02-05-2002 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 5, 2002
• Mayor Wong called to order the regular meeting of the West Covina City Council at 7:50 pm in the City
Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. Pastor Zach Thorpe of West Covina
Hills Seventh -day Adventist gave the invocation and Councilmember Sanderson led the Pledge of
Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Mayor Wong, Mayor Pro Tern Touhey, and Councilmembers:
Herfert, Miller, Sanderson
Others Present: Pasmant, Fields, Alvarez-Glasman, Greene, Samaniego, Chung,
Wills, Bommarito, Frances, Hatch, Tedesco, Anderson, Yauchzee,
Morgan, Keating, Hoppe, Genovese, Berry
APPROVAL OF MINUTES The following minutes were approved as presented:
Special meeting of January 8, 2002 (5:45 pm)
Special meeting of January 8, 2002 (7:00 pm)
Special meeting of January 22, 2002
Regular meeting of January 22, 2002
PRESENTATIONS Mayor Wong presented a Certificate of Recognition to Miss Mary
Liu, 2"d Princess of the 2001 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Court,
for serving West Covina on the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown
Court.
With the assistance of Rob Sotelo, Chairman of the West Covina
Rose Float Association, Mayor Wong presented Certificates of
Appreciation to the volunteers who contributed to the successful
decorations on the West Covina 2002 Rose Float entitled SI)ecial
Friends.
With the assistance of Assistant City Manager Fields, Mayor
Wong presented Certificates of Appreciation to the citizens of
West Covina who contributed their time and thoughts to the
Visioning Program committee.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive 4247, commented on School
Board Trustee Pete Sabatino's situation, noting that there is now a
Pete Sabatino Legal Defense Fund and anyone interested in con-
tributing money can contact either Pete or himself.
Vincent East Vincent East, 1438 E. Portner Street and the manager of the
Covina Concert Band. He noted that the Covina Concert Band
. plays at Covina Park on the same evening that the West Covina
Summer Concert Series plays. He hoped that dates could be
changed to avoid concurrent events.
Cookie Nance Cookie Nance, 1236 W. Eckerman, complained about the old
material being aired on WCCT and other broadcasting problems
experienced with Charter Communications.
Council Minutes of 2/5/02
•
•
Assistant City Manager Fields responded and also stated
that Mt. SAC is now creating a back-up videotape of the City
Council meetings on the off chance that something may happen to
the tape during live telecasting.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, wondered why the City Council
doesn't take a motion at the beginning of the meeting to approve
the agenda.
Mayor Wong explained the Brown Act regulations
requiring Agendas to be posted at least 72 hours prior to the
meeting, which pretty much sets the items for discussion.
Mary Ona Demmitt
Mary Ona Demmitt, 815 W. Lark Ellen, expressed her opinion on
the "Moe the Chimp" situation and Moe's owners, the Davis'.
John Shewmaker John Shewmaker, 1825 Borrego Drive, related a conversation his
wife had with the developer of the old Aroma Ball Field site.
Councilmember Herfert requested staff to provide a status
report of the development at that site.
Roy Pinker Roy Pinker, West Covina resident, appreciated the stand Mayor
Wong took at the last meeting in regards to the parole office
located on Badillo Avenue.
HEARING ZONE CHANGE NO. 01-05, NEGATIVE DECLARATION
OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Applicant: Michael Fuerst
Location: 2759-2808 E. Cortez Street
Zone Change 01-05
(Michael Fuerst) City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication and mailing.
Mayor Wong opened the hearing and Planning Director McIsaac
presented the staff report.
Public Testimony Mayor Wong opened the public testimony portion of the hearing
and asked for comments favor the zone change. No one addressed
none the City Council. He then asked for comments in opposition and
against no one addressed the City Council. Mayor Wong closed
Testimony closed losed the testimony portion of the hearing.
There were no Council comments and City Clerk Berry presented:
Resolution 2002-6 - RESOLUTION NO. 2002-6 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
Zone Change 01-05 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, CERTIFYING THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT FOR TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
NO. 51600, ZONE CHANGE NO. 01-05, VARIANCE NO. 01-08
AND TREE REMOVAL PERMIT NO. 14, PURSUANT TO THE
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT OF 1970,
AS AMENDED
Ordinance introduced AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ONE CHANGE
NO. 01-05 (Michael Fuerst)
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Miller to waive further
reading of the resolution and the ordinance, and to adopt the reso-
lution and introduce the ordinance. Motion carried by roll call
vote:
AYES: Herfert, Miller, Touhey, Wong
NOES: Sanderson
Councilmember Sanderson stated that she is opposed to
diminishing agricultural areas, which is why she voted against the
zone change.
2
Council Minutes of 2/5/02
is
•
HEARING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 01-03
COMPUTER GAMEANTERNET ACCESS CENTERS
City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication. Mayor
Wong opened the hearing and Planning Director McIsaac
presented the staff report. Council asked many questions to which
Mr. McIsaac responded.
Public Testimonv Mayor Wong opened the public testimony portion of the hearing
and asked for comments favoring the amendment. The following
addressed Council:
John Shewmaker John Shewmaker, 1825 Borrego, opposed regulations in
principle, as they discourage potential business owners.
Mayor Wong asked for comments opposing the amendment and
the following addressed Council:
Herb Redholtz Herb Redholtz, 2622 Altamira Drive, expressed concern
about the public safety aspect of the proposed centers, referring to
a few recent newspaper articles citing such centers as magnets for
crime. He hoped the Conditional Use Permits would be monitored
closely and issued carefully.
Testimony closed There being no others wishing to speak, Mayor Wong closed the
public testimony portion of the hearing.
Council Discussion Councilmember Miller stated his reasons for supporting the code
amendment. Councilmember Sanderson stated that she would like
to hear how the Police feel about these centers. She was not com-
fortable allowing these centers into the City. Councilmember
Herfert concurred with Ms. Sanderson, and stated that there should
be fltrther restrictions. Mayor Wong felt a single six-month review
was not enough and the regulations needed massaging. Mayor Pro
Tem Touhey related the inequities in the proposed regulations for
these computer/internet access centers versus the regulations
placed on food establishments with video games as an accessory
use.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to receive and file
the report. Motion carried 5-0.
Recess Mayor Wong recessed the City Council at 9:30 pm. The City
Council reconvened at 9:50 pm with all members present. Mayor
Wong moved forward the following item for discussion at this
time.
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE VISIONING PROGRAM —
PRESENTATION OF FINAL DOCUMENT
Assistant City Manager Fields introduced the following two
speakers, who presented the final document with a slide pre-
sentation: Mark Sillings and Pat McLaughlin of Morre, Lacofano,
Goltsman, Inc. (MIG).
Touhey left the meeting at 10:00 pm.
Herb Redholtz Herb Redholtz, 2622 Altamira Drive, enjoyed working on the
Visioning Committee and learned a lot about the history of West
C
Council Minutes of 2/5/02
•
0
Covina. He hoped that the concepts presented in the document
would be implemented: central gathering site for the residents, the
use of the BKK site. He felt the participation was not as great as it
could be and would like to serve on any future committee.
John Shewmaker John Shewmaker, 1825 Borrego Drive, noted that working on the
committee enabled him to learn that the residents of West Covina
actually like the City.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, suggested that the document be
distributed throughout the community, and in particularly to the
library.
Joe Iniguez Joe Iniguez, 243 Ashdale Street, was the Youth Council represen-
tative on the committee. He felt it was worth his while and hoped
that the City Council would implement several of the suggestions
made by the committee.
The City Councilmembers thanked the citizens for serving on this
committee and the consultants for facilitating the workshops. They
felt the document was valuable and Councilmember Sanderson
noted that she would be referring to it.
Motion by Miller and seconded by Herfert to receive and
file the report. Motion carried 4-0 with Touhey absent.
CONSENT CALENDAR Commissions/Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Community Services 1/15/02
Planning 1/29/02
Senior Citizens 1/17/02
Waste Mngt/Environ. Quality 1/17/02
Ordinance for Adoption (waive reading & adopt)
Ordinance No. 2078 ORDINANCE NO. 2078 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
REPEALING SECTION 15-32 OF ARTICLE 88 OF CHAPTER
15 OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING
THE PROHIBITION OF SELLING SATURDAY NIGHT
SPECIALS
Traffic Committee Minutes (accept & file)
Regular meeting of January 15, 2002
City Treasurer's Report (receive & file)
Report for the month of December 2001
Miscellaneous — Personnel Services
Limited Service Salary Increases —
Pol_ice Reserve Officers and Crossing Guards
Resolution 2002-7 Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
Limited Services RESOLUTION NO. 2002-7 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, FIXING THE COMPENSATION OF CLASSIFICA-
TIONS WITHIN THE LIMITED SERVICE CLASSIFICATIONS
AND AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 9546
11
Council Minutes of 2/5/02
Miscellaneous — Public Works
Updated Traffic Signal Agreement with the City of Walnut
Maint. Agree. with Walnut Recommendation is to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute a new agreement between the City of West Covina and the
City of Walnut for the maintenance of traffic signals.
Miscellaneous — City Manager's Office
Award of Bid —
Section 125 Plan Third Party Administrator Contract
Section 125 Plan - Recommendation is to take the following actions:
Barney & Barney 1) Accept the proposal of Barney & Barney as submitted on
November 16, 2001;
2) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an
agreement with Barney & Barney to provide Section 125
Plan Third Party Administration effective March 1, 2002;
3) Authorize the City manager to execute an amendment with
the various bargaining units' MOUs to allow cash out
option on excess medical benefit; and
4) Appropriate $7,350 from the General Fund Reserve to
account 110-320-2550-5164 (Section 125 Administration)
to administer the Section 125 Plan.
Increase in City Attorney Hourly Fees
City Attorney rates Recommendation is to accept the City Attorney's request for a fee
increase and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an
amendment to the Agreement for City Attorney Services.
Miscellaneous — Police Department
Additional G.R.E.A.T. Grant Fund
G.R.E.A.T. funds Recommendation is to take the following actions:
a) Accept the grant and appropriate the additional $15,000 as
follows:
• $9,000 into 141-320-2110-6220 for curriculum
supplies & equipment.
• $3,000 into 141-320-2110-6050 for G.R.E.A.T.
training.
• $3,000 into 141-320-2110-5113 for G.R.E.A.T.
overtime.
b) Authorize City Staff to complete relevant paperwork
required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms.
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Mayor Wong removed Item C-6d (Increase in City Attorney
Hourly Fees) to be held over until the next Council meeting, as he
didn't receive his additional requested information in time to
review it.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to waive
further reading of the resolution/ordinance and adopt/introduce; and
to approve all other items (holding over Item C-6d). Motion
carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Miller, Sanderson, Wong
NOES: None
ABSENT: Touhey
PUBLIC WORKS No reports for this meeting.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT No reports for this meeting.
5
Council Minutes of 2/5/02
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Mayor Wong recessed the City Council meeting at 10:11 pm to
convene the Redevelopment Agency. The City Council recon-
vened at 10:12 pm with all members present, except Mayor Pro
Tern Touhey.
• Mayor Pro Tern Touhey returned to the Council table at 10:13 pm.
COMMUNITY SERVICES INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
2003 TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE
Community Services Director Hatch presented the staff report.
Motion by Miller and seconded by Touhey to accept the
invitation, authorize payment of $2,500 for the entry fee from the
existing available appropriation in the business account, and
participate in the 2003 Tournament of Roses Parade. Motion
carried 5-0.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT No reports for this meeting.
PUBLIC SAFETY No reports for this meeting.
MAYOR'S REPORTS No reports for this meeting.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
ELECTION OF ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE SAN
GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY BOARD
Administrative Analyst Freeland presented the staff report.
Board Member appointment Councilmembers Herfert, Sanderson, and Touhey stated
that they would be voting for Mayor of Baldwin Park, Manny
Lozano, for the alternate position. Although Councilmember
Miller was nominated unanimously for the position by the City
Council at the last Council meeting, it was not known at that time
that the senior Councilmember of Baldwin Park was interested in
the post.
Resolution 2002-8 RESOLUTION NO. 2002-8 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
CASTING ALL 11 VOTES FOR MAYOR MANNY LOZANO
OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK TO REPRESENT CITIES
WITHOUT PUMPING RIGHTS ON THE BOARD OF THE SAN
GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY
Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to waive
further reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried by roll
call vote:
AYES: Herfert, Sanderson, Touhey
NOES: Miller, Wong
COUNCILMEMBER MILLER —
CITY COUNCIL LIAISON HIGHLIGHTS
Councilmember Miller gave a quick summary of his report.
Motion by Miller and seconded by Herfert to receive and
file the information report. Motion carried 5-0.
6
Council Minutes of 2/5/02
•
ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PROPO-
SITION 42 "THE TRANSPORTATION CONGESTION
IMPROVEMENT ACT"
Acting City Engineer Yauchzee presented the staff report.
Proposition No. 42
City Clerk presented:
Resolution 2002-9 RESOLUTION NO. 2002-9 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE COALITION OF THE
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES AND SUPPORTING YES
ON PROPOSITION 42 — THE TRANSPORTATION CON-
GESTION IMPROVEMENT ACT, ON THE MARCH 5, 2002
STATEWIDE BALLOT
Motion by Miller and seconded by Touhey to waive further
reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
COUNCILMEMBER HERFERT —
RANGER PROGRAM AT GALSTER PARK
Councilmember Herfert requested staff to prepare a status report
on the ranger program for Galster Park.
COUNCILMEMBER HERFERT—
TRAFFIC ISSUES OF SOUTH HILLS
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Councilmember Herfert requested staff to prepare a report
regarding the traffic issues concerning the area that has been
developed along Hillside Drive. Acting Public Works Director
Yauchzee stated that Engineering is currently studying the traffic
issues and will be able to report back to Council hopefully in
March.
COUNCILMEMBER HERFERT —
SENIOR LEAGUE BASEBALL FIELD
Councilmember Herfert elaborated on the staff report.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Touhey to authorize
staff to charge approximately $3,000 from an appropriate funding
source (other than a CIP account) towards the maintenance of
Maverick Field. Motion carried 5-0.
On another matter, Councilmember Sanderson broached the
subject of Council appointments to various subcommittees and
suggested updating the Redevelopment Agency Housing subcom-
mittee if it still exists.
Mayor Wong noted that the rotation of Mayor will happen
in March and new appointments will probably take place at that
time.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to adjourn the meeting
at 10:55 pm. Motion carried 5-0. NOTE: The City Council re-
convened the closed session upstairs in the City Manager's Office
to conclude the closed session items commenced prior to the this
regular meeting.
Attest:
City.Clerk Janet Be
7