HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 21,1982
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF'THE CITY CLERK
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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 21, 1982
I
The City Council of the City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Redevelopment
Agency met in an adjourned regular session Tuesday, December 21, 1982
at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Councilmen/Members Dring, Haltom, Hannah, Lojeski, Pellegrino
ABSENT: None
Mayor Pellegrino introduced Ed Jenkins and John Love who were present to
discuss the proposed annexation of a portion of the southwest area to
the City of Arcadia.
Mr. Jenkins stated in part that the purpose of this meeting was to bring
the Council, particularly the two newest members, up-to-date on what
they are attempting to do in order to annex to Arcadia, to discuss some
of the problems and answer any questions. He advised that the County
presently is putting in curbs and gutters and paving Golden West and
Naomi, which were on the County list and for which there are funds ear-
marked.
In discussing the problem of the inadequate water system in the annexa-
tion area, he stated there was pretty much a consensus in the area that
the residents would be willing to pay for upgrading the water system
over a period of time, but would not wish to do this while attached to
East Pasadena Water Company.... If the area were to become part of
the City of Arcadia, they would appreciate the legal assistance to set
up an assessment to upgrade the water system and tie it to Arcadia.
He doesn't believe this would be a problem. He feels one problem that
possibly stands in the way is the slight difference in dollars and
cents as to what the area will bring and what it will cost them. He
had requested from LAFCO a reassessment of the police protection in
terms of funds for two Police cars for the 84-acre area. He believed
this assessment to be excessively high. A further assessment brought
down the costs but he feels it can be brought down even lower due to
the close proximity of the Police and the Hub shopping center which is
patrolled regularly.
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Mr. Jenkins felt the annexation of the area he represents could be
favorably compared with the Shelter Isle area which the City recently
annexed.
Councilman Dring stated that he personally felt the problem is not the
cost of police allocation, but the only problem he saw was the cost of
upgrading the water system and its impact on fire ratings for the
annexation area and thus Arcadia overall. He said Arcadia upgraded
its fire system and rating system for better insurance rates last
quarter. He felt Arcadia taxpayers should not have to pay for upgrad-
ing the water system in the annexation area.
Water Manager Robert Berlien, in reply to a question from City Manager
George Watts, advised that the approximate cost for the City to condemn
the area and replace all facilities - or the majority of them - which
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he feels is necessary, would cost approximately $1,360,000, which works
out to $3,400 per parcel for 402 parcels .... That would be to condemn
it only, assuming it could be condemned for a price similar to that in
the past. He said it would require a vote of the people.
Councilman Dring asked the City Attorney if the City could float a bond
tied to taxes on a special assessment district, to which the Attorney
replied they probably could.
Mr. Jenkins advised that the above figures are very comparable to the
figures of the water company presently furnishing water to the annexa-
tion area; that the bills would be cut in half if Arcadia's water system
were used; and this would almost cover the additional taxes that would
be imposed on the property every year.
The City Attorney listed the steps required to enable the area to be
annexed, dealing with a special assessment district counsel who would
then work with the County, and so on.
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Public Works Director Chester Howard explained the function of the
assessment district engineer, who would prepare plans and cost estimates
and determine the assessments to be placed on each parcel in the area,
which would be paid for by the benefitting parties.
Mr. Berlien mentioned the problem of the cost of condemning the water
system in the annexation area and coordinating it with the assessment
district. The City Attorney advised that the condemnation has to be
done by the County and the cost of it would be included as part of the
cost for the County's formation of the assessment district.
Councilman Dring asked if the million two or million three to upgrade
the water system included the purchase price. Mr. Berlien replied that
it included about $300,000, his best guess, for condemnation.
Mayor Pellegrino asked Mr. Jenkins what luck he had had with the County,
to which Mr. Jenkins replied they have had a good response from County
Supervisor Peter Schabarum, who offered his assistance wherever possible.
Mr. Jenkins said he doesn't anticipate any problems here.
Mayor Pellegrino asked about opposition to the annexation, relating that
one lady had called his office in opposition. Mr. Jenkins said only
about 10 or 12 signatures had been collected from one area within the
annexation area, although they claimed to have 20 signatures in opposi-
tion, and the number hasnrt changed significantly. Mayor Pellegrino
asked Mr. Jenkins how many homeowners he represents and he replied they
have gotten 90% of the households without any problems.
Councilman Hannah stated that reports given Council by various depart-
ments of the City - Fire, Police and Water - indicate it would cost the
City some $50,000 to $60,000 a year to annex the area. He asked
Mr. Jenkins what justification he would use to the taxpayers in Arcadia
for this annexation. Mr. Jenkins cited such examples as, Arcadia carries
itself on sales tax revenues; the City would gain residents who 'are very
interested in Arcadia and have fought long and hard to become part of the
City; that they consider themselves part of Arcadia, shop in Arcadia,
and support it over Temple City; probably supported substantially the
Hub shopping area in its growth; and are good citizens.
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In reply to a question by Mayor Pellegrino, he added that the residents
of the annexation area already have Arcadia post office addresses and
feel they are in Arcadia. He stated, however, students in the area now
attend Temple City schools and the residents would not wish to change
this.
A discussion was held regarding various other costs such as a, special
assessment district counsel, an assessment district engineer, etc.
Councilman Dring suggested the City Attorney determine from the counsel
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what charges he would make, to which he agreed, and it was decided the
City Attorney would come back to Council with this information.
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Mr. Love asked if it would be possible to have the area annexed before
upgrading the presently hazardous water system, to which Councilman
Dring replied that it is proposed the upgrading of the water system
and the condemnation be all accomplished before the annexation.
Councilman Hannah stated if that were in the form of a recommendation, he
wished to put an addendum to it that the City not expend any funds in
connection with the annexation prior to determining the cost of a con-
sultant, engineering drawings, and any other items that the County might
require. He stated he would favor having the area annexed to the City
of Arcadia, but would oppose it if the taxpayers of Arcadia would have
to pay any portion of the costs.
Councilman Haltom felt he could justify the expenditure of public funds
as part of the growth pl'ocess, since they are willing to"upgrade their
water system, which would help them and the City. .
Councilman Lojesky advised he too is concerned about the cost to the tax-
payers; that during budget sessions personnel and other items were cut in
an effort to economize, but he would favor the annexation if there will
not be any cost to the taxpayers or the City.
Mayor Pellegrino stated in part that he would agree to the annexation if
there would be no cost to the taxpayers of the City of Arcadia.
Councilman Dring reminded those present that the annexation was once part
of Temple City prQperty along Baldwin Avenue that was:,annexed by the City
of Arcadia, which was street-front property of commercial value, thus
leaving the present annexation area behind.
Mayor Pellegrino thanked Messrs. Jenkins and Love for their time.
Mr. Jenkins will be notified of the findings as soon as they are available.
Council entered a CLOSED SESSION and reconvened at 7 p.m.
REDEVELOPMENT
AREA
(Third Ave.)
Considerable discussion held on development of Agency-owned property on
Third Avenue - primarily as to revenue-producing projects versus garden-
type offices. Staff to provide a report on the cash,position of the
Agency.
RESOLUTION
NO. 5081
ADOPTED
The Finance Director submitted the City's opportunity to invest funds in
.the State Treasurer's Office - which he felt would be of benefit to the
City. Whereupon Councilman Dring presented, read the title of Resolution
No. 5081 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
'ARCADIA AUTHORIZING INVESTMENT OF CITY OF ARCADIA MONIES IN LOCAL AGENCY
INVESTMENT FUND," and MOVED for the waiving of the full text and that
same be ADOPTED. MOTION seconded by Councilman Haltom and carried on
ro 11 ca 11 vote as follows: I
I
AYES
NOES
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT :
Councilmen Dring, Haltom, Lojeski; Pellegrino
None
Councilman Hannah, due to his business affiliation
None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. sine die.
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Ci ty Cl erk
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