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05-18-2004 - Regular Meeting - Minutes• -0 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL MAY 18, 2004 Mayor Miller 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. City Manager Pasmant led the Moment of Silence and Mayor Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Mayor Miller, Mayor Pro Tern Sanderson, Councilmembers: Herfert, Hernandez, Wong Others Present: Pasmant, Alvarez-Glasman, Ballard, Janis, Samaniego, Freeland, Carter, Bommarito, Wills, Durbin, Tedesco, Hoppe, Taylor, Bachman, Berry REPORTING OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman reported that the closed session commenced at 6:03 pm, the scheduled CDC items were announced prior to closing the doors. Regarding the Citrus/Workman site, a briefing was to the Commissioners, no final action was taken and there is nothing further to report. Regarding the property located at Amar Road/Azusa Avenue, staff briefed the Commission, no final action was taken and there is nothing further to report. Regarding comments offered by Mr. McIntyre to the Commission during the Public Comment portion of the meeting, Councilmember Herfert stated that he was not in agreement with the Council's discussion regarding the Citrus/Workman property. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA No changes offered. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the regular meeting of May 4, 2004 were approved as submitted. As a follow-up to the April 20'h meeting, Council - member Sanderson was still looking for a report discussing the whereabouts of Cookie Nance's petition. City Manager Pasmant stated that the matter is under inves- tigation and a report will be submitted once completed. PRESENTATIONS With the assistance of Senior Citizens Center Supervisor Carter, Mayor Miller presented a Certificate of Recognition to Older American of the Year Honoree: Jack Willick With the assistance of Police Chief Wills, Mayor Miller presented a Certificate of appreciation to Ziad Alhassen for his donation to the West Covina Police Department of a GMC Pickup to haul the Police Department's equestrian trailer. Mayor Miller distributed Certificate of Appreciation to members of the West Covina Lions for their upcoming annual fundraiser Night on the Town scheduled for June 3, 2004. 5/18/04 Council Minutes 10" ANNOUNCEMENT City Clerk Berry announced the recent appointment of Colleen Rosatti to the Waste Management/Environmental Quality Com- mission, an appointment of Councilmember Sanderson. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Julia Miele Julia Miele, representing Stepping up to the Challenge campaign for an upcoming 5-K Walk fighting Colon Cancer. Cookie Nance Cookie Nance, West Covina resident, resubmitted her petition favoring the construction of a Wal-Mart in West Covina. She has 450 signatures at this point in time. V.P. Harinath V.P. Harinath, West Covina resident, discussed safety measures at the Senior Citizens Center and asked Council to look into the Center's administration before any secret contracts are signed. Dr. Ronald Leon Dr. Leon, Superintendent of the Rowland Unified School District, reported on the academic success of the schools in his district and distributed information on the various programs and awards. Royal Brown Royal Brown, West Covina resident, reported on the status of the big horn sheep in the hills of West Covina. John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, West Covina resident,\ commented on several items: a) seriousness of losing Cookie Nance's petition, b) absence of the Blue Star video, and c) reinstating the invocation at the beginning of the meeting. Kathy Putman Kathy Putman, West Covina resident, complained about the graffiti in the City and urged Council to not eliminate funds from the General Fund to abate and keep the City clean. She suggested making parents of the perpetrators responsible for the abatement of graffiti. Tyra Mason Tyra Mason, West Covina resident, reminded the audience of the location change of the Saturday morning Farmers' Market and encouraged citizens to patronize it. The new location is adjacent to Pier I Imports on the south side of West Covina Parkway, across from the mall. Mayor Miller responded the above comments: * Concurred with the need to look into the petition situation. * The Blue Star video is being redone and updated with new names and photos. * Regarding the graffiti, staff was directed to look into the areas mentioned, contact the contractor, contact the state legislative representatives for possible grant funds (as well as addressing graffiti on state property adjacent to the City), and report back to Council with a strategy report. Councilmember Herfert stated that he responded to a request for opinions from the City Clerk regarding invocations at Council meetings, in light of a recent court ruling. It was his opinion to continue with lining up prayer givers from the various faiths and permit them to lead the Council in prayer in their own fashion. Other Councilmembers concurred on the idea and staff was directed to continue with scheduling invocationists, as in the past. Staff was directed to expedite the revised Blue Star video and in the meantime, show the current video until the updated version is ready. 2 5/18/04 Council Minutes • • David Murphy David Murphy, addressed Council on his proposition to Mr. McIntyre, developer of the Citrus/Workman redevelopment site for a West Covina European Motorcars dealership. Ed Casanova Ed Casanova, West Covina resident, gave an invocation for the evening and read the names, rank, and armed forces branch of the individuals included on the City's Blue Star video. Lloyd Johnson Lloyd Johnson, West Covina resident, felt the least the City could do was play the Blue Star video. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissions/Summary of Actions (receive & file) Planning 4/27/04 Ordinance for Adoption (waive reading & adopt) Ordinance No. 2114 - ORDINANCE NO. 2114 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY Zone Change 04-01 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE NO. 04-01 (Nogales Street and Shakespeare Drive) City Treasurer's Report (receive & file) Report for the month of March 2004 Miscellaneous — Public Works Request for Reallocation of Property Taxes County Sanitation District No. 22 (Annexation No. 374) Location: 3526 Holt Avenue and 3606 Holt Avenue Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution: Resolution 2004-43 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-43 — A RESOLUTION OF THE Annexation No 374 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI- FORNIA, ADOPTING THE JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 22 OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN ACCEP- TING NEGOTIATED EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUES RESULTING FROM AN ANNEXATION TO COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 22, BEING ANNEXATION NO. 374 West Covina Citywide Sewer Service Charge — Method of Collection — Setting Public Hearing Date Recommendation is to adopt the following resolution: Resolution 2004-44 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-44 — A RESOLUTION OF THE Public Hearing: 6/15/04 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI- FORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO COLLECT THE ANNUAL SEWER SERVICE CHARGE THROUGH THE COUNTY TAX BILL AND SETTING A DATE OF JUNE 15, 2004 FOR A PUBLIC HEARING Miscellaneous — Police Department Federal Homeland Security Grant for Police Station Security Improvements Police Grant & Improvements Recommendation is to take the following actions: * Accept and appropriate the COPS Technology Initiative grant as follows: $197,895 into Account No. 204.31.3110.7160 (and a corresponding amount in Account No. 204.31.4551 as incoming revenue), and 3 5/18/04 Council Minutes JRC - contractor * Find that JRC of Rosemead is the lowest responsive bidder for the fencing and structural security improvements funded under this grant, and authorize a contract for a cost of $151,370 including taxes, plus an addition $15,000 for project administration, contingencies, and City inspections. Miscellaneous — Environmental Management BKK Landfill Closure Plans Monthly Status Report Recommendation is to receive and file the report. CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to waive further reading of the resolutions/ordinance and adopt, and to approve all other items listed. Motion carried by roll call vote: AYES: Herfert, Hernandez, Sanderson, Wong, Miller NOES: None With Council concurrence the following item was moved forward for discussion at this time. FINANCE Voter Initiation of Wal-Mart Development and Financing Options for BKK Development Wal-Mart/BKK site Finance Director Bachman presented the staff report regarding steps/requirements for a general obligation bond and other alternatives contained in the staff report. Community Development Commission Department Director Chung responded to questions regarding the Big League Dreams financial costs. Council comments followed. Patti Bartucca Patti Bartucca, West Covina resident, spoke favorably of a Wal- Mart in West Covina. Herb Redholtz Herb Redholtz, West Covina resident, spoke favorably of a Wal- Mart in West Covina and suggested the matter be put to a vote of the people. Katherine Castucci Katherine Castucci, West Covina resident, agreed with the previous speak on the idea of placing the matter on the ballot. Susan Renne Susan Renne, West Covina resident, presented violations and com- munity problems incurred in other cities with the influx of an Wal- Mart. Don Carman Don Carman, West Covina resident, expressed tiredness of "waffling" by Mayor Miller. Robert Gurrola Robert Gurrola, West Covina resident, noted that his three daughters play soccer and he hoped Council would move forward with Big League Dreams on the BKK landfill site. John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, West Covina resident, explained investment pro- cedures. O Royal Brown Royal Brown, West Covina resident, said the hole at the BKK landfill has got to be filled in one way or another. If Council doesn't take care of it soon, it will become a superfund site and cost the citizens even more. Ray Hernandez Ray Hernandez, West Covina resident, gave a brief history of the BKK landfill site. He asked what intentions the City Council had in relation to the land and the timeframe. M 5/18/04 Council Minutes John Shewmaker John Shewmaker, West Covina resident, favored a Wal-Mart at the BKK landfill site and suggested that Council needs to move forward quickly on developing the land. Council Comments Councilmember Sanderson commenced Council discussion. She O discussed the high priority of economic development for the City and the importance of developing the BKK site to generate revenues. She explained the benefit of Big League Dreams and the commercial development, particular Wal-Mart and Home Depot. Councilmember Hernandez stated that he would vote for a program or project that will bring in the most economic benefits to the City with the least impact on the community. He encouraged everyone to do the kind of statistical research as that done by an earlier speaker, Ms. Renne, to determine the kind of business Wal- Mart is and the negativity it has on communities. He noted that a decision has already been made on this and it is a shame that it keeps coming back. Councilmember Wong reiterated his position of opposition to Big League Dreams and the type of proposed commercial development on the landfill site. Councilmember Herfert discussed an overhead entitled "Keep Our Tax Dollars in West Covina" regarding the finances behind the financial arrangements between the City and the mall. He said that Kohl's Department Store went right over to neighboring Baldwin Park after the last Council meeting at West Covina. Mayor Miller discussed his position regarding this issue and the impending budgetary problems facing the City. Big League Dreams would not be the same as another other City park, there is a fee to get into it after 4:00 pm. He also noted that citizens have been coming up to him and agreeing now that the BLD does not make economic sense. Motion Motion by Wong and seconded by Hernandez to receive and file the report. Motion carried 4-1 with Herfert voting no. Recess Mayor Miller called a recess at 10:14 pm. Council reconvened at 10:28 pm with all members present. HEARING MULTIFAMILY HOUSING REVENUE BONDS Location: 929 W. Cameron Avenue City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication. Mayor Miller opened the hearing and City Manager Pasmant presented the staff report. Public Testimonv Mayor Miller opened the public testimony portion of the hearing and asked for comments favoring the revenue bonds. The O following person stated that he was available to answer questions: Brian Lucas, Steadfast Apartment Communities Testimony closed Mayor Miller asked for comments in opposition and there were no comments offered by the attendees. He then closed the public testimony portion of the hearing. City Clerk Berry presented: Resolution 2002-45 RESOLUTION NO. 2004-45 — A RESOLUTION OF THE Multifamily Housing Bonds CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI- 5 5/18/04 Council Minutes O O FORNIA, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF MULTIFAMILY HOUSING REVENUE BONDS BY THE CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE COMMUNITIES DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Motion by Wong and seconded by Sanderson to waive further reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS POLICE DEPARTMENT TOWING SERVICES BID Towing Service Commander Tedesco presented the staff report. The following individuals addressed Council: Charlie Al-Badawi Charlie Al-Badawi, owner of Bob's Towing Robert Ring Robert Ring, spoke highly of Bob's Towing Bonnie Welch Bonnie Welch, Haddick's Towing, with handouts Peter Albano Peter Albano of Patriot Protection spoke highly of Royal Coaches Bill Salazar Bill Salazar, co-owner of Royal Coaches Brad McFadden Brad McFadden, spoke favorably of Royal Coaches Darlene Misetic Darlene Misetic, property owner in Baldwin Park leasing a towing yard to Mr. T's Towing and distributed pictures of the yard, nearing completion. Irma Gonzales Irma Gonzales, Budget Towing Dennis Shirley Dennis Shirley, Mr. T's Towing Khan Kayum Khan Kayum, West Covina resident, relayed his positive experience with Royal Coaches Robert Ring Robert Ring (Bob's Towing) commented on lack of com- plaints and letters of recommendation. Jim Salazar Jim Salazar, co-owner of Royal Coaches and Towing Manny Morano Manny Morano, spoke highly of his employer, Royal Coaches Dennis Shirley Dennis Shirley, Mr. T's Towing Council Discussion Councilmember Wong thanked both staff for the report and the speakers for their comments. He asked a few more questions of Commander Tedesco. In response to Councilmember Herfert, he stated that the City Council was not bound by the staff recommendation and should choose two towing service that would generate a minimum of $25,000 greater revenue to the City than the two recommenced towing companies. Action After further discussion on the different towing services that bid on the contract, motion by Hernandez and seconded by Herfert to award Area 1 to Royal Coaches and Area 2 to Budget Towing. Motion carried 4-1 with Wong voting no. Items for Carry -Over Council discussed with the City Manager which items could be held over. It was determined that F-2 (Ambulance Negotiations) could be held over until the following evening at the budget study session and that H-1 (Watch the Road Campaign) and I-1 (Estimated Sportsplex Expenditures) could be held over until the next Council meeting of June 1, 2004. HEARING THE 2004/2005 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ACTION PLAN FY 04/05 CDBG City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication. Mayor Miller opened the hearing and City Manager Pasmant elaborated on the staff report. 2 5/18/04 Council Minutes • Public Testimonv Testimony closed Resolution 2004-46 Mayor Miller opened the public testimony portion of the hearing and asked first for comments in favor of the action plan and then in opposition to the action plan. No comments were received and he closed the testimony portion of the hearing. City Clerk Berry presented: RESOLUTION NO. 2004-46 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALI- FORNIA, REQUESTING APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDS PURSUANT TO THE UNITED STATES HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1974 AS AMENDED AND CERTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW RECORD THEREON Motion by Wong and seconded by Hernandez to waive further reading of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 5-0 CDC Called to Order Mayor Miller called to order the Community Development Com- mission at 11:50 pm to conduct the following joint public hearing. Councilmember Wong noted that conflict of interest laws still pro- hibit him from participating on the following matter in that his family's commercial property lies within the project area boundaries, although recently sold. He stepped away from the Council table. HEARING JOINT PUBLIC HEARING Amendment No. 3 to the Redevelopment Plan for the West Covina Redevelopment Project Area RDA project Area Amend. No 3 City Clerk Berry verified the affidavit of publication. Mayor Miller opened the joint public hearing and City Attorney/General Counsel Alvarez-Glasman presented the staff report. He noted one letter had been received from Mr. Melvin Henry Cavanaugh, Jr., dated April 29 2004, requesting that his property at 1122 Azusa Canyon Road, West Covina, be excluded from the project area. Public Testimonv Mayor Miller opened the public testimony portion of the hearing and asked for comments in favor of the amendment, and then in none opposition to the amendment. As no one addressed the joint body, Testimony closed Mayor Miller closed the public testimony portion of the hearing. In regard to the letter requesting exclusion from the redevelopment project area, the joint body concurred in denying the request. Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Herfert to direct staff to prepare a response to the submitted letter and report back to the City Council at the June 1, 2004 meeting with the first reading of the ordinance adopting Amendment No. 3 to the Redevelopment Plan for the West Covina Redevelopment Project Area. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Wong abstaining (conflict of interest). Commissioner Wong returned to the Council table. Adjournment of CDC The Community Development Commission adjourned at 11:54 pm and Mayor Miller continued with concluding the City Council Agenda. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Herfert to adjourn the meeting at 11:56 pm to tomorrow evening at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers for the scheduled budget study session (at which time the matter concerning Ambulance Negotiations would be considered. Motion carried 5-0. VA 5/18/04 Council Minutes J"� Mayor Michael Miller 0 Attest: City Clerk Janet Bettye