynolds stated that he is concerned about the rise in crime that he has
seen during the past year and was here this evening to learn about the contract
terms and details regarding the Sheriff's Department contract and the possible
opportunities the City may have for increased public safety and fighting to keep
crime as low as possible. Mr. Reynolds also stated that he appreciated
C/Herrera's comments at the last meeting that what makes this City different is
the number of community events which provides more of a community feel.
Lori Igoglia, Volunteer of the Year, said she was present to support the Sheriff's
Department and wanted to make sure that they have everything they need to
keep protecting the citizens through this budget.
Brian Worthington said he wanted to make sure the City had all of the technology
possible to provide a good return on investment for the community and make
sure the City's expenditures are increasing year after year to the degree possible
while reinvesting in public safety.
® DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2015-16 CITY COUNCIL BUDGET — Discussion
and Action.
CM/DeStefano reported that this is the second study session held to
discuss the Budget for 2015-16 Fiscal Year including General Funds,
Special Funds and Capital Improvement Program. This is the largest
budget the City has seen primarily as a result of a $20 million Capital
Improvement Program and an aggressive $44 -$45 Million Five -Year
MAY 5, 2015 PAGE 2 CC STUDY • f ;
Capital Improvement Program that PWD/Liu and CSD/Rose will present
this evening. Overall, this budget is a rollover of last year's expenditures.
Staff is aggressively moving forward in the Capital Improvement Projects,
some of which will not be completed as scheduled during the 2014-15
Fiscal Year but will be part of the early completion of the 2015-16 budget
year which is part of the reason there is a use of reserves this year in
order to feed the rollover projects.
FD/Honeywell stated that after the last study session, Council provided
staff with items for follow up, one of which was the funding of the OPEB
obligation to fund health insurance with an additional $96,000 that will be
transferred in the current FY 2014-15 numbers. Proceeds from developer
fees received from Lennar Homes will be reinvested into various funds
such as Traffic Mitigation, Vehicle, Equipment and Building Maintenance,
OPEB and the General Plan. Most of the changes are in FY 2014-15.
Revenue is increased slightly and will be transferred from the General
Fund to Fund Balance Reserves to the CIP Fund ($21,000). There is also
an increase of about $20,000 in expenditures that is being paid to the city
prosecutor for Code Enforcement purposes.
M/Tye asked if the City recovers the costs for code enforcement.
CM/DeStefano said "not always." On the larger cases the City seeks
funds it has expended. As an example, the City should soon be receiving
most if not all resources that were expended on the Decorah case and
costs were recovered on the Shell Station.
FD/Honeywell stated that there were expenditures in 2014-15 and 2015-
16 being reclassified from AB 2766 to the General Fund. This occurred
after a meeting staff had with the AQMD during which staff was advised
that some of the projects the City had identified were not eligible for AB
2766 funds.
MPT/Lyons asked what the AB 2766 fund was.
FD/Honeywell responded that it is air quality funds the City receives for
projects that qualify for those funds which reduce emissions and improve
air quality. Previously, the funds were used for a transit pass system,
hardware and software which are being phased out. The AQMD wants to
see more alternative fuel vehicles, traffic management programs, etc.
CM/DeStefano stated that the reason some of these projects are not
eligible comes about as a direct result of staff within the AQMD making
ever-changing interpretations and decisions on what is and what is not
eligible. The City
budgeted based on what the City had been told late last year and based
on conversations City staff recently had with AQMD. Things that were
MAY - PAGE STUDY•
originally budgeted are now not considered to be eligible. It seems that
the game changes on the City every month. For example, the City used to
be able to buy fuel efficient vehicles with those dollars and now the only
vehicles that are left to purchase are vehicles that don't work for the City.
FD/Honeywell stated that the total decrease to the General Fund
Reserves between the April 21 Study Session and today is about
$240,000, $96,000 of which went to OPEB.
FY 2015-16 through 2019-20 Multi Year CIP — Discussion and Action.
FD/Honeywell stated that the Five -Year CIP is a planning tool for staff and
the City Council adopts only one year at a time. Staff looks at a global
view of what it wants to accomplish but as priorities and funding change,
so does this document. If the budget is adopted this evening the City
Council will be appropriating funds for 2015-16 CIP only.
PWD/Liu provided a powerpoint presentation and reported that with this
planning tool, staff is- able to -strategize the useoftheCity's revenueand-
resources and coordinate the timing of the City's infrastructure
improvements. By considering all projects in one planning document staff
has a more comprehensive view of the City's capital needs. In addition,
this five-year CIP provides the City Council a means to determine capital
priorities and provides continuity in carrying out those projects. Project
selection is based on citizen input, data from the City's Pavement
Management Program, Parks Master Plan, City Council Priorities, General
Plan Goals and information from staff. This plan represents an investment
of $44 million over a five-year schedule. Based on the five-year
projection, approximately $2.4 or 5.5 percent is expected to be paid from
the City's General Fund. Projects slated for Fiscal Year 2016-17 through
2019-20 do not receive spending authority until allocated in a CIP for a
specific fiscal year.
Capital Improvement Projects are divided into the following categories:
Street Maintenance, Traffic Management and Safety Projects,
Transportation and Infrastructure Projects, Miscellaneous Public Works
Projects and Parks and Recreation Projects. PWD/Liu noted that 59
percent of the five-year CIP expenditures are slated for Street
Maintenance and Traffic Management Safety.
PWD/Liu explained the proposed and carryover 2015-16 projects for street
maintenance grind and overlay, slurry seal or chip seal projects on
residential streets and arterial roadways on a semi -year cycle for each
neighborhood to extend the service life of the roadway infrastructure.
MPT/Lyons asked for explanation of the proposed Morning Canyon
parkway improvements. Several options were proposed during a recent
MAY 5, 2015 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION
City Council meeting and as directed by the City Council at that time, staff
is looking into expanding the parkway from its existing 10 foot width to 18
feet (an additional 8 feet), the purpose of which is to accommodate and
save as many of the Stonepine trees as possible. Staff has an idea about
how to design and build the project but one issue that needs to be closely
studied is the vehicle parking impact and staff has come up with the areas
where it believes parking will be impacted and those facts are being
communicated to the residents.
CSD/Rose said that staff received an "informal" rendition of the plan that
was previously posted without much response from residents. The
simplified version will again be posted on the trees and also be sent out to
the homeowner's association again to make sure that it is clear what the
City is proposing in order to attempt to get some feedback.
M/Tye asked if CSD/Rose was referring to a proper association or to an x
number of addresses within the homeowner's association.
CSD/Rose responded that staff contacted the management company and
a board member on the association. To date only three residents
responded.
MPT/Lyons asked how many association members there were.
CSD/Rose responded that the last mailing was about 200. CSD/Rose
reiterated that staff has been working with the management company that
helps the association and the only association involved is the complex
where the trees actually reside.
MPT/Lyons asked if there were condos on the other side of the street.
CSD/Rose said yes but not where the trees are located.
MPT/Lyons felt the project would still impact that complex with respect to
parking.
CSD/Rose responded that it was possible and said that staff could contact
that association as well.
MPT/Lyons said the City might want to contact the management company
as well to cover all bases.
PWD/Liu stated that there is about $40,000 from the General Fund within
the 2015-16 proposed budget and staff is looking at other possible funding
mechanisms including grant funds. Area 3 will take place in the next
month or so and the area in purple on the chart is proposed to take place
next summer.
MAY 5, 2015 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION
PWD/Liu reported that the Traffic Management and Safety project
includes the ongoing Neighborhood Traffic Management Program which
has been a very valuable tool for staff to be able to consider a number of
traffic calming tools that address speeding problems within the
neighborhoods. Currently, there are two potential neighborhoods in line for
consideration: north end of Armitos and Clear Creek neighborhoods. The
other project of note is the Traffic Signal Infrastructure Upgrades. Last
year the City completed the Traffic Signal Operation and Maintenance
Plan which identified a three-year maintenance program in order for the
City to upgrade some of the outdated signal equipment. Upgrades include
rewiring intersections and replacing copper cable with fiber optic cable,
updating some signal components such as modulators, signal cabinets,
pedestrian push buttons, video detection cameras and replacing signal
controllers in firmware.
C/Lin asked if the proposal was to update every signalized intersection
throughout the City.
PWD/Responded that C/Lin was correct.
PWD/Liu talked about the project proposed at the intersection of Golden
Springs Drive and Copley Drive which will respond to conditions noted by
the Sheriff's Department and the City's Engineer that the green ball turn
should be eliminated so that drivers can only make a left turn on a green
left turn arrow. In addition, due to the volume of traffic, the City needs to
add a second left -turn pocket. Two other intersections mentioned in the
2015-16 CIP is the Brea Canyon Road at Lycoming and Brea Canyon
Road at Pathfinder Road improvements which are identified as part of the
Industry East project for City of Industry mitigation.
The City of Industry proposes to widen the Brea Canyon Road/Lycoming
intersection with smaller scale lane reconfiguration at Brea Canyon Road
and Pathfinder. Staff has identified the appropriate traffic mitigation fees
in the CIP. However, Diamond Bar is performing its own analysis of the
situation and ultimately, whatever improvements are presented to the City
Council will be based on the City's needs and not necessarily on the
findings of the City of Industry. Similarly, if the City of Industry mitigation
measures over the years had been adopted for Grand and Diamond Bar
Boulevard all four corners of the intersection would have been "blown up"
and additional right-of-way takings would have significantly impacted the
business.
PWD/Liu talked about Transportation Infrastructure Improvements which
include the Lemon Avenue/SR/60 Interchange.
,2015 PAGE 6 CC STUDY SESSION
C/Lin asked if this project was totally within the City of Diamond Bar and
what the total share of cost to the City would be.
PWD/Liu responded that staff applied for county, federal and City of
Industry monies and the City's contribution totaling about $6 million of the
$20 million total cost.
CM/DeStefano reiterated that none of the contribution is General Fund
dollars from Diamond Bar.
PWD/Liu explained that the City of Industry's contribution is part of the
mitigation money.
CM/DeStefano stated that when City of Industry built the warehouses and
retail between Valley Boulevard and the freeway and between Brea
Canyon Road and Grand Avenue, there was a variety of mitigations that
were built into the EIR to
deal with traffic and part of that is going to be occurring at Lemon Avenue
and part of it will be the future Grand Avenue and freeway improvements.
C/Lin asked if these projects were taking any land from the school district.
PWD/Liu responded "no."
C/Lin said the superintendent asked him that question. With a budget of
$5.9 out of almost $20 million for CIP, this is the big ticket item.
Miscellaneous Public Works Improvements has a budget amount of
almost $3.9 million. Projects in this category include the Grand Avenue
Beautification project which will commence May 20. With this project, the
streetscape standards will be set for all future developments in the City.
Also included is the Peterson Park parking lot improvements. The existing
parking lot at Peterson Park is in need of reconstruction and staff is
looking to replace the asphalt pavement as well as mitigating the
drainage. Staff felt that this project should consider adding 34 parking
stalls.
MPT/Lyons asked where the additional parking spaces would be placed.
PWD/Liu pointed to the overhead map showing how the entire area would
be modified by creating parking spaces on both sides.
CSD/Rose said that would push into the park and necessitate a redo of
the sidewalk which creates diagonal parking on both sides. Similarly at
Ronald Reagan the parking lot will be reconstructed and about 12 parking
spaces will be added by removing the turnaround area.
MAY 1 - PAGE 7 CC STUDY SESSION
MPT/Lyons asked if additional parking was needed at Ronald Reagan
PWD/Liu responded yes.
CM/DeStefano said that parking was tougher because it is on top of the
hill versus Peterson where additional spaces are available immediately
adjacent on the surface streets.
MPT/Lyons said it seemed to her that when she goes by Peterson Park
the parking lot is jammed; however when she goes by Ronald Reagan it's
does not seem to be jammed.
CM/DeStefano said the parks enjoy completely different intensities of use
but there is a skate park and a variety of other things that occur at
Peterson.
MPT/Lyons said she agreed and that she did not believe it was very
jammed at Ronald Reagan.
CSD/Rose said the parking is an issue at Ronald Reagan mostly on
weekends when the park hosts large picnics and other large events which
causes people to park up and down the street.
PWD/Liu continued stating another project that will take place this summer
is the Diamond Bar Boulevard/Brea Canyon Road intersection
enhancement. Staff is working very closely with Lennar and their engineer
and architect so that the intersection will get almost the same treatment as
the Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard intersection.
M/Tye asked if the decorative crosswalk would not be any wider.
PWD/Liu said that it would not.
C/Lin said there is a pending lawsuit and cities have to make sure the
materials used for pavement areas is not slippery when wet, especially for
bicycles and pedestrians.
PWD/Liu said that not shown on the map are the Groundwater Drainage
Improvements. Currently, staff is in the process of finalizing the study and
has looked at a total of 11 locations throughout the City. Going forward,
staff is proposing a budget of about $200-$220,000. The idea is to have a
budget to consider some locations for improvements. While staff has
studied these 11 locations it has not yet made a determination in terms of
what the specific locations should be.
MPT/Lyons asked if locations would then be prioritized.
MAY 6, 2015 PAGE 8 CC STUDY SESSION
PWD/Liu responded affirmatively. In terms of the list there are two
locations, for which staff has not been able to estimate the cost for
improvements. Where new storm drains are proposed the cost can be
significant and while considering these improvements staff also looks at
the benefits to the public. Some locations will benefit more residents and
fewer members of the general public. It is not just a liability issue but the
benefits to the community as well. Most Council Members have been
contacted by residents living on Flapjack but there are similar issues in
other neighborhoods. Once the study is completed staff will present its
findings and recommend priorities. In addition, staff is proposing
additional budgets for future year CIP projects. 2015-16 is the beginning
year and this is the year staff intends to complete its study and begin
setting aside one or two locations for each fiscal year in the five-year plan.
MPT/Lyons asked if funds have been set aside for these types of
improvements in past budgets.
PWD/Liu responded that staff has conducted drainage improvement
projects in the past on the north end of the City and Meadowglen. These
projects were done as standalone projects. Working on these issues over
the past five years gave staff a clear picture of what needed to be done;
hence, the comprehensive study.
PWD/Liu spoke about the Sewer System Master Plan. Similar to the
Groundwater issue, staff wants to do a comprehensive evaluation of the
City's public sewer system which includes the 10 pump stations in
Diamond Bar. Recently, staff met with the State of California and the
County Department of Public Works. While there are differing opinions as
to who owns what, the City needs to look at the condition and
maintenance operations as performed by the Public Works Department
because as far as the State is concerned, Diamond Bar owns its sewer
system and from that perspective, the City is responsible for providing the
Master Plan.
M/Tye asked why individual property owners are billed for a County Sewer
Fee on their tax bills.
PWD/Liu responded that the State is saying that the system is being
operated and maintained by the countywide maintenance district and the
ownership lies with the City.
C/Lin asked if in the future the City would be responsible for repair of
laterals.
CA/DeBerry said that one of the issues under discussion is that there is a
Sewer Maintenance District and as indicated by M/Tye, property owners
MAY 1 E •. CC STUDY • i
are assessed for this District. The debate with the County is "how can you
push those maintenance repair costs off on the City when it created a
Sewer Maintenance District for the very purpose of assessing property
owners to pay for the maintenance.
PWD/Liu said to clarify his response to C/Lin, the Maintenance District
does almost everything except determine capacity permits, meaning, if
there is a breakage or something needs to be done within the mainline
area the Maintenance District will perform the mitigation. Anytime
capacity has to be increased due to new developments or deficiencies,
added additional capacity becomes a financial matter for the City.
MPT/Lyons asked if the developer would have to kick in something.
PWD/Liu said that using Willow Heights as an example, when developing
conditions, the developer gave the City mitigation money specifically for
the pump stations. Bottom line is that the City needs to have further
-
discussionswiththe County but the City cannot sit idle without having a
Master Plan.
CSD/Rose spoke about the design of Heritage Park and Community
Center improvements which started this year and will continue through
next year and will include a design for refurbishing the community center
and improvements for the entire park site. What could have been included
in this item was the design and construction doing this as a two year
project with construction taking place in the next Fiscal Year. With
construction taking place in the next fiscal year he left it off of the five-year
CIP (it will be added next time) because technically the City does not
design a project without constructing it at some point. The City has about
$700,000 that may be available from the Lennar Homes project for this
project.
Improvements for Longview Park South — this was an old district park that
was created when the neighborhood was built in the mid -eighties. The
play equipment was put in at that time and it needs to be made accessible
with a rubberized surface, sidewalks, etc. The same is true of Stardust
Park except that Stardust Park has some walkways. Stardust and
Longview will take almost $481,000 from the General Fund which is a lot
of money. He and CM/DeStefano have talked about Longview South
being a higher priority because of access and walkway issues. For
Stardust the City may be able to do the ADA Retrofit using part of the
$118,000 available for Longview and Stardust with the CDBG portion that
is funded and save the $240,000 for other projects such as possibly
moving forward with the rubberized surfacing at Heritage Park, Peterson
Park, possibly a Master Plan for Peterson Park since the City is doing so
many improvements at that site, update of the Trails Master Plan to
MAY 5, 2015 PAGE 10 CC STUDY SESSION
include new trails, and moving forward with the construction of Heritage
Park after the design is completed.
Some of the other projects include ADA Improvements at Stardust and
Longview South which are CDBG funded for the walkways and
hardscape. The rubberized surfacing, while required, is not covered by
CDBG (a federal unfunded mandate). Replacement of the rubberized play
surface at Longview North is needed because it has seen its life span.
Resurfacing was completed this year at Maple Hill, Pantera and Ronald
Reagan Parks and Longview North is the next location on the list. Another
project is to place trail information map panels at nine (9) trailheads.
While the trails are not ADA Accessible it is important to show what kind of
accessibility is available. So if a person wants to be in a hiking wheel
chair with their friends they know before they commence the hike what
they will face. The handicap ramps on the roadways that lead to
Longview South and Stardust need to be updated for ADA Accessibility.
The Steep Canyon Trail connector and the Pantera Park trail are in design
and close to moving to construction documents. The swing set at
Longview North will be included when the rubberized surface is replaced
and additional play equipment is installed.
The bridges at Sycamore Canyon Park were installed when the park was
first developed in the 1970's. Because of the abutment design for the two
bridges, in order to accomplish ADA Accessibility across those bridges
they need to be raised to obtain a flatter pathway. A civil engineer will not
accept the liability for raising the current abutment to accomplish the
design and the City will need to move forward to redesign the bridge to
comply.
MPT/Lyons said why not do just one bridge.
CSD/Rose said that the bridge closest to the restroom building could be
done first which would require removal of the handicapped parking stalls
near the other bridge and put off doing the second bridge and staff would
have to make certain that sufficient handicapped parking spaces would be
available for accessibility to the park and, as staff has been told, with the
most direct route.
M/Tye suggested doing one bridge only and not doing the second bridge.
MPT/Lyons said it would be half.
CSD/Rose said he did not believe it would be exactly half because there is
an economy of scale doing two at the same time because of the design
but by doing only one bridge the City could possibly save $25,000 to
$30,000.
MAY 5, 2015 PAGE 11 CC STUDY
CM/DeStefano recommended that Council move forward with the
proposed budget and because the Council will be involved in the award of
contract for the Sycamore Canyon Park Improvements by then.
M/Tye asked if there was money budgeted for the skate park.
CSD/Rose responded that there is money at this time.
CM/DeStefano said it may get done by June 30, 2015 or by July 30.
MPT/Lyons asked about Lorbeer fields.
CSD/Rose said those would be fenced off the end of the school year and
the grass seed will be replanted. There will be more time for the seed to
take hold and the grass to grow because last year it could not be done
until after the fireworks show.
PWD/Liu talked about future CIP budget projections. During FY 2016-17
the budget is projected to be about $15 million. Annual efforts will
continue to maintain roadways in Area 5. Significant projects include the
SR57160 Confluence Project which will commence construction of the first
phase. Phase II is the intersection improvements at Golden Springs Drive
and Grand Avenue. Staff is working closely with the City of Industry
design team on a monthly basis to understand what design improvements
are proposed for the Diamond Bar gateway. Based on their schedule,
they are looking at starting the project September/October 2016. In
addition to the intersection improvements, they are looking at improving
the golf course frontage to widen the roadway as well as, to relocate the
golf cart tunnel closer to the City. Staff believes the City can obtain new
funding/grants for two intersections that are proposed for streetscape
beautification (Golden Springs Drive at Lemon Avenue and Golden
Springs Drive at Diamond Bar Boulevard). Groundwater Drainage
Improvements will be in the second year of the ongoing effort and
depending on what the Master Plan says there will be proposed upgrades
at pump stations because staff believes the deficiencies will be at the
pump stations and not at the mainline.
CSD/Rose said that with respect to FY 2016-17, staff believes that the
Heritage Park project will be carried over to 2016-17. Other projects
include new playground equipment and surfacing at Paul C. Grow Park
and playground equipment and surfacing at Peterson Park.
PWD/Liu said that staff is projecting a 2017-18 budget of $3.8 million
which includes annual road maintenance projects and two beautification
project intersections.
MAY 5, 2015 PAGE 12 CC STUDY SESSION
CSD/Rose reported that there is a project at Sycamore Canyon for creek
repair and construction of tot lot wall. The purpose of the tot lot wall is to
keep the creek from going into the tot lot whenever the creek overflows.
Lodge pole pins were installed to keep kids from running into the creek.
The creek repair is to deal with erosion issues. Other projects include
surfacing at Starshine Park and athletic facility improvements to Lorbeer
middle field. Staff sees Lorbeer and South Point Middle School as
placeholders for some type of athletic facilities. Other opportunities may
arise that are not listed in the CIP but according to the Parks Master Plan
it is something that is desired by the community and staff is looking at a
timeframe when the City might be able to move into that arena after some
of these other higher priority projects have been completed, especially
those that have health and safety implications and rehabilitation of some
of the more valuable assets. Playground equipment was put in Maple Hill
Park about 1995 and will be replaced. Maple Hill Park is used extensively
because of the elementary school across the street.
MPT/Lyons asked if staff was looking for grants for all of the above.
CSD/Rose responded that there are not many grants available for
playground improvements. What is more likely is that grant funds would
be available for the Sycamore Canyon Creek Repair through Riparian
Habitat Grants.
CM/DeStefano said that CSD/Rose has done a great job in securing
grants for open space areas such as the trail areas. Parks in general
were never eligible for grants due to the City's household income and a
variety of other features
that we love in the community but that make the City ineligible for the
kinds of grants available to other communities.
MPT/Lyons asked if the grass could be taken out of Lorbeer so the City
could get rebate credits for installing artificial turf.
CM/DeStefano said he did not know the answer. The eligibility is there. It
is a matter of whether PUSD wants to do it and the cost benefit is there.
Right now they are offering a $2 per square foot rebate which he and
CSD/Rose are looking at for removal of the turf on several of the City's
existing medians and replacing it with the $2 per square foot the City can
receive from MWD.
CM/DeStefano asked if there are any other projects staff would like to
highlight and then respond to Council's questions due to time restraints.
CSD/Rose showed a slide of Sycamore Canyon Creek and what looks like
a clip on the left side of the photo behind the tree. That is cutting toward
the trail. The creek goes straight back from the two trees on the right side
MAY 1 " .. PAGE 13 CC STUDY SESSION
and there is a big area that has been eroded on the left side which will
eventually eat into the trail and eventually compromise the storage yard.
Staff's goal would be to redirect the creek back to where it was intended to
be.
PWD/Liu spoke about 2019-20 and stated that staff is staying with the
planned schedule for various master plans.
CSD/Rose pointed out that the lower picture is the trailhead at Peterson
Park which needs an access over the bench drain and signage. Staff will
seek grant funds for this project.
C/Lin asked for an explanation of selling Prop A Funds.
CM/DeStefano explained that cities can sell Prop A transportation dollars
to other cities that have a greater need. It is a commodity and there is a
market. The sale is negotiated for a certain amount on the dollar and
those dollars go back to the City as General Fund dollars which can be
used for any purposes. The last time the City sold Prop A Funds for 75
cents on the dollar. 65 to 75 cents is generally what the market bears.
C/Lin asked if it is standard that cities negotiate contracts for public safety
or is there a standard contract.
CM/DeStefano responded that it is a little bit of both. There is a standard
contract with standard components that every one of the 42-43 cities that
subscribe to sheriff department services must agree to without any
changes and the price points for different services (deputies, cars, etc) are
pre -determined so those numbers cannot be negotiated. However, when
it comes to specialized services and the exact deployment the city wants,
that is a separate menu and cities can purchase deputies, programs, etc,
with each city looking to fill their needs from these menu item selections
which they purchase.
C/Lin asked if the Liability Trust Fund was mandatory.
CM/DeStefano and FD/Honeywell responded "yes." There is an oversight
committee that argues with the County about the number each and every
year, but it is mandatory and for this coming fiscal year there was a
significant jump, not because of anything Diamond Bar did but because of
things that happened in the other contract cities.
M/Tye said that Contract Cities which is an association did negotiate a
holiday from the Liability Trust Fund Contribution for two or three years.
CM/DeStefano said he was the Chairperson of the City Manager's
Committee during the same year M/Tye was the President which is when
MAY5,2015 PAGE 14 CC STUDY SESSION
the contract with the County was negotiated and the City re -upped for a
five-year term.
C/Lin said he thought the school district was a separate taxing entity and
asked why the City should be worried about selecting a field at a school.
CM/DeStefano said it stems from the fact that the City does not have
enough flat acres to provide athletic resources for the community from tots
to seniors and the schools are an opportunity for the City to joint venture,
which the City does so wherever it can and has longstanding agreements
with PUSD and WVUSD for
those purposes. The City invests resources which they get to utilize
during the day and the City gets to utilize during nights and weekends.
M/Tye said "they have what we need which is space, and we have what
they need which is money to maintain it."
C/Lin asked if it was common that certain resources fluctuate dramatically
from year to year and if so, how does the City budget future years.
FD/Honeywell said that some of it has to do with grant funding and how
many CIP projects the City is able to complete. Sometimes these projects
have reimbursable grants and the City incurs the expenditure and then
gets reimbursed once the project is completed.
C/Lin asked how it impacted salaries and manpower.
FD/Honeywell explained that the General Fund remains fairly stable and
the revenue sources in the General Fund which is what is used to pay
salaries and benefits remains relatively stable. It is the other funds that go
up and down based on the projects that the City completes.
CSD/Rose explained that the Safe Parks Act is a two part Act one part
having taken effect in 1992 and the other in 1996. 92 has expired and
beginning July 1 the City will no longer get the 1992 revenue from the
Safe Parks Act which was about two thirds of the revenue from the Safe
Parks Act and as a consequence, the City's revenue is significantly
reduced.
C/Herrera thanked staff for doing the analysis of different cities which was
very interesting and valuable information. She was surprised to find that
what Diamond Bar is compensating its Commissioners is at about the
median point of all of the cities so surprisingly, Diamond Bar is doing quite
well and she believes the same level should be maintained.
C/Lin said he agreed with C/Herrera.
MAY 5, 2016 Pr - CC STUDY SESSION
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City
Council, M/Tye adjourned the Study Session at 6:30 p.m.
TOMMYECRIBBINS, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 19th day of may
2015.
STEVE1'Ye,-M-ay'qF
Public Comments:
Study Session adjourned:
OF
MINUTES
,_
MAY 5,
5:17 p.m., Room CC -8
P. Draft FY 2015-16 Budget — Discussion and Action
® FY 2015-16 19/20 Multi Year CIP — Discussion and
Action.
None.
6:30 p.m. to Regular City Council Meeting
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: Mayor Pro Tem Lyons led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Pastor Mark Hopper, Evangelical Free Church gave
the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Herrera, Lin, Tanaka, Mayor Pro
Tem Lyons and Mayor Tye.
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; Amy Haug, Human Resources Manager; Kimberly
Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Anthony Santos, Senior Management Analyst; Marsha
Roa, Public Information Manager; Christy Murphey, Recreation Superintendent;
Anthony Jordan, Parks Maintenance Superintendent, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: None.
COMMENTS:t'. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMEADATIORS: ftone.
3. PUBLIC
Allen Wilson said when he visited the Willow Heights open house he was
confused about a special assessment of $550 per year for the condominiums
and $515 for the homes could take place without a vote of the citizens. He asked
the Lennar Homes representative if this was a Mello Roos assessment and the
representative was unable to give him an answer. He asked if there were any
Mello Roos projects in the City. He spoke about the price of the homes in the
development and how, in his opinion, they were not affordable.
MAY 5. 2015
PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
Krystal Spindler wished everyone a Happy Cinco de Mayo. As a representative
of the Diamond Bar Community Foundation, she reminded everyone that the
Foundation and the Walnut Valley Rotary Club will host the annual Golfing for the
Kids golf tournament at the Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills on Monday,
May 11 starting at 9:00 a.m. (registration at 7:30 a.m.). Special guests include
teen heartthrob Scott Baio; four members of the Los Angeles Clippers Spirit
Dancers as well as, local dignitaries. Participants can enter a drawing to win a
car as well as raffles, a silent auction and Massage Envy will provide free
massages. The event is accepting sponsors and T -signs and seeking additional
golfers. Anyone wishing additional information about the event can email her at
info(a)thediamondbarcommunityfoundation.org or visit the website. All proceeds
for this event will go to Diamond Bar's Youth for Sports Fields.
Dave Reynolds said he was concerned about the increase in the crime rate
throughout the entire state. In his opinion, what is seen in the City of Diamond
Bar is not a reflection of the City or its Sheriff's Department. Toward the end of
tonight's study session he heard there is flexibility in the ability of selecting
services from various menu items and he hoped that there was enough flexibility,
ability and capability going forward that more resources could be given to the
Sheriff's Department to help reduce the crime rate.
Pui Ching Ho spoke about upcoming library programs and events including a
performance by the Polynesian Paradise Dancers on Wednesday, May 13 at
4:00 p.m.; a Teddy Bear Clinic on Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m.; a puppet
show on Monday, May 18 at 4:00 p.m., and an Online Career Resources clinic at
1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20.
Milan Dragojlovich, a 30 -year resident of Diamond Bar, said he was also
concerned about the increase in crime statistics. His Neighborhood Watch group
meets every Saturday in a garage and since the number of attendees exceeds
the capacity of the garage and because there are other Neighborhood Watch
groups that are being formed, he felt it would be beneficial for groups to gather
together to form a synergistic movement and asked if the group would be able to
use a space for an occasional large group meeting at Peterson Park, Diamond
Bar Center or the Windmill Room at no charge. He would also consider a "Block
Party" and asked if the City could help the organization grow.
Brian Worthington also spoke about connecting Neighborhood Watch groups
throughout the community. Yesterday, with the help of Deputy Scheller
Prospectors Road and Dry Creek were opened and three more will be opened in
the next 30 days which is a low-cost, highly effective way to increase safety,
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CM/DeStefano asked Captain Scroggin to provide a report to the Council and
audience on safety concerns, crime and crime rates, resources, the Sheriff's
Department needs and the City's budget for those resources. CM/DeStefano
MAY 5, 2015
PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
also asked that Capt. Scroggin, speaks on the beauty of the contract by which
the City captures all of the technology and state-of-the-art resources that the
entirety of Los Angeles County provides through their countywide Sheriff's
Department as well as, the very successful and growing Neighborhood Watch
programs that have existed over the 25 plus years of cityhood.
CM/DeStefano responded to Mr. Wilson that the Willow Heights Project by
Lennar Homes "special assessment" being charged to owners is not a special
assessment levied by the City. It is a term that the on-site real estate office must
be using. It is likely an assessment for common areas within the project for
purposes of maintenance, upkeep, security, etc. Secondly, there are no Mello
Roos districts within the City nor have there been any in the 26 years of Diamond
Bar's incorporation. Further, he does not believe there were any such districts
crafted by the County prior to the City's incorporation.
CM/DeStefano responded to comments about Neighborhood Watch groups.
With respect to block parties, those events involve the use of public property (the
street) that is allowed. There is a process that one must go through that involves
the full cooperation of all of the residents that might be affected by the closure of
the street. Similarly, the use of a public park requires a process. There are
reservation opportunities portions of the park. Whether it is a small family
birthday party or large corporate event they must all go through a process to
reserve space at the park with a deposit for cleanup, etc. Parks are open and
remain available to the entirety of the public. Some parks are active with youth
and adult sports, etc. Some are quieter and may be more suitable for a
"Neighborhood Watch" type of event. During the Study Session there was a
discussion about the use of Ronald Reagan Park which is often used as a place
for "Neighborhood Watch" types of events. The process is in place to make sure
that other programs, reservations, sporting events are not compromised. With
respect to the use of buildings, the Diamond Bar Center is an enterprise and it is
a very costly enterprise. Spaces in that building are at a premium and those
spaces are rented out on a regular basis for weddings, corporate events, senior
events, etc. The Diamond Bar Center is very challenging and absent Council's
direction, not a product or building that he would recommend to the public for
free. There are other assets such as the AQMD which opens their facility for use
by the public. As he entered the building this evening there was a soccer team
preparing to distribute uniforms and often this facility is used for Boy Scout
events, youth sports events, coaching clinics, etc. First and foremost, he would
seek the ability for such a meeting through the AQMD because it is something
they have done for the 25 years since they have been in Diamond Bar.
M/Tye said he was thinking about the Windmill Room and as CM/DeStefano
spoke he thought of church facilities and a variety of things that could be
available.
C/Lin said that he toured the Willow Heights facilities and the condo fee is about
$400 and it is not a special assessment. For a single family unit, the association
MAY 5, 2015
PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
fees range from $150 to $180 per month. He is certain there is no special
assessment for the new subdivision. Also, prices for the single family residences
range from $750,000 to $1.1 million.
Captain Scroggin provided an historical update on the City's crime statistics.
2014 was the lowest recorded year since 1996. There were 775 part 1 crimes.
Part 1 crimes are the way the FBI compares crime rates throughout the nation.
There are eight categories that make up the United Crime Reporting form which
are criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary,
larceny, theft, grand theft auto and arson. Historically, the City of Diamond Bar
has had a very low violent crime rate and the City enjoyed a very good rate last
year. There were approximately 137 crimes per 10,000 residents. In 1996, one
of the highest years on record, there were over 1730 part 1 crimes which
averaged about 305 crimes per 10,000 residents in the City. There have been
ups and downs over the past 20 years but for the most part, within the last five
years the City has had some of the best crime rates on record. The department
has its work cut out for it this year and is committed to keeping the crime rate
down. This year the crime rate is up 39 over this time last year, the primary
cause of which is an uptick in grand theft auto as well as, more larceny and thefts
including vehicle burglaries, petite and grand theft and theft from unlocked
vehicles. The department puts out a lot of education letting people know they
should not leave items in vehicles such as laptops, purses, gym bags and other
valuable items in plain site which attract thieves. Unfortunately, Diamond Bar is
freeway accessible and statistics show that crimes occur immediately off of the
freeway off ramps where individuals can quickly access vehicles in parking lots
and get back on the freeway. The Sheriff's Department focuses on residential
and commercial burglaries, larceny and theft and believes that many of the
larceny, theft and burglaries are preventable.
Neighborhood Watch has been particularly helpful in deterring these crimes and
that is why the department has conducted a strong outreach program with these
groups. He thanked the North Country for being so active and providing many
tips that lead to arrests. Many people see things that seem to be out of place but
did not realize it was important. Recently, a resident witnessed an individual
dump a box which turned out to be a mail theft. As a result of the resident's
participation the department has a license plate number and will be working that
case. Tips are important and while residents should not be overly paranoid, in
spite of the fact that Diamond Bar enjoys one of the best areas in LA County
there is still crime happening and everyone needs to report anything they believe
to be suspicious. The Sheriff's Department encourages individuals to participate
in the Volunteers on Patrol program. Neighborhood Watch groups are
encouraged to build on their programs to include vacation checks, additional
patrols through parking lots, etc. The Department is concerned about the
misperception that crime is out of control and what will occur as a result of
Proposition 47. After AB109 was passed the department actually saw a
downturn in crime. He said he is more concerned about Prop 47 with its lowering
of the drug crimes because people will not be put into rehab programs where
MAY 5, 2015
PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
they belong. Deputies know that people who fuel their drug habit do so by
stealing.
The Sheriff's Department is working very closely with the City by having weekly
meetings with the City Manager and staff about deployments and what the
department can do. If the department needs overtime, staff is quick to respond
so that the department can increase patrols. In addition, the department listens
to residents. This year's Diamond Bar budget is about $5.6 million. He
understands that this amount is a large portion of the City's budget and the
department takes this responsibility very seriously. There was concern over the
past few months about the potential increase in the Sheriff's contract with the
increased cost of the deputy sheriff and the increased cost of the liability trust
fund. At this time, law enforcement is not winning many of its court cases
because post Ferguson the reputation of police in general is suffering. There
have been some unfortunate incidents that have occurred which result in large
department payouts. Unfortunately, Diamond Bar shares that cost with all of the
other contract cities. He reiterated that the City has seen some of the best crime
rates in years during the past few years While there was an uptick in 2012-13
last year was the lowest year ever on record based on the current population.
He thanked the City for its support.
M/Tye said he heard a man say that "if you're not paranoid then you don't
understand how serious the problem is" so he thinks that people need to
understand that Neighborhood Watch is a great resource and very effective and
"if it is to be it is up to me." The individual who reported the dropped box to the
Sheriff's Department something that might have been innocent happened to
witness a significant incident which will lead to another crime solved and another
crook off of the street. The City and Sheriff's Department appreciate everyone's
participation.
C/Lin asked if the decline of the crime rate after Prop 47 was in Diamond Bar or
statewide.
Captain Scroggin responded that the decline was actually out of the AB109 with
the realignment of the prison population. Prop 47 passed and was enacted in
November and the department sees crimes it believed would increase with that
population of potential suspects on the streets including drug offenders who do
not get into rehab. It is still early but the department is gathering data and will
have more intelligence in the future about the adverse effects of Prop 47.
MPT/Lyons asked how individuals would go about getting a vacation check.
Captain Scroggin said that individuals should call the Sheriff's Department or call
the Public Safety staff at City Hall to fill out a form indicating dates, times and
contacts should there be an issue at their property. Volunteers will conduct daily
visits to ensure it is in good repair during that period of time.
MAY 5, 2015 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
5. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — May 12, 2015 — 7:00 p.m., Windmill
Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.2 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — May 14, 2015 7:00
p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive —Adjourned to May
12, 2015.
5.3 City Council Meeting — May 19, 2015 — 6:30 p.m., South Coast Air Quality
Management District/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Herrera moved and MPT/Lyons seconded to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. C/Lin abstained from voting on
Item 6.3 Check Number 111869 for $627.00 as CEO of KOA to avoid any
possible conflict of interest. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Herrera, Lin, Tanaka, MPT/Lyons, M/Tye
NOES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
None
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
None
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
6.1.1 Study Session Minutes of April 21, 2015
6.1.2 Regular Meeting Minutes of April 21, 2015.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - Regular
Meeting of March 24, 2015.
6.3 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated April 16, 2015 through April 29,
2015 totaling $1,196,918.49.
6.4 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT — Month of March 2015.
6.5 ACCEPTED WORK PERFORMED BY TAMANG ELECTRIC FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE GENERATOR ENCLOSURE PROJECT AT
DIAMOND BAR CITY HALL; DIRECTED THE CITY CLERK TO FILE THE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND AUTHORIZED THE RELEASE OF THE
RETENTION THIRTY-FIVE DAYS AFTER THE RECORDATION DATE.
6.6 APPROVED AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO INCREASE ADDITIONAL WORK
AUTHORIZATION FROM $25,000 TO $35,000 FOR FY 2014-15 TO
CONTRACT WITH VALLEYCREST LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE TO
EXTEND THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM AT PANTERA PARK TO
IRRIGATE TREES AT THE DOG PARK.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None
MAY 5, 2015
PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
8.1 (a) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-14: APPROVING AND
ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY
1, 2015 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2016 INCLUDING MAINTENANCE AND
OPERATIONS, SPECIAL FUNDS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR ACCOUNTS, DEPARTMENTS,
DIVISIONS, OBJECTS AND PURPOSES THEREIN SET FORTH.
(b) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-15: ESTABLISHING A
COMPENSATION PLAN INCORPORATING SALARY RANGES AND
FRINGE BENEFITS FOR ALL CLASSIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
EFFECTIVE JUNE 27, 2015 AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2014-
20.
(c) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-16: AMENDING RESOLUTION
NO. 2008-34, THE CITY'S PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS
RULE VII (ATTENDANCE AND LEAVES) SECTION 3 SICK LEAVE,
EFFECTIVE MAY 5, 2015.
CM/DeStefano stated that staff will provide reports on each of the three
items under Council Consideration Item 8.1 and request that after hearing
all three items take action in one motion of the Council to approve 8.1 (a),
(b) and (c).
CM/DeStefano stated that Item 8.1 (a) is the adoption of the 2015-16 FY
budget which is basically a rollover budget from the current fiscal year.
There is a slight increase in revenue and a slight increase in expenditure.
The big change for Fiscal Year 2015-16 is the largest Capital
Improvement Project the City has ever managed with a significant number
of projects moving forward in FY 2015-16. In total, this constitutes about a
$47 million General Fund, Special Fund and Capital Improvement Project
budget, the largest budget the City has ever had. CM/DeStefano noted
one minor change in staff's proposal with a very limited amount of money
necessary for the change, but there are no increases or decreases in the
number of staff members and no reduction in services and/or programs.
Comments were made about the Sheriff's Department and more detail will
be provided during staff's presentation; however, that service level
remains extremely high. While the costs are higher for this upcoming year
the deployment is the same as the current year. Staff is anticipating a
retirement later this year within the Sheriff's Department unit that serves
Diamond Bar and the City will be looking again at the deployment to
determine what is most appropriate for Diamond Bar going forward. The
proposed budget incorporates the Council's Goals and Objectives as well
as, Council's statements of mission and accomplishments for staff. He
asked FD/Honeywell who put in a substantial extra -effort this year to
provide the budget a few weeks earlier which benefits the Council and
MAY 5, 2015 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
staff to accomplish this major project and allow a smooth transition into FY
2015-16 to provide the details of the budget.
FD/Honeywell reported that she has had an opportunity to review the
proposed FY 2015-16 with the City Council during the past two study
sessions. The FY 2015-16 proposed budget is balanced and increases
General Fund Reserves by nearly $1.1 million. As it is proposed, the
budget incorporates modest yet realistic growth in both revenue and
expenditures over the current year's expected numbers while maintaining
service levels to the community. It is anticipated that the City will receive
about $1.9 million in building permit revenue related to the housing
development known as Willow Heights during the current 2014-15 Fiscal
Year and it is proposed, as a component of this budget adoption, that the
one-time money received during the current fiscal year be reinvested into
funds that were depleted over recent years due to the recession. These
transfers would be made during the current fiscal year to such funds as
the General Plan Fund, Traffic Mitigation Fund, Vehicle, Building and
Equipment Maintenance/Replacement Funds and the newly created
OPEB Reserve Fund.
The proposed budget for 2015-16 estimates the General Fund budgeted
revenues are expected to grow about 1.6 percent over the current
estimated revenues. Revenues in the top revenue categories, property
tax and sales tax are projected to see moderate increases of 4 percent
and 7.5 percent respectively during FY 2015-16. Every effort has been
made to keep the appropriations at or near the same levels as those of
current fiscal year 2014-15 estimates. This year part of staff's focus in the
development of the budget has been to examine various programs the
City offers while identifying program revenues and program expenditures
which will help to identify the level of General Fund subsidy and whether
that subsidy is an appropriate use of resources that benefits the majority
of its residents.
As previously stated this evening, the majority of the increase in the
appropriations is related to the Public Safety Budget which is set to
increase about $564,000 for FY 2015-16. This is due in part to a 2 '/z
percent increase to the contract and a payment of 6 percent ($338,000) to
the Sheriff's Liability Trust Fund which the City is required to make.
Also incorporated in this proposed budget is a 2 percent Cost of Living
increase for employees as well as, a $50 increase in the Benefit Allotment,
all of which amounts to about $143,000.
The FY 2015-16 proposed budget provides for the use of General Fund
Reserves in the amount of approximately $3.5 million. Most notable of the
expenditures of the use of reserves is Capital Improvement Projects of
about $2.7 million. Economic Development activities amount to about
MAY 5, 2015
PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
$317,000 and parkway curb removal in the amount of $130,000 which was
recommended by the JPIA in order to mitigate some liability risk in the City
and ensure the safety of the residents. Also included is the transfer out to
the Lighting and Landscape Districts in the amount of $279,000 in order to
maintain current service levels for utilities and maintenance of the
grounds. Smaller items funded with the General Fund Reserves is
completion of the document scanning system project and funding for the
2015-16 updates to the General Plan.
Also included in the proposed budget are various Special Revenue Funds,
the Debt Service Fund, Equipment Replacement Funds, and Capital
Improvements Funds. These types of funds have specific guidelines as to
how the resources may be used and the City generally uses these funds
to pay for such things as slurry seal projects, transit related programs,
solid waste reduction programs and unforeseen fleet costs and network
upgrades. The 2015-16 Capital Improvement budget is the largest in the
City's history and totals about $19.9 million of which $5.7 million
constitutes carryover projects from 2014-15 and $4.1 million which are
City of Industry funds related to the Lemon Avenue project. Included in
the new projects for FY 2015-16 are three street improvement projects,
several traffic management projects, construction of the Lemon Avenue
Interchange, a groundwater drainage project, a Sewer System Master
Plan and a variety of park improvement projects.
C/Herrera moved, C/Lin seconded to approve items 8.1 a, b and c as
follows: (a) Adopt Resolution No. 2015-14: Approving and Adopting a
Budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2015 and ending June 30,
2016 including Maintenance and Operations, Special Funds and Capital
Improvements, and Appropriating Funds For Accounts, Departments,
Divisions, Objects and Purposes Therein Set Forth; (b) Adopt Resolution
No. 2015-15: Establishing a Compensation Plan incorporating Salary
Ranges And Fringe Benefits for all Classifications of Employment Effective
June 27, 2015 and Amending Resolution No. 2014-20; and, (c) Adopt
Resolution No. 2015-16: Amending Resolution No. 2008-34, the City's
Personnel Rules And Regulations Rule Vii (Attendance and Leaves)
Section 3 Sick Leave, Effective May 5, 2015.
M/Tye asked what would happen if the Council voted "no" on 8.1 (c).
CM/DeStefano stated that the City is obligated by the State of California to
provide 24 hours per year worth of sick leave for each of the City's part
time employees as a result of measure AB1522, the Healthy Workplaces,
Healthy Families Act of 2014.
MAY 5, 2015
PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
M/Tye called for the vote. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera, Lin, Tanaka, MPT/Lyons,
M/Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
8.2 FISCAL YEAR 15-16 THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2019-20 MULTI-YEAR
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
CM/DeStefano stated that as part of its annual budget adoption, staff
provides the City Council with not only the proposed fiscal year 2015-16
Capital Improvement Program but also provides a look at proposed
projects and priorities over the next four years. The City Council has long
implemented prudent fiscal policies that have ensured that proper funding
is available to maintain and construct necessary infrastructure, facilities,
etc. for the residents. Each year staff presents the five-year Capital
Improvement Program plan as a component of the budget which
incorporates the policies established in the General Plan, the Council's
annual Goals and Objectives, and recommendations by staff. The five-
year schedule is a strategic planning tool and is, generally speaking, the
priorities that the professionals with the City Council's guidance, manifests
itself through the document. The resources for each of those priorities
does not always neatly align because as the City looks beyond the current
and proposed fiscal years the ability to look ahead for where resources
might be found tends to get fuzzier and fuzzier. The 2015-16 CIP is part
of the budget the City Council has now adopted. The four years beyond
that are presented to the City Council to receive and file because this
forecast will change over time and as staff develops its thought process,
will continue to provide the Council with proposed updates for this
document. The multi-year CIP is a non-binding planning document
subject to change at Council's direction, subject to changing economic
conditions, changes in availability of funds, variations in project scope and
other factors that may come into play. Staff provided details of the
program during tonight's study session which amounts to about $44
million expenditure over the five-year period with about $20 million in the
upcoming fiscal year. Heritage Park will be added to the planning
component and the project could amount to $1.5 to $2.5 million which
totals about a $46 million program over the next five years. As previously
stated by PWD/Liu, only about $2.5 million of the total $46 million
anticipated expenditures are anticipated to come from General Funds. All
of those project resources are anticipated to come from Federal and State
dollars and a variety of other means and measures the City has such as
Development Impact Fees, etc. This program includes an aggressive
program to revitalize the City's parks and recreation facilities through
playground equipment, ADA Improvements, parking lot improvements,
master planning including some of the parks that have facilities such as
MAY 5, 2015
PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
Heritage Park, a likely complete redo of Peterson Park in the next few years with
significant work during the 2015-16 Fiscal Year as well as, an extensive list of
capital improvements on the roadway networks which includes Lemon Avenue,
the Grand Avenue Beautification Project, and a long list of ongoing necessary
maintenance and improvement efforts. In short, this is a planning tool that is
subject to change and the document is provided to the City Council this evening
simply to receive and file.
MPT/Lyons asked for comment on what part of the CIP program would fund the
S R57/60.
CM/DeStefano responded that it is a significant component if not the top priority
of the City Council's Goals and Objectives.
PWD/Liu stated that the SR57/60 Confluence Project is one of the City's top
transportation priority projects. The funding source is a combination of local,
state and federal funding sources. In particular, the City of Industry has to date
committed almost $30 million toward the total cost of about $256 million. The
current plan is to divide this project into three phases with multiple contract
packages. The first phase is construction of a new westbound Grand Avenue
onramp and westbound auxiliary lane on the SR60 which will go through the old
Honda Dealership/Burger King location that has been empty for many years.
Construction for Phase I is anticipated to commence November/December 2015
with Phase II to follow about six months after Phase I. Phase II is construction of
the frontage improvements along the golf course on both sides of Grand Avenue
as well as, the intersection of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive. Phase II
construction is scheduled to commence about September 2016; however,
because of the proximity to the City limit line, it is considered to be a major
entryway statement area and the City will closely monitor how the improvements
will ultimately benefit the City and its desired entry statement. Phase III is
construction of a new westbound off ramp to Grand Avenue for traffic coming
from the SR57 southbound and westbound SR60. Construction is anticipated to
commence in 2016 as well. These three phases will cost in excess of $50
million. The last phase consists of the mainline improvements including the
widening of the Grand Avenue Bridge to eight lanes and is unfunded at this time.
The City has spent many years pursing long term funding sources for the last
phase with the federal government, state and county assistance. This project
area has been identified in the California Freight Mobility Plan and has been
identified as a federal project of national and regional significance which allows
the City to pursue funding should the funding for the remaining $200 million
become available.
C/Lin asked for clarification on the Council's direction.
CM/DeStefano reiterated that the City Council has adopted/approved the FY
2015-16 Capital Improvement Program and with this item, staff is asking the City
Council to simply receive and file the balance of the five-year plan.
MAY 5, 2015 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
MPT/Lyons moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to Receive and File the FY 2015-16
through 2019-20 Multi -Year Capital Improvement Plan. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera, Lin, Tanaka, MPT/Lyons,
M/Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Lin reported that on April 28 he visited with WVUSD Superintendent Dr. Taylor
about the future infrastructure programs within the district, especially in the high
schools. As an advocate of education and schools he assured Dr. Taylor that he
is in full support of his bond initiative. On April 26 he and his colleagues attended
the Friends of the Library Wine Soiree fundraiser.
C/Tanaka thanked FD/Honeywell and her staff for an outstanding 2015-16
budget. He felt it was very important for the Council to pass Item 8.1 (b) to help
recruit and retain good staff. On Wednesday April 22 he attended the California
Contract Cities Association monthly dinner meeting with M/Tye. On Thursday,
April 23 the California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye visited Evergreen
Elementary School and presented them with a Civic Learning Award. Evergreen
was one of only three schools recognized for this award out of more than 7000
elementary schools in California. He congratulated the students, teachers and
staff at Evergreen Elementary School. That evening he attended the
Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff's Boosters recognition dinner. Diamond Bar's
Volunteer of the Year Ted Long was recognized along with volunteers from
Walnut and Rowland Heights and the station volunteer, reserve deputy of the
year, disaster communications volunteer of the year and explorer of the year.
The evening was MC'd by Booster Club President, Gil Rivera and assisted by
Volunteer on Patrol member Dean LeCesne. Captain Scroggin and the entire
law enforcement team were present. On Friday, April 24 he and MPT/Lyons
attended the Arbor Day Celebration at Pantera Elementary School. That
evening he read to students at Golden Springs Elementary School's Reading
under the Stars event which was held in the school cafeteria due to rain. On
Sunday, April 6 he attended the Friends of the Library's 22nd Annual Wine Soiree
and Benefit Auction. On Tuesday, April 28 he attended the Diamond Bar DB4-
Youth monthly meeting. On April 29 he attended the Senior Volunteer
Appreciation Luncheon during which he and Parks and Recreation Commission
Chairwoman Kim Hsieh presented City Certificates of Recognition on behalf of
the City Council. That afternoon he helped the PUSD with their Community
Services Award Recognition ceremony. He wished everyone a Happy Mothers'
Day.
MAY 5, 2015
PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
C/Herrera visited legislators in Sacramento last week and took the opportunity to
talk with two members from the California Transportation Commission, Executive
Director Will Kempton and Commissioner Fran Inman about the SR57160
Interchange project and said that Diamond Bar would be coming to them at some
point to talk about potential funding from the California Transportation
Commission for this project. This project will likely require funding from many
sources since no one has $230 million available. Congratulations to the
organizers of the Friends of the Library Wine Soiree. There must have been a
thousand people in the room. Many people from the community turned out to
support the event which was wonderful. She hoped the fundraiser made $50,000
in profit. Congratulations to co-chair MPT/Lyons. Everyone worked very hard on
this outstanding event. She thanked people from Neighborhood Watch who
came to tonight's meeting. She applauds them for their enthusiasm and
consideration in stepping up to be a guardian of the streets of Diamond Bar. She
hopes that they inspire other people in other Neighborhood Watch programs that
see their enthusiasm and want to be as good as the best Neighborhood Watch.
She thanked Captain Scroggin and the Sheriff's Department for all they do to
keep Diamond Bar safe. It is a challenge. There are a lot of depressed
communities throughout southern California and Diamond Bar is an easy target
with two major freeways that crisscross City streets and roads. It takes everyone
being alert to something suspicious or something or someone out of place. Call
the Sheriff's Department because it takes everyone working together to keep the
City a safe place. She wished everyone a Happy Cinco de Mayo.
MPT/Lyons thanked FD/Honeywell and her staff for putting together a very well -
organized and thorough budget that was explained to the City Council in a very
understandable fashion. It took only two meetings for the Council Members to
gain a good grasp of the budget. She and C/Tanaka attended Arbor Day which
was a lot of fun. As her colleagues have said, the Wine Soiree was a big
success and although totals are not yet available she knows they will be good in
terms of what can be donated to the Diamond Bar Library. The event was a
success because of community support, Council support and staff support at the
Diamond Bar Center. On Monday she will attend the For the Kids Golf
Tournament and hoped to see residents there. Last week she attended the San
Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Meeting with PWD/Liu in
order to keep Diamond Bar's priorities for transportation in front of the group.
Happy Mothers' Day to all mothers in the community and she hopes everyone
gets to put their feet up and relax.
M/Tye wished everyone a happy Cinco de Mayo. The Soiree was spectacular
and helps everyone realize what a generous community this is. This is apparent
whether there is fundraising for the high schools or for the library. It is
spectacular. He believes the Soiree raised more money than ever this year and
that does not happen by accident. The turnout, the hours of volunteerism attest
to the success of the event. MPT/Lyons, Tony Torng and Rick Rogers did a
great job chairing the event that will benefit the City and the library. Thanks to
the Sheriff's Department for the fine job they do. Thanks to Captain Scroggin
MAY 5, 2015
PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
and keep up the good work. Residents appreciate the presence of the Sheriff's
Department and all that is done for the City. At the March 3 City Council meeting
a young mother, Denise Macedo, asked about safety. Her son Isaac was a little
too shy to comment but he whispered in her ear and she let the Council know of
his concern that he did not want to get run over. Her concern was walking and
jogging with a stroller that a utility pole north of Shotgun forced her to walk out
onto the street to get around the pole. As he was driving Diamond Bar Boulevard
he noticed cones around the area and realized the pole was gone. He wants
everyone to know they can make a difference by speaking up. He said he did
not believe he had ever seen anything happen that quickly. This was something
brought up by a resident and it was taken care of and now Diamond Bar is a
better and safer place for Denise and her son Isaac. Thanks to staff and the
appropriate agencies for getting that done.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tye adjourned the
City Council Meeting at 7:53 p.m.
TOMMYE CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 19t day of May 2015.
6
STEVE TYE, M