HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPTEMBER 19,1995
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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
SEPTEMBER 19. 1995
The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in a regular meeting
at 7:00 p. m, , Tuesday, September 19, 1995 In the Arcadia City Hall Council
Chambers.
INVOCATION Rev. JoIene Candenbach, Arcadia Congregational Church
PLEDGE OF Pat Malloy, Maintenance Services Director
ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
1,
la.
KAREN
SPURNEY
lb.
ARCADIA
TRANSIT
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chang. Kuhn, Ulrlch and Young
Mayor Lojeskl
On MOTION by CouncUmember Chang. seconded by CouncUmember Young and CARRIED,
Mayor Lojeskl was EXCUSED,
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Pro tern Kuhn made a presentation to Karen Spumey for Outstanding Achievement
In plano competition, The nine-year old, fourth grade Camino Grove student recently
won a $1,000 savings bond after winning a plano competltJon in her age group In the forty-
seventh annual Search for Talent competltJon. The competition was sponsored by the
National Exchange Oub. a service group dedicated to preventing chUd abuse, Before
advancing to the finals, Karen won three local contests. When Karen Is not winning plano
contests, she and her sister regularly volunteer at the Evergreen Convalescent Center In
Arcadia entertaining residents with their musical talent. Mayor Pro tem Kuhn presented the
Mayor's Certificate eX Commendation for Outstanding Achievement to Karen Spumey,
Mayor Pro tern Kuhn read a proclamation: "WHEREAS Arcadia DIal-A-Ride has changed
Its name to Arcadia Transit In an effort to better reflect the mission of thls municipally
operated transit system; WHEREAS Arcadia Transit has been In operation since 1975;
WHEREAS, Arcadia Transit has transported more than two and a half mUlion passengers
since Its Inception; WHEREAS Arcadia Transit Is Los Angeles County's largest demand
response system; WHEREAS Arcadia Transit Is the most cost efficient dlal-a-rlde system In
Los Angeles County; WHEREAS Arcadia Transit carries over 160.000 passengers per year;
WHEREAS Arcadia Transit provides convenient. efficient and Inexpensive transportation
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9/19/95
lC,
P.A,C,E, 2000
PROGRAM
DAR.E,
PROGRAM
{) "no "10
NSP
2.
3.
37:0265
within City limits; WHEREAS Arcadia Transit has demonstrated a desire to assist
senior citizens and disabled persons by offering discount fares, wheel chair lifts and specially I
equipped devices; NOW THEREFORE, I. Dennis A. Lojeski. Mayor of the City of Arcadia.
do thereby PROCLAIM September 27. 1995 to be Arcadia Transit Day, and Invite Arcadia
citizens to participate in celebrating the official grand opening of Arcadia Transit by taking
advantage of the free rides. and surprise glve-aways being offered on this special day,'
The Proclamation was presented to David Feinberg. Transportation Services Director who
further explained the changes, Effective October 2, 1995, passengers can go to the
Arcadia Community Center and secure an 10 card which can be presented at the time of
boarding to secure the reduced fare.
Mayor Pro tem Kuhn described the PAC.E. 2000 Program (Peaceful Arcadia through
Community Effort), a community oriented policing program which reaches out to form a
partnership with the community to reduce crime and violence, The main goal of this
program is to develOp long range strategies to Improve the quality of Ine of all who live, work
and enjoy me in Arcadia, The Initial efforts of PAC,E. 2000 wDl focus on preparing Arcadla's
youth to deal with challenges posed by drugs and gangs, and developing acceptable
alternatives to violence, The new Arcadia OAR,E, (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)
places officers at each elementary school to Interact with young people and teach good
citizenship and self-pride, Santa Anita Fashion Park Mall has become a working partner in
this program by providing offlce space for PAC,E, 2000 within the Mall at no cost to the
City, It is hoped that this Increased vlslbUity wUI not only provide an opportunity to better
access community needs. but also make pollee resources accessible to Arcadia citizens,
Police Sergeants Randy Kirby and Louise Brandsrna wUI supervise the PAC.E. 2000 as well
as OAR.E. The program Officers are Mike Cervantes and Toni Caylor, Police ChIef Ronnle
Gamer. on behalf of the Mayor and City CooneY. thanked the offlcers for the fine work they
have done on the OAR.E. program. This program has great potential in our community
to help young people understand the dangers of drugs and gang violence, This program
began City-wide last week. and has already enjoyed great success. Chief Gamer
introduced Sergeant Kirby and Officers Caylor and Cervantes. Also introduced was Captain
Rick Sandona who spearheaded this program.
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SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDiNG AGENDA ITEMS -
REPORTS/ ANNOUNCEMENTS/STATEMENTS.
Deputy City Manager/Development Services Director Rick Gomez stated that. with regard
to Item 8b. after the agenda items were prepared. the California Arboretum Foundation
requested permission to inslalI 30 banners instead of 20 banners. As update on the
emergency work on the Downtown 2000 project. Mr. Gomez noted the completion of
Segment I. storm dralns, paving and striping on Huntington Drive from San Rafael to the
Arcadia Wash; near completion of Segments 2 and 3, storm drain on First Avenue.
pavement on Huntington Drive and First Avenue completed by the beginning of next week;
Segment 4, Huntington curve gutter and sidewalk work. nearing completion today; Segment
S. HuntIngton Drive pavement. also nearing completion by the end of the week; starting this
Friday remavals and preparation for sidewalk work which will commence the first of the
following week and will take four to five days to complete. The work should be completed
on time by October 2.
QUESTIONS FROM CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGARDING
ClARIFICATION OF AGENDA ITEMS
None
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ORD, & RES.
READ BY
TITLE ONLY
4.
4a,
PUBUC
HEARING
TEXT,AMEND.
95.003
(Procedures
to Adopt
and Amend
SpecKIc
Plans)
(APPROVED)
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It was MOVED by Councilmember Young. seconded by Councllmember Ulrich and
CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only
and that the reading in full be WAIVED,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chang, Ulrich, Young and Kuhn
None
Mayor Lojeski
PUBUC HEARING
Consideration of zoning text amendment 95-003 adding procedures to the Arcadia Municipal
Code adopting and amending specifIC plans and. authorizing the City to prepare or cause
to be prepared Specific Plans to Implement the General Plan; and Introduction of Ordinance
No. 2040: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA,
CAUFORNlA, AMENDING THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING A NEW DIVISION
6 TO ARTICLE IX. CHAPTER 2, PART 9, TO INCLUDE PROCEDURES TO ADOPT AND
AMEND SPECIFIC PLANS",
The Planning Commission at ~s August 22. 1995 meeting voted 6 to 1 to recommend to the
City CouncU approval of zoning text amendment 95-003 regarding Specific Plans, SpecifIC
plans are a planning tool which provides the opportunity to combine typical zoning
standards w~h detaUed s~e development standards and design guidelines, along w~h other
regulatory requirements Into one document tailored to a panlcular development program
and a panlcular s~e. Specific plans are often used In the following situations: 1) where
unique results or treatments are desired such as In a downtown plan or In a sens~lve hillside
area; 2) where there Is a complicated mixture of development cond~lons such as a new
development, deteriorated structures, under-utilized land, mixed uses, mu~iple ownership
and vacant parcels; 3) where ~ is essential to establish a comprehensive phasing plan. tying
together the staging of development w~h public facilitles and Improvements; 4) where ~ is
cost effective to accompany a plan with a Master Environmental Impact Repen so that
subsequent development projects would require no funher environmental documentation.
or only focused environmental reports for subsequent projects.
The proposed ordinance Indudes procedures whereby the City Council, upon majority
consensus. may initiate a specific plan or an application may be flied from a property owner
or his or her authorized agents. It also establishes procedures for specific plans and
amendments for unincorporated territory, establishes standards for minimum size sites of
five acres or more, unless approved by the City CouncU for less. It provides procedures for
Planning Commission review and recommendation to the City Council, and City CouncU
review and action, and ~ also sets fonh required findings for approval of specific plans
and amendments. Because the City currently does not have any regulations relating to
specific plans. the City must rely on the Govemment Code regulations. The Govemment
Code provides only minimum standards and findings for submittal and approval of specific
plans.
The proposed ordinance Is Intended to be applicable to any Specific Plan application flied
and accepted as complete by the City of Arcadia on or after January 1, 1995, Making
the ordinance retroactive provides the Planning Commission and City CouncU w~h expllc~
findings. adopted by the City, which must be made prior to approving a specifIC plan.
Pursuant to the provisions of the CalKomla Environmental Quality Act, a Negative
Declaration has been prepared for this project. In order to cover the cost of processing a
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9/19/95
ORDINANCE
NO, 2040
(INTRO-
DUCED)
tint;) 6,
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Specific Plan. the Development Services Department Is proposing that the fee for Specific
Plans be based on time and material, and that a minimum deposit of $1.500 be filed wtth I
the City at the time the application is submitted. This fee Is based upon time and materials,
and wUI guarantee that the City recovers all cost In the processing of a Specific Plan
application,
In response to a question from Councilmember Chang, staff responded that the "project"
Is the text amendment ttself, and therefore requires an Environmental Impact Report.
Considerable discussion ensued concerning the minimum parcel size of a SpecifIC Plan
project and the advantages that would be provided by use of Specific Plans as a planning
tool,
Mayor Pro tern Kuhn declared the public hearing OPEN.
No one desiring to be heard. the hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by CouncUmember
Ulrich, seconded by Councilmember Young and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chang. Ulrich. Young and Kuhn
None
Mayor Lojeskl
It was MOVED by Councilmember Ulrich. seconded by CouncUmember Young and
CARRIED on roll call vote a follows that Ordinance No. 2040: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CAUFORNIA, AMENDING THE ARCADIA
MUNICIPAl CODE BY ADDING A NEW DIVISION 6 TO ARTICLE IX, CHAPTER 2. PART 9.
TO INClUDE PROCEDURES TO ADOPT AND AMEND SPECIFIC PLANS" be and ~ Is
'hereby INTRODUCED.
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chang. Ulrich. Young and Kuhn
None
Mayor Lajesld
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Gino Roncelll. 1250 Ramona Road, stated, in part, that he Is present to find out more
Information about the Santa Anita project. He has been unable to obtain any real
information about the proposed entllftalnment center project. He has received different
answers from different people, so he does not have a concept 01 exactly what will be there.
He understands that Santa AnIta Is planning a ground breaking ceremony within the next
couple 01 months. However. apparently the City does not have exact InformatIOn and Santa
Anita does no! have specific Information to give out. He Is part 01 a group calling
themselves Neighbors for Arcadia which held a meeting last week attended by a large group
01 residents. The primary reason for the formation of the group Is to find out more about
lhla proposal. One of the Counclmembers was present, as was a representative from Santa
AnIta Race Track. who stated that addltJonallnformation would be avaDable later, The group
members also expressed concern that they had been unableto obtain information regarding
the proposed entertainment center plans. and that this project seems to be moving along
too quickly. Also. the Neighbors for Arcadia would like to schedule add~lonaI meetings
and would like to be able to meet at the Community Center. This Is no! a poI~ical
organization. The Deputy CIty Manager responded that recently the CouncB held a scoping
meeting at which an 1n~1al study was presented which was an explanation of the contents
01 an Environmental Impact Study which was going to be prepared. That, along with the
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draft of specrric plans are available at the City's Development Services Department, as well
as the public library, The Deputy City Manager further stated that he would be happy to
meet wtth the group to review the public information that is available. The City Attorney
stated that what the project will actually be. will be the subject of numerous public
hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council, It will be a discretionary
decision -- they can approve, modify or reject tt, At this point no one can say what will be
on the stte, but the specific plan addresses the potential development issues and that is
subject to be changed, and also will be the subject of numerous public hearings, This
information will be available in written form, To say what will be developed is assuming a
fact that Is not in existence at this point in time, Mr, Roncelll insisted that the
residents want to know what the plans for the project are so they may have some input,
The Deputy City Manager retterated that there Is a draft document available for public
review, and will be available during the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report
which will become available for public review toward the latter part of October, As the City
Attorney stated. there will be numerous public hearings. so what Is before us today may be
very different at the conclusion of those public hearings. With regard to Mr, Roncelli's
request for use 01 the Community Center, the Recreation Director responded that the only
dates available are October 15 or October 29, n approved by the Council. The Deputy City
Manager will make Information available which can be considered by the Neighbors for
Arcadia.
Barbara Ellison, 620 West Huntington Drive, stated, In part, that. since there Is no public
newspaper In Arcadia, there is no way for the residents to know when public meetings are
held, It is not fair that only the people who live wtthln 1000 feet of the race track are notified,
Other residents also want to be part 01 the decision making. Councilmember Young noted
that all public hearing are published In the local newspaper, the Pasadena Star News. The
Deputy City Manager noted that the notice 01 the scoplng meeting was published In the
Pasadena Star News, the Sierra Madre News, and the Los Angeles TImes, as well as the
State law required noticing. Staff Is researching the cost 01 City-wide mailing for Council
consideration. CouncUmember Ulrich noted that the public hearings have been advertised
on Channel 20 cable television; and that there Is a mailing list to those residents who wish
to be notified 01 meetings. The City Oerk stated that anyone wishing to be Included on
the agenda mailing list can contact her office wtth that request.
Dr, Robert S. Ellison. 620 West Huntington Drive. stated, In part, that he Is the founder of
Neighbors for Arcadia. The group is dedicated to the denial of the general plan amendment
and the zone change for Santa Anita Realty Enterprises Co.. Inc. They Intend, n necessary.
to form a petttlon, get the significant number 01 signatures and present It at the appropriate
place and to the appropriate official. so that the matter can be placed on the ballot. This
will be a tremendous chore. but one which they are willing to accept. They request 01 the
CIty Councl that when the time comes for a decision, If they decide to accept the plan
amendment and zone change. etc.. that, Instead 01 making the decision, Council will put
the question on the ballot so that voters In the City may vote on It. He would like to know
II that Is possible so the Neighbors for Arcadia can know whether they need to proceed wtth
their own petJtIon and obtain the required signatures. Mayor Pro tern Kuhn said that staff
would get back to him wtth the requested Information within three weeks,
Judv Morse. Executive Director. Calnomia Arboretum Foundation stated. In part, that she
Is present this evening on behalf 01 the Foundation Board of Trustees. to thank Council and
staff for the remarkable assistance and cooperation they have enjoyed In planning the t 995
Los Angeles Garden Show to be held October 18 - 22. The Foundation Is thrilled that It has
the opportunity to produce this show. along with major sponsorship from the Los Angeles
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9/19/95
6,
ULRICH
(City
Public
Events)
37:0269
Times and Robinsons-May, They anticipate attendance between 25.000 ' 40,000, w~h
visitors from Santa Barbara to the north and San Diego to lhe south. Ms, Morse
encouraged favorable consideration of Ihe matter of the installalion of temporary banners
advertising the Garden Show. Ms, Morse displayed a sample of Ihe banners Ihey plan 10
use.
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MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
Councilmember Peter Ulrich commenled lhal on Seplember 30, 7:30 ' 9:00 p. m. Ihere will
be a forum on Youth Gangs In the San Gabriel Valley, co-sponsored by the Lutheran Church
of the Cross, and the Chinese Evangelical Church, to be held at 66 West Duarte Road.
Arcadia. Speakers wUI include Dorothy Schneider. fonner Principal of Arcadia High School;
Ron Seman. Detective. Arcadia Police Department; Grace Lau. Family Councilor. Asian
Pacific Family Center; and an ex,gang member from Mission Viejo. On MOnday, October
2, from 5:00 - 9:00 p, m. the Arcadia Tournament of Roses will present the "Festival of Food"
at the Santa Anita Race Track Infield to raise money to support the Arcadia Tournament of
Roses Roat. This will be the official unveiling of the 1996 Arcadia float.
YOUNG CouncUmember Young commented that many times large seml,trailer trucks are parked on
(Trucks Parked Second Avenue immediately north of Foothill Blvd,. by the side of Ralphs Market and Sav-
at Second Av, On Drug Store, She noticed a semi-truck parked there from Friday untU Monday morning.
& Foothill Second Avenue Is a very busy street and Saturday Is a very busy shopplng day In that area.
Blvd,) Large trucks block visibility and congest the street It Is a poor location for them.
CHANG
(Nelghbors
for Arcadia
Mtg,)
(Elks
Appreciation
Dinner)
Councllmember Chang commented that he attended the Neighbors for Arcadia meeting on
September 18, There was a Jot of discussion about the proposed Santa Anita entertainment
complex. Mr. Goodrich. Presldent of Santa Anita Realty Enterprises. was also present. There
was an exchange of Information.
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Councilmember Chang commented that the preceding Saturday he attended the Elks Qub
appreciation dinner, The Police Chief and many police offlcers were present along with
some fire flghters. It was nice that the Elks Qub sponsored this annual appreciation dinner,
(Water DIv,Rpt. CouncUmember Chang read from a report from the Maintenance Services Director. 'The
Lead & Water Division recendy completed the first series of lead and copper testing during August.
Copper 1995. In accordance with Federal regulations enacted by the Environmental Protection
Testing) Agency. The test results have Indicated that all samples are below the maximum
contaminant levels allowed by the EP A. Therefore, additional testing for the lead and copper
Is not required untJll998", This Is good news and he would like to compliment the hard
work done by MaIntenance Services Director Malloy and his staff.
(59th Assembly CouncUmember Chang commented that on Saturday. September 9. he attended a spaghetti
DIst,Reps,) dlmer at the Monrovta Nursery, sponsored by the 59th Assembly DIstricl 01 the Republican
CenIral Commlttee. Congressman David Drier and Senator Dick Mountjoy were present.
Former Senator BUI Richardson, the key speaker, Is still quite active in Sacramento politics.
Is a conservative Republican and Is enthusiastic about serving the community,
(Metro Green
Une Tour)
CouncUmember Chang commented that on Saturday, September 9 he had a guided tour
01 the Metro Green Une which was completed the latter part of August. The system is well
rnaintained, with a guard on board at all times. He was surprised to see that there was no
graffiti at all.
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9/19/95
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Ol! ~'O .:,':;
CHANG N II. CouncUmember Chang commented that more education Is needed so that the public wll
(Arcadia know that Arcadia Dial-A-Ride Is now called Acadia Transit. September 27 wll be Arcadia
Transit) Transit Day, and all citizens can ride free on that day, There Is also a van lor the disabled.
Councllmember Chang noted that the has secured a marketing map from the Economic
Development Conference in Long Beach during which attendees visited Pine Avenue In
revitalized downtown Long Beach called the 'Long Beach Experience', This was an
excellent revitalization project. He gave the marketing map to the Development Services
Director,
t?<{'?ol'f
(Air One N' I' CouncUmember Chang commented that on September 7 he attended the dedication
Helicopter - ceremony for Air One helicopter, part of the EI Monte air-to-ground law enforcement system,
EI Monte This helicopter Is equipped with a radio system capable of monitoring most police
P.O.) departments in the San Gabriel Valley, This helicopter has helped Baldwin Park, Arcadia,
Monrovia, Temple City. Irwlndale and Azusa In the past. and Is an excellent tool to help
ensure the safety of San Gabriel Valley residents, The EI Monte Police Chief Is Wayne
Clayton who resides in Arcadia, He Is glad that Arcadia has such a distinguished citizen.
O/,QO
KUHN N 1{-" Mayor Pro tem Kuhn commented that when she met with the PTA Councl of Presidents
(Youth a lew months ago, they Indicated real concerns lor the youth of our community, and the
Commission) posslbUity of a Youth Commission came up. It took a whUe to work through the Issues lor
a sense of direction. but she had promised to bring It before the CouncU which she did at
the team buUdlng session last week, This Councl has always been supportive of youth
related issues. and staff was directed to meet with the Interested parties and prepare a
report and recommendation to be placed on the CouncU agenda lor consideration, " am
excited about the possibilities and prospects of focusing on the needs of our youth to
identify the problems and Issues that are unique to our community, create solutions and
partnership with parents. educators. civic and service groups, We have many excellent
programs, either In place now. such as the P.AC.E. 2000 and D.AR.E,. but I really leeI that
by working together, we can make positive things happen. We need to concentrate on
efforts to renew a strong sense of community pride and spirit In all of our citizens, including
our younger ones.'
(Long Beach
Revitalization
Plan)
7.
ROLL CALL
7a.
MINUTE
APPROVAL
(Sept.5,1995)
(APPROVED)
CITY COUNCIL RECESSED IN ORDER TO ACT AS THE
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Agency Members Chang. Ulrich. Young and Kuhn
Chairman Lajeskl
It was MOVED by Agency Member Young, seconded by Agency Member Ulrich and
CARRIED on roll call vole as follows that Chairman La/eskl be EXCUSED,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Agency Members Chang, Ulrich. Young and Kuhn
None
Chalrman Lojeskl
On MOTION by Agency Member Young, seconded by Agency Member Chang and
CARRIED on roll call vOle as lollows the mlnules of the September 5. 1995 meeting were
APPROVED.
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9/19/95
ADJOURN-
MENT
8.
88.
MINUTE
APPROVAL
(Sept.5,l995)
(APPROVED)
_ 8b,
0,/ > - 11) INSTALST,
o I ~ ,) ~O BANNE~S
(CaIiforma
Arboretum
Fdn,)
(APPROVED)
Be,
WORK
ACCEPTED
(Reconst.
Sldewk. &
o q <~ () -'10 Instal,Root
Barrler-
Job No.584)
(APPROVED)
ad,
Be,
/060 . ,-;-() RATIFIED
SmLEMENT
(M,Taylor vs.
Arcadia)
37:0271
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Agency Members Chang, Ulrich. Young and Kuhn
None
Chairman Lojeskl
The meeting ADJOURNED to September 26, 1995 at 5:30 p, m,
CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED
CONSENT ITEMS
APPROVED minutes of the September 5. 1995 regular meeting,
APPROVED the California Arboretum Foundation request to Install thirty (30) temporary
street banners announcing the Los Angeles Garden Show to be held at the Los Angeles
State and County Arboretum, September 25, 1995 to October 23. 1995; DIRECT the
Development Services Department to APPROVE the Encroachment Pennlt. subject to
compliance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 2004,
ACCEPTED 1994-95 reconstruction 01 deficient concrete sidewalk and Installation 01 rOOl
barrier at various locations - Job No, 584, and AUTHORIZED flnaI payment 01 $48,583,75
to Ranco Corporatfon, to be made In accordance with the contract documents.
Considered separately (see below)
RATIFIED approval 01 settlement 01 the M. Taylor vs. Arcadia personal Injury lawsuit in the
amount 01 $25,000.
THE ABOVE CONSENT ITEMS 88, Bb, Be, and Be WERE APPROVED ON MOTION BY
COUNClLMEMBER CHANG, SECONDED BY COUNClLMEMBER ULRICH AND CARRIED
ON ROLL CAlL VOTe AS FOLLOWS:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CouncUmembers Cheng, Ulrich, Young and Kuhn
None
Mayor Lojeskl
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9/19/95
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ELEC,UTIUTY
COSTS
EVALUATION
(Cost Control
Associates)
(APPROVED)
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37:0272
In an on-gong effort to reduce costs and identify savings where possible. staff employed
the services of a consultant to evaluate the City's electrical utility costs. The consultant
reviewed the City's electrical consumption and ident~ied cost effective rate schedules which
could reduce the City's cost of electricity, In March 1995 an audtt was completed on the
City's electricity charges paid to Southern Cal~ornia Edison. As determined in the audtt by
Cost Control Associates. implementation of the Consultant's recommendations by the City
will result in savings of approximately $90,000 annually in reduced electricity charges paid
to Southern CaI~ornia Edison, Based upon the terms of the original agreement. Cost
Associates is entitled to 50% of the savings realized for a three (3) year period after which
the continuing annual savings will remain wtth the City.
In response to questions from Councilrnembers Chang and Ulrich. the Financial Services
Manager/City Treasurer explained the results of the aoott which will result In approximate
net savings for the three fiscal years 1995-96 through 1997-98 of reduced electric charges
of $90.000 for the Water Fund and General Fund. The majority of the cost savings apply
to the City's Water System, This Is a conservative estimate which Is less than the original
savings estimate of $110,000, Some of the accounts did not qualify for the rate schedule
recommended by the consultant. Staff further explained that there are thirty or forty different
rate schedules as well as different combinations, Since the City has many different types
of equipment that run at different times during the day. and in different sttuations. apparently
the City had been using some rates which were not as efficient or as cheap as others, Also.
some of the more effICient rates came Into effect just wtthln the last year or two, Since tt
was a question of having the ability. knowledge and understanding to identify the most
economical rate based upon the current operations, the assistance of Cost Associates was
obtained.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Chang, seconded by Councilmember Ulrich and
CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE the first advance payment of $36.000 to
Cost Control Associates for audtt of the City's electrical utility costs and APPROPRIATE
$43,250 In the Water Fund and $1,750 In the General Fund for Cost Control Associates' Fee
for FISCal Year 1995-96.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CouncUmembers Chang, Ulrich, Young and Kuhn
None
Mayor Lojeskl
CITY MANAGER
9a,
TElEVISING Report and recommendation regarding televising of adjourned and/or special City CouncU
CITY COUNCIL meetings. On September 5, 1995 staff was directed to research the issues associated wtth
MEETINGS the televising of non-regular City CouncU meetings. The September 19, 1995 staff report
(CONTINUED suggests several posslbUttles to achieve that goal, and the approximate costs related to
TO 10/3/95) each should CooneR decide to move In that direction. $375 per two-hour meeting would
_ be the minimum cost Involved In televising Adjourned and/or Special CIty CouncU Meetings,
()'i' /0 . .,s(? Any meeting whlch lasts more than two hours would cost an addttlonal $75 per hour,
Costs to videotape Adjourned Meetings In the conference room would depend upon the
frequency. and with portable studio equipment, would cost approximately $2.000 each,
under the current contract. Indirect costs for stafI time to tape meetings. coordinate taping
arrangements with Studio Spectrum and/or program tape playback would result. but have
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9/19/95
37:0273
not been determined at this time. No funding for addttional City Council meeting televising
has been budgeted.
In response to Councilmember Chang, Ken Buckowskl of Studio Spectrum, replied there
would be no difficulty In taping a study session in the Council Chamber, also, the cost for
a three hour study session would be $375, under the terms of the existing contract,
In reply to a question from Councilmember Young, staff responded that 15,000 Arcadia
residences have cable television available, Councilmember Young noted that, since this is
less than halt of the households in the City, she did not feel tt to be worth the addttional cost
to televise the study sessions, The study sessions are open to the public for those who wish
to attend, Usually, study sessions are very short, and are for the purpose of nitty gritty work
on matters which are then formally presented at the regular City CouncU meetings. Mayor
Pro tem Kuhn agreed, and said many times staff gives a ten or l1fteen minute report, passes
out material and Councilmembers go home and study the Issues. She feels n would be a
complete waste of !aping time, Also. usually no action Is taken at a study session,
Councilmember Ulrich added that n was not his thought to televise study sessions. He
agrees that they are better condu<$d In the conference room In a less formal atmosphere,
The public Is welcome to attend such meellngs. so there Is no necessity to televise them,
But he would like to see all the regular and special meetings held In the council chamber
televised.
I
The City Attomey stated that a special CouneU meeting Is very rare - probably no more than
one a year, It Is often for a real emergency. and Is not always held on a Tuesday. The
reality Is that n Is a meeting that can be accomplished wnh twenty..four hours notice, usually
on only one Issue, Because of the Irregularity of special meetings. the public will not be
aware of them. If televised. the resldents would be able to see the replay, it they knew I
about n,
CouncUmember Chang noted there are 22,500 households In the City, Further, commenting
that the recent citizen satisfactory survey Indicated that only 18% of the cttlzens obtained
City Information from CouncU meetings ... so meetings have to be Improved, and one of the
ways we can serve the citizens is to televise all the meetings, except the dosed sessions.
I! Is his opinion that all of the Council meellngs - Indudlng regular, special and study
sessions - should be televised in order to keep everyone informed,
It was MOVED by Councilmember Young. seconded by Mayor Pro tem Kuhn and CARRIED
on roll call vote as follows to DIRECT staff to continue the current policy 01 televising only
Regular City Councl meetIngs,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
CounclImembers Young and Kuhn
CouncJImembers Chang and Ulrich
Mayor Lojeskl
TIE VOTE
Staff suggested that the agenda for every Coune" meeting be posted on the community
bulletin board. The Couneilmembers agreed this Is an excellent plan. It was unanimously
agreed to DIRECT Slaff to place every agenda 01 every Council meeting - regular. special
and study sessions - on the televised community bulletin board.
10
9/19/95
I
I
9b.
SAN GABRIEL
BASIN WATER
AUTHORITY
BD.OF
DIRECTORS
CANDIDATE
(CONTINUED
to 9/26/95)
O,-.r) ,)<7
YOUNG
(In Memory
of Ear1 C,
Towsley)
I
ADJOURN-
MENT
(Sept.26,l995
5:30 p,m,)
ATTEST:
37:0274
Consideration and election of one of the nominated candidates to a vacant seat on the San
Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority Board of Directors and consideration of Resolution
No, 5880: 'A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA.
CAUFORNlA, CASTING ITS VOTES FOR COUNCILMEMBER TO REPRESENT CITIES
WITH PRESCRIPTIVE PUMPING RIGHTS ON THE BOARD OF THE SAN GABRIEL BASIN
WATER QUAUTY AUTHORITY"
Since Mayor Lojeskl had requested Input to this agenda ttem, tt was MOVED by
Councilmember Ulrich, seconded by Councilmember Chang and CARRIED on roll call vote
as follows to CONTINUE this ttem to the next Council Meeting on September 26, 1995,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Councilmembers Chang. Ulrich and Kuhn
None
Mayor Lojeskl
Councilmember Young (since she Is a candidate for this posttion)
Councilmember Young stated that 'Ear1 C, Towsley passed away on September 3, 1995,
He was a long time resident of the City of Arcadia, He Is survived by his wne, Marguertte;
daughter Marilyn Quisneil Gill of VlsaJia; a son. Ear1 Towsley of VlsaJia; a sister, Margaret
Crownholm; three grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. He was long employed in
the grocery market business. and lived for a while In Phoenix, and retumed to the City after
a couple of years. Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 23, at 2:00 p. m,
at the Arcadia Presbyterian Church, Private Intemment was In VlsaJia District Cemetery,
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Methodist Hospital Foundation or the
Arcadia Rotary Foundation. It Is sad to see Mr. Towsley leave.' .
At. 8:25 p, m. the City Councl meeting ADJOURNED to Tuesday, September 26, 1995 at
5:30 In the City Council Chambers Conference Room fof an Adjourned Regular Meeting
(Study Session) to conduct the business of the City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment
Agency and any Oosed Session necessary to discuss personnel, Ittlgatlon matters and
evaluation of properties.
I
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9/19/95