02-02-1999 - Regular Meeting - Minutes•
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
February 2, 1999
The regular meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order by Mayor Melendez at 7:55
pm in the West Covina City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue South. Dr. Kundan Peter
of West Covina Methodist Church gave the invocation and Councilmember Touhey led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Mayor Melendez, Mayor Pro Tem Herfert, Councilmember
Howard, Touhey, Wong
Others Present: Hobbs, Fields, Martyn, Collier, Mayer, McIsaac, Bommarito,
Briley, Keating, Greene, Schimanski, Pidgeon, Fox, Morgan,
Samaniego, Wills, Berry
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Wong corrected page seven of the 1/19/99 regular
City Councilminutes to reflect Councilmember Herfert by name.
The following minutes were approved as presented, and as
corrected above:
Special meeting of December 11, 1998
Special meeting of January 19, 1999
Regular meeting of January 19, 1999
PRESENTATION With the assistance of Acting Community Services Director
Bommarito, Mayor Melendez received a $4,000 grant from Sal
Failla of Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation.
HEARING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 284 —
ATHLETIC CLUBS AND GYMNASIUMS —
PARKING REQUIREMENTS — GENERAL EXEMPTION
Code Amendment 284 Mayor Melendez explained that this code amendment would
provide greater flexibility for establishing parking requirements for
gyms and health clubs.
City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication and City
Planner McIsaac presented the staff report.
Public Testimonv Mayor Melendez opened the public testimony portion of the hear -
none ing and asked for comments, either in favor of or in opposition to
the code amendment. No one addressed the City Council and the
Testimony closed public testimony portion of the hearing was closed.
City Clerk presented:
Ordinance introduced - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
Code Amendment 284 WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CERTAIN
SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 26 (ZONING) OF THE WEST
COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO PARKING
REQUIREMENTS FOR GYMNASIUMS AND ATHLETIC
CLUBS (Code Amendment No. 284)
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to waive
further reading of the ordinance and introduce. Motion carried by
roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Touhey, Wong, Melendez
NOES: None
Council Minutes of 2/2/99
HEARING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 285 —
SERVICE STATION REGULATIONS — FAST FOOD, CAR
WASHES, AND CONVENIENCE SALES —
• GENERAL EXEMPTION
Code Amendment 285 Mayor Melendez explained that the proposed amendment would
allow fast food restaurants in conjunction with service stations, and
allow for more expanded convenience food sales and car washes in
conjunction with service stations.
City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication. City Planner
McIsaac presented the staff report.
Public Testimonv Mayor Melendez opened the public testimony portion of the
hearing and asked for comments either in favor of or in opposition
none to the amendment. No one addressed the City Council and Mayor
Testimony closed Melendez closed the public testimony portion of the hearing.
City Clerk presented:
Ordinance introduced - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
Code Amendment 285 WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CERTAIN
SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 26 (ZONING) OF THE WEST
COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATED TO ACCESSORY
COMMERCIAL USES OF SERVICE STATION SITES (Code
Amendment No. 285)
Motion by Wong and seconded by Howard to waive further
reading of the ordinance and to introduce. Motion carried by roll
call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Touhey, Wong, Melendez
NOES: None
CONSENT CALENDAR Written Communications (receive & file)
Letter received on January 25, 1999 from Michael Miller regarding
Variable Rate Schedule for Waste Collection.
Commissions' Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Community Services 1/12/99
Planning 1/19/99
Senior Citizens' 1/14/99
Waste Management & Envir. Quality 1/21/99
Claims for Action (deny & notify claimant)
on October 19, 1998, the City Clerk's Office received a claim from
Guido Marucut for monetary loss in the amount of $355.00.
Temporary Use Permits (receive & file)
TUP #2496-99 was issued to A-1 Rentals (West Covina Nissan) at
1840 E. Garvey Avenue South for a tent sale from 1/14/99 to
2/l/99.
Acceptance of Improvements/Release of Bonds
• Longo Motorcars (Penske Plaza) Location: 2004 and 2010 E. Garvey Avenue South
Recommendation is to accept on and off -site improvements for
Precise Plan No. 756, Revision 2, and release Cash Performance
Guarantee in the amount of $81,150.00.
Traffic Committee Minutes (accept & file)
Minutes of the regular meeting held January 19, 1999.
Council Minutes of 2/2/99
•
City Treasurer's Report (receive & file)
Report for the month of December, 1998.
Miscellaneous — Community Services
SCMAF Grant — Acceptance of Funds
Recommendation is to take the following actions:
a) Accept the SCMAF Community Sports Grant in the
amount of $4,000; and
b) Appropriate $4,000 to the sports supply account 111-320-
2384-6240 to be used for the purchase of the Little Shots
Program start-up supplies and equipment.
Miscellaneous — Public Services
SP 98102 and SP 98105 — Citrus & Cameron Street Rehabilitation
Approval of Plans and Specifications
SP 98102 & 98105 Recommendation is to approve the plans and specifications for SP
Plans & specs approved 98102 and SP 98105, and authorize the City Engineer to call for
bids subject to authorization form the State of California
Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Adminis-
tration.
Renewal of the Citywide Lighting and Maintenance District and
Landscape Maintenance District Nos. 4, 6, and 7 —
Ordering of Engineer's Reports (adopt resolutions)
Resolution 9655 - RESOLUTION NO. 9655 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
Citywide Lighting & Maint.. COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
ORDERING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PREPARE AND FILE
A REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROPOSITION 218
AND ARTICLE 4, CHAPTER 1, PART 2, "LANDSCAPING
AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972", BEING DIVISION 15,
STREETS AND_ HIGHWAYS CODE OF THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA, ORDERING CERTAIN LANDSCAPING AND
LIGHTING MAINTENANCE IN THE CITY OF WEST
COVINA, CALIFORNIA, FOR THE SUBSEQUENT FISCAL
YEAR COMMENCING 7ULY 1, 1999. West Covina Lighting
and Maintenance District
Resolution 9656 - RESOLUTION NO. 9656 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
MD No. 4 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF
THE WEST COVINA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT NO. 4's LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSES-
SMENT WITHIN THAT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO PROPOSI-
TION 218 AND THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT
OF 1972 FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000. West Covina
Landscape Maintenance District No. 4 (1999-2000)
Resolution 9657 - RESOLUTION NO. 9657 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
MD No. 6 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF
THE WEST COVINA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DIS-
TRICT NO. 6's LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENT
WITHIN THAT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO PROPOSITION 218
AND THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972
FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000. West Covina Landscape
Maintenance District No 6 (1999-2000)
Resolution 9658 - RESOLUTION NO. 9658 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
MD No. 7 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF
THE WEST COVINA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DIS-
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Council Minutes of 2/2/99
•
TRICT NO. 7's LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENT
WITHIN THAT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO PROPOSITION 218
AND THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972
FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999-2000. West Covina Landscatie
Maintenance District No. 7 (1999-2000)
Southern California Association of Governments 1998 Regional
Transportation Plan Forecasts
Recommendation is to approve the draft 1998 RTP population,
household and employment estimates attached to the staff report as
Exhibit A (as modified by staff) and instruct staff to communicate.
its approval to SCAG by February 15, 1999.
Approval of Funding for the Lease of Valencia Heights Water
Company Property
Sale of Valencia Heights Recommendation is to take the following actions:
Water Co. property a) Establish PP 99220 for the Valencia Heights
Lease/Purchase (Finance No. 39620770).
b) Approve the transfer of $3,840 in Park Funds (163) from
PP 99210 (Finance No. 3910) to PP 99220.
c) Appropriate $2,000 in unappropriated Park Funds (163) to
PP 99220.
d) Transfer $1,418 in Construction Tax Funds (161) from PP
95223 (Finance No. 3639) to PP 99220.
e) Appropriate $2,742 in unappropriated Construction Tax
Funds (161) to PP 99220.
Mayor Melendez stated that there were a few speaker cards for the
Consent Calendar and the following individuals addressed
Council:
Mike Miller Mike Miller, 735 E. Herring Avenue, addressed his written com-
munications item ( B-1) relative to trash collection variable rates.
Colleen Janssen Colleen Janssen, 224 N. Sunkist Avenue, requested a clarification
of the funds being used in connection with the Valencia Heights
Water Company property (B-8e).
Public Services Director Collier responded that Con-
struction Tax funds are not the same as Park Dedication fees and
that the City is proposing the use of Park Dedication fees..
Councilmember Wong stated that due to conflict of interest laws
he would abstain from the discussion and vote on the following
two items: Resolution 9658 regarding Maintenance District No. 7
and the issue involving the Valencia Heights Water Company.
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Wong and seconded by Touhey to waive further reading
of the resolutions and adopt, and to approve all other items listed
on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items B-8c and B-
8e as noted above. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Touhey, Wong, Melendez
NOES: None
Items B-8c and B-8e Motion by Howard and seconded by Touhey to approve as recom-
mended by staff. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Touhey, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Wong
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Council Minutes of 2/2/99
PUBLIC SERVICES REVIEW OF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON VINE AVENUE
FROM GLENDORA AVENUE TO CITRUS STREET
Speed Study on Vine Avenue City Engineer Mayer presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tern Herfert suggested that in addition to
increased signage, radar, and the continuance of traffic studies as
• recommended by staff, he would have additional discussions with
the Police Chief regarding other available options as the problem
seems to be citywide and not just on Vine Avenue.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Howard to receive and
file the staff report. Motion carried 5-0.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT No reports for this meeting.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Melendez recessed the City Council meeting at 8:31 pm to
convene the Redevelopment Agency. The City Council
reconvened at 8:32 pm. with all members present.
COMMUNITY SERVICES No reports for this meeting.
PUBLIC SAFETY POLICE DEPARTMENT
1) TOWING SERVICES CONTRACT
Assistant City Manager Fields presented a power point pre-
sentation on the review process of the Request for
Proposals (RFP) and the recommendations of the reviewing
committee.
The following individuals addressed the City Council:
Marc Franco Marc Franco, Walnut Valley Towing, submitted a letter
advising Council that the staff report contained a couple of
mathematical errors and omitted a portion of his RFP
response in the final calculations. He questioned the RFP
reviewing committee's authority to use additional criteria
in their deliberations over and above those stated in the
RFP
Colleen Janssen Colleen Janssen, 224 N. Sunkist, felt the tow companies
being awarded an area of West Covina should all pay the
same franchise fees.
Bonnie Welsh Bonnie Welch, Haddick's Towing, stated that she was
available to answer questions.
Valerie Hill Valerie Hill, Basura's Towing, disagreed with the towing
RFP process from beginning to end. She suggested that the
RFP be rewritten and the process redone.
Irma Gonzalez Irma Gonzalez, Budget Towing, stated that she was avail-
able to answer questions.
E.T. Snell E.T. Snell, community activist in the San Gabriel Valley,
felt that prior to this RFP process for tow service, there
were no towing contracts — it has been strictly hip pocket.
City Manager Hobbs recapped the RFP process and that the
purpose was to set standards of tow operators working for
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Council Minutes of 2/2/99
the City and to generate revenue. He felt that the rules of
the RFP placed the tow operators on a fair playing field.
Councilmember Howard stated that the wide diversity of
the numbers submitted by the tow operators made her
wonder, but not suspicious, about the responses. She asked
• about financial due diligence evaluation by staff.
Assistant City Manager Fields stated that due
diligence would be conducted on the final three tow
operators, not the five that submitted responses.
Councilmember Wong agreed with statements offered by
the tow operators not receiving a towing area but felt the
error made by staff were not significant. He agreed with
the criteria used by staff during the evaluation process and
favored Alternative No. 1.
Councilmember Touhey concurred with Councilmember
Wong, feeling too that the mathematical errors were not
material in the final recommendation.
Mayor Pro Tern Herfert related the length of the entire RFP
process, wherein Council discussed it at 4 or five Council
meetings. He stated he would support the staff recommen-
dation. Mayor Melendez agreed.
Action Motion by Wong and seconded by Touhey to approve
Alternative No. 1 and award franchise agreements to
Blackard's Towing, Inc. (Area #1), Budget Towing (Area
#2), and Haddick's Towing, Inc. (Area #3), and direct the
City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate a contract with
the aforementioned two companies with financial due
diligence and performance bonds. Motion carried 5-0.
Recess Mayor Melendez called a recess at 9:24 pm. The City Council re-
convened at 9:40 pm with all, members present.
2) APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE COPS MORE
GRANT
Police Chief Wills presented the staff report.
COPS MORE grant Councilmember Wong suggested that the appoint-
ment of the Administrative Analyst be removed from
staffs recommendation, as appointment to that position
falls under the prerogative of the Police Chief. Council
concurred.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to take
the following actions:
a) Authorize the provisional Administrative Analyst
position with the Police Department.
b) Authorize the appropriation of the federal grant
• award ($35,357) into Fund 151-304-2112-5111 (this
amount is being electronically transferred to our bank).
c) Authorize the transfer of the local cash match
$22,310) from Fund 110-304-2112-5112 (Police Adminis-
tration limited -service salaries) to Fund 151-304-2112-
5111. Motion carried 5-0.
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Council Minutes of 2/2/99
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
• 1998/99 MID -YEAR BUDGET REPORT
FY 98/99 Mid -Year Report Finance Director Tucker presented the staff report and explained
the Christmas figures lag in the reporting process. Mayor Pro Tern
Herfert noted that the City was financially sound, contrary to com-
ments made during the current election campaign period.
Motion by Howard and seconded by Touhey to receive and
file the staff report, Motion carried 5-0.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION No reports for this meeting.
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WIRE TRANSFERS
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to approve demands
totaling $1,988,966.68 (of which wire transfers amounted to
$243,568.38) as listed on check registers 183072 through 183386..
Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Howard, Touhey, Wong, Melendez
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Howard re Future America
Touhey re Community Food Bank
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Anna Glynn Anna Glynn, 3500 Hillhaven Drive, spoke about a large city sign
proposed by the City of Covina to be erected in her neighborhood.
She submitted a petition with eighty-two signatures opposing the
sign and asked for Council's direction and help in opposing it.
Mayor Pro Tem Herfert noted Council's opposition and
that a letter has already been submitted to the City of Covina.
Mayor Melendez assured her that the entire Council is in
agreement with her neighborhood on this issue and that Public
Services Director Collier is representing the City at the Covina
meetings.
Frank Taormina Frank Taormina, 2714 Altamira Circle, related ambulance service
problems. Fire Chief Greene to speak directly with Mr. Taormina.
Leslie Nacionales Leslie Nacionales, 2214 Calle Jalapa, requested the Council to
approve the televising of the February 4, 1999 Candidates' Forum
sponsored by FOR WEST COVINA.
Gloria Gandara Gloria Gandara, 2142 Evangelina Street, spoke favorably of airing
the forum and that all candidates had been invited in person on
January 16`h at a FOR WEST COVINA meeting.
Robert Tafoya Robert Tafoya, 2214 Calle Jalapa, spoke on the same issue
• Tom Arp Tom Arp read a letter by Paul Zarna, 2145 Aroma Drive. The
major complaint revolves around a barking dog and lack of
response from City staff and Councilmembers as to a resolution of
the problem.
Paul Zarna spoke for himself, stating that he was still un-
happy and dissatisfied with the City in resolving his problem.
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Council Minutes of 2/2/99
[7
Individual Councilmembers and City Manager Hobbs
related the history of the on -going problem and effort to work with
Mr. Zama.
Frank Williams Frank Williams, I I IS. Barranca Avenue #240, complained about
the amount of political campaign mail during election periods. He
is very happy about the attention and focus of Councilmembers
towards youth sports.
E.T. Snell E.T. Snell, S.G.V. community activist, spoke on public access on
cable television.
Ed Casanova Ed Casanova, 809 S. Avington Avenue, commented on several
items: a) Budget Towing is a good outfit, b) cable television at the
High School is a good idea, c) focusing on our youth is very
important.
Shelly Sanderson Shelly Sanderson, 2743 Vanderhoof Drive, spoke in support of the
candidates' forum and that plenty of notice must be given to the
community. She also spoke against candidates opposing special
interest groups.
City Manager Hobbs addressed the matter of the candidates' forum
proposed by FOR WEST COVINA and scheduled for February 4,
1999. He discussed his initial response and the additional infor-
mation he received later that has culminated in .the decision to
permit the filming of the event, without the use of City staff, and
with a disclaimer that it is not being sponsored by the City.
Mayor Pro Tern Herfert was concerned that this candidates forum
in being sponsored by a political action committee, not an
impartial group such as the League of Women Voters.
Staff was directed to contact the League of Women Voters
to conduct a second candidates' forum.
Councilmember Touhey commented that everyone should have
equal access to providing programs on the City's cable channel.
MAYOR'S REPORTS No reports for this meeting.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
Howard Councilmember Howard reported on function she recently
attended in recognition of the outstanding girls' athletic program at
Christ Lutheran School. She presented a City proclamation to
them proclaiming February 2, 1999 as Girls and Women in Sports.
Wong Councilmember Wong reminded Council of AB 939 requirements,
of which a 50% diversion rate of landfill waste shall be reached by
the year 2000. He reported that the calculations made initially
might have set the 50% rate for West Covina at an inaccurate level.
He would forward the Inside Solid Waste report from the
California Integrated Waste Management Board to Environmental
Management Director Samaniego to ensure the City's numbers
have been calculated correctly.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT No reports for this meeting.
Council Minutes of 2/2/99
[7
CLOSED SESSION Mayor Melendez recessed the City Council meeting at 10:47 pm to
convene a closed session in the City Manager's Conference Room
to discuss the following item:
ADJOURNMENT
Attest:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Pursuant to Government Code 4 54956.8:
Property:
West Covina Water System
Agency Negotiators:
Hobbs, Collier
Negotiating Parties:
City of West Covina
Under Negotiation:
Price and/or terms of payment
The closed session concluded at 11:25 pm.
Motion by Herfert and seconi
at 11:25 pm. Motion carried
Mayor Richard
by Touhey to adjourn the meeting