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03-06-1978 - Special Meeting - MinutesSPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA MARCH 6; 1978 The Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of West Covina was called to order at 5:40. p.m. in the City Manager's Conference Room by Mayor Shearer. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Shearer, Mayor Pro Tem Herb Tice Councilmen: Miller, Chappell, Browne Others Present: H. Fast, L. Preston, M. Miller, M. Volmert, J. Keating, B. Freemon, M. Ward 1. PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY Fast indicated that since the Proclamation was made on March 1,' the President had declared Los Angeles County to be a disaster area. Since this. declaration could terminate, it is recommended that the,City Council ratify the Proclamation and continue its existence. Motion by Chappell, seconded by Browne to proclaim that the Proclamation of • Existence of a Local Emergency, as issued by the Director of Emergency Services, is hereby ratified and confirmed and that the local emergency shall be deemed to continue to exist until its termination is proclaimed by the City Council. AYES: Miller, Chappell, Browne, Tice, Shearer NOES: None Motion by Browne, seconded by Tice and carried to request that the Federal Disaster Assistance Administration set up a Federal Disaster Assistance Center in the area. Fast presented a storm damage assessment and reviewed the actions of staff including the setting up of the Emergency Operating Center. He discussed the more serious problems and indicated that the preliminary damage assessment is in excess of $2 Million. Reimbursement for the cost of City personnel and equipment for the damage to public property will be made by the Federal government. A series of Federal programs will provide relief to private residents and businesses, and information will be provided through the local news med:ia:_<< Council commended the City Manager and his staff for their efforts pointing outtheir assistance toG residents, their team effort, and the usefulness of emergency planning. Robert Dye 2725 Melissa Street Mr. Dye indicated he represented the Association of Hearthstone Homeowners. He thanked and commended the City Council and staff for -their support and estimated that the damage to houses in the area was $12;000 to $A_,G0- per house,, Leslie Cook Hearthstone Tract Mr. Cook indicated that he wanted to know who did the soils engineering and if the City did any soils report itself. He thanked staff for their cooperation. • Rick Montez Hearthstone Tract Mr. Montez indicated he knew what was going to happen to the hillsides.since they, were not landscaped. Frank John Hearthstone Tract Mr. John wanted the City to review its procedures to ensure that all codes, grading requirements, and soil requirements are adhered to by the contractors and wanted stricter controls on contractors. Steve Butterfield Hearthstone Tract Mr. Butterfield indicated that Mr. Anderson (Developer) has disclaimed liability for the damage. • John Evans Hearthstone Tract Mr. Evans indicated other problems with houses including driveways, walls, fireplaces, and streets, particularly Nogales Street (Council indicated that the street -is currently being worked on under the Public Works Bill contract). Robert Dye questionned the thoroughness of City inspections. Tice commended the residents for their cooperation and joint efforts during the storm. Shearer requested a staff report at the next Council Meeting regarding the quality of the homes and also -requested the City Attorney to;indicate whether the City can declare a moratorium preventing the contractors from�cont.inuing..to.,build in the,_Ci_ty_unt_il the reported problems can be reviewed and resolved. Fast indicated that the City Attorney's report would be available by the next Council Meeting, but that a report on all of the other items might not be available by the March 13 meeting. Butterfield indicated that he wanted to move back into his house. Fast indicated the • Fire Department would standby to assist him in an emergency. He indicated that dirt may be temporarily placed. in the street on an emergency basis, and the City would attempt to get the dirt removed from the street. Shearer confirmed the street could be used and indicated that the City would remove all the dirt from the street. Fast indicated that staff will attempt to put together a pamphlet for hillside residents regarding damage to slopes and regarding proper maintenance of slopes including -2- landscaping and the maintenance of adequate drainage. Shearer assured the residents of the continuing assistance from the City within • certain reasonable.Iimitations. 11. Motion by Browne, seconded by Tice to adjourn the meeting at 6:46 p.m. ATTEST is City Clerk • A PROVED Mayor -3-