11-04-1997 - Regular Meeting - Minutes•
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 4, 1997
The regular meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order by Mayor Wong at 7:35 PM in
the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. The invocation was given by
Stuart York and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro Tern Melendez.
ROLL CALL Mayor Wong, Mayor Pro Tern Melendez, Councilmembers
Herfert, Howard, Touhey
Others Present: Starbird, Koniarsky, Glover, Miller, Marlyn, Mayer, Samaniego,
Collins, Collier, Paul, Irwin, Distelrath, Tong, Tucker, Yoshizaki,
Meier, Berry
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to approve the
Minutes of the special meeting of October 21, 1997, and the
regular meeting of October 21, 1997. Motion carried 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS City Manager Starbird presented the Government Finance Officers
Association Award for Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
(CAFR) to Acting Finance Director Tucker.
Mayor Wong presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Louis
(Kip) Pesuti, who has been the City's Cable Production Assistant
for the last six years. This particular Council meeting is his last
meeting as he is moving on to another job.
HEARING No public hearings scheduled for this meeting.
From the speaker's cards, Mayor Wong recognized the following
individuals to speak to the Consent Calendar.
Gary Russo Gary Russo introduced himself as the new General Manager of
West Covina Nissan and referred to a recent letter received from
the Planning Director regarding Nissan's promotional events (Item
B-1). He agreed with several of the conditions, but asked Council
to reduce the 15 days requirement for a Temporary Use Permit.
Chris Graham Chris Graham, 2747 Cortez Street, discussed Item B-6c (speed
deterrents on Cortez Street). He suggested that additional rumble
strips be installed over and beyond the areas recommended in the
staff report. City Engineer Glover stated that that could be done.
Council agreed to include the modification as requested by Mr.
Graham in the Consent Calendar motion.
CONSENT CALENDAR Written Communications (receive & file)
Letter received from Gary Russo, General Manager of West
Covina Nissan, regarding promotional events.
Commissions/Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Community Services 10/14/97
Planning 10/28/97
Council Minutes of 11/4/97
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Senior Citizens 10/09/97
Waste Management/Environmental Quality 10/16/97
Claims for Action (deny & notify claimant)
On June 6, 1997, the City Clerk's Office received a claim for
property damage amounting to $651.58 from Robert Karmann.
On June 13, 1997, the City Clerk's Office received a claim for
property damages amounting to $2,500.00 from John W.
Utterback.
On September 15, 1997, the City Clerk's Office received a claim
for personal injuries amounting to $7,500.00 from Anthony Santos
Basaldua.
On August 26, 1997, the City Clerk's Office received a claim for
property damage from Alfred Puga Campos. The amount of claim
had not been determirPd at time of presentation.
Temporary Use Permits (receive & file)
TUP #2420-97 was issued to Keyboard Country, 210 N. Sunset
Avenue for a parking lot sale on 10/10 to 10/14.
TUP #2421-97 was issued to Citrus Valley Health Partners at The
Plaza at West Covina for a health van in the parking lot on 10/19.
TUP #2422-97 was issued to Wells Fargo Bank at 1000 Lakes
Drive (north parking lot) for a United Way Pancake Breakfast on
10/10.
Acceptance of Improvements/Release of Bonds
SP 96105 - Location: Various locations citywide
Chino Construction Recommendation is to accept off -site street improvements and
release Indemnity Company of California Bond No. 435194P in
the amount of $89,450,00, subject to Notice of Completion.
Traffic Committee Minutes (accept & file)
Minutes of the regular meeting or"October 21, 1997.
Ordinance for Adoption (waive reading & adopt)
Ordinance 2006 - ORDINANCE NO. 2996 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE
Zone Change 656 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 656 (Citrus Valley
Medical Center)
City Treasurer's Report (receive & file)
Report for the month of August, 1997.
Report for the month of September, 1997.
Miscellaneous — Environmental Services
U.S. Environmental Protect Agency Quarterly Report for the BKK
Landfill — July through September 1997
Recommendation is to receive and file the quarterly report.
Miscellaneous — City Manager
Use of Consulting Services
Recommendation is to receive and file the staff report.
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Council Minutes of 11/4/97
Miscellaneous — Public Works
1) SP 96109 — Guardrail Installation on Lark Hill Drive East
Citrus — Approval of Plans and Specifications
SP 96109 -
Recommendation is to approve plans and specifications for
Plans & specs approved
SP 96109 and authorize the City Engineer to call for bids.
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2) PP 95221 — Parking Lot for Sunset Baseball Fields —
Aareement with Citrus Valley Health Partners
PP 95221 -
Recommendation is to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk
Agreement for parking lot
to execute an agreement with Citrus Valley Health Partners
parking lot construction at the Queen of the Valley Hospital
campus.
3) PP 95221 — Sunset Baseball Field Parking Lot — Approval
of Plans and Specifications
PP 95221 -
Recommendation is to approve plans and specifications for
Plans & specs approved
PP 95221 and authorize the City Engineer to call for bids.
4) Review of Parking Restrictions in City Parking Lot, East of
Glendora Avenue Between Walnut Creek Parkway and
Dalewood Street
Parking Restrictions Reviewed
Recommendation is to maintain the current parking restric-
tions and. that staff continue to work with the Glendora
merchants to monitor the parking situation.
5) Engineering Services Initiative
Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution
opposing a June 1998 ballot initiative.
Resolution 9511 -
RESOLUTION NO. 9511- A RESOLUTION OF
Opposing ballot initiative
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA, OPPOSING THE INITIATIVE
FROM THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS IN
CALIFORNIA GOVERIv'MENT
CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to waive further
reading and to adopt the resolution and the ordinance, and to
approve all other items listed, except: B-6b and D-9f. Motion
carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong
NOES: None
Item B-6b
Item B-6b Public Works Director Glover presented the staff report for Item
B-6b (parking restrictions on south side of Eldred Avenue).
Ernest Dunton Ernest Dunton, 1612 Eldred Avenue; spoke as the representative of
the 1600 block of Eldred Avenue. The residents request Council
support of the Traffic Committee recommendation.
Councilmember Herfert noted that this is not a new issue with the
schools in the school district. He was pleased that the residents
and the school in question worked together to reach the recom-
mendation that is before the Council this evening.
Mary Jane O'Brien Mary Jane O'Brien, 613N. La Sena, suggested that the "No
Parking" signs be removed, or in the alternative be limited to one
hour between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm. She felt the "no
parking" restrictions increase traffic hazards and the safety of the
school children.
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Council Minutes of 11/4/97
Councilmember Howard asked if there have been any discussions
with the school district to add more parking spaces. She would
like to open negotiations with them for them to provide parking for
their employees. It stems the City continues to take the heat for
the school district's parking problems. Public Works Director
Glover stated that the subject can be brought up at the next
subcommittee meeting.
• Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to approve
the staff recommendation. Motion carried 5-0.
Item B-9f
Item B-9f Motion by Howard and seconded by Touhey to approve the staff
recommendation (parking restrictions on Glendora Avenue).
Motion carried 4-0-1 with Wong abstaining (conflict of interest).
City Manager Starbird clarified the Council's position regarding
Mr. Russo's comments regarding the promotional events at West
Covina Nissan. Council concurred that the Municipal Code gives
authority to the Planning Director to use his discretion in working
with the new General Manager in alleviating the problems.
Mayor Wong moved forward the following item for discussion at
this time, based on the number of speaker cards from the audience.
COMMUNITY SERVICES RIDGE RIDERS AGREEMENT — STATUS REPORT
Community Services Director Collins presented the staff report.
The following speakers addressed Council:
Jan Rainey Jan Rainey, 2807 E. Vanderhoof Drive, related a problem with the
locks between the private residences and the Ridge hiders facility.
She urged Council not to renew the agreement.
Shelly Sanderson Shelly Sanderson, 2743 Vanderhoof Drive, was unhappy with the
lack of response from the Ridge Riders board of directors
whenever she asked for information or action. She said there
needs to be a clear understanding as to whether it was public or
private facility. She suggested that to increase use of the facility it
might be better to call it the West Covina Equestrian Center.
Suzanne Fahey Suzanne Fahey, 2715 Vanderhoof Drive, said there was too much
hostility within the group and although she and her neighbors have
tried to take care of certain issues, they consistently receive no
response. She recommended that Council not renew the agree-
ment with Ridge Riders as the group is shutting out the public.
Mark Lotti Mark Lotti, president of Ridge Riders, responded to the comments.
He said anyone can join the club to take advantage of the facilities.
The board feels that the property is private and it is actually owned
by Valencia Water.
Council discussion ensued about the inability or unwillingness of
the board of directors to meet and discuss issues with the neighbors
. and City staff.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Howard to receive and
file the staff report. Motion carried 5-0. Councilmember Touhey
requested copies of all correspondence between both parties and
the City.
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Council Minutes of 11/4/97
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CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
Covina — Fire Truck Services
Corey Warshaw
Nancy Manners
Iris Delameter
1) CITY OF COVINA TERMINATION OF CONTRACT
City Manager Starbird presented the staff report. As the fol-
lowing Agenda item was related to this. report, the City
Manager reported on it as well. Comments from the
audience were taken for both items at this time.
Corey Warshaw, 3330 E. Holt Avenue, agreed with the
staff recommendations for both items. He liked the concept
of a paramedic on each engine truck.
Nancy Manners, 734 N. Eileen Street, thought it was very
suspicious that the County Board of Supervisors and
County Fire Management have been silent throughout the
whole fire service issue. In relation to the free truck service
that was offered to the City of Covina by the County Fire
Department, she asked on whose authority was that offer
made? Is it a gift of pubiic funds? If so, does the County
Board of Supervisors approve?
Iris Delameter, 1212 W. Eckerman, commented as well and
suggested the City Council send a letter to the County
Board of Supervisors demanding a response.
Audrey Lynberg Audrey Lynberg, Chairman of West Covina Citizens for
Local Control, read several comments received by the cam-
paign group from citizens in the City. She announced a
rally has been scheduled for Saturday, November 8 at 8:30
am at Cortez Park. She urged everyone to vote absentee
and vote no on Measure B.
Bruce Leinbach Bruce Leinbach, spoke supportively for local control. He
reminded the audience to vote no on the ballot measure to
retain local control of the City's fire department.
Councilmember Howard suggested that we question the
gift of public funds in the letter to the County Counsel.
Motion Motion by Touhey and seconded by Melendez to:
a) Direct the City Manager and Fire Chief to send
formal letters of complaint to the County Board of Super-
visors and County Fire Chief Freeman on the Fire District's
effort to impede the contractual relationship between
Covina and West Covina;
b) Direct the City "Attorney to send a formal letter of
complaint to the County Counsel's office including the
question of a gift of public funds and a request for a timely
response; and
c) Direct the City Manager to send a letter to the City
of Covina informing it of the difference in response times
and confirming that, effective December 1, as they
requested, the City of West Covina will no longer provide
first -alarm truck company support services.
Motion carried 5-0.
2) POSITION PAPER OF LOS ANGELES AREA FIRE
CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION REGARDING COUNTY
FIRE SERVICES
Fire Chiefs' Association Position Paper The City Council reviewed the staff report.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Melendez to:
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Council Minutes of 11/4/97
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a) Authorize the Mayor to send a letter of appreciation
to the Association and its member agencies for
courageously addressing this issue;
b) Authorize the Mayor to send a letter to the County
Board of Supervisors requesting that it adopt the policy
guidelines proposed by the'Association; and
c) Authorize the Mayor to send a letter to all cities in
Los Angeles County with independent fire departments
urging them to request the County Board of Supervisors to
adopt the Association's recommended policy guidelines.
Motion carried 5-0.
Recess Mayor Wong recessed the City Council meeting at 9:45 pm. The
City Council reconvened at 9:53 pm with all members present.
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to approve Demands
totaling $1,270,700.62 as listed on check registers FI 173235
through 173546. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Touhey re Community Food Bank
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Wong recessed the City Council meeting at 9:58 pm to
conduct the Redevelopment Agency meeting. The City Council
reconvened at 10:06 pm with all members present.
POLICE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OF CLASS SPECIFICATION FOR PUBLIC
SERVICES OFFICER AND RECLASSIFICATION OF
JAILER POSITIONS
Public Services Officer The staff report was presented by Lt. Rossman. Councilmember
Howard asked about the rotation period and Chief Distelrath
responded six to eight months.
Dan Long Dan Long, Labor Relations Representative from the San
Bernardino Public Employees Association, stated that the Asso-
ciation's position has not changed since his letter dated October
13, 1997 (attached to the staff report).
Councilmember Herfert stated his opposition to the proposed
position as he saw no justification for the change and he felt the
employees were not supportive. He would vote'no.
Mayor Wong stated that he would support this as the program was
voluntary to the current employees. Councilmember Howard con-
curred with Mayor Wong and was favorably disposed toward the
reclassification as long as it remained a voluntary program. She
felt it was a reasonable solution to the Department's staffing needs.
Motion by Howard and seconded by Wong to:
a) Approve the class specification and salary range for Public
Services Officer; and
b) approve the reclassification of the Jailer position to the
Public Services Officer class.
Motion carried 3-2 with Herfert and Touhey voting no.
City Clerk presented:
Resolution 9512 - RESOLUTION NO. 9512 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
approving new class CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 7223, RELATING
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Council Minutes of 11/4/97
TO CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF
POSITIONS, AS AMENDED; AND APPROVING THE NEW
CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC SERVICES OFFICER
Motion by Howard and seconded by Melendez to waive
further reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 3-2
with Herfert and Touhey voting no.
• ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES No reports for this meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
1) BKK LANDFILL CLASS III LANDSCAPING
BKK Landscaping Council reviewed the staff report. A portion of a full-
length video was aired in which Mayor Pro Tem Melendez
interviewed the Planning Director and the landscape
architect for BKK regarding the BKK hillside landscaping.
. Motion by Howard and seconded by Herfert to
receive and file the staff report.
2) SCHEDULE FOR REMEDIAL ACTION FOR
GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION AT THE
BKK LANDFILL
Council reviewed the staff report.
Ground Water Remedial Action Motion by Howard and seconded by Touhey
to accept the Expedited Remediation Schedule in the June
6, 1997 letter from the USEPA to Kenneth B. Kazarian and
send a letter to BKK and the USEPA: a) insisting that BKK
provide complete and timely data to the USEPA in
sufficient detail to allow timely review by the USEPA; b)
insisting that the USEPA expedite thorough reviews by any
of their staff or contractors to allow timely responses to
BKK; and c) requesting both parties to provide completed
date, reports and reviews to. the City on all mattes
associated with the remediation of the contaminated ground
water. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Herfert abstaining
(conflict of interest).
3) BONELLI REGIONAL PARK MASTER PLAN
Bonelli Regional Park Council reviewed the staff report and commenced a dis-
cussion on the proposed development. Generally, Council
opposed further commercialization of Bonelli Park and was
reluctant to step into the issue as it is outside the
jurisdiction of West Covina.
Motion by Wong and seconded by Herfert to direct
staff to prepare a letter for the Mayor generally supporting
the concerns expressed by the cities of La Verne and San
Dimas regarding the er..pansion and commercialization of
the park. Councilmembers will review the letter before it is
sent. Motion carried 5-0.
. PLANNING DEPARTMENT INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE RELATED TO
INDOOR SWAP MEETS AND INDOOR MULTI -TENANT
RETAIL USES
Indoor Swap Meets Council reviewed the staff report.
City Clerk presented:
Ordinance 2007 - ORDINANCE NO. 2007 — AN INTERIM URGENCY
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, ESTABLISHING A DEFINITION OF "INDOOR
Council Minutes of 11/4/97
C
SWAP MEET AND "INDOOR MULTI -TENANT RETAIL
CENTER" AND ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM ON THE
SAME
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to waive
further reading of the ordinance and adopt. Motion carried by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Melendez, Wong
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Touhey (conflict of interest)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Sarah Edgell, 113 S. Baymar Street, explained sight interference at
the corner of Baymar and South Garvey due to parking for the
Penske and Jaguar dealerships. She was also concerned that with
heavy rains there is inadequate drainage on the Penske side of the
fence.
City Manager Starbird referred the matters to the Police,
Public Works, and the Traffic Committee.
MAYOR'S REPORTS No reports for this meeting.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS Councilmember Herfert referred to a letter to the editor in
the San Gabriel Valley Tribune regarding Summer Place Drive and
asked that it be agendized for the next Council meeting.
On another matter, Councilmember Herfert requested infor-
mation regarding San Gabriel Valley succeeding from Los Angeles
County.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and seconded by Melendez to adjourn he
meeting at 11:13 PM in memory of Wilbert Porter. ,
Iiayor Be min S. Wong
ATTESS� :—.."_ "
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