09-20-2000 - Special Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
September 20, 2000
• Mayor Pro Tern Touhey called to order the Special Meeting of the West Covina City Council at 7:14 pm
in•the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
ROLL CALL Mayor Pro Tern Wong, Councilmembers Howard, Melendez, and Touhey
Absent: Mayor Herfert (lawsuit settlement with BKK prohibits him from par-
ticipating on this matter)
Others Present: Fields, McIsaac, Samaniego, Mayer, Lennard, Berry
PUBLIC HEARING (Continued from September 12, 2000)
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. H-00-29
ZONE CHANGE NO. 655A (Business Park)
ZONE CHANGE NO. 655B (Golf Course)
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (SCH #9806114)
APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF:
TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 52470
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 24585
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 503 (Golf Course)
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 542 (Landfill Maintenance)
TREE REMOVAL PERMIT NO. 29 (Business Park)
TREE REMOVAL PERMIT NO. 30 (Golf Course)
APPLICANT: BKK Corporation
LOCATION: 2210 S. Azusa Avenue
Mayor Pro Tern Wong stated that this hearing commenced on September
12, 2000. At that time the City Council agreed to a stop time of 11:00 pm
and had taken testimony from those in audience wishing to speak. Testi-
mony would continue this evening and Mayor Pro Tern Wong asked
Council if they wished to again agree to a stop time of 11:00 pm. Council
agreed on 10:00 pm.
In Favor
Grant Thatcher Grant Thatcher, 3033 E. Valley Boulevard 430, stated that Walnut has
been thinking about a golf course for the last seven years. Golf is a great
sport and hoped West Covina wouldn't take as long.
Angelo Cabe Angelo Cabe, 1707 Randall Way, favored the development as it will
increase job opportunities and revenues, as well as increase the quality of
life.
• Corey Warshaw Corey Warshaw, 3330 E. Holt Avenue, spoke as an individual (not as one
of the Planning Commissioners). He supported the high-tech development
but not the 5aa condition that was discussed at the last meeting.
Ric Kern Ric Kern, 21275 Burbank Blvd., Woodland Hills, spoke favorably of the
proposal as the commercial real estate developer for the project. He noted
the benefits of ancillary businesses, i.e: food concessions, office tenants,
and retail stores.
Council Minutes 9-20-00
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Renee Bautista Renee Bautista, 20208 Walnut Drive, Walnut, supported the entire project.
Mary Grace Barrios Mary Grace Barrios, 2438 Nadine Street, noted her support of the project
as long as BKK makes it save for everyone. She felt it would be in sync
with the other developments in the area. She did oppose the "A" Street.
Tony Galman Tony Galman, 1421 E. Harvest Moon Street, stated his support for the golf
course and business park.
Jaime Catral Jaime Catral, c/o Fil-Am Veterans, noted his support as being good for the
children.
Anne Dijamco Anne Dijamco, 233 S. Lark Ellen Avenue, spoke on behalf of the Filipino -
American Youth Council of West Covina. Ser supported the "A" Street
concept as proposed and felt there was no noise factor to worry about.
In Opposition Mayor Pro Tern Wong asked for comments from those in opposition:
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive, pointed out campaign promises of
Councilmember Melendez that don't seem to coincide with the proposed
project. He stated that he is not opposed to any golf course or any
development. He is opposed to how it has been presented by the BKK
executives and financial partners. He presented pages of a RACOON
(Residents Against Contamination of Our Neighborhood) petition oppo-
sing the BKK project.
Recess Mayor Pro Tern Wong called a recess at 8:31 pm. The City Council
reconvened at 8:40 pm with all members present, except Mayor Herfert.
Councilmember Melendez countered the earlier comments of Mr.
Scheuplein.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, spoke at length urging Council to
reduce the size of the project and have the two components constructed in
phases. He complained about the maps and drawings as looking too much
like cartoons.
Don Carman Don Carman, 1238 Hollencrest Drive, spoke as an active member of the
RACOON group. He discussed the history ofBKK's deception, as he saw
it, to the City and the residents of West Covina.
John Shewmaker John Shewmaker, 1824 Borrego Drive, noted that a good business
technique is to take a good look at whom you are doing business with and
can they be trusted. Council should apply that to the BKK Corporation
and this issue.
Ray Hernandez Ray Hernandez, 2604 Mary Court, noted his opposition to "A" Street" and
the bail out clause. He felt it was inappropriate for BKK to seek a plan
when they didn't honor past commitments. He did like Mike Miller's idea
of an over/under pass at Amar and Azusa.
Next Meeting Mayor Pro Tern Wong commenced a discussion on the next meeting time
for the continuation of this meeting. Council concurrence was gained on
October 5, 2000 at 6:00 pm. There being ten minutes left, Mayor Wong
asked for additional comments and the following addressed Council:
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Nancy Adin Nancy Adin, 2633 Maureen Street, expressed her objection to "A" Street
and distrust of BKK, expounding on her reasons why. She urged Council
to protect the residents, not BKK.
Herb Redholtz Herb Redholtz, 2622 Altamira Drive, asked if this is the only plan for the
location that is being considered and wondered what the connection was
between the High -Tech Center and the golf course. He was concerned
about the increased traffic to the area that this project will bring.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and seconded by Melendez to adjourn the meeting at
10:20 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
Attest:
CiiyrClerk Janet Berry
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