05-18-2004 - Regular Meeting - Minutes•
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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-
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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.
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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.
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Mayor Michael Miller
0 Attest:
City Clerk Janet Bettye