06-02-1998 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
June 2, 1998
• The regular meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by
Mayor Melendez in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 1444 West Garvey Avenue, West
Covina, California. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Howard, and the
invocation was offered by Interim City Manager Glover.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Melendez, Mayor Pro Tern Herfert,
Councilmembers Howard, Touhey, Wong
Others Present Glover, Collier, Buchanan, Mayer, Wynder,
Pidgeon, Samaniego, Francis, Collins, Bommarito,
Tucker, King, Dillon, Hauser, Palkhiwala,
Heieck, Fong, Yoshizaki, Janis, Green
APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the special and regular meetings of
May 19, 1998 were approved as presented.
PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS
Proclamations Mayor Melendez presented a proclamation to John
G. Tulio and Linda Santos in honor of the
Centennial of Philippine Independence.
Mayor Melendez presented a proclamation to Melody Yu
(Rowland Unified School District), Dr. Ronald Leon
(Superintendent - Rowland Unified School District) and
Catherine Carter (Principal Hollingworth Elementary
School) in recognition of Hollingworth Elementary School
being named a California Distinguished School.
Mayor Pro Tem Herfert recognized Mr. Cimino and the
students of his Government class at West Covina High
School. Mr. Herfert conducted a brief question and
answer session to address students' concerns about
conditions in the community.
Mr. Ed Casanova, 75' Anniversary Executive Committee,
extended invitations to the Council to participate in the
opening ceremonies of West Covina's Diamond Jubilee
Weekend.
COMMUNITY SERVICES ROLLER HOCKEY AND SKATEBOARD
PARK AT SHADOW OAK PARK
Roller Hockey & Skateboard Park Community Services Director Cindy Collins presented the
at Shadow Oak Park staff report. Councilmember Wong expressed concern
• regarding the relocation of the basketball court. The court
was dedicated to a victim of a tragic death and Mr. Wong
noted that he would like to get the family's input on the
relocation.
Public Comments Mayor Melendez received comments from the following
citizens:
City Council Minutes
June 2, 1998
•
In Favor
Jason Guadalajara, 725 Valinda Avenue
Caesar Alvarado, 318 Hambledon
David Doyle, 1901 E. Amar Rd., #121
Steve Garcia, 3108 April Way
Robert Gutierrez, 17013 Sam Gerry Dr., LaPuente
Katherine Davis, 2656 Stonehaven Place
Steve Rodriguez, 214 N. Shadydale
Council Comments All Councilmembers expressed their support of the
project, with Councilmember Howard reminding
the youths to be mindful of their responsibilities to
the upkeep of the park and to the community and to
always display safe behavior.
Council Action Motion by Howard, seconded by Herfert to take
the following actions:
a) Ratify the appropriation transfer of $10,000
from the Azusa Median Project (152-320-2728-
7200) to the Shadow Oak Roller Hockey Project
(152-320-3870-7900) and transfer an additional
$3,500 from the Azusa Median Project to the
Shadow Oak Roller Hockey Project to complete
the required grading plans.
b) Authorize staff to include the concept of a
skateboard park in the Community Services
Commission Public Meeting on June 9, 1998.
Motion carried 5-0.
HEARING WEST COVINA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT NO. 4
West Covina LMD No. 4 Deputy City Clerk Buchanan verified the affidavit of
publication and Mayor Melendez opened the hearing. The
staff report was presented by Acting Public Works
Director Mayer.
Public Testimony Mayor Melendez opened the public testimony portion of
the hearing. Deputy City Clerk Buchanan stated that no
written protests or objections had been received and
Mayor Melendez asked for verbal comments.
None No one addressed the City Council.
Mayor Melendez closed the public testimony portion of
Testimony closed the hearing.
Deputy City Clerk presented:
Resolution 9576 - RESOLUTION NO. 9576 - A RESOLUTION OF
WCLMD NO. 4 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE
ENGINEER'S REPORT OF THE ASSESSMENT
CONTAINED IN THAT REPORT; ORDERING
CERTAIN LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE,
RENOVATION AND REPLACEMENT AND
APPURTENANT FACILITIES TO BE MAINTAINED
FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1998.
(West Covina Landscape Maintenance District No. 4)
Council Action Motion by Touhey, seconded by Howard to waive further
reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
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HEARING WEST COVINA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT NO. 6
West Covina LMD No. 6 Deputy City Clerk Buchanan verified the affidavit of
publication and Mayor Melendez opened the hearing. The
staff report was presented by Acting Public Works
Director Mayer.
Public Testimony Mayor Melendez opened the public testimony portion of
the hearing. Deputy City Clerk Buchanan stated that no
written protests or objections had been received and
Mayor Melendez asked for verbal comments.
None No one addressed the City Council.
Mayor Melendez closed the public testimony portion of
Testimonyclosed losed the hearing.
Deputy City Clerk presented:
Resolution 9577 - RESOLUTION NO. 9577 - A RESOLUTION OF
WCLMD NO. 6 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE
ENGINEER'S REPORT OF THE ASSESSMENT
CONTAINED IN THAT REPORT; ORDERING
CERTAIN LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE,
RENOVATION AND REPLACEMENT AND
APPURTENANT FACILITIES TO BE MAINTAINED
FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1998.
(West Covina Landscape Maintenance District No. 6)
Council Action Motion by Howard, seconded by Touhey, to waive further
reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
HEARING WEST COVINA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT NO. 7
West Covina LMD No. 7 Councilmember Wong noted that he would abstain from
discussion and vote on this item due to a conflict of
interest. Deputy City Clerk Buchanan verified the
affidavit of publication and Mayor Melendez opened the
hearing. The staff report was presented by Acting Public
Works Director Mayer.
Public Testimony Mayor Melendez opened the public testimony portion of
the hearing. Deputy City Clerk Buchanan stated that no
written protests or objections had been received and
Mayor Melendez asked for verbal comments.
None No one addressed the City Council.
Mayor Melendez closed the public testimony portion of
Testimony closed the hearing.
Deputy City Clerk presented:
Resolution 9578 - RESOLUTION NO. 9578 - A RESOLUTION OF
WCLMD NO. 7 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE
ENGINEER'S REPORT OF THE ASSESSMENT
CONTAINED IN THAT REPORT; ORDERING
CERTAIN LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE,
RENOVATION AND REPLACEMENT AND
APPURTENANT FACILITIES TO BE MAINTAINED
FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 1998.
(West Covina Landscape Maintenance District No. 7)
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Council Action Motion by Howard, seconded by Touhey, to waive further
reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried
4-0-1 with Wong abstaining.
CONSENT CALENDAR Written Communications (none received)
Commissions/Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Community Services Commission 5/12/98
Senior Citizens' Commission 5/14/98
Waste Mgmt./Env. Quality Commission 5/21/98
Personnel Commission 5/13/98
Temporary Use Permits (receive & file)
TUP #2450-98 was issued to the Chamber of Commerce,
200 S. Glendora for a petting zoo on 5/2/98.
TUP #2451-98 was issued to Compassion Network for a
Walk-A-Thon on 5/16/98.
TUP #2454-98 was issued to K-Mart at Cameron &
Orange Avenues for a sales event on 5/22/98 to 6/7/98.
TUP #2455-98 was issued to Lions Club at Edwards
Theater on 5/26 & 5/27/98 for a fundraiser.
Traffic Committee Minutes (receive & file)
Minutes of May 19, 1998
Ordinance for Adoption (waive reading & adopt)
Ordinance 2015 - ORDINANCE 2015 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
Ephedrine Purchases COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
AMENDING THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ADD CHAPTER 15, ARTICLE XII,
(SECTIONS 15-300 ET SEQ.) REGULATING
EPHEDRINE PURCHASES.
Award of Bids
Rodent Control Contract
Rodent Control Contract Recommendation is to reject all bids and authorize the
Public Works Director to re -advertise the work.
_Award of Bid for Painting of Shuttle Buses
Painting Shuttle Buses Recommendation is to award the bid to Truxign of Walnut
Truxign for painting and detailing the City's shuttles in the amount
of $16,898.20, using Council approved Design "A".
Miscellaneous - Public Works
SP-96107 - Vincent Avenue Bus Turnout - Approval of
Plans and Specifications
SP-96107 - Recommendation is to a) Authorize the expansion of scope
Plans & specs approved SP-96107 to include Vincent Avenue between West
Covina Parkway and Lakes Drive; b) Authorize the
purchase of the necessary right-of-way in the form of an
easement for street and highway purposes from the City of
West Covina Redevelopment Agency for $38,829; and c)
Approve the plans and specifications for SP-96107 and
authorize the City Engineer to call for bids.
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Miscellaneous - City Clerk's Office
Destruction of Certain Documents as Prescribed by Law
Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
Resolution 9579 - RESOLUTION 9579 - A RESOLUTION OF THE
Document Destruction CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION
OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS AS PRESCRIBED BY
LAW.
Miscellaneous - Personnel Department
Transmission of Ordinance Authorizing the Correction of
an Error in the Contract Between the Board of
Administration of the Public Employees' Retirement
System (PERS) and the City of West Covina Relating to
Miscellaneous Members Only
Ordinance introduction Recommendation is to introduce the following ordinance
PERS entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO CORRECT AN
ERROR IN THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD
OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC
EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA.
Transmission of Ordinance Authorizing an Amendment to
the Contract Between the Board of Administration of the
Public Employees' Retirement Systems (PERS) and the
City of West Covina for Safety Employees (Police)
Ordinance introduction - Recommendation is to introduce the following ordinance
Military Service Credit AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES'
RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA.
Miscellaneous - City Manager's Office
Increase in Annual Dues for San Gabriel Valley Council
of Governments
SGV Council of Governments Recommendation is to approve the $7,816 increase in
dues for the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments
and authorize its inclusion within the City's FY 98/99
budget using AB2766 funds.
Los Angeles County Fair Banner Program
L.A. County Fair Recommendation is to approve the installation of Los
Banner Program Angeles County Fair banners along Garvey Avenue North
extending from the former Executive Lodge to Vincent
Avenue.
Resolution Supporting the Reopening of Highway 39
Resolution 9580 - Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
Supporting Highway 39 RESOLUTION 9580 - A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
SUPPORTING THE COMPLETE REOPENING OF
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CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION
HIGHWAY 39 BETWEEN THE CITY OF AZUSA AND
ANGELES CREST HIGHWAY 2.
Motion by Wong, seconded by Touhey, to waive further
reading of the ordinances/resolutions and introduce/adopt,
as applicable, and to approve all other items listed.
Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Touhey, Wong, Melende2
NOES: None
RECESS Mayor Melendez recessed the City Council meeting at
8:34 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
with all members present.
PUBLIC WORKS
No reports for this meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT No reports for this meeting.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
BKK CLASS I SCREENING PLAN
BKK Class I Screening Plan Mayor Pro Tent Herfert noted that he would abstain from
discussion and vote on this item due to a conflict of
interest. Interim Assistant City Manager Collier presented
the staff report. Mr. Allen Tuntland, Project Coordinator
for BKK Corp., supplemented the staff with an exhibit of
the proposed screening plan. After a short discussion on
the number and placement of trees, Council took the
following action:
Motion by Howard, seconded by Touhey to grant
the requested deferral for a period of one year (until June
2, 1999) with the following conditions:
a) Complete installation of the required tree screening
per the November 8, 1996 screening plan within
90 days to the point where a conflict would occur
with the alignment of the proposed road.
b) Boxed trees currently stored at the landfill shall be
put into place to screen the most highly exposed
areas per a plan approved by the Planning
Director. Said plan shall indicate the number,
type, location, and spacing of proposed trees,
include provisions for repairing and upgrading the
size of existing boxes as necessary, and provisions
for a temporary irrigation system. Said plan shall
be submitted by June 30, 1998 and placement of
the trees shall be completed within 30 days
following approval of the plan by the Planning
Director.
c) At the end of the one-year deferral period, BKK
may, if necessary, request that the City Council
grant a further reasonable extension of the deferral
based on circumstances that exist at that time. In
the event that no extension is requested by the end
of the one-year deferral period, or in the event that
the requested extension is denied, BKK shall
complete installation of the required tree screening
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per the November 6, 1996 plan within 90 days of
the applicable date.
d) If the proposed roadway is approved during the
term of this approval or any subsequent extension,
BKK shall maintain the trees in place until such
time as construction commences. Additionally, if
the proposed roadway is denied during the term of
this approval or any subsequent extension, BKK
shall complete installation of the permanent trees
and irrigation plan per the November 6, 1996 plan
within 90 days of the Council's final action.
Motion carried 4-0-1 with Councilmember Herfert
abstaining.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Mayor Melendez recessed the City Council meeting at
9:25 p.m. to convene the Redevelopment Agency. The
City Council reconvened at 9:45 p.m. with all members
present.
PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE DEPARTMENT
LETTER FROM COLE-SCHAEFER AMBULANCE
COMPANY
Response to Cole -Schaefer
Fire Chief Greene responded to the questions stated in the
letter received from Cole -Schaefer.
Public Comments
Doug Emslie, American Medical Response, stated
that (according to data collected by AMR) two ambulances
Doug Emslie
would not provide enough coverage for the City of
West Covina. He also noted that if both proposed City
ambulances are out and the City needs outside backup, the
revenues will not reflect those projected by the Fire
Department. Mr. Emslie also provided statistics on
turnaround times for transport to various hospitals in the
area.
Wayne Eggleston
Wayne Eggleston, 2141 Larkwood, expressed his
concerns regarding personnel for the proposed ambulance
service. He also questioned how a medic would return to
post after transporting to a distant medical facility. Chief
Greene responded that there are a number of ways for the
medic to return. Example: Cab vouchers.
Fran Dowling
Fran Dowling, Cole -Schaefer Ambulance, began
Cole -Schaefer Ambulance
his presentation by reading a letter from James McNeal
(President of Cole -Schaefer Ambulance), dated May 29,
1998. He then proceeded with a PowerPoint presentation,
during which emphasis was placed on the following
issues:
• Status of RFP
• Response times
• Subscription Fees
• Maximum County Rate
• Coverage area for 2 ambulances
Mr. Dowling then requested that the City reconsider their
May 5' action, and recommended that the City Council
return to its previous decision on not entering into the
ambulance business but rather explore a private
partnership.
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Council questions/discussion Councilmember Touhey questioned the
"reverse condemnation" mentioned in Mr.
McNeal's letter. Mr. Dowling then made a
reference to a recent Orange County case and
explained that the term was not meant to be a
threat.
• Mayor Pro Tern Herfert asked how many
ambulances does Cole -Schaefer have in the City at
one time. It was concluded that there are at least 2
dedicated units in the City at all times.
Councilmember Wong questioned the calculation
used by Cole -Schaefer to determine the availability of
units.
Mayor Melendez asked Chief Greene how does he
anticipate the "backup" situation will be handled. Chief
Greene responded that it will be handled by either AMR
or Cole -Schaefer; or from any other SGV Fire
Departments that have their own ambulance service.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding backup
services.
Councilmember Howard asked for clarification on
Article 1313, Section 8c of the California State
Constitution. City Attorney Wynder responded with the
explanation. Ms. Howard then asked Chief Greene for
assurances that the City is not in violation of the State
Constitution.
Councilmember Touhey requested copies of all
correspondence to Schaefer and AMR regarding their
inadequate response times.
Mayor Pro Tern Herfert noted that he would like
to move forward with the proposed ambulance service,
noting that it seems to be working for some other cities
and commended staff for their research efforts and time
spent on the issue.
Councilmembers Touhey, Howard and Wong
requested further information and figures on the proposed
plan.
Council Action Motion by Touhey, seconded by Wong to take the
following actions:
a) Receive and file the staff report; and
b) Not to issue the 6-month cancellation notice to
Cole -Schaefer Ambulance and AMR.
Motion carried 3-2 with Mayor Melendez and Mayor Pro
Tern Herfert voting no.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
O LEGAL FEE AUDIT — REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Legal Fee Audit Finance Director Tucker made the staff presentation.
Councilmember Wong suggested that the Finance
staff contact Independent Cities Association for additional
references.
Councilmember Howard noted that she would not
be in agreement with an RFP that hired under a
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contingency fee. She suggested that tort attorneys and
workers' compensation attorneys be included in the audit.
City Attorney Wynder suggested that Council
invite comments from the firms to be audited on the scope
and language of the RFP.
• Council Action Motion by Herfert, seconded by Touhey to prepare the
Request for Proposal for the Legal Fee Audit to include
all legal service providers. Motion carried 4-1 with
Councilmember Howard voting no.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION No reports scheduled for this meeting.
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS Motion by Herfert, seconded by Melendez to approve
demands totaling $665,622.91 as listed on check registers
#178260 through #178527. Motion carried by roll call
vote:
AYES:Herfert, Howard, Touhey, Wong, Melendez
NOES: None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS John Scheuplein, Personnel Commissioner, 1520 E.
Newcrest Drive, spoke on the handling of the Risk
Management Review. He noted that the findings of that
review were not made available to the Personnel
Commission in a timely fashion. In addition, Mr.
Scheuplein made suggestions regarding early retirement of
employees and the relationship between the City
Council and Commissions.
Councilmember Touhey left at 12:02 a.m.
MAYOR'S REPORTS 1) REQUEST BY CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
TO SUPPORT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY DIVISION
COMMISSION
LA County Division Commission Interim Assistant City Manager Collier presented
the staff report.
Motion by Wong, seconded by Howard to
receive and file the report. Motion carried 4-0.
Councilmember Touhey returned at 12:07 a.m.
RECESS Mayor Melendez recessed the City Council meeting at
12:08 a.m. The City Council reconvened at 12:15 a.m.
with all members present except Mayor Pro Tern Herfert.
2) SUBCOMMITTEES FOR THE SELECTION
OF COMMISSIONERS
Subcommittees for The City Council reviewed the staff report.
Commissioners Selection Councilmember Howard suggested that the sub-
committees remain as they were during the last
selection process.
Motion by Howard, seconded by Touhey to
keep subcommittees the same as last year. Motion
carried 4-0.
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3)
Repeal of Vehicle License Fee
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
ASSEMBLY BILL 1776 — REPEAL OF THE
VEHICLE LICENSE FEE
The City Council reviewed the staff report.
Motion by Wong, seconded by Touhey to
hold this item over. Motion carried 4-0.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A CITY RELATIONSHIP
WITH YANCHENG, JIANGSU, PEOPLES
REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Yancheng, Jiangsu Administrative Analyst Pidgeon presented the staff report.
Councilmember Wong noted that he feels it is
premature to endorse a relationship with a given city.
Motion by Wong, seconded by Melendez to
receive and file the report and to direct staff to contact a
core group of citizens that has an interest in developing a
relationship. Motion carried 3-1 with Councilmember
Howard voting no.
ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
City Clerk Janet Berry
Motion by Melendez, seconded by Howard to adjourn the
meeting at 12
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