HomeMy WebLinkAboutNOVEMBER 2,1982_2
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
1
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
MINUTE
APPROVAL
PRESENTATION
Newcastl~,
Sister Ci ty
{ e
~
~ ~TIREE
Helen Cowdery
~:YOUTH
COMMISSION
1 ~ ~OUTH
COMMISSION
EVENT
APPROVED
25:0611
M I NUT E S
.
'CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
'REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 2, 1982
The City Council of the City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Redevelopment
Agency met in a regular session Tuesday, November 2, 1982. at 7:30 p.m.
in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Louise Gelber, First Church of Christ Scientist, Arcadia
Steve Fetbrandt, San Gabriel Valley Tribune
PRESENT:
ABSENT :
Councilmen/Members Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
On MOTION by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman.Dring and carried
unanimously, the minutes of the adjourned and regular meetings of October
21, 1982 were APPROVED.
Mr. Richard Face, Member of Parliament from Newcastle, New South Wales,
Australia, presented a book, "A Day in the Life of Australia" depicting
a photographic history; also "Hunter Region Directory for 1981" con-
taining,details and information on all sections of the business com-
munity of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australis. This will become part
of the Newcastle-Arcadia Sister City memorabilia. Mr. Face also pre-
sented Mayor Pellegrino with a special tie from Newcastle. He also
spoke highly of the Arcadia young people who visited, and the Arcadia
Music Club participants.
On behalf of the City Council, a plaque was presented to Helen Cowdery
in appreciation of her efforts and accomplishments as a member of the
Police Department for seventeen years.
Councilman Haltom, Liaison to the Youth Commission, presented certifi-
cates of Appreciation to the following members of the Youth Commission:
Leslie Aldahl
Laura Beiswenger
Vickie Dickson
Colleen Hanrahan
Alex Pilmer
The Oath of Office will be administered to the new members in the near
fuwn. I
The request of the Youth Commission for Council to again sponsor the
Arcadia Youth Commission excursion to Disneyland on March 25, 1983.
It was noted in the staff report that the 1982 excursion was very
successful and no problems were encountered. The Commission recommends
that the same rules be used as in the past.
It was MOVED by Councilman Dring, seconded by Councilman Hannah,
and carried on roll call vote as follows that the request be approved
with the initial cost of $150 for the first twenty tickets to be taken
from the Commission Trust Fund. Additional tickets may be purchased
from Disneyland on consignment.
AYES
NOES
ABSENT :
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
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11-2-82
CHRISTMAS Staff advised of a request from Old World Imports to rent above-mentioned
TREE SALES property for the sale of Christmas trees from December I through December
DENIED 3l, 1982. In connection herewith, staff inquired as to the Agency's
Lot to be IJ preference on some cosmetic improvements on the now vacant parcels ...
Landscaped 1,1 It is estimated it will remain vacant for at least 6 to 18 months. Staff
~ 'f' - submitted costs for chain-link fencing:
II It
, Chain-link fencing $1,200
Italian Cypress to
surround property
Oil-base retardant to
hold down dust
Seeding of a lawn
ROLL CALL
FIRST AVE.
&
HUNTINGTON
To be
Marketed
""
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fJi;1
25:0612
Council recessed in order to act as the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
PRESENT:
ABSENT :
Members Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
Staff submitted a report and recommendation regarding marketing strategy
for the Agency-own.ed property at the north-west corner of First Avenue
and Huntington Drive. The improvements on said site have now been
demolished and staff suggests that a marketing brochure be prepared for
the site. This will be mailed to developers, potential owner-users,
the Arcadia Board of Realtors, Chamber of Commerce, and real estate
brokers/agents. All written offers regarding those projects will be
forwarded to the Agency for consideration. The criteria was set forth
in staff report dated November 2, 1982.
1
It was MOVED by Member Hannah, seconded by Member Haltom, that staff be
directed to proceed with the marketing of the subject site as outlined
in the staff report dated November 2, 1982.
Discussion ensued with Member Lojeski referring to the possibility of
building a parking structure over the public lot in Parking District
No.2... and submitted that no special emphasis be placed on parking in
the brochure. He would like staff to select the top three or four pro-
posals for Agency consideration.
Member Dring said he would like to have actual costs to the Agency on
this project ... what was initially paid for the properties ... any
additional expense legal fees and demolition costs. Staff responded
to these questions and explained how they arrived at the figures.
Member Haltom asked if the Agency members would be interested in pur~
suing a, type of land-lease arrangement - similar to that under considera-
tion for the Par-3 City-owned property... this would provide the Agency
with a constant income. The City Attorney will see if leasing will be
legal.
Member Hannah was in agreement that the Agency should look into the
aspects of both selling or leasing. He would also like to know what,
if any,iare the cash flow problems in connection with the Agency...
also, it was his observation that the subject property is worth more
than the asking price and that the brochure should include all the costs.
Member Lojeski submitted in part that when the property was purchased in
1979, there was no idea that there would be litigation which would go on
for three years ... that it's well and good to say than an X number of
dollars could have been made on this proprty - when in reality, this was
not possible because of the circumstances at that time.
Roll call vote was taken on the MOTION to pr..ceed with marketing.
AYES
NOES
ABSENT:
Members Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Loje"ki, Pellegrino
None
None
I
300
1,500
3,500 plus approximately
SO/month maintenance
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1 ~.>f
PaoJECT AREA
COMMITTEE
MEMBER
November 16
I
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25:0613
The Agency also received an offer from the Arcadia Business Association
to pay for the maintenance costs if a lawn were planted. Considerable
discussion ensued on the most appropriate short-term arrangement.
It was MOVED by Member Dring, seconded by Member Hannah and carried on
roll call vote as follows, that the request of Old World Imports to
rent the property be DENIED; that staff be directed to plant a lawn
and the cypress at $3,500 and $300, respectively. Member Lojeski was
opposed to giving up the income of $I,OOO for the month of December.
Chairman Pellegrino concurred. The offer of the Arcadia Business
Association was also accepted.
AYES
NOES
ABSENT:
Members Dring, Haltom; Hannah
Members Lojesk, Pellegrino (for reasons stated)
None
Confirmation of John Jorden as a member of the Project Area Committee
will be before the Agency on November 16, 1982 '" this allows time
for Mr. Jorden to file his Conflict of Interest statement.
The Agency then adjourned to November 16 at 7 p.m.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Mrs. Johanna Hofer, 875 Monte Verde Drive, expressed appreciation to
those who brought certain facts concerning the use of the County Park
to the attention of the City Council. She also referred to Ordinance
No. 1758 which is on the agenda for introduction at this meeting, and
asked Council not to act hastily in this matter. She suggested that
more information be obtained on Mr. Tucker, author of the Tucker Bill.
She asked what prevents Council from increasing the admission tax at
this time, and then the business license fee ... she also felt it poor
taste to hold a Council meeting on an election night.
Earl Stanek, 79 W. Orange Grove Avenue, spoke at length concerning the
need of the citizens for the use of the Par-3 Golf Course. He felt
the City could well afford providing a small golf course such as this,
especially since they do not have to operate it. He also noted in
part that this golf course was built on a deep land fill that was once
a gravel pit and then a dump. Consistent settlement is evident on the
site and the adjacent parking area. In addition, the presence of
methane gas caused the County to abandon a mobile home park near the
site some years ago.
As far as the Cadillac Fairview Company providing some senior citizens
low rent housing is concerned ... he said this can only be secured
through subsidies from the Federal Government - and HUD receives 25
proposals for each one for which they have funds. This is based mainly
on the qualifications of the site ... the geological problems would dis-
qualify the project. He spoke to financial problems of the company
which is not a California nor an American firm. He felt the public
should be advised of these activities and that several proposals should
be received.
Herb Fletcher, 175 W. Lemon Avenue, agreed with the remarks of Mr.
Stanek. He felt it unwise to give an exclusive right to negotiate on
items such as this and that the public has a right to know what is
being contemplated by Council. He was advised that there will be at
least three public hearings on this project before it goes forth ...
and regarding the possibility of a fire station being located adjacent
to the property, a report compiled by the Fire Chief is on file in the
office of the City Clerk.
John Piuma, owner and operator of the Par-3 Golf Course, explained his
dilemma as far as the disposition of the property is concerned - and
stated in part that there are many in opposition to the proposed
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PUBLIC HEARING
Scheduled
November 16
PETITION FOR
STREET LIGHTS
APPROVED
PUBLIC HEARING
SCHEDULED FOR
DECEMBER 7
HANDYMAN
GRANT PROGRAM
Report due
November 16
PROJECT PAR-3
GOLF COURSE
Financial
Repor t Due
December 7
/,
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1,1' ff
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25:0614
development ... that he has some 2,500 signatures in that regard. He
asked Council not to move so quickly on this project. Staff advised
that giving an exclusive right to negotiate does not obligate the
City.
Eleanor Ciocca, part-owner of the Par-3 Golf Course, asked Council to
create more activities for the senior citizens ana the-youth of the
community instead of proceeding with the proposal under discussion.
CONSENT ITEMS
A public hearing was scheduled for November 16 on Planning Commission
Resolution 1208 recommending approval of Zone Change Z-82-1 adding a 1
design overlay to the R-O'15,OOO and R-O 30,000 zoned properties
located in the Santa Anita Oak area bounded by Orange Grove Avenue on
the north, Santa Anita Avenue on the east, Foothill Boulevard on the
south, and Baldwin Avenue on the west, and recommending regulations for
the "nil zone.
Installation of street lights on, existing power poles in Lemon Avenue
from Holly Avenue to Baldwin Avenue APPROVED. Public Hearing scheduled
for December 7, 1982.
THE ABOVE CONSENT ITEMS WERE APPROVED ON MOTION BY COUNCILMAN DRING,
SECONDED BY COUNCILMAN LOJESKI AND CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS
FOLLOWS:
AYES
NOES
ABSENT,:
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
It was noted in the staff report that the City has set aside Community
Development Block Grant Funds in the amount of $50,000 for a Handyman
Grant Program to aid low- and moderate-income families in making
necessary rehabilitation to their dwellings. Staff felt it most cost-
efficient for the City to proceed with the project by employing a con-
sultant with expertise in administering such a program. Recommendation
was made therefor.
During the consideration on just what tasks the Handyman Program should
encompass ... it was noted that the grant is only for,$50,OOO, and if
over $9,000 is spent to administer the program, that would leave only
$40,000 .... It was felt that Council should decide just what the
Handyman program should do ... more of the simple jobs such as fire
alarm and deadbolt installatio~ security systems.
Staff will prepare a report for the meeting of November 16 ..., keeping
in mind all of the comments made by the Council.
I
The City Council had directed staff to prepare an "Exclusive Right to
Negotiate" Agreement for the development of City-owned property at 620
East Live Oak Avenue, site of the Par-3 Golf Course. The Agreement
provides a period of 225 days for negotiation, terms and conditions of
a long-term lease and/or agreement for a 515-unit condominium develop-
ment, at least 72 senior citizen rental units, and a fire station.
Staff noted that the Agreement does not obligate the City; however,
it does obligate the City not to negotiate with any other developer
during the period of the Agreement. (See staff report dated November 2.)
Considerable discussion ensued and concern was expressed as to just
with whom the City is dealing - Cadillac Fairview has pulled out in
favor of Southwest Diversified. The officers of that company are not
known at this time. Some concern as to whether or not an exclusive
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11-2-82
1
COUNTY PARK
USE (NOT
FEASIBLE AT
THIS TIME)
I
ROLL CALL
I
ORDINANCE
NO. 1758
INTRODUCED
v
25:0615
right should be given. It was agreed that,a feasibility study is
necessary ... and including all the financial data .requested prior to
proceeding, and complete compliance with an item referred to as Item
13 of the proposed agreement, wherein, "The developer is required to
make full disclosure to the City of its principals, officer, partners,
joint ventures, employees and/or other associated a,d all other perti-
nent information concerning the developer and its associates as
requested in writing by the City." The Vice President of Cad'illac
Fairview Homes, Gary Cook, said the request is not unreasonable and he
will work with staff in an endeavor to supply' all data.
It was the consensus that this matter be tabled until December 7 -
thereby allowing sufficient time for the garnering of the requested
information.
Charles Chivetta, 106 E. Longden Ave., suggested that the item "Audience
Participation" be scheduled for later in the meetings, thereby better
serving the public ... in that action would have been taken by Council
by that time and there may be those who would like to speak to a
specific item ... which they cannot do unless it is a public hearing
item.
In connection with the possibility of obtaining title to the Arcadia
County Park to expand the existing building into a senior citizen com-
munity center, staff made contact with the appropriate Federal agency.
The legal staff of that agency submitted in part that the Federal
Government would most likely invoke their reversionary rights if the
City allows a commercial entity to develop a portion of the park. They
indicated that they would claim title to any sublease revenues which
might be generated from commercial development if that became a reality.
As an alternative it,was noted that the City would have the right to
bid on the sale of any portion of the park which might revert back to
the Federal Government. This bidding process would take about eighteen
months. If the City were to seek without consideration a quit claim of
the Federal Government reversionary rights, it would require an Act of
Congress, literally. It was, stated they would vigorously oppose such a
project. Staff submitted that the key to the concept of developing a
senior citizen community center would rest on the ability of the City
to obtain sublease revenues from any commercial facility on the grounds.
However, in light of the information provided by the Federal Government,
staff felt the project is not feasible.
It was MOVED by Councilman Dring, seconded by Councilman Haltom and
carried on roll call vote as follows, that the Mayor be authorized, on
behalf of the City, to inform'Los Angeles County Supervisor Pete
Schabarum of these findings.
AYES
NOES
ABSENT:
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
The City Attorney presented for the first time, Ordinance No. 1758,
requested by the Council for introduction, explained this is an
Ordinance electfng to receive .33 of 1% of parimutuel wagers pursuant
to Section 19610.3 of the California Business and Professions Code.
Councilman Dring MOVED to waive further reading of Ordinance No. 1758,
MOTION seconded by Councilman Lojeski and carried on roll call vote as
follows:
AYES
NOES
ABSENT:
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
Councilman Dring stated for the record, "More than one of us during our
campaigns and while sitting on the Council, and over the. years, have
stated repeatedly that what we don't like "bout"thils\,biKthat ... is all
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11-2-82
ORDINANCE
NO. 1758
INTRODUCED
(cont'd)
ORDINANCE
NO. 1759
INTRODUCED
I
25:0616
the strings attached - State, Federal, what have you~ Because of the
disproportionste amount that we will receive, based on 'our best esti-'
mates compsred to what we are receiving now, we're jumping iliillo'~,th1s
It has a significant effect on our tax revenue base now and for years
to come. We will absolutely lose entirely 100% of our control if we
agree to this, and I suggest to you that that is not the appropriate
thing to do over the long term; that we will handicap our future
mobility and decision-making and future Councils and the citizens of
Arcadia. I think,if you're after an extra $800,000, you could just as
easily go to the people with a vote to raise the admission taxes, and
I'm very sure in my mind an admission tax would get it. Now, of
course, the track will oppose that because while this mainly provides
us with an extra $800,000 it gives them over $l million. And that's
fine - that's track business and 'I appreciate that. That's good
bus.i!less for them. I'm not opposed to the track,msking money in any
way they can - that's what they're in 'business for.
1
"I am opposed to giving up our control of this from now on, forever.
And I think thst's a bad choice for us to make. 'If we really need
the $800,000, don't give up the control - go to the people for a vote
to increase the tax; 'I'm sure you'll get it. That's really the'
issue here. In a hurry to grab the $800,000, you're going to let" go
of that control forever, from now on. And I think that's a bsd choice.
The' State will decide what you'll get. They've changed the percentage.
They can do whatever they want. They've taken mot?~);vehicle license -
I mean - we sit in the budget meetings and reco,g"i.z,~:ithis - stripping
away the motor vehicle license in lieu taxes that were started as City
revenues, and they just continue to dip in and overspend and th~ State
isn't going to recover for a long time. They can turn right ,ai~u?d and
buy another vote, no big deal up there - a slight majority is all it
takes of any group that's there - any quorum - and they can change that
.33 to .ll and they can keep the other .22 and we're at their exposure.
"You know as well as I do that the State has
to deaiing with the City's monies. I really
don't approve it, because if you really want
the people. Right now we don't seem to need
but I just think it's the wrong thing to do.
been brutal when it comes
strongly recommend that you
the extra $800,000, go to
it. We'd love to have it,
Thank you."
.
Councilman Hannah said in part that he could not argue about the State
Government cpanging the rules in the middle of the game; however, to
him it is just good business judgment to almost double our income from
the track with this device .,~. it is well worth taking the risk... it
doubles the amount of new net revenues and it gives'us the potential
for even more substantial revenue down the line. He felt it is a'
chance the City should tske, assuming thst the Stste does not reduce it.
In response to s que'stion, the City Attorney said 'in psrt that assuming
the City enters into the agreement, the City would be locked into it
for the length of the bill -- that if the State reduced the .33 of l%
the City would no'10nger be obligated under the agreement to keep the
ordinance in effect '" the City could r~peal the ordinance and then
commence assessment and collection of the admissions tax.
1
It was then
and carried
INTRODUCED.
. ,
MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman Haltom,
an roll call vote as follows, that Ordinance No. 1758..be
AYES
NOES
ABSENT:
Councilmen Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
Councilman Dring
None
The City Attorney presented for the first time, explained the content
and read the title of Ordinance No. 1759, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE'OF
THE CITY OF ARCADIA AMENDING THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING}
SECTION 66l3.13 THEREOF TO ALLOW CHARITABLE AND RELIGIOUS ' SOLICITATION i
ON SATURDAYS." / ,I
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11-2-82
"
I
1
ORDINANCE
NO. 1759
(cont'd)
~ CLAIM
DENIED
(Coberly
Rent-A-Car)
, ,
r CLAIMS
DENIED
(Rossini)
f tLAIM
DENIED
(Gecsy)
f'CLAIM
DENIED
(LIND)
ADJOURNMENT
November lb.
1982, 7 ,p .m.
25:0617
It was MOVED by Councilman Haltom, seconded by Councilman Hannah, and
carried on roll call vote as follows, that the reading of the full body
of Ordinance No. 1759 be waived.
AYES
NOES
ABSENT :
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
It was further MOVED by Councilman Haltom, seconded by Councilman Hannah
and carried on roll call vote as follows, that Ordinance No. 1759 be
INTRODUCED.
AYES
NOES
ABSEN't :
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
On reQommendation of the City's claim adjuster and City Attorney, it
was MOVED by Councilman Haltom, seconded by Councilman Lojeski, and
carried on roll call vote as follows that the claim of Coberly Rent-
A-Car be and it is hereby DENIED.
AYES
NOES
ABSENT:
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
On recommendation of the City's claim adjuster and City Attorney, it
was MOVED by Councilman Haltom,. seconded by Councilman Lojeski, and
carried on roll call vote as follows, that the claims of Gene Bruce
and Matthew Jeremy Rossini be and they are hereby DENIED.
AYES
NOES
ABSENT:
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
On reQommendation of the City Attorney, it was MOVED by Councilman
Halto~, seconded by Councilman Lojeski, and carried on roll call vote
as follows, that due to circumstances. the claim of Marie A. Gecsy
be DENIED and the claim forwarded to Vernon Paving Company for their
defense and indemnification of the City.
AYES
NOES
ABSENT:
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
On recommendation of the City's claim adjuster and City Attorney, it
was MOVED by Councilman Haltom, seconded by Councilman Dring, and
carried on roll call vote as follows, that the claim of Edward F. Lind
be and it is hereby DENIED.
AYES
NOES
ABSENT:
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
None
None
Council entered a closed session, reconvened, and adjourned at 10:40
p.m. to 7 p.m. November 16, 1982 in the Conference Room in memory of
Mrs. Don (Fran) Williams. Mr. Williams is President of the Williams
Caterlng Company; also in memory of Mr. Ralph Gilb, Uncle of former
Mayor Charles E. Gilb, a retired Warrant Officer in the United States
Marine Corps, and a resident of Oceanside, California; and to conduct
the business of the Council and Redevelopment Agency and any closed
session, if any, necessary, to discuss personnel and litigation matters
and evaluation of properties.
~"r1d
Mayor
!J~~~~
City Clerk
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11-2-82