04-11-2006 - Special Meeting - Minutes•
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MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
April 11, 2006
Mayor Herfert called to order the special meeting of the West Covina City Council at 7:04 p.m. in the in
the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Sanderson
ROLL CALL Mayor Herfert, Mayor Pro Tern Touhey
Councilmembers Hernandez, Lane, and Sanderson
Others Present: Pasmant, Alvarez-Glasman, Fields, McIsaac, Hoppe, Taylor, Rush
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Mayor Herfert stated that comments will be taken during the public
hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING Public Hearing
General Plan Amendment No. 05-06
Zone Change No. 05-10
Applicant: Rowland Unified School District
Location: 401 South Nogales Street, Nogales High School
Mayor Herfert announced the public hearing matter and Assistant
City Clerk Rush verified that proper legal notice had been given.
Mayor Herfert proceeded to open the hearing. Planning Director
Mclsaac presented the staff report outlining the General
Amendment and Zone Change and answered questions from
Council.
Public Testimony Mayor Herfert opened the public testimony portion of the hearing
and asked for speakers in favor of the proposal.
In Favor Dr. Maria Ott; Superintendent of Rowland Unified School District
(RUSD) urged approval of the annexation and spoke on the
importance to the families whose children attend the school and the
mutual benefits. Also addressed the campus police and aides who
handle problems.
Heidi Gallegos, President of Rowland Unified Board of Education,
stated the Board is dedicated to working cooperatively with the
City in support of the annexation.
Dr. Robert Wertz, Assistant Superintendent of RUSD, addressed
the pre -annexation approved by Council and RUSD.
Jinny Hurst, Associate Principal at Nogales High School, spoke on
past collaborative efforts between the RUSD and the City.
Royall Brown, West Covina resident, addressed the revenue
generation section of the supplemental report.
Janis Cavanaugh, Chief of Police for RUSD, stated the L.A.
County Sheriffs only received 6 calls from the school for transport
and said they look forward to working with West Covina PD.
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John Scheuplein, West Covina resident, urged serious
consideration would be given to this matter.
Unidentified parent, expressed support of the annexation.
Charles Plumley, Associate Principal in charge of discipline,
addressed how the Campus Police Officers police the campus.
Mayor Pro Tem Touhey requested statistics of citations issued.
Opposed Walt Hauser, West Covina Police Officers' Association, addressed
resources for the area and the need for additional officers.
Roberta Azpeitia, West Covina resident, spoke in support of the
annexation but addressed the need for more officers and asked
Council to consider the shortage of officers before annexing the
high school.
Roy Pinchard, West Covina resident, addressed concerns of the
lack of police officers and the swap meet.
Michele Figueroa, West Covina Police Officers' Association,
addressed concerns with the additional paperwork and the prospect
of responding to from homes outside West Covina for issues at the
school.
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman summarized written
communications submitted by resident Joanne Wilner. Ms. Wilner
Rebuttal Dr. Ott stated that two letters of support were sent to the City,
which weren't mentioned. Dr. Ott responded to safety concerns of
those in opposition and reiterated the district's commitment to
maintain the safety resources that are at the high school.
Testimony Closed There being no other comments, Mayor Herfert closed the public
testimony portion of the hearing.
In response to Councilmember Sanderson, Interim Human
Resources Director Fields stated the city is currently recruiting for
police officers:
Mayor Pro Tem Touhey stated his basis for not supporting the
annexation. Mayor Pro Tem Touhey stated that due to the current
shortage of officers it would not be financially prudent to annex at
this time
Councilmember Lane concurred and also stated her concerns with
the swap meet at the high school, as swap meets are not allowed in
West Covina.
Councilmember Sanderson commended the school for the
proactive efforts in providing on -campus police and adding
cameras and stated she supported the annexation but must first
address the shortage of police officers.
Councilmember Hernandez addressed the pre -annexation
agreement and stated his support of the annexation to help the
community's children and strengthen the sense of community
through this partnership.
Mayor Herfert commented on the existing and continuing
relationship, mutual cooperation and shared history with RUSD
that will continue regardless of the decision made tonight.
Assistant City Clerk presented:
Resolution No. 2006-25 RESOLUTION NO. 2006-25 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
• Denial of GPA No. 05-06 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
DENYING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 05-06.
Resolution No. 2006-26 RESOLUTION NO. 2006-26 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
Denial of Zone Change 05-10 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
DENYING ZONE CHANGE NO. 05-10.
Motion Motion by Touhey and seconded by Lane to waive further reading
of the resolutions, read by title only and adopt. Motion carried 3-2
with Hernandez and Sanderson voting no.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and second by Sanderson to adjourn the
meeting at 8:29 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
Submitted by.
Assistant City dlerk Susan Rush
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