11-18-1997 - Regular Meeting - Minutes•
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 18, 1997
The regular meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order by Mayor Wong at 7:55 pm in
the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. The invocation was given by
Dr. Kundan Peter of West Covina United Methodist church and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Mayor Pro Tern Melendez.
ROLL CALL Mayor Wong, Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, and Councilmembers:
Herfert, Howard, Touhey
Others Present: Starbird, Koniarsky, Martyn, Miller, Greene, Paul, Samaniego,
Collins, Tong, Nelson, Collier, Distelrath, Yoshizaki, Mayer,
Palkhiwala, Glover, Gardner, Fong, Ure, Lantz, Tucker, Berry
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mayor Wong corrected the spelling of one of the speakers in the
minutes of November 4 (regular meeting). Motion by Howard and
seconded by Melendez to approve the minutes of the regular
meeting of October 7, 1997, the special meeting of November 4,1
997, and the regular meeting of November 4, 1997, as corrected.
Motion carried 5-0.
PRESENTATIONS John Hughes of the West Covina ELKS Club invited everyone to
attend the Elks' MDA Christmas Party, scheduled for December 7,
1997, at 4:00 pm. Gifts for eight to 14 year olds are welcomed.
He reminded the audience that reservations are required.
Community Services Director Collins invited the public to attend
Break -fast with Santa, scheduled for December 6, 1997, from 8:30
am to 11:30 am at the Shadow Oak Park facility.
She also introduced the new Recreation Supervisor I1,
Lyndel Morgan.
Police Chief Distelrath introduced Corporeal Shively who made a
Safe Streets Now program, noting the success of the program to .
date. He was pleasantly surprised with a certificate of appreciation
from representatives of the Galster Action Group, one of the
neighborhoods that has participated in the program. They
expressed deep gratitude for his assistance and guidance in helping
them reestablish safety in their area.
PROCLAMATION Linda Siggins, Community Library Manager introduced Erica
Carr, the new Children's Librarian. Together they received a
proclamation from Mayor Wong proclaiming November 16
. through 22, 1997, as CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK.
HEARINGS - RDA As there were no scheduled City Council public hearings for this
evening, Mayor Wong recessed the City Council meeting at 8:17
pm to conduct the scheduled Redevelopment Agency public
hearings. Mayor Wong reconvened the City Council meeting at
8:35 pm with all members present.
Council Minutes of 11/18/97
SPECIAL MEETING Mayor Wong explained that an item came up for City Council
attention after the Agenda packets had been prepared. In order for
Council to consider the matter, staff prepared a special meeting
agenda for this evening. As there were several speakers in the
audience intending to address the issue, Mayor Wong convened the
• special meeting at 8:35 pm for consideration of the following
matter at this time.
FIRE ADMINISTRATION EMERGENCY RESPONSE TIMES
Emergency Response Times Fire Chief Greene presented the staff report. He stated that
through the Freedom of Information Act, he and the City Attorney
were able to obtain raw data from the County Fire District in
relation to their response times to calls for service. City staff
culled through and analyzed 4000 emergency responses in adjacent
communities serviced by the County Fire District.
City Manager Starbird found the response times to be
astounding and stated that he didn't believe any other agency has
sought out and received this kind of information.
Iris Delameter Iris Delameter, 1212 W. Eckerman, commented on the difficulty
the City experienced in obtaining information from the County and
could that be indicative of the cooperation the City can expect
from them?
Richard Jennings Former Mayor Richard Jennings, 1616 E. Greenville Drive, noted
that the County response times were suppose to be available in the
library. Unfortunately, he looked and the information cannot be
found. He wondered if the citizens really want to go County with
fire services. This would be the same Los Angeles County that
built a jail and then couldn't open the facility for a year because
they couldn't operate it; this would be the same County that cannot
decide on how many beds for the new hospital.
George Ogden George Odgen, 1249 Valinda Avenue, spoke to the importance of
911 response times when it comes to saving lives. He suggested
thinking about why the San Fernando Valley wanted to become
their own County and get out from under the umbrella of Los
Angeles County. He would like to see just how the County would
save the city $1 million.
Carl Johnson Former Covina Fire Chief Carl Johnson, 329 N. Orange,
commended staff for obtaining information from the County. He
tried in 1991 for the City of Covina was unable to get it. He
thought other agencies will follow West Covina in getting infor-
mation from the County and the truth will eventually come out.
He pointed out that the areas covered by the County are twice the
size of that covered now by West Covina. The County cannot
possibly provide better service.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, noted that County would
eliminate some of West Covina's stations and the response times
will resultantly increase. He hoped that the staff report would be
. distributed to the citizens.
Robert Klenck Robert Klenck, 609 S. Magnolia Avenue, as a physician he
discussed how "every moment counts" when it comes to
responding to emergency medical calls. He also referred to the
ballot measure wherein there is no provision to terminate the or
revise the contract if there are no cost savings or if the City wishes
2
Council Minutes of 11/18/97
•
to change service levels. The City would be tied to this County
contract for ten years.
Bruce Leinbach Bruce Leinbach, 1309 Sandy Hill, stated that now the facts are out
and West Covina provides better service than the County. He also
noted that there are lots of complaints about the County
Department of Animal Care and Control dog licensing program.
What's going to happen if the City transfers fire service to the
County?
He spoke to the fact that there are no citizens canvassing
the City promoting the passage of Measure B, only the fire
fighters. He read from the campaign financial reports which reveal
that the fire fighter's committee have so far spent $55,908.00 and
collected contributions of $35,280.00, the money being contributed
solely by the fire fighters. On the other hand, the citizens' group
opposing Measure B have collected $9,186.00 from individual
citizens and have spent $6,176.00.
Audrey Lynberg Audrey Lynberg, 1311 Golden Vista Drive, noted that there are
many residents that do watch the Council meetings. To them she
stated: signing the ir.tiative petition does not in any way bind
one's vote on the issue; every member of the City Council
opposes Measure B; this is a ballot issue about the firemen
wanting to go County and is not about any staff member of the
City - it is not about Fire Chief Greene; and that the committee
welcomes the help of all interested persons.
City Manager Starbird recommended that the staff report be
received and file, and that the report be distributed to every City in
the San Gabriel Valley, that's thirty in total.
Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to approve
the City Manager's recommendation.
Councilmember Herfert noted the importance of the response time
and suggested the citizens liken it to the possibility of someday
needing emergency medical services. He also corrected misinfor-
mation about the City's financial condition. The City is in
excellent financial shape and the City has no intention of levying a
any kind of a tax to fund fire service.
Councilmember Touhey was happy about obtaining the response
times and noted that the City of Alhambra would love to receive
the statistics too. The City of Alhambra's similar election is one
week after West Covina's.
Mayor Wong asked for the vote on the pending motion. Motion
carried 5-0.
Special Meeting Adjournment Motion by Howard and seconded by Herfert to adjourn the special
meeting at 9:20 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
Recess Mayor Wong called a recess at 9:20 pm. The City Council
reconvened at 9:36 pm with all members present.
CONSENT CALENDAR Written Communications (none received)
Commissions/Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Planning Commission 11/6/97
Planning Commission 11/11/97
3
Council Minutes of 11/I8/97
GP 98303 -
Whelan Construction
Administrative Review Board
House Relocation — Categorical Exemption
Applicant: Hurst Ranch Historical Foundation/City of W.C.
Location: 1233 E. Idahome Street
Request: The relocation of a 1,640t square foot single story
house and 360f square foot detached garage from
1227 S. Orange Avenue to 1233 Idahome Street.
The project as proposed will comply with all
applicable requirements of the West Covina
Municipal Code.
Slight Modification No. 162 — Categorical Exemption
Applicant: Brookfield Homes
Location: 1523 and 1527 Westridge Road
(Lots 7 and 8 of Tract 42169)
Request: Approval of a slight modification to allow reduced
front yard setbacks of 20 and 21 feet, respectively,
rather than the 25 feet normally required in the R-I
(Residential Single-family) zone.
Award of Bids
GP 98303 — Remodel Community Services Dept. at City Hall
Recommendation is to accept the bid of Whelan Construction in
the amount of $13,466.00 as submitted at the bid opening of
11/10/97 and authorizetheMayor and City Clerk to execute the
contract.
GP 98305 — Miscellaneous Improvements at Fire Station No. 3
GP 98305 - Recommendation is to accept the bid of Whelan construction in the
Whelan Construction amount of $70,940.00 as submitted at the bid opening of 11/10/97
and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract.
MP 98506 — City Internet Web Site
MP 98506 - Recommendation is to direct the Assistant City Manager to prepare
Jeff Weiss/Black Diamond and execute a contract with Jeff Weiss/Black Diamond for
professional services to design and maintain the City's web page
for $42,892 for MP 98506 City Internet Web Site, account 110-
320-3856-7900.
Miscellaneous — Public Works
Puente Avenue Drain — Approval of Plans and Specifications and
Authorizing Use of City Streets
Puente Avenue Drain Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 9513 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
Resolution 9513 - COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
transferring to County APPROVING CERTAIN PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PUENTE AVENUE DRAIN
PROJECT IN THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
AND AUTHORIZING THE USE OF PUBLIC STREETS FOR
CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF
THESE FACILITIES
SP 97108 — Rowland Avenue Street Improvements —
Approval of Plans and Specifications
SP 97108 - Recommendation is to approve the plans and specifications for SP
Plans & Specs approved 97108 and authorize the City Engineer to call for bids.
Council Minutes of 11/18/97
Conditions at Baymar Street and Garvey Avenue South
Baymar Street - red curb Recommendation is to approve painting the southerly curb of
Garvey Avenue South red for 150 feet westerly and 180 feet
easterly of Barmar Street.
Update on Los Angeles County Review of Traffic Conditions at
Valinda Avenue and Summerplace Drive
Valinda/Summerplace Recommendation is to receive and file the status report wherein
the County traffic officials have indicated that their review of the
intersection should be completed by the end of November.
Miscellaneous — Community Services
Service Contract — Maverick Development Group
Maverick Dev. Group Recommendation is to release the approved amount of $25,000
under account 160-320-3815-7700 for Service Contract to
Maverick Development Group.
Miscellaneous — Environmental Services
BKK Landfill Closure Plans Status Report
Recommendation is to receive and file the updated report on the
status of plans for BKK Landfill closure and other related BKK
matters.
Miscellaneous — City Manager
Ordinance Amending Various Municipal Code Sections Regarding
Commissioners' Terms
Recommendation is to introduce the following ordinance setting an
attendance policy for Commissioners.
Ordinance introduction - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
Attendance Policy CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AMENDING VARIOUS WEST COVINA MUNIC-
IPAL CODE SECTIONS REGARDING COMMISSIONERS'
TERMS
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to waive further
reading of the resolutions and ordinance and to adopt/introduce, as
applicable, and to approve all other items listed, except: B-3a, B-
ad, and B-5f. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong
NOES: None
B-3a Councilmember Touhey stated that he would need to abstain on the
issue of the house relocation by the Hurst Ranch Historical
Foundation, as he sits on the Board of Directors.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Howard to approve the
house relocation request. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Touhey
abstaining.
B-5d City Engineer Glover presented the staff report. He stated that his
office received today the County's report relative to the inter-
section of Valinda and Summerplace and he questioned some of
the figures contained therein. A complete report will be submitted
to Council at the next meeting. Councilmember Herfert suggested
we contact Supervisor Antonovich on this matter. Councilmember
Howard suggested notifying the speakers from last time that the
item is scheduled for next meeting. .
5
Council Minutes of 11/18/97
•
Gloria Vargas Gloria Vargas, 1915 Summerplace Drive, emphasized the need to
do something about that intersection.
Randall Moyer Randall Moyer, 1852 Summerplace Drive, concurred with Ms.
Vargas' comments.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Howard to direct staff
to report back to Council with alternatives. Motion carried 5-0.
B-5f Councilmember Herfert stated that he would need to abstain from
the discussion and vote on this issue (BKK Landfill Closure Plans
Status Report).
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Howard to receive and
file the status report. Motion carried 4-0-1 (abstained due to
conflict of interest).
PUBLIC WORKS
No reports for this meeting.
WASTE MANAGEMENT ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (LEA) No reports for this meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES No reports for this meeting.
Mayor Wong moved forward the following item for discussion at
this time.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
DISTRIBUTION OF LARK ELLEN VILLAGE DEVELOP -
Development Park Fees Councilmember Touhey proposed the following distribution of
park fees generated by the development of Lark Ellen Village:
Grove Center School $25,000
Rowland School $25,000
Workman School $25,000
Traweek Jr. High $25,000
Palm View Park $100,000
Faith Community Church $115,000
The development park fees would be used to pay for improvements
at parks, schools, and other recreation projects in Park District `B",
the Park District in which Lark Ellen Village is being developed.
Motion Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to disburse the money
as delineated above.
Councilmember Herfert stated his support, noting that Council is
basically setting aside the money and it can be moved around later,
if need be.
Councilmember Howard agreed that if the money was set aside
then each project would be reviewed individually as it became time
for Council review and approval. She was uncomfortable with
spending all the development fees and suggested letting it
accumulate for the time being. She noted the difference between
using the money for public property enhancements versus private
property, as suggested for Faith Community Church. Council will
need to be very sure that it doesn't play politics with the money.
Mayor Wong could not support the proposal as he preferred to use
the budgetary process to determine when and how the develop-
N
Council Minutes of 11/18/97
ment fees would be used. He was a little concerned that this would
set up expectations on the part of the schools too.
Mayor Pro Tent Melendez supported Councilmember Touhey's
proposal and felt that Council was expediting the process, not
• circumventing it.
Billy Lewis Billy Lewis, 1631 E. Workman, a volunteer at Faith Community
Church, addressed the very large baseball fields at the church and a
partnership that could be developed with the City.
Don Eckerman Don Eckerman, 1502 Randall Way, director of adult sports at Faith
Community Church, talked about the benefits to the community if
the baseball fields were lit.
Mayor Wong didn't like the appearance of City Council decisions
being made without input from the entire Council and the previous
comments about lighting the baseball fields indicated that just such
discussions have taken place.
Action on motion . Mayor Wong asked for a vote on the pending motion.
Motion carried 3-2 with Howard and Wong voting no.
POLICE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OF CLASS SPECIFICATIONS FOR PUBLIC
SERVICES OFFICER AND RECLASSIFICATION OF
JAILER POSITIONS
PSO/Jailer Positions Councilmember Herfert explained that he had requested this item
to be reagendized because he felt there were job description
inaccuracies. Police Chief Distelrath responded.
Jacqueline Mandosin Jacqueline Mandosin and Mia Brown, two current jailers, spoke in
Mia Brown favor of the new Public Services Officer. They noted that the other
jailers were supportive of the PSO position as well.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to rescind the previous
action taken by the Council, approving the Public Services Officer
positions. Council discussion followed. Motion carried 3-2 with
Howard and Wong voting no.
City Manager Starbird stated that the City would move
forward to fill the current vacancies under the previous classifica-
tions.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Carl Johnson Carl Johnson, 329 N. Orange Avenue and former Fire Chief of
Covina, spoke in opposition to Measure B on the upcoming
December 9's Special Municipal Election ballot.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, noted that Congressman David
Dreier would be in the City Hall Council Chambers the following
day at 2:00 pm to speak with his constituents. He also addressed a
. recent EPA flyer regarding the BKK Landfill cleanup plan.
Iris Delameter Iris Delameter, 1212 W. Eckerman, wondered whether the City
could inform the citizens about response times as reported in the
Fire Chief s staff report.
Council Minutes of 11/18/97
r
POLICE DEPARTMENT BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE BLOCK GRANT
APPLICATION 1997/1999
Police Chief Distelrath presented the staff report.
Motion by Howard and seconded by Herfert to direct the
• City Manager and Police Chief to proceed with the process on the
bureau of Justice Assistance Block Grant Application and direct
the Police Chief to coordinate with City Council on the selection of
the Advisory Board. Motion carried 5-0.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT PURCHASE OF BUSINESS LICENSE SOFTWARE
Council reviewed the staff report.
Business License Software Motion by Howard and seconded by Herfert to a) authorize
the Acting Finance Director to purchase fully networked business
license software from HdL Companies at a cost not to exceed
$12,000.00 with continuing support at $4,100 (plus CPI increase)
annually; and b) appropriate $12,000.00 from unappropriated
reserves in the General Fund to account 110-320-2541-7850.
Motion carried 5-0.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION No reports for this meeting.
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to approve demands
totaling $608,710.17 as listed on check registers FI 173547
through 17378.1. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Touhey re: Community Food Bank
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to hold over this
matter to the next Council meeting per Councilmember Touhey's
request. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to adjourn the
meeting at 11:02 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor
ATTEST
U