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02-17-2004 - Regular Meeting - Minutesis • 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) 2 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 3 Council Minutes of2/17/04 • 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. 4 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. E Council Minutes of 2/17/04 r� L • 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. ti or erfert A/ttes%t:��� City Clerk Jaiiet Berry 3