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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 2,1973 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK I",,,,,,,,,, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL INTRODUCTION ZONING ~ MODIFIC:ATIONS (continued) ZONING ~ (Service I Stations) APPROVED , 20:8201 M I NUT E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 2, 1973 The City Council of the City of Arcadia, California, met in regular session on Tuesday, January 2, 1973 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Arcadia City Hall. Rev. Kenneth D. Hansen, Lutheran Church of the Cross Mayor Don W. Hage PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None Mrs. Helen Schrader, new Editor of the Arcadia Tribune, was introduced and welcomed. Planning Commission recommendation set forth in its Resolution No. 795 relating to modification applications. (Hearing was closed on December 19 and the matter was continued until this date.) During the interim Council had studied the extensive report which indicated many changes some of which are in building height, the number of required parking spaces, notification procedure, a requirement for posting the subject property, and a recommendation of appeal procedure for revision as well as the filing fees. Discussion ensued on the authority of the Modification Committee in some areas and the right of appeal on the part of Council if it should so desire. Council expressed the need for additional provisions to insure protection against excessive or abusive action on the part of the Modification Committee and it was MOVED by Councilman Helms, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried unani- mously that the matter be continued until the next regular meeting of January 16. . During the interim staff will review all of the concerns expressed by Council and prepare a further report. Planning Commission Resolution No. 797 recommending the zoning ordinance relating to'service stations, on December 19 and the matter was continued to this interim Council reviewed the entire matter and some made to various service station sites operating car an amendment to (Hearing was closed date.) During the visitations were washes. Councilman Scott observed in part that on one of his visits to such a facility he felt there was a great deal of overs pray although the noise factor from the equipment at this particular location probably was not a nuisance, however, he could see where it could be objectionable to adjacent inhabited buildings. He also referred to Section 9220.6 of the proposed ordinance which to him indicates that a customer could have a complete overhaul job, exchange of an engine, rear end and the like - that if this type of work is intended to be part of the function of a service station the document should be rewritten. He felt this type of work should not be encouraged and that it seems to him to be almost impossible for the existing service stations to adapt to the proposed car washing service. 1- 2-7 3 - 1 - PARK (Camino Real at. Second Ave. q-I':;~ 20:8202 During the ensuing discussion the City Attorney and the Planning Director explored activities permitted and those prohibited under the proposed amendments. It was noted in their presentations that some of the existing service stations existed prior to the date of the zoning ordinance and may be continued as non-conforming uses; that in all new construction of such facilities the City standards must be adhered to - peripheral drains around the site are required to intercept any drainage so it does not go across the parkway and into the sanitary water system. It was submitted that conditional use permit requirements would adequately protect the public from any abuse as far as a car wash operation is concerned and that some means of policing the limi- tations must be formulated. The' Building Department is responsible for inspections of possible violations, including the concerns expressed by Councilman Scott. I It was then MOVED by Councilman Helms, seconded by Councilman Hage and carried on roll call vote as follows that the recommendations as set forth in Planning Commission.Resolution No. 797 be APPROVED and that the City Attorney be instructed to prepare the appropriate enacting ordinance. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Helms, Hage Councilmen . Councilman Councilman None Butterworth, Scott Arth, due to his business affiliation At the meeting of December 19 Council continued its consideration of the environmental impact report on the park proposed for Camino.Real at Second Avenue (southeast corner). At that time new innovations were introduced and the Planning Director was asked to incorporate these in an expanded report. The construction of a 6 ft. masonry wall along the interior property line was included as well as a revised plot plan indicating relocation of the tennis courts from the original southeast corner of the property to the northwest corner. Discussion ensued with the Planning Director explaining that visibility was one of utmost concern - that with the tennis courts at the northwest corner landscaping could be arranged for aesthetic value but it would interfere with visibility. The future widening of Second Avenue was included in the report however this is too far in the offing to be considered at this time. In conclusion he noted in part that the park would not have a significant environmental impact. Courtland Paul, architect, detailed the intense effort made to locate the tennis courts at the best possible location; that many aspects have to be considered - the lighting of the courts at the corner would leave the rest of the park in darkness making it difficult for any sur- veillance and for many reasons the courts would be best located at the southeast corner. He also indicated the actual unattractiveness of tennis courts even with landscaping and,could not see them located on the corner. He explored the various methods of control and operation of the lights. I He also noted his original recommendation that a 16' fence be con- constructed on the easterly and southerly part of the tennis courts if they were constructed in' the interior - something he would not recommend if they were constructed on the northwest corner, Councilman Scott submitted his reasons for preferring the tennis courts on the northwest corner - he noted the objections of neighbors who would feel the effect of the courts in the interior due to their proximity... the problem of tennis balls having to be retrieved from their property.,. swimming pools and the like. That this can cause harsh fee lings. 1-2-73 - 2 - Environmental Report approved I FEDERAL REVENUE SHARING I ~ ~ 20:8203 Councilman Helms then MOVED that the first environmental impact report be APPROVED - indicating the tennis courts at the southeast corner of the property with a solid masonry wall to be constructed along the interior property line, Councilman Arth seconded the motion. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: Councilmen Arth, Helms, Scott, Hage None Councilman Butterworth, due to his absence from the discussion meeting None ABSENT: Councilman Helms then MOVED to authorize the architect, Courtland Paul, to proceed with final drawings and specifications commensurate with the environmental impact report and plans heretofore presented to Council. Councilman Arth seconded the motion which was carried on roll call vote as fo llows : AYES: NOES: Councilmen Arth, Helms, Hage Councilman Scott, explained his "No" vote was due to the location of the tennis courts and not because of any objection to the park itself. Councilman Butterworth None ABSTAIN: ABSENT: In response to a question the City Manager stated in part that he had not received any threat of legal action if the park should be con- structed; that he had talked with the property owner adjacent to the park who had once made such a statement but who had withdrawn his objection if the City would construct a solid masonry wall which is now part of the design. Council received a report dated December 29 concerning revenue sharing - with suggestions for disposition of the receipts including one that the City retain a person having expertise in preparing information for a City newsletter, news releases, assistance to cable TV, etc. During the discussion Councilman-Butterworth submitted that the basic purpose of the revenue sharing program is property tax relief, and suggested Council give consideration to exploring means of obtaining public reaction as to its wishes. Councilman Helms referred to the public expressions doring his recent campaign; that more communication was needed especially in the area of Council considerations and actions. He felt there is merit in this approach. Councilman Arth responded in part that in his OptnlOn there are suf- ficient and competent staff members at the present time who should be able to prepare reports for the public; that he is concerned about adding more personnel because extra positions just seem to go on for- ever; that unless something urgent presents itself it is in his opinion incumbent upon Council to look for ways to reduce taxes. Cooncilman Scott was inclined to agree with the position of Councilman Arth, and thought the City Manager could assign a member of his staff to the task of communicating to the public. In being advised by the City Attorney that there would be tax implications he then stated in part that he would also agree with Councilman Butterworth in part; that the monies are primarily for reduction in taxes but he felt they could also be used for some necessary project such as the police building work. Mayor Hage indicated he would be against employing additional personnel; that many fine reports are available from other cities and perhaps some 1- 2-73 - 3 - ,.. SALARY ADJUSTMENT (Fire Dept.) APPROVED l ((, .s.. l: v: EQUIPMENT PURCHASE (Fire hose) APPROVED GASOLINE PURCHASE 1973-74 APPROVED P; t;,,--~ )~../ \ ..- ~j STORM DRAIN PROJECT 9601 .(El Monte) APPROVED SALARY INEQUITY CORRECTED It. J;.') i' 20:8204 guidance could be gleaned therefrom. He felt all of the comments made by the. Councilmen had merit and suggested awaiting the receipt of the Capital Projects Budget which is due soon. It. was the consensus of Council that a definitive analysis of priority needs would be helpful and specific emphasis was placed on a plan for redesigning the police building. . Staff will prepare such a report for presentation to-Council early in February. Pursuant to the City Manager's report dated December 29 concerning budget appropriations for salary schedules in the Fire Department it was MOVED by Councilman Scott, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and , carried on roll call vote as follows that an appropriation of $9,238 be < ~~made from the General City Council Contingency Account 417-28 to the Fire Department Budget Personal Services 422-1, 3. This covers revised salary schedules, sick relief, holiday and vacation pay for the period from January 1, 1973 to June 30, 1973. I AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None None On recommendation of staff it was MOVED by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Scott and carried on roll call vote as follows that fire hose in various sizes and quantities (set forth in report dated December 27, 1972) be purchased from Halprin Supply and Western Fire Equipment in the total amount of $3,448.20. Funds are budgeted in the Fire Department Budget 422-72 account. All other bids were rejected and any informalities or irregularities in the bids ar bidding process were waived. Purchase orders will be issued. AYES: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage; NOES: None; ABSENT: None Upon advice from staff that if Council desires to continue its co- operative gasoline purchasing program with the County for 1973-74 fiscal year this is the time to so do, it was MOVED by Councilman Helms, seconded by Mayor Hage and carried on roll call vote as follows that the City immediately indicate its intent to be included in the call for bids by Los Angeles County. Notification to the County Purchasing Agent to be made by the Finance Director. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Councilmen Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Hage None Councilman Arth, due to his business affiliation None On recommendation of staff it was MOVED by Councilman Butterworth, seconded by Councilman Arth and carried unanimously that the Council accept the recommendation of the Director of Public Works to the City Manager dated January 2, 1973 in connection with 1970. Storm Drain Project 9601 - City of El Monte - that the plans and specifications be APPROVED and that the Los Angeles County Flood Control District be AUTHORIZED to proceed with the construction described therein and that permission be GRANTED to occupy and use the public streets in the City of Arcadia to construct, operate and maintain said installation. I The City Manager submitt~d. a report dated December 27, 1972 concerning a salary inequity and advised that there is a provision for soch correction in the Personnel Rules and Regulations. He noted the subject ~ ,/~ /inequity is the classification of Assistant Director of Recreation which is a flat-rated salary position. It was Councilman Butterworth's observation that if the personnel 1-2-73 - 4 - I SALARY ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER 20:8205 system has any merit Cooncil should stand by the system and correct a salary inequity at the appropriate time, i.e., at the normal time for salary increases. That his position is not against the employee but the breaking down of the integrity of the flat-rated program. Discussion ensued on the human error factor in the subject instance and it was the consensus of the majority of Council that an employee should not be penalized because of an administrative mistake and it was MOVED by. Councilman Helms, seconded by Councilman Scott and carried on roll call vote as follows that the salary of the Assistant Director of Recreation be adjusted from $1115 to $1150 per month effective with the first pay period of January 1973. AYES: NOES: Councilmen Arth, Helms, Scott, Hage Councilman Butterworth (who stated in part that his position is not in any way personal to the employee but he felt the matter is not being properly handled and a mockery is being made oot of the City personnel program.) None . ABSENT: Councilman Butterworth then stated in part that one of the checks and balances set up in the City Charter is that the Personnel Board acts as advisor to Council on personnel matters and suggested that the matter of the flat-rated program be referred to that Board with a request that they review it and give Council some of its thinking on the feasibility of this program. He then MOVED that the matter be referred to the Personnel Board for its opinion on the City's policy of flat-rating administrative positions - in principle only - not remuneration processes,. Motion seconded by Councilman Helms and carried unani- moosly. Staff report dated December 27 set forth the problems encountered in recruiting a new assistant city engineer - mostly due to the salary. . The person selected for the position, Dennis T. Donahue, was selected and has an engineering background with the City of Santa Fe Springs ~ ,and the Fluor Corporation. Staff recommended he be employed at a lesser [R '.~,..Qa.J'..<-/--'ngure than the former assistant city engineer with the promise of an increase if he soccessfully fulfills his probationary period. It was MOVED by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as follows that a salary of $1400 per month be established for this position and that at the end of a successful probationery period his salary be increased to $1475; and that this salary be reviewed along with all others in the annual review of salaries during May and June. I PROCEDURAL ORDINANCE WAIVED LAND TO. BE/ APPRAISED AYES: NOES: . ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Rage None None In order to consider the following items it was MOVED by Councilman Helms, seconded by Councilman Arth and carried on roll call vote as follows that the provisions of the Procedoral Ordinance be WAIVED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms ,. Scott, Hage None None On recommendation of the Land Committee it was MOVED by Councilman Helms, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried on roll call vote as follows that the City Manager be AUTHORIZED to employ appraisers for two parcels of-property: north of Fourth Avenue about 200 ft. north of Huntington Drive running from the Flood Control Channel at one point over to Third Avenue. The other is a single lot located immediately adjacent to and sooth of City owned property on Santa Anita Avenue just south of the Freeway. Cost not to exceed $500. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Butterworth, Helms, Scott, Rage None None 1- 2- 73 - 5 - TRAILERS RACE TRACK PARKING LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES EMPLOYER- EMPLOYEE NEGOTIATIONS scon EXCUSED - EXECUTIVE SESSION RECONVENE AND ADJOURNMENT LIBRARY APPOINTMENT ADJOURNMENT / ./' ./ I 20:8206 At the request of Councilman Helms staff will look into the triple trucks, for instance a tractor and 3 trailers which could be 98 feet in length, which have been approved on a trial period by State. He noted the noise factor and impact on the residential streets of the City... that an objection to the State may be in order. At the request of Councilman Helms staff will prepare a report on the possibility of adopting a parking tax on the Santa Anita Race Track Parking lot; that it has come to his attention that the parking lot is relatively full most of the time and that the track has increased its parking fee to 75~ - that perhaps Council should reevaluate its po- sition on the parking lot fee. I Councilman Arth expressed the hope that some staff members could attend a forthcoming League of California Cities meeting on noise control-- that it would be conducted as a personal workshop. v Councilman Scott MOVED that it be the sense of this Council that employer-employee negotiations be completed before the last Tuesday of June and to that end negotiations should begin no later than May 1 of each year. Motion seconded by Councilman Helms. -Discussion ensued with Councilman Butterworth observing in part that he is unsympathetic with this approach; that it would not be effective because there are in his opinion serious problems of long standing with respect to the entire personnel program which will not be solved by a minute resolution no matter how well intended. Roll call was then taken. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Arth, Helms, Scott Councilmen Butterworth, Hage None Councilman Butterworth then asked why his resolution along the same line was not attached to the agenda packet in December when it was presented to Council - that his item was indicated on the agenda but the material was not brought to the attention of the press and the public. The City Manager advised that the situation was actually done by design as the resolution could not be adopted by Council without having previously consulted with the employee organizations, as Council could not consider action until those consultations had been held. On MOTION by Councilman Arth, seconded by Councilman Butterworth and carried unanimously Councilman Scott was excused from attending the meeting of January 16. At 10 p.m.) Council entered an executive session in the Conference Room. I At 11 p.m., the meeting reconvened in the Council Chamber. On MOTION by Councilman Arth, seconded by Mayor Hage,Rev. James W. Hagelganz was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of Rev. Fred Coots, resigned, to the Library Board. This term will expire June 30, 1973. At 11:15 p.m., the meeting ADJOURNED to JANUARY 16, 1973 at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room. ,"~fA~ ~~ r.;t-u ('1.........1.. 1-2-73