01-20-2009 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
January 20, 2009
Mayor Hernandez called to order the regular meeting of the West Covina City Council at 7:03 p.m in the
City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
INVOCATION Reverend Alexandra Conrads
St. Martha's Episcopal Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Sanderson
ROLL CALL Mayor Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem Sanderson,
Councilmember Herfert, Lane, Touhey
REPORTING OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman reported the following:
All members were present except Mayor Hernandez. Prior
to convening into closed session, all items on the City Council
agenda were announced for inclusion in the closed session
discussion, the anticipated litigation being the Chung and Williams
cases.
Items on the City Agenda:
Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation —
Two cases — No action taken and nothing further to report.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA None.
PRESENTATIONS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Check presentation by West Covina American Legion Post 790
removed from the agenda.
Mayor Hernandez called forward Principal Astrid Ramirez, Oswalt
Academy in Walnut, to receive a certificate of recognition for their
Apple 1 to 1 Learning Program. Principal Ramirez gave a brief
overview of the program.
None.
Herb Redholtz Herb Redholtz, West Covina resident, addressed the Mayor's
request to call a special election as premature due to the fact that
the governor has not yet called a special election and the initiative
petition circulating has not yet been submitted to the City Clerk.
Cookie Nance Cookie Nance, West Covina resident, addressed decorum at
previous meetings.
Linda Mooney Linda Mooney, West Covina resident, addressed council districts,
petitions, and associated costs. Spoke in opposition to council
districts and inquired as to how to remove her name from the
petition which she felt she had signed under false pretense,
inquired on how to get permit parking on her street.
Mayor Hernandez responded to question regarding election costs.
City Council Minutes of January 20, 2009
Birdie Azpetia Birdie Azpetia, West Covina resident, suggested a town hall
meeting to educate the public on district petition, and inquired as to
whether signature on petition can be withdrawn. Spoke in
opposition to districts.
Mark Smith Mark Smith, Glendora resident, addressed the recent celebration of
Martin Luthern King Jr. and the election of Barak Obama as
President of the United States.
Shirley Buchanan Shirley Buchanan, West Covina resident, agreed with speaker who
suggested a town meeting regarding council districts; addressed
Public Arts Commission and responsibilities of commissioners;
and shared issues she is having with Charter Communications.
Royall Brown Royall Brown, West Covina resident, stated the Library has a
Collection Code Book if any one wants to learn how elections are
conducted; addressed park districts as being unequal and several
areas of the City that are unequal; and questions the manner in
which the senior center donations are being handled.
Verna Lewis Verna Lewis, West Covina resident, discussed The Cultural
Exchange Program, which is an organization of volunteers in the
East San Gabriel Valley, and an event which will be taking place
on February 15, 2009 in La Puente.
Fred Sykes Fred Sykes, West Covina resident, addressed the council district
petition being circulated in the community.
Alfred Williams Alfred Williams, West Covina resident, addressed use of PEG
funds and how they have been used; council district petition; and
commented on statements made by Councilmember Herfert at the
last meeting and the inability of speakers to rebut council
comments.
Bruce Leinbach Bruce Leinbach, West Covina resident, shared reminiscent
memories of past Rose Bowl football games involving his home
state of Iowa; addressed a previous treasurer report questioning
certain funds; spoke on costs for cable TV and the benefits of
returning cable TV and the viewing of council meetings.
Councilmember Touhey addressed several comments made
by speakers, which included Cable TV and broadcasting of
meetings, Shadow Oak Park, Council district petition.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanderson addressed rules of decorum and
conduct at previous meetings; comments made earlier regarding
park dedication funds.
Community Services Director Michele McNeill clarified
comments made by Mr. Brown regarding donations made at the
Senior Center.
Mayor Hernandez stated that regardless of where any
person lives, they are welcome to attend our meetings and
addressed several comments regarding comments by speakers.
ITEMS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS
Request from Mayor Roger Hernandez Requesting the City
Council Consider Airing City Council Meetings Using
C-1 Anticipated Donations from the Community
Airing Council Meetings Mayor Hernandez stated he had been communicating with the
owner of Reynolds Buick who has offered to pay for labor costs
and associated costs with the airing of City Council meetings only.
Mayor Hernandez stated Mr. Reynolds will be providing a letter
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City Council Minutes of January 20, 2009
and requested the City Council move forward and entertain the
prospect of Mr. Reynolds generous offer.
Councilmember Herfert recommends that the Council not
take any action until the City is in receipt of Mr. Reynolds' letter.
Motion Motion by Herfert and second by Sanderson to carry this
item over. Motion carried by 5 — 0.
CONSENT CALENDAR
D-1 City Council Meeting Minutes (receive & file)
Council Minutes •. Special Meeting of September 2, 2008
• Regular Meeting of September 2, 2008
• Special Meeting of September 16, 2008
• Regular Meeting of September 16, 2008
• Special Meeting of September 29, 2008
• Special Meeting of October 7, 2008
• Regular Meeting of October 7, 2008
D-2 Commission Summary of Actions (receive & file)
Summary of Actions a) Community Services 10/14/08
b) Senior Citizens 10/23/08
D-3 Claims Against the City of West Covina
Claims Government Tort Claim Denials (deny & notify claimant
Recommendation is that the following Government Tort Claims be
denied and the claimants and/or respective attorneys be so notified.
• Ismael Morales vs. City of West Covina
• Miguel Munoz vs. City of West Covina
• Maureen E. Bowen vs. City of West Covina
• Monica Villalvazo & Jose Felix vs. City of West Covina
D-4 Traffic Committee Minutes of December 16, 2008 (accept & file)
Traffic Committee Recommendation is that the City Council accept and file the
Traffic Committee Minutes of December 16, 2008 and introduce
the ordinance as presented.
a. Accept and file the Traffic Committee Meeting minutes of
December 16, 2008.
I. City Initiated Request
That speed limit for Montezuma Way from Sandy Hill Drive to
Citrus Street be deleted from the Municipal Code and Revert to
25 miles per hour.
Traffic Committee Recommendation:
That the Speed Limit for Montezuma Way from Sandy Hill
Drive to Citrus Street be deleted from the Municipal Code and
Revert to 25 miles per hour.
That Montezuma Way from Vine Avenue to Citrus Street be
posted at 25 miles per hour with "Radar Enforced" Plate.
That "Curve Warning" and "Watch Downhill Speed" signs be
installed.
That centerline in the curve area of the street be striped and
delineated with raised pavement markers.
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City Council Minutes of January 20, 2009
That Police Department begin enforcement of the Prima Facie
25 miles per hour.
II. Request by Cheryl Lesikar, California School Principal
That the crossing guard assigned to the intersection of
California Avenue and Bainbridge Avenue be relocated to
Bainbridge Avenue and Belmont Avenue.
Traffic Committee Recommendation:
That the adult crossing guard at the intersection of California
Avenue and Bainbridge Avenue be relocated to the intersection
of Bainbridge Avenue and Belmont Avenue
III1, City Initiated Request
That the existing "No Stopping" parking restriction be relocated
from the northerly side of Alwood Street between Willow
Avenue to 180 feet easterly to the easterly side of Willow
Avenue between Alwood Street to 130 feet northerly.
Traffic Committee Recommendation:
That the existing "No Stopping" parking restriction be relocated
from the northerly side of Alwood Street between Willow
Avenue to 180 feet easterly to the easterly side of Willow
Avenue between Alwood Street to 130 feet northerly.
b. Introduce the following Ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION
22-132 OF THE WEST COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO DECREASES OF STATE LAW MAXIMUM
SPEEDS
Miscellaneous — Police Department
D-5 Destruction of Documents as Prescribed by Law
Destruction of Documents Recommendation is that the City Council adopt the following
resolution authorizing the destruction of specific records:
Reso No. 2009-2 RESOLUTION NO. 2009-2 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
AUTHORIZING THE DESTRUCTION OF CERTAIN
DOCUMENTS AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Touhey to waive further
reading of the ordinance and resolution and introduce/adopt and
approve all items. Motion carried by the following roll call vote of
the Council:
AYES: Herfert, Lane, Sanderson, Touhey, Hernandez
NOES: None
MAYOR'S/COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS
AB 1234 Conference and Meeting Report (verbal reports)
Councilmember Michael Touhey
Conference Report Councilmember Touhey presented a brief verbal report regarding
his attendance at the Independent Cities Association, California
Contract Cities Association Legislative Action Days.
Councilmember Herfert provided a brief verbal report
regarding his attendance at the International Council of Shopping
Centers Western Regional conference.
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City Council Minutes of January 20, 2009
COUNCILMEMBERS' REQUEST FOR REPORTS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATIONS
Mayor Roger Hernandez
Request from Mayor Roger Hernandez Requesting the City
Council Consider Calling a Special Election in Anticipation of
Receiving a Petition to Form City Council Districts that will
Coincide with the Expected 32nd Congressional District Special
I-1 Election
Call for Special Election Mayor Hernandez stated his objective in calling for a special
election now in order to piggyback the initiative measure with the
expected election that will be scheduled to fill the 32nd
Congressional seat. Mayor Hernandez stated that it would be a
cost saving measure to consolidate with the expected upcoming
election rather than conduct a separate stand alone election.
Following discussion the City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman
responded to several questions regarding the initiative petition
process, whether an election can be called for a petition which is
still being circulated, and provisions of the Elections Code.
Following further discussion, Councilmember Herfert stated any
action calling for a special election is premature and offered the
following motion.
Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to receive and file
this report.
Mayor Hernandez inquired into the city council's ability to put an
item before the electorate without the ballot measure being
submitted through the petition process.
The City Attorney responded that yes, the city council can
call an election for an item brought forth by council, however
tonight's agenda item requests calling a special election in
anticipation of receiving a petition, not on the council's own
accord.
Alternative Motion Alternative motion by Hernandez to direct staff to bring back
further information. Motion failed due to lack of second.
Action Vote on original motion taken. Motion carried to receive and file
4-1 (Hernandez —No)
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Lane commented on the lack of professional
decorum at the last meeting and expressed her reasons for
departing the meeting early.
Councilmember Herfert announced award for Big League Dreams
that is highlighted in a national magazine; expressed his frustration
with the petition efforts since he has always supported the city as a
whole.
Councilmember Touhey also expressed concerns with the
proposed council districts.
Mayor Hernandez addressed council districts; requested a town
hall meeting to present the city's budget and investments to
residents.
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City Council Minutes of January 20, 2009
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and second by Herfert to adjourn the meeting at
8:59 p.m. in memory of the following:
l . Former West Covina Fire Battalion Chief Steve Womack
2. Victims of the December 24th massacre in Covina
o Sylvia Pardo
o Alicia Ortega
o Joseph Ortega
o Charles Ortega
o Cheri Ortega
o James Ortega
o Teresa Ortega
o Alicia Ortiz
o Michael Ortiz
3. West Covina resident Joe Lopez
Submitted by:
Assistant Cit Jerk Susan Rush
Ma"rHem�ndez
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