02-17-2004 - Regular Meeting - Minutesis
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MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
February 17, 2004
Mayor Herfert called to order the regular meeting of the West Covina City Council at 7:12 pm in the
City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina. City Manager Andrew Pasmant
gave the invocation and Councilmember Sanderson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL Mayor Herfert, Mayor Pro Tern Miller
Councilmembers Hernandez, Sanderson, Wong
Others Present: Pasmant, Alvarez-Glasman, Dewus, Durbin, Freeland, Ballard,
Genovese, Morgan, Samaniego, Yauchzee, Taylor, Bachman,
Nguyen, Wills, McIsaac, Anderson, Bommarito, Fields, Berry
REPORTING OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman reported that at 6:18 all members
were present f6r the closed session with the exception of Mayor
Herfert who arrived at 6:30 pm. Prior to going into closed session,
the two items scheduled for discussion were announced and there
were no public comments. In relation to the conference with the
labor negotiators, a briefing was given but there was no action
taken and nothing further to report. In relation to the property
located at 2441 E. Cortez Avenue, a briefing was given, direction
was provided by Council and there was no final action taken and
nothing further to report.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA No changes made.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilmember Miller corrected the special meeting minutes of
January 26, 2004 to indicate that he excused himself from the room
during the closed session discussion involving the management
group.
The following minutes were approved as presented, with
the correction noted above:
Special meeting of January 20, 2004
Special meeting of January 26, 2004
Special meeting of February 3, 2004
PRESENTATION The City's Blue Star video was aired, paying tribute to the men
and women of the armed forces.
Mayor Herfert proclaimed March 6, 2004 as Arbor Day and
presented the proclamation to Geneva Nixon of West Covina
Beautiful.
Mayor Herfert stated that January was School Board Recognition
Month and called forward Rowland Unified School District Board
Member Heidi Gallegos to be recognized.
Mayor Herfert than asked the following to be recognized
from the West Covina Unified School District Board of Trustees:
Vice President Camie Poulos
Members George Fuller, Forrest Wilkins, Steve Cox
Superintendent Dr. Richard Vladovic
Council Minutes of2117/04
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Emma Fischbeck, a West Covina resident, noted that the City
Council adjusted the bin rates for trash pickup for multi -family
condos, but the most recent bill does not reflect the change.
City Manager Pasmant stated that the change to the
agreement should be wrapped up by the end of the week.
. Anela Freeman, Congresswoman Hilda Solis' field representative,
invited the City Council to attend the renaming of Duarte's Post
Office on February 28, 2004.
Frank Wilson, a West Covina resident, commented on budgetary
concerns and his take on Council's responsibility in solving the
budget problems.
Ed Casanova, a West Covina resident, related his experience over
the weekend at Washington Mutual Bank when a bank robber
jumped on the counter fully intent on robbing the bank.
John Scheuplein, a West Covina resident, addressed the City's
budget and presented his thoughts in balancing it.
Giancarlo Massarotto, a West Covina resident, thanked the citizens
who came to his aid and support during his recuperation from a
terrible twenty -foot fall from a ladder.
Henry Lo, Los Angeles, addressed Council as Senator Gloria
Romero's field representative. He invited the City to participate in
Senator Romero's 2004 Outstanding Women of the 241h District by
nominating worthy women. He left flyers and nomination appli-
cations.
Ellis Lewis, Sr., Pastor of Church of Christ, West Covina, invited
the City Council and the community to attend a Cultural Exchange
schedule for February 29 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm at 15124 E. Amar
Road in La Puente.
ITEMS HELD OVER FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Policv for Namine Citv Facilities After Individuals
Council reviewed the staff report. Mayor Herfert suggested that
this matter be held over indefinitely, in light of the budget
situation.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to hold over
indefinitely. Motion carried 5-0.
CONSENT CALENDAR Commission Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Community Services 1/13/04
Senior Citizens Commission 1/8/04
Planning 2/10/04
. Ordinance for Adoption (waive reading & adopt)
Ordinance 2110 - ORDINANCE NO. 2110 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE
Zone Change No. 03-03 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 03-03 (Abell-
Helou)
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Council Minutes of 2/17/04
Award of Bids:
Fire Department Administration Building Re -roof
Project No. BP 04303
Re -roof Fire Administration - Recommendation is to accept the bid of Best Roofing & Water -
Best Roofing & Waterproofing proofing, Inc., in the amount of $37,390 as submitted at the bid
opening on January 27, 2004 and authorize the Public Works
Director/City Engineer and City Clerk to execute the contract.
Vending Machines in City Facilities and Parks — RFP No. 0703-C
Vending Machines - Recommendation is to take the following actions:
1) Approve an award of bid to establish a 3-year contract with
Bader Vending Services (BVS) to install and maintain beverage
and snack vending machines at various City facilities and park
sites that will provide a commission to the City outlined in RFP
No. 0703-C; and
2) Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to enter into a
contract on behalf of the City consistent with the RFP.
City Treasurer's Report (receive & file)
Report for the month of December 2003.
Miscellaneous — Fire Department
Temporary Monthly Contract with Schaefer Ambulance
and AMR for Pass Through Fees
Ambulance Pass -Through Fees Recommendation is to take the following actions:
I) Approve a temporary contractual arrangement to allow
Schaefer Ambulance Service and AMR to charge the county
approved Advanced Life Support (ALS) rate, and to apps the
collected fees to the City of West Covina; and
2) Authorize the Interim Fire Chief to sign the approved
contract with Schaefer Ambulance and AMR.
Miscellaneous — Finance Department
2004 Investment Policy
Recommendation is to adopt the City's Investment Policy and
accompanying Investment Portfolio Guidelines.
Miscellaneous — Environmental Management
BKK Landfill Closure Plans Monthly Status Report
Recommendation is to receive and file.
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Wong and seconded by Hernandez to waive further
reading of the ordinance and adopt, and approve all other items
except Item No. C-3b. Motion carried by roll call vote:
AYES: Hernandez, Miller, Sanderson, Wong, Herfert
NOES: None
Item No. C-3b In relation to C-3b (Award of Bid for Vending Machines),
Councilmember Wong expressed an interest in seeing the contract
. before granting approval.
Motion by Wong and seconded by Sanderson to hold over
the Award of Bid for Vending Machines. Motion carried 5-0.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
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Council Minutes of2/17/04
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HEARING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 03-05
TRAILERS AS LIVING QUARTERS
Trailers as Living Quarters City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication and Mayor
Herfert opened the hearing. Assistant Planner Anderson presented
the staff report and Planning Director McIsaac responded to
Council questions regarding the intent of the ordinance, the
enforcement of it, and the implications of the ordinance to short
term visitors to residents.
Public Testimonv Mayor Herfert opened the public testimony portion of the hearing
and asked for comments from the audience. The following West
Covina citizens addressed Council:
Joanne Wilner
Roberta Azpeitia
John Scheuplein
Testimony closed There being no others desiring to address Council, Mayor Herfert
closed the testimony portion of the hearing.
Council Discussion Councilmember Sanderson proposed a permit process to cover
temporary visitors.
Permit process requested Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to continue
this matter over for the City Prosecutor to draft language, that he
would be able to enforce comfortably, providing for an up to ten-
day permit from City Hall enabling visitors to hook up and use
their trailers without violating the Municipal Code. Motion carried
5-0.
HEARING CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING —
GALSTER PARK MASTER PLAN, AMENDMENT NO. 1
Galster Park Mayor Herfert stated that this matter had been before Council at
the February 3`d Council meeting and continued until this evening
for additional information. He noted that staff is still compiling the
information and has requested a continuance until March 2.
Joanne Wilner Joanne Wilner, a West Covina resident, suggested a couple
of improvements for staff and the Council to consider. Also, more
explicit hearing notices at both the upper and lower portions of the
park would be much more informative to the residents.
Royal Brown Royal Brown, a West Covina resident, suggested the City
Council conduct a walk-through to become familiar with the park,
trails, etc. ,
Councilmember Hernandez discussed security needs, parameter
fencing, and designating an accessible path as the main trail
through the park.
Held Over Motion by Wong and seconded by Sanderson to hold this
matter over until the first City Council meeting in April, which
would be April 6. Motion carried 5-0.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Mayor Herfert recessed the City Council
meeting at 8:32 pm to convene the Community Development
Commission. The City Council reconvened at 8:33 pm.
DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS COMMUNITY SERVICES —
_Cortez Park Proposed Walking Paths
Interim Community Services Director Samaniego presented the
staff report. Councilmember Sanderson appreciated staff s work
on designing the paths and breaking down the costs for comparison
sake.
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Council Minutes of2/17/04
Royal Brown Royal Brown, a West Covina resident, suggested Alter-
native No. 3 proposed in the staff report as the best option.
Joanne Wilner Joanne Wilner, a West Covina resident, suggested that the
plan be completed, but construction can wait until money is avail-
able. She suggested additional paths to make the walk more
interesting.
Frank Williams Frank Williams, a West Covina resident, spoke of his
favorite park, Cortez.
Councilmember Sanderson requested staff to look into a possible
dangerous condition with the old chain link fence surrounding the
Citrus Street property purchased by the City.
Motion Motion by Miller and seconded by Hernandez to proceed
with incorporating the Citrus property and walking trail concepts
into the master plan, and keep the park clean and safe. Motion
carried 5-0.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Initiation of Annexation for Nogales High School
Campus and Surplus Property
Nogales High School Planning Director McIsaac presented the staff report with an aerial
view of the property in question. Council sought information
regarding the swap meet conducted each Saturday on the campus,
current West Covina Police responses to the high school, the
inclusion of the high school into the citywide lighting district, etc.
The following West Covina residents voiced their opinions of the
possible annexation:
Royal Brown felt the neighborhood would benefit from
having the high school into the City of West Covina.
Joanne Wilner wondered what benefits would the City
receive from the annexation.
John Scheuplein noted the mess to the grounds that remain
after the swap meeting each week.
Councilmember Wong recognized Mr. Ronald Vera, legal counsel
for the Rowland Unified School District. Mr. Vera stated that the
money generated from the swap meet flows directly to the Booster
Clubs of the high school.
Walt Hauser, a West Covina resident and former West Covina
Police Officer, related first hand information in responses to calls
for police assistance at Nogales High School.
Mayor Herfert concurred with Mayor Pro Tern Miller's position in
that economics plays an important part in annexations and that
moving forward this evening with the initiation doesn't guaranty
final support when the financials have been researched and
reported.
City Clerk presented
Resolution 2004-8 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-8 — A RESOLUTION OF THE
Annexation No. 244 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI-
FORNIA, REQUESTING THE LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION
0 COMMISSION OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY TO INITIATE
PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ANNEXATION OF CERTAIN
TERRITORY TO THE CITY OF WEST COVINA (Annexation
No. 244)
Motion by Wong and seconded by Herfert to waive further
reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0.
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Council Minutes of 2/17/04
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CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE —
Wireless Access Security Code
Wireless Access Code Finance Director Bachman elaborated on the staff report and
responded to Councilmember Wong's comments. Councilmember
Hernandez added his support to Councilmember Wong's request.
Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to receive
and file the report. Motion carried 3-2 with Hernandez and Wong
voting no.
MAYOR'S REPORT Mayor Herfert requested a status report of the Aroma Park and the
water leak adjacent to it.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REPORTS
Councilmember Hernandez —
City Attorney RFPs: General, CDC, and Liability & Workers'
Compensation Defense Services Legal Counsel
Assistant City Manager Fields presented the staff report.
Councilmember Hernandez elaborated on his reasons for
seeking proposals for legal services: accountability to the citizenry
of cost/effectiveness by utilizing the competitive process. Council -
member Miller suggested moving forward with the RFP and
include a citizens review committee, as was done in 2000.
Herb Redholtz, a West Covina resident, believed this is not
a legal issue, but a political issue. He commended City Attorney
Alvarez-Glasman.
John Scheuplein, a West Covina resident, said the City will
get what it pays for and should leave this matter alone.
Councilmember Sanderson spoke highly of the City Attorney. She
requested a more complete survey of legal costs incurred by cities
that hire outside attorney firms, like West Covina.
Release the RFP Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Herfert to hold over
for more information, as requested by Councilmember Sanderson.
The motion was amended by Councilmember Wong and
seconded by Hernandez to release the RFP and in the meantime
staff to bring back the more in-depth cost survey information, and
create a citizens review committee. Motion carried 3-2 with
Sanderson and Herfert voting no.
On another issue, Councilmember Wong reported on a press
conference at Los Angeles Police Department, Parker Center last
Friday. This was in connection with a signature gathering process
for an initiative called Local Taxpayers and Public Safety Act.
The signatures are needed by April 16, 2004 to make the
November 2004 ballot.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Wong and seconded by Miller to adjourn the meeting at
10:36 pm. Motion carried 5-0.
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City Clerk Jaiiet Berry
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