03-29-2016 - Special Meeting - MinutesCITY OF WEST COVINA
CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY MARCH 29, 2016, 6:00 PM
SPECIAL MEETING — GENERAL PLAN UPDATE
(Glendora Avenue Rambles Project & Glendora Avenue Renaming)
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1444 W. GARVEY AVENUE SOUTH
WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA 91790
MINUTES
1. Introduction — Mayor James Toma
Appointed Officials Present:
James Toma, Corey Warshaw, Lloyd Johnson, Tony Wu
Commissioners Present:
Herb Redholtz, Phil Kaufman
Staff Present:
Chris Freeland, Paulina Morales, Jeff Anderson, Kimberly Barlow.
2. Presentation by City Staff. Jeff Anderson, Chris Freeland, Paulina Morales
General Plan Update Status/Glendora Avenue Renaming — a presentation was given
providing the process, status, and proposed concepts of the downtown West Covina
project. Renaming of Glendora Avenue was resented and discussed. Areas highlighted
were possible benefits, name selection process, timeframe, and actions required by
business owners. Presentation was concluded with a review of concierge services
provided by city staff to al city business owners.
3. Meeting Purpose: Discussion of Glendora Avenue Rambles Project and Glendora
Avenue Renaming.
4. Public Comments
Drexel Smith — Complemented the City for all of the work completed. Name change
feedback he has encountered has been negative. It has been Glendora Avenue for a long
time, no need for change. Name change will cause problems with business licenses for
business owners.
James Wooten — Had concerns over parking issues and use of eminent domain by the
City.
Lana Marshall — Dance studio owner, also had concerns regarding parking issue.
Alicia Mardini — East Valley Health Center. She had concerns that name change would
affect customers who utilize their health care services. Name change would require East
Valley to change licensing which would also create problems for them.
Mayor James Toma — Provided his final comments and excused himself from the meeting
at 6:54 pm.
Sam Genie — State Farm Agent. Name change would affect his customers. Did not agree
that name needs to be changed. Also had concerns with parking in alley behind
businesses. Would like to see improvements in alley area.
Chris Freeland — Mentioned concept of Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) to provide
services such as maintenance, lighting and marketing.
Dave Stewart — Does not own property on Glendora Avenue. He recommended that the
city could embellish name of street such as "Promenade on 3rd
Aurora Santiano — Insurance Agent. She had concerns with homeless issues that might
arise with the creation of Rambles.
Chris Freeland — Commented about the change of Walnut Creek Wash area to
bikeways/multi-use and its benefits. Also discussed the homeless issue.
Diana — V Salon & Spa. Would like to see improvements south of West Covina Parkway
(Samantha Court shopping center).
Chris Freeland — Discussed Lennar (The Colony at the Lakes) residential building.
Herb Redholtz — Commented that the idea of renaming of a street idea is not new.
Provided examples of similar projects such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and
Cesar Chavez Avenue; both renamed streets. Added that city would need to provide
business owners with plenty of time in order to prepare for the change.
Phil Kaufman — Commented that if the city provides the right name it could really
provide a major advantage to the community.
Anthony — Hawaiian Barbecue. He would like to see improvements made south of West
Covina Parkway.
Jefferson DeRoux — He thought project was a great idea. Asked if Lennar project
provided any low-income housing.
Drexel Smith — Liked the idea of branding the area.
Chris Freeland — Invited the continuation dialogue amongst all those present.
5. Final Discussion and Adjournment
Corey Warshaw thanked everyone who participated and adjourned the meeting at 7:22
p.m.
Submitted -by:
R salia;k. Cori' e CMC
Assistant City Clerk
am s Toma