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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNOVEMBER 2,1970 1 INVOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL CITY COUNCIL CONTINUITY J9INT USE OF 1 19:7728 MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL and ARCADIA BOARD OF EDUCATION NOVEMBER 2, 1970 The City Council and the Board of Education of the Arcadia Unified School District met in joint session on November 2, 1970, at 8 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Arcadia City Hall. School Board President, Dr. Gary L. Mills School Board Member, Dr. Antone W. Nisson PRESENT: COUNCIL - Councilmen Arth, Considine, Hage, Helms, Butterworth SCHOOL BOARD - Frempter, Goebel, Harvey, Mills, Nisson ABSENT: NONE On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Butterworth welcomed the opportunity to meet with the School Board to discuss common goals and objectives in an endeavor to preserve the separate identity and separate integrity of the two political institutions. On behalf of the School Board,President Mills agreed that the meeting offers a rare opportunity to discuss matters of mutual concern - apart from the usual business before the Board at its regular meetings. REFERENCE MADE TO ORDINANCE NO" 1417 which, in the event five vacancies should occur on the Council, provides for the continuity of the Council by the appointment of the School Board to serve until newly elected Councilmen are installed following a Special Election. The Board had previously expressed its willingness to accept this responsibility. PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES. Mayor Butterworth referred to some instances of joint cooperation, 1) Bonita Park where the land is owned by the City and leased to the District with' the improvements those of the District, 2) Baldwin Stocker Park where the land is owned by the District and the improvements constructed by the City and 3) Hugo Reid Park, where City land is used by the District. The City Manager explored the current situation at the Camino Grove site where the City has purchased four lots (one from the District) with the thought that they could be developed into a playground-park facility and used jointly. He submitted that a plan has been discussed whereby the City's open area could be developed now and as school funds become available, perhaps the District could rehabilitate some of its tennis courts. For instance, at Foothill, Dana Jr High Schools and Holly Avenue School. He explained the plans call for improvement of fallow land into a softball diamond planted in grass, parking lot and recreational items. These, along with the resurfaced tennis courts, would be available, to all persons after school hours. Both the City Manager and the School Superintendent will obtain approximate costs for these improvements. In anSWer to a query by Dr. Mills, the City Manager stated in part that the City endeavors to maintain its vacant city owned property free of weeds but with as little expenditure as possible. 11-2-70 - 1 - 19:7729 In light of the fact that the City uses District facilities for its recreational programs, Dr. Nisson submitted the possibility of the City assuming the maintenance of city parks which are adjacent to schools. This maintenance is now performed hy the District. Dr. Mills supported this possibility and commented in part that although funds are derived from the same taxpayers, it is essential that responsibility be properly placed, and in his opinion it would appear that the City has more capital for this type of function that the District. Dr, Ryan then summarized the current agreements between the two 1 bodies; Bonita Park and Hugo Reid Park - City owned and developed, District maintained; Baldwin Stocker Park - District owned and maintained, City developed; High School swimming pool - constructed with the City paying 1/3 and the District 2/3, maintained and operated by the District during the school year and by the City during the summer; that in those instances where the City recreation program uses the facility during the school year the City pays $5 per hour to the District. Concerning the tennis courts the City pays for the lighting and receives the revenue from the coin operated controls for night playing. He continued in part that all school grounds are used by the City Recreation Department during the school year and the summer months - at no cost to the City; the District also provides some bussing during the summer for the Department. In conclusion, he referred to a recent agreement wherein the District leased land from the City for its Continuation School Program. The City Manager expanded the subject to some extent - that the City provides 16 bleachers at the Junior High Schools, a trainer for the football team; that it has relined the tennis courts, replaced tennis nets, some benches at the High School courts and provides personnel for the City recreation programs. He also commented that the two jurisdictions work together in a most cooperative spirit for its common goals. Mr. Harvey submitted that a definitive study should be made to ascertain the exact use of the various facilities and by which agency, thus being placed in a better position to adjust the tax base if the study so indicates. Dr. Nisson referred to the City owned land which has been leased to the District for its Continuation School Program and observed in part that the District will be clearing the area for construction and asked that the City consider amending the subject agreement to call for $1 per year instead of the $120 per month. He expressed appreciation to the City for its assistance but reminded Council that the District does not have the various avenues of revenue which are available to the City. In brief reference to the proposed improvements at the Camino Grove 1 site Mr. Goebel stated in part that funds just may not be available for resurfacing the tennis courts; that perhaps the plan could be made contingent on that aspect, otherwise he is favorable. , Both administrators agreed that cost estimates could be readily prepared. It was the consensus of the two jurisdictions that each staff conduct a study of the use of the various facilities to determine which agency has the greater use with a view if indicated toward possible readjustment of the cost responsibility. POSSIBILITY OF JOINT GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT. It was noted that both agencies maintain its grounds on a contract ural basis and thought has been given administratively to the possibility of going out to bid together with a view toward obtaining a more attractive price, however, the contractor would be responsible to the District and the City independently. It was agreed that this matter should also be reviewed and a study made. 11- 2- 70 - 2 - " "f 19:7730 1 POSSIBILITY OF RELOCATING THE DISTRICT'S MAINTENANCE YARD. Councilman Considine led the discussion on this matter by stating in part that he favors combining the Santa Clara facilities with the City Yard located near the railroad between Third and Fifth Avenues. Under this arrangement the City and District facilities would be consolidated as well as the two staffs assigned there. The former parcel is owned by the District and is used for bus maintenance and storage at the present time. He felt the City Yard could be expanded if need be and that the equipment would then be available and capable of handling maintenance which the District now assumes; that if such a merger came about a very valuable property would be available for sale to industry thereby placing it back on the tax rolls. He concluded with the observation that if there is not sufficient space at the City Yard perhaps more land could be obtained in the same area. Mr. Ha~vey expressed concern as to whether or not city facilities were equipped for maintenance of the heavy school busses and Dr. Ryan spoke to the question of priority, i. e., when a bus breaks down it must be repaired immediately. He commented that some of the School's rolling stock is in need of mechanical attention due in part to the vintage of some vehicles. He also spoke of the storage problem and noted that the District has been investigating the possibility of relocating the storage yard with a view toward selling the present property on Rolyn Place which step might prove economically sound for the District and would provide funds for the relocation. Dr. Ryan also observed that it would be to the District's advantage to have both the transportation storage and maintenance under one roof and expressed concern once more on the subject of priority for maintenance if City facilities were used. It was sub- mitted that perhaps more manpower would be needed and Mr. Harvey commented that the first step would be to make a study of economic factors versus negatives; that in his opinion the suggestion has merit. In answer to an inquiry, Dr. Ryan stated in part that there is no 'target date' for relocation but there would almost have to be a bond issue to implement the purchase of excess freeway property land which is being considered by the District and is currently available through the State. Some discussion ensued on whether or not the move could be made without a bond issue and it was submitted that perhaps a buyer could be found who would execute a contract of sale and the "incoming money could be so scheduled and the move could be made accordingly. It was also suggested that other locations could be investigated; that there is city-owned land which could be considered. The City Manager will furnish the District with a list of the latter. I MUTUAL CONCERNS REGARDING PUBLIC AND SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION. Dr. Frempter stated in part that he is well aware of the public demand on school transportation and expressed interest in hearing what demands have been made on the City for public transportation and whether or not the City has considered any type of public transportation for the benefit of local residents. If so, might not those who ride the public vehicles to school pay their own way which could virtually get the District out of the transportation business and go a long way to reducing this budget item. The City Manager advised that the city staff is currently making a study of a mini-bus possibility serving a very simple route through the city, perhaps Santa Anita Avenue and parallel streets; that to date a City has not been located operating a bus system without a subsidy. Mr. Harvey spoke to a dual purpose transportation arrangement for both the elderly and the school children. Mayor Butterworth commented there is indeed a special problem with the elderly but that transportation has never been considered by Council and he questioned the advisability of establishing such a service in a City the size of Arcadia. Dr. Mills concurred with Dr. Frempter and suggested that the City remain sensitive to the suggestion as it is much closer to areas,of transportation systems than the District. Mr. Goebel referred to a study made in the City of San Marino and suggested that contact be made with the specific Company. 11-2-70 - 3 - 19:7731 Mayor Butterworth observed that Council will indeed be sensitive to the suggestion but the wea of public transportation operated by the City is one to which he would not look forward, this being a very mobile community. Dr. Nisson referred to the few persons using the Transit System which currently runs through the City and in answer to an inquiry Dr. Ryan stated in part that legally the District cannot lease its busses; that there is very little time when they are not in use with the exception of perhaps two or three hours during the middle of the day. POSSIBILIlY OF DISTRICT UTILIZING CITY'S NATURAL GAS FUELING FACILITIES" The City 1 Manager explained in summary the procedure used by the City in converting some of its vehicles to dual fuel capacity utilizing natural gas; that the first six dual kits were provided without charge and the subject company might do the same for the District. He estimated the savings at about $200 per vehicle per year; that in addition to helping the smog problem the economical aspect is important to also consider and invited the District to consider the conversipn of some of its vehicles. FUNCTIONS OF GENERAL PLAN BASEBALL DIAMONDS Dr. Ryan referred to the District's equipment consisting of 13 gasoline vehicles and 5 diesel vehicles and expressed interest in the substantial savings which could be realized by thus converting and at the same time contributing to the improvement of the smog hazard. Copies of city reports in this regard will be furnished the School Superintendent. CITY YOUTH COMMISSION. Councilman Hage, liaison to the said commission, reported on the progress made by this fairly new commission; that elections for this year have been completed, new by-laws have been formulated; that it is working on a budget for the first time and is endeavoring to create a list of community activities. He noted that at the last meeting the purpose of the External Affairs Committee was explored and it was emphasized that it originates from the Youth Commission not the School. It was noted in particular that it is a City Commission operating the same as all other City Boards and Commissions, its elected members are ratified by the Council and all of its actions must also be approved by the Council. Dr. Nisson submitted that the Commission should aim its direction to City problems and not speak for the School. It was also noted that there is no direct relationship between the Youth Commission and Path, Inc., which is a non-profit corporation. Irvin I. Livingston, 1927 Highland Oaks Drive, Chairman of the City Planning Commission, referred to the General Plan which is being prepared by Simon Eisner, Inc., Consultants. He urged the School Board to study the report when available and submit its thinking before or during the forthcoming public hearings. James Smith, 1919 Highland Oaks Drive, President of the Arcadia Boys I Baseball, consisting of boys between 13 and 16 who play on the Pinto, Pony and Colt Leagues. He spoke to the dire need of land to accommodate eight more diamonds. He urged the two jurisdictions to consider this in the studies which are to be made as a result of this meeting. Mr. Smith was advised to also appear before the Recreation Commission at its next meeting to be held November 18. Mrs. Arthur W. Reiter, 210 W. Orange Grove Avenue, suggested combining the City Youth Commission and Path, Inc., that from her observation it appears that the former needs good leadership and the latter ,needs funds. She also submitted that perhaps Some land in the Chicago Park area could be utilized for the baseball activities to which Mr. Smith referred. 11-2-70 - 4 - JET AIRCRAFT PATH, INC. 1 ADJOURNMENT 1 19 :7732 Dale Spickler, 123 W. La Sierra Drive, read a draft of a proposed resolution to eliminate the noise created by jet aircraft over the Foothill Cities. He asked Council to seriously consider the adoption thereof, Jerry Bernstein, 245 W. Colorado Boulevard, advised that the Youth Commission just today agreed to assist Path in the formation of a Youth Board for its Teen-Center. He stated in part that there are reasons why the two should not' be combined, 1) the Youth Commission coordinates activities for the youth of the City and makes recommenda- tions therefor, whereas 2) Path is a non-profit organization which has expenses which would have to be assumed by the City. For instance, the monthly rent, its Hot Line Program (telephone) and other necessities. He continued that the main problem is the lack of adult assistance - volunteers - in the area of chaperones for the activities of Path. He noted that an endeavor is now being made to interest local service clubs, churches, etc. He stated that Robert Bonsack will soon present a detailed report to the City Council. Mrs. John R. Stahr, 214 E. Pamela Road, referred to the need of programming for Path, and submitted the possibility of inviting persons on a professional level to arrange programs and the like. At Councilman Helms' suggestion the Path problem will be placed on the agenda for the next Recreation Commission meeting. Mayor Butterworth observed that surely the adult population of this City can meet this need. Dr. Frempter stated in part that in his op~n~on joint meetings of this nature will be of interest to all taxpayers with the hope that possibly something can be done to reduce rising taxes by endeavoring to solve mutual problems. Mr. Goebel thanked Council for the opportunity of meeting in this manner. Dr. Mills concurred and submitted further the hope that the resolution presented by Mr. Spickler would receive Council's favorable consideration. Mayor Butterworth thanked the Board and interested persons in the audience for their attendance and stated in part that Council does reQognize the fact that property tax is the sole source of revenue fo~ the District whereas the City has other avenues of revenue and that Council will be mindful of all observations presented by the Board. At 9:50 p.m., Mayor Butterworth and President Mills adjourned the me~ting sine die. !2J! ()~ Mayor ~~~Sr~~ Ch~istine Van Maanen City Clerk 11- 2-70 - 5 -