10-05-1999 - Regular Meeting - Minutes•
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
OCTOBER 5,1999
The regular meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order by Mayor Howard at 7:35 pm
in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. City Manager Hobbs gave
the invocation and Mayor Pro Tem Melendez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Mayor Howard, Councilmember Herfert, Touhey, Wong
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Melendez
Others Present: Hobbs, Fields, Chung, Collier, Pidgeon, Garcia, Bommarito,
Samaniego, Greene, Briley, King, Yauchzee, Mayer, Wills,
McIsaac, Fox, Schimanski, McDonald, Swink, Wynder, Berry
PRESENTATION With the assistance of the Team Manager and Coach,
Councilmember Touhey presented certificates to members of the
West Covina Girls Softball (12 and under team), for winning the
championship of the All -Star Classic Tournament held in July.
Mayor Howard proclaimed the month of October as Breast Cancer
Awareness Month and presented the proclamation to Alison Hynes
of the American Cancer Society and Carol Fox, Personnel Director
and cancer survivor.
Mayor Howard proclaimed the week of October 3 through 9, 1999
as Fire Prevention Week and presented the proclamation to Fire
Chief Greene.
Mayor Howard proclaimed the week of October 4 through 8, 1999
as Ride Share Week and presented the proclamation to
Environmental Management Director Samamego.
No hearings scheduled for this meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Wong stated that as a customer of Valencia
Heights Water Company, he owns one share of the company, as do
all the other customers. Because of conflict of interest laws, he
would abstain from the discussion and vote on Item B-10b (Fourth
Extension of Lease for Valencia Heights Water Company's Citrus
Street property and Authorization to Retain Engineer).
Commissions' Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Community Services 9/14/99
Planning 9/28/99
Senior Citizens' 9/09/99
Waste Mgmt/Environmental Quality 9/16/99
Claims Against the City (deny & notify claimant)
On May 27, 1999, the City Clerk's Office received a claim for
monetary loss from Triad Financial Corporation in the amount of
$17,475.00.
Council Minutes of 10/5/99
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Temporary Use Permits (receive & file)
TUP #2534-99 was issued to St. Christopher Church, 629 S.
Glendora Avenue, for an annual fiesta from 10/8/99 to 10/10/99.
TUP #2536-99 was issued to West Covina Toyota, 1808 E. Garvey
Avenue South, for a car sale from 9/15/99 to 10/4/99.
TUP #2537-99 was issued to Max Coblentz for a private children's
party at Galster Park on 10/16/99.
TUP #2538-99 was issued to Suburban Water, 187 N. Willow
Avenue, for a community meeting on 9116/99.
TUP #2540-99 was issued to ESGV Japanese Community Center,
1203 W. Puente Avenue, for an Akimatsuri on 10/2/99.
Approval of Final Map (waive reading & adopt resolution)
Dedication ofRiaht-of-Way for Galster Way
Resolution 9731 - RESOLUTION NO. 9731 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
Galster Way CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK
TO EXECUTE A CORPORATION GRANT DEED IN FAVOR
OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA
Acceptance of Improvements/Release of Bonds
So. Hills Homes Partnership Location: Various subdivisions
Recommendation is to release the current Second Trust Deed for
Tract Nos. 32324, 42169, 32323, 33656, and 47809 and Parcel
Map 22037 concurrent with the filing of a new Second Trust Deed
in favor of the City in the amount of $913,000.00 and a new
agreement for any remaining improvements in Tract Nos. 32324
and 47809.
Traffic Committee Minutes (accept & file)
Minutes of the regular meeting held September 21, 1999.
Ordinance for Adoption (waive reading & adopt)
Ordinance 2042 - ORDINANCE NO. 2042 — AN ORDINANCE .OF THE
House Sewer Connections CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 23-114 OF THE WEST
COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO THE MAIN-
TENANCE OF HOUSE SEWER CONNECTIONS
Award of Bid
PP 00207 - Coronado School Ballfield Fencing
Quality Fence Company, Inc. Recommendation is to accept the bid of Quality Fence Company,
Inc., South Gate, in the amount of $17,871.00 as submitted at the
bid opening on September 28, 1999, and authorize the Mayor and
City Clerk to execute the contract.
City Treasurer's Report Next Council meeting.
Miscellaneous — Public Services
Code Enforcement Action at 841 S. Hollenbeck Avenue
Recommendation is to receive and file the staff report,
Fourth Extension of Lease for Valencia Heights Water Company's
Citrus Street Property and Authorization to Retain Engineer
Valencia Heights Water Co. Recommendation is to take the following actions:
* Authorize the Mayor to execute the fourth extension to the
Land Lease with Valencia Heights Water Company subject
to the terms in the attached agreement.
Council Minutes of 10/5/99
* Authorize the Public Services Director to negotiate a
contract for civil engineering services from DEA, Inc. for
the preparation and processing of a parcel map as
necessitated under the terms of the proposed property
transaction with Valencia Heights Water Company.
* Appropriate $30,000.00 from the General Fund Reserve
Appropriation (which is set up for one time opportunities
• deemed appropriate by the City Council) to PP 99220 (110-
2640-6900) to allow for payment of up to six months of
lease payments and costs for preparation, processing and
recording of the parcel map.
Undate Work Manaeement Svstem
Work Management System - Recommendation is to take the following action:
Stantec ofPheonix * Authorize the transfer of $10,000.00 from account 124-
320-2230-5111 to 124-320-3018-7900; and
* Authorize the purchase of the Work Management
Application including software, installation, training, data
conversion, and expenses from Stantec of Pheonix,
Arizona, in an amount not to exceed $75,200.00.
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Wong and seconded by Herfert to waive further reading
of the ordinancelresolution and adopt; and to approve all other
items listed, except: 6b, 6c, 10a, 10b. Motion carried by roll call
vote:
AYES: Herfert, Melendez, Touhey, Wong, Howard
NOES: None
Roberta Azpeitia Roberta Azpeitia, 1740 Oakridge Circle, (in reference to Item 6c
stop sign requests) agreed with the requestor, Mr. Beasley, that
stop signs be installed at the intersections of Woodgate Drive/
Brookfield Place and Strathmore Place/Brookfield Place. She
disagreed with the Traffic Committee's recommendation to install
a stop at the intersection of Courtney Circle/Woodgate Drive.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1520 E. Newcrest Avenue, (in reference to Item
6b stop sign request at the intersection of Aroma Drive/Galster
Way. He noted that the traffic study revealed that traffic
conditions do not meet the warrants for stop signs; however, the
intersection is very dangerous and urged Council to restudy the
area.
In relation to Item 10a (Code Enforcement Action at 841 S.
Hollenbeck), Mr. Scheuplein expressed his objection to "criminal
prosecution" for aesthetics and non -health and safety issues, it adds
to a lingering and developing cloud of negativity and ill -will over
the City.
Councilmember Herfert requested that the intersection of Galster
Way and Aroma Drive be restudied on a quarterly basis.
Councilmember Wong noted that stop signs are always an
emotional issue and addressed the significance of meeting warrants
for stop signs. He suggested that when staff reports back on that
particular intersection that the report include the number of
additional intersections that would be entitled to stop signs where
• the same non -warrant conditions applied.
City Engineer Mayer responded to Councilmember Herfert
that a pedestrian count will be included during the next count.
Councilmember Herfert related the size of the trailers parked at
841 S. Hollenbeck and the impact on the neighborhood. The point
in bringing up this issue is to ensure the City's process is tighten
up as it takes a very long time to correct violations.
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Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to approve the
above four items of the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0 with
Wong abstaining regarding the Valencia Heights Water Company
Lease Extension.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
PUBLIC SERVICES AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT WITH ENVIRONMEN-
TAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATES FOR PREPARATION OF
BKK CLOSURE PLAN/DEVELOPMENT PLAN ENVIRON-
MENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND HEALTH RISK STUDY
City Planner McIsaac presented the staff report.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, commented on this issue and a
dosage study.
BKK Closure Plan - Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to authorize the City
Environmental Science Asso. Manager to execute an amendment to the agreement with
Environmental Science Associates for consulting services
associated with the preparation of the environmental impact report
and health risk assessment for the BKK Class III Final Closure
Plan/Final Postclosure Maintenance Plan and golf course/business
park land use entitlements in the amount of $14,620.74, with the
further provision to authorize the Public Services Director to
approve additional work and expenses up to a maximum of $5,000
as deemed necessary. Motion carried 5-0.
Councilmember Herfert requested staff to report back on
the dosage study referred to by Mr. Brown.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT No reports for this meeting.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY 1) Mayor Howard recessed the City Council meeting at 8:13
pm to convene the Redevelopment Agency. The City
Council reconvened at 8:14 pm with all members present.
2) WEST COVINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE —
Redevelopment Agency Director Chung presented the staff
report. In response to a Council question as to putting this
project out for RFP, Mr. Chung said no.
Reniero Francisco Reniero Francisco, president of the West Covina Chamber
of Commerce, discussed the partnership of the City and the
Chamber in economic development and urged Council to
vote favorably on this matter.
Councilmember Herfert Through a suggestion by Councilmember Herfert, the
Council sub -committee working with the Chamber of
Commerce, will address the possibility of having the
Chamber members respond to their satisfaction as to how
the BIT has and is being used.
Councilmembers Herfert and Touhey stated their
opposition to this item.
Motion by Wong and seconded by Howard to:
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* Approve the proposed Marketing Agreement and
authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement; and
* Establish a City Council subcommittee to negotiate
a 5-year agreement with a subcommittee from the Chamber
and within 90 days, bring back a draft agreement for City
Council review and approval. Mayor Howard appointed
Councilmembers Melendez and Wong to serve on the
subcommittee. Motion carried 3-2 with Herfert and
Touhey voting no.
3) LOCATION FOR DISPLAY OF AMERICAN FLAGS
ON PATRIOTIC HOLIDAYS
Redevelopment Agency Director Chung presented the staff
report, recommending Alternative No. 1 for $8,104.63, the
lowest cost alternative.
Displaying American Flags Councilmembers Wong and Touhey stated that they
would abstain from the discussion and vote on this issue, as
both of them have a financial interest within the proposed
alternatives.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Howard to
approve Alternative No. 1, placing American Flags on
Glendora Avenue, in the amount of $8,104.63. Motion
carried 3-0-2 with Wong and Touhey abstaining (conflict of
interest).
COMMUNITY SERVICES SENIOR MEALS PROGRAM
Senior Meals Program Mayor Howard suggested reopening the lines of communications
between the staff, Council, and the citizens served by this program
for an understanding of the requirements and restrictions inherent
within the seniors meals program. Further, she suggested an ad
hoc committee of Wong and herself to review this matter in depth
for a quick resolution.
Motion by Howard to hold this matter over.
Lengthy Council discussion followed regarding the RFP
process, quotes of the two vendors, the staff recommendation, and
the City Attorney's opinion of the issue.
Thelma Schaefer Thelma Schaefer, 904 E. Alwood Street, supported Mayor
Howard's ad hoc committee suggestion. She explained the taste
test conducted by the senior's committee.
Dolores Kowalski Dolores Kowalski, 2121 E. Walnut Creek Parkway, concurred with
Mrs. Schaefer's comments.
Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to approve Huntington
Culinary as a provider for the senior meals in the amount of
$168,912.00 and take the excess funds needed out of the City
Manager's Emergency Fund. Motion failed 2-3 with Melendez,
Wong, and Howard voting no.
Motion Motion by Melendez and seconded by Touhey to approve an
interim contract with Huntington Culinary for cook services for the
month of October in the amount of $1,170.00 per week, not to
exceed $4,700.00 (to be funded through the grant) and to
commence with an ad hoc committee to meet with the seniors
during October as suggested by the Mayor.
Councilmember Herfert and Wong were appointed to the
ad hoc committee.
Councilmember Wong questioned the figures in the staff
report. Mayor Howard noted his point was well taken and directed
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the City Manager to ensure correct figures. Motion carried 4-1
with Wong voting no.
Recess Mayor Howard called a recess at 9:32 pm. The City Council
reconvened at 9:52 pm with all members present.
• PUBLIC SAFETY No reports for this meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES No reports for this meeting.
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE WCCT BROADCAST OF LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
WEST COVINA SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES FORUM
School District Forum Assistant City Manager Fields presented the staff report.
Caroline de Llamas Caroline de Llamas, representing the League of Women Voters,
requested Council's concurrence in permitting the airing the
upcoming West Covina School Board Candidates Forum.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1520 E. Newcrest Drive, urged Council's support
as well.
Ed Casanova Ed Casanova, 809 S. Avington Avenue, encouraged Council to
vote in favor of televising the forum.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Howard to support the airing
of forums on WCCT by political non -partisan organizations, and
specifically the immediate request of the League of Women Voters
regarding the West Covina School Board race. Motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WIRE TRANSFERS
Motion by Wong and seconded by Herfert to approve demands
totaling $1,957,486.97 ($1,107,590.07 were wire transfers) as
listed on check registers #188372 through #188728.
Councilmember Touhey pulled off Check No. 188727 to
Colleen Janssen. Ms. Janssen was a Council candidate at the last
election and has been hired by the City Manager to assist in the
Finance Department. Ms. Janssen may have access to information
about Councilmembers that is not available to the general public
and she may run again for Council. He also objected to the idea
that she did not have a business license at the time she ran for
Council while running her business from her home, and she
probably still didn't have a license.
City Manager responded and was directed to check into her
current business license status. Councilmember Wong noted that
in reference to business licenses, perhaps City staff should also
check into the contract with Huntington Culinary which is over
$10,000 which didn't come before the City Council and wondered
if there was a business license on file for it.
• Councilmember Herfert requested that the City Manager
inform the City Council before he makes an appointment. Mayor
Howard noted that the appointment of Ms. Janssen was included in
the City Manager's Weekly Report.
Motion to approve demands carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Melendez, Touhey, Wong, Howard
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Touhey re Community Food Bank
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Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to deny payment of
Check No. 188727. Motion failed 2-3 with Melendez, Wong, and
Howard voting no.
Motion by Wong and seconded by Howard to approve Check No.
188727. Motion carried 3-2 with Herfert and Touhey voting no.
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ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Ken Schmitt Ken Schmitt, 1607 Idahome Street, stated that he had taken his
teenage grandson to Cameron Park and Palmview Park to sign up
for activities at the facilities. He complained that there were no
youth activities for his grandson and that all the kids were Hispanic
and that the providers appeared to be babysitting them.
Mayor Howard stated that the programs are suppose to
include more than babysitting and that would be looked into, but
the ethnicity of the participants was irrelevant.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1520 Newcrest Drive, complained that some of
the Councilmembers seem to be hypocritical in their points of
view. He referred to a Brown Act workshop the Mayor attended
and suggested commissioners attend one as well.
Mr. Scheuplein complimented the Police Department's
Citizens' Academy of which he is participating and suggested
taping the sessions.
He related a Walkway of Flags display, complete with
plaques, constructed at another city that could be implemented in
West Covina as a fundraiser.
He commented that not all Councilmembers are treated
with respect during the Council meetings.
Council responded to his comments.
Ed Casanova Ed Casanova, 809 S. Avington Avenue, suggested that the
Chamber of Commerce needs to function like a business entity for
the betterment of the City.
As chairman of the Rose Float Committee this year, he
urged the City Council to move forward with permitting the sale of
fireworks to celebrate the millennium as a fundraiser for the float.
Mr. Casanova countered the comments by a previous
speaker referencing the ethnicity of the participants of the Child
Care Program.
The City Council concurred with the points made by Mr.
Casanova and appreciated his feelings and the way the Mayor
addressed the situation as it occurred.
Joel Gelfand Joel Gelfand, 1513 E. Portner Street, addressed three issues:
* Fence height issue of some meetings ago. He conducted
his own study and found that the height limit is violated
everywhere.
* Please include the Glen Vine Center and the "stilt"
buildings, located on the south side of the freeway, in the revitali-
zation plans for the City.
* Requested more traffic enforcement around the elementary
schools because of jay walking and speeding.
He also noted that good debates are healthy and desired,
however the bickering among the Councilmembers is ridiculous
and disappointing.
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Council Minutes of 10/5/99.
MAYOR'S REPORTS Mayor Howard asked if there was a Council volunteer who would
be willing to attend the Coordinating Council quarterly meeting.
There being no Council volunteers, City Manager Hobbs was
directed to appoint a City representative.
• Mayor Howard attended an Atlanta, Georgia, function at which she
represented the City in receiving an award for the City's
outstanding S.H.O.P. (Seniors Helping Our Police) program. She
thanked Acting Community Services Director Bommarito for
nominating the program for the national award. The area in which
the award was given was "Best Volunteer Program."
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PRO-
CESS FOR POTENTIAL SALE OF THE CITY'S WATER
SYSTEM — MELENDEZ
Mayor Howard stated that this will be held over, per request of the
Mayor Pro Tem.
SALE OF FIREWORKS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM —
TOUHEY (ORAL REPORT)
Councilmember Touhey requested Council support in directing
staff to look into the fireworks ordinance and a recently adopted
state law that could permit the City to allow fireworks in
celebration of the new millennium. He recommended that if this
should come to pass, the Float Committee be charged with the
project and use it as a fund raiser.
Staff was directed to report back to the City Council,
allowing time for citizen input.
PROTEST OF WALNUT VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
WATER RATE INCREASE — TOUHEY
Council reviewed the staff report.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, questioned the constitutionality
of "one person — one vote" in relation to the sale of the water
system. He also discussed the fairness of the sale to the Walnut
customers.
As a member of the Council ad hoc committee that studied
this issue, Councilmember Touhey responded to Mr. Brown's
comments and discussed his purpose in placing this matter on the
Agenda.
Councilmember Herfert Councilmember Herfert requested the following items be
agendized for upcoming City Council meetings:
* A through street from BKK to Lemon Avenue in Walnut.
* In memo form .to the City Council a clarification of the
process of hiring the consultant now working temporarily
• in Finance and the process used in hiring the City
Controller.
* Proclamation for Basil Panas.
* Status of part-time pay raises, in reference to the recreation
worker who appeared before Council several months ago.
* As a closed session item, the status of the Recreation
Supervisor who is currently on administrative leave.
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Similar to the Amar/Azusa community meeting, set other
neighborhood meetings near commercial centers and see
how the surrounding neighbors feel about addressing their
centers.
•' CITY MANAGER'S REPORT No report for this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to adjourn the meeting
at 11:30 pm in memory of the following individuals who have
recently passed away:
* The mother of long time city employee Michael Shott.
• The former Mayor of Irwindale, Richard Breceda.
* Classmate of Councilmember Herfert, Pam Donahue.
Motion carried 5-0.
Attest:
City Clerk�Janet-Berry
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