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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 4,200850:0027 ' CITY COUNCILIREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2008 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Segal called the Study Session Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council/Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht, Wuo and Segal ABSENT: None CLOSED SESSION/STUDY SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes per person) Nane STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion and direction regarding the Mid Year Budget. Shannon Huang, Financial Services Director/City Treasurer provided a Mid Year Budget overview of -the General Fund balance, projected revenue and expenditure detail. She discussed the actual numbers from last fiscal year and noted that there is an increase of $1.4 million dollars more in the fund balance than originally projected. She noted that the City did better than expected in most of the major revenue categories such as property tax, utility users tax and transient occupancy tax than last year; last year $1.5 million dollars was transferred to the equipment replacement fund; and $1 million dollars was transferred to the `emergency reserve fund; she noted that based on information to date, the revenue side is up 2.5% more than projected last year. She explained that $1.5 million dollars on the expenditure side is a result of labor negotiations; and in this fiscal year, there will be a $2 million dollar shortfall with $1.4 million being transferred to the equipment replacement fund approved by the City Council last year. She further explained that the fiscal year will end with $472,000 more than originally projected. She noted that property tax revenue is expected to increase this year and next year; utility user tax and motor vehicle license tax should remain the same; there is an 11 % increase in transient occupancy tax; an increase of $1 million dollars in building permits which includes permit revenue from the Westfield expansion project; and an increase of $300,000 in rental income and parking citation revenue. She noted that the City started the year with $42.3 million dollars of expenditure money; the new MOU's and labor negotiations will cost $1.4 million dollars; $100,000 was added to legal expenses for personnel related issues; and an addition to the expenditure budget was made to cover the cost to establish the Citywide Lighting District. She indicated that the total expenditures this year will be about $4t3 million dollars. City Manager Don Penman provided the City Council with Economic and Revenue Data for the City. He explained the sales tax update chart and other data which illustrated some economic and revenue information, comparison information to other cities, sales and property tax ' information and racetrack data. 03-04-2008 50:0028 RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING TO OPEN SESSION ' Mayor Segal convened the Regular Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. INVOCATION First Reader, Dr. Robert Nafie, First Church of Christ, Scientist PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Janet Sporleder, Director of Library and Museum Services ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council/Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht, Wuo and Segal ABSENT: None REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY/AGENCY COUNSEL ON CLOSED SESSION/STUDY SESSION ITEMS City Attorney Steve Deitsch reported that the City Council/Redevelopment Agency Board conducted a mid year budget review study session and no direction was given to staff to make any budget adjustments. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by CouncillAgency Member Amundson, seconded by Council/Agency Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of a Proclamation declaring Arbor Day. Presentation of Certificate to Arcadia High School student Xuanji Wang. PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: a. 2007-2008 ANNUAL WEED ABATEMENT PROGRAM AND PROTEST PUBLIC HEARING. , Recommended Action: Approve 2007-2008 Weed Abatement Property List and direct the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner to abate nuisances upon those properties. 03-04-2008 50:0029 ' City Clerk James Barrows presented the staff report regarding the 2007-2008 Annual Weed Abatement Program. He noted that at the last City Council meeting, Resolution No. 6606 to abate noxious weeds, rubbish and refuse from various private properties in Arcadia was adopted and the public hearing was set for March 4, 2008 in order to provide those property owners an opportunity to be heard. He further noted that as required by law, the Los Angeles County Argricultural Commissioner mailed notice to all property owners whose properties in the City require removal of weeds, rubbish and refuse. The Public Hearing was opened and there were no members of the public appearing to provide testimony. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council/Agency Member Chandler, seconded by Council/Agency Member Harbicht, and seeing no further objection, Mayor Segal closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Council/Agency Member Harbicht, seconded by Council/Agency Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to approve 2007-2008 Weed Abatement Property List and direct the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner to abate nuisances upon those properties. AYES: Council/Agency Member Harbicht, Chandler, Amundson, Wuo and Segal NOES: None PUBLIC COMMENTS Vince Vargas appeared and spoke in opposition of placing a cellular tower in the Santa Anita Oaks residential area and requested assistance to place the cellular tower in another location. Jeffrey Lee appeared and spoke regarding the implementation of the park facilities impact fees. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK Council Member Chandler congratulated Police Chief Sanderson who recently received an Executive Police Officer Standard Training (POST) Certificate; he explained the requirements for receiving this certificate and noted that since 1959 only 1,049 individuals have received this award; and further noted that the Home Town Heroes video will show on Cable TV right after the City Council meeting and those Arcadia families who currently have someone currently serving in the military will receive a copy of the video in the next couple of weeks. Council Member Amundson noted that last week he was approached by an individual who questioned his comments at the last City Council meeting regarding customer service at City Hall; he clarified his comments and noted that he would like to hear from the public regarding public service and provided contact information; he attended the Pony League opening day ceremonies at Bonita Park Pony League; he received a letter from a local hometown hero serving in the military, Corporal Nicholas Warbol and read an except regarding the media's inaccurate description of the war; he noted that the City Manager's office has a list of local soldiers serving in the military and encouraged everyone to adopt a soldier and send a card or a package; and he commented on the word "efficiency" relating to the City's budget. 03-04-2008 50:0030 In response to a question by Council Member Wuo regarding cell towers in residential areas, Mr. Penman explained the conditional use process regarding cell towers and noted that the City Attorney is currently in the process of providing legal advice to the City regarding the level of control the City has in allowing cell towers in the public right-of-way. Mr. Wuo announced that the City Council attended the ribbon cutting at the 6 unit Alta Classic Project and noted that 3 homeowners are City employees and 3 are Arcadia residents. In response to an inquiry by Council Member Wuo regarding Dial-A-Ride services, Mr. Penman responded that a consultant was hired to assist the City during the recruitment process. Mr. Wuo noted that he has received calls from citizens regarding Dial-A-Ride services and would like staff to speak with Arcadia Transit about the services they provide to the citizens. Mayor Pro Tempore Harbicht commented on the remarks made by Council Member Amundson at the last City Council meeting regarding customer service and noted that since he was first elected 22 years ago, the amount of compliments he received regarding City employees and the services they offer outweighs the complaints 10-1; he noted that he recently received a compliment about the Fire Department from a friend and that even though the Police Department receives negative comments because of the type of work they do, he receives many compliments on police services; he commented on a compliment he received some time ago regarding a building inspector. He read an article from the Pasadena Star Newspaper thanking the Arcadia Fire Department and Paramedics on January 14'x; and announced that the Mt. Wilson Vista Girl Scout Council in Arcadia broke the Guinness Book of World Records for stacking girl scout cookies 5' 6" tall. City Clerk Barrows announced that the Arcadia Recreation Department and the Civitan Club will sponsor 2 track meets at Arcadia High School, one on March 12th for elementary school students and middle school students on April 2nd. Mayor Segal commented on the ribbon cutting ceremony for the affordable housing Alta Classic Project built in conjunction with Trademark Development; he commended the building and planning staff and other staff who worked on the project; he received a letter from Comprised Structure's Inc, commending Building Official Don Stockham, Senior Planner Jim Kasama, and Building Technicians Christine Miller and Joanne Bevelaqua for their outstanding customer service; and also commended all Staff for doing a great job. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS: a. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19. 2008. Recommended Action: Approve CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: b. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19. 2008. Recommended Action: Approve 03-04-2008 4 50:0031 c. ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 2239 EXTENDING THE TIME LIMIT ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE CENTRAL REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AND THE TIME LIMIT TO PAY INDEBTEDNESS AND RECEIVE PROPERTY TAXES PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 33333.6(E)(2)(D). Recommended Action: Adopt d. e. ,i In response to a question by Council Member Amundson regarding Consent Item d, Mr. Penman explained that miscellaneous employees are everyone who is not a police officer or fire fighter; he explained that the 2.5% @ 55 retirement plan formula is based on age at retirement, salary and years of service and provided an example on how the formula works. Mr. Penman noted that the City is currently paying the entire employer share and explained that as a result of the recent increase, the total employer rate will increase and employees will now contribute 1% where in the past the employee did not contribute anything toward the PERS rate; and he further noted that police and fire have a 3% @ 50 retirement plan. In response to another question by Council Member Amundson regarding the cost to the City, Mr. Penman responded that the cost to the City would be $2,513,000 for all miscellaneous employees. A motion was made by CouncillAgency Member Amundson, seconded by Council/Agency Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to approve items 2.a through 2.e on the City Council/Agency Consent Calendar. AYES: Council Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht and Wuo NOES: None ABSTAIN: Mayor Segal (Consent Calendar Items 2.a and 2.b) 03-04-2008 EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM (CALPERS). Recommended Action: Adopt EMPLOYEES. Recommended Action: Adopt 50:0032 3. CITY MANAGER a. LIGHTING DISTRICT 2008 -1. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6610 INITIATING PROCEEDINGS FOR THE Tom Tait, Deputy Director of Public Works Services Director provided a summary of the proposed formation of the Santa Anita Oaks Lighting District and Citywide Lighting District 2008- 1; he provided an overview of the existing street lighting map showing the 6 zones and explained that the cost would be shared between the City and property owners and noted that the assessments are based on the assessed value of the property which would vary from year to year. He explained that formation of the Citywide Street Lighting District would partially fund the operation, maintenance and servicing of lighting improvements throughout the City. He provided information on the balloting procedures for the Citywide District and noted that ballots will be mailed out the last week in May and the public hearing is scheduled for July 15`" and ' August 5"' and ballots for the Santa Anita Oaks Lighting District, ballots will be mailed the week of March 17`" with a public hearing scheduled for May 6th and May 20`". He further noted that 03-04-2008 6 Recommended Action: Adopt 200812009. Recommended Action: Adopt YEAR 2008/2009. Recommended Action: Adopt OF ASSESSMENTS RELATED THERETO COMMENCING WITH FISCAL YEAR 200812009. Recommended Action: Adopt 50:0033 in order to establish the Citywide and the Santa Anita Oaks Lighting District, staff recommends adoption of the five Resolutions. A motion was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Amundson and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6610 initiating proceedings for the formation of the Santa Anita Oaks Lighting District; and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing with fiscal year 200812009. AYES: Council Member Chandler, Amundson, Harbicht, Wuo, and Segal NOES: None A motion was made by Council Member Wuo, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6611 preliminarily approving the Engineer's Report regarding the formation of the Santa Anita Oaks Lighting District; and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing with fiscal year 200812009. AYES: Council Member Wuo, Chandler, Amundson, Harbicht and Segal NOES: None A motion was made by Council Member Wuo, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6612 declaring its intention to form the Santa Anita Oaks Lighting District; and declaring its intention to conduct a property owner balloting on the matter of new assessments related thereto commencing with fiscal year 2008/2009. ' AYES: Council Member Wuo, Chandler, Amundson, Harbicht and Segal NOES: None A motion was made by Council Member Wuo, seconded by Council Member Harbicht and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6613 initiating proceedings for the formation of the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District 2008-1; and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing with fiscal year 200812009. AYES: Council Member Wuo, Harbicht, Amundson, Chandler and Segal NOES: None A motion was made by Council Member Wuo, seconded by Council Member Harbicht and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6614 preliminarily approving the Engineer's Report regarding the formation of the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District 2008-1; and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing with fiscal year 200812009. AYES: Council Member Wuo, Harbicht, Amundson, Chandler and Segal NOES: None b. REPORT REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 6602 ESTABLISHING CITY OF ARCADIA PARK FACILITIES IMPACT FEES. Recommended Action: Provide Direction Jason Kruckeberg, Development Services Director provided the staff report regarding the implementation of Park Facilities Impact Fees and noted that when the Parks and Recreation Master Plan was adopted in November 2007, consideration was given to establish a new Impact Fee. He also noted that the City contracted with MuniFinancial to develop an impact fee to 03-04-2008 7 50:0034 ensure that new development pays its fair share of costs associated with building new park and recreation facilities and infrastructure. He reported that the fee schedule recommended in the study was developed by converting the cost per capita to a fee per square foot of net new development on residential properties based on dwelling densities and historical sizes of single family and multi-family units. He noted that on January 15, 2008, the fee approved by the City Council was $2.85 per square foot for single family projects and $3.73 per square fee for multi- family projects for net new floor area. He explained the 3 options for consideration regarding the implementation of the Impact Fee which would be effective March 14, 2008. Mr. Kruckeberg noted that a letter of opposition was received from Scott Yang of Nevis Homes regarding the implementation of the Park Facilities Impact Fees. A motion was made by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Wuo and carried on roll call vote to waive the fee for all projects that currently have design review approval; if any projects have design review approval and have not submitted for plan check, they have 6 months to do so; if a project is in plan check and the plan check is to expire, they can renew their plan check with the normal fee until March 14, 2009 and once any plan check expires the project is no longer exempt from the fees. AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Wuo, Amundson, Chandler and Segal NOES: None ADJOURNMENT The City Council/Redevelopment Agency adjourned this meeting at 9:10 p.m. to March 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference Room located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, , Arcadia. Mickey Segal, ayor ATTEST: James H. Barrows, City Clerk 03-04-2008