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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 20,200850:0058 ' CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENTRGENCY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2008 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Harbicht called the Regular Meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. in the Arcadia Police Department EOC Room. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCILIREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council/Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Kovacic, Wuo and Harbicht ABSENT: None STUDY SESSIONlCLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes per person) None STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion and direction regarding Fiscal Year 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 Budgets. Don Penman, City Manager noted that the operating budget will be reviewed with the primary focus on the General Fund; he said that a future date will be scheduled to discuss Capital Improvement Programs and the Equipment Fund; he noted that each department will summarize their department budgets and a presentation by Administrative Services staff on GASB 45 regarding retirement health care benefits and retirement. Mr. Penman provided a brief summary of the General Fund, projected revenues and expenditures; he noted that expenditures exceed revenues by $1.3 million dollars in Fiscal Year 2007-08 which is due to a transfer to the equipment fund of about $1.35 million dollars which was authorized by the City Council last year when the budget was adopted; he noted that if the equipment costs were not included, we would have a balanced budget for the current fiscal year. He explained projected mall expansion revenue and salary increases based on MOU's with all bargaining groups. Shannon Huang, Financial Services Manager/City Treasurer provided a detailed summary of the General Fund including beginning balances, estimated revenue, proposed expenditures, ending fund balances, estimated revenue by source, general fund department summary and general fund expenditure summary. She provided a detailed line by lirie report on estimated revenues by source; and noted the legal expenses and reimbursements in the Caruso/Westfield litigation. She provided a general fund department summary and expenditures and noted that out of the $46.7 million dollars, $33.8 million dollars is for personnel related costs which will increase by 7.1%; supplies and services will increase by 1.7%; 48% of the total general fund ' expenditures is used to pay for police and fre personnel; 24% is for other; and 28% is for supplies and services for the entire City. 05-20-2008 50:0059 Each department presented their proposed operating budget for Fiscal Years 2008-09 and ' 2009-10 including work plans and department budget highlights for 2008-09. Mr. Penman provided a summary of revenue/expenditure options for fiscal year 2008-09 budget which would be a possible savings of $670,000 including possible revenue increases and other options. The City Council directed staff to come up with revenue enhancements and/or expenditure reductions totaling 3.8% and report back to the City Council. RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING TO OPEN SESSION Mayor Pro Tempore Wuo convened the Regular Meeting at 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chamber. INVOCATION Reverend Thomas Shriver, Emmanuel Assembly of God PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Fire Chief Tony Trabbie ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council/Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Kovacic, Wuo and Harbicht ' ABSENT: None REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEYfAGENCY COUNSEL ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS City Attorney Steve Deitsch reported that the City Council met in a Study Session in order to receive a proposed budget report from staff and noted that the City Council will reconvene to the budget Study Session after the open meeting. He further reported that a proposed budget will be presented to the City Council for adoption and public hearing at a future meeting. He noted that the City Council will convene to a closed session prior to adjourning the open session to consider the one (1) item listed on the posted agenda under closed session. Mr. Deitsch noted that it is presently anticipated that there will be no reportable action. 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. , 05-20-2008 2 50:0060 PRESENTATIONS a. 2008 Arcadia Beautiful Awards Mayor Harbicht and Jan Torrington, Chairperson of the Arcadia Beautiful Commission made the presentations. Award recipients were: 1130 Singing Wood Drive -Dave & Grace Cashion 875 Hampton Road -Unable to attend 990 Hampton Road -Dorothy Marconi 527 N. Altura Road -Ray Gornto 1026 Encanto Drive -Paul & Cathy Martinet 917 Monte Verde Drive - Pachorek Family 284 Renoak Way -Steven & Susan Tietz 414 S. Second Avenue -Dean & Wilma Johnson 2117 Louise Avenue -Jim and Norma Miller 1564 S. Santa Anita Avenue -Mark and Debbie Morel 72 W. Camino Real Avenue -Unable to attend 182 W. Camino Real -Gaetano and Sylvia D'Aquino 431 W. Camino Real Avenue - Rosina Rose (unable to attend) 471 W. Winnie Way -Larry and Mary Ann Smith 1717 Holly Avenue - Cuoi & Xuan Cao 5i9-605 Fairview Avenue -Huntington Downs (unable to attend) PUBLIC COMMENTS Tobias E. Vargas appeared and spoke regarding the removal of the oleanders by the City between Colorado Street and Colorado Boulevard that were dying; he noted that the City is going to put in 5 gallon plants which will take years to grow and requested that the City replace with 15 gallon plants instead of 5 gallon. At the request of Mayor Harbicht, Tom Tait, Deputy Public Works Services Director explained that the oleanders were removed as part of a CIP program; the oleanders were dying due to a beetle bug; he noted that an irrigation system is currently being installed and 5 and 15 gallons plants will be replaced. Kris McNamara appeared and spoke regarding the removal of the oleanders on Colorado which were used as a natural barrier for the peacocks and traffic which now creates a hazard for the community; she requested that a plant be replaced that would be more aesthetic for the area. Michael O'Connor appeared and spoke regarding the removal of the oleanders on Colorado; he noted that several residents did not receive notice; that the residents would really like some kind of sound barrier; he discussed incidents that have occurred in the area over the years; and noted the letter he distributed earlier to the City Council regarding safety and security concerns. Bill Vagenas appeared and spoke regarding his concerns by the removal of the oleanders on Colorado. Barbara Huang appeared and spoke regarding safety issues related to the removal of the oleanders. 05-20-2008 50:0061 Mayor Harbicht explained that the Brown Act prohibits the City Council to act or discuss this matter since it is not on the agenda, however, he did note that the removal of the oleanders was ' a necessity because of the sharp shooter beetle; he noted for staff consideration, that maybe 15 gallon plants can be planted since it would take 2-3 years less to get to a 6-8 foot height than using 5 gallon plants. Council Member Kovacic briefly discussed the importance of giving notice and receiving input from residents. Mr. Penman noted that staff can make the decision to upgrade to 15 gallon plants and any other options would have to be agendized; he further noted that placing a sound wall would cost about $225,000 and-the landscape budget is only $16,000. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK Council Member Kovacic noted that he is liaison to the Library Board and would like to acknowledge several significant donations made to the Library. He announced that Carol Libby, Jenna Ball, Scott Hettrick and Jack McCrea wrote a book about Arcadia and the Historical Society donated 11 of them to the Library; the Arcadia Lions Club Foundation donated $250 for the purchase of large printed materials, the Arcadia Chinese Association donated $1,400 to the annual children's summer reading program and to assist with training and tutors who teach in the Library's weekly language conversation class, the Library Foundation donated $3,700 for English language learners collection and memorial books, and the Friends of the Library donated $40,000 to purchase books and other materials for programs for the children, teens and adults at the Library. He thanked everyone for their donations. Council Member Amundson thanked the Mayor for his appointment as liaison to the Historical ' Museum; he noted that the Historical Museum has a "snap shot" exhibit on display through the end of the month and encouraged everyone to stop by; he also encouraged everyone to attend the 11th Annual "Remember our Veterans" ceremony and the different exhibits on display at the County Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; he announced that individuals can visit ancestry.com to research family military history; he noted that last year he requested staff to look into the "e-verify" program which verifies employment eligibility of new employees and contractors; he acknowledged a memorandum he received from the City Manager regarding this matter and requested that this matter be placed on a future agenda for discussion. Council Member Chandler commented on the different levels of backgrounds conducted on City employees and does not feel there is a need to explore this matter any further. Mayor Harbicht noted that he is in favor of verifying that contractors and employees hired by contractors are legally allowed to work in the United States. In response to an inquiry by Council Member Kovacic regarding the City's current process, Mr. Penman responded that current contracts have generic language requiring "compliance with all federal and state laws" and noted that there is not specific language regarding legal status. City Attorney Steve Deitsch confirmed the comments made by Mr. Penman. In response to a request by Council Member Kovacic regarding language being included in the contracts regarding legal status, Mr. Deitsch confirmed that language can be added. Council Member Wuo noted that he was in favor of placing this matter on a future agenda. 05-20-2008 50:0062 Council Member Chandler commented on the historical marker recently dedicated near the fountain at Santa Anita and Huntington Drive which gives a history and pictures of events that occurred at that location and congratulated the Arcadia Historical Society and L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation on a job well done. Mayor Harbicht noted that the first historical marker was put up at First Avenue Middle School and several more will be put up in the next year or two at different locations. Council Member Wuo also announced the Veterans Day ceremony at the County Park; he noted the recent earthquake in China and that many Arcadia residents are from China; he expressed sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families and reported that in 4 days, over $100 million dollars was raised. City Clerk Barrows had nothing to report. In response to a complaint received by Mayor Harbicht regarding the issuance of ovemight parking permits, Police Chief Sanderson responded that overnight parking permits are issued on the date needed, they have never been issued in advance; he explained the process and reason why they do not issue overnight parking permits in advance. Mr. Penman suggested that staff check with the vendor to see if software is available that would allow overnight parking permits to be issued in advance. In response to an inquiry by Council Member Chandler regarding overnight parking permit grace permit, Police Chief Sanderson explained that only during the Christmas and New Year period, the issuance of overnight parking citations are suspended. Mayor Harbicht noted comments made at the last City Council meeting regarding cell towers and reported that the residents of San Marino feel the cell towers are an eyesore in their community based on a staff report provided by staff. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS: a. JOINT MEETING MINUTES WITH AUSD OF APRIL 29. 2008 AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 6. 2008. Recommended Action: Approve CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: b. JOINT MEETING MINUTES WITH AUSD OF APRIL 29. 2008 AND REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 6. 2008. Recommended Action: Approve 05-20-2008 50:0063 c. d e. f 9• h. k. TO FIRE REGULATIONS AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE VERY HIGH , FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP PRODUCED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION. Recommended Action: Introduce INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 2242 AMENDING THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING A CHAPTER 10 TO ARTICLE III PERTAINING TO FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT. Recommended Action: Introduce ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6620 AUTHORIZING DEPARTMENTAL ADMINISTRATORS TO ACCEPT GIFTS AND DONATIONS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE CITY DEPARTMENTS HAVING A VALUE OF $1 000 OR LESS. Recommended Action: Adopt Action: Approve 05-20-2008 J i 6 OF X526.400. Recommended Action: Approve Recommended Action: Approve AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30.000. Recommended Action: Approve 50:0064 A motion was made by Council/Agency Member Amundson, seconded by Council/Agency ' Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to approve items 1.a through 1.k on the City Council/Agency Consent Calendar. AYES: Council/Agency Member Amundson, Kovacic, Chandler, Wuo and Harbicht NOES: None Recommended Action: Introduce 2. CITY MANAGER ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6618 ADOPTING A REVISED CITY OF ARCADIA URBAN FOREST MASTER PLAN. Recommended Action: Adopt Tom Tait, Deputy Public Works Services Director provided a brief summary of the Street Tree Master Plan adopted in 2002 and explained that revisions are being proposed to meet Arcadia's changing environment. He noted that at the direction of the City Attorney, the proposed revisions will reduce the City's exposure to litigation; the proposed changes will clarify the intent of the Master Plan and the renaming of the Street Tree Master Plan to the City of Arcadia Urban Forest Master Plan is also being proposed. A motion was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Amundson to adopt Resolution No. 6618 adopting a revised City of Arcadia Urban Forest Master Plan. AYES: Council/Agency Member Chandler, Amundson, Kovacic, Wuo and Harbicht NOES: None 1 b. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 2243 AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF ARTICLE III. CHAPTER 9 OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING FALSE SECURITY ALARMS. Sergeant Ortiz of the Arcadia Police Department provided the staff report explaining the various amendments being proposed relating to false security alarms; he noted that during 2007, 97°/° of the alarms responded to were false; that the proposed amendments will clarify who the responsible party is for alarm activations, establish an annual permit fee to operate an alarm in the City and hold any alarm company that services anon-permitted or ordered disconnected alarm liable; that the amendments will change the grace period of allowable alarms, make false panic alarms chargeable activations, fee assessments be increased, a registration fee be charged annually and the grace period be reduced to limit the number of false security alarm responses by the Police Department. Sgt. Ortiz noted that a fee resolution will be placed on a future agenda for consideration. A motion was made by Council Member Kovacic, seconded by Council Member Wuo to introduce Ordinance No. 2243 amending various sections of Article III, Chapter 9 of the Arcadia Municipal Code concerning False Security Alarms. AYES: Council/Agency Member Kovacic, Wuo, Amundson, Chandler and Harbicht NOES: None 05-20-2008 50:0065 c. _~ Pat Malloy, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Services Director provided a summary and update on the formation of the Citywide Street Lighting Assessment District initiated by the City Council on March 4, 2008; staff has been working on public outreach programs however with 1,600 parcels to be assessed, he noted that it is important that extensive public outreach efforts be accomplished; he reported that it was intended that this be completed and ready for next year's tax assessment however with a very short window of time, staff is proposing that the public hearing scheduled for July 15, 2008 be rescheduled to the last meeting in October or first meeting in November 2008; that this would allow additional time to improve public outreach effects to the community. Mr. Malloy noted that an informational meeting is scheduled for May 22, 2008. It was the consensus of the City Council to extend the public outreach efforts and move the balloting process to the fall for the Citywide Street Lighting Assessment process. d. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRUCTION. INC. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF Ken Herman, Associate Civil Engineer provided an overview of the construction of the Colorado ' Well Wellhead Facilities project and bidding process; he reported that the 2001 Water Master Plan recommended the drilling of new wells in the Raymond Basin to replace existing wells that are reaching the end of their productive life and to meet the growing demand for water in the City; and explained the different phases of the project. A motion was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Kovacic to award a contract in the amount of $595,172 to Environmental Construction, Inc. for the construction of the Colorado Well Wellhead Facilities; authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute a contract in a form approved by the City Attorney and appropriate $235,000 from the Water Fund to the project account. AYES: Council/Agency Member Chandler, Kovacic, Amundson, Wuo and Harbicht NOES: None CLOSED SESSION a. PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.8 CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS: Pro e : 41 W. Huntington Drive Agencv Negotiator: Agency Executive Director Prooertv Owner: Manuel Romero Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment 05-20-2008 Recommended Action: Provide Direction Recommended Action: Approve 50:0066 ADJOURNMENT The City Council/Redevelopment Agency adjourned this meeting in memory of Edward Myron Jaffarian, Lee Grover, Gene Gaffney and Charles Gilb at 11:10 p.m. to Tuesday June 4, 2008, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference Room located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia ~~~~ Robert C. Harbicht, Mayor ATTEST: James H. Barrows, City Clerk [1 05-20-2008 1