01-17-2007 - Special Meeting - Minutes•
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MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 17, 2007
Mayor Touhey called to order the special meeting at 7:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall,
1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Touhey
ROLL CALL Mayor Touhey, Mayor Pro Tern Lane
Councilmembers Hernandez
Absent: Councilmember Herfert, Councilmember Sanderson
Others Present: Pasmant, Nichols, Fields, Yauchzee, McNeill, Rush
PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Alfred Williams Alfred Williams, West Covina resident, supported the original
Master Plan, which doesn't need approval as it was already
approved and said their should be funding from Park Dedication
Fees, but those fees have been given to other areas of the City.
Tom Nessman Tom Nessman, West Covina resident, supported option #3,
designing the entire park per the Master Plan.
John Solis John Solis, West Covina resident, recommended option #3 to
design the park to the original Master Plan; outlined a process for
such a project and suggested that the maintenance fee be generated
from the two cell towers in the park.
John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, West Covina resident, thanked the City Council
for their efforts thus far, and he has provided support to the
residents.
Joanne Wilner Joanne Wilner, West Covina resident, echoed comments from the
previous speakers and supported the development of the Master
Plan and commented on elements of the staff report and suggested
to seek grants.
John Solis John Solis, West Covina resident, stated it would not be prudent to
move the project forward in phases, because changes in
management or Council may not allow or approve the subsequent
phases.
Norma Martinez Norma Martinez, West Covina resident, also stated she would like
to see the development and commitment for option #3, the original
Master Plan design reiterating the previous speakers comments of
no phased development and inquired as to funding for the project.
AUTHORIZATION FOR STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE
LOWER PLATEAU AT SHADOW OAK PARK
Community Services Director McNeill and Public Works Director
Yauchzec presented the staff report.
McNeill provided a brief overview of the community
workshop held on November 16, 2006, in which residents provided
input and ideas for the lower level plateau development. The
Special City Council meeting of January 17, 2007
information received from the residents' suggested a moderately
passive park similar to the original Master Plan. The residents top
10 items of interest are trees, restrooms, security lighting, walking
paths, picnic areas, parking lot, sidewalks, grassy play area,
wildflower garden, and tot lot.
Yauchzee responded to several comments made by the
residents and explained that the Master Plan is a concept, that some
things can be changed, and to fully comply with the Master Plan
will require grading infrastructure improvements.
Yauchzee provided a brief overview of the alternatives for
development, which incorporated public input from the workshop
as follows: Option 1) Design -build basic park elements as a first
phase to complete minor improvements; Option 2) Design the park
per the Master Plan for full construction plans designed to be built
in phases and construct phase one; and Option 3) Design the entire
park per the Master Plan and proceed with construction.
Yauchzee responded to questions and Council engaged in
discussion regarding the borrowing of funds between Park District
Funds and the repayment of such funds.
Mayor Touhey stated he would commit $1 million to $1.5 million
from the General Fund reserve as a loan to PDF fund "G" to make
it whole to start the development process and also start the grant
search process. Touhey stated funds would be repaid to the
general fund reserves when monies are received from a housing
development in the District.
Motion Motion by Touhey to approve up to $1.5 million dollars from the
General Fund reserves to PDF "G", have staff return with how to
spend the money in the most expeditious process to provide as
many elements as possible, as identified by the residents at the
November workshop, and for staff to apply for available grants.
Mayor Touhey requested Mr. Beltran from Los Angeles County to
come forward and talk about various grants available through
Supervisor Antonovich's Office.
Mr. Beltran addressed the Council. Mayor Touhey stated
that any grant funding would be in addition to the $1 - $1-5 million
dollar funding commitment.
Mayor Pro Lane requested clarification of the motion. Mayor
Touhey reiterated his motion as follows:
• Commit $1 - $1.5 million from the General Fund reserves to
PDF"G"
• Commit to begin phase one top [10 ten items from the
workshop in November], including shelter over playground
equipment,
• Design phase two to include a water feature on the upper level
of the park.
Councilmember Hernandez stated he wanted to provide the
residents with what they want, which is for Shadow Oak to be
developed according to the Master Plan, and not through a phased
approach.
Alternate Motion Alternate motion by Hernandez to select Alternate #3,
designing the entire park per the Master Plan.
Mayor Touhey stated starting the park is a big commitment and
would not support the alternate motion.
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Special City Council meeting of January 17, 2007
Second to original motion Mayor Pro Tern Lane seconded Touhey's motion and stated she
supported moving forward and would like staff to see what other
funding is available as she is not in support of all the funding to be
borrowed from the General Fund reserves.
Mayor Touhey stated that it requires a majority vote (three
affirmative votes) from Council to spend any money. With only
three members present, it will require a unanimous vote.
Councilmember Hernandez elaborated on what the citizens want
for the park and stated he would reagendize this item for a meeting
when all Councilmembers can be present.
Council engaged in discussion regarding what the residents want,
park development, and PDF funds
Action on motion Mayor Touhey stated there is a motion on the floor to move
forward and called for a vote. Motion failed 2-0-1 with Hernandez
abstaining. Hernandez defers this item to the next meeting.
City Manager and Public Works Director Yauchzee discussed the
option of retaining a landscape architect to start the design, which
would require coming back for award of bid and approval of
funding.
Council engaged in discussion regarding having the full
Council present with Hernandez requesting the item to come back
to a subsequent meeting.
Motion Motion by Touhey to move forward with RFP for design to start
the process.
Addendum Hernandez seconded the motion with an addendum that alternate 3
be brought back for consideration for a full Council.
Touhey does not accept addendum and asks for a second on
his motion. Hernandez seconds motion.
Motion carries 3-0.
Councilmember Comments Councilmember Hernandez reiterated his request to have a full
council vote on the matter and requested the item be brought back.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Lane to adjourned the
Special City Council meeting at 8:40 p.m. Motion carried 3-0.
Submit by
ssistant City Clerk Susan Rush
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May r Michael Touhey
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