04-03-2001 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
APRIL 3, 2001
• The regular meeting of the West Covina City Council was called to order by Mayor Wong at 7:45 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 Councilmember Mike Miller.
ROLL CALL Mayor Wong, Mayor Pro Tem Touhey, Councilmembers Herfert,
Miller, Sanderson
Others Present: Hobbs, Chung, Alvarez-Glasman, Fields, Samaniego, Heaton, Fox,
Keating, Swink, Fong, Genovese, Bommarito, MacDonald,
Horvath, McIsaac, Freeland, Mayer, Greene, Esquivel, Berry
PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Wong proclaimed the month of April 2001 as Earthquake
Preparedness Week and presented the proclamation to Fire Chief
Greene and Battalion Chief Genovese.
Mayor Wong proclaimed the week of April 23-29 as April Pools
Week and presented the proclamation to Fire Chief Greene and
Captain Wilch.
PRESENTATIONS Tim O'Neil of the Tournament of Roses Committee presented the
City with the official 2001 Rose Parade Float Picture. The picture
was accepted by Mayor Wong.
Mayor Wong introduced Julia Juarez of United Way. Ms. Juarez
presented a Certificate of Recognition to outgoing City Manager
Dan Hobbs for his support and hard work with United Way.
Stuart York presented a Resolution of Commendation to Mr.
Hobbs on behalf of Congressman David Dreier.
Mayor Wong stated that commendations from Senator Margett,
Asemblyman Pacheco, and County Supervisor Antonovich are in
the process of completion and will be forwarded to Mr. Hobbs,
Mr. Hobbs gave a warm goodbye to West Covina, after 2 1/2 years
as the City's City Manager. He has accepted the City Manager
position for the City of Fresno and his first day of work there is
April 16, 2001.
• ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Wong announced the Acting City Manager has been chosen
and Mr. Christopher Chung, current Redevelopment Director, has
accepted the position. Mr. Chung assumed the City Manager's
seat at the Council dais.
Council Minutes of 4/3/01
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City Clerk Berry announced the following Commission appoint-
ments:
Councilmember Miller
Jo Ann Mart
Bill Roe
Art Velasquez
Stuart York
Mary Newlin
Rickie Santell
Community Services
Community Services
Personnel
Planning
Senior Citizens
Waste Mngt/Env. Quality
Councilmember Herfert (filling a vacancy)
Chris Alturas Waste Mngt/Env. Quality
Councilmember Touhev (filling a vacancy)
Tom Puchalski Community Services
Mayor Wong
Ferdinand Chan
Councilmember Sanderson
Bill Tarozzi
Giancarlo Massarotto
Alan Carrico
Melanie Michaud
Waste Mngt/Env, Quality
Planning
Waste Mngt/Env. Quality
Community Services
Community Services
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS John Hughes presented the City of West Covina a Certificate of
Appreciation recognizing the organization as a valuable supporter
of MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association).
John Scheulplein, 1800 Aroma Drive #247, congratulated the
newly elected Councilmembers and thanked the citizens for voting.
John Shewmaker, 1825 Borrego Drive, made a going away gift for
City Manager Dan Hobbs.
Roberta Wile, President of West Covina Chamber of Commerce,
invited the City Council to attend the Chamber's Annual Planning
Retreat.
Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma
present on the sidewalk a
Albertson's on Workman.
Drive, stated that trash has been
,a for some time just north of
Dena Hernandez, former controller for the City of West Covina,
discussed the manner in which she was let go and felt that the City
was withholding a PERS check.
Mayor Wong stated that the paperwork she gave to each of
the Councilmembers will be forwarded to the City Attorney. Com-
ments were made by Mayor Pro Tern Touhey and Councilmember
Herfert.
St. James Davis, 616 N. Vincent Avenue, spoke as father of "Moe
the Chimp" and thanked the people who voted for him in his bid
for City Council. He invited everyone to come to his workshop to
make signs and join him in demonstrating to bring Moe home.
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HEARING
Hearing held over
F. VXVIT111TIN
Weed Abatement 2001
2001/2002 ACTION PLAN AND SERVICE PROJECTS
City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication. Mayor
Wong opened the hearing.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Miller to approve
staffs request to hold the hearing over until May 15, 2001 at which
time both the Public Service Projects and the draft action plan will
be presented for public comment. Motion carried 5-0.
WEED ABATEMENT 2001
City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of posting and mailing.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Miller to receive and file the
affidavit. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Wong opened the public hearing and the staff report
was presented by Fire Battalion Chief Genovese.
Public Testimony Mayor Wong opened the public testimony portion of the hearing.
City Clerk Berry stated that no written protests or objections had
none been received by the City Clerk's Office. Mayor Wong asked for
verbal comments and no one addressed the City Council. He then
Testimony closed closed the public testimony portion of the hearing.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Miller to order the abatement
of weeds and rubbish on those properties described in Resolution of
Intention No. 2001-23. Motion carried 5-0.
Mayor Wong noted that there were several speaker cards for
Agenda Item No. G-1 and moved that item forward to be considered
at this time.
COMMUNITY SERVICES 2002 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES FLOAT AND CONTRACT
WITH WEST COVINA ROSE FLOAT FOUNDATION
Councilmember Miller read a statement for the record:
"Before considering this item, I wish to note for the record that I
am currently not a member of the Board of Directors of the West
Covina Rose Float Association, having resigned on March 20,
2001. Previously I did serve as a board member for this nonprofit
organization but I did not receive any salary, compensation or other
economic benefit for volunteering my services to the Float Founda-
tion. I have consulted with the City Attorney on this matter and it
appears that I am not deemed to have an economic interest in this
contract under the Government Code but must declare my previous
relationship before participating in this matter. So I will be par-
ticipating."
Community Services Director Hatch presented the staff report and
responded to comments and questions.
Councilmember Herfert noted that he could support all the
recommendations except the fourth one, which would authorize an
advance of $120,000 from the City to the Chamber of Commerce.
He felt the Chamber would be an unnecessary middleman step.
Councilmember Miller expounded on the past difficulties
utilizing the City for the financial coordination of the float project.
He noted that utilizing the Chamber for this would be more
effective and timely.
Mayor Pro Tern Touhey stated that he was comfortable
using the City for the financial coordination.
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Council Minutes of 4/3/01
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Mayor Wong reiterated his previous position on this issue — he was
not in favor of using the Business Improvement Tax for a project
that didn't directly benefit the business community.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive #247, blamed Mayor Wong's
opposition to the use of BIT as the cause of the poor fundraising
results.
Councilmember Sanderson stated her support for the City's Rose
Float and that the City needs to get off to an earlier start to raise
funds throughout the community.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to approve the
following recommendations, except Item No. 4 (Recommendation
No 4 is listed informationally):
1. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with the West
Covina Tournament of Roses Foundation when the Foundation is
officially formed.
2. Appropriate $100,000 from the General Fund Reserves, account #
110-320 (for the construction of the float) to 110-320-2349-6206.
3. Appropriate $20,000 from the General Fund Reserves, account #
110-320 (for fundraising seed money) to 110-320-2349-6206.
4. Authorize the City Manager to sign the attached letter advancing
the West Covina Chamber of Commerce $120,000 from account #
110-320-2349-6206. The Chamber will then proceed with the
construction of the float pending the formal incorporation of the
Foundation.
5. Direct the Finance Department to include an interfund transfer of
$50,000 from Fund 118 (BIT) to the General Fund (110) on July 1,
2001.
6. Direct the Finance Department to deposit donations (estimated at
$50,000) into the General Fund (110), when the donations are
received. (It should be noted that up to $20,000 in costs will be
incurred by the General Fund if fundraising does not generate
$70,000).
7. Provide staff time and transportation support at the same level as
the previous year.
Motion carried 4-1 with Wong voting no.
PUBLIC SAFETY — POLICE DEPARTMENT
FINANCIAL AUDIT OF THE
WEST COVINA SERVICE GROUP
WC Service Group Police Chief Wills presented the staff report and stated that Ms.
Nasi Raissian of Caporicci, Cropper & Larson, the auditing firm
that reviewed the financial records of the West Covina Service
Group was present to answer the technical questions.
Wayne Heieck Wayne Heieck, 1313 S. Sunkist Avenue, felt there was a lack of
information in the report and asked for a clarification on the cost
for the audit. In addition, it was his opinion that Police
Commanders should not be allowed in the negotiations with
potential buyers of the West Covina Service Group because they
could be the highly paid consultants for the new owners.
Police Chief Wills and Ms. Raissian responded to the questions and
comments raised by both Council and the citizen. Chief Wills
noted that the check made payable to CC & L for the audit was in
the amount of $8100.
Council Minutes of 4/3/01
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Motion by Miller and seconded by Herfert to receive and file the
"Independent Accountants" Report Applying Agreed -Upon
Procedures pertaining to the West Covina Service Group. Motion
carried 5-0.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT No reports for this meeting.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION — CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
HUMAN RELATIONS MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
CONSORTIUM (HRMAQ
Assistant City Manager Fields presented the staff report.
Frankie Maryland Frankie Maryland, Senior Human Relations Consultant with the
county of Los Angeles Commission on Human Relations discussed
the positive aspects of joining the consortium.
Motion by Miller, and seconded by Herfert to a) prepare the Mutual
Assistance Agreement, b) initiate a .review of the existing
conditions in the City of West Covina, and c) form a committee
based on the recommendations of the County of Los Angeles
Commission on Human Relations to draft an inter -Group Relations
Plan. Motion carried 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR Commissions' Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Planning 3/27/01
Community Services 2/13/01 & 3/13/01
Senior Citizens 3/8/01
Joint Community Services/Senior Citizens 2/8/01
Claims Against the City (deny & notify claimant)
On January 24, 2001 the City Clerk's Office received a claim from
Filomeno C. Martinez for property damage in the amount of
$2,000.
On January 30, 2001 the City Clerk's Office received a claim from
Arleene Cuevas Aguirre for personal injuries in the amount of
$150,000.
On January 24, 2001 the City Clerk's Office received a claim from
John F. Avelar for property damage in the amount of $1,000.
On January 29, 2001 the City Clerk's Office received a claim from
Luisa Gonzalez, a minor, by and through her guardian Ad Litem,
Socorro Gonzales for personal injuries. The amount of the claim
had not been determined at time of presentation.
Temporary Use Permits (receive & file)
• TUP #2646-01 was issued to Calvary Christian Fellowship at 1609
E. Cameron Avenue for an Easter Sunrise Service on April 15,
2001 from 7 am until 9 am. -
Award of Bid
Award of Bid No. 2000-07 for the Purchase of Fire Equipment
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Council Minutes of 4/3/01
Fire Rescue Group Recommendation is to authorize the purchase of four fire vehicles
per the specifications in Bid No. 2000-07 from Fire Rescue Group
by payment of $810,000.00 from account 110-281-7170 and 365-
320-2224-7170 and $80,861.00 with a lease purchase agreement
Allied Signal Corporation from Allied Signal Corporation.
• City Treasurer's Report (receive & file)
Report for the month of February 2001.
Miscellaneous — Public Works
Landscape Maintenance Districts Nos. 4, 6, and 7 —
Preliminary Approval of the Engineer's Report
Recommendation is to adopt the following resolutions:
Resolution 2001-25 RESOLUTION NO. 2001-25 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
MD #4 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
PRELIMINARILY APPROVING THE CERTIFIED ENGI-
NEER'S REPORT AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 15, 2001 FOR LAND-
SCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 4 COMMENCING IN
FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 TO FUND THE OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN LANDSCAPING AND
APPURTENANT FACILITIES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES
OF THE DISTRICT.
Resolution 2001-26 RESOLUTION NO. 2001-26 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
MD 96 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
PRELIMINARILY APPROVING THE CERTIFIED ENGI-
NEER'S REPORT AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 15, 2001 FOR LAND-
SCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 6 COMMENCING IN
FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 TO FUND THE OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN LANDSCAPING AND
APPURTENANT FACILITIES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES
OF THE DISTRICT
Resolution 2001-27 RESOLUTION NO. 2001-27 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
MD #7 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
PRELIMINARILY APPROVING THE CERTIFIED ENGI-
NEER'S REPORT AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO
HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON MAY 15, 2001 FOR LAND-
SCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 7 COMMENCING IN
FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002 TO FUND THE OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN LANDSCAPING AND
APPURTENANT FACILITIES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES
OF THE DISTRICT
Miscellaneous — Environmental Management
Resolution Authorizing FY 2001/2002 Enforcement Assistance
Grant Applications
Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
Resolution 2001-28 RESOLUTION NO. 2001-28 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
CIWMB grant COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
isAUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLICATION TO
THE CALIFORNIA INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT
BOARD FOR AN ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANT
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to waive further
reading of the resolutions and adopt, and to approve all other items
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listed, except Item No. C-4 and C-6a. Motion carried by roll call
vote:
AYES: Herfert, Miller, Sanderson, Touhey, Wong
NOES: None
Item C-4 In relation to Item C-4 (Award of Bid for the Purchase of Fire
Equipment), Fire Chief Greene responded to questions regarding
the age of the vehicles and other equipment proposed for
replacement. Councilmember Herfert requested a copy of the
specifications for the equipment. Mayor Pro Tern Touhey
preferred that the vehicles not be purchased through a lease pro-
gram, but purchased out -right from the vehicle replacement fund.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Miller to approve the
purchase of the fire equipment without utilizing the lease program
and staff to report back with the new total amount, understanding
the discount for cash payment. Motion carried 5-0.
Item C-6a Regarding Item C-6a (Preliminary Approval of Engineer's Reports
regarding MD 94, 6, and 7), Mayor Wong stated that he would
abstain from the discussion and vote on the resolution relative to
Maintenance District No. 7, as he resides in that district.
City Clerk Berry read the title of the resolutions for the first
two maintenance districts. Motion by Herfert and seconded by
Sanderson to waive reading and adopt Resolution No. 2001-25
(MD #4) and Resolution No. 2001-26 (MD #6). Motion carried
5-0.
City Clerk Berry read the title of the resolution applicable
to MD #7. Motion by Herfert and seconded by Miller to waive
further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2001-27 (MD #7).
Motion carried 4-0-1 with Wong abstaining.
PUBLIC WORKS
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
No reports for this meeting.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Wong recessed the City Council meeting at 9:56 pm in
order to convene the Redevelopment Agency. The Redevelopment
Agency adjourned at 10:20 pm.
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
Mayor Wong called to order the Public Financing Authority Board
meeting at 10:20 pm. The City Council reconvened at 10:23 pm
with all members present.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Council reviewed the staff report. Councilmember Herfert asked
CAFR for a clarification on Page 60 of the CAFR. Interim Finance Direc-
tor Esquivel responded.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to receive and
file the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal
year ending June 30, 2000. Motion carried 5-0.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT —
WEST COVINA PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
Council reviewed the staff report.
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Annual Financial Report — PFA Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to receive and
file the West Covina Public Financial Authority financial
statements and related audit report for the fiscal year ending June
30, 2000. Motion carried 5-0.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT —
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Council reviewed the staff report.
Annual Financial Report — RDA Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to receive and
file the Redevelopment Agency Annual Report for FY 2000/2001.
Motion carried 5-0.
FY 2000/01 MID -YEAR REVIEW —
GENERAL FUND AND RECOMMENDED BUDGET
Interim Finance Director Esquivel presented the staff report.
Mid -year Budget review Councilmember Herfert noted that the City Attorney and
litigation fees were those incurred from the previous City Attorney.
He also commented on the electric energy situation.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Miller to approve the
budget adjustments as listed in the staff report. Motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WIRE TRANSFERS
Councilmember Miller read a statement for the record:
"Before considering this item, I wish to note for the record
that I currently serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the
West Covina Historical Society, by serving as the House and Site
Supervisor. In serving in this capacity for this nonprofit organi-
zation, I do not receive any salary, compensation, or other
economic benefit for volunteering my services to this group. I have
consulted with the City Attorney in this matter and it appears that I
am not deemed to have an economic interest in this contract, under
Government Code § 1091.5(a)12, but find it advisable to declare
my relationship for the record before participating in this matter.
On the demands is a $64,000 check to the Historical Society under
the contract revised lease to be able to restore the house."
Motion by Miller and seconded by Herfert to approve
demands totaling $1,601,161.58 (wire transfers = $1,026,772.99) as
listed on check registers 3027810 through 3028237. Motion
carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Miller, Sanderson, Touhey, Wong
NOES: None
MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Wong requested Council to submit their preferences to him
as to liaison appointments with other agencies and organizations.
On another matter, Mayor Wong announced that a farewell
barbeque has been scheduled for Thursday at noon to say good-bye
to City Manager Hobbs. It will be held in the Community Room
on the first floor.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
COMMUNITY CENTER/GYM PROJECT
Community Services Director Hatch presented the staff report.
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John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive 9247, urged Council to move
forward with this project.
Ken Clevenger Ken Clevenger, 1232 S. Valinda Avenue, president of the West
Covina Youth Basketball League, urged Council to move forward
with this project.
Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to direct staff to
immediately begin hiring a design firm for a community
center/gym at Cameron Park with a budget limit on funding at $4
million.
Councilmember Miller agreed that the current Cameron
Park Youth Center is beyond its usefulness. However, he was not
supportive of approving this idea without a) more citizen input, b)
finding another location because Cameron Park is already
overused, and c) upgrading the park plans. Further, the project
needs to be included in the CIP process coming up soon.
Mayor Wong agreed a community center is a very desirable thing
to have in the City; however, he concurred with Councilmember
Miller's comments. He opposed taking projects outside the usual
budgetary process.
Councilmember Sanderson noted that other cities have such
centers and West Covina needs one. She stated her reasons for
supporting a community center and urged the Council to move
forward. The City is doing well and will find the funds.
Mayor Wong asked for a vote on the pending motion, stated above.
Motion carried 3-2 with Miller and Wong voting no.
SKATE PARK PROJECT
Community Services Director Hatch presented the staff report and
responded to questions and comments.
Skate Park Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to immediately
proceed with the design of a skate park facility at Orangewood Park
and confer with Street Hockey.
Councilmember Miller objected to moving forward at this
meeting on this issue for the same reasons he stated in opposition
to moving forward with the Community Center. Mayor Wong
concurred. Councilmember Miller also asked for the plans for
draining the facility since it will probably be below grade level.
Councilmember Sanderson didn't feel the $1.3 million would be a
detriment to the City's budget and supported the skate park project.
Motion carried 3-2 with Miller and Wong voting no.
On another issue, Councilmember Miller requested the following
items be agendized for the next Council meeting or as soon as pos-
sible:
a) Risk Management audit. Currently, staff is having a
workload study conducted, but that is not what he is looking for.
He would like to see a full audit of procedures, personnel,
contractors, and claims audit.
b) In reference to a report dated October 30, 2000 he
read statements contained therein that concerned him: `BKK
Corporation is insolvent." "The money for implementation of the
groundwater remedy must come from the upcoming postclosure
development of the site as a golf course and business park." BKK
wants to reopen part of the landfill to transfer dirt and he wants to
know what's the City's position and authority regarding that.
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CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
ADJOURNMENT
Att&st:
Gtycf'[erk' Jatiet Berry
Councilmember Miller also asked for a report regarding the City's
efforts in conserving energy. He requested a report regarding the
material used in the City Hall parking lot for crack sealing.
Councilmember Touhey discussed a team building retreat in May
30 through June 2.
No reports for this meeting.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Miller to adjourn the meeting
at 11:45 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
May6r—Blt�,min —Wong
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