02-03-2004 - Regular Meeting - Minutes0
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
February 3, 2004
Mayor Herfert called to order the regular meeting of the West Covina City Council at 7:07 pm in the
City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. Rev. Vernon Bennett of Shalom
Community Church gave the invocation and Councilmember Hernandez led to Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Mayor Herfert, Mayor Pro Tern Miller
Councilmembers Hernandez, Sanderson, Wong
Others Present: Pasmant, Alvarez-Glasman, Fields, Yauchzee, Freeland, Dewus,
Johnson, Hoppe, Samaniego, Morgan, Liska, Dominguez, Durbin,
Bommarito, Gardner, Swink, Hudson, Wills, Melsaac, Bachman,
Taylor, Chaparyan, Berry
REPORTING OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman reported that the City Council/
CDC commenced closed session at 6:25 pm following the City
Attorney's announcement of the agendized items for discussion.
All members were present. In relation to the City Council items
concerning the first four employee organizations: a briefing was
given to Council, no final action taken and there is nothing further
to report. In relation to the thirteen positions listed under the
Miscellaneous Unrepresentative Management Employees, Coun-
cilmember Miller excused himself from the discussion on a portion
of the discussion as it may affect him monetarily. The remaining
Councilmembers participated in the discussion; there was no final
action taken and nothing further to report.
Concerning real property negotiations before the CDC,
Commissioner Wong excused himself from the discussion, as his
family owns commercial property within close proximity to one of
the locations. Direction was given to staff; however no final action
was taken and nothing further to report.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA No changes offered by the City Manager.
PRESENTATIONS First was the airing of the Blue Star video.
With the assistance of Rose Float Foundation Chairman Rob
Sotelo and Foundation Membership V.P. Elise LaFave, Mayor
Herfert presented Certificates of Appreciation to the 2004 Rose
Float Volunteers, Sponsors, and Riders. A short video of the 2004
Float was aired.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Norm Richman Norm Richman, 3432 Cortez Street, stated his support for the vote
taken by Councilmembers Hernandez, Miller, and Wong regarding
the Wal-Mart issue at the BKK landfill site.
Roberta Azpeitia Roberta Azpeitia, 1740 Oakridge Circle, wondered why Home
Depot would not go in the BKK landfill site without Wal-Mart,
and why would Wal-Mart be interested in building there when
there is one south on Azusa Avenue near the 60 freeway and
another north on Azusa Avenue in Covina.
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Ed Casanova Ed Casanova, 809 Avington Avenue, said there was a need to
address safety on the City's shuttle busses and related an incident.
He also encouraged John Scheuplein to express his remarks
without rancor.
Katherine Castucci Katherine Castucci, 430 S. Pima Avenue, voiced her displeasure
with the vote taken by the City Council to nix the construction of a
Wal-Mart and a Home Depot on the BKK landfill site.
Herb Redholtz Herb Redholtz, 2622 Altamira Drive, noted that West Covina is
not home to factories or industry. The City relies on sales tax. He
too felt it was a mistake to vote down the construction of Wal-Mart
and Home Depot.
Christina Nance Christina Nance, 1236 W. Eckerman, expressed her support for
Wal-Mart and Home Depot.
Cookie Nance Cookie Nance, 1236 W. Eckerman, stated that Wal-Mart is the
largest retailer, appealing to the vast majority of shoppers. She
quoted Councilmember Wong from a Tribune article.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, 2153 Aroma Drive, complained about the out -of -
City candidates placing their campaign signs on the BKK property
line along Azusa Avenue. He too hoped another big box would
come into the BKK landfill site to help revenues to the City.
Bernie Wilner Bernie Wilner, 2108 Casa Linda Drive, felt there was a lot of mis-
understanding on the part of the majority of the audience regarding
the Wal-Mart development project.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, 1800 Aroma Drive 4247, spoke as a member of
the RACOON group and chastised Councilmembers Hernandez,
Miller, and Wong.
Iris Delameter Iris Delameter, agreed that Wal-Mart is not for everyone, but the
City is going to give up a lot of tax dollars without developing
Wal-Mart on the site.
Walt Hauser Walt Hauser, 2147 E. Rio Verde Drive, expressed his support for
the Wal-Mart and Home Depot development.
CONSENT CALENDAR Commissions/Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Human Resources 12/10/03
Planning 01 /27/04
Waste Management/EnvironmentalQuality 01/15/04
Claims Against the City (deny & notify claimant)
Mark Rubalcava vs. Citv of West Covina
It is recommended that the property damage claim filed by Mark
Rubalcava be denied and the claimant be so notified.
Michael Barkley vs City of West Covina
It is recommended that the monetary loss claim of Robert, Robbie
& Michael Barkley be denied and the claimants be so notified.
Award of Bids
Award of Bid for Telephone System Maintenance
Trans -West Network Solutions Recommendation is to accept the bid of Trans -West Network
Solutions in the amount of $15,006 per year to provide
maintenance of the City telephone system for a five-year period,
and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the contract.
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PP 04206 — Cameron Park East Parking Lot Rehabilitation
International Pavement Solutions Recommendation is to accept the bid of International Pavement
Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $23,750 as submitted at the bid
opening on January 19, 2004 and authorize the Public Works
Director/City Engineer and City Clerk to execute the contract.
Traffic Committee Minutes (accept & file)
Minutes of the regular meeting of January 20, 2004.
Miscellaneous — Community Development Commission
Consideration of a Resolution Making the Finding that a Project
Area Committee need Not be Formed in Relation to the Proposed
Amendments to the Existing Redevelopment Plan for the Merged
Redevelopment Project Area
Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution:
Resolution 2004-5 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-5 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
No project area committee needed CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA FINDING
AND DETERMINING THAT A PROJECT AREA COMMITTEE
NEED NOT BE FORMED IN RELATION TO THE PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS TO THE EXISTING REDEVELOPMENT
PLAN FOR THE MERGED REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
AREA
Miscellaneous — Human Resources
Revised Salary Range for Assistant City Clerk
Recommendation is to approve the monthly pay range of Assistant
City Clerk from $4,892 - $6,604 to $5,743 - $7,753 and adopt the
following resolution:
Resolution 2004-6 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-6 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
Assistant City Clerk CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NOS. 2002-21 AND
2002-57, RELATING TO MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION;
AND RESOLUTION NO. 7223, AS AMENDED, RELATING TO
CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF POSITIONS
FOR DEVELOPMENT HEADS; APPROVING THE REVISED
SALARY RANGE FOR THE ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
Miscellaneous — City Manager's Office
Solicitation of Federal Funding For City Projects
Recommendation is to authorize staff to submit the projects
mentioned the staff report to Congresswoman Hilda Solis for
possible funding consideration.
Councilmember Wong stated that he would abstain from any dis-
cussion and the vote regarding Item B-5a (the proposed
resolution concerning a project area committee), as his family -
owned property is located within the scope of the project area.
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Miller and seconded by Sanderson to waive further
reading of the resolutions and adopt, and to approve all other items
except item B-5a. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Hernandez, Miller, Sanderson, Wong, Herfert
• NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Item 13-5a Mayor I-Ierfert asked for a vote on the waiving of further reading
and the adoption of Resolution No. 2004-5.
Motion by Miller and seconded by Sanderson to waive
further reading and adopt_ Motion carried 4-0-1 with Wong
abstaining (conflict of interest).
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PUBLIC HEARING APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION
DENIAL OF VARIANCE NO. 03-10 AND
TREE REMOVAL PERMIT NO. 03-04
Appeal Hearing Location: 338 S. La Serena Drive
Applicant/Appellant: Brian and Nancy Scrivens
Mayor Herfert introduced the hearing and the City Clerk verified
the affidavit of publication. Mayor Herfert opened the hearing and
Principal Planning Anderson presented the staff report.
Public Testimony Mayor Herfert opened the hearing and applicant/appellant Brian
Scrivens addressed the City Council with his reasons for the appeal
and handouts depicting the site.
Testimony closed As there was no one else to address the City Council, Mayor
Herfert closed the public testimony portion of the hearing.
Council commented on the issue, generally supporting the appeal.
City Clerk Berry presented:
Resolution 2004-7 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-7 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
Approving Variance 03-10 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 03-10, TO
ENCROACH INTO THE REQUIRED SIDE YARD IN ORDER
TO ACCOMMODATE A GARAGE ADDITION
Motion by Wong and seconded by Sanderson to waive
further reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
HEARING GALSTER PARK MASTER PLAN, AMENDMENT NO 1
Galster Park Master Plan City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication and Mayor
Herfert opened the hearing. Planning Director Mctsaac presented
a brief staff report and Interim Community Services Director
Samaniego introduced Crist McPhail of David Evans and Asso-
ciates, who prepared the master plan amendment and responded,to
Council questions/comments:
Public Testimony Mayor Herfert opened the public testimony portion of the hearing
and the following addressed Council covering such topics as
surveillance video cameras, difficulties in correlating marking on
the maps and the written exhibits of the staff report, improvements
to the trails within the park, use of grant funds, items before the
City Council didn't necessarily match the items presented to the
Planning Commission, and security within the park:
John Scheuplein, West Covina resident
Joanne Wilner, West Covina resident
Recess Mayor Herfert called a recess at 9:10 pm. The City Council recon-
vened at 9:23 pm with all members present.
Additional comments were received by:
Corey Warshaw, West Covina resident
Royal Brown, West Covina resident
Testimony closed There being no others wishing to address the Council, Mayor
Herfert closed the public testimony portion of the hearing and
commenced Council discussion. Several questions were posed to
City staff.
Hearing Continued City Manager Pasmant stated that the hearing could be held over
for two weeks to enable staff to compile responses to Council
questions and concerns.
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Motion by Miller and seconded by Sanderson to continue the
matter, with the hearing open, until the next Council meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING ZONE CHANGE NO. 03-03
Location: Southeast Corner of Hollenbeck Street and
and Garvey Avenue North
Applicant: Abell-Helou
City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication and Mayor
Herfert opened the hearing. Principal Planner Anderson presented
the staff report.
Public Testimony Mayor Herfert opened the public testimony portion of the hearing
and the following individuals addressed Council:
Applicant, Mr. Abell, addressed the Council in support of
the zone change.
Michael Chai of the Mikkon Adult Day Health Center
stated that the proposed building would block the view onto the
street from the Center and would add more traffic.
Mr. Abell rebutted the comments offered by Mr. Chai
Testimony closed Mayor Herfert closed the public testimony portion of the hearing
and commenced Council discussion.
City Clerk presented:
Ordinance introduced AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE
CHANGE NO. 03-03 (Hollenbeck Street/Garvey Avenue North)
Motion by Miller and seconded by Wong to waive further
reading of the ordinance and introduce. Motion carried by the
following vote:
AYES: Hernandez, Miller, Sanderson, Wong, Herfert
NOES: None
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Mayor Herfert recessed the City Council meeting at 10:05 pm to
convene the Community Development Commission. The City
Council reconvened at 10:40 pill with all members present.
DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
2003/2004 FISCAL YEAR MID -YEAR BUDGET UPDATE
Mid -Year Budget Report Finance Director Bachman presented the mid -year budget update
using a slide presentation. He responded to comments and con-
cerns of the Councilmembers. Council discussion ensued on
available options: personnel and/or services reductions, economic
development, taxation, etc.
Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Wong to direct staff
to retain a public research firm to poll the citizens as to the
imposition of a utility tax or service cuts and to direct staff to
report back with expenditure cuts which would bring the City's
budget into balance.
Mayor Herfert felt cutting services and personnel is not the
answer. The first step towards economic development would be to
reconsider the action taken by Council at the last meeting, which
would have brought in the largest sales tax source for the City.
Couneilmember Sanderson did not support the retention of
a research firm to find out the opinions of the community. The
City Council was elected to make decisions on behalf of the
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citizens; and, City problems and situations are reported in the
papers to inform the community and the Council meetings are for
the citizens to give their thoughts to the City Council.
Action on the motion carried 3-2 with Sanderson and
I-Ierfert voting no.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
California Street Hockey Association (CSHA)
_Restated and Amended Agreement
CSHA Interim Community Services Director Samaniego presented the
staff report and responded to Council questions and comments.
Council discussion ensued. Finance Director Bachman addressed
the deferral of the 2003 payment.
Motion Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Herfert to take the
following actions:
1) Approve the request from CSHA to defer the payment
schedule of the Maintenance and Operation Agreement
with the City of West Covina by one year beginning 2002
to 2003; and
2) Approve the proposed Restated and Amended Maintenance
and Operation Agreement to reflect operations in the
enclosed Planet Hockey facility; and
3) Approve CSHA request to activate a five-year option
renewal as stated in the Agreement; and correct the dates of
the payment schedule.
Council discussion continued with Community Services Manager
Morgan responding to questions about the down time for CSHA
due to construction of the enclosed rinks.
Call for the question by Sanderson, which failed 3-2 with Miller
and Wong voting no. Discussion continued.
Action on motion Mayor Herfert asked for a vote on the motion. Motion approved 3-
2 with Miller and Wong voting no.
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DEPARTMENT -
Development of City Property Located at Morganfield Avenue
and Vallev Boulevard (APN # 8742-013-900 & 8742-013-901)
Community Meeting Council reviewed the staff report.
Motion by Wong and seconded by Miller to direct the
Planning staff to conduct a community meeting to obtain public
input. Motion carried 5-0.
HUMAN RESOURCES —
Adiustment to Future Elected Official Salaries
Council reviewed the staff report.
Motion by Miller and seconded by Wong to receive and file
the report. Motion carried 5-0.
MAYOR'S REPORTS Policy for Naming Citv Facilities After Individuals
Council reviewed the staff report and Mayor Herfert suggested that
this item be carried over until the February 17°i Council meeting.
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COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
Councilmember Hernandez —
Report on Procedure and Impacts on Reviewing Legal
Counsel for Various Citv Services
Assistant City Manager Fields presented the staff report.
Original motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to receive and file
the staff report.
Substitute motion Councilmember Hernandez commenced Council discussion/
comments by explained his reasons for pursuing this issue. A
substitute motion was made by Hernandez and seconded by Miller
to direct staff to prepare an RFP for legal services covering four
areas:
* City business
* Redevelopment business
* Public Financing Authority
* Risk Management services
and to bring back the RFP at the next Council meeting for final
approval before releasing it.
Herb Redholtz Herb Redholtz, a West Covina resident, spoke favorably of the
current City Attorney and that there was no need to seek legal
services from another firm.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, a West Covina resident, concurred with Mr.
Redholtz, and suggested that the Council appoint a citizens review
committee as was done in 2000.
Corey Warshaw Corey Warshaw, a West Covina resident, felt it was important to
look at overall costs and supported the RFP process.
Action on substitute motion Motion on the substitute motion passed 3-2 with Sanderson and
Herfert voting no.
Councilmember Miller —
Amar Road and Azusa Avenue Improvements
Councilmember Miller elaborated on the staff report, noting that
there is a need for a long-term plan for the through traffic on Azusa
Avenue.
Herb Redholtz Herb Redholtz, a West Covina resident, agreed that the traffic at
that intersection is heavy and does need to be addressed. I-Ie sug-
gusted the study be updated.
ADJOURNMENT
Attest"
City Clerk Janet Berry
Motion by Miller and seconded by Hernandez to direct staff to
retain Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (traffic consultants) to
update a 2000, study alternatives, and to update the cost estimates.
Motion carried 4-1 with Herfert voting no.
Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Herfert to adjourn the
meeting at 12:44 am. Motion carried 5-0.
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