HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPTEMBER 15,1995
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE
CITY CLERK
ROLL CALL
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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING (STUDY SESSION)
SEPTEMBER 15, 1995
The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in an
Adjou~ned Regular Meeting (Study Session) at 8:00 a.m. on Friday,
September 15, 1995 at the Arcadia Community Center. The primary
purpose of the meeting to discuss Council goals, team building, and
City goals and objectives.
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chang, Kuhn, Ulrich, Young and Lojeski
None
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: William Lewis, Lewis Partners
William Kelly, City Manager
Michael Miller, City Attorney
June D. Alford, City Clerk
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
The City Manager distributed two reports prepared by the Administra-
tive/Finance Director regarding revenue enhancement programs and
major revenue sources.
TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
Bruce Dumbacher, 1124 Panorama Drive, stated in part, that he is con-
cerned that Santa Anita Race Track is planning to install a casino/
card club on race track property. Further, that it is his under-
standing that this type of facility would h&ve to go to a vote of
the people. Major Lojeski commented that Santa Anita has not filed
an application with the City for any type of a casino or card club.
The City Attorney verified that if a card club were proposed it would
have to be voted on by the people.
Roberta Gordon, 42 East Norman Avenue, stated in part, that she has
been a citizen and a homeowner in Arcadia for the past eleven years.
Ms. Gordon related several incidents in which she felt she had been
terrorized, physically assaulted, and had her home vandalized. Many of
her Windows have been broken, she boarded them up and someone tore
the boards off. The City sent her a letter that she was in violation
of the building codes. She replaced the windows and they were broken
again. The Arcadia police have been called to her home several times.
She knows the person who has been vandalizing her home and breaking
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in, and had obtained a restra~nlng order. This same woman physically
assaulted her, the police were called and the woman said that Ms. Gordon I
had assaulted her... they were both taken to the police station. She
was in jail for five hours. Ms. Gordon said she has never before been
in jailor arrested. She stated that this person who came into her home
seems to have more rights than a property owner. At the conclusion of
her testimony, Mayor Lojeski said that this information would be passed
along to the police department.
Bill Lewis of Lewis Partners, facilitator for the workshop, announced
that the City Manager and City Attorney had requested thar the Closed
Session be moved forward on the agenda.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 for conference with labor
negotiators regarding the Arcadia Firefighters Association, Teamsters,
Arcadia Police Relief Association, AFSCME, management and non-represented
employees.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b) to discuss with City
legal counsel pending (anticipated) litigation involving a situation
of significant exposure to litigation based on threats made by the
president of Sully-Miller and their legal counsel at a meeting with
City officials on August 28, 1995 pertaining to City action to address
the emergency situation described by City Council Resolution 5877 with
reference to the Arcadia Downtown 2000 Streetscape Project.
At 8:25 a.m. the City Council RECESSED to the first CLOSED SESSION,
which concluded at 9:10 a.m. and the Adjourned Regular Meeting (Study I
Session) RECONVENED.
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF GOAL SETTING, TEAM BUILDING, AND CITY
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Bill Lewis, facilitator of the workshop, presented an overview of the
topics for discussion and established guidelines for an informal, open
exchange of ideas and comments. The topics were the result of Mr. Lewis'
interviews with individual Councilmembers and the "themes" on which
each Councilmember had focused.
The topics and a summary of the discussions follow in order of priority
to the Council as time permitted:
CITY STAFF
* How is it going?
* Expectation of City Manager ... review last year
* Employee morale ... raising staff comfort and esteem
In the discussion of this topic, Councilmember Young felt that a lot
of last year's expectations of the City Manager had been carried out.
The City Manager explained his management style. His reorganization
of City departments is going very well... there is stability within
the organization which he felt had been lost when he took over a year
ago.
There was a general ,discussion of staff morale which most thought
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had improved. Council briefly considered its effect on employee
morale. Staff resignations were noted... employees leaving to go
to higher positions and increased salary... some receiving training
and then going elsewhere. A r~assessment of position classifications
and a shift in responsibilities in some departments was mentioned by
staff, in the City Manager's office, in particular. Bill Lewis noted
that it may seem like everything is stable, but there are a lot of
employees out there who still haven't felt that... it's only been a
year and we have to give it more time.
The issue of the Library Board and staff was discussed. The City
Charter Revision Committee is looking into the structure of the
Library Board... should this board be changed to an advisory body to
the City Council? To effect a change in the autonomy of the Library
Board the issue must go to a vote of the electorate of the City.
The subject of the employee suggestion program was mentioned. The
City Manager described a new suggestion program. Councilmember Chang
felt that each department should have a suggestion box for public
input also. Councilmember Young noted that suggestions from the public
usually come in by letter. Further ideas were exchanged.
At 10:08 a.m. Mayor Lojeski called a RECESS. The Adjourned Regular
Meeting (Study Session) RECONVENED at 10:20 a.m.
LONG TERM FISCAL STRENGTH
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* Revenue enhancement programs
* Alternatives
In the discussion of this topic Council briefly reviewed graphs which
had been provided by staff charting the City's major revenue sources
and a ten year comparison of revenues versus expenditures, FY-1990-1991
through FY 1999-2000. The ten year graph included budget projections
for FY 1995-1996 through FY 1999-2000, including salary increases for
all employee group~ and a 4% increase yearly for supplies and services
to approximate the rate of inflation. The report indicated that revenue
increases were based on historical trends. In reference to the ten
year graph, the City Manager noted that if nothing changes in these for-
casts the City will barely break even, and pointed out that if $1 million
yearly were to be set-aside for public buildings (improvements) the
budget would be in a negative cash flow again for that three year period.
Additional revenue sources must be identified. In reference to the report
previously provided by the Administrative Services/Finance Director,
"Revenue Enhancement Programs for Long Term Fiscal Strength", Mayor
Lojeski commented that he had some real concerns about the impact of
some of these revenue enhancement programs, if implemented. The Mayor
suggested that a study session be scheduled for this item after the
Council has had the opportunity to review the report. The City Manager
noted that a public relations program would be necessary to educate the
residents of the City as to what their money pays for.
At the proposed study session Mayor Lojeski indicated that he would
like to see staff incorporate discussion of two items... to renegotiate
a contract with a refuse hauler, and the bid process. The Mayor noted
also that the City has a similar situation with the cable franchise
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contract. The City Manager advised that there will be a special
study session on the residential refuse issue... that particular I
contract has approximately one more year to run. In reference to
the refuse recycling program, the Mayor commented that Arcadia should
receive credit for the recycled items residents place in the recy-
cling bins for pickup, and credit also for those items residents take
to a recycling facility.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES
* Master Plan for public buildings
* Street lighting
* Auditorium
* Utility undergrounding
* Streets and sidewalks
In planning a strategy for the improvement of City facilities, staff
began by analyzing all City public buildings. All the needs were
estimated to be approximately $25 million for a new police facility,
renovation of city hall and other minor buildings. Financing options
were considered dnd staff concluded that renovation and expansion of
the police facility and city hall was viable. These two facilities
could be renovated/expanded over time. The City Manager commented
that the plan for renovation of city hall would entail moving all de-
partments out of the facility into modular buildings during the reno-
vation period, and then the departments would be repositioned in the
renovated buildings. Staff explained in detail the plan to increase
the size of the City jail and possibly housing prisoners from other
agencies as a way to relieve the City's crowded jail and bring in
revenue to the City.
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A discussion developed on the use of the Armory site... continue to
lease or sell; the possibility of relocating the Santa Anita Municipal
Court to this site could be pursued.
In reference to street lighting... many residents do not want street
lights although lights provide a safety element. The cost of under-
grounding utilities was considered. The lack of an auditorium and the
previous programs to obtain such were discussed. Streets and sidewalks
and city trees were considered.
RESIDENT/BUSINESS INVOLVEMENT
* Working with multi-cultural community
* Creating greater participation
* Building sense of community
* Maintaining "Arcadia Beautiful"
A discussion ensued of the involvement of the various ethnic groups with-
in the community. The language barrier, in particular, and the respon-
bibility for learning English. Participation in the community will in-
crease over time. Asian crime problems' were considered to be under-
reported. Education is needed to improve this cultural issue. Having
Council meetings on television helps to educate the community about City
government and is producing more participation. 'The City Manager noted
there is a high penetration of residents watching the Council cablecasts.
He noted also that people participate more in government when there is
an issue.
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At 12:10 p.m. the meeting RECESSED to luncheon and CLOSED SESSION
which concluded at 1:20 p.m. and th~ Adjourned Regular Meeting
(Study Session) RECONVENED.
The City Attorney provided a statement, "Reporting out from
CLOSED SESSION: 5-0 vote of APPROVAL of up to $10,000 to assist
City Attorney with initial litigation preparation through legal
~ services of attorney Richard Terzian and the services of Kane, Ballmer
/O(PO, '> ,) and Berkman; AUTHORIZE the appropriation of $10,000 from the General
06'60- a,1.:. Fund for this purpose (Sully-Miller litigation threat)."
CLOSED
SESSION
NO. 2
Bill Lewis opened the afternoon session with an announcement that there is
a subject that came up at the Council/Lewis interviews which Council may
wish to discuss. The Councilmembers have received invitations to attend
a function at Santa Anita Park and concern has been expressed that if
Council attends this function there may be a misconception by the public,
since the Council will be dealing with applications filed by Santa Anita
Realty regarding the proposed Santa Anita Entertainment Center develop-
ment on race track property. The City Attorney advised that legally
the function to which Councilmembers has been invited is a social event
and Council would not be discussing City business while in attendance.
However, a perception exists... it is a matter of appearance to the
public and Council's attendance may be construed as a violation of the
Brown Act. Mayor Lojeski requested that the City Attorney put his
comments in writing to the Councilmembers. Council then continued with
the "Discussion Topics".
COUNCIL LEADERSHIP
* How are we doing ... review of last year's "expectationsll
* Can we improve
* "Rules of conduct"
* Council-staff leadership roles
* "Decision making" -- merit VB "politics"
In this discussion, Major Lojeski stated, in part, that a good p~r-
cent age of the Council has attempted to review the items listed on the
Lewis report under the title "From Councilmembers, We Want and Expect".
The list contains expectations of Councilmembers of each other. He
has some strong feelings that, as noted earlier, Council should discuss
an item, then make a decision on that item... and yet, there are some
individuals who have their own separate agenda and go off their own way.
He would like this practice to stop.. Council should be working together
as a team. A discussion ensued of the approach or style of individual
Councilmembers as Council deals with agenda items or non-agenda items
spoken at "Matters From Elected Officials". A Chinese newspaper article
reporting Council actions was discussed at length; also, the matter of
the proposed staff trip to Taiwan, which Council had postponed: checks
had been presented to the City to fund this trip; City policy regarding
gifts and donations presented to the City. Council went into the issue
of what they perceived as "grandstanding" in front of the television
cameras at Council meetings. Bill Lewis commented that this perception
may lead other Councilmembers to believe that one person may be trying
to take credit for Council action when Council is working together
as a team. In reference to monies given to the City, Councilmember
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Chang felt that Council should form a policy which may be followed...
and that the public could understand.. the policy could be very simple. I
Mayor Lojeski explained the procedure followed in the past.. these
types of gifts/donations for a specific purpose or program are brought
to the Council when placed on an agenda by staff.
COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
* Commendations/certificates
* Acceptance of private funds policy
* Changing election dates
* Voting by mail
* Stationery, forms, etcetera
* Selection of commission~rs
The City Manager raised the issue of informational packets, City pins,
certificates, resolutions and brochures which are prepared at the
request of Councilmembers. Because of an increase in such requests
for these items the City Manager requested that Council set some guide-
lines as to when and for whom these materials should be prepared. He
noted the number of such materials prepared in the past and the great
amount of staff time involved. Mayor Lojeski noted that Certificates
of Commendation and resolutions are generally given to people in the
community who have subs~antial achievement. Councilmember Chang com-
mented that the informational packets are usually given to visitors
and certificates presented to organizational presidents who do not
necessarily live in Arcadia. Councilmember Young suggested that packets
or brochures be provided by the Chamber of Commerce. Considerable dis-
cussion ensued and Council determined that, basically, these requests I
should go through the Mayor.
The City Manager displayed the new design for City badges. This is an
effort to have all City badges uniform and issue only one badge per
person while in service. In reference to Councilmember badges, Council
determined to engrave each badge with the name of the Councilmember and
change the title when the Councilmember's position has changed with some-
thing which could be inserted into the badge.
Council briefly discussed the official city stationery; Council personal
note paper and the appropriate use of such. Staff's goal is to have all
City stationery, City seals on vehicles, badges, etcetera standardized.
In further discussion, Mayor Lojeski noted the City election next April
and suggested that a City Council handbook would be very helpful to
newly elected Councilmembers. This handbook could explain protocol,
what a Councilmember can and cannot do, etcetera, specifically designed
for Arcadia. Mayor Pro tem Kuhn commented that the League of California
Cities produces such a booklet.
Council briefly discussed the "Voting by mail" topic, Councilmember
Ulrich felt that voting by mail would be the standard in a couple of
years. A great many voters now use the absentee ballot. The City
should be prepared for all mail ballot elections. Mayor Lojeski felt
that all voters should re-register to vote and take an oath before an
official registrar. Mayor Pro tem Kuhn felt the City should wait until
various problems are worked out before having such an election. Council- I
member Young agreed. Councilmember Chang agreed with Councilmember Ulrich
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and added that voting by mail would encourage voter participation.
He also felt that the problems are in the voters registration process.
In reference to the topic "Selection of Commissionersll, Councilmeber
Chang felt that each Councilmember should be entitled to name one
commissioner to each commission. This would help the Councilmember to
have better communication with that commission. He would like to have
more information from the commissions. Councilmember Young commented
on the problems encountered over the years with the appointments of
commissioners. Bill Lewis advised that the law changed from the 70's
to allow any resident to apply for a commission.. that everyone has
the right to apply for a commission. The City is required to post the
openings on the commissions. Mayor Pro tem Kuhn and Councilmember
Young noted that each Councilmember now has the right to nominate
persons, and then Council votes on the nominations. Mayor Lojeski
and Councilmember Young felt that the applications for commission
membership should be updated. It was noted that the rotation process
~ould be a problem if the appointment procedure was to change.. also
the Council may change every two years. Bill Lewis explained the pro-
cedure suggested by Councilmember Chang could work if each Council-
members seat on the Council were numbered, though the rotation of com-
missioners would make a difference, he noted. Mayor Lojeski felt that
the current system is working fine.. Council has not had any problems
~ith this procedure. By general consensus there will not be follow-up
on the idea of selecting commissioners as proposed by Councilmember
Chang at this time.
In reference to the question of Councilmember field liaisons, Mayor
Lojeski asked what would this entail? Councilmember Chang believes
he needs people to help him communicate with the public to find out
~hat people are thinking. These people would represent him, not the
Council.. he needs more contact with the community. Bill Lewis com-
mented that these persons would not be formal field representatives.
The City Attorney advised that nothing about this could be formal
because it is not an officially sanctioned City position. If Council-
members individually want to have people that they know bring them
information, it would have to be a very private personal thing, and
legally speaking, they cannot make representation on behalf of the
City... A discussion ensued, problems were noted, Councilmember Chang
further clarified his position. The City Attorney questioned the
terminology. Councilmember Chang said the correct wording would be
"community liaison person". The City Attorney reiterated that these
persons should not be associated with the Council but should be
"community liaison for Dr. chang". Bill Lewis advised that Council-
member Chang would have to make sure the title would be personal to
himself .
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CRIME AND PERCEPTIONS OF SAFETY
Councilmember Ulrich stated, in part, that he is concerned about the
significant increase in crime in the City over last year as noted in
the monthly Police Department report. In the discussion Councilmember
Ulrich noted that increase in crime may be a national problem and he
does not know if anything can be done to offset this increase. It was
noted that the Police Department P.A.C.E. program should be effective;
the police sub-station at Fashion Park during the holidays helps as do
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the "ham watch" operators on the roof of the Mall. In response to
Council's comments regarding the Police Department monthly report. I
the City Attorney noted that there is some information that cannot
be disclosed even to Councilmembers under the penal code.
NEEDS AND SERVICES FOR YOUTH
Mayor Pro tern Kuhn reported that she has been working with a core
of people and the PTA Council of Presidents. They have some real
concerns, primarily with school age children and gang related issues.
They have been working very closely with such programs as P.A.C.E.
2000 and D.A.R.E. This group is very anxious to put together a group
of adults who are interested in focusing on the particular needs of
the youth of the community, not only gang issues, but the entire
spectrum of the needs of the youth. Mayor Lojeski noted that this
program was started at the joint meeting of the City Council and the
School District governing board last year when direction was given
to Recreation Director Collins and School District personnel. Sue
Keavney. These issues will be discussed at a soon to be scheduled
joint City Council/School Board meeting.
Considerable discus~onensued centered on activities in the City for
young people; a potential ice rink in the Santa Anita Entertainment
Center project; the drop in attendance at Camp Buckhorn this summer;
the increase in enrollment in the AYSO program; sidewalk art festivals;
using the Armory for recreational activities; affordable housing in
the City for young families. Mayor Pro tem Kuhn commented that the
group she mentioned would like to see a Youth Commission formed of I
adults to focus on youth programs for the full spectrum of ages. This
could be a study group or a task force which would work with the Recre-
ation Department and Police Department programs, service groups, the
School District and other interested parties.
Councilmember Young provided past City experience of a previous Youth
Commission and other programs and activities for youth which had been
implemented. Mayor Lojeski added information also related to the
previous Youth Commission and considerable amount of City staff time
spent in these efforts.
Bill Lewis stated, in part, that he would give an action item to City
Manager Kelly for Mayor Pro tem Kuhn and the City Manager to meet and
talk about this proposal and bring the information back to 'the Council.
WORKING WITH THE SCHOOLS
* What would we like to accomplish ... how?
Mayor Lojeski briefly noted that the Council and the School District
governing board held a joint meeting last year. As follow~up to that
meeting another joint meeting is soon to be scheduled. This will be
another opportunity to discuss matters of mutual concern and give some
direction regarding committees which were formulated by both City staff
and School District staff to find answers to various questions which
were discussed at that meeting.. such as the School District after school
extended daycare and summer child care programs. The City will host the
next joint meeting, which will not be televised at the request of the 1-
School Board.
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FUTURE OF THE COUNTY PARK AND THE ARBORETUM
In discussion of the Arcadia County Park, Mayor Lojeski noted that
Recreation Director Collins is much in touch with County Recreation
staff on the County situation regarding the County Park. The City has
gone on record with the County that the City would take over the park
if County would give the city the golf course also. The City is not
interested in maintaining this park with nothing generating the cost
of upkeep. With regard to the County Arboretum, Councilmember Young
noted that the Arboretum Foundation is maintaining this facility. The
foundation will soon sponsor an International Flower Show which will be
a major event. It was noted that the Arboretum needs more publicity.
The subject of the Arboretum came up at a past meeting with L.A. County
Supervisor Antonovich and Sarah Flores. Mayor Lojeski noted, that Super-
visor Antonovich has been a tremendous help to Arcadia, in particular,
County funds for the Orange Grove and Huntington Drive projects, he
has shown a real interest in this City.
IMPACTS OF HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT IN SIERRA MADRE
Councilmember Young said she put this item on the "topic list" because
the City of Sierra Madre has been having many public hearings on a pro-
posed hillside development which abuts Arcadia. Mayor Pro tem Kuhn
noted that the project will crossover into Arcadia. The Mayor commented
that Arcadia City staff has been following the progress of this proposed
development.. the E.I.R. studies and such.
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PROTECTING AND STRENGTHENING EXISTING BUSINESS DISTRICTS
A brief discussion occurred on the impact of the Santa Anita Enter-
tainment Center development on other business districts in the City.
The City financial consultant for the proposed development will provide
a financial analysis of the impact on all districts in the City. This
report will be part of the Environmental Impact Report for the proposed
proj ec t.
Referring to the Sizzler site on Baldwin Avenue, the City Attorney
noted a project has been approved for that site. In reference to
commercial property maintenance, Councilmember Ulrich noted that that
property was not being maintained.. other Council said that Burlington
Coat Factory on Baldwin is stacking cardboard boxes on the sidewalk.
The City Attorney will relay this information to Code Enforcement.
Mayor Pro tem Kuhn commented that, with he change of demographics
the City has lost a sense of community that the City once had... and
we need to build on that. The City of Monrovia was noted as an example
of community spirit; the many events; downtown Monrovia; street parties;
when Downtown 2000 is complete the City could close off Huntington Drive
in that area and hold such a community event. Various activities could
be advertised on Channel 20 to bring people out. Mayor Lojeski mentioned
the weekly television show in Monrovia hosted by two sisters which has
been very successful...
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ADJOUIU"~ENT
(Sept. 19,
1995)
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The study session concluded with Council, staff and Bill Lewis
in agreement that this had been a very good day and very useful
to all participants.
At 4:00 p.m. the meeting ADJOU~~ED to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 19,
1995 in the City Council Chambers for a regular meeting to conduct the
business of the City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and
any Closed Session necessary to discuss personnel, litigation matters
or evaluation of properties.
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of the City of Arcadia
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