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05-10-1976 - Regular Meeting - Minutes• • MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA MAY 10, 1976 The regular meeting of the City Council called to order at 7:33 P.M. in the West Covina Council Chambers by Mayor Nevin Browne. The Pledge of Allegiance was given followed by the invocation by,the Reverend John Freitag of Immanuel First Lutheran Church. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Browne; Councilmen Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice Others Present: Leonard Eliot, Acting City Manager Lela Preston, City Clerk . George Wakefield, City Attorney Michael Miller, Public Service Director Harry Thomas, City Engineer Ramon Diaz, Planning Director Gus Salazar, Redevelopment Coordinator Bill Freemon, Staff Reporter, S.G.V.D.T. Eric Cohen, Staff Reporter, Sentinel PRESENTATIONS WEST COVINA AMERICAN Mr. John Thiehoff: On behalf of the LEGION POST 790 West Covina American Legion, Post 790, I would like to present this plaque in memory of the Bicentennial Year to the City of West Covina. Mayor Browne: On behalf of the City Council and the City of West Covina, I would like to thank you and the West Covina American Legion, Post 790, for this award. It will first be placed in the display cabinet on the first floor of City Hall, and then hung on the wall in the Mayor's office. Thank you very much. SOUTH HILLS HIGH SCHOOL Mayor Browne: During Councilman Chappell's VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM tenure as Mayor, the South Hills High RESOLUTION OF School Varsity Football Team was awarded COMMENDATION a Team '-_Res.ol:u.t 6a: of Commendation. At this time, I would like to ask Kenneth Chappell to make this presentation to Mr. Jim Jones, Football Coach, and Mr. Bill Hummel, Assistant Principal. • CITY COUNCIL May 10, 1976 Presentations Page Two Councilman Chappell: It is a real pleasure to read this Resolution, and I thank Mayor Browne for giving me this opportunity. THIS IS A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, COMMENDING THE 1975 SOUTH HILLS HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM. (Councilman Chappell read the body of the Resolution.) I would like to present this plaque to you, Coach. It is not the first one, and with 29 returning juniors, it may not be the last one. Mr. Jones: I would like to thank the City Council. The last three years in a row we have been acknowledged by a presentation here. It is a great honor. One thing that is very nice for our team, our staff, and those people around us, when we go to all of the various places to play, we are proud to say we are from West Covina. Thank you very much. MR. THOMAS RATCLIFFE Mayor Browne: We now have a certificate CERTIFICATE OF to be presented to an outstanding COMMENDATION citizen in the community. This is upon the recommendation of our Chief of Police, Allen Sill. It will be presented by the Chief to Mr. Thomas Fredrick Ratcliffe. Chief Sill: Tom, it is indeed a privilege to recommend this certificate for you. It is signed not only by myself, but the City Manager, Leonard Eliot, and Mayor Nevin Browne. You are a very uncommon young man. On March 11, Mr. Ratcliffe, while in the area of Grand Avenue, witnessed a robbery at the service station there, and saw the shooting which took place. He followed the suspects, obtaining their license number and making it possible for the Police Department to consummate this case in an arrest and a quick conclusion. It is not the kind of thing that I would recommend for everyone to do, but when it turns out fine, we are just delighted. • On behalf of the Police Department, and, I am sure, Mayor Browne, we are more than pleased to make this presentation to you. Mr. Ratcliffe: Thank you very much. 2 - CITY COUNCIL Presentations May 10, 1976 Page Three Councilman Shearer: I would like to comment before Mr. Ratcliffe leaves. If we had more people like him, we would not have the problems like we have been discussing for the last couple of months; i.e. traffic signals to control people with unhealthy driving habits. It is even better than a championship football game, when people of this caliber can step forward and be counted. If there were more people like this, we would have a better City, country and world. APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 21, 1976 April 26, 1976 CONSENT CALENDAR Motion made by Councilman Tice, seconded by Councilman Chappel to approve the minutes of the Adjourned Regular Meeting of April 21, 1976 and the Regular Meeting of April 26, 1976. Motion carried. Mayor Browne explained the procedure of the Consent Calendar items and asked if there were questions or discussion on any of the following items: 1. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS • a) LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY b) DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS CHAPTER 44 c) SAN GABRIEL VALLEY ASSOCIATION OF CITIES Notice of Hearing on Annexation No. 207 County Sanitation District No. 21.of Los Angeles County May 26, at 9:00 A.M., in Room 381, Hall of Administration, 500 West Temple St. Los Angeles. (Receive and file) Requesting permission to sell fireworks in the City from July 1 through July 4, 1976 at three locations. (Approved in prior years. Recommend approval) a,Not ce,of meeting Thursday, May 13, 1976 at T & J Restaurant, 8526 Valley Blvd. Rosemead, Ca. at 7:00 P.M. re presentation by Supervisors Pete Schabarum and Baxter Ward on their respective positions on the Sunset Coast Line Initiative. (Informational) - 3 - CITY COUNCIL Consent ' Calendar 0 May 10, 1976 Pages misnumbered No page four 0 L� • CITY COUNCIL Consent Calendar d) GLENDORA COUNCILMAN 2. PLANNING COMMISSION a) SUMMARY OF ACTION May 10, 1976 Page Five James W. Vincent, Board Member, San Gabriel Valley Symphony - requesting consideration of several "Donor" Memberships in the.city budget for the coming fiscal year for the San Gabriel Valley Symphony Orchestra. (Reefe-r -;e-S�t-af-) (Withdrawn. Refer to Page 6) May 5, 1976 (Acept and file) 3. RECREATION AND PARK COMMISSION a) SUMMARY OF ACTION April 27, 1976 (Accept and file) (Refer to discussion on Pages 6:and 7) 4. PERSONNEL BOARD a) MINUTES b) ACTION ITEMS 5. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION a) SUMMARY OF ACTION 6. ABC APPLICATIONS a) MILLER DAVIS ENTER- PRISES, INC. 301 South Broadway Santa Maria, Ca. April 6, 1976 (Receive and file) From May 4, 1976: Refer to City Attorney's Agenda Item Numbers D-5 and D-6 April 22, 1976 (Acept and file) Chief of Police recommends NO PROTEST dba THE COOPERAGE 376 Fashion Plaza b) JAMES MICHAEL GUARINO dba THE STING 5235 N. Citrus #54 340 N. Azusa Azusa, California c) BETTY & HUBERT KLOTZ 555 E. Vine Avenue West Covina, Ca. Authorize Chief of Police to WITHDRAW PROTEST dba ROCKVIEW DAIRY #29 551 E. Vine Avenue - 5 - CITY COUNCIL May 10, 1976 Consent Calendar Page Six 7. CLAIMS -FOR DAMAGES FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK a) ELIZABETH A. & Re traffic collision with Police VIRGINIA E. ACOSTA unit on March 22, 1976. (Deny 4026 Shadydale..;'..and refer to City Attorney and Covina,.Ca. Insurance Cartier) b) RICHARD RAYMOND Re bicycle -auto collision on AMAVIZCA January 23, 1976. (Deny and refer 920 Glenmere to City Attorney and Insurance West Covina, Ca. Carrier) Councilman Miller asked to have item 3-a remov d from the Consent Calendar. Councilman.Shearer asked to have item 1-d removed from the'Consent Calendar. Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Chappell to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of items 1-d and 3-a. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES:. Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice, Browne NOES: None ABSENT: None • ITEM 1-d. Councilman.'Shearer: I'called this up to expedite things. The recommendation is to "refer to Staff." I would, per- sonally, like to short-cut Staff time in view of past action by the Council,.'�with regard to our own symphony orchestra. I, for one, would feel a little hard-pressed to use City funds to support the San Gabriel Valley Symphony Orchestra (that is in no way an indication of the creditability of the organization) when it has been this Council's decision in the past that this type of activity should be supported by individuals and not by cities through the use of .taxpayers' funds. If there is. agreement, I will make a motion. Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Miller to instruct Staff to forward a letter to Glendora Councilman James W. Vincent stating the City's position,..and declining to purchase member"ships in the San Gabriel Valley Symphony Orchestra. Motion carried. ITEM 3-a Councilman Miller: Under item 3-a, • number b,'The Vincent Avenue Median Design, for clarification, what are we basically looking at here? Hopefully, it is low maintenance. - 6 - CITY COUNCIL May 10, 1976 Consent Calendar Page Seven Mr. Miller: The median design is just that; it is -a low maintenance effort on the part of • the City Staff. Basically, we are talking about the area north of the freeway. It will be carried to the south at such time as funds are available. It will use a chip -seal type of concrete with landscaping modules rather than the treatment employed on Sunset. It will be a lower main- tenance type. Motion made by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Chappell to accept and file item 3-a. Motion carried. GENERAL AGENDA ITEMS AWARD OF BIDS PROJECT NO. MP-76007 Location: Cameron Park, Cortez Park, CONSTRUCTION - PLAY Orangewood Park, Palm View Park and EQUIPMENT AREAS Walmerado Park.,, Bids were received in the office of the City Clerk up to 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, May 5, 1976, and thereafter publicly opened and read.. Review Engineer's Report.. Hold Over -to May 24, 1976. . Motion made by Councilman Chappell, seconded :by Councilman Miller to Hold Over this matter until May 24,'1976., Motion carried. IMPROVEMENTS AT CORTEZ Bids were received in the office of the RECREATION CENTER Redevelopment Agency up to 10:00 A.M., on Wednesday, May 5, 1976, and thereafter publicly opened and read. Review Staff Report. Award bid and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute contract agreement. Motion made by.Councilman Tice, seconde'd.by Councilman Chappell that the City Council waive the bid irregularity on the bid of R & K General Contractors, and award a construction contract to R & K General Contractors based on the total of the three lump sum unit prices, in the total amount of $18,410. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice, Browne NOES: None . ABSENT: None - 7 - (9A-3 • CITY COUNCIL General Agenda Items Award of Bids May 10, 1976 Page Eight BID NO. 76-55 Bids were received in the office of the FURNISHING UNIFORM Purchasing Agent up to 10:00 A.M., on SERVICES Wednesday, March 31, 1976, and thereafter publicly opened and read. Review Controller's Report. Held Over from April 12, 1976. Award bid and authorize the issuance of Purchase Order. Mayor Browne: I might ask the City Manager to explain this in as much as it was Held.Over on two previous occasions. Mr. Eliot: The City has, for quite a number of years, provided a uniform service for the blue collar workers. This consists of utilizing a linen supply company who, furnishes the uniform and then contracts to launder those uniforms so.many times per week. The laundering price includes the amortization of those uniforms being furnished by the company. In reviewing the bids this last period, it was revealed to us that two of the lower bidders were very close. Staff required more time to search out the adequacy of the service. • Furnishing of the uniform to City employees is usually fraught with dramatic experiences because so many employees feel concern about the fit of the garments and quality of the laundering. Staff time is often taken up over many months sorting out claims by the employees. There- fore the quality of the service is a concern of the Purchasing office. Because of the two low bids, it was felt inc-unbent to go t o the plants to determine that the quality would be there on the part of the low bidder, The Purchasing office is at this time satisfied that the low bidder can and will be able to perform properly, and therefore has made the recommendation to go forward with the bid award tonight. Councilman Shearer: We are talking about an annual expenditure of close to $20,000. I recognize the problems that Mr. Eliot described. In some organizations, the uniforms are furnished and it becomes the obligation of the employee (or his wife) to do the laundry. This guarantees, at least, that the hasseling is reduced. 0 CITY COUNCIL General Agenda.Items Award of Bids May 10, 1976 Page Nine I wonder if this item should be taken • up in a meet and confer type atmosphere where exploration could be made of, perhaps, some sort of in lieu payment, which in the long run, might save the City some cost - if not direct cost, at least some indirect cost. I am not saying this is the way to go, but I think it would be appropriate, subject to review of the City Attorney, to defer this for at least two weeks to allow this area to be explored. We might find that for a monthly.in-lieu payment, the employees will be happy to have their wives do the laundering. Councilman Tice: You are just discussing the cleaning aspect of the uniforms? Councilman Shearer: I'am saying that the City would continue to --furnish the uniform, but then it would become the obligation of the employee to do normal maintenance - laundry, pressing, sewing on buttons, etc., then, when the shirt becomes warn out, it would be replaced by the City. Councilman Tice: Is there any problem from the standpoint of operation if we delay this two weeks? Mr. Eliot:. There is sufficient time. Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Tice to hold this matter over for two weeks pending a Staff Report on the question brought forth. Motion carried. PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT.NO. TS-74002 Location: Azusa Avenue, Cortez Street ACCEPT JMPROVEMENTS to Amar Road STEINY AND COMPANY, INC. Motion made by Councilman Chappell, seconded by Councilman Shearer to accept street improvements and authorize release of Safeco Insurance Company of America Faithful Performance Bond No. 2424488 in the amount of $234,000. Motion carried. TRACT NO. 32722 Location: Woodgate Avenue between ACCEPT DEDICATI.ON_.OF" Shadow�0- Drive and Nogales Street, VEHICULAR ACCESS RIGHTS Bowl Area. • BUTLER-UMARK The Council reviewed the Engineer's Report. - 9 - CITY COUNCIL May 10, 1976 General Agenda Items Page Ten .Public Works RESOLUTION NO. 5235 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE • CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPT- ING THE.DEDICATION OF VEHICULAR ACCESS RIGHTS OFFERED TO THE CITY OF WEST COVINA .ON THE FINAL TRACT MAP OF TRACT NO. 32722 RECORDED IN BOOK 862, PAGE 39, AND, DIRECTING THE RECORDATION THEREOF. Motion made by Councilman Chappell, seconded by Councilman Miller to waive further reading of the body of said resolution. Motion carried. Motion made by Councilman Miller, seconded by Councilman Chappell to adopt said resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice, Browne NOES: None ABSENT: None REVISED ENGINEERING The Council reviewed the Engineer's Report. DEPARTMENT FEE SCHEDULE RESOLUTION NO. 5236 The City Attorney presented: • ADOPTED A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION -NO. 4679 RELATING TO SCHEDULE OF FEES, Councilman Tice: This is the first knowledge I have ever had that a citizen is required to post $3.50 to drain a pool;': is that correct? Mr. Thomas: Yes, that is correct. Councilman Tice: Could you elaborate a little on some of the others - street obstruction, encroachment, etc.? Mr. Thomas: Starting with pool drainage. That is a permit that is issued to allow drainage of a pool into a public right-of-way and thence, into the storm drain system of the City. The permit is required to insure that drainage will not take place in a construction area which may cause problems for any project that • is underway. The cost is to cover the cost in issuing the permit. - 10 - CITY COUNCIL May 10, 1976 General Agenda Items Page Eleven Public Works Street obstruction primarily involves the case where sand for sand blasting (as in pool construction) • is piled in the street or within the public right-of-way. A permit is issued and a deposit required to insure that the obstruction will be properly barricaded, and when the work is completed, that it will be removed and the original conditions restored. The encroachment relates, generally, to a permanent structure that may encroach into the public right-of- way. An example of this would be'on Vincent Avenue due to the recent widening, Bob's Big Boy canopy encroaches about eight inches into the right-of-way; and; the sign for Hacienda Bank encroaches about six inches into the right-of-way. These permits are intended to legalize that condition, if such condition does not cause any difficulties for the City. The advertising vehicle permit is primarily for activities which involve the use of sound equip- ment or signs for the purpose of raising funds for various activities. This would apply to political campaigns and raising funds for various charitable organizations. The dye test indicated is a service performed by the City to verify that a particular piece of property is connected to the sewer system. This is a common • request in connection with the sale of residential property. The industrial waste disposal is some- thing imposed upon us by the County Sanitation District.:; We:had been processing these things without charge. This involves the preparation of a permit and review of applications for an industrial connection to the sewer system. The City, in enforcing the County Ordinance, handles all of the paperwork for the County, and the County has final approval of the application. The City is permitted to make a charge under the provisions of the Ordinance. Councilman Miller: How important is the permit on advertising vehicles? In my last campaign, it was very advantageous to put signs on the side of cars. Councilman Shearer: Would this include bumper stickers? Mr. Wakefield: What we are really talking about is the car or truck that has a sign affixed to it in such a way that the sign might be • dislodged and create a traffic hazard. The kinds of signs that can be put on the side of an automobile with scotch tape, or whatever is appropriate, are really no hazard. It is the structural type of sign that this permit is concerned with. CITY COUNCIL, General Agenda Items Public Works May 10, 1976 Page Twelve Motion made by Councilman Chappell, seconded by Councilman Miller to waive further reading of . the body of said resolution. Motion carried. Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Chappell to adopt said resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice, Browne. NOES: None ABSENT: None HEARINGS None. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Jim Schoonover Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council, 803-B E. Mobeck until this past Wednesday evening, the West Covina, Ca. absence of a Planning Commissioner from a Commission meeting had not created too many problems. After hearing more than an hour and a half of testimony regarding a zone change at the eastern end of the, City, it -came time for four Commissioners present to cast their, votes on the is -sue. After hearing the • vote of the other three Commissioners, Chairman Bacon was faced with a more difficult problem. If he voted his conscience, the matter would have concluded in a 2 - 2 vote. This would have meant delaying action by the Commission for at least two more weeks. It would have meant a waste of time spent by the developer, his staff, the City staff, and residents of the area who had taken the time to attend the meeting to voice their objections to the zone change. Rather than inconvenience these people, Chairman Bacon voted contrary to his own beliefs so that the matter could betaken up by the.City Council for final disposition. Chairman Bacon should be commended for his attempt to obtain a final -disposition of this matter, but I find it rather disturbing that a Commissioner was forced to vote contrary to his convictions. It is not the vote of Chairman.Bacon that disturbs me, for I�,afeel that he acted in a proper manner. 'It is the circumstance that forced his vote in this matter that disturbs me. I request that this Council consider the possibility of naming an alternate to the Planning Commission. This alternate would be seated as a full voting member when the Chairman has been advised prior to the meeting of a member's absence. In this way, all members of the Commission would be able • to vote in a manner consistent with their beliefs, and not as a means of bringing about a final disposition of an issue. - 12 - • • • CITY COUNCIL Oral Communications May 10, 1976 Page Thirteen Councilman Shearer: I am sure that we are all aware of the situation that -Mr. Schoonover described. That could happen on this body or any other "body. Mr. Wakefield, on a.2 - 2 vote, does that not defeat the particular item? Mr.. Wakefield: Yes,.it requires three affirmative votes for the item to carry. Councilman Shearer: So, in reality, the zoning issue before the Planning Commission in a 2 - 2 vote would have been the same as a 3 - 2 rejection, and, in such case, the applicant could have appealed to the Council; am I correct in that assumption? Mr. Wakefield: Yes. Councilman Shearer.: I am not critizing Chairman Bacon --- because I think that the action he took was the most expedient, but the item could have been resolved just as, well with a 2 - 2 vote as it could have been with a 3 2.vote on the negative side The applicant, if he so chose, could go to the Council for appeal. So, I don't think the absence of a Commissioner disables the.Commission from functioning. .Mayor Browne: We might also add ­that all zone changes automatically come to the City Council,,:, for final approval. So, we have a situation here where the Council would have automatically received that item. Mr. Schoonover: Councilman Shearer has pointed out that the matter would have been defeated on a 2 - 2 vote, and that -the applicant would then have the right to come to City Council, but that would be for a fee. Now, I am not saying that the Mayer Construction Company is a pauper, but there are some people who could come before that Commission and lose on a 2 - 2 vote whom the fee would impose a hardship on. Mayor Browne You are speaking if a zone change were not involved. I think, in replyr' to your request - to appoint an alternate member, I do not think our structure would allow that in our Commissions. - 13 - CITY COUNCIL Oral Communications May 10, 1976 Page Fourteen Mr. Wakefield: I think it would be possible to adopt an ordinance that would provide for an • alternate, although it becomes a very clumsy procedure from the standpoint of administration because it means that an individual may sit through many meetings of a Board or Commission without ever having an opportunity to participate. Mayor Browne: We have experienced that in our Youth Commission where we have the alternative set in for alternates. Mrs. S. Baldonado I am speaking on behalf of the League 282 W. Cypress of Women Voters, East San Gabriel Valley, Covina, Ca. and as the past chairman of the League of Women Voters of Los. Angeles County ­ Government , Government Study. It came to our attention that the City Council might be discussing the placing on the ballot a ballot measure to create an elected chief executive and also to enlarge the County Board of Supervisors, which, I believe, Supervisor Hahn has proposed. I would like to speak to that measure, although it has not officially come.up. • The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County, which is a representation of some 3600 members of the some 20 Leagues in Los Angeles County, have completed a two year study of County government. Our members have spent the better part of two years collecting information about County government. Our research, a completely voluntary and low -budget effort, was, nevertheless, thorough and unbiased. Given the comprehensive character of both studies - that done by the Public Commission on County Government and the County League Study, we are pleased to report that the League of Women Voters has arrived at conclusions that parallel those of the Public Commission on County Government. These positions are as follows: The League of Women Voters support action for a more efficient, economical, representative, responsive, accountable and visible County government. We support the separation of the executive and legislative functions,of the Board of Supervisors. We support the position of an elected • chief executive. with power stipulated by the charter, including the appointment and dismissal of department heads. - 14 - CITY COUNCIL Oral Communications May 10, 1976 Page Fifteen Lacking the option of an elected chief executive, we would favor an appointed chief executive. • In order to implement our support for representative and responsive government, we support increasing the size of the Board of Supervisors with careful consideration of increased costs. We support an independent and separate audit department that would report directly to the Board of Supervisors acting in their legislative capacity. This depart- ment would provide an independent review of the executive functions of County government. The League also discussed part of the considerations of commissions and boards and committees. I will give that to you now, although it does not pertain directly to the measure that will appear on the ballot. The League of Women Voters supports changes in the present procedures for establishing boards, commissions and committees. We support strict conflict of.interest provisions, especially when the commission has regulatory power. • We support procedures for periodic review and re -appraisal of each commission to assure its continued relevance. We support a limit on the number of terms a person may serve on any one commission.. We support the widest possible notice of vacancies on commissions.to assure the widest participation of citizens in County government. This is the consensus of the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County, and it will be the basis upon which we will take action in order to achieve the goals for a more efficient, economical, representative, responsive, accountable, and visible County government. We urge you to give the people of Los Angeles County an opportunity to decide by ballot what kind of government they want by coming to agreement that the measure should appear on the ballot in November for the citizens to vote on. I would be happy to answer any questions is that you may have at this time concerning the League Study. Mayor Browne: Thank you. - 15 - CITY COUNCIL City Attorney CITY ATTORNEY ORDINANCE INTRODUCTION May 10, 1976 Page Sixteen The City Attorney presented: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING, THE WEST'COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE SO AS TO REZONE CERTAIN PREMISES. (Zone Change No. 502 -John R. Harris, Jr., 1049 West Garvey Avenue) Motion made by Councilman Chappell, seconded by Councilman Shearer to waive further reading of the body of the ordinance. Motion.carried. Motion made by Councilman Chappell, seconded by Councilman Shearer to.introduce said ordinance. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 5237 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,. CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PRECISE PLAN NO. 263, REVISION 7 AND APPROVING A PORTION OF AND DENYING A PORTION OF VARIANCE�NO. 725. (S.S. Kresge Company, Northeast corner of Orange and Cameron Avenues) • Motion made by Councilman Miller, seconded by'Councilman Chappell to waive further reading of the body of said resolution. Motion carried. Motion made by Councilman Chappell, seconded by Councilman Miller to adopt said resolution. Motion carried on.roll call vote as follows.: AYES: Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice, Browne NOES: None ABSENT: None' Councilman Chappell: Do we have a report on this development from our'City Manager at this time? Mr. Eliot: W6'did receive in this morning's mail a precise plan for the interior and exterior of the building, and indication that a letter would be following accepting the conditions imposed by the Council, and that they will be proceeding under the legislation as just approved by the Council in this action. - 16 • • CITY COUNCIL City Attorney May 10, 1976 Page Seventeen RESOLUTION NO. 5238 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION VII OF RESOLUTION NO. 12772 APPROVING THE RECLASSIFICATION OF AUTHORIZED POSITION IN THE STREET DEPART- MENT FROM STREET CLERK DISPATCHER TO CLERK TYPIST. Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Tice to waive further reading of the body of said resolution. Motion carried. Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Tice to adopt said resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice, Browne NOES: None ABSENT: None. RESOLUTION NO. 5239 The City Attorney presented: ADOPTED A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION VII OF RESOLUTION NO. 12773 APPROVING THE RECLASSIFICATION OF AUTHORIZED POSITION IN THE CENTRAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FROM CLERK TYPIST TO OFFSET OPERATOR. Motion made by Councilman Chappell, seconded by Councilman Miller to waive further reading of the body of said resolution. Motion carried. Motion made by Councilman Chappell, seconded by Councilman Miller to adopt said resolution. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice, Browne NOES: None ABSENT: None APPROVAL -OF AGREEMENT Mr. Wakefield: This item relates to the FOR PURCHASE OF CAMERON purchase of the Cameron Avenue Park Site AVENUE PARK SITE FROM from the Covina Valley Unified School COVINA VALLEY UNIFIED District. The School District has now SCHOOL DISTRICT taken the necessary procedural steps to authorize its Board to execute the Agree- - 17 - CITY COUNCIL May 10, 1976 City Attorney Page Eighteen ment. It is a simple Agreement designed to consummate the transaction for purchase of the park site by the City subject to the actual receipt by the City of State Park Development • funds. Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Chappell to approve the Agreement for purchase of Cameron Avenue Park Site from the Covina Valley Unified School District,,,,,,and to authorize execution of same. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice, Browne NOES: None ABSENT: None (MAYOR BROWNE RECESSED THE COUNCIL MEETING FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AT 8:25 P.M. CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED'AT 8:30 P.M.) CITY MANAGER REPORT RE Mr. Eliot: Presented to the City Council TRANSPORTATION CENTER this evening is a Staff recommendation regarding a joint study with the Chamber of Commerce on the proposed transportation center in the City of West Covina. Staff recommendation is that at • this time City participation in a transportation center feasibility study is unwarranted due to the many unanswered questions with regard to transportation (present and future) in the East San Gabriel Valley. Staff feels that the need for a transportation facility can be more properly addressed in future years when a more definitive direction with regard to transportation is known. This does not preclude Staff assistance to outside interests, such as SCRTD, CALTRANS, SCAG, etc. for better public transit now or in the future when the role of transportation is more clearly defined. Councilman Tice: I wonder if we could hold this off for a couple of weeks. There is a Chamber meeting in San Diego this coming weekend. I do plan to be there. ,I,think this may be one of the subjects that will be discussed. 'Before we take action, I request that I have their complete input. Mayor Browne: I think I would be in agreement with that request inasmuch as the RTD forwarded a letter to the Council indicating that, if the Council so approved, they would be willing to come forth and • make a presentation to the Council on their projected system in this area along with clarification of their intent on the location of any depot or transportation center that they might deem fit to place in our City. At this time I would ask the Council if they would be favorable to having RTD make this presentation; we could request Staff forward a letter indicating our interest. - 18 - CITY COUNCIL May'10, 1976 City Manager Page Nineteen Councilman Chappell: I really feel that a transportation center, as I have'been looking at it and hearing about it, is just too big a facility to place in West Covina where we have limited vacant • land. I think that we can better utilize our land for the type of projects that are being researched and have been built or are being built in our City. Perhaps we could support a neigh- boring city,, if they are interested, in developing it. It is going to take a lot of land; it is going to take a lot of area for parking cars. I feel that the*way our City has been developing, we are past.the stage of being able'to utilize land for this type of facility. Councilman Shearer: I made some statements at our joint meeting with the Chamber on this item. I would agree, as I did then, with Councilman Chappell.;tlZlti- the absence of anything to the contrary, I am convinced right now that it is not a thing that I wish to commit City Staff time or resources to. However, I would be willing to defer to Councilman Tice's request to hold over this matter to, at least, give him the opportunity to further discuss it this coming week. Pending the information he comes back with, we can reconsider the matter at that time, including the request by the RTD to make a presentation. Councilman Miller: I, too, would be willing to go along with Councilman Tice's request, but I do have • the same concerns as have been expressed about using prime land. This is something, you might say, that is going to be a knot they are going to have to resolve - a big hurdle they are going to have to overcome, as to the location. Mayor Browne: I think the Council has pretty well expressed their concerns and desires in the development of a transportation center. The reasons outlined by Councilmen Chappell and Shearer have indicated that in the planning stages there is not a conceivable piece of property along our corridor, the freeway zone, wherein we would feel justified in setting aside and extending funds counter -productive to what RTD might have in their minds. After all, they would probably be the final say on the location of such a facility. I would go along with the tabling of this until such time as we meet in San Diego; I, too, will be there; and discuss this issue. Perhaps at a later date we can ask the RTD to come in and express their desires in this area, and perhaps it will settle the issue to the content of the Chamber of Commerce. • Motion made by Councilman Tice, seconded by Councilman Shearer to Hold Over this matter until the meeting of May 24, 1976. Motion carried. - 19 - CITY COUNCIL Mayor's Reports MAYOR'S REPORTS May 10, 1976 Page Twenty PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Browne: Unless there is an • objection, I will proclaim May 9th through 15th, 1976 as "Healthy Baby Week." Mayor Browne: Unless there is an objection, I will proclaim May 16th through 22nd, 1976 as "National Transport Iation Week." Mayor Browne: We will jo back to the City Manager for a report roh a written in item. APPLICATION FOR A Mr. Eliot: We have received an application VARIANCE FROM from Lynn Muchmore, "Next -time Lounge" Lynn Muchmore 2031 Badillo, requesting a variance re the dance floor distance from the place of eating or drinking. You have before you a report from the Police Chief with his recommendation regarding the matter. His recommendation is that the applicant could conform if she spent the money that would be necessary to do so. Therefore, he recommended :denial of the request for variance. Motion made by Councilman Chappell, • seconded by Councilman Miller to deny the request for variance from Lynn Muchmore. Motion carried. LETTER/BOARD OF Mayor Browne: We received a letter from SUPERVISORS the County Administrator, Mr. Mize, out of the Supervisors-s office, wherein the Board of Supervisors are urgingnadoption of an ordinance to require paramedic units to respond to all vehicular accidents. I think, perhaps, we are complying with this to a certain degree, are we not? Mr. Eliot: It is evident from the letter received that they are reporting on a County problem, perhaps the Highway Patrol. However, it has been the policy of the City of West Covina for many years now to dispatch rescue, and now, paramedic support whenever there is a reported accident within the City limits. That is standard operating procedure; as far as we know, we are operating one hundred percent response to any accident within our City boundaries, which includes the freeways. • Mayor Browne: Would you inform Mr. Mize ofathis procedure; that this has been,in effect within the City of West Covina. - 20 - CITY COUNCIL May 10, 1976 Mayor's Reports Page Twenty-one Councilman Shearer: What little I know about the matter, it is not a matter of responsiveness, it is a matter of calling. It would surprise me greatly if any paramedic, County or City, would refuse to go, if called. The problem is, as I have heard it second or third hand from questionable sources, that there is a reluctance on the part of certain police agencies to some- times call paramedic units because they get in the way of moving traffic, etc. I am sure that a letter to that effect to Mr. Mize, saying that all you have to do is call, and we will be there as quickly as we can; would eliminate us having to have an ordinance.. COUNCILMEN'S REPORTS AND COMMENTS Councilman Miller: It was an honor for me to be part of the opening ceremonies for the West Covina Water Otters' Invitational Swim Meet held at Edgewood High School last Saturday. Over 608 swimmers were there from all over Southern California. It was a very well -run swim meet. I might give credit to the Boosters Club, the Board members lead by the president, Ray Aragon, and the meet officials. It was also exciting to see my high school, Edgewood, take the Sierra Baseball League Championship, 14-0. West Covina High School took the Sierra Track League Championship, which is also outstanding. And, not to be last but not least, I would.like.to recognize my wife, .Mrs. .Miller. The Council congradulated Councilman and Mrs. Miller, wishing them many.years of happiness. Councilman Shearer: Two weeks ago, if you recall, I brought up the.question of the County Mayor and County Board of Supervisors reorganiza- tion that Mrs. Baldonado spoke to this evening. At that time I asked that it be tabled because there seemed to be some desire on the part of some councilmen to look into the,matter a little further. At this time I would like to bring the matter back up and restate the motion. Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Tice to communicate to our Supervisor this Council's support of principle of an elected executive and expansion of the 'Board, and•tha.t we would urge them to pursue the matter to place it on the ballot. Once.a final decision is made on their part.along with a final copy of the proposition,'we would then review it and take a position as to favor or oppose the particular item. - 21 - • U 0 CITY COUNCIL May.10, 1976 Councilmen's Reports/Comments. Page Twenty-two Councilman Tice: As you recall, I had some concerns of the particular proposition that was submitted by Supervisor Hahn in that the chief executive position, the Mayor; to me appeared to be a veryt-weak position. I can see nothing but a "latch -up" betwen the legislative branch and the administrative branch of the government the way it is.formed. I hope that is not the final proposition on the ballot. The power still rests with the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor acts, more or less, as a manager rather than an executive, as far as I am concerned. But, the -concept I am for. I think we have an unwieldy beast in this County government situation with 84,000 employees. Something has to be done, and it should be done mighty quick. So, I am supporting the concept of this. Councilman Chappell: Why don't we, in our letter to the Board of Supervisors, strongly recommend tthat the position of.Mayor be a.strong one, and also the enlargement of the Board. Mayor Browne: With economy factors considered. Mr. Eliot, after we take action on this, will you so form a.letter., Councilman Miller: Since we last discussed this, I asked for a cost factor from Supervisor Hahn's office and I have received something in a'general breakdown. They have shown that through this, they are knocking it from 72 deputies down,to 42 deputies, a savings of 30 positions. But, it is still at this particular point very general. In one paragraph where they talked about the 72 deputies they also talked about the cars,.expenditures and secretaries, but when they got down to the 42 deputies, they ommitted that part - cars, expenditures and secretaries... So, at this point, I am still not going to be supportive of it. I agree; I feel that L.A. County needs a change in its governmental structure, but until I can get more conclusive evidence of cost factors I will not be supportive of it. Also, again, I am very interested in the Governor's Office Study on,'�ece-$§ion: Before I feel that I can support anything, I always like to see all of the alternatives involved, and then decide which is the best way to go. I.feel that Supervisor Hahn is heading in the right direction, -and it is,his prerogative to push it as fast as he wants, but., then again,.I feel that some- times we push too fast and maybe that isn't the best direction to go. So, I will not be supportive of this., - 22 - • • CITY COUNCIL. Councilmen's Reports/Comments . May 10, 1976 Page Twenty-three Councilman Chappell: This is not a new idea. It has been brought up and kicked around and brought up again. This Council is not supporting that item. It is just supporting them putting it together, and then having our review of it - the final print that will go on::- the ballot. So, we are really not supporting anything other than the concept of getting something going so that we can, at that time, make a determination whether we are in favor or against. Councilman_ Shearer:.. As Councilman Chappell mentioned, this is not a new idea. I am sure it is not. exclusively Supervisor Hahn's idea because, if it were, I think I would have to take a second look at my motion.' I think Supervisor Schabarum has been supportive of a County Mayor for 'some time. I'am not naive enough to say or .bealiev.` figures given us that the cost, just the cost of running the expanded Board and Mayor, will be equal to or less than it is now. There is no doubt ,in my mind that if this is successful and we go to 7 or 9 Supervisors and a Mayor, chief executive, the costs are going to go up to run just those offices. But, I think the payoff will come in a more efficient overall government. The costs" of running a Supervisor's office is small compared to the total cost of running County government -,some three billion dollars. Councilman Tice:., The cost factor isn't the important point tome in this issue. It is the efficiency and responsiveness to the public that we may gain by going this route. That to me is paramont and over- rides any increase or decrease in costs. I think it is the principle here, the form of government that we are interested in. That is why I am supporting the concept as: Councilman Shearer pointed out. Mayor Browne: I think the concerns indicated to our Supervisor, Mr. Schabarum, very clearly pointed out.some of the pitfalls in the area of increasing the Supervisorial Staff. I think that.is borne out in the fact that one Supervisor,might have 40 staff members, and another one with as high as 70. 1 think this is indicative of the demands of the -individual supervisor. This is something that you cannot lose sight of. As Councilman Shearer stated, he is not naive, nor do I.think anyone of us sitting here are in that factor. It is the matter ofa better -run govern- ment, placing it on the ballot for the will of the people to make this decision. However, before we support anything, we will definitely review it and come to our conclusions at that time when we see more facts and figures, and the way it will be presented to the voting constituency. - 23 - CITY COUNCIL May 10, 1976 Councilmen's Reports/ Comments Page Twenty-four Motion carried, 4-1.. (In favor: Chappell,. Shearer, Tice and Browne; In opposition: Miller) • APPROVAL OF DEMANDS Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by Councilman Tice to approve Demands totaling $482,510.95 as listed on Demand Sheets UCB No. 55162 through 554022 and BA No. 401 through 403. Motion carried on roll call vote as follows: AYES: Miller, Chappell, Shearer, Tice, Browne NOES: None ABSENT: None ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Councilman Shearer, seconded by .Councilman Chappell to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 P.M. to Monday, May.24, 1976 at 7:30 P.M. Motion carried. • APPROVED: MAYOR ATTEST: 24 -