10-17-1995 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
October 17, 1995
• The regular meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order
by Mayor Herfert at 7:33 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W.
Garvey Avenue, West Covina. The invocation was given by Dr. Kundan
Peter of the West Covina United Methodist Church.
ROLL CALL Mayor Herfert, Mayor Pro Tem Touhey, Council -
members Manners, McFadden, Wong
Others Present: Starbird, Wylie, Orr, Keating, McIntyre, Ure,
Collier, Greene, Miller, Glover, Samaniego,
Yoshizaki, Mayer, Salazar, Dixon, Bonaparte,
Panas, Gannon, Distelrath, McIsaac, Gardner,
Berry
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Manners and seconded by Touhey to
approve the minutes of the special meeting of
September 14, 1995, the special meeting of
September 26, 1995, and the special meeting of
September 28, 1995. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion by Wong and seconded by Manners to
approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
September 19, 1995, with corrections on page 4
and page 10. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS Personnel Director Diane Ure and Personnel
Analyst "II Gina McIntyre assisted Mayor
Herfert in presenting Certificates of Recog
nition to community Committee Members Daniel:
Bedrosian, Knora Jackson, and Carolyn Roberson
Kinsale for working with Personnel Services in
developing an "Abilities Unlimited" handbook.
The handbook will be distributed throughout
the business community in addressing the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
Mayor Herfert presented Certificates of
Recognition to the following outgoing City
commissioners:
John Sheety - Human Services
Phillip Moreno - Human Services
Michael Jones - Human Services
Cristina Dominguez - Personnel
Ronald Gray - Personnel
Those not in attendance, but recognized were:
Robert Roudebush - Personnel
Dorothy Shepherd - Personnel
PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Herfert proclaimed November 6 - 11 as
CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL WEEK and presented the
proclamation to Jenny Hansen, Director of
Institutional Advancement at the school.
• Mayor Herfert proclaimed October 28 through
November 4 as PORNOGRAPHY AWARENESS WEEK and
presented the proclamation to David and Kathy
Saeger.
Mayor Herfert proclaimed October 28 as
AMERICAN HEART WALK DAY and presented the
proclamation to Steve Wylie and Susie Harvey.
Minutes of 10/17/95 2
City Manager Starbird presented a framed
Resolution of Commendation to Judy Orr, who is
leaving the City organization for a position
with the Clark County Flood Control District
in Nevada. For the last several years Judy
• has been the Administrative Analyst in the
City Manager's Office and will be sorely
missed throughout the organization.
Redevelopment Agency Mayor Herfert called the Redevelopment Agency
to order at 7:50 pm in order to conduct the
following joint public hearing with the City
Council.
HEARING JOINT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED DISPOSI-
TION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
WEST COVINA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND EDWARDS
THEATRES CIRCUIT. INC.
City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of
publication and stated that the record con-
tains the following documents:
* Disposition and Development Agreement
between Edwards Theatres Circuits, Inc.
and the Redevelopment Agency of the City
of West Covina.
* Summary Report as required by Section
33433 of the Redevelopment Law contained
in the California Health and Safety Code.
Councilmember Wong stated that he would
abstain from the discussion and the vote on
this matter, in compliance with conflict of
interest laws.
Mayor Herfert explained that the Planning
Commission approved the Edwards Entertainment
project on October 10, which allows an appeal
period of 20 days. Therefore, staff recom-
mends that the public hearing be opened and
continued to November 7, 1995, to accommodate
the appeal period. Mayor Herfert opened the
hearing and asked for a motion.
Motion by Manners and seconded by Touhey
to continue the opened public hearing to
November 7, 1995. Motion carried 4-0-1 with
Wong abstaining (conflict of interest).
The Redevelopment Agency was recessed at 7:52
pm and Mayor Herfert continued with the City
Council Agenda.
AGENDA AND ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Rita Heieck Rita Heieck of West Covina Beautiful addressed
Item D-1 (Holiday Lights on Azusa Avenue).
When West Covina Beautiful suggested holiday
lights, they had no idea the cost would be
• $30,000. She suggested donations from the
business community to help defray the cost.
Ray Nordin Lt. Ray Nordin of the West Covina Police De-
partment addressed Item J-1 (Petition seeking
formal recognition of West Covina Police
Management Association). He asked for
Council's support.
Minutes of 10/17/95
3
Kash Grimes Kash Grimes, president of Ridge Riders Asso-
ciation, addressed Item H-1 (Ridge Riders
Improvements). She stated she was available
to answer questions.
• Iris Delameter Iris Delameter, 1212 W. Eckerman, noted that
her comment favoring management raises was not
.recorded in the minutes of September 19, 1995.
She commented,on the following items as well:
* Favored D-1 (Holiday Lighting) as civic
pride is nice for the community and perhaps
the.cost could be defrayed with donations and
volunteer work.
* Supported the continuation of the Sick
Leave Payoff & Vacation Buy Back programs as
they are calculated at current rates. To
postpone payoffs until termination would cost
more.
* Supported J-la (Police Management Assn.
petition), noting the raises should have been
approved when it came up earlier.
* She suggested the traffic signal at Vin-
cent and the entrance to The Plaza be retimed
before the holiday season as that intersection
was heavily congested over the weekend.
Mabel Tronsgard Mabel Tronsgard, 1334 Glenmere Street, spoke
favorably of raises for management staff and
the police.
Stuart York Stuart York, 1562 Atoll, thanked Council for
the American Heart Association proclamation
for the Heart Walk scheduled for 10/28/95.
Lollie Bergman, Lollie Bergman, 426 S. Leaf, felt the holiday
lights was a fine idea. She then commented on
the Police Management petition for recog-
nition and that the police department has an
excellent reputation. She suggested to
Council that they don't change it, but build
on it.
Mark Lottie Mark Lottie, President of Ridge Riders Associ-
ation, thanked Council for the time and effort
in addressing the Ridge Riders' concerns.
Shelly Sanderson Shelly Sanderson, Ridge Riders member, thanked
Council for keeping our "heritage" here in
West Covina.
June Waller June Waller, Ridge Riders member, stated that
the facility could be used during a disaster
to corral animals.
Mary Bird Mary Bird, also of Ridge Riders, noted the
positive physical effects of horseback riding.
Charles Shibel Charles Shibel, 1711 E. Alaska Street, felt
the West Covina Police Department was one of
• the finest in the country. He encouraged
Council to use the chain of command if there
was a need for reprimands.
Ray Ammentorp Ray Ammentorp, 1251 S. Cajon, spoke highly of
the West Covina Police Department and that
Council should not disrupt it.
Jim Andruss Jim Andruss, 1117 S. Cajon, spoke highly of
his experiences with WCPD Officers.
•
Minutes of 10/17/95
Nevin Browne Nevin Browne, 1524 Alpine Drive, past Mayor of
West Covina, commended the Police Department
in apprehending bank robbers last week. Mr.
Browne strongly suggested Council legislate,
not administrate. Council should neither
argue among themselves nor berate publicly or
it will cause problems later on. Council
needs to present West Covina in the best light
possible.
Pat Kortan Pat Kortan, a retired lieutenant of the West
Covina Police Department, concurred with the
statements of Ms. Bergman and Mr. Browne. He
spoke about the educational achievement of the
commanding officers in the Police Department
and the support of the officers for Chief
Distelrath. More important than raises, the
Council needs to give support to the officers
as well as the other City employees. Don't
lose them.
Marianne Wrede Marianne Wrede, mother of slain officer
Kenneth Wrede, expressed the community's
support, as well as her own, for the West
Covina Police Officers. Wrede Way is a symbol
to the community of solid police programs and
support. All her son wanted was respect and
support for the job he did. The message to
the officers should be "What can we do to make
your job easier?"
Ken Wrede
CONSENT CALENDAR
Ken Wrede, father of slain officer Kenneth
Wrede, noted his full support of the West
Covina Police Department and that it is held
in high esteem statewide. He noted seven
Police Chiefs in the state of California have
come from West Covina. Some of the officers
feel they do not get the support from Council
they deserve and morale has deteriorated.
Written Communications (none received)
Commissions' Summary of Actions (r & f)
Personnel Commission 10/11/95
Planning Commission 10/10/95
Approval of Final Map (adopt resolution)
Resolution 9271 - Lot Line Adjustment No. 120 -
Landaverde Gloria Landaverde at 1204 West Casad Avenue.
RESOLUTION NO. 9271 - A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, APPROVING LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT NO. 120
AND DIRECTING THE RECORDATION THEREOF (Gloria
Landaverde)
Temporary Use Permits (receive & file)
TUP #2273-95 was issued to Crestview Cadillac,
2700 E. Garvey, for a roof top balloon from
9/7 through 10/1.
TUP #2274-95 was issued to West Covina Nissan,
1840 E. Garvey, for a radio promotional event
on 10/7.
Minutes of 10/17/95 5
TUP #2275-95 was issued to Aris Helicopters,
The Plaza, for an A/C helicopter transport on
10/4.
TUP #2278-95 was issued to St. Christopher's
• Church, 629 S. Glendora, for an annual
festival from 10/6 through 10/8.
TUP #2279-95 was issued to East San Gabriel
Valley Japanese Community Center, 1203 W.
Puente, for a fall festival on 10/7.
Acceptance of Improvements/Release of Bonds
Precise Plan 842 Location: 222 N. Sunset (Akbar Omar)
Recommendation is to accept onsite and
offsite improvements and release American
Savings Bank Pass Book No. 55815955 in the
amount of $58,000.
City Treasurer's Report (receive & file)
Report for the month of August, 1995.
Award of Bids
1) PP 95210 & PP 95224 — Cortez Park and
Friendship Park - Rehabilitation of
Parking Lots
PP 95210 & 95224 - Recommendation is to accept the bid of
E. A. Mendoza E. A. Mendoza, Buena Park, in the amount
of $105,310 as submitted at the bid
opening and authorize the Mayor and City
Clerk to execute the contract.
2) SP 94110 - Amar Road/Ridgewood Drive -
Storm Drain Improvements
SP 94110 - Recommendation is to take the following
Atlas -Allied Inc. actions:
a) Transfer $3,000 from SD 94111 to SD
94110, and
b) Accept the low bid of Atlas -Allied in
the amount of $16,962.50 and authorize
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
contract, subject to a concurrent deduc-
tive change order in the amount of
$4,302.
Miscellaneous - Public Works
1) Construction Activity Report (r & f)
Report for period ending Sept. 30, 1995.
2) PP 95218 - Softball Lighting at Cameron
Park -Approval of Plans & Specifications
PP 95218 -
Recommendation is to approve plans and
approve plans & specs.
specifications for PP 95218 and authorize
the City Engineer to call for bids.
.
3) PP 96260 - Improvements at Hollencrest
School for South Hills Little League -
Approval of Plans & Specifications
PP 96260 -
Recommendation is to approve plans and .
approve plans & specs.
specifications for PP 96260 and authorize
the City Engineer to call for bids.
Minutes of.10/17/95
Resolution 9272 -
seismic retrofit of
the parking structure
Resolution 9273 -
CEQA Guidelines
Police Van -.
Ed Butts Ford
CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION
Item C-8c
6
Miscellaneous - Police Department
1) Authorization to Apply for Grant Funds
Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program and Appoint the Deputy Director
of OES as the Agent for the City.
Recommendation is to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION NO. 9272 - A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA AUTHORIZING THE OFFICE OF EMER-
GENCY SERVICES TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS
UNDER THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM
FOR THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF THE PARKING
(STRUCTURE
Miscellaneous - Planning Department
1) Revised Guidelines and Procedures for
Implementing the California Environmental
Ouality Act (CEOA) Resolution
Recommendation is to adopt the following:
RESOLUTION NO. 9273 - A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA REPEALING RESOLUTION 8919 AND
ADOPTING PROCEDURES TO IMPLEMENT THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Miscellaneous - Finance Department
1) Replacement of Police Prisoner Van
Recommendation is to: a) find that state
bid 1-95-23-20 is at least as stringent
as that used by the City. The state bid
satisfies the formal bid process per WCMC
§ 2-333 and justifies the waiver of the
formal bid process (WCMC § 2-330), b)
authorize staff to purchase a new 1995
Ford E350 Super Club, 15 passenger van
from Ed Butts Ford for $22;047.65 (plus
tax and transfer fees), and c) authorize
staff to surplus the nine passenger 1974
Dodge van, Unit P-39.
Motion by Wong and seconded by Manners to
waive further reading of the resolutions and
adopt, and to approve all other items listed
on the Consent Calendar except C-8c. Motion
carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Manners, McFadden, Touhey, Wong, Herfert
NOES: None
Councilmember Wong stated that he could not
support this item. Although South Hills is a
wonderful league, the players could play at
another site - especially one just outfitted
with lights. He was concerned about spending
$90,000 which he wasn't convinced was a neces-
sary expenditure. Councilmember Manners
agreed.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey
to approve the recommendation as presented.
Motion carried 3-2 with Wong and Manners
voting no.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
•
E
Minutes of 10/17/95 7
PUBLIC WORKS PP 96261 - HOLIDAY MEDIAN TREE LIGHTING ON
AZUSA AVENUE
City Engineer elaborated on the staff report.
Councilmember Wong noted his support for this
project, emphasizing that these are "holiday"
lights in deference to all religious beliefs.
Councilmember Manners asked if the Citywide
District could absorb the annual cost and City
Manager Starbird responded in the affirmative.
Ms. Manners liked the idea suggested by Rita
Heieck in seeking funds to offset the cost.
Holiday Lighting Motion by Touhey and seconded by Wong to
establish PP 95261 and approve waiver of
formal bidding procedure due to the time
critical nature of this project. Motion
carried 5-0.
Motion by Manners and seconded by Herfert
to appropriate $30,000 from BKK trial post-
ponement proceeds. Motion carried 5-0.
WASTE MANAGEMENT ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (LEA) No reports •for this meeting.
Recess Mayor Herfert recessed the City Council meeting
at 9:00 pm. The City Council reconvened at
9:13 pm with all members present.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES WASTE MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITY UPDATE
Environmental Services Director elaborated on
the staff report. Councilmember Manners com-
plimented Mr. Miller on his position regarding
Athens' incomplete MRF proposal - which is to
request more in-depth information from Athens
before being considered by the Council.
Athens - MRF Motion by Manners and seconded by Touhey
to receive and file the status report. Motion
carried 5-0.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Herfert recessed the City Council meeting
at 9:19 pm to complete the Redevelopment
Agency. The City Council reconvened at 9:27
pm with all members present.
HUMAN SERVICES 1) RIDGE RIDERS IMPROVEMENTS
Human Services Director Salazar presented
the staff report.
Ridge Riders Improvements Councilmember Wong commenced a dis-
cussion on the restroom proposed for use
by the Maverick Ballfield League and the
Ridge Riders. Kash Grimes of Ridge
Riders noted that the practical issues of
supplies and maintaining the restrooms
have not yet been decided. Mayor Herfert
suggested that one item be pulled from
the list for consideration at a later
date, after Ridge Riders and the Maverick
group have come to an agreement.
Councilmember Wong questioned the
financial commitment of Ridge Riders into
the improvements at the facility vs the
amount of money the City was antici-
pating spending. He noted the membership
fees at $35/year per family was insuf-
ficient to maintain the facility. Ms.
•
Minutes of 10/17/95
South Hills Little League
PUBLIC SAFETY
Grimes responded that Ridge Riders
generates revenues from leases and horse
shows, not the membership fees. She felt
the goal for increased memberships would
increase after the improvements were made
- that the poor condition of the facility
keeps people away. The issue of
increasing the membership fee to a higher
amount has been discussed by the Board
and that is still a possibility.
Councilmember Manners noted that the
facility has been in effect for forty
years and the group has never asked for
assistance. In the spirit of upgrading
other sport facilities and the construc-
tion of the new hockey rinks, it was an
appropriate allocation of funds to help
with the upgrading of this facility too.
She felt the Ridge Rider facility was a
valuable resource for the City.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by
Touhey to approve a) Amendment No. 3 to
the Facility Use Agreement between Ridge
Riders and the City dated June, 1987; and
b) an appropriation of a not -to -exceed
amount of $75,000 from the Capital
Projects fund to implement the listed
improvements indicated in the report.
Motion carried 4-1 with Wong voting no.
2) HOLLENCREST BALLFIELDS AGREEMENT
Council reviewed the staff report.
Councilmember Wong commented on the
repayment clause of the agreement. He
felt the City couldn't expect repayment
of the league gets relocated, unless the
little league organization agrees to be
bound by it.
Motion by Touhey and, seconded by
Wong to authorize the City Manager to
approve the Hollencrest Baseball Fields
Agreement in substantial form. Motion
carried 5-0.
No reports for this meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES PERSONNEL
1) 1995/96 PETITION OF FORMAL RECOGNITION -
WEST COVINA POLICE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
Council reviewed the staff report.
WC Police Mngt. Assn. Councilmember Wong stated that it
• was unfortunate that police management
personnel is seeing representation. He
spoke highly of the police department and
noted that Council's relationship with
the police has been very good in the
past. He said that Council doesn't do
enough to show appreciation for Police
and City employees in general. Based on
recent actions by the Council majority,
it has come to this.
Minutes of 10/17/95 9
Councilmember McFadden explained
that his vote against salary increases
did not reflect lack of respect or
support for Police or other City staff
• members.
Motion by Manners and seconded by
Herfert to grant formal recognition to
the West Covina Police Management
Association, as majority representative
of management employees. Motion carried
4-1 with Touhey voting no.
Recess Mayor Herfert called a recess at 10:23 pm. The
City Council reconvened at 10:30 pm with all
members present.
2) REVIEW OF SICK LEAVE PAYOFF AND VACATION
BUY BACK PROGRAMS
Sick Leave Payoff & Personnel Director Ure presented an over -
Vacation Buy Back view of the staff report, recommending no
changes to the current programs. Ms. Ure
responded to Council questions.
Mayor Pro Tem Touhey commented on
the federal government's vacation carry-
over program in that personnel can only
carryover six weeks or they lose it, such
as the postal carriers.
Councilmember Wong stated that
appreciating employees and productivity
go hand -in -hand. Because the federal
employees cannot carry over or cash out
vacation time, they take the vacation
time, even if it is at an inopportune
time. West Covina's program allows
employees to keep working and continue
being productive.
Councilmember Manners felt employees
should take vacation when they've earned
it and it should also be left to their
discretion as to how and when to use it.
She noted that this program has been in
place for a long period of time and it is
working fine. Ms. Manners felt it was
unnecessary to upset this program in
order to generate funds to apply else-
where. The program has been bargained
for sometime in the past and to take it
away now is not right. When you have
something that is working well, leave it
alone. If the Council wished to do some-
thing that eventually results in attri-
tion, she could be opened to that.
Councilmember McFadden referred to
the survey attached to the staff report,
. noting the several of the cities do not
have either program. He felt it was not
necessary for the regular staff, but was
necessary for public safety. He proposed
eliminating sick leave payoff program for
management non -safety staff in the amount
of $33,265 (General Fund) and eliminating
vacation buy-back for the same group in
the amount of $96,000 (General Fund) for
a total of $129,265.
Minutes of 10/17/95 10
Motion Motion by McFadden to reallocate the
$129,265 and combine it with salary
savings of $118,000 and apply it (total
of $247,265) towards new police officers
• and other public safety enhancements.
Mayor Pro Tem Touhey stated that he
represents the taxpayers and will always
represent the taxpayers. He wants to
make sure the taxpayers are getting the
best use of the City's tax dollars.
These programs are not entitlements and
there are cities that are running fine
without these programs. His main concern
is the safety of the citizens and the
police officers and more officers on the
street is the best direction to take.
Councilmember Manners acknowledged
Mr. Touhey's comments, but disagreed with
their conclusions. No employee is more
equal than another, and she cautioned
against violating the Meyers-Milias Brown
Act. She felt this was bordering on
micro -managing again. Maybe this program
is out of tune with today's economy, but
let the City Manager work on this matter.
She concluded by stating she would
support the staff report as presented.
Councilmember Wong noted that there
are big private companies that do have
these programs and other innovative pro-
grams. He addressed false savings,
noting that paying off unused leave
results in more work being done. In
relation to vacations, the City pays
employees to stay on the job or the City
pays them for the vacation they take. If
they stay, more work gets done and in
either case, the dollar amounts are about
the same.
Action on motion The motion above was seconded by
Touhey. The motion passed 3-2 with
Manners and Wong voting no.
CITY MANAGER 1) APPROPRIATION OF REVENUE FROM CABLE
FRANCHISE TRANSFER
Assistant City Manager Wylie presented the
staff report.
Cable Franchise Revenue Councilmember Wong suggested cre-
ating a public safety fund for various
public safety programs or projects.
Motion by Wong and seconded by Man-
ners to place the $500, 000 in a public
safety fund, pending a report from the
City Manager. Motion failed 2-3 with
McFadden, Touhey and Herfert voting no.
Motion by Manners and seconded by
Touhey to accept the recommendation as
• presented:
a) appropriate $20,000 to 110-320-2660-
6110;
b) change the appropriation within 110-
320-3605-7900 (Capital Improvement
Project GP 96305) from $50,000 to
$25,000;
c) deposit $500,000 to Fund 160
(Capital Projects Fund).
Motion carried 4-1 with Wong voting no.
u
I
Minutes of 10/17/95
11
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to
approve Demands totaling $908,314.03 as listed
on check registers FI 158304 through 158587.
Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Manner, McFadden, Touhey, Wong, Herfert
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Herfert re SCE
Touhey re Community Food Bank, Future
America, and ESGV R.O.P.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, congratulated
Council on the cable franchise revenue, and
thanked Council for assisting the Ridge Riders
Equestrian Center.,
MAYOR'S REPORTS 1) DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATE FOR THE
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES CONFERENCE
Motion by Manners and seconded by Herfert
to designate Mayor Herfert as the voting
delegate and Councilmember Manners as the
alternate. Motion carried 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
City Clerk
No reports offered.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to
adjourn the meeting at 11:55 pm. Motion
carried 5-0.
Mayor