01-16-2001 - Regular Meeting - Minutes•
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 16, 2001
The regular meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order by Mayor Herfert at 7:43 pm
in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. City Manager Hobbs gave
the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Herfert.
ROLL CALL Mayor Herfert, Mayor Pro Tern Wong, Councilmembers Howard,
Melendez, Touhey
Others Present: Hobbs, Fields, Mayer, Alvarez-Glasman, Hatch, Keating, Morgan,
Samaniego, Greene, Horvath, MacDonald, Wills, Schimanski,
Esquivel, McIsaac, Swink, Bommarito, Berry
APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the special meeting of January 2, 2001 were
approved as presented.
PRESENTATIONS City Manager Hobbs introduced the Police Department's Annual
Report for 2000, an eight -minute video.
Mayor Herfert requested Fred Burkhardt, Executive Director of the
Chamber of Commerce and president of the 2001 Rose Parade
Float Committee to introduce the members of the committee. Mr.
Burkhardt also narrated the video of the award -winning float.
Mike Miller then acknowledged the volunteers to worked
on the City's rose float.
With the assistance of Community Services Director Hatch, Mayor
Herfert recognized the members of the South Hills High School
Football Team for winning the CIF Division IX Championship and
being the undefeated Valle Vista Champions.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS John Lindow, 415 Lyall Avenue, thanked the City Council for
adjourning the City Council meeting of December 12, 2000 in
memory of his wife.
Mike Miller, 735 E. Herring, requested a clarification for the in-
clusion of several streets with particular pavement problems in the
current slurry seal asphalt program.
City Engineer Mayer addressed the City's Pavement
Management System (PMS) and the methodology used in the
selection of streets. He stated the current project is a preventative
measure. In assessing wear and tear, the PMS takes into
consideration entire streets; consequently, there are streets with
potholes or other defects that have been included.
Steve Graybill Steve Graybill, 1212 E. Puente Avenue, spoke highly of his friends,
St. James Davis and his wife La Donna. He complained about the
Code Enforcement procedure whereby a Code Enforcement Officer
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went into his backyard, using only the permission granted by a day
worker on his property.
City Engineer Mayer addressed this situation, noting that
procedures have been clarified and the particular officer in question
was counseled.
Mayor Herfert requested the issue of trash cans in the alley behind
the Davis' be agendized for the next Council meeting.
Herman Wietzorek Herman Wietzorek, the laborer at Mr. Graybill's property who was
present when the Code Enforcement Officer asked to enter the
Graybill's backyard, expressed his feelings about the situation
discussed by Mr. Graybill.
La Donna Davis La Donna Davis, 616 N. Vincent Avenue, suggested that residents
with an exposed trash problem install a gate or shield of some sort
to hide the trash cans.
Christina Nance Christina Nance, 1236 W. Eckerman, used the sign language inter-
preter to convey her desire to sit on the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Com-
mittee on ADA Regulations.
Katherine Castucci Katherine Castucci, 430 S. Pima Avenue, conveyed her understan-
ding of an action taken by the Personnel Commission. She also felt
that retiring Lt. Wayne Heieck should be recognized at a Council
meeting for his tenure with the City. It was her understanding that
he was not given due recognition because he is currently running
for City Treasurer.
City Manager Hobbs noted that Lt. Heieck is scheduled for
the February 60' Council meeting.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive, responded to Mr. Miller's
concern about slurry sealing over streets with cracks, etc. He said
it was a "feel good" policy — if you feel good you won't pay
attention to what's happening.
Paul Tombrello Paul Tombrello, 3136 E. Virginia Avenue, urged Council to keep
the unique area of eastern West Covina (near Holt Avenue) a
ranch -style area.
John Shewmaker John Shewmaker, 1825 Borrego Drive, felt there was contempt on
the part of the City staff towards the City Council and commented
on other items.
Recess Mayor Herfert called a recess at 9:29 pm. The City Council
reconvened at 9:41 pm with all members present.
CONSENT CALENDAR Commissions' Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Planning 1/9/01
Waste Management/Environmental Quality 12/21/00
Claims Against the City (deny & notify claimant)
On October 5, 2000 the City Clerk's Office received an amended
claim for personal injuries from Maria Munoz. The amount of
claim had not been determined at time of presentation.
On October 5, 2000 the City Clerk's Office received a wrongful
death claim from James D. Rothwell and Marilou Rothwell in the
amount of $1,500,000.
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On October 15, 2000 the City Clerk's Office received a claim for
property damage from Debra Robinson. The amount of claim had
not been determined at time of presentation.
Administrative Review Board (receive & file)
Slight Modification No. 167 (A-0) — Categorical Exemption
Date:
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December 19, 2000
Applicant:
Centex Homes
Location:
Lots 44(A), 53(B), 54(C), 56(D), 57(E), 59(G),
63(H), and 65(I) of Tract No. 47809, and Lots
56(J), 75(K), 44(L), 39(M), 41(N), and 42(0) of
Tract No. 32324
Request:
The applicant requests approval of a slight
modification (minor variance) to allow up to a 20%
maximum reduction in foot front yard and side yard
setback requirements for 15 single-family resi-
dences on 15 lots located in Tract No. 32324 and
47809 in the Single -Family Residential (R-1) Area
District V, Hillside Overlay Zone.
Slight Modification No. 168 — Categorical Exemption
Date: January 4, 2001
Applicant: Evonne Morton
Location: 2746 E. Maureen Street
Request: The applicant requests approval of a slight modify -
cation (minor variance) to allow the construction of
a 210t square foot patio enclosed addition at the
rear of an existing single-family residence with an 8
foot rear yard setback instead of the minimum
required 10 foot rear yard setback for the Planning
Community Development No. I Zone, Woodside
Village Master Plan.
Award of Bids
Purchase of Firefighter Safety Vests
Aardvark Tactical Supply -
Recommendation is to approve the purchase of 82 personal armor
Firefighter safety vests
vests from Aardvark Tactical Supply at a cost not to exceed
$49,708.40.
City Treasurer's Reports (receive and file)
Reports for the months of October and November 2000
Miscellaneous — Public Works
Cl? and Building Activity Report — Fourth Quarter 2000
Recommendation is to receive and file the staff report.
Cameron Avenue Speed Limits
Recommendation is to introduce the following ordinance reducing
the speed limit on Cameron Avenue from Pacific Avenue to
Orange from 40 mph to 35 mph and reducing the speed limit from
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Valinda Avenue to Azusa Avenue from 45 mph to 40 mph.
introduced -
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
.Ordinance
Cameron Avenue speed limits
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 22-132
OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
DECREASES OF STATE LAW MAXIMUM SPEEDS
Geotechnical Evaluation Report for the 2400 Block of Belinda St
Recommendation is to receive and file the staff report.
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Resolution 2001-4 -
Accepting lots for open space
Resolution 2001-5 -
NPDES Permit application
Resolution 2001-6 -
Minimum wage adjustments
Acceptance of Various Lots within Woodside Village
For Open Space Purposes
Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-4 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
ACCEPTING LOT 50, 51, AND 52 OF TRACT NO. 23006, LOT
8 OF TRACT NO. 216283, LOT 1 OF TRACT NO. 26290, LOTS
72 AND 149 OF TRACT NO. 28406, LOTS 49 AND 50 OF
TRACT NO. 30231, LOTS 62 AND 63 OF TRACT NO. 30982,
LOT 43 OF TRACT NO. 31273, LOTS 84, 85, 86, 87, AND 88 OF
TRACT NO. 32980, AND LOT 46 OF TRACT NO. 33271 FOR
OPEN SPACE PURPOSES
Application for a Sub -Watershed Municipal NPDES Permit
Recommendation is to , adopt the following resolution that
authorizes an application for a municipal NPDES permit that would
be limited to cities in the Upper San Gabriel River, provided that a
majority of municipalities located therein join in the application for
the permit:
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-5 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN AN UPPER SAN
GABRIEL RIVER MUNICIPAL NATIONAL POLLUTANT
DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) PERMIT
Miscellaneous — Finance Department
2001/02 Operating_ and C1P Budget Calendars
Recommendation is to receive and file the staff report.
Miscellaneous — Police Department
Police Department Team Building Workshop
Recommendation is to receive and file the staff report.
Miscellaneous — Environmental Management
BKK landfill Closure Plans — Status Report
Recommendation is to receive and file the staff report.
Miscellaneous — Personnel Services
Federal Minimum Wage Adjustments
The City Council acknowledged a revised resolution from staff.
Recommendation is to waive further reading of the resolution and
adopt, as amended by the revised version received by Council:
RESOLUTION NO. 2001-6 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALMORNIA,
FIXING THE COMPENSATION OF CLASSIFICATIONS
WITHIN THE LIMITED SERVICE CLASSIFICATIONS AND
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 9546
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Howard and seconded by Touhey to waive further
reading of the resolutions/ordinance and adopt/introduce, and to
approve all other items listed, except: C-6a, C-6b, and C-6d.
Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong, Herfert
NOES: None
Item C-6a Councilmember Howard requested that in reference to the Capital
Improvement Program and Building Activity Report (Item C-
6a), City staff include a project to eliminate the odors in the Police
Department basement.
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Council Minutes of 1/16/01
Motion by Howard and seconded by Herfert to receive and
file the staff report for Item C-6a. Motion carried 5-0.
Item C-6b Councilmember Touhey commented in reference to Cameron
Avenue Speed Limits (Item C-6b) that reducing speed limits
• ! improves property values.
� Motion by Wong and seconded by Herfert to approve the
staff recommendation reducing the speed limits on Cameron.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item C-6d City Engineer Mayer presented the staff report relative to the
Geotechnical Evaluation Report for the 2400 Block of Belinda
Street (Item C-6d). Two residents of Belinda Street addressed the
City Council:
Robert Marshall Robert Marshall and Lani Arciniega, 2428 Belinda Street,
stated that the report received by the City of West Covina from the
consultant was no more in-depth than the report already complied
by the consultant the residents hired. The need was for a more
thorough investigation.
Council discussed the situation and asked for clarification
from the City Engineer regarding follow-up investigations.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Howard to direct the
City's consultant to conduct the full range of testing, as indicated in
the consultant's recommended further actions, to the three worst
lots on Belinda Street. Further, the consultant, staff, and the
residents meet afterward to review those findings. Motion carried
5-0.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Valencia Heights Water Company City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman stated that an item has come up for
Council's consideration since the posting of the Agenda. In order
to discuss or take action on the Valencia Heights Water Company
agreement, a 4/5 affirmative vote of the Council is required to place
it on the Agenda.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Howard to place the
item on the Agenda for consideration. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Pro Tem Wong stated that as a customer of Valencia
Heights Water Company, he owns one share of the mutual water
company. Due to conflict of interest laws, he would abstain from
the discussion and vote on this issue.
Mayor Herfert read the Letter of Understanding dated January 12,
2001, which stated, in part, that Valencia Heights Water Company
would sell the property to the City for $1,375,000. It also stated
that if the City Council accepts the terms, the City Attorney would
draft the necessary real property sales documents for execution no
later than February 16, 2001.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to approve the
terms of the agreement. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Wong ab-
staining (conflict of interest).
PUBLIC SERVICES No reports for this meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT No reports for this meeting.
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REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Herfert recessed the City Council meeting at 10:10 pm. The
City Council reconvened at 10:13 pm with all members present.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
PUBLIC SAFETY
No reports for this meeting.
No reports for this meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES — PERSONNEL
COMMISSION SALARY SURVEY
Commission Salaries Council reviewed the staff report.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Howard to increase the
monthly stipend for the Planning Commissioners to $100 per
month and for all other commissioners: $50 per month. Motion
carried 5-0.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION — OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
CONFLICTING COUNCIL MEETING DATE IN MARCH
March 6, 2001 Election Night Council reviewed the staff report.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Howard to conduct a
City Council meeting on the regularly scheduled date and time of
7:30 pm March 6, 2001. The meeting will be held in the
Management Resource Center to allow election night activities to
begin in the Council Chambers. Staff was directed to place only
routine matters on the agenda to keep the meeting short. Motion
carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WIRE TRANSFERS
Motion by Howard and seconded by Herfert to approve Demands
totaling $1,818,315.88 (wire transfers: $1,374,533.74) as listed on
check register numbers 3026313 through 3026569. Motion carried
by roll call vote:
AYES: Howard, Melendez, Touhey, Wong, Herfert
NOES: None
MAYOR'S REPORT NETTING REQUEST FOR WALMERADO PARK PINTO
FIELD AND CORTEZ PARK MAJOR AND MINOR FIELDS
Council reviewed the staff report.
Mayor Herfert requested that this item be held over until
the next Council meeting.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
Councilmember Touhey requested that the meeting be adjourned in
memory of Ralph Lewis of Lewis Homes. Mr. Lewis was very
active throughout the San Gabriel Valley region and Southern
California.
Councilmember Melendez requested that the meeting also be
adjourned in memory of Jay Carlos, Sr., a forty -year resident of
West Covina.
Oral Communications Mayor Herfert noted that he had a speaker's card from Mike Miller
and invited him to the podium.
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Mike Miller Mike Miller, 735 E. Herring Avenue, presented follow-up
questions to City Engineer Mayer's comments regarding the slurry
sealing project:
a) What is the explanation for foregoing crack sealing.
b) Why are streets that were paved two years being slurry
sealed now.
c) What is the source document that indicates property
values increase with the paving of the streets.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT City Manager Hobbs asked Fire Chief Greene to present the status
the City's efforts to date in preparing for the energy crisis, rolling
blackouts, power shortages, etc.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and seconded by Howard to adjourn the
meeting at 10:30 pm in memory of Ralph Lewis and Jay Carlos.
Motion carried 5-0.
Attest, � ,
City; Clerk Janet Berry/
D
Mayor St we erfe
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