11-02-1970 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA
NOVEMBER 2, 1970.
The adjourned regular meeting of the City Council was called to order
at 7:31 P.M. by Mayor Ken Chappell in the West Covina Council
Chambers. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilman Jim Lloyd.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Chappell; Councilmen Shearer, Nichols,
Young, Lloyd
Others Present: George Aiassa, City Manager
H. R'. Fast, Public Services Director
Richard Munsell, Planning Director
Lela Preston, City Clerk
George Zimmerman, City Engineer
Mark C. Allen, Jr., City Attorney
Louis Winters, Civil Engineering Associate
Ross Nammar, Administrative Analyst
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 13, 1970 Mr. Aiassa: Mr. Mayor, there is a
correction on Page 18
in the statements made by Mrs. Wilner. In
line 8 the word "presentation" should be "preservation."
Motion by Councilman Young, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, and carried
approving minutes as corrected.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA Motion by Councilman Young, seconded
CITIES - Re Urban Corps by Councilman Lloyd, and carried,
Program and Recreation referring to staff.
& Youth Services Planning
Council
CALIFORNIANS FOR YES ON 20 Councilman Nichols: Mr. Mayor, the
Seek Resolution of respective
Endorsement of Proposition sentiments of Council in respect to
20 on Nov. 3, 1970 Ballot this matter, I don't think Council
could take any action tonight that
would have any bearing on the
election whatever. Rather than discuss it, analyze it, and argue it
and vote it, I would offer a motion that it be received and filed.
Seconded by Councilman Shearer, and
carried.
CITY OF LONG BEACH Motion by Councilman Young, seconded
Resolution No. C-20812 by Councilman Nichols, to refer to
staff.
Councilman Lloyd: Mr. Mayor - I was under the impression that
w on these resolutions and things that we
receive from other cities that we were not
going to be involved in a lot of this stuff or that we would have
a better briefing or something of that nature. What was the exact
intent of that - Mr. Aiassa?
Mr. Aiassa: The -standard procedure is that all.communica-
tions addressed to Council must go to the
Council. Normally what we usually do on
written communications is have them directed to staff to receive and
file, if they are not pertinent.or something that we would have an
involvement in.
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ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70
Written Communications - Cont'd.
Page Two
Councilman Lloyd: What would you
to direct this
do with this?
do if we say we are going
back to staff - what would you
Mr. Aiassa: We would contact the City of Long Beach and
ask why and what their purpose is and what are
you trying to achieve and what other cities
are giving support. If there is no support then we would recommend
to Council that it be received and filed.
Councilman Lloyd: I concur that any communication addressed to
the Mayor and City Council should go to
Council, but I am not sure, unless my
colleagues are interested in some specific action being taken on
these things - well, I think this is a lot of fuss and feathers.
I am just trying to eliminate some administrative haze.
Councilman Young: Personally�I would like to see some action
on this, but it is for a selfish purpose. I
happen to have mountain property and I
happened to have sat in on several fires and watched the B-17's
and helicopters operate within a mile of my own property and I am
curious about this vehicle, whether it can operate at this altitude.
We see a lot of lives risked on the B-17-'s and the other planes they
use and they are talking about an essentially heavier craft, I
assume, because it has ten or twelve times the capacity of the first
craft, and its use is within our immediate area, so I would assume
the citizens would have a great interest:'in this.
Councilman Lloyd: I am not questioning this specific item which
you are speaking of and certainly I would
concur, I am all for anything that will up-
date and improve our facilities. What I am really questioning is
the procedure of all this stuff coming in and we referring it to
staff, and even if they remotely do -the things they are supposed to
do on the stuff this becomes overpowering and is really not productive
to the City of West Covina. Are we achieving efficiency in
government by referring tostaff and if so, shouldn't they come back
and tell us exactly what they have done, which they don't do. Am I
making a mountain out of a mole hill?
Mr. Aiassa: All items that are directed to staff for a
report appear on a follow-up agenda. These
items are checked by staff with a follow-up
report to Council. We do have a regular follow-up procedure and
all of it is checked out.. Some of the items we prefer not to be
involved with, but some, like the one Mr. Young pointed out, the use
of the surplus military craft, it has been a big factor since we
have had all the fires.
Councilman Nichols: If I understand Councilman Lloyd correctly,
what he is saying is that there are
occasionally items that come before the
Council that the staff has no particular feeling in regard to and
the Council routinely refers to staff when there might exist at the
moment on Council sentiments to deal with the item then and there.
In those circumstances I think that is a valid point rather than
routinely turning over to Staff and having some staff member start
spinning his wheels that if Council in fact has a particular
attitude on it at that time, up to and including "kill it", it
should be so expressed. However, I think the point of Councilman
Lloyd is well taken and the interest of Councilman Young is well
taken and in this particular instance it would be well to refer to
staff.
Motion carried. All in favor.
�AE
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL: - 11/2/70 Page Three
Written Communications - Cont'd.
DIAMOND C YOUTH Motion by Councilman Young, seconded by
RANCH Councilman Nichols, and carried, to receive
and file letter of appreciation for granting
of temporary use permit.
VERN O. AUSTIN re Councilman Young: Mr. Mayor - I had a
Umark Water Systems speech I wanted to make
Acquisition about this letter, but I
had hoped he would be here but I don't see
Mr. Austin. Some portions of the letter were
printed in the San Gabriel. Valley.Tribune yesterday .and I think the
entire letter should be incorporated in the minutes of the Council
meeting since it was not in the Tribune in full. I refer specifically
to paragraph 3 of the letter which states: "Monday night I believe
Mr. Young voted against a zoning change on a gas station because
"he had not seen any citizen come before council requesting gas
stations." Mr. Young, do you change your logic for political
expediency? or more to the point, who came before the Council
requesting the city go into the water business, other than this
developer who wishes to cash out at the expense of the citizens of
West Covina by getting the city in the water business as this is the
only way he.can cash out."
My recollection is that I voted in favor of
the zoning change in favor of the gas station. I think Mr. Nichols
took the position somewhat like that which is credited to
Councilman Young, but I will leave Councilman Nichols speak for
himself. I will comment that politically the most expedient vote
I have ever cast was in favor of the zoning change for this gas
station. I voted it because it was my conviction and I will continue
to vote my convictions because of my conscience. With that comment
I would make a formal motion that this letter be spread fully upon
the minutes of the meeting this evening.
Councilman Nichols: I agree with Councilman Young in his,
feeling about this and I certainly would
second that, although probably the work
involved in transcribing it will be more of an effort than the
results obtained. Incidentally, I read the letter to the editor
and the comments alluding'.to,Councilman:-Nichols and my wife informed
me those comments could be taken two ways,'so I don't think I came
out as well as I might have dither.
Mr. Aiassa: Mr. Mayor, I would like to make a suggestion.
Since Mr. Austin seems to be an expert in a
lot of fields I would like to have this letter
referred to Umark's representative, who is the one he seems to be
playing dilly-dally with. I think Umark's representative would be
very happy to acknowledge the letter.
Councilman Nichols: The City Manager's request is a noble one and
wifh the request to have the letter spread in
the minutes and made totally a part of this
public record, I am sure staff would find that Umark's representative
has had the opportunity to study the minutes without referring the
letter specifically.
Councilman Shearer: Not to belabor the point but I fail to see
the reason for putting the entire letter in
the minutes even though I cameout not too
bad of a guy but only a half -bad guy. I am sure over a period of time
we are going to get a couple of letters taking snipes at individual
councilmen and if each time we do we enter it in the record I feel
we are going to give credit to these things that do not deserve
credit. I/ personally, unless someone can give me a good reason
for putting in the minutes, I will vote against it.
Councilman Nichols: I think the point made by Councilman Shearer
is a valid one. I hope that all of us at
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ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70
Written Communications - Cont'd.
Page Four
all times will reflect upon the aspect of communications in
incorporating items in the record, and I would reiterate I think
it is a matter for each Councilman to determine if it is important
enough to have it in the minutes and if he does feel that way I
think the rest of us should extend him the courtesy of allowing
that it be done.
Councilman Young: Speaking to Councilman Shearer and Council-
man Nichols, my thought on it is simply
this - the public has been apprised of a
portion of this letter. A portion was apparently edited by the
Tribune, which of course is well within their rights, but the letter
expresses matters that are critical and most of the Councilmen
were criticized, myself included and as for me I am delighted to
have any kind of critical comment made widely available to anyone
that wants to consider it. Frankly., I am glad Mr. Austin expressed
himself and I thinkhe expressed himself honestly, but.I think he is
very wrong about a lot.of things. He.has exercised his:right as a
citizen of this community to express himself and I am quite willing to
have that evaluated by anyone that cares too,.but I think including
in the minutes makes.it widely available to anyone having that interest.
And that is my reason for my position in the matter, I certainly have
no personal resentment or anything like that. I appreciate his
forthrightness.
Mayor Chappell: I find my name spelt wrong, among many other
mistakes made in the letter. We have seen
letters like this before and I am sure we will
see them again.
Councilman Young: I haven't and I haven't been criticized before.
Motion carried. All in favor.
Letter dated October 22, 1970, addressed to West Covina City Council.:
"After attending Monday night's Oct. 19th, City Council meeting, I
came away amazed that what happened with respect to Umark Water System
could happen in a democratic country.'
'Once again the citizens of West Covina were over -ruled by their
elected representatives. It is my belief that inevitably West Covina
will be in the water business. Gentlemen, I do not believe that you
can be so naive as to think that by entering into a temporary leasing
agreement with Umark-for water that you have not compromised the
citizens of West Covina to eventually go into the water business.
Although I have not talked to Suburban Water Co. about their
negotiations with Umark - actually it is none of my business - I
believe the principle factor in a hang-up of these negotations:,is
probably Umark wanting to sell more of its facility than Suburban
can use at the present time. You gentlemen should realize I am sure,
as rate payors that utility rates with a.private utility have to be
based on the needed plant investment, not plant investment needed
many years hence. There is nothing that can be done to change this
other than changing the law regulating the Calif. Public Utility
Commission.'
'Monday night I believe Mr. Young voted against a zoning change on a
gas station because "he had not seen any citizen come before council
requesting gas stations." Mr. Young, do you change your logic for
political expediency? or mot to the point, who came before the
Council requesting the city go into the water business, other than
this developer who wishes to cash out at the expense of the citizens
of West Covina by getting the city in the water business as this is
the only way he can cash out.'
'Mayor Chappel, in connection with the same re -zoning for a gas
station you made the statement you would not vote a problem for
future council as previous councils had done for you. Mr. Mayor
do you change your principles for political expediency? or do you
WIM
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL- - 11/2/70
Written Communications - Cont'd.
Page Five
sincerely believe this monkey wont be on the back of a future council?
please let me clarify, this "lease wont be on the -back of the future
City Councils.'
'Mr. Lloyd, Monday night you made the statement you taught Political
Science. As a result of leading the City Council into this mess I am
sure the citizens of West Covina could regard this as nothing but a
political exercise, it certainly does not represent them, their
wishes or their pocket -books, but has untold traps in compromising
them in the future.'
'Mr. Shearer tried hard to use his civil engineering experience with
commonsense but unfortunately was apparently overwhelmed with this
political exercise. Gentlemen, there is nothing else to call this
but a political exercise. Even after listening to Mr. Nichols very
able represent the citizens of West Covina as well as point out
there was no urgent need to takQ.the steps you took Monday night, as
Suburban had testified they were serving water to the developer and
would continue to do so at his request, you still voted in this
aborative lease. If it is properly prepared and I am sure it will be
glossed over to look properly prepared and West Covina will thereby
be in the water business a year from now, or extend said lease or
obviously face a suit for failure to provide water to the developer
and customers who will be citizens of West Covina.'
'I will say this for the present City Council, excluding Mr. Nichols,
as of Monday nights action, in twenty three years the only improve-
ment the citizens of West'Covina have is a council with more polish
and more finesse. Maybe we need more straight forward individuals
like Mr. Nichols, polish be damn.'
'Gentlemen, in clear conscience how can you go against your electorate?"
(Signed) Disgustedly yours, Vern O. Austin, P.O.Box 709, West Covina.
Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman Young, that a copy
of this letter be forwarded to the manager of Umark in view of the
fact that the property discussed is actually the property of Umark
at the present moment. Motion carried, Councilman Nichols voting "no."
NOR-VADA LAND CO. re Motion by Councilman Young referring this item
TRACT NO. 29853 to staff as it involves an annexation which
ANNEXATION should be of interest to everybody.
Seconded by Councilman Shearer.
Councilman Shearer: Can someone tell me where this tract is?
Mr. Aiassa: Nogales and Valley. Annexation 214.
Councilman Shearer: Well we are already proceeding on this, we
referred this to the Planning Commission and
they discussed it at the last meeting and
if this is 214 then there is no action necessary on this letter.
Ross Nammar: Councilman Shearer after the Planning Com-
Administrative Analyst mission reviewed it and recommended its
approval the formal request petitioning
the City Council to annex this tract must be submitted and this is
what you have before you tonight. On November 9th we will have the
Resolution for your adoption.
Motion carried.
CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION OF
COMMENDATION TO
NORM WILLIS
(No. 4245)
Mr. Aiassa:
We have a Resolution of
Commendation and apprecia-
tion for Norm Willis one of
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ADJ. CITY COUNCIL 11/2/70
City Manager -Resolution #4245 Cont'd.
Page Six
•
our oldest city employees and he is retiring.
Councilman Lloyd.
Councilman Shearer:
Mr. Aiassa:
Mayor Chappell:
for our City. This was
long time. With his 17
to reminisce, ..
So moved by Councilman Young, seconded by
How long has Mr. Willis been with the City?
17 or 18 years.
I might comment that I attended his
Retirement Dinner the other evening and this
fan could be another Master of Ceremonies
one of the most fun evenings I spent in a
years in our City there were a lot of things
Motion adopting Resolution No. 4245 carried
on Roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Shearer, Nichols, Young, Lloyd, Mayor Chappell
NOES: None
ABSENT None
Motion by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, to perma-
plaque Resolution No. 4245. Motion carried on roll call vote as
follows:
AYES: Councilmen Shearer, Nichols, Young, Lloyd, Mayor Chappell
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
YOUTH FREE CLINIC Mr. Aiassa: We had an extensive
REPORT meeting on this today
which lasted until about
4 P.M. There are certain provisions listed in the report you have
which were recommended by staff. Staff's recommendation is if
items (2), (4) and (7) are not complied with by the Council meeting
of November 2, 1970, that your action of October 19, 1970 approving
the Free Clinic Dance be rescinded. Furthermore, staff recommends
that advertising for this event be limited to the community of
West Covina and not County -wide.
Item 2 has been complied with and Item 4
we have not yet received, but there is an attempt to bring
representation from the schools. We also find out in the original
request it was for 16 high schools and this is only 6, so I guess
we should presume this was a typographical error and put a l in
front of the 6. One more. stipulation not complied with is adequate
insurance coverage. From the latest report received just 5 minutes
ago, Frank. -Hummer stated that the Free Clinic group has asked for a
million dollars worth of insurance and this is not related to the
City's insurance. The p.ol'icy has::.ndt yet been issued because the
home office was closed, but he feels there will be no problem.
We have
also made a request that the group
gathering bd limited
to 1500 and
not to exceed 2000 at anytime,
but 1500 is more desirable.
Also
the Board of Directors have met
and concluded their
corporation
papers which we received a copy of
today and a copy has
been..given
to the Acting City Attorney for his
review.
I believe we have met all the requirements
set forth by the City and the Board of Directors of the Free Clinic,
but unless insurance is provided�my staff and myself would have to
recommend that this Council not grant this permit. There is a
representative present from the Board of Directors.
Mario Del Fante I serve as the Treasurer of the adult part
Board of Directors of this Board. At our meeting today we were
Free Clinic advised that unless we had adequate coverage
we could not go ahead with the dance, we
6 -
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Seven
City Manager - Youth Free Clinic
knew this but we did not have the coverage. We got ahold of
Mr. Hummer and he said there would be no problem except the
office was closed and he said there was no reason why we couldn't
get coverdge. The premium stated for this type of coverage was
well within the realm that the Board felt we would go on the hook
for, so Mr. Hummer is going to call me tomorrow morning and give me
the exact premium cost and we should then have the insurance
coverage.
Mr. Aiassa: We were further advised that three men from
the Board of Directors were selected to work
as liaison with City staff and also three
students were selected.
(Mr. Del Fante advised the three Board men were: Don Snookal,
Joan Wilson and Mario Del Fante.; and the three students were:
Lila Gonzalez, Mandy Deloney, and Chris Hines.)
Mr. Aiassa: We made a strong stipulation that there be
no radio announcement or advertising county-
wide and that the advertising be restricted to the local area of the
East San Gabriel Valley. They have requested that maybe the local
radio station might release some publicity. I feel if this is
done it should be let out by the Board of Directors or the three
selected members of the group just mentioned. They have contacted a
group of bands and they will provide us with the necessary monitors
that will do the internal policing at Orangewood Park. Our
particular concern is that we only have six hundred parking spaces
in the immediate vicinity of the park and with possibly 1500 people
we may have a problem. If Council feels that we have done everything
possible for a successful venture instead of a"Woodstock" or anything
like that, I believe we are at the point where Council has to
decide whether they want to proceed or not.
Mayor Chappell: Does anyone have any questions of Mr. Aiassa?
Councilman Lloyd: Yes. I have heard that there were some
complaints from.LaPuente with regard to this
Free Clinic. Is that true?
Mr. Aiassa: We have not contacted the people directly,
but we had some representatives that
communicated with staff. Their concern is
that the creation of another Free Clinic in West,Covina might
infringe on their activities. The group here feels that the
greatest percentage.of the participants are from West Covina, at
least 23/ - and should have their own clinic here.
Councilman Lloyd: Who is the spokesman for this group?
Mr. Aiassa: Dr. Woody Scott is the President of the
newly.incor.porated Free Clinic.
Dr. Woody Scott: We have been in continuous contact with the
East Valley Clinic and they are concerned
primarily with the medical unit they have.
We want to cooperate with them and we don't feel at this point that
we could go into the medical expense treatment, although a lot of
the young people would like very much for us to have it. Our first
concern is with narcotics, run -a -ways and things like that, and
these will be treated by individual volunteers in the community.
And this we intend to do as soon as we can get over the traumatic
experience of November 6th. This is our goal and at that point we
hope to take the money we receive and open an .office and start
counselling. As far as the medical situation we do pot feel we can
enter in that because that is a very expensive thing and we intend
to refer all the medical cases to them. I think this is what they
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ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70
City Manager - Free Clinic
Page Eight
Ll
are concerned about primarily, that we might compete with them in
different areas but our feeling is that basically we want to
work with the high school kids of West Covina.
Councilman Lloyd: I am not real sure in my mind what it is you
are trying to do, but I gather from the
volunteer contributions and the work of this
group you are trying.,:to realize:'.a.sufficient amount of money in
order to meet the expenses of an on -going program.
Dr. Scott: That is correct and the funding - as explained
before - we want it to come from the projects.
And as we .anticipate it right now the present
funding would run in the neighborhood of probably $100. a month.
Councilman Lloyd: $100. a month will cover all of this?
Dr. Scott: As we start it right now, but if we move into
the other areas it will run about $600. a
month.
Mayor Chappell: What other things?
Dr. Scott: If they were to move into the medical and
these other areas.
Councilman Young: I question the propriety of these questions
at this point by City Council, except as a
matter of personal interest, which I would
not want to infringe upon, but the only thing before this Council
that I know of is whether or not to make the facilities available
for a dance and we have already approved making the facilities
available and all the conditions we set down for the dance have been
met and the only concern I have as a City Councilman - even though
I absolutely share all the other interests of it - but as a Council
I am concerned with having a successful dance which is not a riot
or something associated with the "Woodstock thing". I am concerned
because we may want -future events such as this and if this one did
turn out to be a civic disgrace rather than a civic credit than I am
sure it would reflect -on any future decisions we might make, but as
to getting into the mechanics of what is proposed here, I simply
question that as an area of deep concern by the Council at this
particular point.
Councilman Lloyd: Your point is fine except I have had several
phone calls and there are people that have
expressed some antagonism.'to the program and
all I am trying to do is to see if we are facing a problem as far as
City Council is concerned. I do feel this is the appropriate time
to bring out the problems that may be righted. He is apparently
already aware of it and I didn't know about it until I received the
phone call today. I asked these questions because I want to assure
myself that I have the full picture which I apparently do not have.
I have no further questions but I do reserve the right to ask any
questions as we go along.
Mayor Chappell: Thank you, Dr. Scott.
Mr. Aiassa: I believe this program and the evolution of
this program originated from a study
Committee in the Chamber of Commerce. I
frankly feel a program of this nature should be cosponsored by the
Chamber as well as the City, being that it orginated from the Chamber
Committee and then transposed to a city program, but this does not
relieve the Chamber from participation and assistance and all the
rest of the things that go with this kind of a project. I believe
Mr. Strachan will be more than happy to provide assistance on
m:�
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL 11/2/70 Page Nine
City Manager - Youth Free Clinic
November 6th if it becomes necessary.
Councilman Young: I think it is entirely correct that a
Committee of the Chamber of Commerce
commenced a study in this area, but as I
recall -and I think it is in the minutes we approved this evening,
Councilman Young made some comment about the Chamber and rather
embarrassed most of the people here by doing so and direct
recitation was made by the young people stating they wanted to
divorce themselves as much as possible, in fact it was kind of a
mutual thing - the Chamber and the Free Clinic people coming along
this far were willing to have a friendly divorce and the Free Clinic
group was to go its own way with its own Board, which is entirely a
legitimate thing. We may get into some licensing problem in the
future or some zoning.probl.em.because they have to have a place to
operate but now we have before us some articles of incorporation
which sets this up as a separate entity entirely on its own and I
don't think the Chamber of Commerce or the City, either one are
involved, except as to the place and we .have a Board of Directors
in this Corporation, so now this is an enterprise apart from anything
else. This Board of Directors - I know some of the people on here -
Dr. Scott I have known for many years; Dr. Louie, Mr. Erickson,
Mr. Bregman, Mrs. Welch, Mrs. Wilson - the Corporation is itself
apart from the Chamber and apart from the City and I think we are
still talking simply about the use of a city facility for a dance
requested by a private organization, and this is a private organiza-
tion.
Councilman Shearer: Mr. Aiassa used the term "sponsor." I would
want to go on record at least so far that
the City Council is not sponsoring the dance
nor the Free Clinic. This is in no way to say I disagree with _the
idea of the Free Clinic or the dance, but the City Council is: -
not -sponsoring it. We have been asked to provide a free facility for the
dance, as we are asked by many other civic groups.in the City, but it
does not mean we are the official sponsors. I wanted to make that
clear.
One other point - in the recommendation of
the City Manager setting a maximum figure on attendance. While I
can fully agree with the intent, I think if we do this we are asked.l
to pass a Resolution which is actually unenforceable.. I don't know
that we will have anyone down there counting and when the 1,.501
person comes in, someone is going to say - no�you can't. I think
the recommendation that the advertising be limited to the local area,
hopefully, will take care of that situation. I would not want to. go
on record setting an arbitrary ceiling and we might create a problem
that wouldn!t exist otherwise. We had a riot over the weekend when
a place was sold out and people wanted in and you know what kind of
a problem that would. -create.
Mr. Aiassa: That is the basic reason we wanted to point
out to them that the area can only
accommodate about- 1500 to 2000 conveniently
and adequately.'-We..want them not to advertise or over extend so we
used this as a guide figure only. They may go over by two or three
hundred.
Councilman Shearer: I agree with the intent.
Mayor Chappell: Mr. Aiassa, we did mention one thing the
other day and that was the hospital close at
hand and the loudness of the electrical
apparatus - has that been looked into?
Mr. Aiassa: We have a problem because we don't know
which band or bands are going to play and
which amplification will be used. I will have staff contact the
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ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Ten
City Manager - Youth Free Clinic
hospital and advise them. Most of the hospitals are air conditioned
and by shutting the windows on that side.
Councilman Nichols: Mr. Mayor - the Council has before authorized
the ball leagues to conduct ball games at
nightjranging up until the very late hours
with hundreds and hundreds of adult citizens cheering and screaming
their teams on to victory, so it would be hard to believe that the
music of the rock bands could exceed the cumulative noises of ball
teams.
Mayor Chappell: All.:..right. Will somebody then make a motion
or is that not necessary, because we did act
on this previously.
Councilman Nichols: Probably the reapproval of the Council
authorization subject to the conditions of
1 through 9 plus 10.
Councilman Lloyd: I will second that.
Motion carried.
Councilman Shearer: One further question. On the outside chance
that come about Wednesday or Thursday there is
an impassecbetween staff and the group, I
wonder if it would be well to perhaps schedule an adjourned meeting
in case we have to have it. I understand there is some legal problems
if we don't - is this necessary?
Mr. Aiassa: By legal action we can give the Council 24
hour notice of an impending meeting and I
believe this is adequate. .
Mr. Allen, To hold a special meeting you have to give
City Attorney 24 hour notice and it has to be given to the
press. Then you can conduct any meeting
called up as a special meeting under that
arrangement.
NF.ARTTTT(,G
GARVEY AVENUE NAME LOCATION: Various segments of Garvey Avenue
CHANGE on both sides of the Freeway throughout the
City Limits of the City of West Covina.
DISCUSSION for the purpose of determining
public opinion as to the advisability of renaming all of, or just
certain segments of, Garvey Avenue.
Mayor Chappell: The hour of 8:00 p.m., having arrived, this
is the time and place for the public hearing
of the proposed Garvey Avenue name changes Madam City Clerk, do
you have the affidavit of publication and mailing relative to this
hearing?
City Clerk: Yes,,I have the affidavits.
Mayor Chappell: I will entertain a motion to receive.and
file the affidavits.
Motion by Councilman Young, seconded by Councilman Shearer, and
carried, to receive and file the affidavits.
(George. Zimmerman-City.-.anCity. `E- g.ineer, was asked by Mr. , -Aiassa -and
Cbuncil.to:_give a summary of the staff report.)
- 10 -
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL 11/2/70 Page Eleven
Hearings (Garvey Avenue Name Change)
Mr. Zimmerman: Mr. Mayor and members of the City Council, on
the far wall is a map and on the top is a
drawing showing the various aspects of the problem. (Explained the
meaning of the various colors depicted on the map.) The reason for
the suggested name change is the confusion that townspeople have
. experienced over the years between the different sides of the
Freeway, Garvey Avenue being two streets - one north and one south
of the freeway. The odd numbers are in existence on the north side
of the freeway and the evennumbers are inexistence on the south
side of the freeway. This has caused problems amongst the various
city staffs also. The Police Department divides its beats at the
Freeway and sometimes a communications operator gets a call to come
to Vincent Avenue at Garvey and they don't know whether to send the
officer from the north of the freeway, or south of the freeway, and
this condition also exists with the Fire Department and the ambulance
service, or any emergency run of that sort.
We have investigated the amount of changing
that would have to be done if Council decides a name change is in
order and we find that it is about equal between. the number of
businesses affected north of the freeway and those south of the
freeway. In each case there are about 150 business addresses, also
about the same number of intersections involved either side of the
freeway - about 25 north and about the same number south of the
freeway. The cost to the public for changes in street name signs
is estimated about $1500. for either side of the freeway, or a total
of $3,000 plus the changing of business stationery and addresses
which would be a private expense. In recent actions the Planning
Commission has considered the name change and recommended the change
if made be to a keynote name rather than a memorial name. This would
refer to something perhaps in existence now, such as Civic Center
Drive, because it goes past the Civic Center and this would be a
keynote name. Whereas a memorial name might be Garvey Avenue, as it
is. The Traffic Committee recommended Holt Avenue be used as the
name for Garvey Avenue southerly of the freeway. However, the Traffic
Committee also mentioned some other names in the report given to the
Council and recommended that the public hearing,which is now being
held,would occur.
There are a couple of other miscellaneous
facts regarding this that I might mention. The northerly Garvey
Avenue frontage road is more discontinuous than the southerly one.
It does not continue through Eastland Center or westerly of Azusa
between Azusa and Vincent on the northerly side. There are, of
course, streets readily available to traverse those..distances but
they do not make Garvey Avenue a continuous frontage road to the
extent it is on the southerly side, where it is continuous almost
entirely across town. The Traffic Committee recommended that the
name chosen for the two Garvey Avenues, if changes are made, should
be continuou,for across town and not just a part of the distance
across town.
THE CHAIR DECLARED THE PUBLIC HEARING OPEN_
Councilman Young: Mr. Mayor - isn't Holt a historical name?
Mr. Zimmerman: Yes, it would be considered historical. It
is a name that has been applied to a portion
of the street for many years and of course is known in Pomona and
easterly.
PUBLIC HEARING
Eugene L. Wood
I have property in
the
West Covina Plaza
1941 E. Thelborn
Shopping Center and
I
agree with
West Covina
Mr. Zimmerman. He
has
outlined it pretty
well - the things that
would be troublesome
to us in renaming the
street because of the
stationery,
tradespeople,
- 11 -
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Twelve
Hearings - Garvey Avenue Name Change
etc., and the troubles we would have would probably last for years,
I believe the burden of .finding a few numbers by strangers coming
to town would simply not become nearly as large as the burden we
would have in changing the names to something strange that the
people of this City, as well as all the people we deal with, are now
• familiar with. It seems further to me, maybe I am more cognizant
of numbers, but I have lived here for 28 years and always the oddc.3.
numbers areon the north side of the street and the even are on the
south side. I can't understand why a policeman or fireman would
ever have any trouble if he has studied a map and been here more
than 6 months. I am certainly amazed that the Council has this
before them and I seriously object to it.
Dr. Norman Snyder I think it is to the credit of the City
1649 W. Garvey Avenue Council that they have things so well in
West Covina order that they have nothing better to do
11 than something like this. So I have tried
to think of something positive to say on the name change and so help
me - I couldn't think of anything® I agree the frontage road needs
better definition for the people finding addresses on both sides of
the frontage road, but I don't think a change of name is going to
give that better definition. On the negative side the name Holt
is more associated with the City of Pomona and eastern areas than
with the City of.We.s.t Covina. The name of Garvey is more associated
with the extension of the old Garvey Avenue and is traditionally
known with the City of West Covina moreso than Holt, and I think
Holt would be more confusing than Garvey. At any rate I don't think
just changing the name is going to help people find the numbers
better. Garvey has long been identified with West Covina, long
before the days of the freeway. I suppose one should offer some
alternatives if one believes that any alternatives are necessary.
If there is some need for improvement I think it could be accomplished
by changing the name to Garvey Frontage Road North and Garvey Frontage
Road South; or possibly East or West of each north/south street you
could call it Azusa -Place North/ Azusa Place South, or Sunset .Frontage
North or Sunset Frontage South.
I don't see how this would accomplish solving
the problem staff has put forth and I am fully aware of the difficulty
of some people finding addresses on Garvey having a business there,
but there are better ways of.defining it.
Edwin C. Schober- Garvey Avenue is a symbol to West Covina
146 South Lark Ellen since 1937 when it was first opened up
West Covina through this town. Having.been a long
distance truck driver for 15 years I have
made many stops across Country and whenever I had an address to
look up I always knew the odd number was on the north side or the
west side of the street, consequently I could run my rig in such a
manner that I could pull up to that stop without having to turn
around in the block. Many times in talking with other drivers
when we mentioned Los Angeles and West Covina, Garvey Avenue was
one of the first streets picked up because it was a main _thorough-
f are. So I feel since West Covina is well known by the name of
the street itself I don't think it would be advisable to change it.
And also by changingthe name of one street - for example on the
north side - and leaving the south side Garvey, this would also be
confusing. Even in Los Angeles we have a number of streets divided
by the railway and this occurs across the Country - streets are
divided by railroad tracks and there is no confusion. It is the
thoughts people have -- who don't think when they have an
address to look up. I know where I live many people ask where an
odd number is on Garvey Avenue and I have to tell them it is across
the freeway because all the odd numbers are on the north side of all
the streets. I am opposed to this name change.
- 12 -
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70
Hearings - Garvey Avenue Name Change
Page Thirteen
Mo J. Young Speaking of Garvey Avenue name change,
2700 East Garvey naturally I am opposed to the change,
Crestview Cadillac particularly because of the identification
• West Covina of the place of business and years of ex-
perience here. I have to agree the city
. does have a problem for identification, but due to the fact we are
a franchise dealer for the East San Gabriel Valley therefore in our
identity we have had to use San Bernardino Freeway at Citrus turn-
off to identify Garvey Avenue. I would definitely be opposed to
using Holt Avenue due to the fact I was a dealer in Ontario for
years and we had the dealer in Pomona who was on Holt Avenue and it
became a great problem of identification and I would hate to have
to go through that ag.ain..
L. E. Carson We have a motel on the freeway and we are
2329 West Garvey the last address in West Covina on the
West Covina north side and we are in a position to
answer inquiries to a lot of people that are
confused. To begin with our numbers change beyond ours - ours is
2329 and then the numbers become 14000 something which is the old
county numbers. On the south side of the freeway Garvey becomes
Dalewood as you get into Baldwin Park and then it-isinte.rrupted.,.'_so
as-_Dalewood' you can't follow straight through to Baldwin Park, but
there are several miles of Garvey that are Dalewood which helps to
confuse the issue. We have learned to live with Garvey North and
South as it is and we are used to it. We know the even numbers are
on the south side and the uneven on the north side but to the
travelling public it is a problem and if I had a recommendation it
would be in the direction of a change o.f1_GgLrvey south and-_ yet,I
appreciate the problem.of the businesses along south Garvey and we
would have the same problem if north Garvey were changed. However,
I think logic is in the direction if there is a change to leave
north Garvey as it is because it goes all the way through Baldwin
Park as Garvey and change the south Garvey to some name similar to
the one suggested by Mr. Zimmerman, such as Plaza Way or the Civic
Center Drive, etc. I think the direction that we should look to
is to continue Garvey on through uninterrupted. It isn't that way
now and I have been on a Committee or two and we have discussed it
many times. That is my opinion. I think we are bottlenecked here
and if there was any severe stoppage on the freeway it would be
impossible to progress from El Monte to West Covina and it is very,
very difficult now and I am thinking of only trying to direct people
to various places and we do that probably a dozen times a day - -
how do you get to Coffee Dan°s from our place? Or to May Company?
Try and guide somebody to the May Company! So for what it is
worth I believe it is a source of confusion and if a change were
made I think logic points in the direction of leaving north Garvey
as it is and changing south Garvey to Dalewood or some other
descriptive name such as Plaza Way or Civic Center Drive.
George Strachan As you gathered from some of the
Chamber of Commerce previous testimony there is a few
1500 West Covina Parkway West differences of opinion here. I have
West Covina had a few calls this past week on this
subject and I would like to suggest
that if Council doesn't feel compelled to make a decision at this time
perhaps they could refer it back to either a Committee of the Chamber
of Commerce or the business community could give it a little more
serious thought from their standpoint and come back with a
recommendation. I would say if a period of 90 days could be
allocated at this point without upsetting the legal end of it, it
would be most helpful in getting the business communities view-
point because we have been getting calls and I have been doing some
calling and apparently a little further thought would be better from
the standpoint of the people who are in business on Garvey Avenue on
both sides. If you wish to do this the Chamber•would be very happy
to come back with some sort of a recommendation on this subject in
whatever time you suggest.
- 13 -
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Fourteen
Hearings - Garvey Avenue Name Change
E. Latimore I won't go through the other argu-
1142 East Garvey Avenue ments, some of mine were such as
West Covina expressed: I have a place of
. business that women patronize, all
the way from fifty to a hundred and fifty ladies a day. Apparently
they are not having the trouble the gentlemen are. If that many
can find their way to. a.place of business apparently the situation
is not too critical because they all find their way in and they are
not all people that have lived here. All cities are laid out in.
a general layout as our wonderful City is, with regard to .numbers,
etc., and almost any stranger that comes into our midst from other
cities or towns is used to cities with odd numbers and even numbers.
I would like to go on record if there is a change as changing the
name on the south side of the street. And, maybe some of the
gentlemen having trouble if they would speak to their wives maybe
they could be straightened out and we could live better with the
present condition of Garvey Boulevard. My main object is to be on
record opposing a change.
Grover Coyne I would just like to goon record as
1128i Garvey Avenue opposing to changing the name of Garvey
West Covina Avenue. I think it is getting along quite
well as it is and the merchants up and down
Garvey Avenue do not seem to have any complaints with the street as
named as it is.
William Knightwine We have a little business in West
16292.West Garvey Avenue Covina. I have been there 15 years
West Covina and I would like to go on record as
wishing to remain Garvey Avenue.
Charles West I have a business at this address.
1625 West Garvey Avenue I think there should be a change
West Covina made as far as the street is con-
cerned because I have clients coming
in from various parts of the area and not especially from West Covina
and I have had ladies that were lost for 2 hours in the area and they
came from such a close place as Glendora, so I do think we have a
problem. But I also think we shouldn't make a real drastic change.
I believe the people on the south side of the freeway have as much
right as the people on the north side. I would suggest a change of
some kind that would be of help but nothing drastic. I would
suggest that the north side could be called 1625 .West Garvey North
and on the south side 1624 West Garvey South. I think if you just
add the north and south, that would be significant enough for the
people to find the businesses.
C. R. Wilson
We have the Country Club Shopping
1928 East Cortez Street Center and I have talked to the
West Covina
tenants. We have 28 that will be
affected and it works sort of a
hardship on them®
I realize we have a problem of addresses because
I run into it from
time to time, but from our viewpoint we would
like to see Garvey
on the south and as long as there is a breakage
in Garvey on the north
it seems logical that the south side should
remain Garvey, if you
do make a change.
K. Cory
I understand that this could be a.problem
1335 Mariana Street
to people going through but if they would
West Covina
take the time to look at a map. I feel
we have more things to be concerned about
in West Covina and
to be considering than this and that it is a
waste of money to do
this at this time.
Peter Glick
It seems to me that with all the businesses
1456 South Belmont
and all the people having a hard time
West Covina
finding their way instead of changing the
street name on either side to change both
sides of Garvey to
Northeast Garvey and Southwest Garvey, etc.
- 14 -
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Fifteen
Hearings - Garvey Avenue Name Change
Kirk Rasmussen What has happened is Garvey has been
513 North Morris Avenue claimed to be a historical road from
West Covina the past and then they put the
San Bernardino Freeway right where it
goes thereby dividing it. Also businesses have cut up Garvey so
it is no longer the straight road into Los Angeles and it is no
longer that big historical thing of the past leading into .Los Angeles.
From the map the south side doesn't look like it can be put back
together into a straight through the city road, so we could leave
the north side Garvey and change the south side to another name
which would be more convenient than having people running around for
2 hours looking for a certain place of business. Then by looking at
the map it would tell you which side of the freeway Garvey Avenue is
on and you would still have a historical road and the other side would
be more conveniently found.under a new name. The truck drivers
know which side is odd and which is even but I don't know which side
is odd and which side is even and I am sure ...there are a lot of people
who don't know.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER PUBLIC TESTIMONY, PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION.
Councilman Nichols: When this matter first .came to the attention
of the Council I indicated that I did not
look favorably upon it and I would only re-
iterate that statement - I don't today. One of the earlier
individuals who spoke used a very appropriate goldenism
when he said that sometimes these"thoughts are of the people who
don't think." So when I tend to subscribe someone into those senti-
ments I feel if we desire to make a change it should be somewhat
along the line of Garvey Northeast or Northwest and Garvey Southeast
and Southwest. There are many cities that use those devices in order
to identify streets that do run in various guadrants of the Cityo
This is not a change of such magnitude that it will cause immeasur-
able harm to the City one way or the other, but I only think we
should entertain changes when there seems to be a great significant
mandate. We have had about twelve people appear before us and I think
ten were in oppositions one gentleman preferred the change on the
south half of Garvey although he lived on the north half and
therefore was not directly influenced by his recommendation in
terms of the particular change.
My personal feeling is that it is ,just not
correct that we have policemen and firemen in West Covina that get
lost trying to go to an address on the north or south side of
Garvey. I would be very reticent to hear that kind of talk of our
very dedicated and highly informed staff that they couldn't find
an address on either side of the freeway. I don't think there jare
too many local people that would be lost trying to get to the.
north or south side of the freeway. So in fact we are talking .about.
people really that don't know the City, so then we have to ask what
would really confuse them the most - the use of the term "Garvey"
which is a traditional term east of Kellogg Hill all the way into
Los Angeles or the use of some new street name which would
suddenly be used to describe a portion of Garvey Avenue on one
side. I think in practice the Council could only add confusion
to identity by having an abrupt change with a new name for that
area. Without belittling my argument any further I would only say
I would not see any reason to refer this matter to the Chamber.
There has been no petition from the businessmen to Council asking
for a change and .if there is that interest if the business members
have expressed such an interest to the Chamber, I am sure the Council
would always be receptive to a petition or a request from the Chamber
itself. And in keeping with Councilman Lloyd's point earlier this
evening in referring something if the sentiment in fact is that the
change is really not a desirable one at this time, which is my
sentiment and will be my vote, and I hope that I have been somewhat
persuasive of anyone that might be midway on the fence this evening.
- 15
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Sixteen
Hearings - Garvey Avenue Name Change
Councilman Shearer: I was going to say before Councilman
Nichols spoke - I was going to commend
Mr. Glick for his wisdom because I was going to suggest the
northeast and southwest, etc., but he jumped in ahead of me.
I feel if there is confusion this change could be incorporated
without anyone having to make the change. If they didn't choose
to change their stationery, etc., the postman would still know
where the odd numbers and the even numbers are and they would still
get their mail. I feel like Councilman Nichols - until I am shown
there is a really serious problem I don't like to see change just
for the sake of change. I haven't heard any real good argument
other than the fact that it may be a little confusing to the police
and firemen, but in due respect to them I think the confusion
probably comes from the person reporting the location and not
the policeman or fireman trying to find the location. I think
this will be somewhat solved with the separation of Hollenbeck and
Lark Ellen which will improve the north side of the circulation
considerably in our City and I will vote against any name change
at this time.
Councilman Lloyd: As a man who happens to have a business on
northeast/southwest Garvey I guess my
immediate reaction on the whole thing is
until such time as there is a requirement on the part of the
businessmen to make the change, speaking as a Councilman, I don't
believe there is any great need to rush out and go into something
unless there is a crying need. I think that voice could come
from the Chamber of Commerce. This is a good agency and Mr, Strachan
and his staff do an excellent job. Personally I have had a lot of
trouble with my clients finding my place of business and I finally
solved it by saying we are straight across the freeway from
Montgomery Wards, Charlie Brown's and Love's Restaurant - and that
solves the problem, and those seem to be far more identifiable than
Garvey, which tells you that Garvey is not the pillar of historical
significance that some people think it is.
We split Garvey and made some horrendous
errors in the past and I am prepared to say that in front of this
august body. We made stupid blunders, we should never have split
that street, but it is split. But at this point the errors do not
need to be compounded until such time as there is a real need for
this change. When these people out here in the audience who spoke
tonight are hurting they will let you know. I can survive very
nicely with what I have. Until such time as I see a pretty clear
push to make the change .I would tend to say let it lie.
Councilman Young: Well there are 3 votes so there isn't much
left for me ,to say except to say I am sorry
to hear those people say that this is a
matter Council should not be concerned with. I think this Council
does give appropriate time to all matters brought forth and this is
a legitimate one. We have had enough testimony here to indicate
that. I think it is well worthy of our consideration�:_and if
nothing else it enabled young Peter Glick to get up here and say
something about northwest and southeast and northeast and southwest
and when we get the Huntington Beach Freeway through this City
going north and south we may well consider dividing the whole city
in that manner, because we will be in four segments at that time,
exactly described in that manner. I thank you - Peter Glick and I
think we will come back to you at some future time or some City
Council will, but as the matter stands I am going to stay with the
status quo at this point.
Mayor Chappell: You have all said just about what I would
say so rather than continue on, can we have
a motion.
- 16
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Seventeen
Hearings - Garvey Avenue Name Change
Motion by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, and
carried, that no action be taken at this time regarding the
name change on either side of Garvey Avenue in West Covina.
• THE CHAIR CALLED A RECESS AT 9:00 P.M. COUNCIL RECONVENED AT
9010 Porto
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Don Sheffer - Representing I have with me tonight representing
West Covina Pony Colt Base- the League - Mrs. Mary Domen,
ball League the Women°s Auxiliary president, and
Maurice Moore, vice -President.
The subject I would like to talk about is the use of the Mustang
Field.for the dance that has come under much discussion tonight.
First of all I want to say very carefully and clearly we are not
against any youth activity such as this dance or any other kind
of event, we are the sponsors and creators and propellers of
probably one of the.most.wide.spread youth oriented projects in the
community. We do want to use this "happening" as the vehicle for
discussing or bringing to the. Council°s attention the need for a
policy; a very definite need for a policy for the use of these
facilities, taking into consideration and recognizing the
organizations that have developed, built and maintained these
fields.
I hope tonight I can set in motion thoughts
that will nip in the bud, hopefully, the kind of arbitrary action
the Council took in relinquishing the field for this purpose. The
League wants to be -sure that the proper legal steps have been taken
to guard the property of the League - the facility, so that it will
be there for their intended purpose and that we will have some
assurance of restoration of any damage after the affair takes place.
In case some of the Council doesn't know
how the field came about or why it is there and just in case there
is any misunderstanding. We certainly recognize it is city property
technically and legally and the City has the right to use this for
designated purposes. But on the other hand it is there solely
because of the efforts, time and money of the people of West Covina
over a period of years. I am not only speaking for the West Covina
Mustang League consisting of some 250 families, but the Youth
Baseball Council consisting of several thousand, so I think I am
indirectly representing several thousand families that feel this
way in regard to the use of the fields all over this community.
We feel there is a proper place for,dance and the baseball field
is not the place for a dance no moreo than an auditorium .is for a
baseball game. //
You might not know this.but we are very
proud of our field and this is a part of the irritation. As you
know we have had tournaments for the past 10 to 15 years from which
we have had teams from all over this area and the Los Angeles area
and northern Arizona - and almost all without exception have said
the Mustang Field in West Covina has the best field to play on.
Now this didn't come -about because of the City maintenance or the
City building,this:°.field.. But it came about from a lot of hard
work by a lot of hardworking people who expect that work be respected.
You might not think that a baseball diamond is a delicate thing that
can be torn up,.but-let me assure you that 1500 people can tear it
up but good.
My telephone has been ringing incessantly.
-there are a lot of people very incensed about the lack of sensitivity
on the Council°s part in this matter. A man spends a lot of time
building something that might seem as mundane as a diamond and he
says I am going to stand out on that diamond with my rake in my hand
and guard it. It is a very important thing to these people. I
- 17 -
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70
Oral Cgm.-(Mustang Pony Colt League)
Page Eighteen
would like to go over my points again so that I can be clear about
this thing. I have put on the agenda of the Youth Baseball Council
working through the Recreation & Parks Commission, a request that
a formal policy be written in terms of usage and cooperation between
the City and the occupying Leagues of these fields, so that this
. kind of occurrence does not occur.. I hope you will remember these
words that I am saying now and recognize how these fields came about
and how they are maintained. Once again I want to reiterate that
the City does very, very little in maintaining these fields. Last
year for the first time they did have a city maintenance crew help
with the painting, but that is the only help. I am not trying to
minimize this - the City does pay part of the light bills and
power bills, but basically it is not a place to have a dance or any
other activity. So when this matter does come through the
Recreation & Park Commission to this Council for approval, I hope
that you will remember that this situation does exist and that we
can make work some type of arrangement to accommodate both types
of activities in these facilities. We want these facilities used
and used the.year around, but for the proper thing. Currently the
Recreation & Parks Department has a flag football field going on
and I think this is very successful and does no damage to the field
and we are happy to have them, they have burnt lines into the out-
field and no problem! We just hope that the dance is run in such a
manner that it will not create a lot of work that we know we will
have to put time in to restore. I hope there is not a problem here
that no one has talked about - there is very limited restrooms on the
property and I hope there is no problem .for the City in that respect.
We also have a Snack Stand which the ladies feel very close too and
rightfully so because we spent many hours and many dollars in
equipping which the Soccer League is currently using and it is our
understanding that this will not be used for this dance and we hope
this is correct.
We also hope that the insurance for
personal damage as well as property damage is maintained so there
will be no problem there, or liability on the part of the League
in this respect.
I can sum this up by saying that I hope we
can come to some kind of mutual agreement or understanding either
by a written policy or something in terms of how we are going to
use these fields and for what purpose. The comment was made
tonight that this is a private organization using city property
which is somewhat of .dubious value to me. I hope that Councilman
Nichols doesn't have to eat his words about the loud music and
the noise. I happen to work for a sound manufacturer and I guess
what I am contesting is;his statement that our baseball crowds
make more noise than the sound amplification systems these young
people use, because I am sure it will end up being a problem on
Saturday morning. I want to reiterate that we work very closely
with the Recreation & Parks Department in maintaining the
curfew so we don't create a situation for the hospital and the
neighborhood. We work very closely with the Recreation-& Parks
Department for the use of the lights so the lights don't bother
the neighborhood. I hope all of these matters are taken into con-
sideration and do not reflect upon the Baseball League. Thank you.
Councilman Nichols; Mr. Mayor, I would like to make an observa-
tion at this time if I may. I think the
concerns expressed here -now are very valid,
and certainly the feeling of concern is expressed by a lot of people
who have gone through a lot of weekends and holidays working in
preparing these diamonds and should be and is of concern to the
Council. I would only like to respond by saying that I think your
statement that the Council took an arbitrary action and that the
Council was insensitive is a bit severe because Council was
responding to a specific recommendation of the staff of the City,
which in turn works directly with the Recreation & Park Department
�-*M
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL 11/2/70 Page Nineteen
Oral Com. (Mustang Pony League)
which in turn works with the Leagues. If the recommendation was
in error that properly should be brought to the attention of the
staff and the attention of City Council, but at the time the
• Council was giving consideration to these matters there was a
recommendation directly from staff that that site be the site and
at that time there was no contrary information available to Council,
so in good faith I don't think the Council could be faulted for
taking an insensitive action. Had the Council probably received
the benefit of your experience and insight at the time we were
faced with a decision under pressurelperhaps the Council°s decision
would have been otherwise. However, it has been made and I think
the Council is now in the position of having to live with it and
I would be very receptive to any policy that would come out of it.
I am very gratified that the firm restrictions stipulated for this
activity do exist and that the Council has in fact adopted a
provision that identification be established so if any damage
there would be no burden or hardship on your organization. Please
be aware that I and all my fellow Councilmen, had no intention of
running roughshod over all of the people that have worked so
diligently and tirelessly for the baseball leagues.
Mayor_ Chappell: Mr. Aiassa - the Snack Bar is not going to
be used and that was brought out previously.
Mr. Aiassa: That is correct and also they are going to
provide temporary latrines.
Mayor Chappell: Some of us are familiar with youth organiza-
tions too, and we are sensitive to these
things and if there is any damage to that
field "never more.°'
Councilman Shearer: I think the concern of the gentleman who
spoke was one of my concerns and I am sure
of the other members of the Council - what
will happen - if? However, on the other hand - what will happen
if not? And we were faced with the problem. I am more interested
as an individual in the baseball than I am in a dance event. I
would hate to see a field ruined; I would hate to see City Hall
ruined and the original request was for the use of City Hallo I
would hate to see any area whether it is a baseball field, a youth
center, city hall, or a private parking lot ruined because of this,
so we were definitely not insensitive, we were concerned. However,
we felt since we had an opportunity to show to the youth of the
community that we had a vote of confidence in you, hopefully, they
will come through Friday night and if not I cannot say much more
than the Mayor said - "never more." They will be watched and
hopefully it will turn out but we can't guarantee it by any means.
Mary Domen: I want to make a correction, I am the
1749 East Merced Avenue immediate past president of the Mustang
West Covina League. Our new president took over
as of October 1. May I preface my re-
marks concerning the use.* of the. field:.by saying I -- sat in _the.. Council
Chamber tonight and listened to at "least two Councilmen use the term
"we hope" - I think you were elected to do a little more than "hope'%
We hope too that Friday night will not be a':disaster that West Covina
will be, ashamed. of'_for;:years to: -_come. However,. I would like to ask
a few questions. Are you aware in our files we have a letter from
your Recreation & Parks Department stating that anyone using our
Snack Stand must get our permission:
Mayor Chappell: They are not going to use the Snack Stand.
Mary Domen: I was told this morning by the Recreation &
Parks Department that they must have a key
to our stand because they were going to get
into it for use of the power from it.
- 19 -
ADJ.
CITY COUNCIL
- 11/2/70
Page Twenty
Oral
Com. - (Mustang
Pony League)
Mr.
Aiassa:
We have to take
electrical power for the
lights.
•
Mary
Domen:
You know you do
have outlets outside of
the Snack Stand
- at least 3 plugs outside.
Mr.
Aiassa:
They were probably
consulting with you in
regard to what
alternatives we have. We
will assure you
that we- will not be using
the
Snack Stand.
Mary Domen: Then can we assume we can safely leave our
materials in the Snack Stand? That the
Soccer League that is using -it at the present
time will not have to remove all of their supplies - they are very
upset over this as an organization themselves having just started
their activity there.
Mr. Aiassa: The only assurance I have is that as long as
you keep the property secured so no one can
get into it - we will not be using it.
Mary Domen_:..; We lock the Snack Stand and you people will
have a key.
Mr. Aiassa: Our people will not be opening it.
Mary Domen: Fine. I think this is one of our main con-
cerns. I think Don pretty well mentioned
the men°s concerns. He did mention that a
lot of weekends and holiday time went into this organization and
it may be of interest to you to know that some of us spent in excess
of 60 hours a week for 4 weeks straight just in one stretch that I
happened to keep track of. This is not just a weekend and holiday
affair. The business of this organization goes on from October through
July or August, when out of exhaustion we all bail out. There could
be work that could be done then. Our field maintenance man I have
seen actually down on his hands and knees moving dirt with a spoon,
that is how critical a baseball field is. This'is the infield.
We don't want our boys hurt.on that field and that is why we take
such good care of it.to see that it is in topnotch -condition. It
should be obvious to anyone what one thousand people will do to this
field. I would like to know if someone is going to restore this
field into the same condition as it was in before this activity
takes place? Is this part of the agreement?
Councilman Young:
of all facilities.
Mary Domen:
My understanding is
agreement, that the
absolutely assured
that it is part of
Youth Organization
the return of status
Fine. Thank you very much, gentlemen.
the
quo
Councilman Young: As long as I am speaking - this is a brand
new concern to me, I believe it did come to
my attention on Saturday that this involved a facility used by the
Baseball Leagues. This was the first I was aware of that, not
having boys I am not as conversant with the Baseball people that do
have boys and do know this. I think it is unfortunate that this
type of situation arises where while on the face of it is legitimate
use of city property, at least I think this does suddenly fly in the
face of hundreds of citizens that feel to the contrary. So I think
we will await with great interest the policy that will come up to us
through the Recreation & Parks Commission.
Councilman Lloyd: Unfortunately 'I too am surprised that we are
faced with a situation where a public dance
all of a sudden is on properties where people have apparently
spent a tremendous amount of time and effort in building something.
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Twenty-one
Oral Com. - (Mustang Pony League)
I am aware of the fact, having participated both in the area of youth
activities, and as anathlete that athletic equipment, my rapport was
basketball and I would kind of cringe just to see some guy walk onto
. the court.with hard soled shoes on., so I feel my response would be the
same as yours. I wasn't aware of the fact that you have this type of
• facility there and this demonstrates the fact that I haven't done my
homework as well as I should. I think you have every reason for
complaint. I would also point out that although the fats in the fire
at this point I think we have, as Councilman Nichols pointed out,
we have been led into this thing by staff by a recommendation and
I would be quick to say if they dance on that it can never be restored
until such time as you go through a season. I am well aware of that
and all I can say is I am extremely sorry that it has come out this
way. Mayor Chappell and myself, have both been active in Pop Warner
and I know the effort that goes into that activity which I know is
similar and now all of a sudden I find myself with kind of a queasy
feeling in my stomach because whatever the good intended reasons may
be there is going to be damage to your field. All I can tell you at
this point is I am really sorry and I wish I had known and we could
have worked something else out that would have been satisfactory.
I am explaining this to you and I think it deserves a merit of
explanation. First of all I am apologizing because I don't want to
happen what I know is going to happen and that is not going to help
you any but I am trying to explain for the first time in my involve-
ment in this City we have young people standing up to this microphone
and asking - not telling, but asking for something - they didn't
demand but said "could we" do something, and in our fervor - in ours.
efforts to communicate with these young -,people who are using the
"establishment's" rules and organizations to achieve something they
hope to achieve we went forward very quickly and I think we may have
committed an error as far as you people are concerned. I am really
sorry but I would think we could reserve our decision at this point.
However, I am saying to Mr. Aiassa and his staff I hope that every
effort will be made to protect which is almost the life blood of the
people that put the effort and time into this thing and to protect
their best interests, and certainly a policy should be established
on this.
Councilman Nichols: This Council I know has no hesitation to assure
the members of this League that such damage as
may occur, and as Councilman Lloyd says -
undoubtedly will, that this Council will pledge whatever facilities
and employees of the city are necessary to see that any damage is
totally restored, so the concern these people have will not be a
concern that will create a burden upon the membership of the League.
I am sure there will be no conditions that will exist that will not
be totally repairable without a burden of cost to those people. I
think we can and should extend that type of assurance and I am sure
all the Council would agree with me - and we do have to move on with
it because it was made in good faith.
Mayor Chappell: We thank you for coming and if you want to
stay around after the meeting and talk about
this, I think we can clear the air a little
bit on this. I knew there was a baseball
diamond there, and I know how they are taken care of and I know what
happens to them prior to the season starting, having been a leaguer
myself for at least three years and I didn't think your field would
be damaged, had I thought so I would have pointed it out to my
fellow Councilmen and we would have put it somewhere else or have
stopped it right there.
Councilman Young: I didn't know there was a baseball field, I
probably would have still voted the same way
probably based on what I see on TV with the
way the New York Met's got up their field - especially in a rain storm.
- 21 -
•
•
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70
Oral Communications - Cont°d
Page Twenty-two
Steve Caporaso First I want to ask is the Council aware of
237 North Sunkist the situation - and I use the "deplorable
West Covina situation" that exists at North Sunkist and
North Garvey - the ::ARA -... Building? The
neighborhood has recognized the situation and we have contacted staff"'.:.
concerning this to see what progress is being made. It has been
2 to 2% years remaining uncompleted. No landscaping, no curbs or
gutters - it does not enhance in anyway the City of Beautiful Homes.
I have worked with Mr. Munsell, who has been more than helpful on
this but he seems to have reached an impasse on this. Many of us
have called; we sent out.a petition which I believe Council has
received and now we are at the Council meeting because nothing seems
to have been done and now I ask if there are any recommendations
that we might do as citizens to make that neighborhood as well as
any other area in the City of West Covina. That is my question?
Mayor Chappell: We will try and get an answer for you in a
moment. Mr. Aiassa?
Mr. Aiassa: I believe you had a follow up report on the
ARA Development and as Council knows this
property is in partial litigation with the
State on the acquisition of right-of-way and the redesign of the
building. Mr. Munsell has met with Mrs. Mazelsky and I believe you
will have a progress report on the November 9th meeting, but maybe
Mr. Munsell can give us an updating now.
Mr. Munsell: The staff was instructed to prepare a
follow-up report and to consult with the
City Attorney to determine what course of
action should be taken. As you recall in our last letters staff
indicated the quickest alternative we had available to us was to
call the street improvement bond that was placed on the property
as a requirement.of the Precise Plan No. 535 and the City to take
action to do the work itself under the funds available under the
street improvement bond to at least get the curbs, gutters and
sidewalks in. The next action available to us is to sign a criminal
complaint with the District Attorney for non-compliance to the
Precise Plan requirement. Frankly this will be a time consuming
situation because the District Attorney will go through the same
process we have gone through in terms of talking to the landowner
and attempting to negotiate a settlement and giving the landowner
every benefit of the doubt because much of the problem - even though
it has gone on for over 2 years -.stems from a freeway widening
situation. At this time the plans for the remodeling have been
setting in the Building Department, checked and okayed, ready to go
for the last 2 or 3 weeks and they are waiting to be picked up by
the property owner and she has indicated she will not pick them up
until she has funds to build the building. There is no sure-fire
way to know when she will have funds to complete the building. She*
has a settlement of considerable amount with the State, however
technically the settlement.goes to the-mortg:age holder and may be
applied by him to principal because his security is being lessened
and he may take all of that settlement and they may not have any
cash at hand.
Frankly it is staff°s position that the
project must be completed and it is not our position to find out
where the individual will find financing. If it is going to be a
lengthy procedure to obtain financing to fiPish the building, at
least the bond should be called for the street improvements so
they can be done to improve the situation for the neighborhood.
Mayor Chappell: You are going to make that recommendation .
to Council on November 9th?
Mr. Munsell: Yes sir. Unless there is some change made
by Maz e l s-ky,e . .
22 -
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Twenty-three
Oral Com. - (ARA Building)
L. Caporaso I have been fighting this thing personally
220 North Sunkist myself over 2% years. The neighbors all got
West Covina together at the time they proposed -,to put the
building up and we objected but we got it
• anyhow. So I went to see the woman myself feeling we were neighbors,
but the answers I got you would not want to hear. I have lived
with this for over 2% years and this is the beginning of a ghetto
right down there. I think Mr. Nichols has a friend living in our
street and he can see that. If this situation goes on and on I
cannot tolerate it and I will move out and many of us feel that way.
We gave you 26 signatures out of a possible 30 to get some action
and I don't feel we should have to be here. If I were to build a
home it would be required that I get my curbs, gutters and sidewalks
in before I put in the foundation. This person is no different than
I, or anyone else in the City, not because I have been here for 21
years - I do not own the City, but I have been here and I have seen
the City go every which way and this is going to go down to a ghetto.
The house right next door has kids, they call it the "dopers" and there
are hippies on the street. There is a factory at the end of the
street. It is an eyesore and a disgrace that the previous council let
it go in there. We all spent money on our homes, remodeling, beautiful
lawns, trees, etc., but here we have something on the street we are all.
ashamed of. This is the beginning of a ghetto. Thank you.
Pat Walters I also am in agreement with my fellow home-
243 North Sunkist owners. I am ashamed of this that
West Covina is on the end of the street. It is the first
thing you see when you come down our street.
No curbs or gutters and in a rainy season it is a mess. Across the
street is a bus stop for the children and this is a mess for them
in the rainy season. We have homes ranging in the neighborhood of
$22,000 to $30,000 and I don't believe we should have this type of
mess at the end of our street. I think something should be done about
it if possible and with the utmost speed.
Councilman Nichols: Did I understand correctly that there would be
a specific recommendation before Council on
the 9th - Mr. Aiassa?
Mr. Aiassa: Yes, we carried it over to that date.
Councilman Nichols: I certainly concur that the City has a staunch
obligation to move and I hope that we will be
moving on this at our next meeting.
MAYOR'S REPORTS
RESOLUTION OF Mayor Chappell. We have a Resolution of
COMMENDATION TO commendation for Al Jordon,
AL JORDON President of the West
Covina Beautiful for the past 2 years. He is
now going out of office and the 'dinner `ls being held` at the end of
this monthsit was thought a Resolution of Commendation be made then. I
would like a motion on the adoption of Resolution No. 4246.
Motion by Councilman Nichols, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, adopting
said Resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Shearer, Nichols, Young, Lloyd, Mayor Chappell
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Motion by Councilman Nichols, seconded by Councilman Lloyd, that
Resolution No. 4246 be perma-plaqued. Motion carried on roll call
vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Shearer, Nichols, Young, Lloyd, Mayor Chappell
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
- 23 -
.ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70 Page Twenty-four
Mayor's Reports - Cont°d.
PROCLAMATIONS
Mayor Chappell: Lieutenant Governor Ed Re.inecke has asked us
to proclaim November llth, Veteran's Day, as
• POW Day in California, Prisoner of War Day,
and the first week in November as Prisoner of War Week. Congress-
man Wiggins has also written me requesting the same. Hearing no
objections from Council I will proclaim November llth, Veteran's Day
also as Prisoner of War Day in West Covina and the first week in
November as Prisoner of War Week. So proclaimed.
The next item has to do with the West Covina
Veteran's Coordinating Council asking us to approve December 7th,
1970, as the date for the dedication of the plaque they donated along
with the flag poles, to our City. This was held up before.4we were
preparing a place for the plaque on the ground floor of the City
Hall, near the elevators/and it is just about ready to go now and they
feel December 7th would be an appropriate date to dedicate the plaque
which has cost them considerable - over $2,000. If there are no
objections by Council. I will proclaim December 7, 1970, as Dedication
Day for the Plaque. I hope we can all be in attendance. We will
get more information as to the exact time of this dedication.
So proclaimed.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
Councilman Shearer: I have two items, Mr. Mayor. I.received a
copy of a letter addressed to City Council
from the Chamber of Commerce regarding
ambulance service, perhaps the rest of the Council did too. (Council
indicated they had not.) I will pass this down so you might read it.
I would move that this letter be referred to staff.
Seconded by Councilman Young.
Councilman Nichols: Perhaps staff could make copies and see that
all of us receive a copy. (Staff agreed.)
Motion carried.
Councilman Shearer: The second item was brought to my attention
by one of our citizens having to do with
the use of the Civil Defense siren during
smog alerts. I would like City staff to look into this and see
if this would be legal. I am not saying whether I am for or against
it, I was just asked to bring it before Council. And I would like
staff first to make a report as to whether or not this is even
feasible. That is all I have, Mr. Mayor.
Councilman Lloyd: I would first of all like to comment on our
recent attendance at the League of California
Cities conference in San Diego. I would like
it thoroughly understood that I felt our City gained a good deal as
a result of attendance. I personally attended the different meetings,
luncheons and so on and so forth, and I found it is an excellent
opportunity - although obviously it can be overdone - but once a
year if we go it is an excellent opportunity for communications
not.only with people of other cities, which is extremely important to
talk to Councilmen, Mayors, Planning Commissioners, Directors and
City Managers - staff of other cities,. but- I had opportunities to
talk to Mr. Munsell, Mr. Eliot, our Fire Chief and other members of
our staff who were in attendance, as well as some of our ex -staff
in the form of Harry Peacock and Doug Dawson, who recently departed
from our City to other cities. We had an opportunity to meet their
people and communicate and I think this was an excellent thing, at
least for me to participate in this way at this level and I think it
is very important that the staff of West Covina are aware of these
opportunities. The individuals in attendance presenting speeches
are certainly men of considerable stature and worthy of attention.
I found Governor Reagan°s remarks, as well as candidate Unruh°s
24 -
ADJ. CITY COUNCIL - 11/2/70
Council Committee Reports - Cont'd.
Page Twenty-five
•
8
comments (although both were political in nature) indicative in the
attitude of public agencies. I found Secretary Finch's comments
worthy of the attention of a man who certainly can form opinions not
only in the local area but in the nation as well. I was very
interested, although I didn't concur with some of the presentations
by the panel, one that comes to mind was the Youth Group. I found
myself grinding my teeth a little bit when the young man, 21 years
of age, still working on his degree in Political Science is telling
me what the world is about as far as local legislative politics are
concerned. I don't feel that his comments fell fallow - I had open
ears and I listened and I disagreed honestly with what he said and I
recognize that when he is 40 years of age he will also disagree with
a young man standing before him that is 21 years of age. But these
experiences are the kinds of things which we went to do and I am
defensive of course of what we did because of some commentary in
the newspaper. I think we more than got our monies worth. I
paid good attention and I noted those in attendance did their best
to participate and I think these things are of value and while I
don't think it is necessary for every member of the Council, Planning
Commission, or all of staff to attend and this did not occur -
nevertheless I think these things are worthy and worthy of comment
right here in this Chamber.
Councilman Young: Mr. Mayor, in my packet of material received
this weekend there is a communication from
the League of California Cities addressed to
City Managers- and City Clerks in non -manager cities and it relates
to Flood and Mud Slide control. I just wanted to know if this will
come up on the agenda?
Mr. Aiassa: Yes, there is a report coming to Council.
Mayor Chappell: It will come before us for action on the 9th
because we only have to the 15th to make
application before we are no longer eligible.
Mr. Aiassa: . Yes, it will come up for action on the 9th.
DEMANDS Motion by Councilman Young, seconded by Councilman
Shearer, that Council approve demands totalling
$330,530.32 as listed on Demand Sheets C731 through
C733 and B457. This total includes payroll. Motion
carried on roll call vote as follows:
AYES: Councilmen Shearer, Nichols, Young, Lloyd, Mayor Chappell
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Councilman Lloyd, seconded by Councilman
Shearer, and carried, adjourning meeting at 9:58 P.M.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
APPROVED:
MAYOR
- 25 -