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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/1/2011 53:0186 CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2011 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Kovacic called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council/Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht, Segal and Kovacic ABSENT: None STUDY SESSION/CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(a) to confer with legal counsel regarding the case of Youniian ("Richard") Zhang, an individual and Ruxia ("Nancy") Lianq, an individual v. City of Arcadia, et al. (Los Angeles County (Pasadena) Superior Court Case No. GC047929. b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(1) to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation —two (2) cases. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion and direction regarding a Text Amendment to create a single resolution for Development Standards, Design Guidelines and Design review processes for all five of the City-designated Homeowners' Associations. Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director reported that Study Sessions were held on July 19, 2011 and September 20, 2011 to review and discuss a Text Amendment to create a single resolution for Development Standards, Design Guidelines and Design review processes for all five City designated Homeowners' Associations (HOAs); and that after hearing comments from staff, the Homeowners Association and Architectural Board Members, the City Council directed staff to finalize the resolution and bring it back to a future meeting for City Council adoption. Mayor Kovacic adjourned the Study Session at 7:05 p.m. THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CONVENED TO OPEN SESSION Mayor/Agency Chair Kovacic called the regular meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. INVOCATION — Reverend John Payton, Point Loma Nazarene University PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Joel Chen, Arcadia High School Marching Band ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council/Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht, Segal and Kovacic ABSENT: None 11-01-11 1 53:0187 REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY/AGENCY COUNSEL ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS City Attorney Deitsch reported that prior to the regular meeting, the City Council met in a Closed Session to consider the two (2) items listed on the posted agenda, no reportable action was taken. In addition, Mr. Deitsch reported that the City Council met in a Study Session to hear a report from staff and discuss a proposed Text Amendment to create a single resolution for development standards, design guidelines and design review processes for all five of the City-designated Homeowners' Associations; and that after hearing comments, the City Council directed staff to finalize the resolution and bring it back at a future meeting for City Council adoption. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - Mr. Penman announced there was no supplemental information. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Segal to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of Commendation to Reverend John Payton, Point Loma Nazarene University. b. Presentation of Proclamation to the 2011 Arcadia Festival of Bands Chairperson Betsy Burcham. c. Presentation of Certificate to Arcadia residents Claire Liu and Sarah Liu for their musical accomplishments. 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Consideration of General Plan Amendment No. GPA 11-02 and Zone Change No. ZC 11-01 for 650 West Huntington Drive. Adopt Resolution No. 6799 approving General Plan Amendment No. GPA 11-02 to change the General Plan Land Use Designation of the property at 650 West Huntington Drive from "Commercial (0.5 FAR)" to "High Density Residential (12-30 DU/AC)". Recommended Action: Adopt Introduce Ordinance No. 2291 approving Zone Change No. ZC 11-01 to change the zoning of the property at 650 West Huntington Drive from "Commercial Office/C-O" to "High Density Multiple-Family Residential/R-3". Recommended Action: Introduce Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrator reported that the applicant is requesting a General Plan Amendment to change the Land Use Designation of the site from Commercial with a floor-area-ratio of 0.5 to High Density Residential with a density of 12 to 30 dwelling units per acre and a Zone Change to re-zone the property from Commercial Office to High Density Multiple Family 11-01-11 2 53:0188 Residential at 650 W. Huntington Drive; he explained that in 2006, a 76-unit senior housing project was approved, but due to the recession, the owner abandoned the project and in April 2011, the applicant received approval from the Planning Commission to expand the existing office building and subdivide it into medical office condominiums; that the applicant and owner decided that a multiple-family residential would be the best use of the site; that the owner feels the site is a desirable residential location because of the close proximity to the mall, Methodist Hospital, the County Park and Arcadia High School; that Development Services staff recommends approval of the requested General Plan Amendment and Zone Change. Mayor Kovacic announced for the record that a letter dated October 31, 2011 from Annick J. Downhower and a letter dated November 1, 2011 from Molly Robbins were received regarding this item. Mayor Kovacic opened the public hearing. Scott Young, part-owner of 650 W. Huntington Drive appeared and provided background information regarding the property and the project. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Segal, seconded by Council Member Amundson and seeing no further objection, Mayor Kovacic declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Amundson and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6799 approving General Plan Amendment No. GPA 11-02 to change the General Plan Land Use Designation of the property at 650 West Huntington Drive from "Commercial (0.5 FAR)" to "High Density Residential (12-30 DU/AC)". AYES: Council Member Chandler, Amundson, Harbicht, Segal and Kovacic NOES: None ABSENT: None It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Segal and carried on roll call vote to introduce Ordinance No. 2291 approving Zone Change No. ZC 11-01 to change the zoning of the property at 650 West Huntington Drive from "Commercial Office/C-O" to "High Density Multiple-Family Residential/R-3". AYES: Council Member Chandler, Segal, Amundson, Harbicht, and Kovacic NOES: None ABSENT: None b. Consideration of Special Use Permit No. SUP 11-01 to allow Circus Vargas in the southwest parking lot of Santa Anita Park with performance from November 24 through December 5, 2011. Recommended Action: Approve with conditions Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrator reported that an application was filled by Mr. Landon, a representative from Circus Vargas to allow a circus with entertainment, lighting and music inside a 147 foot diameter big top tent in the southwest parking lot area of Santa Anita Park for eleven (11) days beginning November 24, 2011 through December 5, 2011 with 20 performances; he indicated that there will be no animal acts, games of chance, or mechanical rides and alcohol will not be sold or served; that Circus Vargas will provide security and restroom trailers 11-01-11 3 53:0189 and that parking will be handled by Santa Anita Park; he stated that the applicant does not plan on putting up signs but instead will advertise on the radio, in local newspapers, through the internet, on television and at local businesses; and that staff recommends approval of the Special Use Permit subject to the conditions of approval listed in the staff report. Mayor Kovacic opened the public hearing. Mr. Landon, a representative of Circus Vargas appeared and addressed City Council concerns. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Harbicht and seeing no further objection, Mayor Kovacic declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Council Member Segal, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to approve Special Use Permit No. SUP 11-01, subject to staffs conditions of approval. AYES: Council Member Segal, Chandler, Amundson, Harbicht and Kovacic NOES: None ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS Scott Hettrick, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce appeared and commended the School District and the Police Department regarding the lock down at High School today; he congratulated Methodist Hospital and Council Member Segal on a very successful Crystal Ball Event; he commended the Historical Society on the tribute to the writer of the Arcadia High School fight song; he announced the upcoming High School play "39 Steps" coming up in a couple of weeks and provided information on other upcoming events and activities around the community. At the request of Mayor Kovacic, Police Chief Guthrie provided a report and update regarding the lock down at Arcadia High School and Holly Avenue Elementary School earlier today. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK Council Member Chandler had nothing to report. Council Member Segal thanked all the residents and everyone who attending the Crystal Ball on Saturday night; and he announced that a net $500,000 was raised for the Hospital's Emergency Department. Council Member Amundson thanked the Fire and Police Departments for all they do; and announced Veteran's Day on November 11th and thanked all the Veterans. Mayor Pro Tern Harbicht commented on the Crystal Ball event and congratulated Mr. Segal on a successful event; he congratulated Chief Guthrie and the Police Department on their efforts today and everyday; he commented on the fires last week which were contained and well managed. Mayor Pro Tern Harbicht noted that a few months ago he suggested a study session to discuss what would be involved in building a new City Hall including what options were available for financing; he recalled that about 4 years ago, the City Council approved moving forward with the design and working drawings of a new City Hall and noted that a significant amount of money was spent on those drawings; he requested two more Council Members support his request to have 11-01-11 4 53:0190 staff provide a brief report showing what the estimated cost was of building a new City Hall at the time the City Council approved building a new City Hall; and what the estimated cost would be to build a new City Hall today; he commented that the gymnasium was approximately $1.5 million under estimate; and that the resurfacing of the City Hall soccer field was significantly under estimate; he indicated that construction today is 10% to 20% less than it was 4 to 5 years ago; he also requested information on what the cost of the bonds would have been then including the interest the City would have had to pay to repay it and an estimate of what the cost of the bonds would be today since interest rates are lower to see if it would be worth studying the issue and exploring various options. Council Member Segal and Mayor Kovacic concurred. At the request of Mr. Penman, Mayor Pro tern Harbicht clarified that a memo be distributed only to the City Council for their review and they will decide if they would like to agendize it at a later date. City Clerk Barrows also thanked Police Chief Guthrie and Fire Chief Trabbie for all their departments do; he congratulated Reverend Payton on his retirement; he provided information on the Festival of Bands and announced that Betsy Burcham is the Chairperson of the Festival of Bands; and he provided some personal comments about Joel Chen. Mayor Kovacic also complimented police and fire for all they do especially in the last couple of weeks and today with the lockdown at the two schools; he congratulated Council Member Segal on the role he played in planning the Crystal Ball and also congratulated the honorees Mr. & Mrs. Whittman; he announced Coffee with the Mayor on November 4 at the Community Center and invited everyone to attend; and announced the Arcadia Interfaith Action Group Thanksgiving Service on November 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church; the Festival of Bands on November 19th; a Veterans Day celebration at the Community Center on November 8th at 11:30 a.m.; and the Historical Society celebrated Tony Antista who composed and wrote the Arcadia High School fight song and Beautiful Santa Anita and stated that the Arcadia High School Pep Band made a special appearance. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 18, 2011. Recommended Action: Approve b. Authorize and direct the City Manager to execute a one (1) year extension to the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Arcadia and the Ferguson Group for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services in the amount of$65,000. Recommended Action: Approve c. Approve street closures for the 58th Annual Festival of Bands on Saturday, November 19, 2011. Recommended Action: Approve d. Approve the purchase of computer equipment and related peripherals in accordance with the City's Computer Replacement Program. Recommended Action: Approve 11-01-11 5 53:0191 e. Reject the low bid from Pro Tech Engineering, the apparent low bidder, due to a nonresponsive bid; and authorize and direct the City Manager to execute a contract to the next lowest responsible bidder, Flatiron Electric Group, Inc. for construction of the Fiber Optic Connections to City facilities in the amount of $71,590 and approve a 10% contingency. Recommended Action: Approve f. Award a purchase order contract to Rotolo Chevrolet for the purchase of two (2) Chevrolet pickup trucks in the amount of$47,613. Recommended Action: Approve g. Authorize and direct the City Manager to execute a Legal Services Agreement between the City and the City's defense attorney firm, Carpenter Rothans and Dumont regarding a rate increase. Recommended Action: Approve Mayor Pro Tern Harbicht requested Consent Calendar Item 2.e be pulled for separate discussion. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Amundson and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar items 2.a through 2.d and 2f and 2.g. AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Amundson, Chandler, Segal and Kovacic NOES: None ABSENT: None In response to a question by Mayor Pro Tern Harbicht regarding Consent Calendar Item 2.e, Phil Wray, City Engineer responded that the project bid documents required a Class "A" Contractor's License; that Pro Tech Engineering only had a Class "C" License; and that all other bidder's had the required Class "A" Contractor's license. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar items 2.e. AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Chandler, Amundson, Segal and Kovacic NOES: None ABSENT: None CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ITEMS a. Report, discussion and consideration of policy regarding property address changes. Recommended Action: Provide direction Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director reported that back in March 2011, the City Council requested a report regarding the City's policy on address changes; that Study Sessions were held in May and June 2011 and copies of those staff reports were included as part of the agenda; he provided a brief report of the May and June meetings and City Council direction at those meetings; he noted that at the City Council meetings of September 6 and 20, residents and local realtors appeared requesting the City Council reconsider the City's policy of not allowing homeowners to change their addresses; that staff went back and reviewed the fee originally proposed to cover the City's cost of processing an address change and now recommends 11-01-11 6 53:0192 a fee of up to $2,250 based on a much more comprehensive look at the overhead costs based on different department's review of the project. Barbara Birney, an Arcadia resident appeared and encouraged the City Council to reinstate the address change policy; she stated that her husband was recently placed in a skilled nursing facility and they are now faced with selling their home and because their address is "44" it could cost them up to $100,000. Jeff Bowen, an Arcadia resident and local realtor appeared and stated that buyers are sensitive to the address with the number "4" as it adversely affects the selling price; and feels that the seller be allowed to change the address, for a fee, to accommodate the removal of the number "4"; and he encouraged the City Council to reinstate the address change policy. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Segal and carried on roll call vote to table the City's policy related to address changes, until such time as proof is submitted where the number"4" has affected the selling price of a home. AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Segal, Amundson, Chandler and Kovacic NOES: None ABSENT: None b. Approve the Relocation Plan for the North Santa Anita Properties, a budget allocation for the remaining relocation cases and to secure the site once relocation is complete, and of lease terms for 33 and 37 West Huntington Drive (the Self Storage Building) to relocate tenants from the North Santa Anita Properties. Recommended Action: Approve Jerry Schwartz, Economic Development Manager reported that in August 2010, the Redevelopment Agency purchased two commercial buildings at 101-111 and 121-159 North Santa Anita Avenue; and on April 5, 2011, the Agency approved a contract with Overland Pacific & Cutter ("OPC") to oversee the relocation of the tenants in these two buildings; he advised that with the restrictions placed on the Agency by current law regarding Redevelopment, Agency action is important to allow the relocation process to continue; he advised that some tenants have chosen to move to other locations in Arcadia; that no tenants have been forced to move; that OPC has followed the typical relocation process for the tenants that have moved, providing them with assistance with their move and making sure they received relocation benefits that are appropriate and lawful; that before the Agency can start the process to force the remaining tenants to move by issuing 90 day notices, the Agency must approve a Relocation Plan for the properties; he reported that the 2011-2012 Agency budget included $80,000 for the relocation of the tenants; that approximately $77,500 has been spent to date and that OPC has estimated the cost to relocate the remaining tenants is $400,000. He further reported that once the building is vacant, the site will be fenced to keep it free from vagrants and vandalism and requested a budget allocation of $2,600 from Agency reserves; that the funding for asbestos removal and demolition of the two buildings is in the approved 2011-12 CIP budget; that several tenants are interested in moving into the Arcadia Self Storage building which is owned by the Agency; he discussed the lease terms for both sites; and advised that the total cost for relocation and fence rental is estimated at $402,600. 11-01-11 7 53:0193 It was moved by Agency Member Segal, seconded by Agency Member Harbicht and carried on roll call vote to approve the Relocation Plan for the tenants at 101-111 and 121-159 North Santa Anita Avenue; the budget allocation for the remaining relocation cases and to secure the site once relocation is complete; and the lease terms for 33 and 37 West Huntington Drive (the Self Storage Building) to relocate tenants from the North Santa Anita properties. AYES: Agency Member Segal, Harbicht, Amundson, Chandler and Kovacic NOES: None ABSENT: None ADJOURNMENT The City Council/Redevelopment Agency adjourned this meeting at 9:10 p.m. to Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference Room located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. ry Kocic, M yor ATTEST: James H. Barrows, City Clerk 11-01-11 8