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11-18-1963 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA NOVEMBER 18, 1963 The adjourned regular meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor Barnes at 8:05 P.M. in the West Covina City Hall. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Barnes, Councilmen Towner, Jett, Heath, Snyder (from 8:10 P.M.) Others Present: Mr. George Aiassa, City Manager Mr. Robert Flotten, City Clerk Mr. Thomas J. Dosh, Public Services Director CITY" CLERK'S REPORTS DISPOSAL OF STATE-OWNED City Manager read a letter from PUBLIC LANDS the Commission in Sacramento informing the city that certain properties were to be disposed of under a new program. No further notice will be .received from them, but that further information was available by writing direct to the Commission at Sacramento. City Manager informed the Council that certain lands along the Freeway had been earmarked by Council for commuters parking as a result of a study made by the City staff. Letter from League of California Cities stated • city had two -Lyears to notify the State, but City Manager would like to notify State of prior inquiry and interest between now and December. Mayor Barnes said previously city had determined that the price was too high at that time for the city to pay for commuters parking and wondered about possible State participation. Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Heath and carried, that the City Manager be authorized to notify the Commission of the city's interest in this excess property as a result of their prior study on the sites along the Freeway. WEST COVINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Mayor Barnes stated he was in LETTER RE AZUSA.AVENUE hopes that the Chamber of Commerce had received copies of our comments and meeting actions and of the work we have been doing on this problem with Mr. Bonelli and the property owners. This has been going on for six months. There was some discussion as to the intent of the Chamber and it was decided that it should be considered as a letter of support. Mr. Aiassa informed the Council that the proposal .had to pass the Review Board. LEAGUE CONFERENCE EXPENSE Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded • by Councilman Towner, to pay cost of conducting city business at League of California Cities Conference in San Francisco from October 20 to 23, 1963 - $47.13. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Towner, Jett, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None Be ADJ. C. C. 11/18/63 Page Two REFUND - CHRISTENSEN There having been no expense incurred by the city because the Variance application has not been processed, motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, that the application fee of .$50.00 be returned to Mr. Christensen. Motion passed on roll call as • follows: Ayes: Councilmen Towner, Jett, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None WEST COVINA BEAUTIFUL DANCE Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Snyder, that the city contribute $100.00 toward the expense of conducting the Annual City Birthday Dance subject to partial reimbursement to city during coming year. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Mayor Barnes, Councilmen Towner, Jett, Snyder Noes: None Absent: None Abstaining: Councilman Heath PATHFINDER CLUB REQUEST Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner and carried, that the request of the -Pathfinder Club to collect canned food for Thanksgiving baskets for the needy be approved. • ON -SALE LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER No objection of Council to transfer of on -sale liquor license of Pauline and John. Hilkert, dba. The Crest, 1232 W. Francisquito Avenue. Councilman Heath reported on Venise application. LICENSE DEPARTMENT REPORT Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Snyder and carried, that the License Department report for month of October, 1963, be accepted and filed. ZONE CHANGE NO. 266 Discussion of ordinance. Ordinance Arthur James previously introduced as R-4. Mr. Williams had stated it could be reintroduced as R-3. Councilmen Towner and Snyder preferred to wait for City Attorney to attend meeting. Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman. Snyder and carried, to reintroduce the ordinance as R-3. CITY MANAGER'S REPORTS • MERCED AVENUE ALIGNMENT City Manager reported on developments to date regarding advisability of purchasing all of Skelton property or just that part needed for street and improvements. City Attorney has advised that it is lawful for the city to offer the appraised price plus 107o in lieu of condemnation. The portion of the proporty needed is 10,217.40 sq. ft. -2- ADJ. C. Co 11/18/63 MERCED AVENUE ALIGNMENT - Continued The total area is 23,058.sq. ft. Page Three Motion by Councilman Jett, seconded by Councilman Snyder, to authorize • the City Manager to make a firm offer and enter into escrow for the purchase of all the Skelton property plus the house at the appraised price and given the privilege of adding 107o, if necessary, and that in the event that he is unable to consummate the deal on this basis, that he make an effort to acquire that portion of the property and house necessary for the street and enter into escrow for that portion of the property and house at the appraised price; that it be stipu- lated that he be permitted to add 107o, if necessary, in lieu of condem- nation subject to approval of the City Attorney. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. WATER PROGRESS REPORT City Manager Aiassa stated that at the last meeting the Council wanted to submit a letter to the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District board outlining certain questions. Each Councilman has.a, rough draft of the letter. Mayor Barnes asked Mr. Aiassa to read a letter he had received from the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District enclosing a Leeds, Hill & Jewett report to Dr. David S. Wood. Three Councilmen indicated they wanted copies of the letter and the report,- the other Councilmen have theirs. It was suggested that a digest or summary of the Leeds, Hill & Jewett report be made available for distribution to interested parties as a public information service. • Regarding the letter to San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Board, it was moved by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Snyder and unanimously carried, that the Mayor sign the letter. City Manager reported that the adoption of the State contract is scheduled for November 25, 1963, and should be signed and sealed and delivered,to them by December 1, 1963. The contract will be available to us for signature on November 24, 1963. Mr. Aiassa announced that the Public Utilities will meet on November 22, 1963, at Disneyland, and that a Councilman should be present. Councilmen Heath and Jett and Mr. Aiassa to attend and present letter regarding, urgent need for water at this meeting. City Manager to draft letter and Mayor to sign. Regarding water contract, Council request now exists for 8,600 acre feet. It is recommended by Leeds, Hill & Jewett that we go to 10,000 acre feet. Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Snyder and carried, to request 10,000 acre feet and carry the first payment of $7,200.00 due January 1, 1964, plus six months interest of $144.00 until July 1, 1964. Then make,the payment to include the $7,200.00,payment due on July 1, 1964, total $14,400.00 plus $144.00 interest, per recommendation of City Manager. Thus, two payments, one of.$7,200.00 plus interest from January 1, 1964, to July 1, 1964, and one payment due July 1, 1964, will be included. 0 VINCENT AVENUE -INTERCHANGE mitted in the amount of $151.13. rendered were over and above those Victor --Gruen report on additional service fee. Statement No. 1 sub - Charge is in order as services contracted for. Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Towner, to pay state- ment No. 1 in the amount of $151.13. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Towner, Jett, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None -3 - ADJ..C. C. 11/18/63 Page Four VALLEY BOULEVARD - TRUCK ROUTE Motion by.Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, and carried, to add Valley Boulevard (that portion in.West.Covina) to the Truck Route, that the Planning Commission so amend the General Plan and the City Attorney draft the proper ordinance Discussion followed on speed limit on Valley Boulevard. TRAFFIC STUDY - VINE.AND VALINDA Report submitted Rowland Avenue from a two strip designation, and the frontage road be designated ment October 22, street designation to a one on -ramp from Grand.Avenue as one-way southwesterly. by. Traffic Depart- 1963, to change street with median to Garvey, north Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by -Councilman Heath and carried, that report and recommendations made by TrafficDepartment dated October 22, 1963,be accepted. Mayor Barnes reported on hot -rod violations on Grand.Avenue and asked City Manager to investigate. Councilman Jett brought up the matter of jurisdiction over the street when area annexed does not include the street, especially if someone was hit when on one side of the street and was knocked over to the other side of the street into another juris- diction. Who is responsible? And this has happened. Councilman Towner stated it is not so much a question of who is going to be responsible or liable, because of a defective street condition; basically, what we are concerned about is the immediate service to be performed when anything happens, ie. police or fire service, and who • is going to rush over and get the job done that is needed to be done. Councilman Snyder stated there should be a policy worked out. City Manager stated that we always render enough service to keep anything from getting out of control. Mayor Barnes stated that this is what we have been trying to work out. EXTENSION OF CAMERON,AVENUE City Manager stated that we have PROGRESS REPORT received a $15,000.00 bond from Mr. Sade for the improvements on Cameron Avenue between Glendora and California Street. Deed is being prepared. Owners on southwest corner of Glendora and Cameron Avenue will participate because of service station development. We are unable to complete all the improvements because of zoning considerations. We could complete them without their participation. We have a meeting coming up with Mr Robbins, owner of the northeast corner of Glendora and Cameron, Thursday, 7:30 P.M. Plans and specifications are not complete. Mayor Barnes stated that if we can do this under one con- tract we could get a better price. They should be made aware of the fact. Matter of bonds for Glendora and for Cameron Avenue was discussed. SPEED ZONE RECOMMENDATION Councilman Heath protested speed VALLEY BOULEVARD limit of 50 miles per hour existing • CITY' OF INDUSTRY AREA on Valley Boulevard. Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Towner, and carried, (Councilman Heath voted "no") to authorize the City Attorney to amend Section 3191 of the West Covina Municipal Code to establish 50 miles per hour in this city on Valley,Boulevard. Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried, to check out existing speed limit on Valley Boulevard. m ADJ. C. C. 11/18/63 Page Five ROOT AVENUE REPORT We have done all possible. County Road Department has made proposal to Baldwin Park who was to furnish some data .and plans and specifications. Councilman Jett stated that he had talked to Mayor Bloxham of Baldwin • Park and he stated that someone had just not followed through on this matter and they would get busy,and also asked if West Covina would meet with Covina and the County and Baldwin Park to see if. Badillo could be completed all the way through. They are anxious for this and would set up a meeting. Covina is evidently taking some action tonight and we will probably be happy with what they are doing. We all should get together. Mayor Barnes has talked to Mayor Colve.r regarding this. Councilman Towner was concerned that Baldwin Park may wantA o use this as a truck route. Our master plan does not include trucks. We established San Bernardino Road as a truck route but we should keep this thought in mind so we may impose reservations. TRAFFIC REPORT ON SIGNAL City Manager reported on status of State participation in signals. Report was read by Mr. Aiassa regarding Azusa and Garvey, Barranca and Garvey north service road, and Bar:ranca. and Garvey south service road; State to open bids in March, 1964. CITRUS STREET EXTENSION County has four proposals. No finalization from Home Savings, • they are studying a fifth alignment. County will not rush on this because of Home Savings study. Councilman Heath mentioned we have a possible 250 acre development in process and we should find out where the alignment will be. We should contact Mr. Lockhart of. Home Savings and indicate to County which one we want. Councilman Towner suggested that we see the new subdivi- sion map. Mayor Barnes to contact Mr. Lockhart regarding this matter. ROWLAND AVENUE MEDIAN STRIP Project C-199. Mr. Aiassa reported on contacts with property. We have no funds for this project. Approximately $13,OOO.00. Development of area to take place in near future. City Manager to keep Council advised. TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MINUTES Motion by Councilman Heath, seconded by Councilman Towner, and carried, to approve minutes. Councilman Heathgpestioned regarding slot on Azusa Avenue into Zodys. State is making study. Plan in Sacramento for approval some time in March. Councilman Heath asked why can't three way light be put in; we have waited a long time for this. City Manager suggested we have a meeting with State Traffic Department to see if we can expedite this matter. Councilman Heath stated that if we do nothing more than get a clock in there for a left hand turn before next March, • it would help, only two or three cars are getting through now. Traffic is backing up into main traffic lanes. GRAND AVENUE INTERCHANGE City Manager wrote letter to County Road Department June 14, 1963. They are holding up any advanced studies of off and on ramps until they find out what West Covina wants in the way of zoning. City Manager will advise County that this is included in the Victor Gruen proposed traffic study. Study far enough north to complete the interchange. Mr. Goedhart says Mr. Joseph and Mr. Story of Covina.are going to get together to see what is in the area. City Manager to include .report from Covina re -5- • ADJ, Co C. 11/18/63 GRAND AVENUE INTERCHANGE (Continued) Page Six their participation in this matter. Mayor Barnes stated there will be a meeting with Covina on November 30th at 8:3 O.A.M. at the Pancake House. SALARY CHANGE FOR Refers to letter from Personnel DEPARTMENT HEADS Board. Department heads have not had raises since January, 1962, which was questioned by Council, City Manager stated that our salary brackets have been above most. cities. City Manager ha-s had no authority to grant merit raises to department heads. Overall salary situation was fully discussed by Council and City Manager. RESOLUTION NO, 2784 APPROVED Mayor Barnes: The City Manager presented: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY' COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA AMENDING DEPARTMENT HEAD SALARIES OF RESOLUTION NO. 1277" Hearin no objections, we will waive further reading of the body of the resolution. Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Snyder, that said resolution be adopted. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Towner-, Jett, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes, None Absent: None Said resolution was given No. 2784 SECRETARY TO MAYOR Position to be under administration of City Clerk but responsible to theCouncil. Section 2410, Sub -section. R, should be changed to include this position. Mayor to direct the City Attorney to draft the proper resolution. The salary range has been established and the job descrip- tion is all right. Should be answerable to the City Clerk but respon- sive to the City Council because that is what she is there for. City Attorney to check with Santa Monica and we should start immediately. t SCHOOL TRAINING AT CITY EXPENSE the employee. Those above honor bound to make it up. it up. Covina pays for the condition of reimbursement. that city. Nothing in our a later date. CAPITAL OUTLAY CAPITAL OUTLAY - BUDGET Covina spends $5,000.00 per year on their school training program. Time taken off is repaid to the City by the range for eligibility for overtime are Those who are on overtime basis must make books which are returned to the library as a This privilege has never been abused in budget this year. Will take this item up at - FIRE TRUCK Meeting date December 3, 1963, Tuesday. Meeting date December 16, 1963, regarding specifications • • ADJ. C. C. 11/18/63 Page Seven HEADQUARTERS CITY (Tentative review for Council) SEAL PROGRAM Suggested changes were submitted to Council. Council suggested edge be made to resemble a notary seal and move Headquarters City to outside rim and the name West Covina to be placed on banner across the center of the seal. Colors to be used were discussed. City Manager to have sample for Council consideration at an early meeting. Location of State of California on the seal was also discussed. SIDEWALK PROCEDURE FOR 1963-64 Sidewalk procedure to be placed on future agenda. FUTURE.ANNEXATION ON STREETS Motion by Councilman Towner, seconded by Councilman Snyder and carried, to accept recommendation of Annexation Committee and refer proposed annexation at northwest corner of Center Street and Valley Boulevard to the Planning Commission for report. ANNEXATION 182 Both sides of Workman between Hollenbeck and Citrus. Councilman Snyder recommended that we wait for the people to .request annexation to West Covina. Councilman Heath inquired as to what we were doing regarding getting the water annexation approval before the annexation committee; this should be done first. City Manager reported that he was working with Mr. Williams in 'taking care of this. ORANGE AVENUE DRAIN Council received a memo dated November 4, 1963 regarding SP6318 - Hoffof.A. Project, from Thomas J. Dosh: "As you know, we have been awaiting approval from both the Flood Control District and the Division of Highways for the Orange Avenue storm drain project. You may also know that the State also asked for additional information on the drain over and above that normally required for Gas Tax projects, inasmuch as Gas Tax funds are not normally used for storm drain construction. There- fore, it takes more justification, We have recently received this final approval and we are now in a position to satisfy the last request of the HHFA in order to receive Advanced Planning Funds for this project. "As you are aware, ou.r advance interest -free loan would be $7236.89. In addition to the two final approvals from the Dist- rict and the Division of Highways, we must do the following: get a certification from our Treasurer, in letter form, that a separate planning account for each project has been established in a particular banking institution and that the Federal advances will be deposited therein, together with such funds as we may be required to furnish. In discussing this matter with the Finance Officer it would appear that if we make such a request at this time we would probably receive the funds around the first of the year, in which event we would pay Mr. Johnson these funds and, in turn, pay back the HHFA immediately upon award of contract for the Orange Avenue drain. "In light of the above, we wish to make the following recommenda- tions: "1. That the project for Orange Avenue storm drain, which plans have been approved by the City Council, be delayed and not advertised until February, 1964. This would allow for the -7- ADJ o C . Co 11/18/63 ORANGE AVENUE DRAIN (continued) Page Eight award of contract and beginning of construction in March, 1964. This will assure us of better bids since the con- tractor would not be constructing a storm drain during the rainy season and would be given sufficient time in his contract to avoid seasonal rains. This would undoubt- edly save the City money. It would also eliminate any conflict with Christmas traffic in and around Scoa and any commercial areas. 112. If we awarded a contract in March we would, of course, have to pay the Federal government back the sum of money advanced to us about January. In other words, we would realize the benefit of these funds for a two month's period, which would be approximately $40 in interest. I am very certain that the administration costs involved in making final reports to the HHFA and setting up special funding accounts and continuing with this procedure set up for us by the HHFA, would far exceed any nominal interest we would save in the two month interest -free loan. Therefore, we recommend that the agreement with the HHFA for Orange Avenue storm drain be 'terminated immediately. 113. By the time we receive final Lark Ellen Avenue storm drain approval it would seem the same situation would probably apply in this case, as well. Conversely, the Advanced Planning application for Citrus Street will be to our advan- tage since we will receive funds upon completion of the pre- liminary plans and I am certain that we will not be construct- ing this drain for two to three years, since no funds are available. However, in this report we do not wish to make a final determination for Lark Ellen or Citrus drains. That will have to wait until more precise information is available. "In summary, we firmly believe that it is to the best interest of the City to save the City tax payer and the Federal government tax payer funds whenever possible. In this case by not borrowing interest -free from the Federal government we save in both ways. It is very unfortunate that we encountered such extreme difficulty from the State Division of Highways in obtaining approval for these storm drains. This was unexpected since in previous storm drain applications for Gas Tax money we have never had a problem. Apparently the State has changed their policy also with regard to control of Gas Tax expenditures. We hope that the problem involving the $22,000 on Lark Ellen Avenue which necessitates Bureau of Public Roads' approval doesn't completely preclude the use of Advance Planning Funds as a practical measure, but at present it appears this will be the case. "If the City Council approved the recommendation to dispense with the HHFA agreement for Orange Avenue only, which can be termin- ated by either party at any time, we would recommend that payment be made to Mr. Johnson now, since funds have been setaside in the is reimburse for this purpose, even though the original purpose was to reimburse the Housing and Home Finance Agency." Contract not to be let until February, 1964, until after rainy season. Councilman Jett requested a step-by-step report on where we stand on storm drains. Mr. Aiassa told the Council he would provide a book showing the entire storm drain program and will meet with Council to go over the report and what our next steps are. NZ ADJ. C, C. 11/18/63 ORANGE AVENUE DRAIN (Continued) Page Nine State has promised $22,000.00 to participate in getting the drain from North Lark Ellen to South Lark Ellen. Mr. Aiassa explained the • procedure. Badillo drain and Vincent Avenue north of Wash have been installed. Lark Ellen and Merced remain and these will go on contract after the first of the year. Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Heath, to accept report of Thomas Dosh dated November 4, 1963, and that the contract for the Orange Avenue drain not be let until February, 1964. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Towner, Jett, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None Motion by Councilman Snyder, seconded by Councilman Heath, to cancel the HHFA contract for Orange Avenue drain plans and specifications to be paid by HHFA, and pay engineering fees out of city funds instead. Motion passed on roll call as follows: Ayes: Councilmen Towner, Jett, Heath, Snyder, Mayor Barnes Noes: None Absent: None TAX DELINQUENT LAND West Covina Center - access to rear SALE SERIES 86-A property - set up as parking lot. • Lot split from city for 20' building. Councilman Jett explained as follows: Originally a 40 foot lot had to be acquired for,parki.ng for the stores in the front and at the time Mr. Smith, who owned the property, needed access for parking. We gave Mr. Smith an easement for getting into his property. Mr. Smith would never give up the easement. Council not interested. CAR LEASES City Manager to have lessor submit new 62 proposal extension. Also check with others for new lease. There being no further business, motion by Councilman Jett, seconded by Councilman Heath, and carried,'that this meeting be adjourned at 12:00 midnight. APPROVED 'MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK ME