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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJUNE 1,1995 I I I 37:0146 OIl\) ,u e'f ),./\ 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 ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING (STUDY SESSION) JUNE 1, 1995 The Arcadia City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met In an AdJoumed Regular Meeting (Study Session) wtth Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovlch to discuss various City/County Issues on Thursday, June 1, 1995, at 7:30 a.m. In the Conference Room of the City Hall Council Chambers. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councllmernbers Kuhn, Marget!, Young, and lojeskl ABSENT: Councllmember Chang It was MOVED by Councllmember Young, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Kuhn, and CARRIED to EXCUSE the absence of Councllmember Chang. 1. 2. 3. KUHN (Natural dlsastllr Insurance) OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: . Michael D. Antonovich: Los Angeles cOunty Supervisor, 5th District Sarsh Flores, Assistant Chief Deputy, 5th Supervisorial District Greg Kelly, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Henry Roman, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Dick Iverson, Deputy /Drlvllr, 5th Supervlso1faJ District William R. Kelly, City Manager Michael H. Miller, City Attomey June D. Alford, City Oerk Peter K1nnahan, Economic Development Administrator Kent Ross. City Ubrarlan Mohammad Mostahkaml, Assistant City Engineer/Engineering SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None. MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS Mayor Pro tern Kuhn brought up a matter she wanted to make everyone aware of because of tts Impact on the State of California's economy. As an Insurance broker, she has become aware that due to a new law, the Insurance Industry must offer earthquake Insurance. Many large Insurance companies, such as State Farm and Farmlll's, are no 1 6/1/95 37:0147 longer writing homeowners insurance In Callfomla. Difficulty In obtaining Insurance coverage In tum affects the sale of property. Councllmember Margett commented that since other areas of the country are also affected by natural disasters, perhaps there needs to be a national-type of natural disaster Insurance. I 4. DISCUSSION REGARDING ORANGE GROVE AVENUE (PROJECT SCHEDUUNG AND COUNTY INVOLVEMENT) After ten years of effort on the part of the City of Arcadia, County of Los Angeles, and City of Sierra Madre, plans for the Improvement of Orange Grove Avenue are moving forward. Bids for the project will be opened on June 13, wtth award of contract scheduled for June 27. Construction Is scheduled to begin on August 28 and end around February of 1996. Groundbreaklng Is tentatively planned for Friday, August 18. Mayor loJeskl commented that this project will provide a safer roadway for both the City of Arcadia and the City of Sierra Madre. He thanked Supervisor Mike Antonovich for the County's involvement and tts help In bringing the project to this point. 5. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CITY OF ARCADIA'S DOWNTOWN REVlTAUZATlON PROJECT - DOWNTOWN 2000 (PROJECT SCHEDUUNG AND COUNTY INVOLVEMENT) As the Downtown 2000 project evolved, storm drainage became a significant problem, and buildings on Huntington Drive were becoming flooded during rainstorms. Wtth the help of Greg Kelly of the County Department of Public Works, a storm drain design was accomplished. The County also determined to contribute funds to the project, which would help keep the City's costs down. The City Manager expressed gratitude to Supervisor I Antonovlch and the County Public Works staff. Their help made it possible to scheduie the Downtown Revttallzatlon project so that work may be completed before the beginning of the next horse racing season at Santa Anita Race Track. Mayor Lojeskl read a letter from Supervisor Antonovlch which offered the City the County's contribution of $400,000 toward the Huntington Drive storm drain construction costs. CouncUmember Margett noted that lately there seems to be more of a 'pulling togethlll" between counties and cttles with regard to getting community projects accomplished. Perhaps this was one of the good things that came from the State's budget cuts. Supervisor Antonovlch acknowledged that cttles and counties must work together to get necessary reforms, as all 58 counties wUl be severely Impacted by the upcoming State budget. He commented on Sacramento's approach to handling flnanclal problems, saying they don't have the leadership to rasolve the Issue. He would like to see the League of Cttles, the contract cttles, Independent cttles, and CSAC make flnanclng reform the top priority and get tt rasolved. Councllmember Margett noted that many legislators have not had experience at local government level, and do not know what tt Is like to 'fight the battle.' 6. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE COUNTY DEBRIS BASIN (DEBRIS CLEANUP AND COUNTY ASSISTANCE) The City Manager inquired as to future use of County's Santa Antta debris basin. Supervisor Antonovlch explained that as a result of fires and rains, debris from the mountains goes Into the debris basins, which then, for public safety, must be cleaned out I In order to maintain a certain level of capacity. Whether or not cleanout will be necessary 2 6/1/95 I I I 'I I' 'i 'r,',",' ,'c 37:0148 depends on the amount of rainfall during the year. If tt Is anticipated that materials must- be hauled over City streets, an effort will be made to confine the route to Mlchllllnda Boulevard. Councilmember Young asked If County planned to do any more filling In the Santa Antta Canyon area. Supervisor Antonovlch stated that If so, they would go through the full environmental Impact proceSs. Councilmember Young noted that when the contractor does not 'water down' the material, wind blows slit down the canyon onto all the houses In the area. Supervisor Antonovlch stated that that will be addressed In the environmental Impact report. CouncUmember Margett suggested that perhaps at some time In the future, ~ all parties agree, the Rodeffer ptt would be a good place for the County to use as a fill area. 7. DISCUSSION REGARDING LOS ANGELES COUNTY PROPERTY TAX ADJUSTMENTS The City Manager stated that this matter Is In regard to the length of time tt takes cttlzens to request adjustments to their property taxes when they have experienced a decline In property values. He asked If tt Is anticipated that there will be a speed up In the process. Supervisor Antonovlch stated that the problem Is wtth the process. He distributed copies of an informational pamphlet explaining Proposition 8, which provides for a temporary reduction In assessed value due to decline In value of a property. He Indicated that the decline In property values and the resulting decrease In property tax revenues have had a severe economic Impact on the County. Councllmember Margett remsrked that perhaps a flat tax, one which preserves Proposition 13, would balance out some of the ups and downs of revenues. Sarah Flores, Assistant Chief Deputy, commented that the number of people filing for property tax adjustments has overwhelmed the appeals board In the Supervisor's field offtce In Pasadena. There are not enough people to handle the volume. Greg Kelly, County Department of Public Works, added that the County Assessor has said that his office Is backlogged due to recent fires, earthquakes, and floods, but they are doing everything possible to accommodate cttlzens In reassasslng their properties. 8. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE METROPOUTAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY (ALAMEDA CORRIDOR CONSTRUCTION AND SCHEDULE) The City Manager stated, In part, that staff understands that plans for light or heavy rail to connect to downtown Los Angeles have been pushed Into the next century. Supervisor Antonovich steted, In part, that plans for the Biue Une are moving forward but are being scaled back because of decreased revenues, and some of the time lines are being extended. The Alameda Corridor Is new; the City of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, and the raUroads are pushing it. Its purpose Is to bring freight from the harbor through the CIvIc Center. Supervisor Antonovlch suggested that, In order that the San Gabriel Valley does not get overlooked, construction should be started at both ends, the harbor and the San Gabriel Valley, and build toward the Civic Center. That way, even when money runs out, work wUl not be stopped; revenue will be found to complete the project because tt Impacts the CIvIc Center. Supervisor Antonovlch has spoken to Congressman Dreier and Esteban Torres and asked that If the money does go through, conditions be put on it to require construction at both ends, the harbor and the San Gabriel Valley. Supervisor Antonovlch said tt was originally planned to use Proposition C money, funds which were scheduled for the Blue Une, to subsidize the Alameda CorrIdor. . He questioned why local funds should be used for a project which beneftts more directly the City of Los Angeles, the two harbors. and the railroads, who should put up a greater share. Now a provision has been added not to use local funds to subsidize this project. but to look for State and Federal revenues, and more money from the railroads and the harbors. 3 6/1/95 37:0149 9. DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY OF ARCADIAILOS ANGELES COUNTY COORDINATION OF EFFORTS WITH REGARD TO UBRARY PROGRAMS I The City of Arcadia Is In the process of expanding and renovating tts library. However, the County branch library on Uve Oak Avenue In Arcadia may be closed due to cost Issues. Many County-area residents use the City Ubrary for tts research capability. The City Manager asked If there is anything that the City and County can do together to provide services, exchange fees and revenue, etcetera. Many cttlzens use City of Arcadia services, but the City has no revenue coming In for that usage. Some cities are examining the possibility of setting up County library districts. The Assistant Chief Deputy to Supervisor Antonovlch, Sarah Flores, suggested that Mr. Garofalo and Sandy Rubin, wtth the County Public Ubrary system, would be happy to meet wtth Arcadia to find out what can be done to coordinate City lCounty efforts. She pointed out that libraries are not In the top priority In terms of funding. Supervisor Antonovlch added that efforts have been made to get County libraries to be more aggressive In obtaining outside money. They will be adversely affected by the County budget this year. A majority of the County's budget goes towards health and welfare. Wtth regard to having a library assessment district, Supervisor Antonovich felt that another tax would not be fair to the large number of low-income people In the County. He would like to see more cooperation between ctties and the County in developing relationships and joint power agreements. He gave as an example the City of Lancaster, which Is working together wtth the County and School District to build a new library. Many schools are eliminating libraries and relying upon locaIllbrarles. For this reason, Supervisor Antonovlch has suggested that one-tenth of one percent of Proposition 98 funds, which are for education, be directed toward libraries. In response to a question by the CIty Manager, the City Ubrsrlan stated that the City Ubrary I has recently been opened for use by County-area residents. There Is no fee for this service, and usage has not been such that tt Is burdensome. Ukewlse, some City residents use the County library on Uve Oak Avenue. Mayor Pro tern Kuhn asked about legislation which would exernpt libraries from having to pay sales tax on new books. Supervisor Antonovlch replied that the Board of Supervisors has supported such legislation, and he believes that tt has already passed the State Senate. AssIstant Chief Deputy Flores said she would set up a meeting for the purpose of coordinating City lCounty efforts with regard to library programs. 10. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF ARCADIA COUNTY PARK (OPERATIONS AND COSTS) Henry Roman of the County Department of Parks and Recreation stated that the gross appropriation to operate the Department Is about $66,000,000. The Department aggressively works to generate revenue of about $28,000,000 to help reduce County costs; the net County cost Is about $33,000,000 to 34,000,000 per year. The Parks and Recreation Department Is facing a 20 percent curtailment to tts budget. or $7,000,000. In addition, the Department must absorb another $2,000,000 of fixed costs, such as those resulting from lawsuits, workers compensation, etcetera. At this time, it does not look like the County Park In Arcadia will be Impacted. Although Supervisor Antonovich Is very supportive of parks, he noted that this Is a general fund area and much depends upon the State. In reply to Councllmernber Margelt, Supervisor Antonovlch responded that the County would be Interested if the CIty or some other party wished to assume ownersl)lp of the County Park. I Mr. Romon commented that In previous discussion wtth the City some two years ago, the 4 6/1/95 I I I :,'"t ,. ,:". 37:0150 City wanted the park If the City could have the golf course also. He noted too that over the years the County golf course system has generated over $9,000,000 In proms, and If County did not have the golf course system his department would have even bigger problems than they now have. Councilmember Margett suggested that perhaps a private owner may be able to utilize the park in a way which would generate revenues. Mr. Romon explained that the tennis courts are currently contracted out and the County receives revenue from that. Mowing and ground maintenance are also contracted out. The County has done what tt can to save money and generate revenue. What has not yet been done is to bring special events, such as camlvals, to the park, since the City has not been In favor of such actlvtties. Mayor Lojeskl pointed out that the County park property Is unique In that there are restrictions placed on tt as a regional park for open space/recreatlonal purposes only. Councilmember Marget! suggested there may be other ways to enhance the revenue from the park, such as a bicyde rental franchise for those who may wish to ride on trails around the park. 11. DISCUSSION OF THE FLOOD CONTROL CHANNEL BELOW WILDERNESS PRESERVE WITH REGARD TO POTENTIAL FUTURE DEVELOPMENT Greg Kelly of the County Department of Public Works stated that the County would like to use the flood control property below Wilderness Preserve for sediment placement. When the till level Is reached, the County wUllook for other areas to use which are dose to flood control facUitles so hauling of material from reservoirs does not take place through CIty streets. When the ultimate elevation Is reached, the City may be Interested In utilizing the property as a park or for some other use. Perhaps the City may be able to help the County find other areas In the City for placing debris. Another deanlng operation Is planned In the next two years, and an environmental Impact report wUI address the Issue of fill elevation of the flood control channel. Councilmember Margett again mentioned his Idea of using the Rodeffer ptt as a fill area after Ittlgatlon has ended. The City Attomey noted that there has been an overture from the EI Monte attomeys for an Informal settlement discussion wtth regard to the Rodeffer Pit. The question Is, what can be done wtth that property-what does the City of EI Monte want to do wtth it, and what Is Mr. Rodeffer willing to cooperate wtth? 12. DISCUSSION OF ARBORETUM (FUTURE OPERATIONAL AND PROMOTIONAL PLANS) The CIty Manager stated that the City has heard rumors over the years of the County's , revenue-producing plans for the Arboretum. The City would like to be a part of that; the Arboretum Is a deflntte asset to Arcadia. Mr. Roman explained that prior to 1993 the Arboretum was tts own department. It is now consolidated wtth the County Department of Parks and Recreation. Many improvements have been made; however, now the Arboretum faces a possible curtaUment of budgeted funds. The cost of running the Arboretum Is approximately $1,800,000, offset by about $500,000 In revenue. Mr. Roman and his staIIf are working to develop programs or events to be held at the Arboretum which wUI benefit all concerned. As to rumors of a Charley Brown Restaurant or a hotel being planned on the site, Mr. Roman stated that there are no plans for either. There are restrictions as to what can be done on the property. There Is a small cafe on the Arboretum grounds which the County would like to promote; perhaps a half-price 'twilight time' admission would encourage people to come for dinner and an evening walk. Something may be worked out so that there will be no admission fee to use the cafe. Mr. Roman believes that the Arboretum has the potential to become at least 60 percent self-sustaining wtthln two or three years. 5 6/1/95 37:0151 The City Manager commented that one of the things the City has been discussing Is working wtth the Arboretum, the Race Track and the mall to create a connection to the I three areas from a freeway offramp. The City Is also working with Ca/trans to put up a marquee-type sign on the freeway which wUl draw attention to the three attractions. Councllmember Margett thought that perhaps a group of entrepreneurs working together may be able to come up wtth Ideas to enhance the Arboretum and the revenue flow, while keeping within the guidelines of the educational aspect of the Arboretum. Since water Is such an Important Issue, he cited some examples which would demonstrate the use of water and tts Impact on plants. One way would be to build a pond which children might use for boating and which could also be used to study the water aspect. There might be some way for the Arboretum to utilize the wastewater generated by Santa Anita Race Track and thereby save money on the purchase of water. Another Idea would be to have a minI- conference center available at the Arboretum to be used, for a fee, by those who would Ilke to study the different types of plant life. Other Ideas were also discussed. Mayor Lojeskl expressed appreciation to the County for the Arboretum. It has been usoc many times for the Mayors Prayer Breakfast, and everyone always enjoys the moming in such beautiful surroundings. The Mayor thanked Supervisor Antonovich and the other County officials for attending the meeting, and for the County's financial assistance to the City. ADJOURN- MENT At 9:00 a.m. the Adjourned Regular Meeting (Study SessIon) ADJOURNED to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, 1995, In the Councl Chambers for a Regular Meeting to conduct the business of the City CouncU and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and any Oosed Session necessary to discuss personnel, Ittlgatlon matters' and evaluation of properties. ATTEST: I of the City of Arcadia. &Ir.o ~AD jt~ J D. Alf~rd, C' Cle~ I 6 6/1/95