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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 21,1995 _I I I 0110 -"-0 3 0068 ()3;;i I, 7 : c CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA and the ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING MARCH 21, 1995 The Arcadia City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met In a regular meeting at 7:00 p. m., Tuesday, March 21, 1995 in the City Hall Council Chamber. INVOCATION Rev. Aoyd Butler, Arcadia Community Vineyard PLEDGE OF Assistant to the City Manager/Human Resources Manager Gary Rogers ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL ARC.HI. SCHOOL CONSTITU- TION TEAM 01- ,/- ". LA. CO HEALTH DEPT. PRESENT: ABSENT: Council members Chang, Kuhn, Margett and Young Council member Lojeskl On MOTION by Council member Margett, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Chang and CARRIED, Councilmember Lojeskl was EXCUSED. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Young Introduced Mr. Ron Morris, Teacher and Leader of the Arcadia High School Constttutlon Team. Mr. Morris commented on the efforts and enthusiasm of the members of the Constttutlon Team. The Team has been very successful, and he Is proud to have been working wtth such a fine group. Mr. Morris introduced student John Eskander, a member of the Constttutlon Team, who told the audience about the competttlons the students have participated In and, although they won the Congressional and regional competttlons, and continued to the State competttlon in Sacramento, hoping to continue to the Washington, D. C. competttlon. that did not work out for them. Mr, Eskander credtted the support and encouragement the Team has received from the Council and the cttlzens as Important elements In their participation and success In the competttlons; that encouragement helped the Team to stand out and to shine. Mayor Young Introduced each member of the Team and presented each wtth a Certificate of Commendation. The Mayor also presented a check In the amount of $500 to help defray Team travel expenses, Mr. Morris expressed his appreciation for the continued support of the Council on behalf of the High School and the Arcadia School District Mayor Young read a Proclamation: "WHEREAS lead Is a polson and 'Lead Is Everywhere In Los Angeles'; WHEREAS lead poisoning is an illness caused when there Is too much lead in the body; lead gets into the body when people eat ttems containing lead, or breathe in 1 3/21/95 (Poison Preven'n Week) POLICE CHIEF GARNER (Recent Crimes) ORD, & RES. READ BY TITLE ONLY J>rtl~6,.- (),/~-, 10 I. PUBUC HEARING (T ext.Amend, 37:0069 lead dust or fumes; WHEREAS lead poisoning causes health, behavior and leamlng problems; it can harm blood formation, the nervous system, kidneys, children's growth, mental development and hearing, including measurable decreases In IQ scores; WHEREAS those at high risk of lead poisoning are children from six months to six years and pregnant women and their unborn children; WHEREAS lead can be found around your home and in . day care centers; lead dust on work clothes, in ceramics, leaded crystal, pottery and also in products that contain lead, e. g., cosmetics, house paint, paint chips, home remedies, and water that flows through brass faucets or pipes joined with lead-based solder; WHEREAS people who have lead poisoning may have stomach aches, vomiting, headaches, trouble sleeping, flu-like symptoms and/or loss of appetite. Many people who have lead poisoning do not look or act sick and the only way to know if you or your chUdren have lead poisoning Is to have a blood lead test NOW, THEREFORE. I, Mary B. Young, Mayor of the City of Arcadia, by virtue of the authority vested In me, do hereby proclaim the week of March 19-25, 1995 as Polson Prevention Week in this City, and In doing so, urge all parents to take their children 6 years and under to a doctor for a blood lead test; and all residents who live in apartments or houses built before 1978 to keep children away from peeling paint and to never scrape, sand, or bum lead-based paint". 1 The Proclamation was presented to Ms. Christa Trostle from the Los Angeles County Health Department. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - REPORTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS/STATEMENTS Arcadia Police Chief Gamer presented an update on recent activities in the City. Chief Garner stated that In recent months three rapes have occurred In the City, all In the earty hours of the morning. Chief Garner advised women driving alone durtng those hours to be aware of their surroundings, not to exit their vehicle if any suspicious persons are observed, and to drive to a 24-hour populated spot or to the Police Station. He presented a description of the suspect and his vehicle, The Arcadia Police Department has made the apprehension of this suspect top prtorlty and is working with other agencies toward this end, I QUESTIONS FROM CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGARDING CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS None It was MOVED by Councilmember Kuhn, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Chang and CARRIED that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only and that the reading in full be WAIVED. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None PUBUC HEARINGS Consideration of Text Amendment 95'{)()1 amending the hours for nighttime satellite wagering at Santa Anita Race Track, 285 W. Huntington Drive. This application was filed by the Los Angeles Turf Club, Inc. requesting a text change (T.A. 95-(01) to amend I 2 3/21/95 I I I 95-001 - Amend Hrs. Santa Anita Race Track) (APPROVED) 37:0070 Section 9273.1.10.1 of the Arcadia Municipal Code to allow horse racing via satellite feed at night to no later than 1 :30 a. m. with or without pari-mutuel wagerlng. Notices of tonight's meeting were mailed to all property owners within a 1,000 foot radius of the race track property (approximately 930 property owners). In addition to the City's noticing, the Los Angeles Turf Oub Invited neighbors to attend an Informal ad hoc meeting held on February 2.1995, relating to the proposed text amendment. In 1991 the Los Angeles Turl Club, Inc. requested a text amendment to Include satellite feed during daytime and evening hours with or without pari-mutuel wagering. In February 1992 the City Council approved daytime horse racing by satellite feed and felt that evening activities should be addressed separately, and approved horse racing via satellite feed one night a week until no later than 11:30 p. m. The City Council commented that, "while the City did not expect any problems as a result of evening use of the facilities, limiting operation to one night a week would allow staff the opportunity to monitor the activity and its related traffic to be sure that there are no significant Impacts' and 'if, at a later date, the applicant wishes to Increase the hours of evening wagering or the number of evenings during the week, they may apply for an amendment to the code'. The Los Angeles Turf Oub's request is to allow horse racing via satellite feed every night until no later than 1:30 a. m. According to their application, the purpose of this text amendment is to allow Santa Anita Park the flexibility 'to respond to industry movement in importing evening racing from outside California'. During the past three years, the City has had the opportunity to monitor the nighttime racing and related traffic, Police Chief Gamer noted that it Is the Police Department's opinion that the use will not have any notable Impact on police operations. nor will it create any significant policing problems. Nighttime satellite wagerlng Is conducted Inside the building and in the Seablscuit court area. The races are not announced over the loud speaker and the Infield area Is closed, Persons coming to the race track in the evening enter from Gate 8 (Baldwin Avenue), Gate 3 (Holly Avenue) or Gate 5 (Huntington Drive west/bound). The Colorado Place gate Is closed during the evening hours, Traffic resulting from nighttime racing has been Insignificant, and has not resulted in an Impact on adjoining neighborhoods according to the Police Department. After considering all public testimony, the Planning Commission at its February 29, 1995 meeting expressed concems about allowing nighttime satellite wagering seven nights a week, the service and consumption of alcoholic beverages until 1:30 a, m. They expressed concerns as to which gates would be used for Ingress and egress to the track and also traffic issues. The Planning Commission, after deliberation, voted 5 - 2 to recommend approval to allow horse racing via satellite feed on Friday and Saturday nights only with the following conditions: that satellite racing be allowed a maximum of 72 nights a year: 32 nights until 11:30 p. m. and 40 nights a year until 1:30 a, m. Also that the sale and service of alcoholic beverages be prohibited after 10:30 p. m. The Planning Commission further recommended that staff come back to the Planning Commission with a status regarding the nighttime racing activities In six months for their review. Pursuant to the provisions of the Environmental Quality Act. a negative declaration was prepared for this project. Based upon the Information submitted by the Police Department, at this time there Is no evidence that nighttime satellite wagering has created any traffic, noise or policing problems at the race track or the surrounding neighborhoods, The Development Services Department Is recommending approval of Text Amendment 95-001 to allow horse racing via satellite feed on Frlday and Saturday nights only until no later than 1:30 a. m. with or without pari-mutuel wagering. Staff Is not recommending that a time limit be placed on the service of alcoholic beverages because all the bars In the City are opened until 1:30 a. m, Staff also recommends that a status report regarding the nighttime racing 3 3/21/95 37:0071 activ~ies be submitted to the Planning Commission and City CouncU in six months for their review. If documented problems arise as a result of the extended hours and days for I nighttime racing, the City Council may consider measures to eliminate the problems by e~her revising the hours and days allowing nighttime satell~e racing which would be a text amendment. Police Chief Garner stated that he has been In Arcadia for only six months. His experience w~h the race track has been positive. He has met the key members of the operation and security management, and has been very impressed by the quality of personnel, One of the most notable statistics of the track was that, over the five year period just ending, the track comprises about 3% of Police Department workload, Considering the number of people who vls~ the track and the type of operation. that is a very low flgure. He deferred further comments to Captain Hinlg who has b!len a police officer In the City for twenty-eight and a half years, and Is extremely knowledgeable about the race track and ~s operations. Police Captain David Hinlg stated that the Police Department did a statistical compUatlon of data regarding the race track and ~s operation for the past five years and found a remarkable consistency in how Police Department resources are applied to their operations. Generally speaking ~ ranges between 3.2% and 4% of Police Department time. By comparison, about 15.7% is spent on activ~ies related to Santa Anita Fashion Park; the rest of the time Is deployed to resources w~hin the community. As activities at the race track have been mon~ored w~h nighttime activ~les over the past few years, they found there has been no particular Impact at all on policing services or pUblic safety w~hln the community. The race track has excellent Internal security; they mon~or activity around the track very closely. It Is Police Department opinion that the text amendment as proposed will have no Impact on what the Department would need for policing services In the community during the upcoming year. In response to questions from Councllmembers, Captain Hlnlg responded that no add~lonal police would be needed for the proposed night wagering, He also replied that the statutory Iim~ for closing time for bars Is 2:00 a. m., and there are at least fifteen bars In the City that remain open to that hour, and that no notable problems have been encountered concerning these bars. Captain Hlnlg also responded that the activity levels of problems at the Santa Anita Race Track are much lower than they would ordinarily expect in relation to other activ~ies in the community. In regard to alcohol related problems or disturbances or anything of that nature; the numbers are almost minuscule. In reply to Mayor Young's question, Captain Hlnfg stated that mon~orfng nighttime actlv~les at the race track has indicated that attendance levels are such that there Is no need for add~lonal regulatory efforts on the part of the Police Department, Mayor Young declared the public hearing OPEN, In Favor of the Text Amendment Cliff Goodrich, President and COO of the Los Angeles Turf OUb, 430 Vaquero Road, stated. in part, that they support staff's recommendation which is a modification of the original proposal, Originally they tried to come In w~h a broad request to be able to operate untU 1:30 a. m. any night. In the immediate plans there would not be a need for that, but In order to avoid going through this process each time some new ~em surfaces, they wanted some flexibility as to the times. They don't need anything other than one add~lonal night. But on one of those nights It would be necessary to remain open untU 1:30 a. m. because of the Hong Kong signal, As far as the oppos~ion is concerned, he is aware that change is difficult 4 3/21/95 1 I 37:0072 1 In any business. The track is struggling to survive and compete. The way the present ordinance reads, the track cannot compete with those tracks that are located in cities which allow them to be open late when they bring in a Hong Kong signal, In fact, most of the tracks are open every night of the week; which Is not what Santa Anita Is requesting. The Hong Kong racing has a growing fan base, and now having to cease the signal at 11:30 p.m. is creating a problem for the track. Because of the time zone differences, that racing does' not begin until 9:30 p. m. and they have to tell people they have to go home at i1:30 p. m. Some customers say they will go to other tracks In the future. As a business enterprise, it does not make business sense to tum customers away. The management trles to explain that we live In a bedroom community; some patrons understand; some do not. Those who do not, simply patronize other tracks, Santa Anita's business has been hurt due to the fact that it has not been able to be open two nights a week, as Is now being requested. Mr. Goodrich recognizes that whatever proposals are made will never be unanimously supported. In retrospect, he feels that a fairly smail segment of the total community Is in opposition. The track is a public company with a fiduciary responsibility to shareholders. Mr. Goodrlch was surprised at the amount of opposition this request received because he feels there are people who live near the track who scarcely know the track Is open at night because there is a very small crowd; there has been no traffic problem; they are unaware of any report to the Police Department; the only noise problem has been the music at the Big Hoss once in a while. The speaker system is not on at the race track; the north parking lot Is not used. This Is a slimmed down operation which they did not think was causing that much commotion, so they were surprised and disappointed when the opposition testified to the degree they did. Mr. Goodrich is not aware of any problems since the track brought in the night signal. I Richard H. Smith, 209 Santa Cruz Road, stated, in part, that he is a resident and taxpayer in Arcadia; raised his children here; and still has two adult children living In Arcadia; and two grandchildren attending Arcadia schools. He is also a retired police officer from the City of Arcadia. and Is Director of Security for the Los Angeles Turf Oub, He thanked Captain Hinlg and the Police Department for their kind remarks about the track security. As a taxpayer and private citizen, he is Interested in keeping jobs In Arcadia, and keeping the business prosperous, His department has been reduced because of track attendance reduction. Mr. Smith recounted the positive aspects of the race track as always being a good neighbor In the City, i. e, the Olympics were held here; the track hosted the National Guard when the Los Angeles riots occurred, etc. With being a good neighbor there has to be some give and take. When he was a young officer and working nights he was awakened in the days he slept by the loud speaker from the track. but he gave up that little bit of inconvenience to live In Arcadia. His children attended an outstanding school. the streets were safe, etc. He is In support of this Issue as a tax payer, private citizen and a good neighbor. He hopes that those people who find problems with the inconveniences, such as traffic will realize that Santa Anita management Is doing their best to control those problems. 600 senior citizens are scheduled to be guests at the Big Hoss Saloon in May. Santa Anita Is a family operation and a good neighbor I Thomas Charles Knust, Arcadia, stated. In part, that he has been a resident of Arcadia for more than thirty years. He and his wife and his daughter all went to Arcadia schools, They hope to continue to live in Arcadia for a long time to come, He Is concemed about the direction Arcadia Is headed. When dining out, they usually find themselves In a restaurant in Pasadena or Monrovia, not Arcadia, Those cities have been much more progressive than Arcadia, He Is concemed that Santa Anita will not be able to stay competitive with other race tracks in Callfomla; race tracks that are escalating their simulcasting and developing , entertainment centers. This concems him not only for the future of the race track, but 5 3/21/95 37:0073 employment for himself and many close friends. He has worked at Santa Anita for over twenty-fIVe years In a number of posttions; he is now the Racing Secretary at Santa Anita. 1 He graduated from the University of Arizona wtth a BA Degree in animal science; served his country in Vietnam. He referred to some statements which were supposedly taken seriously at the Planning Commission hearing. One statement he refers to Is that from an opponent. to Santa Antta's proposal for night simUlcasting who said "a large portion of people who attend race tracks and work there are undesirable people". His wife, daughter and close friends attend the races; they are not undesirable people. He Is present to say that the people he has come to know at the race track - both employees and patrons - are not undesirable people. Anyone who purchased a home in Arcadia In the last fifty years was well aware of the existence of the race track, There used to be crowds of fifty, sixty or eighty thousand people; now a good crowd Is twenty-five thousand. Arcadia can be proud that the number one track In the world - Santa Anita - Is located here. He Is proud both of working at Santa Anita and living In Arcadia, Council must allow Santa Anita to continue to be competttive; to continue to employ Arcadia residents; and allow Santa Anita to continue to help Arcadia financially. If a person Is looking for a good education, better living condttions, security, entertainment, good dining and a clean city, then let him look towards Arcadia, Santa Anita can continue to create the opportunttles for this environment to exist Deanna Imbet. 9628 1/2 Camino Real, Arcadia, stated, In part, that she Is employed at Santa Antta on the weekends, and that she walks out of the race track between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m, on Saturdays and Sundays, and Is never afraid to walk In the parking lot The race track has been good to her as a single mother - has brought groceries and paid for her son's college education, Vincent Lueo, Arcadia, stated, In part, that his family has been In this area approximately twe hundred years. He was a police officer for approximately ten years wtth the City of Monterey Park and the Los Angeles County Housing Authority Police Department He has some experience wtth the "unwanted" part some of the opponents have mentioned. At the present time he has a lot of contact wtth people from all areas of the park - jockeys, Baldwin Club people, vlsttors from out of state, etc. These people who come and spend their money at Santa Anita and in Arcadia are genuine, nice people. He does not drink, but he has been In some of the bars on Huntington Drive mentioned earlier. He has noticed that there are more problems wtth the drinking element there than at Santa Anita, probably because of the security at the track. Hopefully In the future more people will come to Santa Antta and spend money in the City of Arcadia, Hopefully there will be more revenue and perhaps eventually It will make Santa Anita prosper, Ferris Jarvis, 620 West Huntington Drive, stated, In part, that he has lived In Arcadia twenty- one years and has a practice here. He Is nat employed by Santa Anita. The survival of Santa Anita Is tied Into this Issue of allowing them to expand their operations. As a fan of thoroughbred racing, he Is in favor of simulcasting on expanded days. and untO 1:30 a. m, He wants to see Santa Anita survive as a premier race track. Santa Anita Is a landmark and a part of our Southern California herltage, Thoroughbred racing Is an under-appreciated sport In this county; but extremely well followed /n many other countries. The existence of a premier race track In the City of Arcadia gives this City a stature IntematlOnally that It would not otherwise have; It adds a vitality to this City. His Interest Is In live racing; however there Is a legitimate place for simulcasting and, In any event. simulcasting Is here to stay. As a taxpayer he Is favor of the City of Arcadia being a good municipal partner with Santa Anita since the revenue the City receives helps keep taxes low. As a neighbor of the race track, he does not see how a few hundred people watching horse racing untO 1:30 a, m. will have any adverse effect. He attended the track a few weeks ago to see what the Hong 6 3/21/95 I I \1 Ill'.r, " 'f.r1l,'l-'''' 37:0074 1 Kong racing was about. He observed no negative impact, His condominium and the race track are about a half mile apart; and seem to have nothing to do with each other. The race track goers do not bother the neighbors; the neighbors do not bother the race track goers. Contrary to what many people believe, viewing horse racing without live horses on the track is not the exclusive domain of gamblers; rather than the unweighted randomness of the lottery, horse racing promotes the challenging activity of handicapping. As a form of recreational activity, handicapping and. race watching are as noble, W not more so, as watching most of what is available on television and much of what is available In print He is interested In the track prospering financially. If Santa Anita cannot expand its utilization of the Arcadia property in its current form as a race track, there is a very real possibility that this property will be developed for other purposes. He notes that many horsemen and managers live In Arcadia. He believes that the overall Interest of those associated with the race track and the surrounding community will be better served by current management than by a hypothetical management that would be very likely put In their place W the ownership of the race track should ever fall Into a corporate predator's hands. The current depressed price of Santa Anita's stock in relationship to the almost certain higher value of its net assets, make it an "asset play" In Wall Street partance. This has caught the notice of some investors, and Is likely to catch the notice of many others in time. There are some important races that take place In Hong Kong. He thinks. based upon his recent visit, that the major races tend to occur later on the card. Ooslng the facility at an arbitrary time of 11:30 p. m. cuts patrons off from viewing these events, This Is certainly the cause of limited Interest In viewing simulcasting at Santa Anita In the evening. The current cut-off time for serving drtnks Is 11:30 p. m.; the Planning Commission recommend a cut-off time of 10:30 p. m. He feels that keeping the current 11 :30 p. m. cut-off time is adequate and in keeping with what the patrons want and expect This cut-off time Is stili eartler than bars are obliged to stop serving drlnks, I II I I i , Garv Windish, an eleven year resident of Arcadia and an employee of Santa Anita, stated, in part, that he has lived In the area for thirty years, His wWe is also an employee of Santa Anita, He has two children and the whole family has attended Arcadia schools. Santa Anita Is very city-minded; they worry about how the City and the residents will act W there should be anything to offend those in the surrounding area, He would like to see the City help Santa Anita and those who work there by approving this request I Richard Honaker, Glendora, stated, In part, that he worked for the Arcadia Police Department for twenty-seven years. After leaving the Arcadia Police Department, he was employed at Santa Anita as Assistant Director of Security. He confirms Mr. Smith's comments that Santa Anita does have good security, He feels that the relationship between Santa Anita security and the Arcadia Police Department In working together and solving problems together Is most Important In supporting this amendment, He assures the Council that Santa Anita will always be an asset to Arcadia. Vlcent Folev, 320 Cambridge Drlve, stated, In part. that he Is In a unique position tonight because he Is usually In opposition to something the track Is trying to do, such as a weekend event that will affect the neighborhood by noise and traffic, He does not see how extending the hours of the evening entertainment from 11:30 p, m. to 1 :30 a. m. is going to Impact the traffic or the noise, At present, there Is no traffic or noise, He was impressed that the track management invited the neighbors to attend meetings to share their plans. Mr. Goodrich assured them that, although they were asking for Council permission to open every night, they were only planning for two nights. They had requested every night. because these requests take an Interminable amount of time to process, If they plan to Increase hours beyond the two nights, they will have a public hearing among the neighbors. 7 3/21/95 37:0075 The Planning Commission limtted the time to two nights. Mr. Foley attended the track one night to Investigate for himself. Some have said there is an undesirable element at the track 1 In the evenings. His opinion is that tt is a different group of people. However, he did not feel he was in danger; he did not worry that he would be mugged In the parking lot; and certainly was not worried that any of those Individuals who were at the track would then cruise his neighborhood and break into his house, He feels there will be minimal Impact upon the residents by extending one night to two nights and extending serving time from 11:30 p. m. to 1:30 a. m. There is no Impact now where he lives; he does not think there will be an Impact, He thinks that the cttlzens of Arcadia need to cooperate wtth the track when tt is reasonable; and this is a reasonable request. If the track cannot continue to be competttive. what Is the altemative? He knows that this opinion Is not shared by some others in his neighborhood. He does not see that there will be any dramatic Impact In extending what the track Is doing now to what they want to do. And. if tt allows the track to be more competttive and stay in business, it will help prevent something ..Ise from going in there. Who knows what that might be, What we have now Is acceptable, and we should cooperate because he thinks Santa Anita is trying to cooperate as best they can wtth the neighbors and the citizens of Arcadia, and he appreciates their efforts, Mannv Rodrlouez, Arcadia, stated, In part, that he Is a property owner and Is employed at Santa Anita. Santa Anita needs the satelltte racing being proposed now. MarYlou Stender, 1102 South Sixth Avenue, stated, in part. that she has been an Arcadia resident for thirty-two years, and her husband has worked at Santa Anita since 1954; a fact that they are very proud of. She was upset that they were referred to as 'undesirable' people. That Is not a fact, There are wonderful people working at Santa Anita, She has traveled extensively, and found that Santa Anita Race Track Is a name recognized around the world. Anything that can be done to help Santa Anita would be In the best interests of the City, I Richard Brumbauoh. 922 Portala Avenue, stated, In part, that he has worked at Santa Anita for the past twenty-two years. Santa Anita's well being and ability to be competitive with other race tracks are important to him as a resident of the City and an employee of the track. As a taxpayer and resident. he urges Council to support this measure, He added that he Is in close proximity to the track, just one block above Huntington Drive, and has noticed only minimal disturbance, and that has lessened as track attendance has declined, Denise Dickinson, 834 West Huntington Drive, stated. In part, that she and her husband are employed at the race track, They live on Huntington Drive almost as close to the track as they can get, She walks at night; she has had no problems. There Is little or no Impact even from the patrons of Big Hoss. Huntington Drive Is a busy street so little difference Is noticed, The satellite wagerlng does not brlng In a bad element Patrons are very safe at the track. This amendment will help the track to be competttlve and Is a very good opportunity both for Santa Anita and the residents of Arcadia. Greo Grohs. 1055 Panorama Drive, stated, In part, that he has been employed at Santa Anita for twenty-five years and brought a home In Arcadia eight years ago, He moved Into Arcadia well aware that the race track Is located here. He and his wife are small business owners located on Huntington Drive, The traffic has never been a problem, They are In favor of anything that will support Santa Anita and the City of Arcadia, 8 3/21/95 I 37:0076 I II I Carol Masuto, 1023 West Duarte Road, stated. In part. that she has been a resident of Arcadia and an employee at Santa An~a for twenty-nine years. She Is proud to be a part of both. She believes that both Santa Anita and the City must keep an open door to the future for changes to preserve, enhance and create more jobs. I Cliff Goodrich, COO, Los Angeles Turl Club, thanked the Council for allowing these people to speak. He noted that probably most of them had not previously addressed the City Council, so ~ was probably difficult for them. In Interest of saving Council's time, he asked other people from the track who are Arcadia residents to stand to indicate that they are supportive of what Santa Anita Is trying to do, Over 350 Arcadia residents are employed at Santa Anita. Mr. Goodrich noted that Council allowing Santa Anita to conduct satell~e racing one night a week was an experlmenl Three years have passed, and to his knowledge, there Is no documented evidence of any kind of problems. They look at this request as being reasonable; as being necessary; as being necessary to compete as a business entity. At the Planning Commission the matter of serving alcoholic beverages was raised. and Is reflected In the minutes, At that time It was stated that the track would work with this. However, upon reflection, Mr. Goodrich feels that It Is unfair to impose this restriction when fifteen bars In Arcadia are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages until 2:00 a. m. He does not understand why the track should be singled out to cut sales off earlier when there has been no evidence of problems, Also, he would remind the Council that some 930 notices were sent out to neighbors for the Planning Commission and this Council meeting. He does not know how many opponents will speak tonight, However, only some 12 or 13 residents opposed this - some of whom were husband and wife; some of whom lived In the same household, That Is less than 2%, Also, there are probably 20,000 households In this community; most of which will not be represented here tonight although the public hearing was publicly noticed, He assumes this is because there Is no impact from this minor request to stay open an additional night, He knows there will be opponents, but when Council looks at the 47,000 citizens In this community, and the number of households. It Is a very, very few who are against this, what Santa Anita considers to be a reasonable proposal. As citizens, the track cannot afford to be open at night and have problems; It cannot pol~Ica1ly afford It; we cannot afford It as citizens. For three years Santa Anita has operated the satellite racing without problems, and no problems are expected if Council approves this amendment. Mayor Young noted that, although this meeting was publicly noticed, Arcadia does not have a newspaper. She applauds Mr. Goodrich for contacting the surrounding neighbors. She thinks, that for the future, we must flnd a way to contact the entire City. Some residents may feel they are being neglected. In ODDOs~lon to the Text Amendment I Dick Douolas, 347 Falrvlew Avenue, stated, In part, that he would like to know the purpose of the statement, "with or without pari-mutuel betting'. The purpose of this hearing Is related to hours of satellite betting. He asked if there Is a possibility that this "with or without pari-mutuel betting' clause will allow a foothold for casino style gambling at Santa Anita, The City Attomey addressed this question, and stated that most gambling of a casino type is illegal under the Califomia State Penal Code. The form of gambling of a casino type which Is legal In California Involves certain card games. I. e, the poker clubs In certain cities, That requires a vote of the electorate, Nothing can be sanctioned by the City Council tonight, or the City Council at any time with regard to card clubs. The Califomia State law - - namely the Business and Professions Code - requires that such a proposal be submitted to a vote of the particular city. If and when this should ever be a prospect in Arcadia, It 9 3/21/95 37: 0077 would have to be submitted as a ballot measure, and everyone in the community wh, 'S a registered voter woutd be able to vote on~, So, to answer the question - ~ WOC',,; ';e I impossible as a result of any ordinance of the City Council, since the State manda: : ~ .1'1 election. As far as the "pari-mutuel betting" tanguage, that language has always been In the ordinance, and we are merely tracking the language, and continuing to include~, Mr. Goodrich agreed and said there is no hidden agenda there - they are merely tracking thai language now. From time to time, Santa Anita includes in the middle of a card a race for entertainment purposes which would not be wagered on, for whatever reason. Perhaps that is the reason the language was Included, Robert Ellison, 1020 West Huntington Drive, stated. in part, that he compliments the Los Angeles Turf Club for ~s performance over the years, Also, he can sympathize w~h the people who are employed at Santa Anita and are concerned about their jobs, However, ~ we look at the record we see a change In the way the Turf Club has functioned and will have to continue to function. What is asked for now is the beginning of a change for today; tomorrow there will be another change. The City has had this wonderful tenant who has done wonderful things for the City. But we have to ask ~ the tenant has not gotten to the point where ~ feels entitled to certain advantages because of being a good tenant for a long time. Shirlev Klein, 801 Kingsley Drive, stated, in part, that she feels that ~ is the power el~e that seems to run this government and other governments. She commented that we have heard about the fine security at the track and she does not doubt this is true. She is concerned about the parking on the streets; people slamming car doors, urinating In the shrubs, etc. She thinks there is a different type of patron who comes to the evening satell~e races than that of the live races. What will ~ be after Hong Kong? We will become another Inglewood. There is the matter of Ihe crime rale - ~ is her opinion lhal people wl/J I burglarize homes to help subsidize their gambling. The residents In her neighborhood pet~ioned the City and obtained street lights, She only asks that consideration be given 10 all the citizens, not to just those who have a vested Interest in the track, Mrs. Paul Marsden, 310 Fairvlew Avenue, stated. in part, that she doesn't think ~ fair that the Council will make this decision when so few of our City population even know that this is going on. We have no newspaper; information was sent only to those residents who live w~hln 1000 feet of the track ~self. This amendment will impact the entire City. Mayor Young commented that the notice of tonight's publiC hearing was published in the Pasadena STAR NEWS. She is sony to say that most people do not read those notices. The City Attorney stated that notices of public hearings are published In newspapers of general circulation. and that meets the legal requirements and Is all the City can do. Also, the City Is noticing approximately 700 feet beyond the legal requirements by noticing residents w~hln 1000 feet, Rebuttal Cliff Goodrich, COO, Los Angeles Turf Club, stated, In part, that he Is also disappointed that there is no local newspaper to notify residents of these meetings. The race track tried to do more than was required by holding a meeting which was well attended by the nearby residents. He realizes that the people who live close by are very emotional about this. and he can understand and sympathize w~h that But again, he does not feel this Is an unreasonable request. For Ihe past three years there have been no problems, The extended hours are needed for only two weekend nights, Some asked what will be next. 10 3/21/95 I 37:0078 I There is no way that Santa Anita can know what is next. Santa Anita has a development plan which will be filed wtth the City and that will take a very long time to process. There will be a greater awareness on that than there has been on this request. Mr. Goodrich pledges to the Council that there Is no hidden agenda. Santa Antta does not come to the Council very often because they are almost like a City; they police themselves and control themselves. When they appear before Council they try to be reasonable. Mr. Goodrich thinks this Is a' reasonable request and asks for Council's support. On MOTION by Councilmember Margett, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Chang and CARRIED, the public hearing was CLOSED. In reply to a question from Mayor Pro tem Chang, the City Manager replied that the revenue from Santa Anita Race Track amounts to $1.5 million dollars annually. I Councilmember Kuhn commented that she represents some 49,000 people in the City. She thanked those who had written letters, Something that concems her Is that some of the letters contained attacks on the business community as a whole. That concems her because whether or not we like tt, we have a business community. This business community must thrive In order that the City may pay for the class one services that we all have and enjoy. We must be sensttlve to residential cttlzens, but also must be constantly aware of the needs of our business community in this twenty-four hour a day wond, The race track Is struggling to stay alive; there Is no doubt about that. It Is one of our largest employers in the City; and apparently 350 employees work there and live In the City. The race track does not have a blank check, but she feels the Council needs to be fair and practical and address each Issue on tts own merits In an Objective manner. No. I - Wtth the bars opaned until 2:00 a.m., regulated by the Alcohol Beverage Control Department, tt doesn't ring true to regulate one business and not others, No.2 - The track estimates a relatively small number of people in attendance for nighttime satelltte racing, and no speakers, so traffic and noise are minimal, No. 3 - Wtth three years of operation wtthout a problem, one addttional night does not seem to be unreasonable, Therefore she will support this request. It was MOVED by Councilmember Kuhn. seconded by Councilmember Margett and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE Text Amendment 95-001 to permtt horse racing via satelltte feed on Friday and Saturday nights until no later than 1:30 a. m., wtth or without pari-mutuel wagenng on the results thereof; staff to submtt a status report regarding the nighttime racing actlvttles to the Planning Commission and City Council In six (6) months for review; and DIRECT staff to prepare the appropriate ordinance for adoption at a later meeting. I Mayor Pro tem Chang stated that we are stili facing financial uncertainties locally and state- wide, so that we have to find sources of Income from all possible directions, such as sales tax. Therefore, we have to be business friendly. We have just started the Downtown 2000 Project as part of the direction to attract more business Into the City. We want to be business friendly to both small and large businesses; they should not be treated differently. Santa Anita Race Track has been one of the best businesses In town In terms of relationship to the City. The night sateUtte wagering has been ongoing now once a week for three years wtth no problems, He does not see how one addttlonal night a week will cause problems. He does not think It Is fair to consider patrons who visit the race track differently than those who vistt the nightclubs. He does not think any problems will be created by extending the hours to I:~O a. m. and permitting the additional night. If other bars In the City are allowed to be open until 2:00 a.m., Santa Anita Race Track should also be allowed to serve alcoholic 11 3/21/95 KUHN (AFFA Pancake Breakfast) MARGETT (Crime Problem) CHANG (AFFA Pancake Breakfast) (Arcadia Public Library Foundation) O/.:[Q _~.D 37:0079 beverages until 1 :30 a. m. He thinks the request from the race track for one additional night for nighttime satellite wagering with operation hours to 1:30 a.m. Is reasonable. He would I approve it. He also thinks a six month observation period Is reasonable to see what Impact, if any, there might be on the community. Mayor Young stated that she Is in support of this request. She thought some of the comments made by the Planning Commission were apropos. Mr. Goodrich has answered some of them. One, that the north parking lot would be closed which limits some of the entrances. She does not think the alcoholic beverages shoutd be limited since it Is like any other bar. She does feel that a periodic review Is in order. She thinks that this request is something for the benefit of the City and the race track that we need to try. Council member Margett added his comments to note that this amendment has been approved under the Califomia Environmental Quality Act Attention has not been called to this; he thinks it to be Important. Santa Anita has tried to Inform the community of their plans and have been open and honest about them. That added to the credibility of their request Jobs are one of his concems and should be to everybody In the State of Califomla. To curtail jobs or not allow jobs at this particular time when the State is stili in the doldrums Is unnecessary. Santa Anita has had a good record with their night racing, There is nothing to substantiate objections to using the facility for this purpose. This Is entertainment, and he thinks there Is a movement now for racing fans to see racing as a sport, the same as football or basketball or other sports that people enjoy. He thinks this Is a minor and a reasonable request and he will vote for it. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council member Chang, Kuhn, Margett and Young None Councilmember Lojeskl The City Council meeting RECESSED BRIEFLY for a five minute period and RECONVENED at 7:46 p.m. MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS Councllmember Kuhn congratulated the Firefighters for their pancake breakfast on Saturday. Councilmember Margett felt that Chief Gamer made an Important announcement regarding the problem In the City In asking the public for their help. Mayor Pro tem Chang complimented the Arcadia Firefighters Association for their successful pancake breakfast last Saturday and mentioned that the funds received are donated to charities and organizations, Mayor Pro tem Chang commented on the Arcadia Public Library Foundation. Council is going to discuss the Library expansion Project at the next Council meeting. Approximately $600,000 is needed for the Internal fumlshlng of the Library after completion. The Library Board has established the Arcadia Public Library Foundation. The first organizational 12 3/21/95 I I 1 I I 37:0080 meeting was held on February 16, 1995 and the following officers were elected: Jesse Vanlandingham. President; Jo Ann Scott. Vice-President; Jim Mead. Secretary; Pat Weiss, Treasurer. The By-Laws were adopted at that time including the stated purposes of the organization as follows: "The primary objectives and the purposes of the Foundation shall be to improve, secure and provide funds for offering new services and equipment for the. Arcadia Public Ubrary located at 20 West Duarte Road in the City of Arcadia, State of Cal~ornia. These objectives and purposes shall be attained by; 1) SoIic~lng funds, donations and contribu1lons from the general public; 2) Accumulating the contrlbu1lons that are sollc~ed; 3) Utilizing said contrlbu1lons and/or the interest accruing by reason of the investment of said contribu1lons for the offerlng of new services and equipment for the Arcadia Public Ubrary." This Foundation has been listed w~h the CaI~ornia Secretary of State as a non-profit corporation, exempt from State franchise or Income tax, Separate application for federal tax exempt status is required and Is being made, An employer 10 number has been assigned and a corporate seal has been received, YOUNG (Riptides Swim Club) Mayor Young announced that last Saturday night she had represented the City at the Riptides Swim Club Awards banquet Children aged fly.e through seventeen received awards for the most improvement or winner of a class, etc. Everybody got an award and they were all thrilled to receive their plaques, CITY COUNCIL RECESSED IN ORDER TO ACT AS THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: Agency Members Chang, Kuhn, Margett and Young Agency Member Lojeskl On MOTION by Agency Member Margett, seconded by Agency Member Kuhn and CARRIED, Agency Member Lojeskl was EXCUSED. CONSENT ITEMS I. MINUTE APPROVED the mlnu1es of the adjourned and regular meetings of March 7, 1995. APPROVAL (Mar.7,1995) (APPROVED) 2 NOTE & TRUST DEED RELEASE (Sou1hslde Proj.- 400- 470 E. Htg. Dr.. S,W. Gribble Assoc.) O,,/iO -X.. AUTHORIZED release of the Note and Trust Deed securing the Adjustment to the In~1aI Purchase Price (Participation Payment) for S. W. Gribble and Associates (Southslde Project- 400-470 East Huntington Drive); and DIRECTED the Execu1lve Director to execu1e reconveyance documents as necessary, subject to approval as to form by the Agency Attorney. 13 3/21/95 3. CONTRACT ASSIGNMENT (R. Spevacek Grp.to J.D. Willlams- Redev.Consult. Serv.) (APPROVED) 06'8.,..,,1 ADJOURN- MENT 37:0081 APPROVED assignment of Rosenow Spevacek Group (RSG) contract for Redevelopment Consulting Services to James D. Williams, subject to approval by the Agency Attomey as to form. ALL OF THE ABOVE CONSENT ITEMS WERE APPROVED ON MOTION BY AGENCY MEMBER CHANG. SECONDED BY AGENCY MEMBER KUHN AND CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Agency Members Chang, Kuhn, Margett and Young None Agency Member LOjeskl The meeting ADJOURNED to Aprll4, 1995 at 7:00 p. m. CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED CONSENT ITEMS 1. MINUTE APPROVED the minutes of the adJoumed and regular meetings of March 7, 1995. APPROVAL (Mar. 7,1995) (APPROVED) 2.03<10 _ 3D EQUIP. AUTHORIZED the purchase of a new 1995 model V4150 root cutler from Vermeer Inc. for PURCH. $32,537.96 for the Street DMslon of the Maintenance Services Depanment, (Root Funds appropriated In the Equipment Replacement Fund In the amount of $37,600. Cutler) (Maint.Dept.) 3. 0 (' ~.:) _:;0 DEDICATION ACCEPTED the dedication of private propeny (comer cut-off) for public right-of-way CORNER purposes on the southwest comer of Second Avenue and Allee Street as shown on Parcel CUT-OFF Map No. 24114, for RfW (Par. Map #24114- 2nd Av, & Allee St.) 14 3/21/95 I 1 I ,I 1 1 37:0082 4. 03.20- 30 CAPITAL DESIGNATED June 20, 1995 as the latest date for adoption of the Capital Improvement IMPROVE- Program. MENT PROGRAM (June 20,1995 Last Adoption) 5.0(170-60 RESOLUTION NO. 5841 (ADOPTED) (Voluntary Water Conservation Plan Rev.) 6. 09.5c.i-~'i? AGREEMENT AUTHORIZED the City Manager to WAIVE the formal bid process and EXECUTE ST.UGHT an agreement wtth C. T. & F., Inc (In a form approved by the City Attomey) authorizing the CONVERSION conversion of 2 street lights on Mlchilllnda at the 210 Freeway and 17 street lights on FR.SERIES Baldwin Avenue from high voltage to low voltage. AUTHORIZED the use of the funds set TO MULTIPLE aside In the 1994-1995 Capital Improvement Program for the conversion of soffit lights at CIA. the 210 Freeway and Santa Anita Avenue for the conversion of the referenced 19 street (Mlchilllnda lights at Mlchilllnda Avenue and Baldwin Avenue. Av. & Baldwin Av. at the 210 Frwy) The City Manager presented and read the title of Resolution No. 5841: 'A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CAUFORNIA, RESCINDING PHASE I OF THE MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION PLAN PURSUANT TO ORDINANCE NO. 1930 AND CONTINUING THE 10% VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION GOAL PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 5435'. 7 0 5' ~ ',; .10 PROF.SERV. AUTHORIZED the City Manager to enter Into professional services agreements wtth LSA AGREEMENTS Associates, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for the preparation (LSA Assoc., of the City's General Plan Update; wtth Frellch, Kaufman, Fox and Sohaglln an amount not Ud.- Gen, to exceed $10,000 for legal services; and ALLOCATED an addttlonal $85,000 from the Plan Update) Capital Outlay Fund for completion of this project (Frelich, Kaufman, Fox & Sohagl - Legal Serv.) 8. OIS', ,,' ,) ARCADIA APPROVED Arcadia Christian School's request to Install temporary street banners from May CHRISTIAN 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995 celebrating their 50th anniversary (subject to the renewal of SCH.50th the current certificate of insurance that expires on September 16. 1995), and DIRECTED the ANN IV. Development Services Department to approve the Encroachment Permtt subject to (Banner (compliance wtth the provisions In Ordinance No, 2004, and subject to compliance wtth the Install.) Southem Califomla Edison Company's requirements, 15 3/21/95 37:0083 ALL OF THE ABOVE CONSENT ITEMS WERE APPROVED ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER KUHN, SECONDED BY MAYOR PRO TEM CHANG AND CARRIED ON 1 ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Chang, Kuhn, Margett and Young None Council member Lojeski CITY ATTORNEY 1. 0 'f70 _ GO ORDINANCE The City Attorney presented for introduction and read the title of Ordinance No. 2036: 'AN NO. 2036 ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CAUFORNIA, AMENDING AND (INTRO- ADDING VARIOUS SECTIONS TO ARTICLE VII, DIVISION 3, PART 5. CHAPTER 5 OF THE DUCED) ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE, ADDING PHASES VI, VII, VIII AND ESTABUSHING A WATER . BANKING PROGRAM AS PART OF THE MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATtON PLAN. It was MOVED by Councilmember Margen. seconded by CouncUmember Kuhn and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Ordinance No. 2036 be and it is hereby INTRODUCED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councllmembers Chang, Kuhn, Margett and Young None Councilmember Lojeskl 2. OS-3;-,.20 1 RESOLUTION The City Attorney presented and read the IltJe of Resolution No. 5843: 'A RESOLUTION OF NO. 5843 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CAUFORNIA, APPROVING (ADOPTED) GENERAL PLAN CHANGE 95-001 PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT AND PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT AS PART OFTHE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DOWNTOWN 2000 PLAN'. It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tern Chang, seconded by Councilmember Kuhn and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No. 5843 be and it Is hereby ADOPTED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang. Kuhn, Margett and Young None Councilmember Lojeskl MARGETT (In Memory of Don Peterson) The meeting was adjourned by Councllmember Margett In memory of Don Peterson. ' Last week Arcadia lost one of its citizens - a gentleman by the name of Don Peterson. Don and Sara have lived In this community for twenty years. Don was very active in the Rotary Oub, He was just a good man, He was very helpful and was always willing to give of himself, his time. his money and his energies to anything that was worthwhile in the community. So we are going 10 miss Don, Services lomorrow for Don Peterson are going to be held at 10:30 a. m. at the live Oak Cemetery in Monrovia.' 16 3/21/95 I 1 I I ADJOURN- MENT (Apr.4,1995 7:00 p.m.) ATTEST: 37:0084 At 8:56 p. m. the meeting ADJOURNED to Tuesday, April 4, 1995 at 7:00 p. m. in the City Hall Council Chamber for a regular City Council meeting to conduct the business of the Council and Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and any Closed Session necessary to discuss personnel, I~igation matters and evaluation of properties. mf7A.~' fi{I/U/A?~ Mary B. You . ayo f the 2:fty of Arcadia fl'"'~~~~ e D. Alford, C' Clerk 17 3/21/95