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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 21,1982 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF'THE CITY CLERK 25:0635 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. I 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 -1- 12-21-82 25:0635a 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. I 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. I 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 -2- 12-21-82 25:0635b what charges he would make, to which he agreed, and it was decided the City Attorney would come back to Council with this information. I 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. ~~~ Ci ty Cl erk -3- 12-21-82