HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/19/2015 Minutes - Regular MeetingSTUDY SESSION: M[Tye called the Study Session to order at
6:00 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, Jimmy Lin,
Jack Tanaka, and Mayor Steve Tye.
Absent: Mayor Pro Tern Nancy Lyons was excused.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David
DeBerry, City Attorney; Ryan McLean, Deputy City Manager; 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; Anthony
Santos, Senior Management Analyst, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FOR CITT EiXTRT SIGN LOCATED ON
DIAMOND BAR BOULEVARD AT BREA CANYON ROAD — Discussion
and Action.
CDD/Gubman introduced Jameson Nakaya, Project Manager for Lennar
Homes/Willow Heights Project (Site D); Ruth Low, Planning Commission
Chairwoman and Jennifer Shen, Project Manager for Clark and Green,
Inc.
CDD/Gubman stated that in 2012 when the Site D Specific Plan was
approved, the final approval included a requirement for a park as part of
its implementation. Because of the prominent location of Site D being a
key entrance to the City, a requirement within the Specific Plan was that
there be a significant entry feature to identify the entrance to the City
through the significant landmark. The Specific Plan further specified that
the landmark entry feature be designed so that it bore special significance
to the City of Diamond Bar with references to the City's history and its
natural attributes. The entry feature was prescribed to be fully funded by
the eventual developer of Site D which is Lennar Homes. A project team
comprised of Planning Commission Chairwoman Ruth Low,
CDD/Gubman, PIM/Roa, CSD/Rose, PMS/Jordan, and SP/Lee was
assembled, He explained how each team member played a crucial role in
the process.
CDD/Gubman asked Lennar to contract with Clark and Green because of
past experience with the firm which is an extremely creative and excellent
design firm. When Clark and Green take on a project they study and
consider the context of the site, the setting, and the background of the
location to come up with an appropriate architectural landscape. In
addition, Clark and Green form a partnership and work well with their
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
clients because they listen to their clients and are very responsive to
ensure that the City's vision will be realized in the final design.
The team established criteria to begin the design process, one of which
was that this particular location has significant historical importance due to
the fact that the entrance to the Diamond Bar Ranch which was
demarcated by the archway was originally located nearby which currently
lays within the SR57 right-of-way and slightly to the south of the Site D
location. As such, this site is the most appropriate location for
consideration of locating the gateway entry feature as an historical
reference within this project. Diamond Bar's period of historic significance
is the Diamond Bar Ranch period so the vision was to take into account
the ranching history as well as this particular setting and to come up with a
feature that is visually significant in terms of identifying this key entrance
to the City which brings relevance to the City's heritage. The third criteria
the team specified was to integrate the Grand Avenue Beautification
Project design palate into this statement. The City recently completed the
Grand Avenue Beautification Project through which was developed a
package of graphics, materials and design elements as well as branding
for the City which provided the ingredients to assemble and create this
feature.
CDD/Gubman said he hoped the City Council would support the design
concept presented this evening and provide direction to proceed with the
final construction documents. This presentation will include two slightly
different site plans for the Council's consideration.
CDD/Gubman then introduced Jennifer Shen with Clark and Green who
provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Ms. Shen stated that her firm, Clark and Green was asked by Lennar
Homes to design a gateway monument for the City of Diamond Bar that
would be located in the Diamond Canyon Park adjacent to the Willow
Heights Development. She spoke about how the design evolved as well
as, some of the key elements. First, her firm looked at the history of
Diamond Bar and specifically at the Diamond Bar Ranch and what they
found was that the Diamond Bar Ranch consisted mostly of cattle
ranches, grass, oak and walnut trees and grassland. Her firm also looked
at the modern-day Diamond Bar and specifically the Grand Avenue
Beautification Project. What they found was that the iconic windmill
seems to be a recurring theme throughout Diamond Bar and with the
iconic windmill and rolling hills Clark and Green was able to evolve its
design proposal. The goal was to have a recurring trend — a logo to
signify that one is "in the City of Diamond Bar" and that there should be
some consistency that unifies the City. She further defined the location of
the signage using a Power Point presentation and showed visuals of story
poles which were installed on site to provide a sense of scale of the
MAY 19,2015 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION
monument in relation to Diamond Bar Boulevard looking east and west
from the street.
Her firm worked with the City and the Developer to refine two options:
The first option (Option #1) is a monument sign that emerges from the
slope which to Clark and Green was compatible and cohesive with the
topography of Diamond Bar with the development of Diamond Bar
emerging from the rolling hills.
M/Tye asked if the sign would be a double sided sign.
Ms. Shen responded that it would be one-sided with the back side
screened by oak trees and walnut trees. The corten steel Diamond Bar
logo that was included in the Grand Avenue Beautification Design was cut
into the sign which also includes corten steel mountains each of which are
pinned on different planes and backlit so that it is visible at night. There
would be concrete obelisks similar to and reminiscent of the Diamond Bar
Ranch entry signage as well as, stone veneer that would match the
Diamond Bar Center steel veneer to unify the sign with other elements in
the City. The planned view of Option 1 shows the Diamond Bar gateway
monument location and would display several other elements including
cattle cutouts.
M/Tye asked if the monument sign would be located where the two poles
were showing.
Ms. Shen responded affirmatively.
Ms. Shen continued stating there will also be oak and walnut trees similar
to what was previously in Diamond Bar. The sign is fairly lower than what
was originally proposed and her firm worked with the City and the
Developer to make sure the signage was not too large on a human scale
and that would not impede the views of the adjacent development.
M/Tye asked if this is the angle he would see as he exited the freeway
onto Diamond Bar Boulevard.
Ms. Shen responded "yes."
Option 2 is the same signage in a different location. Option 2 proposes to
bring the monument further into the park where the user could traverse
under the sign to give one a feeling of entering through a "portal in time"
and there would be interpretive signage to explain the history of Diamond
Bar to the visitor. Option 2 includes a DG picnic area.
M/Tye asked if Option 1 would exclude the DG picnic area.
MAY 19, 201-5 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION
Ms. Shen said a DG picnic area could be in the front.
C/Herrera asked if both options have the cattle in the same location.
Ms. Shen responded "pretty much."
C/Herrera asked if the only difference was that in one option the sign
would be facing one way and in the other option it would be facing more
toward Brea Canyon Road and the freeway.
Ms. Shen responded "right." With Option 1 the sign would be emerging
from the slope. Option 2 would bring the sign over the pathway and the
park with interpretive.
With Option 1 the park users would not really be connected to the sign
because it would be further out.
M[Tye felt that the entry statement is for people to see when they drive by.
Option 2 is more of a park element if you put it over the path.
Ms. Shen said it works as both because when one drives down Diamond
Bar east the sign would be at an angle where it can be seen.
M/Tye asked if it was one of those things where as you drive by it would
be "oh, there it is" versus sifting at the signal and viewing the sign in
Option 1.
CM/DeStefano said the sign would be visible under both options.
Ms. Shen reiterated that the signage and panels will be backlit similar to
images shown. While it will be visible at night it will not be too intrusive.
C/Lin asked where the backlight would be
Ms. Shen responded that the corten steel windmill logo will be on a
different plane from the signage in the back and the mountain and text will
be backlit. She showed an example of low ground grass cover as well as
oak and walnut trees architecture. She showed examples of the cattle
cutouts which is a one-dimensional corten steel cutout.
C/Herrera asked if the steel gets rusty over time.
Ms. Shen said it comes with a kind of rusted look.
CDD/Gubman said the corten steel is the same material as was used for
the new monument signs. When the patina establishes on corten steel it
preserves the rusted look without further deterioration.
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION
C/Herrera said that in 1966 there were long -horned cattle on the ranch
and asked if they could be incorporated.
C/Lin said the cattle need the Diamond Bar logo.
C/Herrera said "like a brand."
C/Lin said the sign was 20 feet tall and almost two -stories wide and
wondered if it was too big.
Ms. Shen said that the story poles were erected in order to get a sense of
the size. Originally, the sign was 26 feet and was a little bit too big in
relation to an individual walking on the sidewalk. The sign was lowered to
about 20 feet 6 inches and there was general consensus that the scale
was adequate. When one is driving by on the road at high speed the
driver does not see something that is only 15 feet high for example.
M/Tye said that the current monument signs at Grand Avenue and the
SR60 at the southern most part of town coming from Brea are small
monument signs which are hidden by plants.
C/Lin said he would not want the sign to be a distraction for drivers,
especially at night because it is backlit.
Ms. Shen reiterated that it would be a low backlit light and she did not
believe it would be much of a distraction. As one travels at those speeds
they would want to see the signage.
C/Lin said he liked Option 1 better.
M/Tye said he agreed with C/Lin and that he likes it more as an entry
statement than a treatment in the park. However, as CM/DeStefano said,
the sign would be seen either way.
Both C/Herrera and C/Tanaka said they liked Option 1.
M/Tye said he is not crazy about the cows but he is open to them.
CM/DeStefano suggested the cows be left in and if after that the Council
still did not like the cows they could be taken out.
M/Tye said he liked C/Lin's idea of putting the City's logo on the cows.
C/Herrera said "as a brand."
CM/DeStefano asked if the City Council was comfortable with Option 1.
'kTIF-ArAIM
CDD/Gubman put up a visual of Option 1 and Option 2 to show that both
would be visible to motorists as they approached.
M/Tye said he understood they were both visible but only one is
perpendicular to the roadway.
CM/DeStefano said he heard opinions for Option I and if Council wishes,
staff will move forward to work out the details with Lermar and proceed
with construction. City Council Members concurred.
M/Tye asked if the picnic area can be done also because he likes the
picnic area.
CM/DeStefano said that the DG Picnic area would be added as a
component of Option 1 with the sign perpendicular to the roadway with the
picnic area added.
C/Lin asked if anyone could access the park from the street.
CM/DeStefano responded "yes."
C/Lin asked if because the park was open it would present a security
problem.
CDD/Gubman said no, the park would be fenced in.
CM/DeStefano said people can access from Brea Canyon Road.
C/Lin asked if people could access the park from Diamond Bar Boulevard.
CM/DeStefano said not from Diamond Bar Boulevard.
SP/Lee said there is pedestrian access from Diamond Bar Boulevard
M/Tye said he would consider the cows to be an attractive nuisance.
CM/DeStefano said it was really no different from any other amenity or
appurtenance whether it is to the entrance signs, cougar, cell sites in
parks, etc. it is in that same category and the City is safeguarded through
its insurance provider. While it has a possibility of being vandalized staff
will stay on top of those issues as it continues to do so throughout the
city.
Public Comments: None
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 7 CC STUDY SESSION
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City
Council, M/Tye adjourned the Study Session at 6:28 p.m.
TOMMYt-CRIBBINS, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 2nd day of June
2015
STEVE TYE, May6r
MINUTES OF
• . ., ..:r
MAY 19, 2015
6:00 p.m., Room CC -8
Conceptual Design for City Entry Sign located on Diamond Bar Boulevard
at Brea Canyon Road — Discussion and Action.
Public Comments: None
Study Session Adjourned: 6:28 p.m. to Regular City Council Meeting
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Tye called the Regular City Council meeting to
order at 6:33 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government
Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
CM/DeStefano stated that during tonight's Study Session the City Council looked at a
proposed landmark entry feature at the intersection of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Brea
Canyon Road. This is a component of the Site D/Lennar Homes/Willow Heights Project
and Lennar is obligated to establish a landmark entry feature at their cost. A team was
formed comprised of Ruth Low, Planning Commission Chairwoman, City staff members
and designers to create this landmark entry feature. The City Council looked at two
options and selected Option 1 (shown on the overhead) with one handwritten change.
The Council is seeking a sign perpendicular to Diamond Bar Boulevard just east of the
flood control channel on Diamond Bar Boulevard. As a result of the combination of the
two options, the Council added an area to sit near the sign. The rendering is shown
without the landscaping and the sign incorporates a variety of elements that reflect an
historic foundation of the community, mimicking the sign that once existed nearby for
entry into the Diamond Bar Ranch. There are corten steel cattle cutouts that have been
added gracefully meandering in the areas below the new homes and this sign will be
constructed soon after details are completed with Lennar Homes and staff. This sign
incorporates a variety of the elements that Council previously approved for the Grand
Avenue Beautification Project which is scheduled to commence soon including the sign
identity with the windmill, etc.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ed Hilden, WVWD Director, led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Monsignor James Loughnane, St. Denis Catholic
Church gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Herrera, Lin, Tanaka, and Mayor
Tye.
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Lyons was excused.
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David DeBerry,
City Attorney; Ken Desforges, IS Director; 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; Alfa Lopez, Management Analyst; Anthony Santos,
Senior Management Analyst; Christian Malpica, Associate Engineer; Cecilia Arellano,
Public Information Coordinator, and Tommye Cribbins, City Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
1.1 M/Tye proclaimed May 2015 as Water Awareness Month and presented
the Proclamation to Walnut Valley Water District President Ebenkamp and
Directors Carrera, Hilden, Kwong and Wu.
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH:
1.2 M/Tye presented a City Tile to Grant Kim, CEO of QTC, a Lockheed
Martin Company, 21700 Copley Drive, Suite 200 for May 2015.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
CM/DeStefano stated that residents may have seen an increase in the number of
fire trucks from Los Angeles County as well as from other outside agencies, the
use of helicopters, etc. particularly in the Tres Hermanos/Tonner Canyon area.
This is all a part of the annual multi -jurisdictional fire training exercise that takes
place within Tonner Canyon. This exercise has been ongoing for several years
and coincidentally, it was a huge asset during the Triangle Complex fire in 2008
when part of the training exercise of the various departments was successfully
deployed in fighting that fire and keeping it from damaging even more properties
as it spread from Orange County into Los Angeles County. This three day test
started yesterday and will conclude tomorrow. Most of LA County's activity and
management of the effort took place yesterday. The drill takes place from 9:00
a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and there are no homes on fire — this is only a drill. Yesterday,
staff participated in the exercise and initiated the City's Emergency Operation
Center and broke into various teams necessary to respond to emergencies such
as a wildland fire through the Tonner Canyon area. Staff took part in various
exercises of fires coming toward Diamond Bar, relocating thousands of people
from southerly Diamond Bar, dealing with potential home fires, dealing with
congested roadway systems, coordinating with other agencies (Red Cross,
Sheriff's, Fire, etc) and used the opportunity to send out a reverse 911 message
to all who subscribe to remind them that an exercise was underway and that
should a real emergency occur they would be notified accordingly. The event
presented a great opportunity for staff to work together and with public safety
providers in the Emergency Operations Center.
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
CM/DeStefano spoke about the components of the new entry sign at Diamond
Bar Boulevard and Brea Canyon Road which incorporates several elements the
Council approved for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project. Residents and
business operators may have seen the signs go up indicating that the project is
scheduled to commence on May 20 and run through the end of August. The
primary activities will be in the area of Longview Drive at Grand Avenue and
Diamond Bar Boulevard at Grand Avenue. Residents and visitors will see a
significant change incorporating many new elements that will, over time, be
carried through all intersections in the City and in particular, its key entry points.
CM/DeStefano commented that WVWD President Ted Ebenkamp spoke earlier
this evening about the mandatory cutbacks of 25 percent water usage beginning
June 1. The City Council has been made aware of the City's efforts to reduce
water use over the last several months. In response to the Water District's
mandatory conservation measures that were announced about a week ago, all
irrigation systems for landscaping at City facilities have been reduced to two days
per week with no more than 15 minutes of watering per time station. Staff is
developing plans for elimination of the irrigation for the turf areas along major
boulevards, the first of which is Diamond Bar Boulevard where the City has
applied to the Metropolitan Water District for their $2.00 per square foot rebate.
The City will use the rebate to remove the turf and landscape it with drought
tolerant plantings. In the meantime, the medians will turn brown. Staff is looking
at medians primarily on Golden Springs Drive that are irrigated with reclaimed
water which are not affected by state and local mandates; however, upon further
investigation, the City may reduce water usage in those areas as well.
CM/DeStefano stated that the weekly Chino Hills Champion newspaper is widely
distributed to residents and business operators in the cities of Chino and Chino
Hills and a story was published that talked about the Tres Hermanos property.
The story erroneously talks about the number of dwelling units that might be
constructed within the City of Diamond Bar's portion of the Tres Hermanos
Ranch which is the area between Diamond Bar and Chino Hills north and south
of Grand Avenue. The property is about 2100 acres of which 700 lies within
Diamond Bar. The Chino Hills Champion story erroneously indicated that
Diamond Bar would permit up to 5,000 homes and 10 acres of retail development
on that property which is absolutely not the case and is completely inaccurate.
To be absolutely clear and transparent, there are 720 acres within Diamond Bar's
portion of the Tres Hermanos Ranch and based upon Diamond Bar's existing
zoning, a maximum 628 homes could theoretically be built.
C/Herrera asked what number residents can call to register their cell phone
numbers on the list to receive emergency alerts from the City of Diamond Bar.
CM/DeStefano responded that the easiest number to call is 909-839-7000 to be
routed to the appropriate person depending on the nature of the call. In addition,
if individuals have existing records they can edit their notification information
online.
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ben Wong, Southern California Edison, referred residents to the company
website www.edison.com/community to review the company's 2014 Community
Investment Report (copies provided to Council). In 2014 Edison International
donated $20 million of shareholder dollars. Not a penny of the dollars individuals
pay for electricity goes into the donations that are given back to the community.
Another $2.6 million came from direct donations of Edison employees who also
volunteered 200,000 hours valued at a little over $4 million of community impact.
Edison specializes in giving to education and the good news is that earlier this
year 30 deserving students from about 2800 high school student applicants who
applied for an Edison Public Scholar Program will receive a $40,000 scholarship
payable at $10,000 per year over four years. One of the recipients is a Diamond
Bar High School student. In addition, a Diamond Bar resident who attends
Walnut High School received one of the $40,000 scholarships.
M/Tye thanked Mr. Wong and Edison for the dollars and hours the company
invests in the communities.
Anna Smith updated the Council on the status of the Diamond Bar Relay for Life
and thanked the Council for loaning the event canopies and a stage. While
limited by City restrictions, Relay for Life will be doing its version of the "Painting
the Town Purple" this Thursday. Both school districts are allowing purple ribbons
to be placed on the schools. She thanked staff for the suggestion and for
allowing banners to be placed at four of the City parks. Flyers will be posted
around town and information is being broadcast on the Diamond Bar public
stations. In spite of these things that are being done participation is very low.
Debbie Avila -Mott said that this June she will celebrate seven years as a breast
cancer survivor and during the event, the community is invited and survivors are
being sought to be honored. Ceremonies will begin at 3:00 p.m. and to honor
survivors and their friends and families there will be a luminaria ceremony
candlelight vigil that will take place at 8:00 p.m. Closing ceremonies will take
place at 8:30 p.m. She invited everyone to participate in the opening and closing
laps. For additional information and to be honored during the ceremony, please
visit the website at www.relayforlifediamondbar.com
The Big E (Elvis) from the Diamond Bar Library Rock N Roll spoke about the
summer reading program for children. The summer reading program begins the
second week of June. The online program for children, teens and adults starts
the first week of June. This year the theme is "Reading to the Rhythm" with
several musical groups being featured and a program that will include several
events. For more information go online atwww.colapublib.org/libs/diamondbar
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
5.1 Memorial Holiday — City Offices closed Monday, May 25, 2015 in
observance of the Memorial Holiday. City Offices will reopen on Tuesday,
May 26, 2015 at 7:30 a.m.
5.2 Planning Commission Meeting — May 26, 2015 — 7:00 p.m., Windmill
Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting — May 28, 2015 - 7:00 p.m.,
Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.4 City Council Meeting — June 2, 2015 — 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD/Government
Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Herrera moved, C/Tanaka seconded to approve the
Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Herrera, Lin, Tanaka, M/Tye
NOES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
None
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
MPT/Lyons
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
6.1.1 Study Session Minutes of May 5, 2015
6.1.2 Regular Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2015.
6.2 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated April 30, 2015 through May 13,
2015 totaling $709,488.87.
6.3 APPROPRIATED $119,503 OF GAS TAX FUNDS TO THE FY 2014-15
CIP BUDGET; ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2015-17: APPROVING
PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTABLISHING A PROJECT
PAYMENT ACCOUNT; AWARDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR
THE AREA 3 RESIDENTIAL AND COLLECTOR ROAD MAINTENANCE
PROJECT (BOUNDED BY PATHFINDER ROAD TO THE NORTH,
PATHFINDER ROAD/CITY LIMIT TO THE WEST, DIAMOND BAR
BOULEVARD TO THE EAST AND CITY LIMIT TO THE SOUTH) TO ALL-
AMERICAN ASPHALT, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,488,000 AND
AUTHORIZED A CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $111,600 (7.5% OF THE
TOTAL CONTRACT) FOR CONTRACT CHANGE ORDERS TO BE
APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER, FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION
AMOUNT OF $1,599,600.
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
6.4 AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH
GO -LIVE TEHNOLOGY, INC. FOR IT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN
AN AMOUNT NOT -TO -EXCEED $75,000 FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1,
2015 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2016.
6.5 AWARDED A DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
SERVICES CONTRACT TO ITERIS, INC. FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL
INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES IN THE AMOUNT OF $88,790 PLUS A
CONTINGENCY AMOUNT OF $9,000 FOR CHANGE ORDERS TO BE
APPROVED BY THE CITY MANAGER FOR A TOTAL AUTHORIZATION
AMOUNT OF $97,790.
6.6 APPROPRIATED $39,000 FROM THE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND
REPLACEMENT FUND AND AWARD OF BID TO FRITTS FORD OF
RIVERSIDE FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) 2015 FORD F-150XL'S
AND ONE (1) FORD F-250 XL FROM THE FISCAL YEAR 2014-15 AUTO
EQUIPOMENT REPLACEMENT FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,682.55.
6.7 APPROVED AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $40,000 FOR
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH SIMPSON ADVERTISING, INC. FOR
SPECIALTY GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICES FOR FY 2014-15 IN AN
AMOUNT NOT -TO -EXCEED $120,400.
6.8 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2015-18: APPROVING THE
APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR THE
2015 COUNTYWIDE COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE
SYCAMORE CANYON PARK STREAM REALIGNMENT PROJECT AND
APPROVED THE ADOPTION OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PLAN
REQUIRED BY THIS GRANT.
6.9 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2015-19: SETTING PROPOSITION 4
(GANN) APPROPRIATIONS LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015-16 IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 9 OF TITLE 1
OF THE GOVERNMENT CODE.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
7.1 LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE DISTRICTS 38,39 AND 41.
M/Tye suggested and the Council agreed to move 7.1(b) to the beginning
to provide residents present tonight to speak on this item and not have to
wait. Council concurred.
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
(b) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-20: LEVYING AN
ASSESSMENT ON LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO.
39 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015-16.
C/Lin stated that he lives within District No. 39 and therefore recused
himself from consideration of Item 7.1 (b) and left the dais.
PWD/Liu stated that the proposed assessment for the lots within
District No. 39 is $236 per year.
CSD/Rose reported that a landscape assessment district is an area of
the community or the City that is established by the property owners to
pay for landscaping and lighting improvements that benefit the property
owners located within the neighborhood or district. An assessment
district is typically established concurrently with a new housing tract
prior to any homes being sold. LLAD No. 39 was established in 1985
before the City incorporated by the neighborhood developers of M J
Brock and Sons and Bramalea Limited with approval from the LA
County Board of Supervisors.
M/Tye asked for confirmation that this LLAD was established by the
property owners at the time and not the homeowners.
CSD/Rose responded "yes."
LLAD stands for Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District. The
name comes from state law "The Landscaping and Lighting Act of
1972 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California" that
authorizes property owners to set up this method of collecting funds to
pay for the maintenance and operation of landscaping and lighting
improvements in their neighborhood or district. Funds are collected
each year through the property owner's annual property tax bill.
Residents are charged on their annual property tax bill per parcel
(land/home built on the land or parcel). In 1985 the assessment was
set at $236 per year by the LA County Board of Supervisors. In 1990
the assessment was lowered to $130 by the Diamond Bar City Council.
Staff is recommending that the assessment be returned to the previous
high of $236 per year.
M/Tye asked CSD/Rose to share with the public why the assessment
was reduced from $236 that was established in 1985 to $130 in 1990.
CSD/Rose explained that when the district was formed it had a
significant surplus of additional funds available for additional
improvements in the district and over the years these funds were used
in the district to pay for different improvements. The assessment was
lowered to $130 in 1990 when the City Council realized that the
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
amount of surplus funds that had been collected would pay for the
services provided by the district for some time going forward.
However, to date, those surplus funds have been completely
exhausted.
M/Tye asked if it was required by the state law that the assessment be
lowered.
CSD/Rose said that M/Tye was correct in that the law states that only
the funds necessary to operate the district should be collected.
CSD/Rose continued his presentation using a map outlining the
district. He further stated that there is an Edison Easement running
through the middle of Diamond Bar and through the middle of LLAD
No. 39. The map shows what is north of the Edison easement which
lies roughly east of Diamond Bar Boulevard to the City limit; north of
Grand Avenue to about Pantera Park, and south of Grand Avenue to
Rimford Place. Some of the improvements in the northern portion of
the easement include Silver Tip Park, a fire brushing area at Newberry
Way which creates a fire break between the homes and natural areas,
and Summitridge Drive at Cold Stream representative of landscape
slopes. South of the Edison easement lies east of Grand Avenue to a
large open space that runs east to Summitridge Park and Summitridge
Drive. The homes south of the easement reside from about
Summitridge Drive to the east city limits and at the south of Grand
Avenue from The Country Estates to the city limits. Improvements
south of the Edison Easement include Stardust Park, a fire brushing
area at Longview Court and Longview Drive and a landscape slope at
Longview Drive at Rustic Court.
Costs included in operation of District No. 39 are utilities for water and
Edison costs for the irrigation system, maintenance of grounds (as
needed repairs and maintenance including tree trimming and fire
breaks), engineer reports, public notices required by state law,
administration and inspection required reports and inspection of the
maintenance work, and the largest expense is the landscape
maintenance contract (routine maintenance performed on a regular
schedule for the slopes, landscaped areas and the parks).
Other costs bourne by the district are for park improvements including
Longview Park North new play equipment and rubber surfacing which
was installed in the tot lot in 2001; Silver Tip Park was renovated in
2012; and, scheduled for 2015 is the Longview Park South renovation.
60 acres of property are maintained by the district and 38 of those
acres are brushed annually for the fire break.
MAY 19. 2015 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
In 1990 the maintenance categories totaled $139,692 and in 2015 the
number has increased to $298,782 which represents a 114 percent
increase. Over the years as more homes were built by Bramalea the
number of homes went from 796 in the early 90's to 1,251 by the mid -
90's and with more homes came more assessment collection which
helped pay for rising costs. This also increased the revenue by almost
$60,000 per year from $103,000 to $162,000 per year. In 1990 there
was a total of $110,000 in the LLAD No. 39 reserves. Those funds
were gradually spent until the funds were exhausted and the reserves
were spent on routine maintenance which had to be done before an
annual assessment increase could be considered.
Since 2006 District No. 39 costs have been subsidized from the City's
General Fund and the administration and inspection costs have been
paid from the General Fund since 2006 starting at $9,700 per year and
have grown to $12,035 in 2015. All other District No. 39 costs have
been subsidized by the General Fund since 2008. The first year of
subsidy in 2008 was $36,695 and has grown to $116,237 in 2015.
Over the past 10 years the General Fund has subsidized District No.
39 in the amount of $759,542.
Consideration for District No. 39 is that if the City were to retain the
$130 annual assessment going forward, in FY 2015-16 the General
Fund subsidy would need to be $136,152. If the assessment is
increased to $236 per staff's recommendation, the General Fund
subsidy is reduced down to $3,546. In light of these facts, staffs
recommendation is to return the annual assessment to the historical
high for LLAD District No. 39 to $236 per parcel per year from the
current $130 per parcel per year.
CM/DeStefano reminded the City Council that this is a Public Hearing
item. Since this is a proposed increased in the assessment, 1300
notices were mailed to homeowners on Friday, May 1 for tonight's
hearing.
M/Tye asked if each item should be considered separately.
CM/DeStefano said that each item should be done separately.
M/Tye opened the Public Hearing.
Pearl Sansone has lived in her property for more than 25 years. Her
salary has not increased by 114 percent and she has reached her
retirement age but continues to work to pay for her property taxes.
She believes this proposal is untimely and unfair. She asked why the
property owners in District No. 39 pay $15 to District No. 38. How
many years will they have to pay this amount and will District No. 39
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
face another increase if the assessment for District No. 38 is
increased. She strongly opposes the increase and felt it would place a
great financial burden on many hardworking taxpayers in Diamond
Bar.
Abraham Tsai has resided in Diamond Bar for 22 years and he asked
why the sudden increase and said that if this is a properly tax on
homeowners it should be subject to Proposition 13,
John Martin, a Diamond Bar resident for 43 years said in light of the
drought issues and water cutbacks and because there are acres and
acres of grass in District No. 39, going beyond the tax raise is the City
Council or staff or anyone else looking at the parks, water and
maintenance issues to see what can be done to make them more
efficient. The actual $2 per square foot for renovation is wonderful and
it is a great window of opportunity for the City.
Eddie Wong, a resident since 1985, felt the increase was unfair and
why the City waited until 2015 to implement the increase. Secondly,
he feels that a lot of residents are middle class working people like he
is and he does not believe it is fair for them to pay the higher
assessment.
Bruce Liu, a resident living in District No. 39 since 2010 noticed that
the property tax he pays compared to the previous owner is more than
doubled which he felt was true for other residents as well who were
creating a lot more tax for the community. Since the overall tax
increased so much why is there no money to cover expenses?
M/Tye closed the Public Hearing.
C/Herrera said that some residents asked why the City is raising the
assessment now and she believed staff had shown that over 10 years
$760,000 has come out of the City's General Fund to pay for the
expenses of District No. 39. The district is in a deficit and that is the
reason the assessment is being considered to be raised. She believes
it is important for the City's budget to be manageable and when a
certain area is draining the budget inordinately, the City needs to take
action to put it back in balance. So when the time is appropriate, she
is prepared to make a motion.
C/Tanaka commented that over the years the City has been
subsidizing District No. 39 and there were many attempts over the past
several years to bring this matter up and that it has taken several years
to get to this point. For the City to continue as it has been the whole
district would be turned upside down and the City is trying to cover the
cost for the district from the property owners within the district.
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
M/Tye asked CM/DeStefano to address other speakers' questions
CM/DeStefano responded to speakers that this is the first time the City
has considered establishing the assessment back to its original
amount of $236 since establishment of the district in 1985. This is an
$8.83 per month increase per parcel attempting to, at a bare minimum,
catch up from 25 years at the prior rate of $130.
District 38 that was mentioned is the Citywide Lighting and Landscape
Assessment District. All parcels within the City pay $15 each into that
district. That is the district that operates and maintains the medians
throughout the City. One speaker asked whether or not that
assessment amount would be increasing and the answer is "no."
There are no discussions about increasing the assessment and there
are no plans for an increase in the $15 citywide levy within District No.
38.
The increase is not subject to Proposition 13 — it is subject to other
measures that have been passed by the voters over the year but as
the Mayor indicated this is not an increase beyond what was legally
established back in 1985. This is a recommendation by the staff to
bring the assessment back to the original historic high of $236 per
parcel per year.
One speaker commented about the increase in his property tax since
he purchased his home in Diamond Bar. The City of Diamond Bar has
not increased taxes at all. Other taxing entities have increased taxes
through voter approved measures.
M/Tye said that if he paid $200,000 for his home and sold it for
$800,000 the person who purchased his home for $800,000 would
have his assessed at a higher value and pay property taxes based on
the purchase amount. If an individual moved to Diamond Bar in 2010
and pays the increased property tax to the county it does not change
what he as a new homeowner in 2010 would have been paying for
LLAD No. 39.
CM/DeStefano concurred further stating that the LLAD's have a fixed
rate which has not changed.
C/Herrera said she knows this is a difficult issue but it is imperative to
stop the drain on the City's General Fund.
C/Tanaka reminded everyone that this assessment is a direct benefit
to the property owners within that district.
MAY 19, 2015
PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
M/Tye further explained that the subsidy of more than $700,000 over
the last 10 years benefited 1251 property owners. To C/Herrera's
point earlier about making sure the City's budget can be appropriately
allocated, the City simply cannot continue to subsidize 1251 property
owners or the City would slowly go broke.
C/Herrera moved, C/Tanaka seconded, to Adopt Resolution No. 2015-
20: Levying an Assessment of $236 per parcel per year on
Landscaping Assessment District No. 39 for Fiscal Year 2015-16.
Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT:
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
C/Lin returned to the dais.
Herrera, Tanaka, M/Tye
None
None
MPT/Lyons
(a) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-21: LEVYING AN ASSESSMENT
ON LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 38 FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2015-16.
PWD/Liu stated that for District No. 38 the total FY 2015-16 Operation
and Maintenance budget is $456,119. A proposed levy rate of $15 per
parcel will generate $268,305 in assessed revenue. The assessment
rate remains the same as the rate that applied at the date of the City's
incorporation. For FY 2015-16 $187,814 of the General Fund will
subsidize the Operation and Maintenance costs in District No. 38. The
landscaping improvements to be maintained by District No. 38 include
the parkways and the medians throughout the City which reflects a
total maintenance area over slightly more than 10 acres. The
estimated number of parcels within District No. 38 is 17,887. Staff
therefore recommends that the assessment of $15 for each
assessable lot within District No. 38 to be confirmed and that the
Resolution Levying an Assessment for FY 2015-16 be adopted by the
City Council.
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 Resolution No. 2015-
21: Levying an Assessment on Landscaping Assessment District No.
38 for Fiscal Year 2015-16. Motion carried by the following Roll Call
vote:
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 13 CITY COUNCIL
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera, Lin, Tanaka,
M/Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPT/Lyons
(c) ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2015-22: LEVYING AN ASSESSMENT
ON LANDSCAPING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 41 FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2015-16.
PWD/Liu stated that for District No. 41 the total FY 2015-16 Operation
and Maintenance expense budget is $213,529. The proposed levy
rate of $220.50 per parcel will generate $122,157 in assessment
revenue. This is the same rate that has applied since Diamond Bar's
incorporation. As a result of this assessment, $86,372 of the City's
General Fund will be needed to subsidize the Operation and
Maintenance costs in District No. 41. The landscaping improvements
within District No. 41 are the slopes and open space areas which
reflects a total maintenance area of almost 16 acres. The estimated
number of parcels within the district is 554 parcels. Staff recommends
that the assessment amount of $220.50 for each assessable lot within
District 41 be confirmed and that the Resolution Levying an
Assessment on Landscaping Assessment District No. 41 for Fiscal
Year 2015-16 be adopted by the City Council.
M/Tye opened the Public Hearing.
With no one present who wished to speak on this item, M/Tye closed
the Public Hearing.
C/Lin moved, C/Herrera seconded to Adopt Resolution No. 2015-22:
Levying an Assessment on Landscaping Assessment District No. 41
for Fiscal Year 2015-16. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera, Lin, Tanaka,
M/Tye
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPT/Lyons
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: None
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Tanaka reported that on Thursday, May 7 he attended the Walnut Valley
Educational Foundation Gala where individuals and groups were recognized for
their contributions to the students of WVUSD. That Sunday he attended the
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 14 CITY COUNCIL
Diamond Bar Performing Arts Handbell Choir Concert at the Diamond Bar High
School Theater and reported on the concert events. On May 11 he joined
residents on Twin Pines for their Neighborhood Watch meeting. He thanked
Volunteer Patrol Members who attended tonight's meeting. On May 12 he
attended the Los Angeles County Junior Fair Board Leadership Program Awards
Dinner at the Fairplex Conference Center. On Sunday, May 17 he attended the
Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Benjamin Lundblade of Troop 730. Saturday,
June 6 is the 10th Annual Diamond Bar Relay for Life at Lorbeer Middle School.
He requested that this meeting be adjourned in memory of long time Diamond
Bar resident Stella Hatzfeld.
C/Lin said he too attended the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation Banquet on
May 7 and was thrilled to see so many residents concerned about ongoing
education. He stated that the Congress failed to pass a new transportation bill
again this year so the City is back to square one and is challenged to find a big
chunk of money to improve the SR57/60 Big Fix. We look forward to next year
when we may have better luck.
C/Herrera attended the Contract Cities Conference in Indian Wells last week.
She felt it was important for Council Members to continue their education about
what is relevant for cities and what new things are happening that benefit cities.
She felt the most valuable workshop of the conference was the one on
Emergency Preparedness and Are You Ready? There were outstanding
speakers including Chief Darrell Osby, LA County Fire and Chris Jeffers, City
Manager from Glendora who spoke about the Colby Fire that occurred a couple
of years ago. What is significant about that event for residents of Diamond Bar is
that there are 8,000 acres of undeveloped land that surrounds the City and
because this is a very dry period fire danger will remain high. Comforting to her
was that there were 26 different agencies that came to Glendora and the
surrounding area to help put out that fire. Also discussed was the subject of
earthquakes and what is happening in Kathmandu Nepal and not if but when a
major earthquake will occur in southern California. One speaker was from the LA
County Department of Public Works who said that the county has major
equipment to help move items, clear roadways and what is important about that
issue to Diamond Bar is that the City has three major bridges throughout the City
that will likely collapse and block the roadways in the event of a major
earthquake. There was an individual from California Edison who spoke about in
the event of a major earthquake many of the Edison towers would collapse and
that everyone should be prepared to be without electricity for several days. The
speakers talked about the importance of everyone being self-sufficient for at least
72 hours and have enough food and water on hand to survive and to have a plan
with family members to remain in communication which means that people will
have to depend on cell towers. While phone calls may not be possible texting
will possibly go through. Cell towers will become very important in the southern
California area as the state and cities prepare. Attendees received a copy of the
County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Guide which offers a lot of great and
important information and she asked staff if the guide could be uploaded onto the
MAY 19, 2015 PAGE 15 CITY COUNCIL
City's website and have it available for residents to download.
M/Tye asked everyone to please do everything within their power to conserve
water. There is nothing more important than to preserve this very rare and
precious commodity. He attended the Contract Cities Annual Municipal Seminar
with C/Herrera and listened to the Disaster Preparedness and Economic
Development workshops. He believes there are terrific opportunities to look at
things differently and see how the City might take advantage of those
opportunities to make Diamond Bar a better community. He attended the Walnut
Valley Educational Foundation Night and saw individuals and organizations
honored and realized that the foundation is busy raising money for mini -grants for
teachers to spend in their classrooms. The foundation gives thousands of dollars
to the teachers. His wife is a teacher at Diamond Ranch High School and many
times he wonders if his family can afford for her to be a teacher because she
spends so much of her own money in the classroom. He hoped that everyone
would have a very happy and safe Memorial Day on Monday and take a minute
to remember those who have passed before us that gave the ultimate sacrifice in
service.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Tye adjourned the
City Council Meeting at 8:03 p.m. in memory of longtime Diamond Bar resident Stella
Hatzfeld.
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TOMMYE CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 2nd day of June , 2015.
STEVE TYE, MAYORI