06-19-2007 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
June 19, 2007
• Mayor Touhey called to order the regular meeting of the West Covina City Council at 7:19 p.m in the
City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
INVOCATION City Manager Andrew Pasmant
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Herfert
ROLL CALL Mayor Touhey, Mayor Pro Tem Lane, Councilmembers Herfert,
Hernandez, Sanderson
Others present: Alvarez-Glasman, Bachman, Chung, Fields, Freeland, Holtz,
McIsaac, McNeill, Pasmant, Rush, Wills, Yauchzee
REPORTING OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman reported the following:
All members were present and prior to convening into
closed session, all items on the City Council agenda and the
Community Development Agenda (CDC) were announced for
inclusion in the closed session discussion.
Items on the City Agenda:
Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation —
Davis vs. City of West Covina and McIntosh vs. City of West
Covina — Council received a briefing. No final action, however,
unanimous direction provided in hope of resolution consistent with
terms expressed in closed session.
Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation
One potential case. —Not discussed.
Conference with Labor Negotiators — Miscellaneous
Management Employees including: Assistant City Clerk, Assistant
City Manager, Communications Director, Community
Development Commission Director, Community Services Director,
Environmental Management Director, Finance Director, Fire
Chief, Director of Human Resources, Planning Director, Police
Chief, Public Works Director and City Engineer, Director of Risk
Management — Direction provided, no final action, nothing further
to report.
Conference with Labor Negotiators — Employee
Organizations — Confidential Employees; General Employees;
Maintenance & Crafts Employees; Mid -Management Employees;
Non -Sworn Safety Support Employees; W.C. Police Officers
Association; W.C. Police Management Association; W.C.
Firefighters' Management Association; W.C. Firefighters'
Association, LA.FF, Local 3226 — Direction Provided, no final
action, nothing further to report.
• Conference with Labor Negotiators — City Manager —
Direction provided, no final action, nothing further to report.
Items on the CDC Agenda:
Conference with Real Property Negotiators — Property:
Northeast corner of Azusa and A Street —CDC received briefing
from staff, no final action, nothing further to report.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA City Manager Pasmant announced the following changes to the
agenda: Item G-2- Mid -Valley Transportation Corridor Feasibility
City Council Minutes of June 19, 2007
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PRESENTATIONS
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Study (Ramona-Badillo Bus Corridor Study) with the Cities of
West Covina, Baldwin Parr Covina and El Monte has been held
over to the next meeting. Correction to Item D-2a — The date of the
Human Resources Commission meeting has been corrected from
June 13, 2007 to May 9, 2007.
Blue Star Video was aired.
Mayor Touhey, assisted by Police Chief Wills, presented Police
Commander Darrell Myrick with a Resolution of Commendation
and City Tile for over 31 years of service.
Mayor Touhey recognized Audrey Lynberg, who recently received
the YWCA Women of Achievement Public Service Award for her
continued service to the Community.
Mayor Touhey called forward Bobby Gonzales, Assistant Coach of
the California Stars, who assisted in presenting certificates of
recognition to Team Members and West Covina residents, Tyler
Gonzales and John Seimer, who won the Bantom AA Tier 2
National Title in New York in May.
Mayor Touhey called forward Michele McNeill, Community
Services Director, to receive a Proclamation designating July as
Parks & Recreation Month.
Rob Charles Rob Charles, field representative for Assemblyman Ed Hernandez,
thanked the City for use of its Chambers for the recent
Transportation Summit and announced Public Safety Summit to be
held on Friday, June 29.
Tyra Mason Tyra Mason, representing West Covina Chamber of Commerce,
promoted upcoming Chamber events and the West Covina Farmers
Market.
Joanne Wilner Joanne Wilner, West Covina resident, addressed several items on
the agenda; opposed naming streets at Big League Dreams in
honor of the Giambi brothers questioning them as positive roles
models; asked the current status for completion of phase one of the
Shadow Oak Park lower level improvements; status of research to
raise penalty fees associated with parking; addressed PDF "G"
funds and funding source of debt service on BLD bonds.
Royall Brown Royall Brown, West Covina resident, addressed and supported
increases in signage and striping for bike paths.
Herb Redholtz Herb Redholtz, West Covina resident, addressed the Auto Plaza
readerboard and the advisory board's lack of support for
refurbishment; and spoke in opposition to a recently published
article regarding a proposed ballot initiative regarding council
districts.
Fredrick Sykes Fredrick Sykes, West Covina resident, addressed bicycle safety
issues supporting increased signage and awareness of cyclists;
decorum in the council chambers and promoted voter registration.
Bill Schafer Bill Schafer, West Covina resident, addressed the need for a traffic
signal at Sunset and Roseway; addressed his visit to all the parks
and commented on the good park maintenance, but commented on
the excessive graffiti at the parks.
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City Council Minutes of June 19, 2007
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Lloyd Johnson Lloyd Johnson, West Covina resident, addressed the recently
published proposed ballot initiative; supported increased signage
and striping of city bike paths and a hybrid/alternate fuel vehicle
purchasing policy.
Bin Li Bin Li, Rowland Heights resident, spoke on Falun Gong
practioners and persecution by the Chinese Communist Party.
Jie Li Jie Li, Rowland Heights resident, spoke on Falun Gong practioners
and persecution by the Chinese Communist Party.
Lingyun Zhao Lingyun Zhao, Rowland Heights resident, spoke on Falun Gong
practioners and persecution by the Chinese Communist Party.
Hongiuei Lou Hongiuei Lou, Rowland Heights resident, spoke on Falun Gong
practioners and persecution by the Chinese Communist Party.
Councilmember Hernandez requested council's support to assist
the last four speakers.
CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Hernandez requested Item D-4a be removed for
separate consideration.
Councilmember Sanderson requested items D-5b be removed for
separate consideration.
Mayor Touhey requested item D-5a be removed for separate
consideration.
D-1 City Council Meeting Minutes (receive & file)
No reports for this meeting.
D-2 Commission Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Commission Summary of Actions a) Human Resources 05/09/07
Ordinance for Adoption
Levy and Apportionment of Special Tax for the Community
Facilities District No. 1, Coastal Sage and Scrub (CSS)
D-3 Community Facilities District
Ordinance No. 2162 ORDINANCE NO. 2162 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
CSS Community Fac. Dist. No. 1 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA
LEVYING AND APPORTIONING SPECIAL TAXES IN
ACCORDANCE WITH RESOLUTION NO. 2004-101 AND
2004-102 (CSS COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT)
Removed for separate consideration.
Award of Bid
Selection of Consultant for Glendora Avenue Downtown
D-4a Improvements — (Project No. SP-07119)
Glendora Downtown Consultant Recommendation is that the City Council accept the proposal from
David Volz Design (DVD) of the City of Fountain Valley,
California in the amount of $57,600 and authorize the Public
Works Director/City Engineer and City Clerk to execute an
agreement to design plans and prepare specifications for the
Glendora Avenue Downtown Improvements.
Removed for separate consideration.
Miscellaneous - Finance Department
D-5a Selection of a Provider for Retiree Health Savings Plan
RHS Provider Recommendation is that the City Council adopt the following
resolution adopting the ICMA Retirement Corporation VantageCare
Retirement Health Savings Program and authorize staff to execute
any and all documents necessary to implement the plan:
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City Council Minutes of June 19, 2007
Reso No. 2007-50 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-50 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF A RETIREMENT HEALTH
SAVINGS (RHS) PLAN WITH VANTAGECARE
Removed for separate consideration.
Miscellaneous — Community Development Commission
D-5b Auto Plaza Business Improvement District
Auto Business Plaza District Recommendation is that the City Council adopt the following
resolution:
Reso No. 2007-51 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-51 - A RESOLUTION OF
INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS
WITHIN THE WEST COVINA AUTO PLAZA BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT AREA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-
2008, AND PROVIDING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
THEREON TO BE CONDUCTED JULY 5, 2007
Miscellaneous — Planning Department
Formation of Joint Powers Authority: Los Angeles Regional
D-5c High Speed Rail Line Construction Authority
JPA/High Speed Rail Recommendation is that the City Council endorse the concept of
entering into a joint powers agreement forming the Los Angeles
Regional High Speed Rail Line Construction Authority in
conjunction with the Cities of Los Angeles and Ontario.
Miscellaneous — Public Works Department
D-5d West Covina Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 - Setting of
MD No. 1 2007-2008 Assessment Rate
Recommendation is that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Adopt the following resolution which includes a 3.5% rate
increase from 11.04 cents to 11.42 cents per 100 dollars of
assessed valuation:
Reso No. 2007-52 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-52 - A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
CALIFORNIA, SETTING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY
NECESSARY TO BE RAISED FOR WEST COVINA
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 AND
FIXING THE TAX RATE FOR SAID MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1,
2007
2. Establish Capital Improvement Project No. PP-08213 (Account
No. 171.82.88xx.7700) in the amount of $100,000 to improve
the irrigation system, provide graffiti abatement and make other
hardscape and landscape improvements in Maintenance District
No. 1.
West Covina Landscape Maintenance District No. 2 — Setting
•D-5e of 2007-2008 Assessment Rate
MD No. 2 Recommendation is that the City Council take the following action:
1. Adopt the following resolution, which includes a 2% rate
increase from 5.94 cents to 6.06 cents per 100 dollars of assessed
valuation:
Reso No. 2007-53 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-53 - A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA,
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City Council Minutes of June 19, 2007
CALIFORNIA, SETTING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY
NECESSARY TO BE RAISED FOR WEST COVINA
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 2 AND
FIXING THE TAX RATE FOR SAID MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1,
2007
• 2. Establish Capital Improvement Project No. PP-08214 (Account
No. 172.82.88xx.7700) in the amount of $50,000 to improve the
irrigation system, provide graffiti abatement and make other
hardscape and landscape improvements in Maintenance District
No. 2.
D-5f Sewer System Management Plan
Sewer System Plan Recommendation is that the City Council authorize the Public
Works Director/City Engineer and City Clerk to approve and
certify the Development Plan and Schedule.
D-5g Change Order to Construction of Sidewalks at Various
Change Order — Sidewalks Locations (Project No. SP-07108)
Recommendation is that the City Council take the following
action:
1. Transfer $22,000 from Account No. 125.81.8739.7200 (Project
No. SP-07102) to Account No. 125.81.8745.7200 (Project No.
SP-07108).
2. Approve and ratify the extra work done by Kalban, Inc. in the
amount of $32,000 and authorize the Public Works
Director/City Engineer to execute a change order with Kalban,
Inc.
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION . Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Hernandez to waive further
reading of the resolutions/ordinances and adopt, and approve all
items except: D-4a; D-5a; and D-5b.
Item D-4a Selection of Consultant for Glendora Avenue Downtown
Improvements — (Project No. SP-07119) — Councilmember
Hernandez requested Council's support to move forward with an
RFP for the downtown conceptual plan for feasibility prior to
moving forward with downtown improvements.
Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by Lane to approve staff's
recommendation.
Motion carried 5-0.
Item D-5b. Auto Plaza Business Improvement District — Councilmember
Sanderson requested the staff report. Community Development
Director Chung provided a brief report and answered questions.
Motion Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Lane to approve
staff recommendation and adopt Resolution No. 2007-5 1.
Motion carried by 5 — 0.
Item D-5a Selection of a Provider for Retiree Health Savings Plan — Mayor
• Touhey expressed concern that the proposed contract has no term
limit.
Motion Motion by Touhey and seconded by Sanderson to adopt
Resolution No. 2007-50 approving the Retiree Health Savings Plan
and that the plan run in conjunction with the Memorandum of
Understandings (MOU's) of the employee groups and terminate at
the end of the MOU's.
City Council Minutes of June 19, 2007
Amendment to motion
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Finance Director Bachman requested clarification on
expiration date since historically new MOU's are not agreed upon at
the expiration of the previous MOU.
Touhey amended his motion to have the expiration of the
contract with the provider to be when the new MOU agreement is
entered into. Amendment accepted by Sanderson who seconded the
motion.
Councilmember Hernandez requested an overview from Mr.
Bachman of his recommendation approving the ICMA Retirement
Corporation VantageCare Retirement Health Savings Program.
Councilmember Hernandez supported staff's recommendation.
Mayor Touhey called for a vote. Motion carried as amended
4-1 (Hernandez no.)
Councilmember Sanderson left the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
APPEAL HEARING
Appeal of Administrative Use Permit No. 07-01
(Maximum Unit Size Exception and Large Expansion)
Applicant: Mayra Reyes
E-1 Location: 1028 E. Thelborn Street
Appeal of AUP No. 07-01 Mayor Touhey announced the public hearing matter and Assistant
City Clerk Rush verified that proper legal notice had been given.
Mayor Touhey proceeded to open the hearing. Planning Director
McIsaac presented the report outlining the proposed project, an
addition to a single -story family home and partial second story
addition. The Planning Commission had denied the proposed
project, which subsequently has been appealed by the applicant.
Public Testimony Mayor Touhey proceeded to open the public testimony portion of
the hearing and asked for public comments.
Mayra Reyes, designer, stated they are aware of neighbors
concerns and have taken into consideration suggestions to mitigate
their concerns while trying to accommodate the family's desire to
add on to their home.
Angel Sanchez, homeowner, stated they have taken measures to
address neighbors' concerns.
In Favor Mary O'Guinn, West Covina resident and neighbor, stated her
support of the owner's request for an addition.
Cecilia Wong, West Covina resident and neighbor, expressed
support of addition.
Opposed Anthony Munoz, West Covina resident, spoke in opposition to
addition of second story and concern with setting a precedent.
Royall Brown,, West Covina resident, supported the Planning
Commission's decision to not develop a two-story home in a single
story neighborhood.
Doug Shepherd, West Covina resident, is opposed to the prospect
of mansionization with second story.
Joanne Wilner, West Covina resident, is opposed to second story in
single story neighborhoods.
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City Council Minutes of June 19, 2007
Stacy De La Riva on behalf of Sharon Mulhern, West Covina
resident who lives on Thelbom, addressed traffic issues in the
neighborhood and additional vehicles brought on by larger homes.
Rebuttal Angel Sanchez, West Covina resident, stated his love of West
Covina and would hate to move somewhere and rent, and
• requested the council grant approval of the project.
Close Testimony There being no one else wishing to address the council, Mayor
Touhey closed the public testimony portion of the hearing.
Council discussion Councilmember Herfert supported the decision of the Planning
Commission due to the concerns of the neighbors. Councilmember
Herfert hoped the homeowner would return with plans for a signal
story home.
Mayor Pro Tern Lane concurred due to the opposition of the
neighbors.
Councilmember Hernandez supported the appeal as the family has
addressed the concerns of the neighbors most affected by the
project and supported the project.
Mayor Touhey concurred with Mayor Pro Tern Lane and
Councilmember Herfert and would also like to see the homeowner
return with plans for additions as a one story home.
Assistant City Clerk Rush presented:
Reso No. 2007-54 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-54 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
UPHOLDING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION AND DENYING ADMINISTRATIVE USE
PERMIT NO. 07-01
Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by Lane to waive further reading
of the resolution and adopt. Motion carried 3-1 (Hernandez no).
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
No meeting scheduled.
DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS
Community Services Department
G-1 Green Linkages: A Vision for the City of West Covina
Green Linkages Community Services Director McNeill presented the staff report
and provided solutions for residents to move through the City by
way of bike paths, sidewalks, and trails. A PowerPoint
presentation was presented depicting the potential improvements.
Council discussion Council was in concurrence and supported the concept and thanked
the Community Services Department and Cal Poly Pomona
Landscape Arch. 606 Studio for the development of a plan.
• Motion
Motion by Lane and seconded by Hernandez to receive and file the
report. Motion carried by 4-0.
Mid -Valley Transportation Corridor Feasibility Study (Ramona-
G-2 Badillo Bus Corridor Study) with the Cities of West Covina,
Bus Corridor Study Baldwin Park Covina and El Monte
This item was held over to the next meeting.
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City Council Minutes of June 19, 2007
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MAYOR'S /COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS
I-1 AB 1234 Conference and Meeting Report
AB1234 Councilmember Hernandez announced his attendance at a
conference next week related to revitalizing communities.
COUNCILMEMBERS' REQUESTS FOR REPORTS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATIONS
Councilmember Roger Hernandez
Request from Councilmember Roger Hernandez Seeking the
City Council's Consensus to Instruct City Staff to Prepare a
Report to Establish a Purchasing Policy That the City Will
Purchase Hybrid/Alternate Fuel Vehicles When Replacing City
I-1 Fleet
Hybrid/Alternate Fuel Vehicles Councilmember Hernandez seeks Council consensus for an
environmental purchasing policy to not only include
hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles, but to include other items as well
such as paper, light bulbs, wherever feasible.
Motion Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Lane to support a staff
report with detailed options to implement an environmental
purchasing policy where feasible. Motion carried by 4- 0.
Mayor Pro Tern Lane left the meeting at 10:05 p.m. and returned at 10:09.
Councilmember Roger Hernandez
Request from Councilmember Roger Hernandez Seeking the
City Council's Consensus to Instruct City Staff to Prepare a
I-2 Report to Increase Signage and Striping of City Biking Paths
Bike Path Signage Councilmember Hernandez presented a brief background of his
request to make bike lanes safer.
Motion Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Touhey to improve
visibility to current bike lanes, signage, and create linkages to other
regional bike pathways. Motion carried by 4-0.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Herfert to adjourn the
meeting at 10:10 p.m. in memory of Daniel Stout, student at South
Hills High School; Dalton Barns, student at Sierra Vista Middle
School; and Jonathon Ayala, resident of West Covina and alum of
West Covina High School class of 2005. Motion carried 4-0.
Submitted by:
Assistant City lerk Sue Rush
Ma or Michael Touhey
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