HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/16 Minutes - Regular Meeting1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
FEBRUARY 2, 2016
CLOSED SESSION:
Public Comments:
5:45 p.m., Room CC -8
1) Government Code Section 54956.8 - Conference with Real Property
Negotiations
Property: APN 8760-015-001
1600 Grand Avenue.
Diamond Bar. CA 91765
Agency Negotiator: James DeStefano, City Manager
David DeBerry, City Attorney
Negotiating Parties: City and Preferred Hospitality, Inc.
Under Negotiations: Price and Terms of Payment
CM/DeStefano reported that Council discussed a property matter and as a result no
reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Lyons called the Regular City Council meeting
to order at 6:30 p.m. in the South Coast Air Quality Management District/Government
Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Lyons led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Monsignor James Loughnane, St. Denis Catholic
Church provided the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members ,Herrera, Low, Tye, and Mayor
Lyons,
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Lin was excused.
STAFF PRESENT: James DeStefano, City Manager; David DeBerry, City
Attorney; Ryan McLean, Deputy City Manager; Ken Desforges, IS Director; David Liu,
Public Works Director; Bob Rose, Community Services Director; Dianna Honeywell,
Finance Director; Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Amy Haug, Human
Resources Manager; Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer; Cecilia Arellano, Public
Information Coordinator; Alfa Lopez, Management Analyst; and Anthony Santos,
Management Analyst.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As presented.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS: None
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
2. CITY MANAGER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
CM/DeStefano announced that the Systems Information Department recently
received an award from Municipal Information Systems Association of California
(MISAC) a statewide information technology organization, for excellence in
information technology for its practices for the 2015. IS/Desforges and his team
do an outstanding job supporting all the departments in the City with providing all
information services, security for the City and its customers/clients.
The City Council participated in a fun -filled Alex Morgan tribute/celebration on
Sunday. He acknowledged staff's support of an event headed by PIM/Roa and
her staff who coordinated with Alex Morgan and her team. PIM/Roa and her
team put together banners, public information regarding the event, as well as all
the many activities held that day for Ms. Morgan. Congratulations to PIM/Roa
and her team.
CM/DeStefano then introduced Captain Scroggins who provided a review of the
2015 crime statistics and a general law enforcement update for 2016.
Capt. Scroggins stated that at the end of 2014 with a record low crime rate, major
legislative changes came into effect with Proposition 47. In spite of the changes,
at the end 2015 the crime rate was still at a low with 868 crimes reported in
Diamond Bar which were mostly property crimes. There were only 58 crimes
against persons and unfortunately there was one homicide early in 2015 which
was a domestic issue that was quickly solved. There were 4 allegations of
sexual assault, 25 aggravated assaults and 28 robberies. The balance of 810
crimes were property crimes. Most crimes in Diamond Bar are burglary
(residential and commercial) and theft (primarily vehicle theft). The Sheriff's
Department is committed to continuing efforts to educate residents about
reducing opportunities for criminals to commit crime through educational efforts
of the Neighborhood Watch programs headed by Deputy Aaron Schiller and the
Special Assignment Team. Captain Scroggins said he believes most of the theft
crimes are preventable. A lot of people leave their cars unlocked which provides
an opportunity for someone who is checking doors whether in a shopping center
parking lot or residential parking. People leave items visible in their vehicles
which tempts theft. People should fortify their homes with burglar alarm systems
which provide notice to the Sheriff's Department to dispatch officers to the
residence in an attempt to minimize the damage and loss and catch the
perpetrators. The Department also continues to promote formation of
Neighborhood Watch groups throughout the community.
Vacation checks are important. People need to call the Department to let them
know when they are away so that volunteers can be dispatched to conduct daily
vacation checks. During the past year and a -half with vacation checks there
have been no crimes at those homes.
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
The past five years have been good years for crime statistics. He believes that
Proposition 47 which was passed at the end of 2014 has significantly changed
the risk versus reward for criminals in the criminal's favor. While arrests remain
consistent at the station the charges and times served have been significantly
reduced. Unfortunately, the trend has risen at the beginning of 2016 but the
Department will continue to work very hard with the City's great, support.
Everyone must work together as a team to reduce crime. When residents see
something even slightly suspicious they need to call the Sheriffs Department
immediately. If anyone has a problem when calling in they should notify him and
he will review the calls to make sure that any problems with the response is
resolved. He expects 100 percent satisfaction from the residents of Diamond
Bar. 2015 was a good year and cities with crime rates comparable to Diamond
Bar are La Quinta, Flintridge, Agoura Hills, Santa Clarita, Temple City, Rancho
Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates. He said he looks forward to a successful
2016.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Pui-Ching Ho, Diamond Bar Library, announced upcoming library events
including a celebration of the Chinese New Year co-sponsored by the Diamond
Bar Chinese-American Association; a tenant/landlord informational workshop on
Wednesday, February 17 at 4:00 p.m., and Thursday, February 18 at 6:00 p.m.
She announced that the LA County Board of Supervisors appointed Ms. Skye
Patrick as Library Director for the LA County Public Library System effective
February 1, 2016. Ms. Patrick was the Director of Broward County (Florida)
Libraries Division and prior to that assignment Ms. Patrick served as the
Assistant Director for the Queens Public Library in New York. Ms. Patrick earned
a BA Degree in Fine Arts from Northern Michigan University and a Masters
Degree in Library Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Check
the library's website at www.colapublib.org for additional information and
programs.
David Leong, Lot 8, Kicking Horse Drive, talked about his right to enjoyment and
use of his property. Current and future development adjoining his backyard will
traverse and affect his property and his family's life. Some parts that have been
cleared and may be cleared may be illegal. Material oak trees and other
vegetation accommodate nesting birds and deer and coyotes forage in the area.
Oak trees and native bird species are protected under California law. There is
also a small creek running in the area and there may be creatures in the creek
that are protected. If the proposed development is approved the environmental
impact from removal of trees and clearing of vegetation as well as, the changes
in topography will be significant. The City, Fish and Wildlife Department and
other authorities should perhaps demand review of an EIR. If the proposed
development is approved he will lose part of his property and the use and
enjoyment thereof. In addition, the homeowners will be subject to annoyance
and bad health effects of noise and dust from the construction for a prolonged
period. The developer should not be favored at the expense of the homeowners.
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
The developers claim they have an easement right but there is no easement
right. The minutes of the Board of Supervisors in regard to Tract No. 32482 in
Map Book 1003, Page 14 with a recording date of March 25, 1982 states "that
the private and future storm drain easement and private and future street shown
on said map and herein offered for dedication be and the same are hereby
rejected; that the private and future storm drain ingress and egress is met and
that the future street shown on said map and herein offered for dedication being
the same are hereby rejected." Therefore, the developers do not have easement
right so he is opposed to the current development as far as future development
and urges the City not to approve these projects.
Chia Teng said that last year he presented documents and photographs to the
City Council of the Millennium Development verifying the removal of more than
800 protected trees prior to completion of the mitigation plan. In his opinion,
Millennium is in violation of the City's Code and the EIR and CM/DeStefano
pointed out that he was mistaken. He went back and reviewed the documents
again and believes he was correct. He also presented evidence of the
stockpiling of dirt that was removed from a grading project from a neighboring
site which to him was a clear violation of the EIR and the City Code because in
doing so a grading permit was needed which was not done. He talked about
speakers who spoke during the January 19 City Council meeting about HOA
problems and a congested gate and the developer's response. He asked the
City Council to give consideration to further development of the Millennium
project.
Naila and Asad Barlas, speaking on behalf of the South Asian Parent Association
invited the City Council to its 3m Evening of Colors on March 18 at 7:00 p.m. in
the Diamond Palace and asked the City Council to consider donating during their
fundraiser.
Hofu Wu, Kicking Horse Tract No. 7, said he has concerns similar to those
voiced by his neighbor Dr. Leong and the proposed future project. On January
12 the Planning Commission approved one of the proposed developments and
he found out that the developer misled the Commission about approval of the
plan which was submitted to his HOA two years ago and had expired. The
developer has a new plan which is very different from the original plan and it has
not been submitted for approval. They have asked for bigger pads which
requires substantial landfill and a seven foot tall retaining wall which he believes
exceeds the code. In addition, the retaining wall is on the property line which is a
problem within the Building Code which requires a setback. He missed the
deadline for appealing the Planning Commission decision and wanted to bring
his concern to the City Council.
Michelle Yi spoke to the City Council about her right to speak to the City Council.
She noticed that every time a member of The Country comes before the City
Council to address their concerns about Millennium Kurt Nelson comes to the
podium to rebuke their concerns and calls out his telephone number and says
FEBRUARY 2. 2016 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
that anyone who has concerns should call him. The members of The Country
are here to speak to the City's elected officials, not to Kurt Nelson or Millennium.
Millennium sued 890 homeowners who are currently in litigation so members are
talking to Millennium through their lawyers. If Millennium really wants to talk to
The Country HOA it should drop its lawsuit. She reiterated her concerns about
The Country gates which she believes have exceeded vehicular capacity by 30
percent. She provided a copy of the 1983 community plan for Diamond Bar and
pointed to an area designated as "Toner Canyon SC Area" which Millennium is a
part of at this time and was never meant for building 48 homes. This was the
home of many oak trees (protected trees) which she guessed changed when the
City of Diamond Bar incorporated and became independent from the County and
then the City of Diamond Bar came up with a new General Plan in 1995. Even in
1995 the area was designated as an Open Space/Recreational Use/Cultural Use.
She is defending against Kurt Nelson's claim that Millennium was always meant
to develop. It was never meant to develop into 48 homes that would further
burden The Country's 890 homeowners who currently have only two gates. She
lives in the Crystal Ridge which is part of the SC Area but she will not be sad that
her home is sitting in what was once the home of many endangered birds, oak
trees and walnut trees but all of the Diamond Bar citizens should have united to
prevent further destruction of the beautiful rural setting and wildlife habitat.
Kurt Nelson, Millennium Development, said he was not sure what development
was being spoken about by some of the speakers. He assumes there is another
development near the first. speaker's backyard because that is not their tract and
the tract number and sewer easement has nothing to do with Millennium or its
property. Contrary to what one of speakers said, he completely respects any
homeowner who is concerned about a development adjacent to their property.
He has been in that position and most homeowners, unless they are extremely
wealthy and fortunate, lie awake at night thinking about their mortgages. He
respects everyone's right to wish that they were the last people in and nothing
else would be built. He took issue with the gentleman who said he laughed at
him or that he was not considerate to him. His reaction to Michelle Yi's
comments about the gate are well received because Kurt Nelson is very happy
that the gentleman admits that where he has lived for the last 18 years would not
be there if the people who wanted to keep him out when his company was
building Crystal Ridge got their way. His home and every home in both phases
of Crystal Ridge and Windmill which are now part of The Country were
developed from parcels in Parcel Map 1528 which were always intended to be
part of The Country Estates Development which he knows because as previously
stated, his company bought the company that developed the entire Country and
the easements are in place. Yes, there is a lawsuit. His giving out his phone
number is because residents of The Country have spread misinformation about
the infrastructure and the tract about the makeup of the Homeowner's
Association. All members are perfectly free to discuss concerns that they may
have about the infrastructure, about how many people will be there. There is not
anything that prevents the speaker or anybody watching at home from talking
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
about that. There is no need to discuss the litigation. He wished that everybody
would remember that there is such a thing as property rights. There is a family
that owns this property and fortunately for them, the company he works for, is
now a partner in 50 percent or more of the property and has extremely deep
pockets so there is enough money to carry this issue through. But he wishes that
people would stop and consider when they come up to this podium and make
accusations about stockpiling and the EIR and things that are demonstrably not
true over and over and over again, that they affect somebody that just like they
do, lies awake at night and wonders about their home and their mortgage.
Developers are not always big corporations like Lennar and they do not run off as
soon as they finish building the house. Most developers are very hardworking
and honest businesses. And in this state, developers do not run away from their
developments, not with the statute of limitations, performance bond requirements
and financial guarantees that are required to be put up. So to those who live in
The Country Estates and are really concerned about the Millennium project he
would love to talk with those folks. For those who for whatever reason want to
use a City Council meeting as a political platform because of struggles on The
Country Estates Homeowners Association Board he cannot discuss the pending
litigation. Why does The Country Board's attorney ask him (Kurt Nelson) under
oath if he attended fundraisers for certain Council people and ask him if he
remembers names of any of The Country homeowners neighbors who were at
those fundraisers? For those who are really concerned about their homes he
would love to talk with them because they have his sympathy and he will never
laugh at them.
Therina Lin, 2708 Rocky Trail, spoke about the history of Millennium and the
annexation agreement between Millennium and The DBCEA and the pending
lawsuit. She asked the.City Council to ask Millennium to build their own gate so
that their project is totally separate from their beautiful Country Estates
community and stop approving the Final Tract Map to the proposed 48 home
project and help the homeowners keep the peaceful life of The Country Estates.
Theresa Lee said she is here today because she understands that Millennium's
Tract Map is coming up for Final Tract Map approval. The map will expire on
February 21, 2016 and she understands that Millennium has filed for a 60 -day
extension. The homeowners of The Country Estates have suffered for the last
10 years because of this development. Somehow this development was
approved under so many conditions that were supposed to have been met many,
many years ago but the project was stalled and a lot of grief has been placed on
the community. What happened to the trees that were removed and the
enjoyment the residents had of the scenery, canyons, trees and birds.
Everything is wiped out because a clear and grub permit was granted in 2008.
What was the intent of granting that permit because she highly doubts the
legitimacy of that permit? Even today, when she asked Bonterra if they ever saw
the clear and grub permit he says "No", but he knows that it was granted. As an
agency that is supposed to supervise the environment on behalf of the City to
administer the environmental mitigations, the supervisions, construction, etc. by a
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
company that was hired by the City of Diamond Bar which does not have a
permit. Eight years later there is still no erosion plan in place and now with EI
Nino is the soil stable? This is liability that is being placed on the neighboring
residents. Millennium has exercised so many tactics. They have filed
bankruptcies one after the other and their intent is to impose all of the expensive
infrastructures on the 890 homeowners. She is concerned that the homeowners
cannot trust this developer. The City is the gatekeeper and it should protect its
residents. She asked the City Council to deny the continuance and not approve
the Final Tract Map.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CM/DeStefano said he did not have a response to public comments because this
is another chapter of the ongoing dispute between private property owners over
development within a private gate -guarded community. From the City's
perspective, the Millennium Project, as he has referenced many, many times,
was approved by the City Council after Public Hearings, Public Notice,
Certification of an Environmental Impact Report and hundreds of conditions
associated with the project's development in February 2006. A few years later, a
second, much smaller project was approved off of Alamo Heights by a Jerry Yeh,
a developer who operates under the Horizon Pacific banner. Some of the
speakers were referring to one or the other and maybe both projects. The
comments were a bit hard to follow. Speakers who had concerns with Mr. Yeh's
project (Horizon Pacific) at the end of Alamo Heights can speak to or meet with
Mr. Yeh who meets often with Country homeowners, who has developed a
couple of projects in The Country Estates and has his corporate offices in the
City of Walnut. CM/DeStefano said he is very sure that Mr. Yeh would be very
interested in meeting with concerned residents and if those folks do not have his
number the City can provide them with his numbers that are on file. The balance
of the comments and in particular, one of the last speakers, really spoke to the
ongoing dispute amongst and between The Country Estates and the Millennium
Development Project and that can only be resolved with dialogue and
opportunities that have been offered many times by one of the members of the
development team to sit down and talk about those different issues. The
developer for the Millennium Project is implementing the conditions imposed by
the City many years ago and is working his way through those conditions and
yes, has recently asked for an extension of time to complete those tasks.
Sometime in the near future the Council will be weighing in on the
appropriateness of either an extension of time or approval of the Final Map which
is a ministerial act since the real discretionary act on the City Council took place
almost 10 years ago. A lot of the other concerns possibly could have and should
have been resolved by prior Country Estates Board of Director members, prior
general managers, prior negotiations and by example, when a development is
proposed within the City on public streets, there is typically a traffic analysis that
is done and if there are necessary and important traffic improvements (widening,
signals, etc.) those are conditioned upon the developer to contribute toward
5.
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 8 CITY COUNCIL
those improvements or provide those improvements in -whole. Some of the work
that is seen near Brea Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Boulevard is a result of
the Lennar Developers (Willow Heights) implementing their conditions to
physically improve that roadway. That is an example of what The Country
Estates could have done in prior years to generate resources or physical
improvements to physically modify their gates in order to respond to increasing
traffic that will occur with more homes and will occur with homes that have
increased in size which is possibly an education going forward in terms of what
The Country Estates can condition upon development that is proposed within its
boundaries. Again, this is a private party matter and he would encourage private
party members to meet and talk about the different issues and see if they can
come to a resolution on the smallest of the items while working toward a
resolution on the much larger items.
M/Lyons said her understanding was that when the timeframe expires on
February 21 that the 60 -day extension is automatic through the State of
California and asked CM/DeStefano if that was a correct assumption.
CM/DeStefano responded "Yes", subdivisions in this State are regulated by the
State of California via the Subdivision Map Act of the State of California and
cities have local implementing ordinances. It is the State Subdivision Map Act
and the decisions that have been made over the years that have given additional
life to this project over the past 10 years and within those regulations yes, there
is a provision that should a request for extension of time be processed prior to
the termination of the grant an automatic 60 -day extension is granted which does
not come before the City Council but is automatic within the State of California's
regulations.
SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 Planning Commission Meeting — February 9, 2016 — 7:00 p.m., Windmill
Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.2 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — February 11, 2016 —
7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.3 Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Roundup, February
13, 2016, Gateway Corporate Center on Bridge Gate Drive from 9:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m.
5.4 Presidents Day — February 15, 2016 — City offices closed in observance of
Presidents Day, City Offices reopen Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 7:30
a.m.
5.5 City Council Meeting — February 16, 2016 — 6:30 p.m., AQMD
Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 9 CITY COUNCIL
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Low moved, C/Herrera seconded, to waive reading
in full of all ordinances and approve the Consent Calendar as presented with
C/Low abstaining from approval of Item 6.1. Motion carried by the following Roll
Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Herrera, Low, Tye, M/Lyons
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: MPT/Lin
6.1 Waive Reading in full of all Ordinances and Resolutions and Adopt the
Consent Calendar.
6.2 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES — Regular Meeting of January 19,
2016 —As presented.
6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION MINUTES:
(a) Regular Meeting of September 10, 2015.
(b) Regular Meeting of October 8, 2015.
(c) Regular Meeting of November 12, 2015.
6.4 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular
Meeting of January 12, 2016.
6.5 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated January 14, 2016 through
January 27, 2016 totaling $1,452,378.07.
6.6 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT — Month of December 2015.
6.7 ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 03(2016): AMENDING SECTION 1.04.010
OF TITLE 1 AND VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF TITLE 6 OF THE
DIAMOND BAR CITY CODE RELATING TO PENALTIES AND CIVIL
REMEDIES FOR OFFENSES PERTAINING TO ANIMAL
REGULATIONS.
6.8 APPROVED NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR RONALD REAGAN AND
PETERSON PARK PARKING LOT REHABILITATION PROJECTS.
6.9 ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2016-02: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION(S) FOR ALL CALRECYCLE GRANTS
TO THE DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES RECYCLING AND
RECOVERY (CALRECYCLE) AND, AUTHORIZED THE CITY MANAGER
TO EXECUTE ANY AGREEMENTS, CONTRACTS, AND REQUESTS
FOR PAYMENT, AS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM
UNTIL RESCINDED.
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 10 CITY COUNCIL
6.10 APPROVED CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH THE TAIT GROUP (TTG)
IN THE NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF $40,000 FOR PROFESSIONAL
CONSULTING/ADVOCACY SERVICES RELATED TO THE STATE
ROUTE 57/60 FREEWAY CONGESTION RELIEF STRATEGY AND
STATE/FEDERAL FREIGHT PLANS.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: None.
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Herrera thanked Captain Scroggins and the Sheriffs Department for doing
such a great job in keeping Diamond Bar safe and for his coming to the City
Council meeting to provide tips in keeping our properties, cars and homes safer.
It takes everyone watching out for each other to keep the City safe. She thanked
staff for the outstanding event celebrating Alex Morgan. She received a lot of
feedback from her relatives and heard Alex say several times during the event
that the whole thing was just so very well organized thanks to our outstanding
staff that did a super job in coordinating the entire event. Alex was very
overwhelmed by the magnitude of residents and young people who appeared at
the event to honor her. Congratulations and thank you to staff. She knows that
staff invested a lot of hard work and time in planning and executing the event.
C/Low echoed C/Herrera's comments. She thanked Captain Scroggins for his
work in keeping the City safe. It is a bit alarming when such a large percentage
of the crimes were property crimes and how Prop 47 has really decimated law
enforcement's ability to apply effective consequences for criminal acts. Thank
you for their efforts to help residents learn to mitigate and look out for each other.
She thought that the Alex Morgan event was absolutely wonderful thanks to staff.
Alex Morgan, a super soccer star and super rock star and we are all proud and
pleased that this is her hometown and the event was a great reflection of the love
and affection that the community shares. She congratulated C/Tye for being
honored as a "Special Friend" by the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library, an
honor well-deserved for his years of dedication to literacy, service to that group
and advocating for the library and for all to read. Last Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday she attended the League of California Cities Council Member "Boot
Camp". There was a lot to learn and she looks forward to serving the City of
Diamond Bar. It is an honor to do so. She wished everyone a Happy Chinese
New Year, the year of the Monkey celebrated on February 8. One does not have
to be Chinese to celebrate that happy day. One can go to a restaurant, enjoy
good food, be with family, share presents and have good luck all year long.
C/Tye acknowledged the comments made by the other Councilmembers to
Captain Scroggins and the Sheriff's Department tonight. The Council
appreciates everything they do to keep the community as safe as possible. He
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 11 CITY COUNCIL
met with the folks from ALADS (Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs)
last week and it is a privilege to tell them what Diamond Bar considers its police
department, the Diamond BarM/alnut Sheriffs Station. The City Council and
residents are grateful for everything the Department does and for keeping
Diamond Bar safe. Congratulations to IS/Deforges and his team for being
recognized by MISAC now twice. It speaks to the team that Diamond Bar has
and that Council is grateful for everything they do for the City. A couple of weeks
ago he attended the LA County Parks Needs Assessment meeting along with a
group of residents who came up with a list of 10 things that got on the list. The
highlight of the last couple of weeks was the ceremony for Alex Morgan. It was
very difficult to fit a celebration into her schedule with all that she is doing. For a
young lady she is probably the most gracious and humble sports superstar he
has ever been around. The Sheriff tried to keep her on time being respectful of
the time she was spending in Diamond Bar and every time they told her it was
probably time to be leaving she replied no, I've got 10 more minutes. On the way
out to the parking lot as she was finally leaving she took time to greet and sign
autographs for between 50-100 people and young women with selfies. It was
great to have the opportunity to honor her and staff did a terrific job. It was not
easy because it was an unfolding event as time went on. Thank you to staff and
all who were involved in the event.
M/Lyons stated that she and C/Low represented the city at the Diamond Bar
Friends of the Library annual awards ceremony and it was wonderful that they
were able to present an award to C/Tye who earned the "Special Friend" award
due to his many years of service to the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library.
Somehow the Snow Fest event was eclipsed by the Alex Morgan event but the
tons of snow, sledding, fun, good and games were very much appreciated by the
residents and thank you to staff for that event as well. She showed slides of the
Alex Morgan event and said staff believes there were about 2500-2800 people
who participated. There was a lot for people to do while awaiting Alex Morgan's
arrival — different types of soccer games, popcorn and drinks. However, most
people chose to stand where they could get a good glimpse of Alex as she
arrived. The City Council presented Alex with the first Key to the City. Diamond
Bar considers Alex to be such an important role model for the City and its young
people that it had a new award made up and she was presented with the
inaugural Key to Diamond Bar. Staff put this event together in a very short
period of time with games, food, music, award and "Meet and Greet" and signed
autographs for children. The event was terrific and when it was over Alex
presented the City with one of her Jerseys. She wrote a note to all of the City
residents which will be framed and displayed in City Hall. The note says "City of
Diamond Bar, thank you for shaping who I am today and making me dream big."
As C/Tye said, Alex Morgan is a first-class young lady who is very modest and
very appreciative of all of the work staff did to make it a very, very special
morning for which M/Lyons offered her thanks and appreciation to staff.
FEBRUARY 2, 2016 PAGE 12 CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Lyons adjourned the
Regular City Council Meeting at 7:49 p.m.
TOMMY CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 16thday of February , 2016.
/—NANCY�&ON MAYOR