03-20-2012 - Regular Meeting - MinutesMINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
March 20, 2012
Mayor Touhey called to order the regular meeting of the West Covina City Council at 7:08 p.m. in the
City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Pastor Kelly Dupee
Faith Community Church
Councilmember Fredrick Sykes
Mayor Touhey
Councilmembers Herfert, Sanderson (arrived at 7:08 p.m.), Sykes
REPORTING OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION
Deputy City Attorney Gorman reported the following:
Prior to convening into closed session, all items on the City
Council agenda were announced for inclusion in the closed session
discussion; all members of the Council were present with the
exception of Mayor Pro Tern Sanderson.
Items on the agenda:
Conference with Labor Negotiators — Employee
Organizations: Confidential Employees, Maintenance & Craft
Employees, Non -Sworn Safety Support Employees, General
Employees, Mid -Management Employees, W. C. Police
Management Association, W. C. Police Officers Association, W C.
Firefighters' Management Association, W.C. Firefighters'
Association, LA.F.F, Local 3226, Miscellaneous Unrepresented
Management Employees: Assistant City Clerk, Assistant City
Manager, Community Development Dir., Community Services
Dir., Deputy City Manager, Finance Director, Fire Chief, Dir.
Human Resources, Planning Director, Police Chief, Public Works
Dir/City Engineer, Dir. Risk Management — A report was provided
by staff with no action taken and nothing further to report.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA City Manager Pasmant announced Item # 11 — Request from.
Mayor. Michael Touhey to Discuss Reviewing the Various Waste
Collection Related Fees was removed from the agenda to gather
further information.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Sandra Delahoussaye-Bonds Sandra Delahoussaye-Bonds, West Covina resident, spoke in support
of keeping the Chamber of Commerce open and opposed the renting
out of the chamber building unless the business was to promote the
image of business in the city.
Greg Tuttle Greg Tuttle addressed a Tribune article report regarding comments
by the developer of the project at the Civic Center; addressed local
city governments and the recall attempt; and addressed his recent trip
to Sacramento to discuss the elimination of redevelopment agencies.
Elsie. Messman Elsie Messman, West Covina resident, suggested doggie bags at, all
West Covina parks instead building a dog park and suggested the
money would be better utilized elsewhere.
City Council Minutes of March 20, 2012
John Solis John Solis' West Covina resident, addressed having a dog park as a .
good amenity during better economic times but during this poor
economy, the monies would be better spent on the Veterans
Memorial to honor those who protected the freedom to choose.
Linda Sorrao Linda Sorrao, West Covina resident, spoke on the Public Arts project
program and introduced herself as the designer of one of the projects
for Council's consideration and elaborated on the concept .of her
project.
Lloyd Johnson Lloyd Johnson, West Covina resident, requested Council adopt
March 31 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day; stated that a
dog park may not be feasible at this time; inquired about a quote in
the paper that stated the City decided not to sell off any City -owned
assets and when the decision was made.
Loretta D. Cousar Loretta D. Cousar, West Covina resident, spoke on behalf of
employee Sherri Yuasa who was recently layed off addressing her
professionalism and the assistance she provides to the NAACP.
John Shewmaker John. Shewmaker, West Covina resident, addressed comments at
recent Council meetings and a statement made that County would
close fire stations and requested to see the study.
Phillip Moreno Phillip Moreno, West Covina resident, spoke on costs for public
safety.
Dr. Gerald Menefee Dr. Gerald Menefee, West Covina resident, expressed his pride in
representing the community and the past year as a Public Arts
Commissioner; addressed the success of the commission with the
recent arts project.
Joanne Wilner Joanne Wilner, West Covina resident, addressed the commission
restructuring ordinance and concerns with the consolidation,
qualifications and stipends of the Community Services and Senior
Citizens commissions and the Planning and Public Arts commission;
and suggested the Council reduce their own benefits to reflect their
position as public servants.
Irene Fleck Irene Fleck, West Covina resident, announced upcoming events at
the West Covina Library and inquired about how she could receive
information requested previously regarding the Civic Center project
on the lease of the parking lot and the reason for the time and money
spent to develop the property on that site.
Alfred Williams Alfred Williams, West Covina resident, addressed the proposed dog
park and opposition to the possible location at Shadow Oak Park;
inquired why the landfill area was not considered for this project;
addressed revenue from the Big League Dreams sports park.
Bill Roe Bill Roe, West Covina resident, expressed his desire to get involved
again in the community after taking care of his health.
Mayor Touhey addressed several issues brought forth by speakers.
Mayor Pro Tern Sanderson addressed the Redevelopment Agency
(RDA) debt in response to speakers' comments and requested to
agendize, for Council's consensus, turning over the Redevelopment
Agency matters to the County.
City Manager Pasmant commented on statements made regarding the
RDA debt and stated the City'did look at the landfill as a possibility
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City Council Minutes of March 20, 2012
for the dog park location but EPA had some problems with that
location.
CONSENT CALENDAR The following items were pulled from the Consent Calendar for
separate consideration: Councilmember Herfert pulled Item #6 -
Request to Rent Former Chamber of Commerce and Fire
Administration Buildings; Mayor Touhey pulled Item #7 Resolution
Supporting West Covina Youth Soccer; and Councilmember Sykes
pulled Item #2 — Restructuring of City Advisory Commissions.
1) Approval of Meeting Minutes (receive & file)
Minutes Special City Council Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2012
Regular Joint Council/CDC Meeting Minutes of February 7, 2012
This item was pulled from the consent calendar for separate
consideration.
2) Ordinances for Adoption
Restructure of Commissions Restructuring of City Advisory Commissions
Recommendation is that the City Council adopt the following
ordinance:
Ordinance No. 2229 ORDINANCE NO. 2229 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING ARTICLE. III OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE WEST
COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ADVISORY
COMMISSIONS & ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 17 REGARDING
THE CITY' S ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM
Treasurer's Report (receive & file)
3) City Treasurer's Report City Treasurer's Report for January 2012
4) CDC Treasurer's Report. CDC Treasurer's Report for January 2012
City Manager's Office - Miscellaneous
5) Letter in Support.of AB1585 (Perez) —Related to Redevelopment
Support for AB 1585 Recommendation is that the City Council instruct City staff to
forward a letter to Governor Jerry Brown, Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez,
Assembly. Speaker John Perez, and Assemblymember Roger
Hernandez in support of. AB 1585 (Perez) Related to
Redevelopment.
This was pulled from the consent calendar for separate.
consideration.
Request to Rent Former Chamber of Commerce and Fire
6) Administration Buildings
Rental of Chamber of Commerce Recommendation is that the City Council authorize City staff to
establish a fee structure and procedures for renting out the former
Chamber of Commerce and Fire Administration buildings.
This was pulled from the consent calendar for separate
consideration.
Councilmember/Commissioner Reports
7) Resolution Supporting West Covina Youth Soccer
WC Youth Soccer Recommendation is that the City Council adopt the following
resolution in support of West Covina Youth Soccer and their efforts
to find additional playing fields in West Covina:
Resolution No. 2012-19 RESOLUTION NO. 2012-19 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
SUPPORTING WEST COVINA YOUTH SOCCER'S EFFORTS
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City Council Minutes of March 20, 2012
TO FIND ADDITIONAL PLAYING FIELDS AT LOCAL
SCHOOLS
CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sanderson to approve all items
listed on the Consent Calendar as presented except Item #2, Item #6
and Item #7. Motion carried by 4 — 0.
Item #2 Restructuring of City Advisory Commissions
Councilmember Sykes wanted to revisit the guidelines due to his
concern with the blending of the Planning and Public Arts
commissions and requested the Public Arts Commission be
abolished and Planning Commission be retained as currently
commissioned and supports no stipend payment when there is no
meeting.
Councilmember Herfert addressed recent layoffs and the
elimination of positions in the City as a result of the downturn in the
economy which included the restructuring of commissions and
downsizing while the Council has avoided any utility taxes.
Councilmember Sykes stated his request was to only
reconsider the proposed structure of the Planning Commission and
was in agreement with the rest of the item.
Deputy City Attorney Gorman informed the Council that this
item was approved for first reading at the March 6`" meeting and the
item is now up for a second reading and cannot be adjusted or
modified from what was already approved. It would have to be
disapproved and brought back to a future meeting for any changes.
Councilmember Sykes then requested the item be brought
back at a future meeting
Mayor Pro Tern Sanderson addressed the restructure and
expressed support for the proposed changes.
Motion Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Herfert to adopt the following
ordinance.
Motion carried by 3 — 1 (Sykes — No).
Ordinance No. 2229 ORDINANCE NO. 2229 — AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING ARTICLE III OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE WEST
COVINA MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING ADVISORY
COMMISSIONS & ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 17 REGARDING
THE CITY'S ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM
Item #6 Request to Rent Former Chamber of Commerce and Fire
Administration Buildings
Councilmember Herfert wanted this item pulled for a separate vote
and stated he did not support it as it would involve additional costs
for staff time.
Mayor Touhey stated his support to rent to community
groups but not for commercial ventures, and felt it was worthwhile.
Motion Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Touhey to authorize City
staff to establish a. fee structure and procedures for renting out the
former Chamber of Commerce and Fire Administration buildings.
Motion carried by 3 — 1 (Herfert — No).
Item #7 Resolution Supporting West Covina Youth Soccer
Mayor Touhey announced the availability of restricted funds that can
be used to support park field improvements including upgrading
restrooms in City facilities and working with the school district to
accommodate West Covina Youth Soccer League.
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City Council Minutes of March 20, 2012
Motion Motion by Touhey and seconded by Sanderson to adopt the
following resolution in support of West Covina Youth Soccer and
their efforts to find additional playing fields in West Covina.
Motion carried by 4 — 0.
Resolution No. 2012-19 RESOLUTION NO. 2012-19 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA,
SUPPORTING WEST COVINA YOUTH SOCCER'S EFFORTS
TO FIND ADDITIONAL PLAYING FIELDS AT LOCAL
SCHOOLS
DEPARTMENTAL REGULAR MATTERS
City Attorney's Office
Options for Filling Vacancy of City Council Seat by Appointment or
8) by Calling for a Special Election
Filling Vacant Council Seat Deputy City Attorney Matt Gorman gave a brief report outline of the
options available to Council under State law to fill the Council seat
vacancy as follows:
1. Appoint a replacement by April 21, 2012
2. Call for a Special Election that would occur during the November
6`" Election and Council would have to call the election by April 21,
2012.
Mayor Touhey inquired about Council salaries in the event
they were adjusted and whether the new councilmember would
receive the adjusted salary or the full salary until the next election in
2013.
Motion Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Herfert to ask that Letters of
Interest be submitted to the City Clerk's Office and that they be
submitted no later than close of business on April 10, 2012.
Motion carried by 4- 0.
Community Services Department
9) West Covina Dog Park
Dog Park Deputy City Manager Chris Freeland presented the staff report and
presented a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the proposed five
West Covina parks considered as best locations for a dog park.
Freeland addressed both benefits and challenges of each location.
Freeland also explained that the grant funds being utilized are
unspent grant funds from other completed park projects. These
unspent funds have also been used to subsidize other projects.
Motion Motion by Touhey and seconded by Sanderson to explore the
location of Del Norte Park for a dog park due to the consensus of
area residents. `
Councilmember Sykes inquired whether the funds could be
utilized for adequate restroom improvements for the co-ed soccer
teams which utilize port -a -potties and the dog. park project be
temporarily tabled.
Freeland responded that the Youth Soccer League's
agreement with the School District was that the League had the
option. to choose between the school's restrooms or port -a -potties and
the League made their own choice of facilities.
Action on motion Motion carried by 3 —1 (Herfert — No)
Planning Department
10) Fiscal Year 2011/2012 Annual Work Program Artwork Selection
Annual Artwork Selection Planning Director Jeff Anderson presented a brief staff report
regarding the Art in Publics Places Annual Work Program. In July
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City Council Minutes of March 20, 2012
2011 the City Council approved the Annual Work Program which
also included the purchase of artwork for both Cameron Park and
Cortez Park. The Public Arts Commission selected three pieces of
art from 64 submittals for the consideration and selection by the City
Council. A slide show and details of artwork of the selected pieces
were presented.
Council. discussions Councilmembers had brief questions about the children's safety
around the artwork and securing the artwork to prevent theft.
Motion Motion by Herfert and seconded by Sykes to approve the Public Arts
Commission and staff s recommendation as follows.
1. Purchase and installation of "Sports Buddies" artwork by Victor
Issa for Cortez Park for $12,000.
2. Purchase and installation of "Hanging Around" artwork by Mark
Hopkins at Cameron Park for $29,000.
3. Authorization for up to $19,000 to install the artwork each site.
Motion carried by 3 —1 (Sanderson — No).
CITY COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR REPORTS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATION
Mayor Michael Touhey
1.1) Request from Mayor Michael Touhey to Discuss Reducing the
Reducing Waste Collection Fees Various Waste Collection Related Fees
This item was pulled off the Agenda to gather further information.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Touhey and seconded by Sanderson to adjourn the City
Council meeting at 8:56 p.m. in memory of the following:
• Karen Schoonover, wife of former Planning Commissioner
Jim Schoonover
Gracie Abell, a long-time resident.
Motion carried by 4 — 0.
Submitted by:
ti
Assistant Citi Clerk Susan Rush
May OAS
Mii hael Touhey
no