10-26-2000 - Special Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
JOINT MEETING OF THE COVINA/WEST COVINA
CITY COUNCILS
• OCTOBER 26, 2000
The joint meeting of the City Council of Covina and the City Council of West Covina was called to
order by Mayor Herfert at 7:15 pm in the Management Resource Center, Room 314 at West Covina City
Hall, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
ROLL CALL West Covina City Council
Mayor Herfert, Mayor Pro Tern Wong, Councilmembers Howard
(arrived at 7:23 pm), Melendez, Touhey
Covina Council
Mayor Christiansen, Mayor Pro Tern Truax, Councilmembers
Allen, Palmeri, Stapleton
Others: West Covina
City Manager Hobbs, City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman, City Clerk
Berry, Hatch, Chung, Wills, Schimanski
Covina
City Manager Philips, City Attorney Vose, City Clerk Southall
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Forest Tennant, former West Covina Councilmember and Mayor,
discussed his experiences as owner of Tennant Collections located
in West Covina near the border of the City of Covina. As his
business has been used for luncheons, dinners, meetings, special
events, etc., he suggested several ideas to the joint Councils for
future growth considerations benefiting both cities:
* Theaters and a cultural center to draw citizens together
* Avoid Performing Arts Center
* Location is important — avoid freeway sites where
mortgage is high
* Pursue private/public funding partnerships
* Perhaps a tourist bureau.
OPEN DISCUSSION ON ISSUES CONCERNING COVINA AND WEST COVINA
Mayor Herfert commenced a round -table discussion among the
Councilmembers, welcoming comments and suggestions on items
of mutual concern or interest to the two cities.
Herfert Mayor Herfert noted that the City of West Covina is acquiring the
Ridgeriders Equestrian Center which could be used as a regional
isfacility. He suggested developing an Olympic size swimming/
training facility at South Hills High School, perhaps utilizing joint
grants.
Palmeri Councilmember Palmeri suggested a back-to-back Welcome to the
City of Covina sign with Welcome to West Covina on the reverse
side. He thought a literacy center would be a good idea, perhaps
with private funding.
Council Minutes of 10/26/00
•
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Allen Councilmember Allen stated the benefits to both cities in keeping
communications open. He suggested the formation of an East San
Gabriel Valley Coordinating Council as a clearinghouse for dates
and events — to avoid special events happening at the same time.
Truax Councilmember Truax suggested a freeway sign exposing the
entire Citrus Avenue corridor, benefiting businesses on Citrus in
both cities.
Howard Councilmember Howard recommended that in addition to the two
Councils meeting periodically, it would be a good idea for staff
members from both cities meet as well.
Touhey Councilmember Touhey noted that staff members could discuss
various projects for joint cooperation and consideration, such as
paving streets, median landscaping, etc.
Wong Mayor Pro Tern Wong commented on the Restaurant Row area and
Covina's Montgomery Ward site as one area for a possible joint
project, such as a car dealership center. Another idea for that area
could be something with a City Walk atmosphere, such as that
found at Universal City.
Christiansen Mayor Christiansen suggested that discussions take place soon
about the old Edwards Theater on Workman Avenue because that
project will affect several Covina businesses. If the Councils can
discuss projects on an on -going basis, rumors and negativity can be
avoided or at least addressed.
Wong Mayor Pro Tern Wong concurred and that competition between the
cities can be alleviated by pursuing joint projects.
Howard Councilmember Howard commented on the difficulties sometimes
encountered by public safety because of boundary lines running
down the middle of streets. It may be easier for the correct city to
respond if the boundary lines were along backyard fences.
Stapleton Councilmember Stapleton stated that the City of Covina will be
short a lot of money with Clippinger Chevrolet moving to West
Covina. On another topic, he suggested the cities band together to
force the State to return the money it took several years ago to
balance the State budget.
Howard Councilmember Howard concurred with Councilmember Stapleton
about joining forces to tackle the State.
Council members Howard and Stapleton agreed to work together to
gain other communities involved with addressing the State about
the money that should be returned to the cities.
Councilmembers expressed their willingness to meet again and
keep the dialog open and continual. They discussed whether to
meet again in three months or in six months after the general
municipal elections in March.
In the meantime, the City Managers will provide their
respective Councils with a list of projects and/or ideas for the next
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT BY COVINA CITY COUNCIL
Motion by Stapleton and seconded by Palmeri to adjourn the
meeting at 8:08 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
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Council Minutes of 10/26/00
RELEASE OF DEMANDS PREPARED FOR 11/7/00
The West Covina City Council reviewed the staff report.
Motion by Howard and seconded by Touhey to authorize
staff to pay the demands prepared for 11/7/00 at their normally
• scheduled time, and ratify them at the November 14'h City Council
meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to adjourn the meeting
at 8:14 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
Attest:
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Ci±y;%ii i'i:-Jatiet'Berry
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Mayor Iq
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