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06-14-1995 - Special Meeting - Minutes0 • M I N U T E S SPECIAL MEETING OF THE WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL June 14, 1995 The special meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order at 6:18 pm by Mayor Herfert in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. ROLL CALL Mayor Herfert, Mayor Pro Tem Touhey, Council - members McFadden and Wong Absent: Councilmember Manners (excused) Others Present: Starbird, Wylie, Collier, Glover, Salazar, Winters, Shott, Parker, Jones, Cook, Koniarsky, Dixon, Miller, Panas, Mayer, Yoshizaki, Orr, Berry PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA Charles Cook Charles Cook, 404 S. Citrus, commented on the CIP projects at the Maverick Field, supporting the priority rating given to each by the Human Services Commission, reflecting a low priority to the lighting request. Don Canzoneri Don Canzoneri, President -Elect of the West Covina Chamber of Commerce, reported on the Chamber's accomplishments for the past fiscal year. He introduced the following two speakers who would address specific areas regarding the Chamber's functions. Sonnie Faires Sonnie Faires reviewed the "Shop West Covina" campaign nearing completion and the desire to expand and continue the campaign for FY 95/96. Greg Landers Greg Landers, Treasurer of the Chamber of Com- merce, discussed the Chamber's FY 95/96 budget, reiterating the requested additional $25,000 in Business Improvement Tax (BIT) funds to expand the "Shop West Covina" campaign as explained by Ms. Faires. He noted the budget also contained an additional request of BIT funds in the amount of $10,000 for the purpose of conducting a business survey. Don Canzoneri Don Canzoneri concluded the Chamber's presenta- tion by emphasizing the willingness of the Chamber to work with the Council on economic development for the City of West Covina. Keith Anderson Keith Anderson, President of the Bobbi-Sox League, expressed appreciation for the priority rating the Human Services Commission gave to the projects that would enhance Cameron Park, the site of the Bobbi-Sox baseball league. Earl Haugen Earl Haugen of the Maverick Development Group stated that his group was in agreement with the prioritized listing by the Human Services com- mission. Minutes of June 14, 1995 PA Albert Behr Albert Behr, President of the Youth Pony Base- ball League, appreciated the City Council's attention to the little leagues. He noted that he knew of no other city that spends as much . time and money for the little leaguers. Paul Viera Paul Viera of the Youth Pony Baseball League requested more bathrooms for Walmerado Park. Mayor Herfert thanked the speakers for their comments and stated that the Council would consider the Chamber of Commerce budget first. Council Discussion: Chamber of Commerce Mayor Herfert stated that he had hoped to see a reduced budget request for BIT funding, but this year's amount is the same as last year with an additional request of $25,000. He said that he could not support the budget as presented. Mayor Pro Tem Touhey stated his concerns. He believes the "Shop West Covina" program should be the first priority within the Chamber's Program of Work. He would like to see separate books: one concerning the chamber's fund and the other concerning the BIT funds. All BIT payers should have access to all Chamber programs, as some programs at the present time exclude nonmembers. He would like to see a stronger audit program detailing where BIT funds are used. Councilmember Wong stated that BIT account- ability rests with the City. All businesses in West'Covina benefit by the efforts of the Cham- ber, not just the retail businesses. The relationship between the Chamber and City in the past has always been synergistic. Many of the Chamber programs and projects are .successful because of the time and effort of volunteers. If the City were to embark on those same pro- grams and projects, the City would need to pay City staff for the time and effort expended. Councilmember McFadden asked what more could the Chamber do or do differently to satisfy the mission of the BIT. It was his belief that there doesn't appear to be a great demand by the business community to break up the Chamber of Commerce. He did suggest that the City continue with the BIT study. Until then, he noted his willingness to support the Chamber's programs and budget as presented. First Motion Motion by McFadden and seconded by Herfert, for discussion purposes, to approve the budget as submitted. • Mayor Pro Tem Touhey suggested that BIT funds be used for a small business loan program. He would like to see the BIT offset by new revenues and the "Shop West Covina" be included within the basic budget as proposed without the additional requested $25,000. He would also like to see an advisory vote of the business community as to the disposition of the BIT funds. • • Minutes of June 14, 1995 3 Mayor Herfert asked for a roll call vote on the motion mentioned above. The motion failed by the following vote: AYES: McFadden, Wong NOES: Touhey, Herfert ABSENT: Manners Second Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by McFadden to approve the budget with the stipulation that the extended "Shop West Covina" campaign be con- ducted within the basic budgeted amount of $317,190.00 and the additional requested $10,000 in BIT funds (earmarked for a business survey) be denied. Councilmember Wong was concerned about cutting up the Chamber budget and suggested that the Chamber of Commerce be given an opportunity to rework their budget and bring it back to the Council. Mayor Herfert was satisfied with President Canzoneri's response that without official Executive Board approval, the Chamber could work within the reduction as indicated in the motion. Mayor Pro Tem Touhey amended the motion to require the Chamber to provide separate accounting for the Chamber's funds and the BIT funds. The amendment was seconded by Herfert. Councilmember Wong reiterated that he was not supportive of cutting the Chamber budget, with- out first knowing where those cuts would be felt in their organization. Councilmember McFadden noted that if the Chamber does not experience an increase in their rent, as anticipated, there would be a savings in their budget. Mayor Herfert asked for a roll call vote on the amended second motion. The motion failed by the following vote: AYES: Touhey, Herfert NOES: McFadden, Wong ABSENT: Manners Recess Mayor Herfert called a recess at 8:00 pm. The City Council reconvened at 8:15 pm with all members present, except Manners. Third Motion Motion by McFadden and seconded by Herfert to approve the basic $317,190 in BIT funds within which $25,000 in BIT funds would be used for the "Shop West Covina" campaign. (This results in a reduction in the recommended scope of the "Shop West Covina" program from $35,000 to $25,000.) This motion eliminated the requested extra $10,000 in BIT funds for the survey. Motion included requiring the Chamber to provide separate accounting systems for the BIT and the Chamber's funds. Motion carried 3-1 with Wong voting no. Minutes of June 14, 1995 WEST COVINA CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 4 Human Services Director Salazar reviewed the 95/96 Park CIP Project Worksheets, drawing . Council's attention to various projects, particularly those recommended by the Human Services Commission as lowpriorityprojects. Mayor Herfert suggested that Items 44 through 48 not be considered one way or the other this evening because they require the School Dis- trict's involvement/commitment. Mayor Pro Tem Touhey suggested that Item 46 (Portable Snack Bar) remain on the list of projects for con- sideration. Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by McFadden that all projects listed on the worksheet be approved with the exception of those projects prioritized as "D" and those relating to the Hollencrest School site (Items 44 through 48), except Item 46. Discussion ensued. Councilmember Wong asked about Item 37 (Con- struction of restrooms at the Maverick Field). That project is estimated to cost $95,000. Earl Haugen Earl Haugen of the Maverick Development Group (MDG) addressed the issue of restrooms. He state that there were restrooms at the adjacent Ridgeriders facility, but that they did not meet ADA requirements. Cash Grimes Cash Grimes, President of Ridgeriders Esques- trian Center, stated that the restrooms are extremely old and the upkeep, maintenance, and cost are borne by the Ridgeriders. + The agree- ment with MDG regarding restroom upkeep didn't work out and the restrooms are now open only for equestrian activities. She listed several other items that would improve the equestrian center. Mayor Herfert suggested she speak to staff about those and that Ridgeriders would need to address opening the facility to the public to be considered for public funds. Mayor Herfert asked for a roll call vote on the pending motion: AYES: McFadden, Touhey, Herfert NOES: Wong ABSENT: Manners Councilmember Wong objected to the proposed rest - room project at the Maverick field. City Engineer Glover reviewed the remaining CIP projects. Councilmember Wong stated that he would abstain from discussion and vote on those items invol- ving Maintenance District 4, due to conflict of interest laws. Motion Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to approve the CIP projects for FY 95/96. Motion carried 4-0-1 (Wong abstaining only on MD #4 items). Minutes of June 14, 1995 5 Councilmember McFadden asked for a status report on the contractor conducting the Business Improvement Tax study. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 pm.. Motion carried 4-0. miyor ATTEST: City Clerk