Loading...
12-26-1962 - Regular Meeting - MinutesM a _0 0 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WEST CO.VI NA a CALIFORNIA December 26, 1962 The regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Barnes at: 7- 40 p.m. in the West. Covina City Hallo The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Heath and the Invocation was given by Rev, John L. Gunn of First Baptist Church of West Covina, ROLL.CALL Present- Mayor Barnes, Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyde-r.- (at 7- 50) . Others Present- Mr, Robert Flotten, , City Clerk Mr, Harry C. Williams, City Attorney Mr, Thomas Dosh, Acting City Manager Mr, Harold Joseph, Planning Director Mayor Barnes- I would like to acknowledge the presence tonight of Mayor Letcher Bishop of Baldwin Park. Mayor Bishop- Thank you, Mayor. I would like to in- troduce Councilman Moorhead of the Baldwin Park City Council, APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 26, 1962. Mayor Barnes- Are there any corrections or changes to the minutes of the Meeting of November 26, 1962? Hearing no objections I will ask for a motion for approval of the minutes 6f the meeting. Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried, that the minutes of the meeting of November 26, 1962 be approved as submitted, Mayor Barnes- Before we start the action on -.the items of the agenda, I would like to take this opportunity to say that I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and on behalf of the Council and myself I would like to wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year, Councilman Jett- Mr, Mayor, before we get into the City Clerk's Reports, I would like to make a request, This request is prompted for the reason that the number of matters coming before the Council for hearings and discussion requires so much time, that it is difficult for an individual City Councilman to have the time necessary to discuss a specific problem. As a result of this, one of the items that I have requested time and time again be set for a hearing or discussion has been held over for study meetings, and in these study meetings we have never yet arrived at -1- "I, - C. C. 12-26-62 councilman Jett Continued: Page Two a point where we could have sufficient time for discussion, and I would like at this time to bring up for a discussion before the Council two items that are of interest to all the people of the City of West Covina. I feel that by the publicity given to these items in the newspapers, enough interest, ---has been created that we can no longer evade discussing them. Therefore, I feel that in order to bring out in an open meeting for a full discussion, that it is time that we discuss the City Manager's ordinance and the City Manager's salary, and that each Councilman have an opportunity to fully express his opinion on both subjects. The City Manager's Ordinance was passed by the City Council and subse- quently amended, but has never been brought out in the open in a manner that the citizens of West Covina, those people who have to pay the bill, would have an opportunity to read and study for themselves those items that tie the Councilmen's hands and make it next to impossible for them to do the job that they are elected to do. In the interest of the City of West Covina, . I feel that it is necessary that a frank and open discussion by every member of the City Council is necessary, so that the people will have an opportunity to know both sides of the story and where we each stand. A decision must be reach tonight on the City Manager's salary, and I feel • now is the proper time for discussion. Mayor Barnes: I noticed that you were reading from a prepared statement this evening. I intended to ask this evening that the items be held over until the meeting of January 7. I was going to ask that the City Manager's Ordinance and the opening of the bids on the fire station be held over, because of the lengthy agenda and because of the public interest in the items of the agenda. I would like to hold this over until the 7th at an open meeting. Councilman Heath: I think we need a meeting on this. The City Manager's Ordinance has been pend- ing for three months and it is something that is way overdue. Mrs. Van -Dame: I think there has been enough said about the City Manager's Ordinance that I don't know what there is left to say. I don't see what all this talk is about, the City Manager, George Aiassa, has done a fine job for the City of West Covina and I think his salary should be doubled, Mayor Barnes. stated that the question of Mr. Aiassa's salary had been dis- cussed and he had promised Mr. Aiassa that he would try to have a dis- cussion on this as near to the first of the year as possible. Mayor Barnes said that this was asked for and he had said it would be done, and that it is his intent to see that it is done. Councilman Snyder arrived at the Council meeting at 7:50 p.m. -2- C.C. 12-26-62 Page Three Councilman Snyder: May I ask what it is that you are hold- ing over to the 7th of January? • Mayor Barnes: The bids will be opened for the fire station on the 7th. I was going to ask for an adjourned meeting on the City Manager's Ordinance for discussion;. I think that the City Manager's Ordinance should be discussed at an open meeting, U CITY CLERK'S- REPORTS TRACT NO. 19764 LOCATION: Navarro Street south of 'Accept...St.reet and Sanitary Sewer Vine Avenue, east of I mprovements Hollenbeck Street L. R. Gieselman APPROVED Accept street and sanitary sewer improve- ments and authorize release of American Motorists Insurance Company Bond No. 2 SM 155154 in the amount of $17, 500. 00. Certificate of Completion and Inspector's final reports are on file.- Staff recommends acceptance and release of bond. Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, and carried, to accept street and sanitary sewer improvements and authorize release of bond in the amount of $17, 500. 00 . PRECISE PLAN No. 162 LOCATION: Southeast; corner of Cameron Accept Street and Sanitary and Sunset Avenues .Sewer Improvements Maurice Kandel Accept street and sanitary improvem.ents HELD OVER and authorize release of Travelers Indemnity Company Bond No. 928717 in the amount of $14, 000. 00. Certificate of Completion and Inspector's final reports are on file.. Staff recommends acceptance and release of bond. Mr. Flotten read the application and read a letter from . William Kirkland. Mr, Dosh read a letter received by Mr. Joseph requesting this item to be either deleted from the agenda or approved subject to receipt of a valid certificate. Mr. Dosh pointed out that the present certificate was invalid. Mr.. Williams said he believed this was a completion bond which did not guarantee building or material and he advised the Council to hold this item over until the next meeting to enable a check to be made. • Councilman _ Jett: Isn't there a bond for trees on this, or on agreement to put in trees? Mr. Dosh stated that normally trees are put on a cash deposit, and that normally with a .Precise Plan they do not put up a cash deposit. -3- C. C. 12-26-62 Page Four PRECISE' PLAN. No. 162 - Continued Mayor Barnes asked if there was a cash deposit, • Mr. Williams advised that this was a matter where the City is not the Contractor and. would not therefore be paying for the work. He said this Precise Plan requires the improvements whether these improvements are paid for or not. Motion by Councilman. Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, and carried, to hold over Precise Plan No. 162 until the next regular meeting of the City Council on January 14, 1963. PROJECT C-178 LOCATION-. Sunset and Cameron Avenues Approve Plans and Specifications Traffic Signals. Review Engineer's report; approve plans AP•PROYED and specifications. Authorize City Engineer to call for bids. Budgeted item - traffic safety funds.. Staff recommends approval. Mr, Flotten pointed out that the Council had received copies of the Engi- neer's report for both Item 3 and 4, and that these could be discussed concurrently. • Councilman Towner: I have a question as to the source of the funds, I note that we have money for this project in the 1962-1963 budget. Mr. Dosh pointed out that the City had sufficient funds to do this project although it may be necessary to cut some project. He said this was the second time the City had received bids and the City had cut this estimate to $15, 000. 00. He stated that, as in Item 4 of the agenda, the new budget was insufficient to cover the costs. In answer to Mayor Barnes' question, Mr, Dosh specified the amount of $8, 500. 00 and pointed out that one situation involved a sign control and another involved pedestrian control. He said the City was now going ahead and had since. widened Sunset before this had been figured into the budget, and as a consequence the estimate was way low. Councilman Heath asked if this could tie in the signal at Merced and, Mr. Dosh confirmed that the City could synchronize this signal. Councilman Heath said he had understood that .it was not to be synchronized but that Merced was a single installation, Councilman Towner said that according to the report from the staff, it was not interconnected but just actuated. • Mr. Dosh pointed out that the installation would be sufficient to control, and said the left turn was widened. Councilman Heath said he was not in favor of a single installation and thought it would be ridiculous to consider anything at this time which would have to be synchronized at a later date. He said he did not see the syn- chronization with Merced Avenue, I, • • • Co Co 12-26-62 PROJECT C-178 - Continued Page Five Mayor Barnes pointed out that the signal at Merced is not connected at this time but could. be connected at a.later date, Councilman Towner said that this seemed to be what the Council had asked for, and that it takes out the interconnection at Merced Avenue, Mr.. Dosh pointed out that everything being done at this time would make it easier to proceed in the future, Councilman Towner- In other words, it is not interconnected, Mr, Dosh- That's right, Councilman Towner- I think this is in order, Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, and carried, that the plans and specifications be approved for Project C-178. PROJECT C-181 Approve. -Plans and Specifications Traffic Signal APPROVED LOCATION- Sunset and Merced Avenues Review Engineer's report - approve plans and specifications, Authorize City Engineer to call for bids. Budgeted item - Traffic Safety Funds, Staff recommends approval Motion By Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, andcarried, to approve plans and specifications for Project C-181, RES_0-LUTION. No. 2520 APPROVED Mayor Barnes: The City Clerk presented - "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE ,CITY OF WEST_ COVINA APPROVING A BOND TO GUARANTEE COSTS OF CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS AND THE TIME OF COMPLETION IN TRACT No, 27383 IN SAID CITY. Hearing no objections we will waive further reading of the body of the resolution Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by. Councilman Towner, to adopt the said resolutions . Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes- - Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes- None Absent- None Said Resolution was given No. 2520, -5- 0 n LJ LJ __ Co Ca 12-26-62 RESOLUTION . No, 2521 A°P�PROVED Mayor Barnes: Page Six The City Clerk presented. "A RESOLUTION. OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST CO.VINA APPROVING THE FINAL SUBDIVISION MAP OF TRACT No. 27197 ACCEPTING THE DEDICATION THEREIN OFFERED AND ACCEPTING AN AGREEMENT BY THE SUBDIVIDER AND A SURETY BOND TO SECURE THE SAME. Hearing no objections, we will waive further reading of the body of the resolution Motion by- Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman. Snyder, to adopt the said resolution. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes, Noes: None Absent: None Said Resolution was given No, 2521. RESOLUTION NO, 2522 The City Clerk presented: -ADOPTED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AC- CEPTING FOR STREET AND HIGHWAY PURPOSES CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY HERETOFOR GRANTED AND CONVEYED TO THE SAID CITY, (Rosemary Drive) Mayor Barnes: Hearing no objections we will waive further reading of the body of the resolution. Motion by, Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, to adopt the said resolution. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes, Noes: None Absent: None Said Resolution was given No, 2522, Mr, Flotten reported that permission had been requested to delete Item 8 from the agenda. Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Jett and carried, to delete Item 8 from the agenda, I C.C. 12-26-62 SCHEDULED MATTERS HEARINGS ZONE CHANGE. No. 243 Frank and Matilda Giner APPROVED Page Seven LOCATION: 1948 E. Garvey Avenue, between Juniper and Baymar- Streets Request for reclassification from Zone R-A to Zone C-3, approved by Planning Commission Resolution No. 1294. Mayor Barnes: This is the time and place for the public hearing on Zone Change No. 243. All who wish to give testimony for or against this zone change will rise and be sworn in. Mr. A. F. Cook, 257 East Badillo, Covina, r4epresented the Kit Construction Company and Mr. and Mrs. Giner. Mr. Cook indicated on the map the loca- tions of the R-3 zoning surrounding the Giner property. He said Mr. and Mrs. Giner had been informed when they purchased the property that it was already Zone R-3, because the previous owner was unaware that the zoning applied only to the Burgess property. Mr. Cook showed the plan for the 24 apartments with 42 covered parking spaces. • Mayor Barnes: Is there anyone else wishing to speak in favor of this Zone Change? Hearing no further testimony in favor is there any- one who wishes to speak in opposition? Hearing no further testimony for or against this Zone. Change, I declare the public, hearing. closed. Councilman Towner: If I recall correctly there was a plan approved by the Planning. Commission This property is surrounded by R-3 zoning and I think this is the best use of this property. Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried, that Zone Change No. 243 be approved. ZONE- CHANGE No. 242 LOCATION: Easterly of Pass and Covina Home Savings and Loan Association Road between Valley Blvd APPROVED and Francisquito Avenue Request to reclassify from A-1-5 (County) to City,. Zones R-1, AD -I, II, III,, C-1 • and C-3. Approved by Planning Commis- sion Resolution No. 1290, excepting. C-3 and approving. C-2. Appealed by the applicant on November 30, 1962, as to denial of Zone C-3, and hearing was placed on agenda for December 10, 1962. Hearing was held over from December 10, 1962 at the request of the applicant and with approval of those present. . Conduct hearing. -7- Y C., C. 12-26-62 Page Eight ZONE CHANGE No, 242 Continued • Mayor Barnes: This is the time and place to conduct the hearing on Zone Change No, 242, We operate under the West Covina Municipal Code which entitles each speaker three minutes to present his case for or against; however, if you have a spokesman we would relinquish this time limit. . I would first like to have everyone interested in Zone Change No, 242 stand and be sworn in, IN FAVOR Mr,- Graham: Ritchie, 1015 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, attorney for the applicant and appellant, stated he would like to remark on this case, as well as to the other cases, for the benefit of the people present tonight who may not be aware of some of the problems faced by the developer, Mr. Ritchie said the applicant proposed to develop property which they owned, some ad- jacent to the city, and some presently in Los Angeles County; and in con- nection with this property, they were requesting certain zone changes and certain conditional use permits, Mr. Ritchie stated that they had been before the Planning. Commission and requested housing on the majority of this tract, and in addition had asked for zone changes to provide two commercial areas. He pointed out that in . this area of West Covina, there will be approximately 4,000 new homes, and consequently there would be a substantial need for commercial zoning to service the area that they plan to develop, He said the developer was en- countering difficulty in asking for use permits for landfill operations and for the operation of a memorial park, He also pointed out that a large portion of the annexation was pending in litigation, and that this lawsuit would be dismissed if adequate zoning could be obtained. He contended that the com- mercial zoning would be of economic benefit to the City,. as well as to the applicant, Mr. Ritchie said .that in working with the Planning Department, the applicant had compromised on several points to comply with all the legal requirements of the City, including ordinances in process and existing .planning ordinances, He pointed out that they had proposed 6,000 sq. ft. lots but the City wanted 7, 500 sqo ft. lots as a minimum size. . He further pointed out that when certain residents objected to the landfill sites, the applicant, in deference, withdrew Site A and Site C, and in addition had worked at great length with the Planning Staff and the- City Engineer to work out the conditions for landfill Sites B and D which were left in the application. He said these were an ex- tensive series of conditions, some of which were imposed by the County, and some by the Planning Staff. He stated that eventually they came up with a set of� conditions which were adopted by the Planning Commission, Mr, Ritchie • said the applicant had offered to annex a substantial land area in the neighbor- hood of 400 acres, The attorney said that when they appeared before the Planning Commission they presented reasons for- C-3 zoning, but were unable to specify at that time what type of stores they had planned because it was too early. He pointed out the Commission designed some guide posts in order to regulate the location of school sites and park sites to comply with the ordinance, He Co Co. 12-26-62 ZONE CHANGE- No. 242 - Continued Page Nine contended that they agreed that it would be difficult to do that at that time, but they agreed that the area was logical for commercial zoning„ He pointed • out that they disagreed whether it should be C-2 or C-3, but gave no parti- cular reason, and permitted C-2 now, saying that the applicant could get C-3 later when they asked for it, Mr,. Ritchie contended that they were requesting. C-3 zoning for uses they needed in that area; and that under the present zoning ordinance it is essential that they have C-3 zoning for this area, . He pointed out that among the uses they planned were a bowling alley, gymnasium, furniture reupholstery shop, newspaper and printers, photo engraving, hardware and plumbing. shops, and a car wash. He felt that these were reasonable uses which could not be operated with C-2 zoning, and he further felt that in a development of this magnitude, the City should have a certain amount of faith in the people with whom they were dealing. He pointed out that the developer had many long years of success in developments of this kind, and it would not make good sense that they would put in an obnoxious use in their own development. He contended that the return on their investment would be the money they made on home loans over &:.long period of time, and that they would not be in and out of the area in two or three years, and therefore they would allow only commercial uses to best service the area. Mr. Ritchie further pointed out that the Precise Plan gave the Council power to control and was an adequate safeguard against abuse of C-3 zoning, The applicant considered it the highest and best is grant of the land to make this area C-3, and the attorney urged the Council to grant C-3 for this area. Mayor Barnes: Is there anyone else wishing to speak in favor of this zone change? Hearing no further testimony in favor, is there any- one who wishes to oppose the zone change? No opposition was heard from the audience and the hearing was closed, Mayor Barnes: Is ther any discussion from the., Council? Councilman Snyder: I have nothing to say at the present time, Councilman Heath: I can't help but agree with the applicant that a parcel of that size should not be limited to C-2o I haven't got a reasonable explanation why it should be limited to, C-Z. I think that to develop properly it should be definitely given a C-3 - zonings Councilman Towner felt that the Planning, Commission was motivated to wait because of the experience the City has had in the past with C-3 zoning. He pointed out Glendora Avenue and the area between the wash and the free- way which had developed into a problem area. Councilman Towner felt, how- ever,- that where the development was all under one ownership, the develop- er would exercise adequate control, and that in addition, the City Council also had power to control. He said he would go along with the commercial zoning being requested. -9- C.C. 12-26-62 ZONE CHANGE No. 242 -- Continued Page Ten Councilman Jett said he realized that there was no subdivision map before • the Council by which they could determine precisely the area which would be developed, but that he also realized that at the present time, the City was lacking in some of the businesses they proposed to set into that C-3 development. He said it was his opinion that these happen to be some of the uses which would round out the program to get some uses like photo en- gravers and furniture reupholstery shops. _ Councilman Jett pointed out that the --City did not have any of these and that everything was developed to C-1 zoning. . He felt that the two areas the applicant had in mind adequately lent thems-elves to C-3. development and he would therefore be in favor of going along with the C-3 request. Councilman Snyder: I have nothing to add to the statements. Mayor Barnes: I think need will govern development in area. I don't think C-3 is an unwarranted request because the use they put in will be governed by the demand, We have many C-3 uses in the City. I don't see any objections to C-3 in this area. Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried, that Zone Change No 242 be approved subject to the recommendations of . the Planning Commission except that C-3 be permitted as requested by the applicant. UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT NO. 70 LOCATION. Easterly of Pass and Home Savings & Loan Association Covina, between Valley HELD OVER Blvd. and Francisquito Avenue. Request for cemetery and accompanying use denied by Planning Commission Resolution No. 1291. Appealed by the applicant on November 30, 1962. Conduct hearing. Mayor Barnes: This is the time and place to conduct the public hearing on Unclassified Use Permit No. 70. Again I would like to remind you that we operate under the West Covina Municipal Code allowing three minutes to each speaker; however, if you have a spokesman, we will consider this and ask the amount of time you will require. All who wish to speak for or against this case will rise and be sworn in. IN FAVOR • Mr. Graham Ritchie stated that the portion of the map indicated by a green area was the biggest problem area for the developer. He said it was a simple problem of economics, and that because the City required lot sizes of 7, 500 sq. ft. , but did not allow multiple dwellings, the total price of developed parcels would have to be $22, 000 minimum per home. Mr. Ritchie -10- G.C. 12-26-62 Page Eleven UNCLaASS1FIED USE PERMIT No. 70 - Continued • pointed out the problem was. that a group of homes, to which their property would abut were: largely in foreclosure, and that the homes which were not in foreclosure could be purchased for $10, 000 but the owners were unable to find buyers. He contended that the applicant could not market expensive homes which were next to houses which could be purchased for much less. He said they had been advised to develop some kind of a green belt between the two developments, and were further advised that the belt use they could find for the property separating the two developments would be a memorial park. He stated that the applicant had not been able to come up with any other use for the subject property, and that it was too large to turn into a park. He said they must develop something to give an economical return for their investment. Mr., Ritchie said they proposed a memorial park and had presented testimony on two occasions to the City, as well as protected the property owners. Mr. Ritchie stated that Mr. Herbert Baer, who had ex- tensive experience in appraising property, had presented evidence to the Planning Commission and was present tonight to testify' before the Council tonight. Mr. Ritchie called up Mr. Baer, and asked him to state his background. Mr. Herbert Baer, 12550 Brookhurst, Garden Grove, said he had been an Appraiser and valuation Engineer since 1946, and, prior to that time, was in business as a Real Estate Broker from 1932 until 1942. He said he had been an Instructor in Real Estate, and that he had been employed by many Federal, State and County governments to evaluate property under Eminent Domain for specific needs. He further stated that he was experienced in evaluating and appraising the type of property for the uses proposed by Home Savings and Loan Association. Under interrogation by Mr. Ritchie, Mr.. Baer testified that he had made 15 or 16 other investigations of other areas that were adjacent to memorial parks and found no reluctance on the part of residents to live next to a memorial park, except at one memorial park, Forest Lawn, which had been put in subsequent to Riverside Rancho. He said he had since made another survey of the property owners in Riverside Rancho and had found that these people had revised their opinions and were fully reconciled to living near am memorial park. When asked if he had found any manifes- tation of blight in the area adjacent to memorial parks, Mr. Baer replied that he had checked many cities and there was no evidence of blight in these areas. He stated further that in comparing properties adjacent to the memorial parks he had in many instances found that these parcels showed more pride of ownership than any in the area. Mr. Ritchie asked if a comparison had been made of.: the taxes and Mr. Baer replied that he had found in Los Angeles County that the difference in taxes varied from nothing to a mill or two, and that in his opinion, after talking to tax technicians, that there is no detrimental impact from memorial parks. It was also his opinion, from observance of the proposed development, that a memorial park would materially enhance the property in the surrounding ar ea. - 11 - c.c. 12-26-62 UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT No. 70 Continued Page Twelve • Mr. Ritchie asked, if somehow or other, a memorial park would have a psychological effect on surrounding residents; he asked Mr. Baer if he had considered the psychological impact. Mr. Baer said he had considered this, and quoted from his notes, the reasons why he felt a memorial park would not adversely affect the properties in question. He stated that in Los Angeles County he had found six schools immediately adjacent or surrounded by a memorial park. He claimed he had questioned the School Boards in these areas and was informed that these Board had considered the psychological factor and had determined that there would be no psychological effect on the students. He further stated that the ,schools were put in subsequent to the placements of the memorial parks, and pointed out that adjacent to Inglewood Park there was, in addition, a hospital. This indicated to him that the Boards were right in their determinations, and he felt therefore that these determin- ations could be applied to the subject neighborhood and they would be no more or no less subjected to psychological factor. In outlining the difference between a cemetery and a memorial park, Mr. Baer stated that a memorial park uses a flat, ground -level tablet as a site marker rather than an upright gravestone, so that there was no un- sighly projection above the site, He said the grounds of a memorial park were perpetually under care and maintenance and that such parks were readily approved by government agencies, as a green belt cultural center, where there were art exhibits. He pointed out that the quaint and beautiful little chapels of the memorial park were used for marriage services and special occasions and that the memorial park was more than just a place of final repose. - He further stated that such parks were enclosed by masonry walls and were generally subjected to setbacks of 50 feet to 150 feet. In answer to Mr. Ritchie's question of the need for a memorial park, parti- cularly in the West Covina area, Mr. Baer said he believed he had ade- quately demonstrated the need for such sites when he had presented his findings before the Planning Commission. He could not understand why the factual evidence he had gathered was not accepted as supporting the need for a memorial park in this area. Mr. Baer reiterated the facts he had found in his investigation of the area within a 20-mile radius of the pro- posed development. He quoted the American Table of Mortality rate at one death per 1,000 per persons, per month, or 12 per 1,000 per year, and pointed out that in this locality this would show a need for a total of 6, 000 interment sites per year. He said that there were now 19 memorial parks or cemeteries in operation within the 20-mile radius with a total of 108,000 unoccupied sites, and that if these were utilized at 100 percent the available sites would last for only 18 to 20 years. Mr. Faer read. the list of names of the 19 memorial parks and cemeteries and stated that actually with the 18 year estimate he could not help feeling very • pessimistic because the population was bound to expand or grow, and the availability of sites would decrease or be used up at a faster pace. He said 'that many sites would be purchased under the "Prem E" plan. Mr. Baer stated that he did not include San Fernando Valley in his in- vestigation because from his analysis he found that residents were inclined to use interment sites that were available in their neighborhood rather than to travel 25 miles to a site in Burbank. -12- C. C. 12-26-62 Page Thirteen UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT No. 70 - Continued Mr. Ritchie asked if the increase of an additional 40,000 people from the • proposed new developments in the area would add to the requirement for a memorial park. Mr. Baer stated that this would definitely have to be considered, and that in an area of this magnitude, you could not try to acquire sites at a later time, but it was necessary to plan ahead. He pointed out that once an area was committed for a memorial park, it was committed forever. Mayor Barnes: Is there anyone else wishing to speak in favor of this Unclassified Use Permit? Hearing no further testimony in favor, I will call the opposition to speak. IN OPPOSITION Mr. Beverly Tomkins, 17831 Vila Corta, La Puente, stated that the Council had before them a petition with 1571 signatures of residents who were in opposition to a cemetery as a buffer zone.. He quoted Mr. Ritchie's re- buttal statement, before the Planning Commission, that the 150 acres of land proposed for the memorial park would fill a need in this area, and pointed out that Mr. Ritchie's statement did not disclose what the need was. Mr. Tomkins said the property owners had conducted a reseach of their own, and this research had proved that the present cemetery sites would fill the • need for the next 50 years. He took issue with Mr. Ritchie's rebuttal statement that the homes within 300 feet of the proposed development did not exceed $10, 000. 00 each and that many were in foreclosure. Mr. Tom- kins contended that their research had shown the homes actually ranged from between $9, 000. 00 to $15, 000. 00 with a large percentage in the $14, 000 range, andtthat out of the 350 homes in the area approximately ten percent were vacant and mdst of the vacant are G.I. loans which require a certain amount of time to be sold. , He agreed that the cemetery would not devaluate the property tax -wise, but claimed a moral devaluation. Mr. Tomkins took issue with the testimony given the Planning Commission hearing, that customarily there were 800 to 1200 interment sites, and that these sites accommodated a 1, 000 density as an average guess. He said that when asked if Rose Hills had 1,000 acres, Mr. Baer replied they did have in area but due to topography it is not all useable, and when Com- missioner Hall asked if they could use a cut and fill operation, Mr. Baer replied that it must be conomically feasible. In regard to the 108, 000 unoccupied burial sites within the 19 cemeteries, Mr. Tomkins stated that their research showed that Rose Hills had 2,000 undeveloped acres and can inter 1,200 to 1,500 persons per acre. He contended that at an inter- ment of 1, 200 to 1, 500 this could accommodate 1, 200, 000 and that this was considerably more than the claimed 108, 000. • Mr. Tomkins quoted an article from the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, dated July 15, 1962 in rebuttal of Mr. Baer's statement that this area was a mecca for senior citizens. The article labeled the City of La Puente as "Kidsville U.S.A. " because the City had more residents under the age of 18 years than in any other city in the United States. He contended that -13- C.. C. 12-26-62 Page Fourteen UNCLAtS33FIED USE PERMIT NO. 70 - Continued their area made up a large portion of the survey upon which the article was based, and this certainly did not show the area to be a mecca for senior • citizens. Mr. Tomkins urged denial of the Unclassified Use Permits requested, pointing out that a map had not been provided showing entrance and exits but only dump sites. Mr. Tomkins stated that in summary, the existing home owners feel they should have some voice as to whether or not they were going to liv.e next to a cemetery. Mr. James P. Craig Members of the Council of the City of West 450 Doverdale -Avenue Covina, you are well aware of the impor- La. Puente, California tant decision which must be made by you at this time regarding the establishment of the proposed cemetery. This decision cannot be reversed ten, twenty or even one hundred years from now. This land would be committed for all eternity. It has been stated in the General Plan which is a representation of the City's faith in its own future and a statement of what that future can be .. .. only through orderly directed, planned development, can the community pre- serve its property values and, extend the pleasant, healthy and efficient environment it seeks to achieve and perpetuate. The Chamber of Commerce of the City of West Covina employed an economic consultant to conduct a 12-month evaluation of past and present business and • population census data. The consultant has placed West Covina's 1962 retail sales volume at $100 million. West Covina is expected to continue as the key focal point of trade and service in the San Gabriel Valley. If the City of West Covina is to continue as the focal point of trade and service in the San Gabriel Valley, it must adhere to the principles es- tablished by the General Plan. Even Home Savings and Loan recognized the necessity of planning for the future growth. I quote from a statement by Mr. Webster, Counsel for Home Savings and Loan: "Three years of planning have gone into this and it has taken a year to get it finalized. Good planning, public convenience and public welfare, dictate this type of map . . . . . With the number of homes we anticipate, there will, obviously, be a need for commercial establish- ments to serve the area. The larger areas are primarily for the purpose of _attracting major shopping centers, while the smaller areas are utilized for service stations. For the lower buffer, the overall plan calls for R-1." The buffer, as referred to in Mr. Webster's statement, is the proposed • cemetery. Gentlemen, we are the residents in the area affected by this cemetery and, we feel this cemetery would be as detrimental to the City of West Covina as it would be to us. A more suitable buffer strip, if it is needed, to separate this so-called "sub- standard" area from proposed high-priced development, would be more appropriate for the existing residential section. -14- Co C. 12-26-62 Page Fifteen UNCLASSIFIED -USE PERMIT NO. 70 Continued Mr, James P.• Craig -- Continued • We have noted on West Covina's "Generalized Land Use Map" that there are no large industrial areas in your city. . The industrial development of the City of Industry will require a high -density residential area.. It should be pointed out that the proximity of the City of Industry makes this an ideal location for such a residential area, and would bring in needed revenue, to the larger retail stores of your illustrious city. Another point of interest that should be brought out is the proposed Pomona Freeway which will pass less than a mile south of this property. The City of West Covina has prospered from the San Bernardino Freeway on the north and, we see no reason why it should not benefit from one to the south. Gentlemen, this cemetery that Home Savings and Loan is proposing would be a barrier to any ,growth of your city of beautiful homes, Carlos_ A. Ruis Members of the City Council: We, the 18103 E. Lanaca Street homeowners in opposition to the establish - La Puente, California ment of a cemetery make the following concessions: We concede that there may be a need for a cemetery. The question is whose • need is being fulfilled? Is it ours? Would we be opposing the cemetery if it was for our benefit? Is it West Covina's need? We:' don't believe so. West Covina has stated on Page 1 of its General Plan, "West Covina is basically a city of homes and families," On Page 18 it further states its objectives are intended to: "(1) Promote the maintenance and enhancement of existing social, physical and fiscal values in residential areas (6) Prohibit the mixing of residential and incompatible non-residential uses in the living areas of their community, 11 If these basic principles are adhered to, West Covina's need is not the main consideration of the applicant. Whose need is being fulfilled: Mr. Ritchie, attorney for the applicant pointed out on November 21, 1962 at the Planning Commission hearing that it would not be economical to develop this area without a return of their investment. Mr. Ritchie, also stated that the cemetery would fill a need in this area and would provide a buffer of green space between the existing property and the more expensive homes to be developed. From these statements it would appear the primary need is for a return of their investment and the buffer strip is merely incidental. We concede, that the establishment of a cemetery may not diminish property • values, Mr. Baer, valuation engineer and appraiser, testifying as an ex- pert on cemeteries, on behalf of the applicant, also appeared in the same capacity for Forest Lawn before the Council of the City of Walnut. I must compliment Mr.. Baer, on the extent of his research and the statistics sub- mitted. By now, he has probably submitted such a survey to the members of this Council, However, I would like to remind the Council that statistics -15- C. C. 12-26-62 Page Sixteen UIVCLASS,IFIED USE PERMIT NO. 70 Continued Mr. Carlos A. Ruiz Continued were lsed lay Billy Sol Estes to induce the farmers on the benefits to be derived if they invest in his projects. Time and time again statistics have been used to entice the unsuspecting. We concede, the applicant is a large financial institution. . Billboards all over Los Angeles announce with pride, "HOME SAVINGS AND LOAN, ONE BILLION DOLLARS STRONG." After yesterday, I would be ashamed to announce my financial strength. Neverthless, tonight we stand before you as equals, a David and Goliath. Home Savings & Loan defamed our homes by calling them substandard, and insinuated that your City is a mecca for senior citizens, when it is common knowledge that your. City is a mecca for the young at heart. They engaged attorneys, engineers, and statisticians in an attempt to establish a cemetery for the sole purpose of gaining a return of their investment. We, the opponents, inspired by the faith and trust of our government for making it possible for many of us to become homeowners, oppose the applicant. We raise our voices in opposition to the destruction of our home environ- ment. We request the Council to protect the health and mental welfare of our community by rejecting the applicant's request. Members of the Council, you may ask, what can we do for you if our re- quest is granted? I am sure you all remember the fable of the little in- significant mouse and the mighty king of the jungle -- no one knows what the future may hold. Gentlemen, regardless of the outcome, we would like to wish season's greetings to all present and may you, the members of the Council be guided by the wisdom of Solomon in reaching a most difficult decision. Thank you. Mayor Barnes: Who would like to speak next in opposi- tion? If there is no one else to speak in opposition to Unclassified Use Permit No. 70, I will now permit the proponents an opportunity for rebuttal. IN REBUTTAL Mr. Ritchie stated that he wished to express his personal respect for these people and their concern for their homes and their concern about a memorial park. He said the applicant is confronted with the fact that it would be impractical to develop this property to any other use, and that the facts bear out that homes actually increase in value with this type of development. He said that over a period of time he was sure these people would concede that the area is just as attractive as it is now. Mr. Ritchie -16- 0 Co C. 12-26-62 Page Seventeen UNC'LASSrIFIED USE PERMIT NO. 70 Continued pointed out that he could not really answer an emotional argument. He felt the p:eopie were entitled to an opinion and he did not intend to try and change their opinion. Mr. Ritchie said they felt the development was in the best interest of West Covina, and they could not see a single adverse affect on the citizens of West Covina, nor could they see any adversity to the property or the people not in West Covina. He felt therefore, that they must stick by this develop- ment, because it was the only way they could develop this property, and they had to recognize the need for the utilization of this land. He respectfully requested the Council to consider the increase of 40,000 population as showing a reasonable need for this development that would hurt nobody; and requested the Council to weigh- all the ramifications and grant the Unclassified Use Permit they were requesting. Mayor Barnes: If there is no further rebuttal, I declare the hearing closed. 'Councilman. Snyder: Are we going to have the Planning. Com- mission resolution read? Mayor Barnes: Mr.- Flotten, will you read Resolution No, 1291. Mr, Flotten read Planning Commission Resolution No, 1291 and pointed out that the City had mailed 228 notices of this hearing and was in possession of a petition with 1571 signatures in opposition and a petition of 53 signa- tures in opposition. He stated these petitions were on file in the office of the City Clerk, Mayor Barnes: Have you any other data? Mr. Flotten read a letter from .Suttro Mortgage Company. Mayor Barnes: Is thereany discussion from the Council? Councilman Snyder felt that the main question to be decided was whether or not there was a need for a cemetery not only for West Covina, but for the .San Gabriel Valley, and equally important was whether or not a cemetery would be of benefit to West Covina as a whole. . Councilman Snyder stated that it was a new idea, as far as he was concerned, to use a cemetery as a buffer, and that he was against buffering people against people. With- out trying to be facetious, he stated that if people did not want to live next to the other people they would not want to be buried next to them Councilman Snyder said he felt the letters regarding the need for ceme- teries were at variance when they consider that space is available for the next one hundred years, He further stated that he personally was not ready to vote on the matter, -17- C. C. 12-26-62 Page Eighteen UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT NO. 70 Continued Councilman Heath said he could not see what the developer was endeavoring • to do by placing a cemetery at the lower end of the property. In regard to the comment made about developing a park, he could see where the City of West Covina would benefit from developing and maintaining a park which would be used by everyone within a 20-mile radius at this City°s expense. He contended that the City needed parks in the center of the City, and that there was no justification to develop that area for parks. Councilman Heath said from the statt.ements by the opposition they concede the problem was not the diminution of property but more of a psychological effect. He pointed out that looking at the development from a long range point of view, the people who would stand to lose the most would be the developer because they would have homes in this area, and if a memorial park was this objectionable they would not be able to make their homes s ell. He said if there were anything detrimental it would be both to the developer and the people to the south, and he could not fathom the idea that the developer would do anything that would be damaging to himself. Mr. Heath said that there was no doubt that the developer had spent a great deal of time and money to get an accurate survey to develop this area as a cemetery, and he felt these. experts were mor experienced than him elf in such an appraisal. Councilman Heath felt that in a matter of time any psychological effect would be overcome, He could offer no sug- gestion as to what else they could put in that area, unless they were to is go to 6, 000 sq. ft. lots; but rather than regress, he stated': that he would rather see a cemetery go in that area. Councilman Heath further pointed out that the City had studies made within the last two years and found that the breaking point, at what would pay for the City in the development 'of homes, was set between. $16, 500. 00 to $17, 000. 00 market value before the property would start to pay its own way. Due to operating expenses of the City anything less than. $16, 500. 00 would cost the city more in police and fire protection, than the revenue that these homes would bring in, Councilman Towner did not believe the existence of foreclosures justified a cemetery. He thought it was really a question of need, and in this regard some of the evidence was conflicting. As to need, he personally preferred smaller cemetery sites rather than huge sites. Mr. Towner believed if we permitted a cemetery site, the need could be justified here, and he further felt the developer had demonstrated faith in their own evidence.. He said if they were willing to develop homes in this site-, they must believe this is satisfactory zoning. Councilman Towner said he was inclined to think that this development had possibilities with two stringent conditions; one relating to access and:: the other relating to proper screening. He thought if _such conditions could be set forth, the • cemetery could go in without harming the existing homes and could be a suitable use of this property. Councilman. Jett asked if Mr. Baer in making his appraisal had tried to determine the highest and best use for this piece of property. Co C. 12-26-62 Page Nineteen UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT NO. 70 Continued Mr,. Baer replied: that he did not appraise the property to determine any- thing but the feasibility for a memorial park. He said he did not consi- der uses for contiguous or adjacent land, Councilman Jett: Then you did not attempt to determine the highest and best use for the property? Mr, Baer: No, sir, They had that done themselves. I was hired to tell the impact on the adjacent property. Councilman Jett: There is another apparent discrepancy here, Mr. Ritchie stated, that they plan to develop 4,000 homes. Am I right? Mr,. Ritchie: That's right. The plan is for develop- ment of from 4,000 to 5,000 homes. Councilman Jett: Are you going to have a population of 40,000 in these homes? Mr,. Ritchie pointed out he was considering the population expansion in the adjacent parcel, and in relation to the total area of which one-half • would be in West Covina if this application is approved, Councilman Jett recalled that there had been an area of 200 acres, pre- viously considered in the City of West Covina, that was zoned for cemetery use for five years, and that no use was made of that property. He asked if there was any attempt to develop this as a cemetery. Mayor Barnes stated that they had a request but nothing was ever consum- mated, Councilman ,Heath clarified that the 200 acres was a parcel of an annex- ation along Talley Boulevard that was zoned and tied up in a lawsuit and was further tied up because the entire annexation was still in litigation. Because it was not known exactly where it would be put in they did not wish to go ahead with the development. He said a number of people had wanted to buy if it was ever broken out of litigation, Mayor Barnes said he believed this was handled by Pickering, and when it was finally settled it totaled 241 acres. Councilman Jett said the point he was trying; to clarify was that in five years of not being used this was because there was not a need. • Councilman Heath said that several companies wanted to buy but were afraid because the annexation was not finalized. Mayor Barnes: I think we can safely say that in all of that time it .was in lititgation. -19- C.C. 12-26-62 Page Twenty UNCLASSIFIED- USE PERMIT NO. 70 -- Continued Councilman Jett wondered if the existing homes were not just as entitled to buffering as anyone else, and he wondered if it would not be possible to build a row of homes, completely around the perimeter of the proposed memorial park to buffer the existing homes from the park. He said if it was such a beautiful development and such a beautiful park, this request would seem reasonable because this would necessitate putting in a street and landscaping to buffer the memorial park from the existing homes. Mr. Jett said he frankly thought there were a lot of questions to be answered, and that he did not feel in a position to vote one way or the other. Mayor Barnes stated that at the time of submittal of the maps for the •dev-el opment of homes, Mr.. Childs called him and said he had a surprise. This surprise turned out to be the cemetery request. The Mayor and Council- man .Heath went to the meeting and encouraged them to accept the maps for the home development and after this was done, the applicant came back and seemed quite concerned because the cemetery did not go through. Mayor Barnes said he could not see a need for a cemetery, nor could he see why the area could not be developed into homes. . He said in regard to the statement that homes did not pay for themselves or provide revenue to the City unless they were between $16 , 000. 00 and $17, 000. 00 was true, but that Home Savings and Loan Association stated that they cannot afford to build homes for less than $24, 000. 00 in this area and this can be a benefit to the city, • Mayor Barnes pointed out that he did. not see why a cemetery was being developed because the City would realize revenue only on the property developed at the time, and that upon completion the City would receive no more revenue. He felt the City owed something to traffic control ifr all areas, and felt that as far as the need was conerned, there was a need for more study. He pointed out that in other cemetery hearings this was discussed and it was found that there was no need for at least 35 years.. He stated that he did not feel he could vote on this this evening. Councilman Heath- I think it is the feeling of the Coun- cilmen that we don't have the full facts and that this should be set aside until. further study can be made. Councilman Snyder- I would go along with that. There is a problem with this piece of. - property and I would not feel right about the facts that were submitted tonight. I think we need a study, es- pecially as to the need or if something better can be done with this property. There are too many conflicting facts. Councilman Towner asked the present status of the litigation in the anaexa- • tion, and .Mr. Williams, the City Attorney, pointed out that the trial had been continued three or four times, with the next trial due somewhere around January 12. Councilman Heath thought it would be appropriate for the City Attorney to tell the people where we stand in the litigation so that they could know all -20- C. C. 12-26-62 Page Twenty-one UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT No. 70 Continued the facts. Mayor Barnes felt this was unnecessary because it did not really • concern the people outside of the City of West Covina. Councilman .Heath felt there was a considerable connection by virtue of the fact that they are considering property that might not be in the City of West Covina at all, and if that were the case, the Council would have no control over the property. He pointed out that the litigation could last for four years, because presently the trial has been reset, and reset over and over again; and that if the City could not come to an agreement with Home Savings and Loan, they could have the trial carried. He stated that if the City won they could dictate any terms, but if it was out of West Covina it would go to the County and the County would have control. Councilman Snyder agreed that what Councilman Heath had stated was par- tially true, in that if we acted now the City would have control, but he did not want to act if only because the City was threatened with a lawsuit. He felt the Council should act only on the basis of a need and not because there was a lawsuit pending. Councilman Jett felt the consideration should be given to the highest and best use of the property. He said he could not help but feel that this was a nice piece of ground which was level and on a gentle slope, with a potential for some really good uses other than a cemetery. • Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Snyder, and carried, that Unclassified Use -Permit No. 70 be held over to the next regular meeting of the City Council on January 14, 1963. Councilman Towner suggested that the applicant have some studies made of the oproperty as to other possible uses, and as to the possibilities of con- trolling accesses and screening in the event that it goes into a cemetery. UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT No. 71 LOCATION: Easterly of Pass and Home Savings and Loan Association Covina, between Valley HELD OVER Blvd and Francisquito Avenue Request for gas stations, dump sites, and related uses and land reclamation approved by Planning Commission Resolution No. 1292. Appealed by adjacent property owners on November 29, 1962. Conduct hearing. Mayor Barnes: This is the time and the place for . the public hearing on Unclassified Use Permit No. 71. All persons wishing to speak for or against will please rise and be sworn in. Mr. Harvey S. Krieger requested the right of cross examination of the proponents. He stated that he did not feel the opponents would be given a fair hearing unless they held this right. He asked that the City Attorney to state an opinion as to the validity of this right. -21- C, Co 12-26-62 Page Twenty-two UN.CI:ASSIFIE'D USE -PER-MIT"NOo 71 - Continued Mr., Williams stated that both sides have the right of cross examination. He said that during the proponents' time where it was not exactly a re- buttal, the hearing could proceed in the usual course of a Public Hearing and that during the opponents' time to be heard they are entitled to a cross examination and in rebuttal the proponents would have the same privilege. Mr. . Williams. further pointed out that the Council had the power, where they felt an injustice would result, to control their own hearing, Mayor Barnes-. IN FAVOR We will now hear from the proponents, Mr.- Ritchie pointed out that the applicant was not the appellant in this case, and that he would speak for approximately one-half hour. Mr,. Ritchie re- iterated the problem confronted by the developer as one of economics and indicated the problem areas, He said that they had proposed four sanitary landfill operations subject to the extensive controls developed by the Planning Commission and the County Sanitary Engineering. Department, He pointed out that during the first hearing before the Planning. Commission the applicant had acquiesed to withdraw the two northerly properties as landfill operations in deference to the objections which arose from the property owners, . He . said they felt that they could not plan something as extensive as this develop- ment without some give and take, because in an operation of this nature there was just as many ideas of operation as there were people. Mr. Ritchie said that with their withdrawal, they were left with landfill Site B and D and they had presented extensive testimony to the Planning Commission demonstrating the present need as well as the increasing need for this .type of landfill operation which would benefit not only the applicant but also the City of West Covina, He indicated that they had testimony available and would demonstrate for the Council that when these sites were filled they would be of benefit to the applicant and the City. He pointed out that with the two remaining sites, there was sufficient acreage to pro- vide a recreational facility. He indicated the location of the sites and said they would prove beneficial to existing residents as well as to the people who will come to own property in their development. Mr. Ritchie stated that it was demonstrated, that during the operation of these sanitary landfills no problems would be presented to anyone in the area, and that these landfills could be operated in a clean and efficient manner with every possible protection the the City and surrounding properties. He pointed out that the City had a right to inspect the sites and to control accesses of ingress and egress, and every possible aspect of the operation. He said it was their feeling, and they had sufficient faith to commit them- selves to the conditions of the Planning Commission, to fill the smaller site first, He said further that adequate testimony had been. given that this could be accomplished within the ' time set by the Planning. Commission, Mr. Ritchie felt it would be most beneficial to consider the most signifi- cant objection that was made; the objection that it might be possible for -22- Co Co 12-26-62 UNCLASSIFIED USE. PERMIT NO, 71 - Continued Page Twenty-three some people to view this operation and they might be offended. He felt that this viewing of the operation of the landfill would not be possible, and would therefore present the surrounding property owners with no problems. Mr. John McIntyre, 670 Pass Road, Monterey Park, presented the "line-of- sight11 and contour maps of the fill areas, and explained the topography of the area, and stated that the line -of -sight would be over 300 feet above the operations, and were therefore in his opinion invisible to the surrounding property. Upon request, Mr. Joseph pointed out the Galster development, Brutoco development, and North Hollencr.esto Mr. McIntyre explained the distances to the closest housing development. Mr. Ritchie: When these requests for the reclam- ation project were granted, they imposed rather stringent requirements regarding access. Will you describe the accesses and what the limitations are? Mr. McIntyre described the locations on the map and the locations of the • highway intersections. In answer to Mr. Ritchie's question if Mr. Mc- Intyre, as an engineer for the applicant, would plan homesites_ immediately adjacent to the area, Mr. McIntyre replied that he had pointed at the previous meeting that this would be difficult to develop for hillside homes and that the costs would be prohibitive to compact the site for an adequate foundation. He pointed out that it would be necessary, to grade the area and that the northerly portion was very precipitous, _ He said it would not be feasible to develop this as a residential community. Mr. Ritchie asked if it was Mr. McIntyre° s opinion that this was the high- est and best use of the land, and if it was feasible to develop several of these sites. Mr, McIntyre said that this could possibly be developed together with the northeasterly portion, but pointed out that the only means of access would be Pass and: Covina. Road and Amar Road; he said it would depend on the development, Mr. McIntyre added that he really had no right to form an opinion as to the highest and best use. In answer to Councilman Snyder°s question, Mr, . McIntyre stated that they proposed landscaping in the area indicated by the blue coloring on the map, and pointed out the height of the terrace was 250 feet and that they would not be able to build on that particular site. In answer to Mr, iRitchie's question concerning consideration of park sites, Mr,. McIntyre stated the park sites had been considered, but no determination had been made because the location of school sites would dictate the location of the park sites. He said they had indicated that they would work outsome solutions as to the park sites, -23- • i Co Co 12-26-62 -UNCLASSIFIEDUSE PERMIT No, 71 -.Continued Mr. Ritchie: Mr. McIntyre: Page Twenty-four These will be submitted at the time of the subdivision map? That's right Councilman Jett asked if the road coming off of Pass and Covina was a temporary road and if it would be a paved road or a gravel road. Mr. Ludwig stated. it would be surfaced and would not be a dirt road. Mr. Harvey Ludwig, 150 East Foothill Boulevard, Arcadia, stated that he had fifteen years of experience as a consulting engineer and had ten years of experience with the Health Service, and was presently a member of the faculty of California Institute of Technology. He said he had been a con- sultant on twenty to thirty projects over the past fifteen years in California. Mr, Ludwig stated that he did have occasion to make a determination of the need for this landfill operation and that the assignment was given to him to investigate future need specifically with respect to West Covina. He presented a chart of the existing landfill operations which he had shown to the Planning Commission showing the locations of Owl Park Site, Azusa Park Site, the Spadra Site, Puente- Wast Disposal, Thorsen, Brea Canyon San Gabriel Disposal, and the San Dimas Site, He listed the respective capacities of each site pointing out that this information had been submitted to the City in a report from Engineering, Science,: Inc. Mr. Ludwig pointed out also that the subject Site D was considered a small site, and site, and Site B was considered a moderate sized site. Mr.. Ludwig stated that they had considered the likely quantities of refuse that would be in the immediate proposed site and also estimated the quantities of refuse to be disposed of in an area with a 5-mile radius, a 10-mile radis and the entire County of Los Angeles, He said the 5-mile radius was considered best because this would be a short haul and that the longer haul sites were economically unattractive because of the appre- ciable increase in the costs of hauling, Mr. Ludwig said the period of time being considered for the proposed local landfill sites was a period of 12 years and that in this time approximately ten million cubic yards of refuse would be produced within a 5-mile radius, approximately four times that amount would be produced within a 10-mile radius, and that within the County as a whole approximately 175 million cubic yards of refuse would be produced, He said that under the present tendency more and more refuse from Los Angeles County would be de- posited in the ,San Gabriel area. • In regard to the subject dump sites, Mr. Ludwig said these particular sites would be filled primarily by the City of West Covina, but could also be filled from the surrounding ring of cities, . Mr, Ludwig pointed out that these particular sites could be of great value, and when the sites were filled they would be of inestimable value. He sited the case of the City of Torrance which has just about filled their site of only one million cubic yards and•.would have to undergo the long haul method of disposal -24- Co C. 12-26-62 Page Twenty-five UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT No. 71 - Continued with the resulting increase in taxes, . He also cited the case of the City of Compton which wanted to reserve their 20 million cubic yard site for their own use. Reiterating that the proposed sites constituted a very valuable asset, Mr. Ludwig stated that the West Covina landfill site had every chance of being an economic success and there was a possibility that in the future the City of West Covina could be spared the expense of an increase of hauling, and pointed out that the costs of hauling was approximately 8/10 of a cent per mile.. He said the costs of longer hauls would accrue and could be charged to the citizens of West Covina. Mr. Ritchie asked if Mr., Ludwig had an opportunity to examine the condi- tions when the Planning Commission granted the use permits, Mr. Ludwig replied'.that he had and that they had asked for assurance for protection and a clean sanitary fill operation. He said they started with the conditions from the San Dimas fill and had consulted with experts and developed conditions based on the set of regulations for the Sepulveda site, He stated that the proposed site was a sanitary fill operation which could be controlled to eliminate all the nuisance such as rodents, fumes, dust or noise. All of these could be controlled with a set of regulations which • they had worked out with the West Covina Planning. Commission, and Home Savings and Loan Association. He stated that the set of regulations worked out representing the most stringent restrictions of this County, Mr, Ludwig felt that this would be a very clean sanitary operation, and pointed out that there was a consulting service who were experts in the inspection of this type of operation, so that the City could insure or impose any necessary controls Mr. Ritchie stated that he understood that there was a landslide protest being launched against the landfill sites because they contended that this would cause objectionable odors and smells, Mr. . Ludwig said that such apprehension was justified, for ordinary dump operations had been the cause of these nuisances, but that this was a land- fill and land reclamation operation for the development of recreational facilities exactly as was being practiced in the Palos Verdes fill, He pointed out that the residents there had protested also, but that within six months after they commenced the operation, the complaints had levelled off to next to nothing and have remained at that level ever since. Mr. Ritchie- Are they building homes in that location? • Mr. Ludwig- Yes, These homes are priced from $35, 000, 00 , $50, 000, 00 at the Palos Verdes fill, and.$80, 000.00 immedi- ately adjacent to the limit of the Mission. Canyon site, Mr. Ritchie. One of the conditions imposed was that the site be filled within twelve years. Is this a reasonable length of time? -25- CoCo 12-26-62 Page Twenty. -six UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT NO. 71 Continued Mr. Ludwig* Yes, Mr.. Ritchie asked if there were other government agencies to police this type of -operation, and Mr. Ludwig replied that there were and it would be necessary for the applicant to file an application with the Regional Water Pollution Control Board, and that this particular Board was located in Los Angeles and would consult with and represent all arms of the government including the Health Departments Mr, Ludwig stated that the Regional Board helped control the kind of refuse that may be put in this site. He said that, ordinarily, when the landfill operations were completed, these sites were used for recreational areas such as golf courses, and that because of the unsuitable foundations it would be too expensive to construct homes on such sites Councilman. Snyder asked if there were any expected improvements in the science of these sanitary landfill projects, Mr. Ludwig's opinion that there would be no significant improvements be- cause the problems had been essentially sovledo He said there was research going on with respect to water pollution, but that it was his opinion that the subject landfills would be standard operations, Councilman. Snyder said that he understood that new techniques were being developed and asked if Home Savings and Loan would comply with any new • techniques, Mr. Ludwig stated that the U.S. Health Service would try to get the most mileage out of a given fill, and that if new techniques were feasible it would be to Home Savings and Loan Association's advantage to comply, Mr. Ritchie said that if any new and better methods were developed, the applicant would acquiese and go along with them. Mayor Barnes* Is there any damage to the under- ground water table from this type of fill? Mr. Ludwig stated that there would be no such damage in these particular sites, . He said they had checked this and this opinion was also held by the Regional Commission, He further stated that if this project got under way they must demonstrate that water pollution cannot occur, and that the State would see to it that underground water will not be damaged. Mr. Williams advised that the profile and contour maps should be given Exhibit numbers. • Mr, Joseph labeled the Exhibits as follows* Exhibit 3 - 1.5 Million. Capacity Site Chart Exhibit 4 - Line -of -Sight to largest fill site Exhibit 5 - Map showing the refuse disposal sites in the vicinity, Mayor Barnes* Is there any further testimony in favor? It not we will now permit, the opponents to speaks -26- C,o C. 12-26-62 Page Twenty-seven UNCLASSIFIEDUSE PER -MIT No. 71 Continued IN OFFOSIT ION Mr. Harvey Krieger, attorney, offices at 1014 South Glendora, home address at 1326 Hollencrest, stated that a petition of 688 signatures of residents in opposition had been presented, and that if the petition had been circulated at any time other than the current holiday season there would be many more signatures on the petition. Mr. Krieger asked to cross examine Dr. Ludwig, and questioned him in regard to his statement on November 21, 1962 that one person is respon- sible for 1 / 10 cu. ft. of refuse per day. Dr. Ludwig stated that this was an approximation which varied from city to city, and that the method of calculation is expressed in pounds per person per day. The attorney contended that Dr. Ludwig had expressed the figure at 1 / 10 cu. ft. per day, and also contended that there were 300 collection days per year. Dr. Ludwig said that the calculations were usually based on 3 lbs, to 4 lbs. per person per day and in translating this to fill volume there would be 1, 000 lbs, per cu. yd. After further interrogation, Mr. Ludwig stated • that the residential production of refuse was 3 lbs, per capita per day, and that it was necessary to add commercial refuse and demolition refuse which would bring this figure up to 4 lb's, per person per day, Mr. Krieger said that Dr. Ludwig had indicated that the requirements imposed upon this fill were the most stringent ever imposed on a private operation. He asked if Dr. Ludwig had seen the conditions imposed on the San Dimas fill as adopted by their City Council. Dr. Ludwig stated that in their opinion the San Dimas fill represented an inferior set of conditions Mr. Krieger asked if the San. Dimas fill required a performance bond and Dr. Ludwig replied that he thought they did, Mayor Barnes said he was certain that the -Council would put in their own conditions. Mr. Krieger stated that he had compared the conditions imposed on Novem- ber 28, 1962 on the San Dimas site, and had found that the San Dimas site had the same conditions as the West Covina proposed sites plus 12 addi- tional ones that were not found in the conditions imposed by the West Cov- ina Planning Commission. Dr. Ludwig pointed out that the conditions imposed on the proposed site came from the Los Angeles County Sanitation District as well as from the Planning Commission. He further stated that they had worked with the Planning Staff and Mr. Joseph and Mr. Pontow worked out the condi- tions, and that the regulations finally adopted would be a composite of all the conditions, including those imposed by the County Sanitary District. -27- C.C. I2-26-62 UNCLASSIFIEDUSE PERMIT No. 71 Coatinued Page Twenty-eight Mayor Barnes pointed out that Mr. Pontow, , the City Engineer, works for . Mr.. Dosh, Public Services Director, and advises Mr. Dosh, Mr. Krieger asked if in referring to the Palos Verdes fill and the Sepulveda site, he had stated that these were County -Sanitary landfill operations. Dr. Ludwig replied that he had said they were. And in regard to the Syca- more Grove site, he stated that this was a very small fill site in -the neigh- borhood of 7.5 million cu. yds. , and he referred to the proposed landfill as moderate in volume with a 10 million cu. yd. , In answer to the question of the entire County figures for the next twelve years, Mr. Ludwig said these figures were referred to in detail in a submitted report. When asked how he was using the 90 million cu. yd. figure in his testimony before the Planning Commission, Mr, Ludwig stated that if he used that figure he was referring to the entire San Gabriel Valley, In regard to the use of foreign refuse, Mr. Ludwig stated that he said in his testimony this evening that this site would be of greater local value and that the site could readily be filled by foreign refuse, depending on the use the City itself chooses to make of the site. Mr. Krieger asked if Mr. Ludwig had made a precise study of th.e need for a dump site in. West Covina. Mr. Ludwig replied that their study was based on a 5-mile radius and a 10-mile radius. Mr. Krieger interrogated Mr. McIntyre with regard to vertical and hori- zontal measurements of the profile maps, and Mr. McIntyre stated that they were drawn on an exaggerated scale and explained the relationship of the measurements. Mr. Krieger said that Mr. McIntyre had indicated in his testimony before the Planning Commission that in sregard to use, the completed landfills were to be made into recreational facilities. Mr. Krieger pointed out that with the elimination of two sites, the size had become restricted or reduced to 60 acres. He further pointed out that when this was pre- sented to the Planning Commission they were concerned with all four sites, with a fill completion period of seven to ten years. Dr. Ludwig pointed out that the last time period was twelve years. Mr. Krieger took issue with Mr. McIntyre°s statement that the landfill operations could not be seen by surrounding residents, pointing out that these operations could be seen from the ridges. He further pointed out that bulldozers would take eighty feet off the top of one crest and . thirty feet off the top of .,another crest. Mr. McIntyre said he had stated it might be eighty feet, but not any greater than one hundred feet according to the economics. He said, in regard to site B, that it would be difficult to define, and that they had proposed a sixty -foot cut, but it might be an 80-foot cut. He said these were average profiles. :11 Co Ca 12-26-62 UNCL'AISSIF`IED" USE PERMIT No. 71 Continued Page Twenty-nine Mr. Krieger attempted to cross examined Mr. Ritchie who contended that he • did not feel he could be a witness and an attorney representing the applicant at the same time. Mr. Krieger stated that the Home Owners Association had retained an in- dependent engineer to provide the opponents with evidence. He called . Mro Carl B. Johnston to testify. Mr. Carl Bo Johnston, 660 South. Fairoaks, Pasadena, summarized his back- ground stating that he was a Sanitary Engineer and a graduate of Cornell University. He said he had been an engineer since 1931 and was presently assigned as a staff engineer for the Regional Water Pollution Control Board, He contended that this board di'd_not control dump sites except with regard to their effect on water pollution. Mr. Johnston said that as a result of his study he had determined that if the sites were use exclusively by the City of West Covina, Site D would last 13, 3 years and Site B would last 48 years for an ordinary population and in total. the two sites would last 61 years, With regard to dump sites available in the area, Mr. Johnston said there were five active sites within a radius of seven miles with 70 million cubic yard capacity left in these dump sites. He felt this would be seven times as much as the claimed need. Mr,. Johnston testified that he had talked to John Parkhurst of the County • Sanitation District, on December 19, who had stated the County was not now actively seeking sites in this area and that the present existing sites are taking care of the need, In regard to private fill operations, Mr. Johnston said there would be no County enforcement and that it was beyond the scope of County facilities to help operate a private fill, In answer to Mr. Krieger°s question, he af- firmed that the Sepulveda site, the Palos Verdes site and the .Spadra site were County operations, Mr. Johnston testified that he had consulted the weather bureau regarding the prevailing winds in the area of the subject dump sites and was in- formed that these winds were generally from the south and southwest. He stated these winds would bring material directly north to the City of West Covina, With regard to the traffic study,, Mr. Johnston contended that to fill these sites as proposed in the next twelve years would require 278 trucks per day going into the site and of course 278 trucks coming out for a totaal of 556 vehicle movements per day. He stated that there would also be some trailers and some pickup trucks to increae the vehicle movements, Mr. Johnston testified that if refuse were brought in from foreign origins, trucks would be coming in from the Freeway and would not be subject to West Covina regulations, is Mr. Johnston presented a map of the landfill operations in the area, and stated that there was obviously a numberof landfill operations to take care of the area needs, He said the success of a landfill operation depends on the supervision such sites would receive, and that the present set of regulations were not provisions for looking after the proposed -29- G. Ca 12-26-62 Page Thirty UNGLASSIFIED USE 'PERMIT NO. 71 -- Continued. operation, He stated that it takes time to learn how to operate a dump • site, and that if the Council throught all sites were successful he advised them to consider the Burbank dump site near Glenoaks where there was evidence of a vinegar odor• Mr, John A. Bayer, 1310 Hidden Malley Drive, West Covina, said he had contacted the County Sanitary District and the City of Burbank in his study of the suitability of privately operated dump sites• He said he had compared the number of days that the County sites were opened and operated under stringent requirements, controls and prescribed regulations. He pointed out that the, County projects were continuously supervised• Mr• Bayer indicated that a traffic study would be necessary because a dump site would place a very definite traffic burden on the areas contiguous to the dump site opera- tion, and further indicated that private dump sites were also inclined to op- erate on Sundays, In regard to the homes on Mulholland contiguous to the dump site, he testified that at the present time these homes were unoccupied, Mr. Bayer said he had spoken to Mr. Richard White in the City of Burbank, He pointed outf that City of Burbank owned, controlled and operated their dump and fill site and confirmed that only as long as the City was com- pletely in charge could a dump site be a good operation. Mr. . Bayer stated that this site was used exclusively for Burbank, and said Mr. White admitted there was some problems with winds, dust, and papers. He emphasized . again that the Burbank site was a municipal operation which was only operated for six days per week• Mr. Krieger requested the Council to make note of the minutes of November 21, 196Z meeting concerning the statement made in comparing the conditions of the San. Dimas fill and the conditions of the proposed sites. He said the statements was made that "compared with the San. Dimas operation these conditions matched or were better because they were more restrictive•" He requested that the Council get a copy of the resolution made seven days after approval of the San. Dimas site and then compare these regulations with the regulations of the proposed development, Mr• Krieger stated that on.. the San Dimas regulations the Council would find each and every condition of the subject operation plus a few other which had to do with control and enforcement, Mr, Charles A. Maple, 95Z North Greta Avenue, Valinda, pointed out that Mr. Krieger did not represent the people of Valinda, and he felt therefore that he should be entitled to the same amount of time. Mr. Maple contended that all the profiles were made from the point of view of the people of West Covina, Mr. Maple stated that they did not like La Puente as an address and that they were even more proud of their homes than the people south of the cemetery and not quite as proud as the people in West Covina, He said he would like a profile study showing, the line -of -'sight of the people is in Valinda Mr, Maple said West Covina had a responsibility to their neighbors and thought that this was so much so that he should point out that their particular Home Owners Association consisted of some 1600 active members• He stated they happen to be one of the largest Home Owners Association -30- C.C. 12-26-62 UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT No, 71 - - Continued Page Thirty-one and that they were quite active and were known to have the characteristic • of being quite vociferous. He said they felt a responsibility to their com- munity and they wrote a letter to Supervisor Bonelli, who had written an answer to the Council with a copy of Mr.. Bonelli's letter also sent to their association so that they were aware of the conditions to which the City of West Covina must adhere. Mr.. Maple pointed out that the Council was just beginning to hear the other side of the picture, and that they had a responsibility to the residents of West Covina as well as to their neighbors. He urged the Council to vote no on dump sites. The City Clerk, at the request of Mayor Barnes, read into the minutes the letter that had been received from . Frank G. Bonelli, Supervisor, First District,, County of Los Angeles, dated December 21, 1962, "Honorable Claude L, . Barnes, Mayor and Members of Council City of West Covina 1444 West Garvey Avenue West Covina, California "Dear Mayor Barnes and City Councilmen - "I received a learned, lengthy letter from Mr. D. A. Kile, presi- dent of the San ,Jose Association in Valinda, California, residents and constituents of my Supervisorial District in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County, registering their substantial concern relative to the pending annexation and zoning changes of Home Sav- ings and Loan Property and the possible zoning of two dump sites which are partly in the City of West Covina and partly in the pro- posed annexation to West Covina. Upon the receipt of President Kile's letter, I immediately directed a communication to Mr. Mil- ton . Breivogel, Director of Planning for the Regional Planning Com- mission of the County of Los Angeles, to review and report back to me his findings relative to the entire subject matter of the two contemplated dump sites which I doday received from him. "Now I do not propose to interfere in the legal procedure and pro- cess that might confront the official City family of West Covina, but I emphatically must bring to your attention in whatever deter- mination you make relative to this zoning matter, which I under- stand will be before your Board the night of December 26, that every consideration and protection of the interest and welfare of the people of the San Jose Hills area and other surrounding areas outside the annexation should be rightfully adhered to. If it were to be your Legislative Body's determination that necessity justi- fies the implementation of these two dump sites, certain legal . conditions must and should be spelled out in relation thereto. "Condition No. 1- Limited use of streets which are now designated as truck routes for ingress and egress to said sites with absolute prohition against use of residential or other streets not now desig- nated as truck route's within City or County. -31- C, Ca-1Vleet-ing 12-26-62 Page Thirty-two UNCLASSIFIED .::USE PERMIT No, 71 - Continued "Condition No. .2o That upon the completion of fill in dump site it . shall be stipulated they will be developed for park and recre- ation purposes with owner dedication accordingly after dumpiiag operations are completed, "Condition No, 3: Conditions of operation shall adhere and be similar to that used by the County of Los Angels at the Mission Canyon -Sepulveda Dump Site and at the County -operated. -Scholl Canyon Dump_ site wherein the complete interest and protection of the immediate area homeowners interests are fully safe- guarded. "Trusting you will give every consideration to my plea on behalf of the San. Jb.se Hills Association homeowners' petition of concern and of the concern of others in safeguarding and protecting their rights and not allowing anything detrimental to affect their well- being and only then upon full determination and establishment of need for said two dump sites. (Signed) Frank G. Bonellio " Mr., Patrick Sanford, President-elect of the San Jose Association, home ad- dress at 1306 Lark Ellen Avenue, Valinda, stated that he lived within the notification zone of the City of West Covina. He presented small photographs to the Council to illustrate the Scholl Canyon.Dump Site operation, and con- tended that this site had placed a burden of 1, 000 vehicle movements on the County roads in that area, at the intersection of Pass and Covina and Amar Road, Mr, Sanford emphasized that they were worried about the traffic, and further pointed out that in addition to large dump trucks, hauling would be done by pick-up trucks and rented trailers which would not be covered and which would strew rubbish and papers along the sides of their roads. He in- dicated that additional police protection would be necessary and would have to be paid for by somebody.. In addition the majority of the access roads seem to come through the County and this would directly affect their taxes. Mr. Sanford. claimed the sites would result in the destruction of the natural terrain which comprise of beautiful rolling hills rather than theprecipitous a areas claimed by the proponents° In regard to reputation and status, he pointed out that the residents near the Scholl Canyon Dump site complained that they were referred to as living near the dump. He also stated that their property had devaluated to a point that they were allowed a tax reduc- tion, Mr, .Sanford emphasized that they did not want these trucks up and down their streets J41in •FaL,qs, .1,226 :_Hi.dden vValliey;.-Drive, .West _Covina, _pointed oat" while Home Savings and Loan Association admitted a profit of $5, 000, 000. 00 . on the two dump sites, the City of vVest Covina would realize only the license fees for the permits on the dumps,, He stated the had talked to school boards and that he had found with a population ,growth of. 24,000 in this area they would need seven additional schools, and in addition the area will re- quire an additional fire station and police substation, Mr, Fales stated that he had lived in Washington, D.C. for many years and had observed that government does not increase in proportion to population, and that with an -32- CoC, 12-26-62 UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT No. 71 - Continued Page Thirty-three increase of 24, 000 to 45, 000 in population, i the city force of employees • would have to increase by 7516. He reiterated Councilman Heath's state- ment regarding the size of the lots required to support themselves, and said the lots in this particular area were marginal in size, and he pointed out that West Covina was already bonded "up to its earste, and could no longer accept additional financial liabilities in this community. Mr; Fales said that stocks and bonds were his business, and that it was his knowledge that many reputable firms in New York City, when asked for bids on bonds, have special departments to investigate California Municipal Bonds. Mayor Barnes stated for Mr. Fales' edification that the City°s bonded in- debtedness was placed at less than, $65, 000. 00. Mr.. Fales contended that his taxes were $125.00 per month in. West Covina and that at present he was .more interested in getting West Covina on a paying basis rather than accepting added liabilities. He stated that he had property where a hill leveling operation was going on, and it was as sani- tary an operation as it could be, yet every afternoon he had to sweep about 1 /2" of the dust and dirt from their operation off of his front porch. He felt, as a citizen of West Covina and a considerable taxpayer, he would like to go on the record as being opposed to subsidizing the private enter- prise that Home Savings and Loan was presenting here. 0 REBUTTAL Mr, Ritchie said he first wished to explain a couple of points and would then like to present a film showing the operation of. the Mission. Canyon Fill which would clarify most of the statements made with regard to landfills and surrounding homes. He took issue with the statement by Mr. Johnston that the existing dump sites had an estimated life of 48 years, and asked Dr. Ludwig to comment on this. Dr, Ludwig stated that the facts of the dump sites were covered in his submitted report'and he said that if the dump sites were reserved exclu- sively for' West Covina they could not be filled within the time limit but that the proposed sites were to be filled from immediately surrounding areas. He -further stated that John Parkhurst encourages many, many pro- jects, and, that within three to five, years two local sites will have been filled and after that the proposed ;sites will beof value to the City of West Covina. He said that operation of any landfill site of this type was not limited by haul distances and represents a very convenient haul. He said there would be a tendency for local refuse and that this location would be good for West Covina and for the surrounding area. • Dr.. Ludwig claimed that policing by the County was available at a nominal charge and that expert consultant could be obtained to assure the compli- ance of performance requirerments which would not be a difficult matter. Mr. Ritchie said it "would be the responsibility of the City to organize the operation. at the cost of the applicant, and that the City has only to en- force, the restrictions and adequate protection was available. He agreed the y Citp should go over the conditions and if there were any other conditions i 4 -33- Co Co 12­26-62 UNCLASSIFIED. USE. PERMIT No. 71 Continued Page Thirty-four necessary the applicant would certainly be willing to acquiesce. He also in- dicated that if a performance bond is required, the applicant would comply to that condition as well, Mr. Williams asked if the capacity of 1 , 5 million as shown in Exhibit 3 in- cluded the mixture of earth .with rubbish. Mr. Ludwig replied that the fill would be 7516 to 8516 refuse. The fi.l. m showing the operation at the MissionCanyon Fill was then presented and Mr. Jack Mauck, Video Recording Tape Center, narrated the film and explained the lines -of - sight, the home sites and the general operations of the landfill site, At the conclusion of the movie film, Mr. Ritchie said they would like to offer to leave the film on file in the City office provided they would be able to obtain the film to make copies if necessary. Mr. Krieger contended that this film pre s entation cons titut.ed. new evidence. He pointed out again that the Mission Canyon Site was a County landfill operation. He also suggested again that the Council get copies of the latest conditions of the San Dimas fill operation, and pointed out that the City of San Dimas gets 410 of the operation of their dump site. Mayor Barnes: I. would like to hear at this time, the resolution of the Planning Commission, Mr, Flotten, City Clerk, read the Planning Commission Resolutions. He added that he had received a new petition in opposition from Valinda resi- dents with 1095 signatures, and. another petition with 688 names, He fur- ther stated that: he had letters from: Robert Davis, J. Le and Barbara McKendree, Mrs, Jo Knutsen, and a telegram from John G. and Geraldine Fal.es, all in oppositions Mayor Barnes acknowledged that he also had received letters in opposition from: Mro. Fakes, Mro Jackson,- Jro, M.ro McKendree, and Ho. Se Krieger. Councilman Towner: tract cover the present city limits? I might lead the discussion off with a question about our present trash service contract. Does this con- Mr.. Flotten affirmed that the contract provides for the present City limits and stated that ordinarily pick-ups were made by Webster in the County areas with deposits being made at the Thorsen dump site. Councilman Towner said that, provided 'Thorsen had the only franchise, if • this area was annexed it would be serviced by 'Nest Covina services. He inquired as to when the contract would be terminated and Mr.. Flotten an- swered that the contract would be reviewed next year. . Councilman Towner asked if Thorsen had a ten year contract and this was affirmed, Mr. Towner said he would then anticipate that Thorsen will continue the service for the next ten years (subject to annual review) assuming his services are satisfactory and he asked if Mr. Thorsen dumped the City°s refuse in his own site or if he used another site, -34- is 0 .. C.C. 12-26-62 UNCLA551PIED .USE- PERMITNo. 71 Continued Page Thirty-five Mayor Barnes said he uses his own local site and that he also owned a site in Arcadia. Councilman :Snyder: I would like to ask if it is customary or legal to put a tax on the proceed- ings of dumpsites. Mr. Williams. stated this was customary and legal and that most cities with which he was acquainted charged relatively large business license fees if the private operation of sites was within the City. Councilman 'Snyder: Will our present license provide for this ? Mr. Williams said this would take an amount of study and at present the City does not have provision for such licenses. In answer to Councilman Snyder's question, Mr. Williams statedtthat it was not unusual to require performance bonds on private dump sites or landfills. Councilman Snyder thought that $50, 000. 00 seemed small compared to the size of the operation. Mr. Williams pointed out that it was that large in Monterey Park. Councilman. Snyder asked if they would have to grade the ridges of this development regardless of whether or not a dump site were put in. Mr. McIntyre stated that they found the area was too precipitous to work and. pointed out that they were going to deposit some dirt to develop the yards of the home sites. Mr. Williams said it was possible to regulate this type of business by ordi- nance as well as by imposing conditions in the permit and the City could augment any regulations desirable at a later date. He said it could be sub- ject to police regulations by ordinance. Councilman ;Snyder: I can fully understand the opponents' fear but I think that some of those fears are based on misinformation. The City of West Covina is capable of controlling this operation with the present staff. We would all like to see open space. This is one area of this development in which I don't see any other use. The weight of my opinion, at the present time and under the present conditions, is that a dump(: site would be an asset to the City of West Covina; however, I am not ready to vote yet. There are some facts I want to study. Councilman Heath: I don't know how much to say. I think the Planning Commission pre- sented a list of restrictions that must have taken them three months to make. Councilman Towner did not think the City was under any obligation to fur- nish dump sites for cities outside of the- City limits, and doubted that we -35- C.C. 12-26-62 Page Thirty-six UNCY;ASS'IFIED 'USE PERMIT No. 71 - Continued need a site for the• City's use. He said he would like to review Thorsen's • site to see what the capacity is at this site, and if sufficient justification and need were shown, he felt that there was certainly some need for further review of :the restrictions to be made. He agreed that he would like to re- view the San Dimas restrictions, and pointed out that Supervisor Bonelli's letter conditioned thattthe eventual owner dedication of the property as to its final use must be stipulated, Councilman. Towner was glad to hear that the City could impose regulations by ordinance in the event that the operation was unsatisfactory. He suggested that, if a need is determined and found by the majority of the Council, it seemed to him it would not be for any more than just the one dumpsite. He said he did not see the need for the eight million cubic yard site, but he felt the smaller site seemed okay.. In any event, Councilman Towner, said he would like to see how it operates before it goes in. . He stated that he was not ready to vote tonight and felt that this should be held until the Council had made a study.,,, Councilman Jett felt that there was much too much information given tonight and that he would be unable to vote tonight. He felt he could not assimilate all the information that was presented tonight. He said he would like to study this in order to make proper evaluation, He was concerned with what would happen along the roads going in and out of the sites. He stated that' as trucks go by his office, he had seen papers blow off the trucks, and that if all the truck traffic were on one street and if every truck dropped one or two pieces every mile, it would create quite a.problem. In regard to policing of the fill he was concerned with what it would mean to the City in the way of costs, personnel, and equipment. He wondered how much it was going to cost to see that the sites were properly operated. He said he had made so many notes, and that it would take time for him to study his notes, because he had a lot of things to consider. Councilman. Snyder: I have one additional question. What road does Mr. .Thorsen take in going to the dump- site? Mr. Joseph: He take Glendora Avenue to Amar, and . Amar to Pass and Covina and to the dumpsite. Mr. Dosh explained on the map the route, taken by Thorsen's trucks to the dumpsite, Councilman Snyder said he asked this question because it was obvious that just considering the Thorsen Truck traffic there was already considerable amount of traffic and that these streets were truck routes. • Councilman. Jett: One question in my mind is that if Mr. Thorsen has a contract with the City for the next ten years, and he has his own dump sites, I think we can substantially look for the next ten years for our present supplier to handle this. He has his own dumpsite, his own wash down and cut and fill operation and he tells me that he estimates he will -36- 11 — Co Co. 12-26-62 UNCLASSIFIED.: USE PERMIT No 71 ---Continued Councilman Jett Continues: Page Thirty-seven be able to handle everything the City can possibly dump for the next ten years plus including a 616 increase per year. This should take care of the next ten years. The question in my mind is one the areas where we have pick up services by Webster's and I assume they have places where they are going to dump our refuse. All the materials would come from foreign areas. We are .proud of the City of Beautiful Homes. I don't know .whether .or not we want to become known as the area of convenient dumpsites, Mayor Barnes gathered from the controversy and comments being made by the Council that all had many questions that they wanted to answer before taking a vote, He felt that this should be held over and a time should be set up for the Council to take a trip through the truck routes. The Mayor said he too had questions as to the ingresses and egresses and to the protection of the home owners. With the demonstration by the Council that there were too many questions that they would have to answer in their own minds, he felt that it was the consensus of the Council to hold this over and make a tour of the area to have the questions answered. Councilman Snyder asked if Mr, Joseph had made any study in preparing for the hearing of this matter before the Planning Commission, Mr. Joseph stated that he had talked with Jim Wasden and worked out some conditions and the City Council had added some conditions, Councilman. Snyder: Have you made any determinations as to the need for dumpsites? Mr, Joseph: Other than the information supplied be- fore the Planning Commission and to- night, no Mayor Barnes felt it was very important that this Council look ahead a long way. He said Dr. Ludgwig had pointed out the plight of the City of Torrance which has run out of dump sites and now has to go out of their area to get rid of their refuse. The Mayor felt that one of the proposed sites should be considered for a park for the city, and pointed out that one of these sites would be an excellent disposal site. But he felt that there were a lot of-.- questions to be answered before the Council could vote, Councilman Heath: I. think it is our duty to make a trip to the landfill site we saw tonight and look and see what problems are involved. I think it would be worthwhile to make a trip next Saturday morning, Councilman Snyder suggested that a study also should be made to find out if they can use two sites in the foreseeable future. Mr. Dosh pointed out that such studies may be unreliable because some might slant the information on dump sites for their own use. He stated -37- • • C.C. 12-26-62 UNCLASSIFIED .USE PERMIT No. 71 - Continued Page Thirty-eight the City had a map of all the sixteen or twenty dump sites with their approxi- mate longevity. Councilman Heath said such a report should not be made up from information supplied from the operators themselves, but would liket to get information from. a separate source, Councilman Heath: Is anyone interested in taking a trip? Councilman Jett: I would be interested in taking a trip. Councilman Towner: I think we all have decided we need addi- tional information. I think the concensus to hold. this over is clear. Motion by• Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Snyder, and carried, that Unclassified Use Permit No. 71 be held over until the next regular meeting of the City Council on January 14, 1963. Mayor. Barnes: Mr. , Dosh, you will channel any questions by the Council directly to Mr.. Joseph so that we can have the answers. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS Mr. Flotten read the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting on December 19, 1962. Councilman Heath: Have we received all the papers on this meeting? Mr. Joseph pointed out that they had called the meeting clerk on the pre- vious Thursday morning and had received the motions of the hearings. Mr. Joseph said it was just physically impossible for his secretary to get the resolutions because she cannot type them in that short a period of time. Councilman Heath: I think the only solution is to get special personnel to handle the resolutions. Mayor Barnes said the Council would have to review the Planning Com- mission actions in a special session. . He asked if there would be any objection from the Council to holding this over to an adjourned meeting on January 7, 1963. There were no objections heard from the Council to reviewing the Planning Commission Action at an adjourned meeting on January 7, 1963. ;f C,C. 12-26-62 CITY ATTORNEY i Page Thirty-nine Mr. Williams stated that he had. Resolution No. 1305 and outlined the con- tents of the- resolution as concerning hillside lot areas. It was decided that since the Council had not yet seen this Resolution, it would be held over until they had an opportunity to review it. ORDINANCE. No. 773 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED 1BAN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AMEND- ING THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE SO AS TO REZONE CERTAIN PREMISES" (Zone Change No., 237, Madott) Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried to waive further reading of the body of the ordinance. Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, that said ordinance be adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: - Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath,, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None Said Ordinance was given No, 7713. ORDINANCE -.NO. 774 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA' AMEND- ING THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE SO AS TO REZONE CERTAIN PREMISES" (Zone Change No. 241, La Berge) Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by, -Councilman Snyder, and carried, to waive further reading of the body of the ordinance. Motion by, Councilman. Towner, seconded by Councilman Snyder, that said ordinance be adopted. Motion. passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, . Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None 77 Said Ordinance was given .No, . • ORDINANCE. INTRODUCTION: The City Attorney presented: "AN ORDINANCE .OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST.- COVINA AMEND- .ING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO APPEALS FROM DECISIONS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION" -39- • 0 CoC. 12-26-62 Page Forty ORDINANCE :INTRODUCTION - Continued r' Motion by -Councilman Heath, seconded by -Councilman Jett, and carried, to waive further reading of the body of the Ordinances Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, and carried, that said ordinance be introduced, 'RESOLUTION No, 2523 The City Att o rney presented: A~DOPTED t°A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE -CITY. OF WEST. COVINA DES— CRIBING A CERTAIN PORTION OF THE CONSOLIDATED COUNTY FIRE PROTEC— TION DISTRICT WHICH HAS BEEN .IN— CLUDED WITHIN T14E CITY OF WEST COVINA AND DECLARING THE .SAME WITHDRAWN FROM SAID DISTRICT" Mayor -Barnes: Hearing no objections, we will waive further reading of the body of the resolution. Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath, that said resolution be adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: . Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None Said Resolution was given No, 2523 RESOLUTION No. 2524 The City Attorney presented: ADOPT-ED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE .CITY OF WEST COVINA GRANT- ING A VARIANCE'S (Variance No. 416, Reliable-��avings- and Loan Association) Mayor Barnes: Hearing no objections we will waive further reading of the body of the resolution. Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, that said resolu- tion be adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Mayor Barnes, Noes: None Absent: None Councilman, Snyder abstained. "1 U - Co Co 12-26-62 RESOLUTION No. 2525 ADOPTED Page Forty-one The City Attorney presented 1°A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA GRANT- ING A VARIANCE" (Variance No. 408, Alpha Beta) Mayor Barnes-. Hearing no objections we will waive furfhur reading of the body of the resolution. Motion by Councilan. Towner, seconded by Councilman .Jett, that said reso- lution be adopted, Motion passed on roll call as follows-. Ayes-. Councilmen .Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes-. None Absent-. -None Said. Resolution was given,No. 2525 COUNCIL COMMITTEE., REPORTS DENIAL OF APPLICATION REGARDING ZONE CHANGE No. 240, PRECISE, PLAN No. 336, and • UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT.'Noo 68 (Houston) Councilman Jett said he would like to remark that he had understood there had been considerable discussion on the Houston Zone Change request in reference to the opinion that was expressed about C-1 creeping up on Vin- cent Avenue and the proponents in studying this had come up with an idea that they would be willing to landscape a 50-foot area on the north portion of the property, and would be willing to enter into a contract to maintain this area as a little park area landscaped with trees. They suggested this as a play area for children which they would maintain by contract for a period of ten years. Mr. Jett said he had understood that this applicant had talked to the people in the surrounding property and had guaranteed that the lights would be reflected down instead of shining out into the surrounding areas. He said they would put in landscaping all around the area to the satisfaction of the Planning Department. With this in mind Mr. Jett wondered if it would be in order to deny this re- solution and send this back to the Planning. Commission for review. Mayor. Barnes stated that he had made the remarks in regard to the creep- ing paralysis of- C-1 on Vincent. He said he felt it was susceptible and that some guarantee or buffer to protect the home owners was necessary in the area. He said he also h;d opposed the lights, He asked, if they . had talked to the Planning Department and asked what type of plan they had submitted, Mr. Joseph outlined the plan they had discussed with the Planning Depart- ment about leaving a 50-foot space clear and free for a park, He pointed-,.,.., -41- Co Co 12-26-62 Page Forty-two --ZONE:-CHANGE No. 240, PRECISE PLAN No. 336, and UNCLASSIFIED _USE PERMIT No. 68 - Continued • out that Mr. Houston had gone back to Chicago to discuss this possibility with his company. Mr. Joseph had advised that, if they were serious, they should have a competent architect lay out a plan, He also advised that since this request had originally been denied, they would have to re- apply, and they said they were willing to do this. He said they are going to retain, an architect and have him work out the particulars along the areas affecting the single family residences, Mayor Barnes- Do you feel in your mind that this has any possibilities? Mr Joseph said: this was possible if the Council and Commission granted the use, He pointed.out that the staff has written a report and further pointed .out that if the City grants the use, the area should be protected, Councilman Snyder- Can we change a vote like this on the basis of circumstances of new evidence without reopening the hearing? This is something the opponents dial not hear, Mr. Williams pointed out that the Council has not disposed of the case • unless they adopt a resolution or ordinance tonight, He said that tech- nically the matter is still pending. Councilman: Snyder- Technically we are hearing new evidence. It might be legal, but is it fair? Mr. Williams- I think it would be desirable to send it back to the Planning Commission and when you get their report set up one before the Council and renotify the residents. Councilman Towner said he was satisfied that the action was correct, and if these people wanted to pursue this on the basis of new evidence, there was no reason for them not to take a crack at it, but he stated he was not willing to revise his vote on the public hearing. Councilman Jett felt that if they were willing to send it back, the- Council should cooperate with them to the same extent. He felt they should re- open the hearing and give everybody the opportunity to be heard again, and he did not see any reason to make this applicant spend another $500.00 and make them go through the whole procedure, He pointed out that every- body had agreed that something should be done with this corner, and that the applicant indicates that he is willing to go all out. He further pointed • out that they are going to give about $10, 000. 00 in sidewalks and street improvements. Councilman Towner said he was not ready to change his vote and that the park may prove to be a hazard instead of an asset and may be a policing problem. He felt these people ought to refile their request. -42- Co Co 12-26-62 Page Forty-three ZONE CHANGE No. 240, PRECISE PLAN No. 336, and UNCLASSIFIED USE PERMIT No. 68, Continued, Mayor Barnes suggested that rather than make them go through the whole procedure, the Council could just make them pay the mailing costs and have them notify the people in the area at their own expense, He felt the applicant should also give consideration to sixty feet instead of fifty feet in order to qualify the lot, and if they were willing to do these things the Planning. Commission should be willing to go through another hearing, Councilman Heath felt the Council could not tell them to come back and we will get them a discount, and if the Council wanted to save money they should send it back to the Planning. Commission. Councilman Towner said that whatever road was taken, the City staff would incur expenses Councilman Snyder contended that it was the applicant's fault if he had to refile, because they did not propose this plan in the beginning, Councilman Jett: I think Mr. Garvey is representing the applicant tonight, perhaps he has some- thing pertinent to say. Mr, Francis Garvey, 281 East Workman, Covina, indicated that fifty feet was submitted because the other ten feet is needed for adequate ingress and egress. He requested that this be sent back to the Planning Commis-, sion because, as Mr. Williams stated, the action was not yet final, Mr. Garvey added that with fifty feet, as R-1, landscaping could be anything the City desired, with the applicant willing to landscape as prescribed, Because there was to be no repair work performed at the station, the applicant felt fifty feet would not be needed, Councilman Heath: This Unclassified Use Permit was knocked down by a 3 to 2 vote and now we are asking` them to go through another $500. I think the Council should have the same feeling. Mayor Barnes. I'm not going to give anyone a guarantee one way or another. Councilman. Snyder: We're sending it back on the basis of new evidence. It's not our fault that they did not present this evidence the first time. Councilman Heath: I agree, But I think the man is taking • a wild gamble for $500.00. After reviewing, the various aspects, Mr. Williams advised the Council that this resolution should be tabled, 19AM C� • Co Co 12-26-62 ZONE CHANGE'No. 240, PRECISE PLAN No. 336, and UNCLASSIFIED USE: PERMIT No. 68, Continued. Page Forty-four Motion by Councilman Jett, seconded by Councilman Heath, that this resolu- tion be tabled. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilman Jett, Towner, Heath, Mayor Barnes Noes: Councilman Snyder Absent: None Councilman Towner stated that when this matter comes back it will either be denied or we will have a full public hearing. RESOLUTION No.. 2526 The -City Clerk presented: ADOPTED 1°A RESOLUTION OF THE. CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA ACCEPT- ING A CERTAIN WRITTEN INSTRUMENT AND DIRECTING THE RECORDATION THEREOF" (Joseph and Thelma E. Riding) Mayor Barnes: Hearing no objections, we will waive further reading of the body of the resolution. Motion by%. Councilman, Heath, seconded by Councilman Jett, that said resolu- tion b.e adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None Councilman. Jett: In addition to the Riding Property, the people who own the dry cleaners have indicated that when we pave that area, they would like to go along at the same time, WEST-COVINA BEAUTIFUL CONTEST Councilman. Heath pointed out that about three months ago the -Council ap- proved the West Covina Beautiful Contest, He asked if the award had to be approved or if the check could be released now. He said the Council .took action about three months ago. Mayor Barnes asked Mr, . Dosh to look into this and let Councilman Heath know the details. TRUCKS, -PARKING IN VIOLATION Councilman Heath reported that on Pacific Avenue people were parking trucks with building material and repair trucks all around Pacific Avenue in violation of the, City Ordinance, -44- -C, G: 12-26-62 TR`UC`KS 'PARKING IN VIOLATION - -Continued Page Forty-five Mayor Barnes said he had called the City Manager once before on this and he got all the trucks cleared off and two weeks later another group of • trucks came in, Councilman Heath. In the triangle there, there is a cattle truck that has been parked there for five days, I think we should do some- thing about it Councilman Towner. This is a matter for enforcing our City Ordinance, I don't think we have to do any more about it MAYOR'S, -REPORT Councilman. Snyder stated that the City Manager's salary should come be- fore the Council tonight, He held that the City Manager had been a large factor in placing the City on a better financial basis, and in pushing for farsighted improvements such as the new fire station, and low rates for fire insurance. He reorganized the ;Public Works Department and has achieved many road improvements such as on Highway 39. When Mr, Aiassa came to the City, he took over the Public Works staff and tight- ened it up, Councilman Snyder pointed out that the City Manager was instrumental in obtaining the library from the County for the City's own use, and in increasing the size of the City Parks. Mayor: Barnes stated that he had this on tonight's agenda, but thought the City- Manager's salary could be discussed on January 70 . He said if the Council is willing to discuss this tonight it could be discussed, and that although it had been discussed earlier, no -notion has been made on the Council floor, Councilman Snyder could see no reason to object to raising the City Manager's salary. He pointed out that while Mr. .Aiassa is jokes may be bad, he is the most efficient City Manager in. Southern California. Dr., Snyder felt that this was one thing on which the Council should be in unity o Councilman ..Heath said the hour was late and that it had been decided earlier that this would not be taken up tonight, He said he was against a raise for the City Manager, , pointing out that he is getting $18, 600. 00 a year and the Councilman felt the City Manager was not justified in a raise. Councilman Heath said he was not in favor of discussing this tonight but was, rather, in favor of discussing this on .January 7, 1963. • Councilman Jett said he thought the Council was going to discuss this on January 7. He said he was opposed to giving. the City Manager an in- crease in salary and it would take some time to explain his reasons, because he has not performed his duties efficiently and he has not given needed information on many, many occasions -45- C_ C. 12-26-62 Page Forty-six CITY ,MANAGER'S 'SAL.ARY INCREASE - Continued Councilman Snyder felt that Councilman Heath and Councilman Jett wanted time to be able to publicly berate the City Manager, • Councilman.. Heath. stated that he wanted to explain to the people of the City his reasons for being against a salary increase for the City Manager, He moved that the Council hold this matter over until January 7,' Mayor Barnes: Before action is taken on this, let's hear from Councilman Towner. Councilman.. Towner thought it unfortunate that they were making a political football .of the, City Manager's salary, He thought that it was clear that during the period between 1959 and 1961 the city has had efficient and •economical city government without an increase in taxes. He further felt that on. some delay of the City Manager's projects were the result of political interference of the staff, . He cited the $235, 000 project, ac- complished . out of the Capital Outlay, was carried out to the direction of Mr. Aiassa. He also pointed out that under the City Manager's direc- tion other plans are currently working, many of which were being delayed or stalled because of the Council, Councilman Towner felt the City had enjoyed efficient City management, and did not feel the City. Manager's office should be a political football. • Councilman Heath said he did not think the City Manager's office was a political football. He felt he was entitled to his own thinking and that he did not think the, City Manager was justified in a raise. He further felt that this matter should wait until the next meeting as agreed in the beginning of tonight's session, and that if they wanted to ram something through it should have been started at the beginning, Mayor Barnes stated that he had this matter in the Mayor's report for tonight's meeting. He said he had proposed to bring up the City Manager's salary during the Mayor's turn, but the hour is so late he asked how the Council felt and Councilman Snyder made opening remarks. The Mayor had=hoped this would be discussed without animosity, and he stated that he had promised Mr., Aiassa that this would be discussed as soon as possible around January 1, 1963, and give him an answer one way or the other. He said the City Manager's salary comes up on January 10 In the -past two years, due to Councilman Heath, Mr, . Aiassa has re- ceived a 1016 raise, Councilman Heath contended that a request read before andit was ruled to hold this. matter over until January 7 Mayor Barnes said that only the City Manager's Ordinance was held over. • Councilman Jett reread his statement at the start of the meeting, that he 11felt that by the publicity given to these items in the newspapers, enough interest has been created that we can no longer evade discussing' them. Therefore I feel that in order to bring out in an open meeting for a full discussion, that it is time that we discuss the City Manager's ordinance and the. City Manager's salary, and that each- Councilman have an oppor- tunity to fully express his opinions on both subjects," -46- C.. C, 12-26-62 Page Forty-seven CITY MANAGER'S SAL.ARY' INCREASE ---Continued Councilman_ Snyder: What is the point of holding this over if you only want to express your opinion, • You already indicated overall that your mind is made up; unless you have some more information that we have not heard and -.I don't believe you do. Councilman, Heath: Good. I have more information, Councilman Snyder: I just don't believe you, • Mayor Barnes: In my opinion, I would feel that we should hold over the City Manager's Ordinance to be discussed in an open meeting. I did not say anything about the City Manager's salary, As to discussion of the Council, I think we should vote on the City Manager's salary this evening. Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Towner, to pass a resolution .giving the- City Manager an increase of approximately five percent to $19, 500. 00 per year, effective January 1, 1963. Councilman Heath: Regardless of what your understanding was at the beginning of the meeting this was to be held over and I think you are obligated to do so, Councilman Snyder: In discussing the City Manager's Ordinance, our discussion was in re- lation to the City, Manager form of government. If this is so and you nix his salary, then obviously it becomes a personal thing. I feel it should not be discussed at the same time as the ordinance. Councilman Jett: Councilman Towner: Mayor Barnes: I believe anyone in the Council can request a change in the agenda; if he can get the Council to go along, any item on the agenda can be changed. I personally think you should take these two items separately. My thinking was. to take up the salary tonight and hold the ordinance over to January 7. Councilman- Heath: What is the objection to holding this • over? Councilman Towner: What you are attempting to do is to force an open public hearing to berate the City Manager. -47- Co Co 12-26-62 Page Forty-eight CITY MANAGER'S SALARY INCREASE Continued Councilman Heath- If the City Manager's salary came up, I was going to vote no and qualify my vote to the people in the City, and I think: you are crashing it over, Councilman Heath expressed a desire to make it clear that his objection was not on a personal basis, and that he graded a person on his efficiency. Councilman Snyder stated that Mr. Aiassa's qualifications as a City Mana- ger were read from a letter that Councilman Heath wrote. Councilman Jett said he was going to talk on the motion. Councilman Towner felt that what Mr. . Jett is about to bring out is a per- sonal matter which should be brought up in a personnel session, He said he would be willing to grant an immediate personnel session because he thought the attempt here was to propogandize, and what Mr. Jett failed to achieve in a personnel session, he has no right to bring out in public, Mayor Barnes- We have a motion and a second and Councilman Jett: asked to speak on the motion. • Councilman Heath-. If it is on the agenda, according to Councilman Towner, you can't: bring it up Councilman Jett- I would like to go back a ways and state why I am opposed to the City Manager being given an increase, and the reason. I have made a statement that in my opinion he is not doing his job efficiently and to the full capability of his office, Now I have many times come over to the City Manager in regard to, informa- tion that was sent; to me in an envelope, the same envelope you other gentlemen get, I c,arue. in and wanted to discuss these items, to ask his opinions, and. to get all the information that I can because I need this information to do a good job as a Councilman, And I am sure that the voters of West- Covina expect me to do my job in this manner, I stated t c:am.e over to talk to him, and this has happened time and time again, we start to discuss something coming up on the agenda and he will immediately go into a long dissertation about some unrelated idea or : problem and we will sit for hours and hours discussing nothing, Finally I will eventually be given information I came in for, This is not just my opinion, I call attention to the letter by Phyllis Craven di- rected to the City Council Noverimber. 13, 1962o This was addressed to the City. Council and this points out some of the inadequacies of the City • Manager, Councilman Jett read from -Mrs. Craven's letter, indicating her disappoint- ment at the way the City. Manager handled the job, sm Co Co 12-26-62 CITY-.MANAGER°S -SALARY INCREASE --Continued Page Forty-nine Councilman Jett. I read this from one person who says I am not the only one who feels this • way about the City Manager, We asked him to follow through on the Vincent Avenue sidewalks; without refer- ence to the minutes, we requested the City Manager to get an estimate of the cost of Vincent Avenue sidewalks. . This was an emergency which we recognized because we passed it at the request of Councilman Snyder, As a result of this the City Manager, instead of bringing in information on sidewalks on Vincent Avenue, only brought in a study on the entire area, which instead of the $7, 000. 00 was $42, 000. 00 which in my opinion would only have a. purpose of confusing the issue. Now, I have been told that the City Manager was against putting in side- walks and I had presented information to these ladies and also made every effort to the Council to put in sidewalks on Vincent Avenue, The fire station is another good example of Mr. Aiassa°s inefficiency, When I came on the Council, and when I ran for this office., Mr.. Adams stated that the .fire station was on its way, all equipment was purchased, com- pleted. When I came on the Council I began pushing for this and other people pushed for this, including the Mayor. We recognized the need on the other side of the freeway, We attempted to move this along and had • various hearings. At one time I had approved drawings and plans for the fire station.. It came before the Council and we approved these plans, We made note that plans be put out to contractors for bids and the bids be back for us to consider in two weeks. The -City Manager said this was not enoughtime and we gave him .more time.to get the best bids possible. As a result, we changed it to 30 days with specific instructions that the bids be back for opeining within 30 days, and at the end of the 30 days the bids were just getting ready to submit. I stated at that time that this was a definite indication that the City Mana- ger was not doing his job and that this was an affront to the City Council and assured that the City Council was not running the City of West Covina. I withdrew these remarks, but if it has not been in now I have to get them in the minutes, As a result we still do not have the bids, however, I believe they will be in by, January 3, 1963 This, coupled with complaint after complaint that I have had by the citizens of West Covina, complaints about the City Manager and the City Manager's office, certainly is proof that he is not doing his job efficiently and he is not doing the job we expected him to do, In our personnel meeting, every man admitted he was not doing his job properly. I have also heard it said that if it wasn't for Art Jett he would be doing a good 3obo It was said by the City Manager and I was also accused by Towner, that I was taking • too much of -the City Manager's time, and that I was stopping him from the job he was trying to do. . If can't talk to the employees and if I can't talk to the- City Manager, then what is a; City Councilman's job? The job is to talk to the City Manger and to talk without interuption, with- out giving orders, I am obtaining information needed to do a job that a CoC. 12-26-62 Page Fifty CITY -MANAGERS SALARY INCREASp - Continued Councilman Jett Continues - the citizens expect me to do and I think they have a right to expect that a man do a job they want done, and if he doesn't do his job he:has no businesscbeing on theCouncil° For the time being my mouth is getting dry; I will defer to Councilman Heath. Councilman Snyder- Certain things were said in the person- nel session which are private, which gives me the right to bring out in the personnel session, Councilman Jett- That was an open meeting. Councilman. Heath- Mr. Mayor, I think in the past there has not been a more urgent rooter for Mr. . Aiassa than myself, In fact, Dr. Snyder just flapped a recommendation that I wrote a year ago, two pages long, and I meant every word that was in it. In the last few months, this efficiency has dropped. I think Mr.. Aiassa is a very strong man, which is what we wanted in the beginning, Now he is a little too strong. I feel as I said before, in the past three or four months, Mr. Aiassa has not been doing the job • that he did in the pasta I also like to bring out that Dr, -Snyder made a statement with regard to the study session, and what we discussed is not sacred so I can also quote it, that each everyone of the Council members admitted Mr. Aiassa was not doing the job he was suppose to do. If we know this, how can either gentlemen authorize an increase in his salary? It was brought up that the fire station started way back in 1960. The previous City Council, with Mr. Adams voted on a site location. This site location was in, It agreed with the thinking of Mr; Aiassa and two members of the City Council. As a result to this day we still do not have the bids over two years later. I would like to point out that on September 27, 1961 he had been author- ized by the City, Council to make a contract with .Neptune and Thomas and two months. later he came back and requested that the same authori- zation would become legal with Neptune and Thomas and five months after that he requested the authorization to have the Mayor sign the contract for plans and specifications I don't know what happened or why it took five months to request the Mayor to sign the plans and specifications. On Au,g,ust "6,,. r962, eleven months after authorization, you gave authorization to proceed with final .plans. We authorized him to put drawings out for bid. At the next • Council meeting, still no action for bids, Next, we had an urgent call from Los Angeles for an airway for a heli- port. This thing kicked around for a year and four months waiting for the City Manager to give us a report. He was not in favor of a heli- port in the civic center, -50- C.C. 12-26-62 Page Fifty-one CITY- MANAGER'S, SALARY INCREASE Continued Councilman_ Heath pointed out that the Council wanted him to go out and interview people on the Vincent Avenue sidewalks and they had to wait 30 • days to ask them to remove shrubbery. He pointed out also that Council has been over a year trying to get something done -over the property on the middle of Azusa Avenue, and that Mrs. Jackson asked for information, on the cost of completing a center strip at least six months ago. He said the drainage at the school property is a crime. He pointed further that he went to the City Manager two months ago and;:told him he would like a traffic check where cars come off the ramp and there were near accidents every two or three minutes. . He said he had requested this in writing two months ago and still had heard nothing, He pointed. out the problem with the people at the back of Zodys and that .they had been trying to get something done to satisfy theme He said that in desperation the people called him and called him, Councilman Heath said he could go on and bring out many other things but that, he was not trying to abuse Mro. Aiassa°s character or criticize his personal traits. When he said Mr. Aiassa was a strong man, he meant this as a compli- ment, but he said as it was brought out in the study session, Mr. Aiassa°s work is not what it used to be, Councilman Heath stated that • he had been in industry for a long time and when a man was no producing, he did not get a raise and was given time to straighten himself out, He felt that Mr. Aiassa should not be given a raise, but he should be given a chance to 'straighten himself out, Councilman. Snyder: In the first place, although the hour is late, I feel it is necessary to very briefly give my side of some statements they have made. Mr. Jett stated that he had been sent a good amount of information in an envelope, then stated he needed more information. I will mention only that he read out of context a statement of Mrs, Craven's letter and the whole letter needs to be read into it. That might throw a different light and I will ask that the whole letter be included into the minutes, It also has been stated by Mr. Heath that the whole Council agreed that Mr. Aiassa has not done the job he was supposed to doe I do not remember agreeing with this, but I do remember agreeing that the staff was jumpy, and the City Engineer was jumpy, Mro.. Jett made a definite statement that they were going to be fired. He said during his campaign that he was oing to fire the City Engineer,. Nobody is denied Mr. .Aiassals office for information, Mr. Jett comes into his office every morning and there is loud cursing and he will give orders to the City Manager's secretary, No wonder they are jumpy. • On the point of the fire station, in the first place, this has been a controversial subject since I have been on the City Council. Councilman Snyder stated that details in the recommendations of the fire station were ignored, and" that changes had held up the completion -51- - Co Co ' 12-26-62 Page Fifty-two :CITY MANAGER'S SALARY INCREASE - Continued of the. fire station, and;. that Mr. . Aiassa has had to get things done with a three to two split Council, . He said that they contended that Mr,. Aiassa was gone, and Councilman Snyder pointed out that he is gone on an earned vacation, In regard to complaint after complaint received by Mr, Jett,, Councilman Snyder asked why he did -not get any complaints about Aiassa. Dr, Snyder stated that he had heard only recommendations for the City Manager. He brought out the things Councilman Heath said, and pointed out that he spent several minutes telling things that the City Manager pre- vented him from doing, the different projects Mr. Aiassa stopped.him from doing. - Councilman Snyder pointed out that Councilman Heath said very little about the City Manager not doing his assigned projects. The only objections Councilman Jett and Heath could appear to raise were those where they felt Mr. Aiassa had blocked them from personal am- bition. On the heliport, Councilman Snyder pointed out that numerous studies had been made, Mr. Heath's objection was that he did not get the heliport in the Civic Center where he wanted it. He said that Mr. Aiassa did not stop these studies and that such studies are made all the time and could be found in our files. In regard to near accidents every three minutes on the off ramp, he said he had never seen any near accidents and would.like to know how many actual accidents there were, Council- man Snyder said he could go on much longer, but he felt that the City Manager deserves a raise. He thought the problem lies with the Council rather than the City Manger, and he did not feel the Council should pick Mr,- Aiassa as a scapegoat to solve their own problems, Councilman Towner. ---,'I will be brief. Primarily the points brought out are matters of disagree- ments within the Council and I think the effort to place the blame on the City Manager is misplaced. . I think if his efficiency has dropped in the last few months since the last election, primarily this is beyond his control. Councilman Towner felt that the conduct of the City Manager's office has been substantially interfered with by the prolonged visits of Mr, Jett. He said-_ Mr. Jett has always been well furnished with information, andthat each night each Councilman received a full envelop of pending agenda items and that there was a very fine effort on the part of Mr. Aiassa to keep up the information, Councilman Towner. I think that the fire station north of the freeway was delayed almost • entirely due to the unusual acquisi- tion problems, and -it was this that caused most of the delay, and this acquisition problem has recently come to a conclusion. I think Mr. Aiassa is operating under a severe handicap and is doing well in spite of it. I think he should be commended on his proposals for the future, -52- C, C, 12-26-62 Page Fifty-three CITY MANAGER'S SALARY INCREASE - Continued Councilman Towner Continues. - and if the City Council fails to recognize the destiny of the City, it is our own fault, This destiny can be worked out if the Council can work to- gether in good harmony and with cooperation and efficiency in making a genuine effort to obtain citizen support. , 1 think we have reached a thresh- old in this development and I think we can. carry it through on a quality .basis, I Mead with.,_.the other members of the Council that we put our shoulders to the wheel and move forward, We cannot spend time with bickering that is tearing us apart and bickering about the City Manager. I think he has earned an increase and I will hold to reducing. it this year to approximately 5160 Mayor- Barnes.- Well by nature, I probably will make a short comment as I always doe I am the only man left on the Council who was here when we hired Mr. Aiassa, We hired Mr. Aiassa for the projects that we wanted to _get out and at that time one question we asked is how fast can you get the job done. As long as the personnel session brought out, I told the Council when we . went in there that a man is paid for past performance and if he isn't performing, he should be told he isn't performing at this time, and asked to get these jobs done by the Council. But it should not be done at salary time. . All of a sudden a man does not get an increase and you tell him his work is not satisfactory over and past two years. I think he should be told at the time his work becomes unsatisfactory. To correct this, I think it is up to the Council to tell the City Manager if a job has to be done and if they don't see that it is carried out, it is their own fault, In the possibility of some personality clashes, this should have nothing to do with Mr.. Aiassa°s salary. Neither do I think Aiassa should enter into the political factors of the City. I have criticized him myself at a time when .1 thought he was wrong. He accepted. these criticisms and said he did not realize he had become in- volved.. Sometimes Aiassa gets carried away. I think he tries to save the City every cent he can. He tries to get every cent out of the bids of the. City and he, should try to do the best possible job, However,. I feel when there is vote of three to two vote, this is instructions to go ahead.. Sometimes, when a fellow comes up with a three to two vote, he tries to come back and do it over again. I think that the City Manager's is the only place that the Council can get information funnelled through and I feel anyone on the Council has ia right to come in and get the answers he wants. . The City Manager should say when he can't give the answer, that he can't get the informa- tion, but will have it tomorrow. As representatives of the people we are supposed to do this. If we do not we are falling down on our job and if the City Manager doesn't get the information, he is falling down -53- G.C. I2-26-62 CITY._:MANAGERIS. SAYLARY INCREASE - Continued Mayor Barnes - Continues: Page Fifty-four on his job. . I do not think this is the; this is the time to say he should not have a raise because he is not doing a good job, Many of the things we ask for are in the process of completion, but I think Mr. Aiassa has an obligation and I think in most cases he has fulfilled this obligation. There are some 24 items checked the other night which he had completed. The fire station I felt was a political football, in a way, and it should not be because it is for welfare of the people of this City. It should be for their protection and lower fire insurance rates I would like to see something done, but we should do_ these projects on a larger vote of the Council and if Mr. Aiassa doesn't follow through, I don't believe his services are needed, but I don't think that it should be done the way we're doing it here. Some of the projects we authorize are not Aiassa°s fault, but our own fault. We spend many nights here until 12-30 and 1-00 discussing projects. Councilman. Heath pointed out that the list of 25 items referred to by the Mayor, were hanging for three months or more. He pointed out that Al- hambra, a city the same size as West Covina, pays their City Manager only $17, 000. 00 and that if the City of West Covina is going to pay their Manager almost $20, 000, 00, he better do something for it, or they would get .someone off the street to come in and do his job, Mayor Barnes said the 516 raise should indicate to Mr. Aiassa that it was felt that his work has not been what it has been in the past, but he ad- mitted that the Council was partially to blame, Councilman Jett-. I want the record to show that I do not admit that the Council is responsible for these projects not getting done. In my opinion, the whole problem lies with the administration, Councilman Heath said that Mr. Aiassa has stated on many occasions, 1ll have presented these problems to the Council., and they have not done anything on it, 10 He pointed out that Mr. Dosh has kept putting items back on the agenda and following up on these items until the Council acted on them, and that this was a quality they were looking for in their City Manager, Motion by Councilman _ Snyder, seconded by Councilman Towner, that a re- solution be drawn and passed raising the City Manager's salary approxi- mately 576 to $19, 500. 00 per year, effective January 1, 1963. Motion passed on roll call as follows-. . Ayes-. Councilmen Towner, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes-. Councilmen Jett and Heath Absent: None -54- V Co Co 12-26-62 APPROVE DEMANDS Page Fifty-five Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Towner, to approve demands totaling $214, 141.84, as listed on Demand Sheets B117, and C279, and C280o This total includes fund transfers of $89, 808. 98, and Bank Transfers of $100, 000, 00. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Jett, Towner, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None ADJOURNED Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Snyder, and carried, to adjourn this meeting at 3:15 a.m. to January 7, 1963, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall. APPROVED • ATTEST: City Clerk -55-