HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 7,1997_2
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INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
1.
CABLE TV
RATE REG-
ULA TIONS
2.
HOLIDAY
HOMES DECO,
AWARDS
(CONTINUED)
3,
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39' 0003 0110. <;;"0
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN
THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 7, 1997
The Arcadia City Council met in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 1997, at 7:00 p,m, in
the Arcadia Community Center located at 365 Campus Drive, The meeting was relocated to this
site due to an electrical power outage in the City Hall Council Chambers,
Rev, Matthew Chong, Associate Minister, Church of the Good Shepherd
City Attorney Michael H. Miller
PRESENT: Councilmembers Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young, and Kuhn
ABSENT: None
John Risk, Communications Support Group, presented a comprehensive report on cable
television rate regulations at the 6:00 p,m, adjourned regular meeting this date,
The presentation of the Holiday Home Decoration A wards by the Arcadia Beautiful Commission
was CONTINUED to the January 21, 1997 Council meeting,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
The City Manager reported that severe storm damage in the City the last two days, caused by
extreme high velocity winds, resulted in activation of th~<(Lty's Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) at Fire Station No, I, at 2:00 p,m, Monday, Janua1')1l: 6, 1997, Several hundred telephone
calls have come into the City requesting assistance, Approximately 200 trees andlor limbs are
down, In addition, water reservoir roofs suffered damage; street signs and lights were destroyed,
City crews have been working from 4:00 a,m, to 6:00 p,m, cleaning up the majority of such
damage, The City was assisted by California Conservation crews from Los Angeles and
Camarillo, Tomorrow the City of Norwalk will provide assistance with two street tree operations
crews, Uprooted trees caused damage to at least three residential properties and two personal
vehicles, Assessment of damages is continuing, The City Manager noted also that a number of
areas in the City are still without electrical power, including the City Council Chambers, The
City computer system was down until 5:30 this evening, The City Manager complimented staff
for outstanding perfonnance in this emergency.., many City crews worked 16 hour days and
much work remains.
The City Manager reported that this morning, under authority of the City Charter, he authorized
a local emergency, which begins the process to authorize the City to receive financial assistance
from the county, stHte or federal government if, in fact, a disaster is proclaimed,
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ORD, & RES,
READ BY
TITLE ONLY
Sa,
PUBLIC HRG,
ORD, 2063
(Franchise - So,
Cal, Wtr, Co,)
(INTRODUCED)
39:0004
The City Manager announced also that Newco Waste Systems has donated several dumpsters free
of charge to be located on Orange Grove Avenue, Second Avenue and Live Oak, for Arcadia I
residents to dump their storm damage refuse from green waste, trees, limbs and other similar
debris, The dumpsters will be available at these sites from 8:00 a,m, to 5:00 p,m, until further
notice,
The City Attorney explained the procedure to be taken by the City Council, pursuant to
Government Code Section 54954,2, for this item which was not on the January 7, 1997 Council
agenda,
It was MOVED by Councilmember Young, seconded by Mayor Pro tern Harbicht and CARRIED
on roll call vote as follows, that the need to take action on this item occurred after the January 7,
1997 Council agenda was printed,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Council members Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young, and Kuhn
None
None
It was then MOVED by Mayor Pro tern Harbicht, seconded by Councilmember Young and
CARRJED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No, 5973 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, PROCLAIMING
EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY", be and it is hereby ADOPTED,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young, and Kuhn
None
None
QUESTIONS FROM CITY COUNCIL REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None,
It was MOVED by Council member Young, seconded by Mayor Pro tern Harbicht, and CARRIED
on roll call vote as follows that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only and that the
reading in full be WAIVED,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young, and Kuhn
None
None
At the December 3, 1996 meeting, the City Council adopted Resolution No, 5963, declaring its
intention to grant a franchise to the Southern California Water Company to lay and use, for
transmitting and distributing water for any and all purposes, pipelines and other facilities in,
along, across, upon and under the public streets, ways, alleys and places within the southeastern
and eastern portions of the City of Arcadia,
0.3 s-c) - (tH,- The City's previous live-year franchise agreement with the Southern California Water company
expired on November 23, 1996, Southern California Water belatedly requested that the City
renew the franchise agreement under the same terms and conditions agreed upon in 1991, i.e" a
five-year term expiring on November 23,2001.
Notice of the City's intention to grant said franchise was published in The Star newspaper on
December 12,1996 and the January 7,1997 public hearing scheduled,
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5b,
PUBLIC HRG,
VACATE PlN,
WHEELER AVE.
RESQ, 5971
(ADOPTED)
Os-n-- ~o
06 d'e) _ z. <(("
6,
39:0005
Mayor Kuhn opened the public hearing, No one came forward to speak to the issue,
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tern Harbicht, seconded by Council member Young and CARRIED
to close the public hearing,
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tqm Harbicht, seconded by Councilmember Chang and CARRIED
on roll call vote as follows that Ordinance No. 2063 entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, GRANTING TO SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA WATER COMPANY, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, A FRANCIDSE TO
LAY AND USE, FOR TRANSMITTING AND DISlRIBUTING WATER FOR ANY AND ALL
PURPOSES, PIPELINES AND OTHER FACILITIES IN, ALONG, ACROSS, UPON AND
UNDER THE PUBLIC STREETS, WAYS, ALLEYS AND PLACES WITIIIN THE CITY OF
ARCADIA (pER ARTICLE XIII OF THE ARCADIA CITY CHARTER)", be and it is hereby
INTRODUCED,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young, and Kuhn
None
None
On December 3, 1996 the City Council adopted Resolution No, 5968 declaring its intention to
vacate and abandon a portion of Wheeler Avenue, west of Second Avenue and east of the Los
Angeles County Transportation Commission (LACTC) Railway, In order to finalize the vacation
and abandonment process the public hearing was scheduled for this date, as required, following
publication and posting of the hearing notice,
The portion of Wheeler Avenue considered for vacation consisted of a minor access road which
deadends into the LACTC Railway, Part 3 of Division 9 of the Streets and Highway Code
provides that the City Council may vacate a public street that is "unnecessary for present and or
prospective public street purposes", Additionally, the City must reserve all casements requested
by other agencies and utility companies for existing utilities within ihe street.
Mayor Kuhn opened the public hearing, No one came forward to speak,
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tern Harbicht. seconded by Councilmember Young and CARRIED
that the public hearing be CLOSED,
It was then MOVED by Mayor Pro tern Harbicht, seconded by Councilmember Chang and
CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No, 5971 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE
VACATION AND ABANDONMENT OF A PORTION OF WHEELER AVENUE WEST OF
SECOND AVENUE", be and it is hereby ADOPTED,
AYES:
, NOES:
ABSENT:
Council members Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young, and Kuhn
None
None
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Robert Cmz, District Manager, Southern California Gas Company, introduced himself and
announced he will take on the responsibility of City issues as they occur which deal with the
Southern California Gas Company,
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YOUNG
(Harbicht
Wlr,Bd,
Alternate)
(Fonner Mayor
Saelid)
KOVACIC
(New Year
resolutions
& goals)
CHANG
(Harbicht elee, -
WIr, Qual. Bd,)
(Wind damage)
(Year of the Ox)
(Alann system
Home For Deaf)
HARBIClIT
(Alann System)
(Emergency
persorinel)
39:0006
MA TIERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
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Councilmember Young congratulated Mayor Pro tern Harbicht on his election as alternate to the
Board of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority,
.
Councilmember Young reported former mayor Jack Saelid was recently hospitalized in Seattle,
Washington, with meningitis, He has improved since receiving the appropriate antibiotic,
Councilmember Kovacic presented his list of New Year's resolutions and goals which he would
like to see Council strive for in 1997, His hope is that everyone will join him in these collective
resolutions: I) Shop Arcadia whenever possible; 2) Do not look to the City to solve all your
problems, Pick up trash and report all graffiti; 3) Get out and meet your neighbors, Plan street
parties and other events for your neighborhood, Set up a neighborhood watch group; 4) Get more
involved,.. there are many opportunities for civic involvement and a great need for volunteers; 5)
Support and promote City schools and community events, Goals to strive for: I) A serious and
frank discussion about the City's fiscal health and budget. Set specific goals to increase revenue
and decrease expenditures, Continue dialogue on economic development and adopt some specific
strategies; 2) Continue to support elTorts of the Youth Master Plan Committee and seriously
consider its proposals; 3) More community events such as the recent Christmas Tree Lighting
Ceremony; 4) Strengthen the City's risk management program and continue to improve the
management/labor relationship; 5) Council discussion of the meanS to finance a new police
station and/or a community auditorium; 6) Adoption of spending limits for future City Council
elections; 7) Movement toward a commitment about development at the race track consistent
with the Council's stated goals of preserving live horse racing and the quality of life in Arcadia,
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Council member Chang congratulated Mayor Pro tem Harbicht on his election as alternate to the
Board of the Water Quality Authority,
Council member Chang noted that Council has declared a local emergency in the City because of
damages caused by the high winds for the past two days. City crews and the Edison Company
have been working hard to repair damages and restore power in the City. He has received many
calls about the situation,
Councilmember Chang noted soon it will be the year of the ox according to the oriental
horoscope, The actual year of the ox is still 40 days olT, He wished Arcadia residents a
prosperous and healthy New Year,
Council member Chang reported that he attended a dedication ceremony sponsored by the
Arcadia Firefighters Association at the Home For The Deaf on Las Tunas Drive, The firefighters
contributed $500 toward the repairs of the fire alarm system at the home, The work was done by
Post Alarm Systems, Contributions were also received from the community and the $5,000
repair costs were covered, Council member Chang commended Firefighter Yen and the
Association for this community service, He noted that firefighters go beyond their duties to
help the business community also,
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht noted that Post Alarm Systems reduced their cost by 40% to bring about
the repair of the alarm system at the Home For The Deaf,
Mayor Pro tem Harbicht commended City crews for their actions over the past two days in
dealing with the damages caused by the high winds, They have again done a yeoman's
job for the City,
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3'9 ::0007,
(League resos.) At the annual meeting of the League of California Cities a resolution was adopted which
supported an amendment to the State Fire Code to require stored pressure dry chemical
extinguishers to be serviced and recharged every six years, The current fire code requires that
this be done every year, Mayor Pro tern Harbicht feels California is requiring much too frequent
servicing of fire extinguishers, Forty eight (4S) states require service every six years, He believes
Council should support the League in the stand it is laking and he would recommend that a letter
be sent to local state legislators to this end.
KUHN
(Harbicht
election Wtr, Bd,)
(Christmas Tree
Lt'ng, Ceremony)
S,
Sa,
MlN1.ITES
(Dee, 17, 1996)
(APPROVED)
Mayor Kuhn congratulated Mayor Pro tern Harbicht on his election as alternate to the Board of
the Water Quality Authority, Also, congratulations to City staff for the wonderful job during the
current state of emergency in the City,
Mayor Kuhn commented that her absence from the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was due
to the recent loss of her father, The Mayor expressed her appreciation to all who sent flowers,
notes and cards during this difficult time, The Mayor also extended New Years good wishes to
all,
CONSENT ITEMS
APPROVED the minutes of the December 17,1996 adjourned and regular meetings,
Sb,
WORK ACPT'D, ACCEPTED the project and AUTHORIZED final payment in the amount of $9,025,53 to
(Rehab, Chapman Bakersfield Well and Pump Company for the Chapman Well Rehabilitation Project - Work Order
Well, W,O, 566) 566, in accordance with the contract documents,
() ?,o- 50
Sc,
WORK ACPT'D,
(Renovate &
Upgrade Bi-
ceutennial Pk.,
Job 612B)
D 7'10 -10
9,
9a,
ORD, 2065
(T erop. election
signs)
(INTRODUCED)
fI!>50. <::0
ACCEPTED the project and AUTHORIZED final payment in the amount of $5,624,32 to D & M
Construction, Inc" in accordance with the contract documents for the Renovation and Upgrade of
Bicentennial Park - Job No, 612B,
ALL OF THE ABOVE CONSENT ITEMS, Sa, Sb, AND Sc, WERE APPROVED ON MOTION
BY MAYOR PRO TEM HARBICHT, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER YOUNG AND
CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Council members Chang, Harbicht, Kovacic, Young, and Kuhn
None
Mayor Kuhn (Consent Item Sa, December 17, 1996 minutes)
None
CITY A TIORNEY
At the December 3, 1996 meeting the City Council directed staff to prepare an ordinance for
introduction at the January 7, 1997 meeting to exempt temporary election signs in residential
parkway areas from the City's total prohibition of all signs on public property, The City Council
expressed concern with regard to enforcement burdens on those subject to the existing ordinance,
and costs incurred by the City with regard to such enforcement. Moreover, the involved parkway
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lOa,
CLOSED
SESSION
OlIO . 'fo
/'151>
YOUNG
(In Memory of
Judge Jolm
Saooders )
(In Memory of
James Nevin)
39: 0008'
areas are maintained by the adjacent resident which carries the perception and appearance of
private residential propcrty,
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Councilmember Chang questioned the use of the phrase "or front property line" in Section
4912,1(b)2 of the proposcd ordinance, Said scction states: "The signs shall not protrude,
encroach. or in any way extend over the curb, sidewalk area or front property line." Council
determined to delete the phrase "or front property line" from the ordinance,
Councilmember Chang felt also that enforcement of an illegally placed election sign should
include a specific time frame for removal of such a sign, A brief discussion ensued and by
general consent Council decided to leave the time frame open to the discretion of the code
enforcement officer, especially, if it is a safety issue where a sign should be immediately removed
or relocated,
It was MOVED by Councilmember Young, seconded by Mayor Pro tern Harbicht, and CARRIED
on roll call vote as follows that Ordinance No, 2065, entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ARCADIA
MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING SUB-SECTIONS (A) AND (B) TO SECTION 4912,1 TO
EXCEPT (EXEMPT) TEMPORARY ELECTION SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL PARKWAY
AREAS FROM THE PROHIBITION OF POSTING SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY", be and
it is hereby INTRODUCED as amendcd to delete the phrase "or front property line" from Section
4912,1(b)2 of said ordinance,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chang, Harbicht. Kovacic. Young, and Kuhn
None
None
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The City Attorney announced that, "pursuant to Government Code Section 54957..,this is, per
the City Manager's contract, the time designated for the annual performance evaluation".
In response to Mayor Pro tem Harbicht's question, the City Attorney replied that if the Council
wishes to continue the discussion of the subject closed session to another date prior to January
21st thcy may do so,
Councilmember Young adjourned the meeting in memory of Judge John Saunders, ''I'm sorry to
have to adjourn the meeting in memory of two of my very good friends, The Honorable John
Saunders was a long-lime resident of Arcadia and "cry active in the community, He was a
municipal court judge at the Santa Anita Court in Monrovia, and did not only volunteer work in
Arcadia, but was Chairman of the Los Angeles County Commission on Children's Services and
an executive board member for the San Gabriel Valley Council of Boy Scouts, He is survived by
daughters Sherry Reese and Susan Brusa, and a son, John Saunders, and three grandchildren,
The services were held Monday, Dccember 23, at the Church of Our Savior in San Gabriel. And
in lieu of flowers they suggested that donations may be made to Friends of Child Advocates, 20 I
Plaza Center Drive, Suite 3, Monterey Park. 91754, I adjourn the meeting in memory of Judge
John Saunders."
"James Nevin, who died on December 26 of septicemia, which is a form of blood poisoning, was
only sick for two weeks, He is survived by his wife, Sue, a daughter, Lisa, and a son, Jim, He
was a civil engineer, graduating from Cal Berkeley, He was very active in the Arcadia
community, particularly in the A YSO soccer, and was a director of A YSO, But he is noted
particularly for being instrumental in starting girls' soccer teams, Death was unexpected, and it
is with sadness that I adjourn the meetiug in his memory,"
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ADJOURN-
MENT
(Jan, 21, 1997)
39: 0009'
At 7:57 p,m, the City Council entered the CLOSED SESSION, RECONVENED and
ADJOURNED at 10:10 p,m, to Tuesday, January 21, 1997 at 6:00 p,m, in the Conference Room
of the Council Chambers for an Adjourned Regular Meeting to conduct the business of the
Council and the Redevelopment Agency, and any Closed Session necessary to discuss personnel,
litigation matters or evaluation of properties,
ATTEST:
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