HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/01/2014 Minutes - Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
JULY 1, 2014
STUDY SESSION: M/Herrera called the Study Session to order at
5:30 p.m. in Room CC -8 of the South Coast Air Quality. Management
District/Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Present: Council Members Ling -Ling Chang, Nancy
Lyons, Jack Tanaka, Mayor Pro Tem Steve Tye, and Mayor Carol Herrera.
Staff Present: James DeStefano, City Manager; David
DeBerry, City Attorney; Ryan McLean, Deputy City Manager; Dianna Honeywell,
Finance Director; Ken Desforges, IS Director; David Liu, Public Works Director;
Greg Gubman, Community Development Director; Bob Rose, Community
Services Director; Amy Haug, Human Resources Manager; Marsha Roa, Public
Information Manager; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator; and,
Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer.
No. GRAND AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT UPDATE -
DISCUSSION AND ACTION.
CM/DeStefano stated that the purpose of tonight's study session is to
provide the City Council with more details on the Grand Avenue
Beautification Project. This concept was first discussed with the City
Council in April. Since that time, PWD/Liu and his team have been
moving through the details, designing the project, and preparing for
construction; however, before moving to the final design drawings, staff
has brought the design colors and materials for the proposed
improvements to the Council for approval. Upon City Council approval,
the project will go to Caltrans for review after which will move to the design
and construction phases. Tonight details for the Grand Avenue at
Longview and Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard project specific
components will be presented with the intention to carry these elements
forward throughout other parts of the City. If approved, these elements
will be seen at other key nodes, entrances, key intersections, etc. as part
of the overall streetscape palate/furniture plan that will be brought forward
within the ensuing months.
SCE/Young introduced the project team which included staff from Public
Works, Engineering, Community Services Department, Planning Division,
and Public Information Division as well as, the team of consultants Traffic
Engineers, Civil Engineer Surender Dewan, President, DMS Consultants,
Inc. and Landscape Architecture Team David Volz of David Volz Designs.
Fifty-three residents attended an open house on March 19 to review the
concept plans and give input on what the community wanted to see as
part of the final design. Many of the top votes of elements for the final
design included decorative traffic signal poles, the diamond shape
(representative of Diamond Bar) and interlocking pavers and river
rock/rock materials in the parkways and medians. Staff included all of
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 2 CC STUDY SESSION
these elements in the final design that is being presented to Council this
evening. The materials, while considered new to Diamond Bar, are not
necessarily new to southern California and staff made certain to have the
City's maintenance staff review the types of materials proposed to make
sure the standard/level of maintenance can be carried out with the
introduction of these materials and the maintenance staff signed off on all
plant materials and pavers for use in the City's public right-of-ways.
David Volz provided the Council with drawings of the designs that were
slightly modified from the original design and materials through the public
and staff process. The designs included pedestrian improvements,
streetscape improvements and materials proposed for flat work and plant
materials that match the cobble rock for both the Grand Avenue/Diamond
Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue/Longview Drive intersections. Tree
wells will have a custom cast Diamond Bar signature.
C/Lyons asked what a tree well was.
Mr. Volz responded that wherever trees are planted along the sidewalk
the planters will include a tree well that has a tree growing out of the
middle. The trees sit inside Corten steel covers with patina in a nice
rusted color. Additionally, there will be vertical Corten steel panels in the
medians and parkways that Will have a windmill cutout.
PWD/Liu stated that another feature proposed is stack stones, a key
feature at the Diamond Bar Center and at City Hall.
Mr. Volz continued explaining the design panels
MPT/Tye asked for an explanation of the difference between a median
and a parkway.
David Volz explained that parkway usually refers to the sidewalk and
landscaped area behind the sidewalk.
PWD/Liu further explained that it is basically the area between the curb
face and property line which consists of the landscape strip and sidewalk
in the public right-of-way. The median is in the middle of the street
between the two opposing curbs.
C/Lyons asked about the width of the sidewalk.
SCE/Young responded that it can be narrowed to only four feet in order to
remain in compliance with ADA requirements.
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 3 CC STUDY SESSION
CM/DeStefano said that for purpose of this discussion, the median is in
the center of the street and the parkways are in the area that has been
described as on the edge of the streets.
M/Herrera said that along Grand Avenue in front of Starbucks there was
recently some new plantings and asked how that would interface with this
project.
SCE/Young responded that crepe myrtles will be added to the existing
trees which will match what is in front of the Sprint/Massage Envy building
and complement the existing trees. Further, the proposed landscaping in
the parkway area will remain low to the ground to maintain a proper line -
of -sight for the street.
Mr. Volz explained the proposed landscape materials for Diamond Bar
Boulevard which will include low water use plants such as pediastrum, star
jasmine, yucca, iris and agave. The biggest tree is the London Plane
which is a nice tree and a well-regarded hybrid street tree (relative of the
California Sycamore). Plants at Longview are pretty much the same with
the inclusion of a larger gingko tree, agave and other plant material such
as the grobelia, roses and arctostaphylos (native Manzanita).
M/Herrera asked if the interlocking pavers would stand up under the
weight of heavy traffic and large trucks.
PWD/Liu explained that there will be a 16 inch subsurface to support the
pavers and that the City's Street Maintenance Superintendent has
experience working with these types of pavers and a supply of
replacement pavers will be kept on hand as replacement becomes
necessary.
PWD/Liu explained that in accordance with Caltrans standards, all
materials will withstand the wind load and that the existing illuminated
signs will be kept on the light standards.
CM/DeStefano said that the new thematic elements that present a
significant change from the marble light poles and steel traffic signal poles
will extend this statement from the intersection for a number of feet and
will define those key intersections on Grand Avenue. In the future, as the
design is implemented at other key intersections, entry statements, nodes
in the City, etc. will be part of the thematic elements that will be taken from
the streetscape manual that would be implemented by the City and/or the
developers with each new project. This will create a significant statement
for those entering and exiting the City.
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 4 CC STUDY SESSION
CM/DeStefano stated that the next project area to implement this design,
if approved, would be Brea Canyon Road at Diamond Bar Boulevard as a
result of improvements for the Site D project. In the future, as other
intersections are developed from projects such as the widening of Grand
and Golden Springs, these types of design features will be included.
MPT/Tye asked if this design would be implemented by Lennar at the
Cherrydale intersection.
CM/DeStefano explained that there has not been a final decision about
that intersection because Cherrydale is a number of feet from Diamond
Bar Boulevard and Brea Canyon and a plan needs to be implemented as
to how far key intersections should be extended.
MPT/Tye asked if it was the goal to eventually have every intersection
look like the proposed intersections with the Caltrans standards.
CM/DeStefano said this is not so much a decision for tonight but a
decision that needs to be made.
PWD/Liu said that the five-year CIP identifies existing key signalized.
intersections for the beautification plan. With respect to Cherrydale and
other such areas, it needs further consideration. Ultimately, as part of this
exercise, staff will develop the recommendation ,and criteria for all future
developments both private and City and this discussion will include
monument signs, bus benches, bus shelters, street clocks, etc.
PWD/Liu responding to C/Lyons stated that street lighting would not be
reduced by this project.
M/Herrera asked if staff was proposing the inclusion of clocks. One of the
local organizations asked if they could contribute toward the project and
perhaps they would be willing to pay for the clock, for example.
CM/DeStefano said that the plan calls for a clock and staff is looking at the
wide median across from EI Polio Loco because it allows for other things
at the base of the clock.
MPT[Tye asked if the clock was proposed to be four-sided or two-sided.
CM/DeStefano responded that staff was thinking two-sided. The other
location that has been considered for a clock is in the K -mart area, either
in the median across from K -mart or somewhere in the area when the
entire area is redeveloped. The median in front of K -mart will likely be
reduced in width to allow for additional turn stacking, etc.
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 5 CC STUDY SESSION
With respect to M/Herrera's question, the area across from EI Polio Loco
is slightly out of the project limits and is not part of this project but would
be included in a companion project.
M/Herrera again asked if community business/organizations would be
allowed to contribute with the City acknowledging their contributions.
CM/DeStefano said this would need to be discussed because this would
be a statement piece in the middle of the street. In terms of receiving
donations, it could be contemplated.
CM/DeStefano asked how the Council felt about locating the clock across
from EI Polio Loco.
MPT/Tye said he felt it would require the removal of some trees
C/Lyons asked if people would be able to see the clock.
MPT/Tye responded yes, if the trees were taken down.
C/Lyons asked the height of the clock.
Mr. Volz responded that it is approximately 15 feet tall
CM/DeStefano said that staff would need to discuss the matter with the
design team and manufacturer to figure out if it would be visible and
feasible.
CM/DeStefano summarized the proposal and asked for Council comments
and questions.
C/Tanaka said he was excited about the project and liked everything that
was presented including the idea of the clock tower on the median which
he felt would ideally have been located at the intersection.
C/Lyons asked about the cost and if any portion of the cost would not be
covered by the Grant.
PWD/Liu responded that staff wanted to make sure that all of the design
elements and components were acceptable. This discussion presents an
opportunity for discussion. There is an additional component which is the
lighting element.
Mr. Volz explained that the proposal is to light all of the sidewalk trees
from the ground plane with LED lights and/or LED strip lighting.
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 6 CC STUDY SESSION
MPT/Tye asked if these lights were vandal proof.
Mr. Volz said they are vandal prone so the strip lighting is placed in an
aluminum channel.
MPT/Tye said it looks great on the drawings and when he sees it installed
it may look different to him. He said he was the wrong one to ask.
C/Lyons asked if there was an example of the patina.
CSD/Rose said the best example was on the fly swatter entry signs.
M/Herrera asked if the fly swatter was the City's invention.
CM/DeStefano said it was Don Gravdahl's responsibility. Those were
made by a few residents back in the day and have been in place for the
past 23 or 24 years but have no historical reference.
M/Herrera asked about the timeline for this project.
PWD/Liu responded that all of the improvements presented this evening .
total about $1.5 million with available resources at $1.7 million (federal
and state
funds, grant funds, etc. over the past few years). There is no General
Fund money committed for this project. Staff hopes to advertise the
project and attract good contractors that will provide bids within the $1.5-
$1.7 million range. This project involves a lot of details and staff is
attempting to define a visual identity and street character which is very
new to the City. Once the City Council gives staff the green light to move
forward, staff will move forward to wrap up the design in July and forward
the plans and specs to Caltrans for their review which could take up to
three months to complete, putting the project into October. Realistically,
halfway into this project the holiday season will be upon us. Staff will
attempt to get all of the street work done during the first 30 -days of the
contract and the rest of the work which will be adjacent to business
driveways will have to be completed outside of the holiday season so that
businesses are not adversely affected.
M/Herrera asked if a better option would be to begin the work in January
2015.
PWD/Liu concurred that it would be better to begin the construction
portion immediately after the holidays.
MPT/Tye asked if staff had talked with all of the property owners who will
be potentially affected by this project so that if they want to do any
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 7 CC STUDY SESSION
improvements to their property they will know the timeline and theme
details.
PWD/Liu said that the businesses and property owners were invited to the
open house in April. and staff will continue close communications with
them through the Public Information Division.
MPT/Tye asked if staff was making actual personal contact.
CDD/Gubman said he personally spoke with all of the property owners at
all four of the intersection corners including multiple property owners and
property managers and has shared with everyone, either in person or by
email, the images of what the Council is being presented this evening to
garner any comments and/or concerns that they might have. All of the
property owners are enthusiastic and all had questions and concerns
about access to their properties during construction so staff worked to
ensure that full access to all driveways will be maintained during
construction. Massage Envy is also supportive of this project but had
concerns about jackhammers and other things that might disturb the
atmosphere. The good thing about the location is that it is in a commercial
district which permits late night work during non -business hours to mitigate
the impacts to the business operations. Staff has gotten good feedback
and has attempted to be responsive to the property owners' concerns,
primarily about construction activity.
MPT/Tye asked if CDD/Gubman had received any feedback about
property owners wanting to simultaneously improve their properties.
CDD/Gubman said not really. Staff was looking at the opportunity to
integrate some of the design elements when they do improvements to
their properties such as the Ralph's property whose owner will be
repainting, re -landscaping and upgrading their site. He stated that he has
been in touch with the property manager for the shopping center to share
the beautification palate to hopefully encourage them to knit their plans
into the City's plans.
PWD/Liu said there were five business owners at the meeting and he did
not remember anything specific with respect to comments about the plans.
One of the common comments/concerns was impacts and interruptions to
their specific businesses during construction and comments/concerns
about trees blocking their entrances. General comments about the
materials, plantings, etc. were "wow — we like what we see."
With Council concurrence, M/Herrera directed staff to move forward with
the proposed project.
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 8 CC STUDY SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to come before the City
Council, M/Herrera adjourned the Study Session at 6:25 p.m.
TO MYE CRIBBINS, City Clerk
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 15th day of July
2014.
Carol Herrera, Mayor
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
JULY 1, 2014
STUDY SESSION:
5:30 p.m., Room CC -8
Grand Avenue Beautification Project Update - Discussion and Action.
Public Comments: None
Adjournment:
Study Session adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Herrera 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,
California.
CM/DeStefano reported that during tonight's Study Session the City Council
received an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project for the
intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Longview Drive. Work on this
project has been underway for about a year. During a public meeting in March
staff received input and in April the City Council received the details of that public
session. The project involves streetscape, landscaping, hardscape, sidewalk
improvements, signals, etc. and a variety of thematic elements that would be
created at those two intersections first and carried throughout the City as projects
and resources become available over the next several years. In April the City
Council reviewed the concepts and tonight the City Council reviewed the details
and provided staff and the consultant team with direction so that the next steps
will include working with Caltrans (oversight for the use of federal dollars), taking
the project out to finalize construction drawings, opening the bid process and
commencing construction. The construction schedule will be provided at the
appropriate time and may or may not be done this calendar year, depending on
whether construction would be ongoing and adversely affect businesses during
the holiday period.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Herrera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION: Ahmad H. Sakr, PhD., Islamic Education
Center gave the invocation.
ROLL CALL: Council Members Chang, . Lyons, Tanaka,
Mayor Pro Tem Tye and Mayor Herrera.
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; Marsha Roa,
Public Information Manager; Cecilia Arellano, Public Information Coordinator;
and, Kimberly Young, Senior Civil Engineer.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 2 CITY COUNCIL
1. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATES, PROCLAMATIONS:
NEW BUSINESS OF THE MONTH:
1.1 M/Herrera proclaimed July 2014 as Parks and Recreation Month.
C/Lyons read the proclamation and presented it to Kim Hsieh,
Parks and Recreation Commissioner.
2. CITY MANAGER REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS: None.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Cathy Patterson stated that on June 27 she and her dog were attacked by
a neighbor's dogs which were running loose in their front yard. Her dog is
13 years old and has a pacemaker and Ms. Patterson walks her dog twice
daily. The larger of the two dogs, an Akita, knocked her and her dog down
and bit her severely on the leg which required many stitches. The owner
of the dogs apparently heard Ms. Patterson's screams and came out to
call off his dogs. She has been a member of the Community since prior to
Cityhood while she was a college student and has always loved the
overall safe feeling and friendliness of the community. She has taught in
the WVUSD and will start her 30th year this coming August. Over the
years she has observed that there are several dog owners in the area who
do not properly supervise their dogs. Following the attack and after she
received medical treatment she wanted to make a report with the animal
control and sheriff. When she went to the Sheriffs office to make her
report she was told that although they had taken these types of reports in
the past it was a function of the animal control officer to address the
situation. She was given the telephone number and a brief lecture as to
how she should have called 911 when the incident occurred at which time
she could have made the report. She was a bit speechless and left the
Sheriff's Office feeling she had been responsible for the incident. She was
still in a state of shock from the incident and a bit overwhelmed at that
point. She called and reported the incident to the Inland Valley Humane
Society when she got home. She decided to visit the Humane Society
office on Saturday to follow up and spoke to the officer in charge of her
case who took more details and asked for photos of the injury. Again, she
was taken aback when asked if she had taken steps to protect her dog
during the attack stating that if she had, it could be the reason she and her
dog were attacked. While it is true she instinctively tried to shield her dog
and protect herself as the two dogs were charging them as she walked her
dog on leash on the opposite side of the street, she did not take
responsibility for the attack. She was not expecting this attack and did not
see the dogs until they were upon her and found it disturbing that her
actions caused the incident. She was not expecting this to occur as she
would expect her neighbors to properly supervise their dogs. She is
JULY 1. 2014 PAGE 3 CITY COUNCIL
present before the Council this evening because she feels this is an issue
in many of the City's neighborhoods and people feel powerless to do
anything except wait and hope nothing bad happens which is how she has
felt over the years believing she has dodged a bullet if no encounter
occurs during their walks.
Statistics for dog bites, injuries and deaths are appalling and LA County
has the sad distinction of having the most postal carrier dog injuries in the
County in 2013. She believes there is a responsibility to the community to
ensure a fine quality of life for all citizens and proposed that there be a
small section in the DB Connections devoted to animal care laws as
reminders and would be glad to be responsible for writing such a column.
She would be pleased to advocate for this issue and felt it would be an
excellent example of community service she could share with her
students. No one has a right to deprive citizens of their freedoms and
everyone has a right to live without fear of attack from dogs. She is
grateful the owner of the dog said he would pay her bills and she is
grateful it happened to her and not one of the children or elderly
individuals who live in her neighborhood who walk their dogs on a daily
basis.
Pui-Ching Ho, Diamond Bar Library talked about the Library's Summer
Reading program. For more information visit the Library's website at
www.colapublib.org, stop by the information desk at the Library or call
909-861-4978. She invited parents with babies and toddlers to join
together at the library for stories, songs, dancing and other activities every
Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. On Thursday there will be a magic show at 2:00
p.m. and on Thursday, July 10 at 2:00 p.m. there will be an animal
program adventure.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CM/DeStefano said he was very interested in Ms. Patterson's presentation
and will work with his staff to meet with her at her convenience to learn
more details about the incident, interaction with the Sheriff's Department
and Inland Valley Humane Society. The idea to remind residents of their
responsibilities as dog owners is a good one and there are a variety of
outlets for that message including the D.B. Connection, The Windmill, and
local newspapers.
4. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
5.1 4th of July Blast — July 4, 2014 — 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Lorbeer
Middle School, 501 South Diamond Bar Boulevard (Fireworks begin
at 9:00 p.m.) Live music performance by BUMPTOWN (dance
variety band).
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 4 CITY COUNCIL
5.2 Independence Holiday — July 4, 2014 — City Offices closed in
observance of 4th of July. City Offices reopen Monday, July 7, 2014
at 7:30 a.m.
5.3 Planning Commission Meeting — July 8, 2014 — 7:00 p.m., Windmill
Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive. (Canceled)
5.4 Concerts in the Park — July 9, 2014 — 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., The
Skinny Little Twits (Rock Variety) — Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930
Golden Springs Drive.
5.5 Movies Under the Stars — July 9, 2014 — Immediately following
Concerts in the Park — Frozen — Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930
Golden Springs Drive.
5.6 Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting — July 10, 2014 —
7:00 p.m., Windmill Community Room, 21810 Copley Drive.
5.7 City Council Meeting — July 15, 2014 — 6:30 p.m., SCAQMD
Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR: C/Lyons moved, C/Chang seconded, to
approve the Consent Calendar as presented. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Chang, Lyons, Tanaka, MPT/Tye,
M/Herrera
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
6.1 APPROVED CITY COUNCIL MINUTES — Regular Meeting of June
17, 2014.
6.2 RECEIVED AND FILED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES —
Regular Meeting of April 22, 2014.
6.3 RECEIVED AND FILED TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION MINUTES — Regular Meeting of April 10, 2014.
6.4 RATIFIED CHECK REGISTER — Dated June 12, 2014 through
June 25, 2014 totaling $1,070,303.25.
6.5 APPROVED TREASURER'S STATEMENT — Month of May 2014.
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 5 CITY COUNCIL
6.6 APPROVED FOR SECOND READING BY TITLE ONLY, WAIVED
FULLY READING AND ADOPTED ORDINANCE NO. 06 (2014):
AMENDING SECTION 10.12.310 OF TITLE 10, CHAPTER 10.12
OF THE DIAMOND BAR MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS ON SPECIFIED CITY STREETS.
6.7 AWARDED CONTRACT TO TENNIS ANYONE FOR
RECREATION TENNIS CLASSES FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1,
2014 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2015 IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,000.
6.8 AUTHORIZED CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF $60,000 PAYABLE
TO ALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF
TENANT USER LIABILITY AND SPECIAL EVENT INSURANCE
COVERAGE.
7. PUBLIC HEARING: NONE
8. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: NONE
9. COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS AND MEETING ATTENDANCE
REPORTS/COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS:
C/Chang said that as usual, residents can follow her on a variety of social
media outlets. She hoped everyone would join the fun of the 4th of July
Blast at Lorbeer Middle School and hoped to see everyone at the
Concerts in the Park tomorrow night.
C/Tanaka reported that during the past two weeks he attended Concerts
in the Park and Movies under the Stars, a very popular community event.
Last Monday he attended a Neighborhood Watch Meeting at the
Washington Street Trailer Park Community Room. Last Thursday he
attended the Senior Citizens Prom and Dinner Dance and on Friday he
attended the Lanterman Independence Day Celebration. Last Sunday he
attended the Diamond Bar Lions Breakfast Club installation and
congratulated President Sergio Gonzales and the new board. He wished
everyone a Happy 4th of July and hoped to see everyone at Lorbeer for
the 4th of July Blast for wonderful music and fireworks display.
C/Lyons said she was recently made aware that three of the Diamond Bar
Girls Softball teams (All Stars) are doing very well and will attend the
California State Competition. The first competition date is July 18 in
Lancaster. She complimented staff on the new format of the Diamond Bar
Newsletter and the DB Connection which is easy to read and encouraged
residents to read it. She thanked the Sheriff's Department personnel for
their vigilance. She encouraged everyone to attend the 4th of July Blast
and appreciate Independence Day.
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 6 CITY COUNCIL
MPT/Tye stated that he appreciates Dr. Patterson for coming forward
because this is the way things get done. The City can focus on improving
Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar and paving streets and dealing with
traffic but it is people paying attention in their neighborhoods and coming
to the meeting to bring things to the Council's attention and the attention of
the community. Surely someone else has had the same problem and
should also make the City aware of those incidents so that action can be
taken to improve the situation.
Yesterday he was in Sacramento with M/Herrera, C/Chang and
CM/DeStefano to meet with lobbyist Richard Gonsalves & Associates
(RGA), which has been in business for 30 plus years and serves 50 plus
cities and other entities. It was good to remind legislators that these are
good people keeping an eye on things for the benefit of cities.
Last Tuesday he met with M/Herrera, the Sheriffs Department and Fire
Department to talk about public safety and it was wonderful to hear that
numbers relative to crime are down and remain down. The City trusts its
departments to use the resources in the best way possible to keep the
City as safe as possible, which is much appreciated.
MPT/Tye announced that there is no Concert in the Park tomorrow night
because on Friday everyone is expected to enjoy the 4th of July Blast at
Lorbeer Middle School.
MPT/Tye also announced that the LA Vector Control District has made the
City aware that there was a mosquito found with West Nile Virus in
Diamond Bar and that if anyone has any reservations when spotting
standing water and mosquitoes that appear to be out of place, please do
not hesitate to call the LA County Vector Control District at 562-944-9656.
He hoped to see everyone at Lorbeer Middle School on Friday.
M/Herrera stated that as MPT/Tye reported, she, MPT/Tye and
CM/DeStefano had a legislative briefing yesterday with Senator Bob Huff,
Senator Ricardo Lara, Senator Mark Leno and Justin Howard from the
Department of Finance to hear the latest on the Water Bond for the State
of California, Economic Development, Redevelopment Agencies, etc.
which was time well spent in interfacing with the different legislators.
Staff works very hard to put together the 4th of July Blast and expects
between 8,000 and 10,000 of the Council's closest friends to be in
attendance. There will be a fabulous 25 minute display of fireworks that
promises to be spectacular.
M/Herrera addressed Ms. Patterson stating that CM/DeStefano would like
to talk with her at the conclusion of tonight's meeting.
JULY 1, 2014 PAGE 7 CITY COUNCIL
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business to conduct, M/Herrera
adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7' 8 p.m.
TOMMYE CRIBBINS, CITY CLERK
The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this 1 sth_ day of -n, 1
2014.
�^�---
CAROL HERRERA,MAYOR