07-03-2001 - Regular Meeting - Minutes•
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
JULY 3, 200 t
The regular meeting of the City Council of West Covina was called to order by Mayor Wong at 7:53 pm
in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. Pastor Richard Miller of
Delhaven Christian Church gave the invocation and Councilmember Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Mayor Wong, Mayor Pro Tem Touhey, Councilmember Herfert,
Miller, Sanderson
Others Present: Chung, Fields, Nichols, Freeland, Mayer, Fox, Hatch, Genovese,
Bommarito, Swink, Paul, Batt, Samaniego, Keating, McIsaac,
Fong, Wills, Sindelar, Schimanski, Berry
PRESENTATION Mayor Wong presented a Mayor's Certificate to Eddie Perez,
president of the Pacific Coast Little League for his service with the
Little League.
Mayor Wong, with the assistance of Kevin Dworak, Manager of
the Pacific Coast Little League Major Reds, the team members
were individually recognized for winning the Major Division
Championship of the Little League Baseball City Tournament.
Mayor Wong, with the assistance of Randy Peers, Manager of the
Pacific Coast Little League Minor Royals, the team members were
individually recognized for winning the Minor Division Cham-
pionship of the Little League Baseball City Tournament.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Forest Tennant, former West Covina Mayor, gave a brief history of
the Chamber of Commerce and the implementation of the Business
Improvement Tax (BIT). He expressed his reasons for supporting
the elimination of the BIT, an action proposed for this evening by
the City Council.
John Shewmaker John Shewmaker, 1825 Borrego Drive, commented on the
upcoming Chili Cook -off scheduled for Saturday, July 4°i at
Cameron Park.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive 9247, complimented the
Chamber of Commerce with their approach in tackling their work
without the use of the BIT funds.
He asked about the status of his public records act.
Roberta Azpeitia Roberta Azpeitia, 1740 Oakridge Circle, commented on activities
conducted by various Chambers of Commerce.
HEARING WEST COVINA AUTO PLAZA BUSINESS IMPROVE-
MENT DISTRICT 2001/2002 —
ANNUAL REPORT AND ASSESSMENT
Auto Plaza Annual Report City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication and Mayor
Wong opened the hearing. Acting Redevelopment Agency
Director Fong presented the staff report.
Council Minutes of 7/3/01
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Public Testimony Mayor Wong opened the public testimony portion of the hearing.
City Clerk Berry stated that no written communications had been
received regarding the subject matter. Mayor Wong asked for oral
none comments from the audience and no one addressed the Council on
this issue. Mayor Wong closed the public testimony portion of the
Testimony closed hearing.
City Clerk presented:
Resolution 2001-54 RESOLUTION N0. 2001-54 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, CONFIRMING THE ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE
WEST COVINA AUTO PLAZA BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT AREA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001/02
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Miller to waive further
reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
HEARING FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002 BUDGET ADOPTION
City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication. Mayor
Wong opened the hearing and two staff reports were presented:
FY Budget City Controller Swink discussed the City's operating budget, RDA,
and the LEA; and City Engineer Mayer discussed the CEP.
Councilmember Sanderson commented on the $10,000 earmarked
for special events individually. She preferred to see the money
pooled together and requested staff to look into that. Council dis-
cussion ensued and the ramifications of a first -come, first -served
basis; however, these co -sponsored events would always come
before Council for final approval.
Council also discussed the purpose and cost of upgrading the
General Plan, specifically the elements that really need revision.
Public Testimony Mayor Wong opened the public testimony portion of the hearing
and the following addressed Council:
Alan Carrico Alan Carrico, president of Ridge Riders Equestrian Group,
referred to a $100,000 line item in the budget and asked that the
money be used to replenish the horse arena with sand and dirt, to
repaint the facility, upgrade lights, purchase a new tractor, and
address deferred maintenance and other "basic safety items."
Mayor Wong and Councilmember Sanderson stated that
they would abstain from the discussion and vote on this item due to
conflict of interest laws (Wong is served by Valencia Heights
Water Company (owner of the land in question) and he owns one
share of Valencia Heights Water and Sanderson lives adjacent to
the land in question).
Roberta Wile Roberta Wile, current president of the Chamber of Commerce,
stated that the Chamber is planning on moving forward with their
work with and for businesses in West Covina.
Jean Grabowski Jean Grabowski, incoming president of the Chamber of
Commerce, stated that the Chamber would be back before Council
on July 17°i to request that the $100,000 allotted to the Chamber be
transferred in the following manner: 75% at the present time and
25% in January. The staff level at the Chamber has been cut from
eight individuals to two. She requested Council support in
charging a $1/year rent to the Chamber.
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Don Canzoneri Don Canzoneri, president-elect of the Chamber, stated that the
Chamber fully intends to become a self-supporting Chamber of
Commerce.
Jefferson De Roux Jefferson De Roux, 803 S. Lark Ellen, spoke on behalf of his
neighborhood who are in opposing to the construction of a
community center/gym at Cameron Park. He noted that he has a
petition with 100 signatures opposing this project.
Came Poulos Came Poulos, 1655 Rama Drive, expressed her appreciation for the
improvements being constructed at Orangewood Park.
Testimony closed There being no others wishing to address Council on the budget,
Mayor Wong closed the public testimony of the hearing and
commenced Council discussion.
General Plan Updates/ Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to leave $45,000 in the
New Events budget to be used towards the General Plan update and place the
remaining $55,000 in a Community Events Fund along with the
$10,000 that has already been appropriated for new events.
Mayor Wong noted his opposition, preferring to leave the
originally appropriated $100,000 for General Plan revisions intact.
Motion carried 3-2 with Miller and Wong voting no.
Ridge Riders' Request Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to approve an
allocation of $100,000 to the budget to cover the Ridge Riders
Equestrian Group's refurbishing needs for the equestrian center.
Councilmember Miller disagreed with the motion, noting
that there isn't enough specific information describing the intended
use to justify the requested amount, nothing in writing.
Motion carried 2-1-2 with Miller voting no, and Sanderson
and Wong abstaining (complying with conflict of interest statutes,
noted several paragraphs above).
Councilmember Miller questioned the passage of the last
motion, with the understanding that it would take 3 affirmative
votes to approve the expenditure of money. City Attorney Nichols
opined that at the present time the motion simply allocates money
in the budget; any project expenditure would come back to the
Council for approval.
Orangewood Park Councilmember Touhey reminded staff that he would like all the
improvements at Orangewood Park to be done concurrently so that
the park will be finished at the same.
In relation to the enhancements to the hockey rinks at
Orangewood, Mayor Wong opposed paying for all those particular
improvements because Planet Hockey, rink operators, is not
investing any of its own money.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Sanderson to allocate
funds so that the improvements/enhancements can be constructed
concurrently. Motion carried 3-2 with Miller and Wong voting no.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to approve the
following recommendations:
* Confirm that the changes to the Preliminary Budget
document summarized in the staff report and on Attachment No. 2
adequately reflect the previous direction of the City Council; and
* Confirm that the revisions to June 5, 2001 Capital
Improvement Program discussed on Attachment No. 3 adequately
reflect the previous direction of the City Council; and
* Provide $75,000 funding to the Chamber of Commerce at
this time and the remaining $25,000 in January, 2002 with a
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directive to staff that a contract with the Chamber of Commerce,
addressing this funding arrangement and proposed annual rent, be
agendized for the next City Council meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
City Clerk presented:
Resolution 2001-55 RESOLUTION NO. 2001-55 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
FY 2001/02 Budget CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, ADOPTING THE CITY OF WEST COVINA
BUDGET, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BUDGET, CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND LOCAL ENFORCEMENT
AGENCY BUDGET AND APPROVING APPROPRIATIONS
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2001 AND
ENDING JUNE 30, 2002
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to waive
further reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
Recess Mayor Wong called a recess at 10:35 pm. The City Council
returned at 10:47 pm with all members present.
HEARING ELIMINATION OF BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT TAX (BIT)
Acting Finance Director McNamara presented the staff report.
Discussion followed relative to notifying local businesses of the
reduction in their annual business license due to the elimination of
the BIT portion. Council debated whether to send a notice at this
juncture or wait until the business license renewal process and
insert a notice at that time.
Notices to businesses Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to direct staff
to mail notices of Council's action to all the businesses in West
Covina at this time. Motion carried 3-2 with Miller and Wong
voting no.
City Clerk presented:
Ordinance introduced AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING
ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 14 OF THE WEST COVINA
MUNICIPAL CODE, SECTIONS 14-81 THROUGH 14-99
(ORDINANCE NO. 1210), RELATING TO THE `BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT AREA OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA"
AND THE LEVY OF LICENSE TAXES ON THE BUSINESSES
IN SUCH AREA
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to waive
further reading of the ordinance and introduce. Motion carried by
roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Miller, Sanderson, Touhey
NOES: Wong
CONSENT CALENDAR Commission Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Planning.. . ... ...................... 6/26/01
Claims Against the City (deny & notify claimant)
On November 21, 2000 the City Clerk's Office received a claim
from Faye Willis for reimbursement of plumbing costs claimant
incurred to have tree roots cleared from the sewer lateral at her
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Council Minutes of 7/3/01
residence. The amount of claim had not been determined at time
of presentation.
On May 16, 2001 the City Clerk's Office received an application
for leave to present a late claim from Eduardo Santos for
reimbursement of plumbing costs claimant incurred in the amount
• of $752.57 to have tree roots cleared from the sewer lateral at his
residence.
On May 24, 2001 the City Clerk's Office received a claim from
Lavern White for personal injuries relating to claimant's trip and
fall on the stairs at Shadow Oak Park. The amount of claim had
not been determined at time of presentation.
On April 9, 2001 the City Clerk's Office received a claim from
Tim Yeung for property damage to a sprinkler pipe at claimant's
residence. The amount of damage had not been determined at time
of presentation.
On March 14, 2001 the City Clerk's Office received a claim from
Joe .horn Lopez for claimant's lost pager in the amount of $120.
On March 9, 2001 the City Clerk's Office received a claim from
Su Man Kim for personal injuries in the amount of $49,220.25
relating to a traffic collision that occurred at the intersection of
Nogales Street and Adney Street.
Ordinance for Adoption (waive reading & adopt)
Ordinance 2069 - ORDINANCE NO. 2069 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE
PERS Amendment CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CON-
TRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATION OF
THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM AND
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA
Ordinance 2070 - ORDINANCE NO. 2070 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE
Purchasing Limits CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AMENDING ARTICLE VII (PURCHASES AND
SALES) BY INCREASING THE DOLLAR LIMITS AS
DEFINED IN SECTIONS 2-330, 2-331, 2-333, AND 2-334 OF
THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE
Traffic Committee Minutes (accept & file)
Minutes of the regular meeting held June 19, 2001.
Miscellaneous — Environmental Management
Graffiti Removal Agreement Renewal
Graffiti Removal Contract - The recommendation is to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
Boys & Girls Club of S.G.V. execute Amendment No. 6 to the Graffiti Agreement with the Boys
and Girls Club of San Gabriel Valley, extending the contract to
August 31, 2002.
• City of West Covina Draft Mandatory
Trash Collection Information Letter
Trash Collection letter The recommendation is to approve the draft letter for Athens
Services to include with their 72-hour past due payment billing
notice.
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Miscellaneous — Finance Department
Policy Change on Council Review of Checks Prior to Issuance
Reviewing Demands The recommendation is to adopt Option 1 (Authorize staff to pay
demands weekly by adopting a policy that no longer requires
Council approval prior to the payment of bills and the issuance of
checks. Check registers would be made available upon Council
• request for review at any time.) and authorize staff to institute a
weekly demand payment process.
Miscellaneous — Public Works
Code Enforcement Name Chance
Code Enforcement name change Recommendation is to take the following actions:
* Approve changing the name of Code Enforcement to
Community Preservation effective July 1, 2001.
* Authorize the Personnel Department to take appropriate
action to implement the change of job titles of Senior Code
Enforcement Officer and Code Enforcement Officer to Senior
Community Preservation Inspector and Community Preservation
Inspector.
* Appropriate $5,000 from the General Fund Reserve to
account number 110-320-2320-6270 for various materials to
implement this name change.
Identify of Residents Reporting Possible Violations
of the West Covina Municipal Code
MC Violation Reporters Recommendation is to direct staff to implement a policy requiring
the identity of residents reporting possible violations of the City's
Municipal Code. Exceptions would include life -safety or health -
related instances or in instances where the reporting person is in
fear of reprisal. The minimum contact information to be normally
required is a full name and either a phone number, mailing address,
or e-mail address.
Illuminated Street Name Sign at Glendora and Vine Avenue
Hong Kong Plaza Drive Recommendation is to authorize the changing of the westerly
illuminated street name sign at the intersection of Glendora
Avenue and Vine Avenue from "Vine Avenue" to "Hong Kong
Plaza."
Miscellaneous — Community Services
2001 Summer Lunch Program
2001 Summer Lunch Program Recommendation is to take the following actions:
* Authorize the Community Services Director to receive
reimbursement funds for a West Covina Summer Lunch
Program at Orangewood Park, and
* Authorize the Community Services Director to enter into a
contract with the West Covina Unified School District for
the preparation of SFSP meals.
Miscellaneous — Fire Department
Signature Authority for Domestic Preparedness Grant
• Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
Resolution 2001-56 RESOLUTION NO. 2001-56 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
Grant signatures CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, ASSISTANT
CITY MANAGER AND/OR THE FIRE CHIEF TO EXECUTE
THE APPLICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS FOR THE STATE
DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS GRANT
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CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Touhey and seconded by Sanderson to waive further
reading of the resolutions/ordinances and to adopt/introduce, as
appropriate, and to approve all other items listed except: C-4(1), C-
5c, C-5d, C-5e, and C-5f. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Miller, Sanderson, Touhey, Wong
NOES: None
• C-4(1) In relation to Item C-4(1) (No parking request by Mike Miller on
his street from Glendora to Holly Place on street sweeping days),
Councilmember Miller stated that due to conflict of interest laws,
he would need to abstain on any discussion and the vote on this
matter.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to approve
the Traffic Committee recommendation to install appropriate
signage. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Miller abstaining (conflict of
interest).
C-5d In relation to Item C-5d (Changing the name of Code
Enforcement), Mayor Wong disagreed with changing the name,
especially if it's going to cost $5,000 to do it. Councilmembers
Miller favored "Code Compliance Officer" rather than
"Community Preservation Officer" and Councilmember Sanderson
favored "Community Enhancement Officer."
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive #247, felt it wasn't
uncommon for code enforcement to get out of hand if it isn't
reviewed by the City Council. He suggested callers try working
out their differences with their neighbors before calling into City
Hall for assistance.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Sanderson to change
the name of Code Enforcement to Code Enhancement; incorporate
the staff recommendations with the name change and phase in the
change over in stationary and other materials (3`d staff
recommendation).
Motion carried 5-0.
C-5c In relation to Item C-5c (Policy Change on Council Review of
Checks Prior to Issuance), the following individual addressed
Council:
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive 9247, suggested the
Council hire a qualified business consultant, one experienced in
running an accounts payable program in private industry, to set up
a process that would make the current nightmare go away.
Councilmember Herfert left At l 1:30 pm Councilmember Herfert stated that he had a toothache
and proceeded to leave the Council meeting.
Acting Finance Director McNamara presented the staff report for
Item C-5c. Purchasing Assistant Sindelar discussed the steps taken
so far to clear up some of the problems.
John Shewmaker John Shewmaker, 1825 Borrego Drive, made suggestions
based on his accounting/consulting experience.
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Miller to select Option
No. I: to authorize staff to pay demands weekly by adopting a
policy that no longer requires Council approval prior to the
payment of bills and the issuance of checks. Check registers to
continue to be included in the Council's weekly mail packets.
Motion carried 5-0.
C-5e In relation to Item C-5e (Identity of Residents Reporting Possible
Violations of the WCMC), Council discussed various aspects of the
identification of persons reporting possible Municipal Code vio-
lations. Senior Code Enforcement Officer Smith outlined the
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Council Minutes of 7/3/01
process and responded to Council comments and questions.
Although staff does not verify the identity of a person reporting a
violation, Council requested staff to provide Council with a report
on the number of anonymous calls and false violations.
Motion by Miller and seconded by Sanderson to hold over
this item until the first meeting in August to give staff time to put
• together the requested information. Motion carried 3-1 with Wong
voting no.
C-5f In relation to Item C-5f (Illuminated Street name Sign at Glendora
and Vine Avenue), Mayor Wong suggested that if a developer is
interested in changing an existing street name sign, the developer
should pay for the change/installation. In relation to this request,
Councilmember Sanderson favored leaving the current street sign
as is.
Motion by Miller and seconded by Wong to approve the
street name change with the caveat that the developer pays the
cost. Motion carried 3-1 with Sanderson voting no.
PUBLIC WORKS No reports for this meeting.
PLANNING No reports for this meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES No reports for this meeting.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Wong recessed the City Council meeting at 12:36 am to
convene the Redevelopment Agency. The City Council recon-
vened at 12:37 pm with all present, except Councilmember Herfert.
COMMUNITY SERVICES No reports for this meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT No reports for this meeting.
PUBLIC SAFETY
No reports for this meeting.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION — CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS —
START AND ADJOURNMENT TIMES
The City Council concurred on holding this item over until the first
Council meeting in August.
• APPROVAL OF DEMANDS AND WIRE TRANSFERS
Motion by Miller and seconded by Sanderson to approve Demands
totaling $1,751,185.10 (wire transfers = $1,231,567.73) as listed on
Check Register No. 3029794 through 3030089. Motion carried by
roll call vote:
AYES: Miller, Sanderson, Touhey, Wong
NOES: None
ABSENT: Herfert
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MAYOR'S REPORTS POLICY REGARDING USE OF CITY LETTERHEAD
Mayor Wong stated that there is no need to reagendize this matter
for another meeting. He had been concerned about sending letters
out on behalf of the Council.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
COUNCILMEMBER MILLER —
HIGHLIGHTS OF CITY COUNCIL LIAISON MEETINGS
Council reviewed the report. Council concurred to receive and file
the informational report submitted by Councilmember Miller.
On another matter, Councilmember Miller requested that a June 25
letter from Thomas Safron & Associates be agendized for the first
August Council meeting.
On another matter, Councilmember Miller requested a resolution
of commendation for Marty Evans, retiring from the West Covina
Unified School District.
On a similar matter, Councilmember Touhey requested a
resolution of commendation for retiring David Smith, Executive
Director of the Independent Cities Association.
Councilmember Miller requested a Certificate of Recognition to be
prepared for a Boy Scout who will be receiving the rank of Eagle
Scout.
In reference to a comment offered earlier by Planning
Commissioner Scheuplein, Councilmember Sanderson requested
staff to look into the feasibility of activating both Channel 55 and
Channel 56, one as community access and the other as government
access.
Councilmember Miller announced the MDA/Elks Lodge pancake
breakfast at Cameron Park.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and seconded by Miller to adjourn the meeting
at 12:45 am. Motion carried 4-0. Mayor Wong stated that the
Council would reconvene in the City Manager's Office at this time
to conclude the closed session begun earlier in the evening.
Attest:
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City Clerk Janet Be
Mayor :1- \
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