01-02-2001 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 2, 2001
. The regular meeting;of the West Covina City Council was called to order by Mayor Herfert at 7:40 pm
in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. The invocation was given
by City Manager Hobbs and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Herfert.
ROLL CALL Mayor Herfert, Mayor Pro Tem Wong, Councilmembers Howard,
Melendez, Touhey
Others Present: Hobbs, Fields, Mayor, Alvarez-Glasman, Yauchzee, Nguyen,
Hatch, Schimanski, Genovese, Samaniego, Horvath, Fox, Swink,
Berry
PRESENTATION City Manager Hobbs stated that at the beginning of each Council
meeting one Department's video annual report would be aired. The
annual report for this meeting was submitted by the Police
Department.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES The City Clerk presented corrections to the City Council on Pages
10 and 11 of the regular meeting minutes of December 12, 2000.
Council approved the following minutes as presented, as
corrected:
Special meeting of December 12, 2000
Regular meeting of December 12, 2000
Special meeting of December 22, 2000
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Mike Miller Mike Miller, 735 E. Herring, reported on the City's Rose Float.
The float received the Mayor's Trophy and would be on display
through the upcoming weekend at the West Covina Dodge Dealer-
ship on Garvey Avenue South.
Shirley Hanson Shirley Hanson, 21149 Brockport, Covina, complained about West
Covina Code enforcement activities and referred to an article in the
Tribune.
Upon remarks by the City Council, the City Manager stated
that staff would look into the situation.
La Donna Davis La Donna Davis, 616 N. Vincent Avenue, stated she was mother to
"Moe the Chimp" and invited the citizenry to come to her home
and meet her husband, St. James Davis, a City Council candidate.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive, spoke on several issues:
• public record act responses by the City, the code enforcement
program, and particularly in light of Shadow Oak Park's sign.
Councilmember Melendez hoped the citizens of West Covina can
see through remarks made by Council candidates, as several of the
remarks are misrepresenting Councilmember statements.
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Mayor Herfert stated that he would not permit campaigning and he
would not prohibit any candidate from speaking their views.
Ronnie Jones Ronnie Jones and Frankie Baker, both of the NAACP, commented
on the celebration activities being scheduled for Monday, January
15, at City Hall, commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr.
Corey Warshaw Corey Warshaw, 3330 E. Holt Avenue, spoke as a member of the
CARE Loan Review Committee and stated that funding has run out
for GRIP grants (small business assistance program). He hoped
Council could reallocate funding from the CARE loan budget to
GRIP, allowing that program to continue.
Roberta Azpeitia Roberta Azpeitia, 1740 Oakridge Circle, commented on the Code
Enforcement Program and the situation discussed in the letter to the
Tribune.
HEARINGS No hearings scheduled for this meeting.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM Mayor Herfert noted the number of speakers in the audience who
wished to address Consent Calendar Item No.C-4c: Mt. SAC's
Use of Shadow Oak Community Center and asked for a verbal
staff report.
Community Service Director Hatch presented the staff
report and Mayor Herfert received comments from the following:
Makiko Iwai Makiko Iwai, Walnut, the instructor of the Mommy and Me
program at Shadow Oak Park through Mt. SAC (Agenda Item C-
4c) stated that she preferred no changes to the program or its
location.
Lollie Bergman Lollie Bergman, 847 Wescove Place, discussed the program and
felt that if drapes are required for the Mt. SAC Mommy and Me
program, the City should not be purchasing the drapes — unless
Director Hatch can justify the drapes for other City programs. She
reported that Mt. SAC receives funding for the Mommy and Me
program. She said she would be obtaining more information and
following up.
Bertha Palma Bertha Palma, 2337 S. Regina Street, said that she and her two
daughters have greatly benefited from the program.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive, suggested that a sixteen -year
old successful program should be left alone.
Rachel Zavala Rachel Zavala, 2043 Delores Street, spoke favorably of the
program.
Rebecca Rios Rebecca Rios, 3226 Bali Drive, spoke favorably of the program as
a grandmother.
Edith Gonzalez Edith Gonzalez, 3025 Cecelia Street, felt her 17-year old daughter
is now an honor student because of the fine start through the
Mommy and Me program.
Margie High Margie High, Director of Special Programs at Mt. SAC, addressed
the program. She spoke of the college's mission and partnering
with the City; however, Mt. SAC cannot help with the cost of
drapes and/or partition because it is the City's facility.
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Roberta Azpeitia Roberta Azpeitia, 1740 Oakridge Circle, urged Council to keep the
program at the Shadow Oak Park facility and perhaps entertain
more programs.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to keep the status quo.
Council discussion followed. Motion failed 2-3 with Howard,
Melendez, and Wong voting no.
Motion by Melendez and seconded by Howard to receive and file
the staff report for Consent Calendar Item C-4c, which indicates
a solution had been reached between the staff of Mt. SAC and City
staff. Staff was urged to monitor the program. Motion carried 3-2
with Touhey and Herfert voting no.
Recess Mayor Herfert called a recess at 9:50 pm. The City Council
reconvened at 10:08 pm with all members present.
In deference to the large number of people remaining in the
audience who wished to speak to Item D-1 (Valencia Heights
Water Company's Citrus Street Property), below, Mayor
Herfert opted to move forward this item for discussion and to return
later to finish the Consent Calendar.
PUBLIC SERVICES ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION APPROVING A
HEARING DATE FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF A
RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY AND THE COMMENCE-
MENT OF EMINENT DOMAIN (CONDEMNATION)
{ PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO VALENCIA HEIGHTS
WATER COMPANY'S CITRUS STREET PROPERTY
Valencia Heights Water Co. Mayor Pro Tent Wong stated that due to conflict of interest laws,
he would abstain from the discussion and vote on this item, because
as a homeowner served by Valencia Heights Water Company, he
owns one share of the mutual water company. He stepped down
from the Council table.
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman presented the staff report. Mayor
Herfert accepted comments from the following individuals, each
favoring the continuation of the equestrian center:
Alan Carrico
Alan Carrico, 2937 E. Mesa Drive
Shelley Sanderson
Shelley Sanderson, 2743 E. Vanderhoof Drive
Royal Brown
Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive
John Scheuplein
John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive, #247
Jules Sandford
Jules Sandford, attorney for Valencia Heights Water Company,
discussed the issue from his client's point of view. He said they
were willing to meet in good faith, anytime, any place. He
disagreed with the proposed process currently being discussed by
Council. He favored mediation to resolve the purchase/sale of the
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property.
The following individuals favored the continuation of the
equestrian center:
Karl Armbrust
Karl Armbrust, 2837 E. Vanderhoof Drive
Brenda Newbold
Brenda Newbold, 2707 Vanderhoof Drive, expressed concern about
increased congestion on Citrus Street.
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Elizabeth Gonzalez Elizabeth Gonzalez spoke on behalf of the Ridge Riders Youth
Group.
Councilmember Howard commenced Council discussion by stating
that no one on the City Council intends to close the equestrian
center. The offer of $3.15 million must be made to Valencia
Heights Water Company in writing. She felt it would be prudent to
make that formal offer and not adopt the resolution before the City
Council. Council discussion followed.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to present a formal
offer as soon as possible and set the hearing date for February 6,
2001. Further comments followed. The motion carried 3-1-1 with
Howard voting no and Wong abstaining (conflict of interest).
Mayor pro tem Wong returned to the Council table.
CONSENT CALENDAR Commissions' Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Community Services Commission 12/11/00
Temporary Use Permits (receive & file)
TUP #2634-00 was issued to Clyde Tuttle at 615 N. Azusa Avenue
for a Christmas tree lot from 12/1/00 through 12/25/00.
TUP #2635-00 was issued to Primera Iglesia Bautista First Baptist
Hispanic Church at 1100 E. Cameron Avenue for a Christmas event
on 12/16/00.
TUP #2636-00 was issued to Filipino Chamber of Commerce at
Seafood City Center for an unveiling of Manila Way on 12/9/00.
TUP #2637-00 was issued to Doug Martin Construction at the
northwest corner of Lark Ellen Avenue and Cameron Avenue for a
construction yard from 12/18/00 through 2/28/01.
TUP #2638-00 was issued to West Covina Dodge at 2000 E.
Garvey Avenue South for a tent sale from 12/19/00 to 1115101.
City Treasurer's Reports (receive & file)
Report for the month of August 2000
Report for the month of September 2000
Miscellaneous — Community Services
Approval of Request to Serve Alcohol at an Anniversary Cele-
bration at the Senior Citizens Center
Recommendation is to authorize the Garcia Family of West Covina
to serve champagne, beer and wine at the celebration of their
wedding anniversary on January 14, 2001 at the West Covina
Seniors Center.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
Recommendation is to authorize the requested expenditure of
$1,000 from the Non -Departmental City Council Reserve Account
of the General Fund 110-304-2540-6900 to rent the necessary
tables and chairs.
Item Considered Earlier Mt. SAC's Use of Shadow Oak Community Center
Recommendation is to receive and file the staff report.
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Miscellaneous — City Clerk's Office
Destruction of Documents as Prescribed by Law
Resolution 2001-2 - Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
Documents for destruction RESOLUTION NO. 2001-2 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
DOCUMENTS AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW
Miscellaneous — Fire Department
Revised Amendment to Agreement for Exchange of Services
Between the City of West Covina and Los Angeles County
Paramedic billing re County Recommendation is to approve the Amendment to the Agreement
for exchange of paramedic service between the City of Wet Covina
and Los Angeles County Consolidated Fire Protection District.
The revised amendment will increase the City's emergency medical
call charge to the County from $105.99 to $175.00 per call, thereby
allowing the Fire Department to recover the full cost of providing
medical services outside of the City for the County.
Miscellaneous — Personnel Services
Approval of Class Specification Entitled:
Planning Permit Technician
Resolution 2001-3 - Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
Planning Permit Technician RESOLUTION NO. 2001-3 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 7223, RELATING
TO CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF THIS
POSITION, AS AMENDED; AND APPROVING THE CLASSI-
FICATION OF PLANNING PERMIT TECHNICIAN
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Melendez and seconded by Touhey to waive further
reading of the resolutions and adopt, and to approve all other items
listed, except: C-4a. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong, Herfert
NOES: None
Item C-4a Mayor Pro Tem Wong expressed concern about liability with the
serving of alcohol at the Senior Citizens Center (Item C-4a).
Community Services Manager Bommarito responded that the
applicants are required to supply a) a deposit, b) West Covina
Police Officers, c) approval through the Temporary Use Permit
process, and d) Council approval.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Howard to approve as
recommended by staff. Motion carried 4-1 with Herfert voting no.
Item C-3a and 3b Wayne Heieck, 1313 S. Sunkist, wondered why it took so long for
the City Treasurer's Reports to appeal on the Agenda (months of
August and September).
City Manager Hobbs explained the normal six -week lag
time and that the City has been without a Finance Director for the
last three months.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT No reports for this meeting.
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COMMUNITY SERVICES ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR A NEW LOCATION
FOR THE COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF WEST COVINA
Community Food Bank Councilmember Touhey stated that he has not been on the Board of
Directors for the Community Food Bank and therefore no conflict.
Community Services Manager Bommarito presented the staff
report.
Elizabeth Geiger Elizabeth Geiger, 1624 Sawyer Avenue, explained the difficulties
j in attempting to combine different food banks together.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, favored the use of the vacant
shop at Citrus/Workman RDA project site for a temporary location.
Council discussed the various options available in helping
relocating the Food Bank to another site.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to approve the
use of the Citrus/Workman Avenue store site as an interim solution
and directed staff to look into the cost and viability of converting
the "California Barn" during the CIP budgeting as a long-term
solution. Motion carried 5-0.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Herfert recessed the City Council meeting at 11:45 pm to
convene the Redevelopment Agency meeting. The City Council
reconvened at 12:27 am with all members present.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES — FINANCE DEPARTMENT
FINANCE DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT REVIEW
Wayne Heieck Wayne Heieck, 1313 S. Sunkist Avenue, asked for clarification
regarding the auditing firm's rates, particularly in relation to the
proposed contract amendment.
The staff report was presented by Severo Esquival, the City's
Financial Management Consultant, who also responded to ques-
tions and comments. City Manager Hobbs commented further.
Motion by Howard and seconded by Herfert to hold over, directing
staff to report back to Council with items needing immediate
attorney for the purpose of issuing an RFP. Motion carried 5-0.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION No reports for this meeting.
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WIRE TRANSFERS
Motion by Howard and seconded by Herfert to approve Demands
totaling $1,773,919,31 (wire transfers: $958,513.21) as listed on
check registers 3026071 — 3026312. Motion carried by roll call
vote:
AYES: Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong, Herfert
NOES: None
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Melendez to add the Ratifi-
cation of Demands for the expenditures designated for December
19, 2000. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion by Howard and seconded by Herfert to ratify Demands
totaling $2,300,559.48 (wire transfers: $1,367,740.65) as listed on
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MAYOR'S REPORT
check registers 3025791 through 3026070. Motion carried by roll
call vote:
AYES: Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong, Herfert
NOES: None
BLUE RIBBON COMMITTEE
TO ADDRESS ADA REGULATIONS
Mayor Herfert reviewed the staff report.
Council discussed the method for choosing committee
members.
Motion by Melendez and seconded by Wong to request
Councilmembers to concur with the Mayor's request to establish a
Blue Ribbon Citizen Committee for ADA regulations and to
provide nominees to the Mayor by the end of January, 2001.
Motion carried 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
Councilmember Melendez suggested a policy to get documents
executed when the Mayor is unable or unavailable to sign.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT No report for this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and seconded by Wong to adjourn the meeting
at 1:00 am. Motion carried 5-0.
ayor ev Her ert
Attest:`
{
City`Cler Janet Berry
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