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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJUNE 14,1994 1 "I 36:01940110-S-0 061<19;1 c.c.. CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK ROLL CALL 1. 01.)0 - pO NSP O/-"J -10 V\!::P IJ'f~' - f> 0 NSP M I NUT E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA and the ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING (STUDY SESSION) June 14, 1994 The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in an Adjourned Regular Meeting (Study Session) on Tuesday, June 14, 1994, at 5:35 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber. PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kuhn, Lojeski, and Young Councilmember Margett It was MOVED by Councilmember Lojeski. seconded by Mayor Young, and CARRIED to EXCUSE the absence of Councilmember Margett. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Councilmember Lojeski commented that two commission members have resigned, effective immediately. due to their moving out of the City.-Dean Horstman, Recreation Commissioner. and Homer Paulson, Arcadia Beautiful Commissioner. It was MOVED by Councilmember Lojeski, seconded by Mayor Young and CARRIED by general consent. to DIRECT staff to place on the agenda that the Council accept the resignations of Dean Horstman and Homer Paulson with regret, and honor their longstanding service with a plaque to each. Councilmember Kuhn brought up the matter of her possible need to abstain from participation in any discussion with regard to downtown revitalization. Her husband is part-owner of property in the central redevelopment project area. The City Attorney stated he will send a formal letter-request to the Fair Political Practices Commission this week as to whether or not there is a conflict of interest where Councilmember Kuhn is concerned. Under law, the FPPC must respond within 21 days. The City Attorney will ask that they expedite an answer. but he is anticipating a wait of up to 30 days because of the FPPC's own rules and due to their staffing limitations. With that in mind, Councilmember Kuhn asked if the downtown redevelopment issue scheduled to be on the agenda for the June 21 Council meeting could be postponed to a meeting in July or August. Considerable discussion ensued. Councilmember Lojeski objected to the fact that this now causes a delay in the Council's being able to conduct the business of the City in a timely manner. He feels that Councilmember Kuhn, and all Councilmembers, should anticipate conflicts of interest when running for office, and handle such matters immediately after taking office. The City and the community were scheduled to address this matter at the June 21 Council meeting. Councilmember Lojeski is concerned that delays such as this cause the public to perceive the City Council as "giving a lot of lip service to the community with no action." The City Attorney explained that part of the delay was due to the fact that the FPPC will not accept a request for a legal op~nlon until pertinent information and data are received in a form acceptable to that agency. Further, that even though Councilmember Kuhn may not at this time participate in discussion regarding downtown redevelopment. the other Councilmembers may do so. or may postpone the matter to a later date. at their discretion. Mayor Pro tem Chang thought it was not unreasonable to wait for an answer from the FPPC with regard to Councilmember Kuhn; the Council will gain from her real estate expertise if it is found that she has no conflict of interest. -1- 6/14/94 2. PROPOSED IMPLEMENTA- TION OF VOLUNTARY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM O'1'~O-.:lO r ,'. 36:0195 Mayor Young proposed going ahead with tonight's scheduled presentation of property use and development opportunities in the redevelopment area. She also proposed rescheduling the downtown revitalization discussion to the July 19 meeting. It was Councilmember Lojeski's concern that this now necessitates notifying the public, the downtown business association, and others who were informed that the matter would be heard at the June 21 meeting. The Acting City Manager stated that information regarding the date change will be sent out tomorrow morning. By general consent, it was agreed to hear the presentation tonight and reschedule the discussion to July 19. Councilmember Lojeski asked Mayor Pro tem Chang why there was so much paperwork done by staff and given to all Councilmembers with regard to answering Dr. Chang's budget questions. He felt that most of the information was already given to Councilor available in the budget. Councilmember Lojeski suggested that. in the I interest of saving staff time and effort, Dr. Chang might go to staff with his questions and be given a direct answer. without the need to distribute extra paperwork to the rest of the Council. Fire Chief Gardner gave an overview of the Voluntary Emergency Medical Subscription Program. The program provides a low-cost method for residents and businesses in Arcadia to receive paramedic ambulance service and transportation. In addition, it is proposed that a non-resident fee be implemented- -$125 for basic life support (BLS) and $225 for advanced life support (ALS)--to cover the cost of paramedic response to non-residents. By paying a small annual fee to join the Voluntary Emergency Medical Subscription Program, City residents would not incur a possible $300 to $500 ambulance charge. This voluntary program would be made available to all residents and businesses in the City who wish to subscribe. To cover the cost of the paramedic program, a $42 annual fee to residents is proposed, as well as the ALS and BLS fees for non-residents. The $42 fee can be paid bi-monthly on a resident's water bill or paid all at one time, or, if a resident does not receive a water bill, the fee may be paid when submitting an application for the program. Staff estimates that the program will generate approximately $200,000 in additional revenue, depending upon the number of subscribers, the actual cost of the program. and start- up costs. An Administrative Captain and a part-time clerk would be required to manage the program. The Finance Department may require a half- time position to aid in administering the program. It is anticipated that when the Emergency Services Coordinator retires in December, the Administrative Captain will take over the duties of his position. for a more cost-effective use of personnel. Revenue proj ections for the proposed emergency medical subscription program are based upon a survey of ten cities which have a similar program. The staff report presents a lower than anticipated membership rate for Arcadia, so revenue projections are very conservative. The Fire Chief believes that a Voluntary Emergency Medical Subscription Program would be so beneficial to Arcadia residents, especially senior citizens, that even if no additional revenue were generated, he would recommend proceeding with it. Members of the Senior Citizens Commission are very supportive of the program and anxious for it to be implemented. In answer to a question by Mayor Young, the Fire Chief explained that if a subscriber to the program is on Medicare, there are no additional costs. Medicare is billed and the payment received is accepted as payment in full. I In answer to a question from Mayor Pro tem Chang. the Fire Chief explained that by paying the $42 annual fee, a subscriber would not have to pay his insurance company's deductible for emergency medical and ambulance services. The Fire Department would ask for authority to bill the insurance company and receive reimbursement. - 2- 6/14/94 I "I 3. REQUEST FOR INSTALLATION OF WORLD CUP BANNERS Ot::O -.:sO , " ' 36:0196 Regardless of how much the deductible might be, there would be no other charge to the subscriber. The Fire Chief stated that he would like to see this program begin on July 1; the educational and informational phase may take two to three months. It is desired that every resident be contacted at least twice before the program goes into effect. There would be information in their water bills and other mailings. The Administrative Captain will contact all apartment and condominium owners, service clubs, and maj or businesses to make everyone in the City aware of the program. Councilmember Lojeski hopes the public will be made aware that this program will be of benefit not only to senior citizens. but to everyone in the community. He asked how the fee would be charged to someone who is a resident and also owns a business in the City. The Fire Chief explained that that person would pay the $42 fee to cover everyone in his residence, and would pay $42 to cover all the employees in his business. He will look into the details of the program as to whether a person and his family would be covered if they are at his place of business. Councilmember Lojeski suggested offering an incentive of perhaps a 10 percent savings to those who pay in advance for the entire year. Discussion continued with regard to the Voluntary Emergency Medical Subscription Program. The Fire Chief stated that some details must be fine-tuned, but he wanted to first present the overall concept of the program to the Council for Council's direction. By general consent, it was agreed to have this item presented formally to Council at its July 5 meeting, for a public hearing and adoption of the related ordinance and fee resolution. Andrew Gold, representative of Gold Graphics Manufacturing Company, was present to answer questions regarding a request to install twenty (20) sets of World Cup U.S.A. 1994 banners on portions of both Huntington Drive and Santa Anita Avenue. Photographs, sample renderings, and a sample of the eight-foot-high banner were presented. At the bottom of the banner is the name of one of many sponsoring companies such as McDonald's, Fuj ifilm, Budweiser Beer, etcetera. Councilmember Lojeski inquired as to whether it could be requested that banners that advertise certain products not be used. Mr. Gold explained that the World Cup offered various cities to the sponsors, and the sponsors chose cities where they would like to have their banners located. Anheuser-Busch was interested in having their banner displayed in Arcadia. Councilmember Lojeski is pleased with the way the banners look, but would prefer that banners advertising Budweiser Beer not be displayed close to Arcadia High School, or near Holy Angels School or Bonita Park School. Mayor Young was also satisfied with the banners except for the "Bud. King of Beers" advertising on each banner. Councilmember Kuhn agreed. Mr. Gold explained that Anheuser-Busch was the only sponsor who expressed interest in displaying banners in the City of Arcadia. There are no banners with other sponsors proposed to be located in Arcadia. Mr. Gold stated that the banners could be placed on Huntington or Santa Anita as the Council desired. Councilmember Kuhn suggested placing some of the banners at Baldwin Avenue and Duarte Road, due to the proximity to a major shopping area. Mayor Pro tem Chang did not believe the location of the banners to be a problem. If the children did not see banners near the schools, they would see them in other areas of the City. He feels the more important issue is the Budweiser advertising in general and Council's feeling about it. After further discussion, it was MOVED by Councilmember Lojeski. seconded by Councilmember Kuhn, and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE installation of temporary banners by Gold Graphics Manufacturing Company. contractor for World Cup U.S.A. 1994, Inc., on Huntington Drive from City limit to City limit and on Santa Anita from Duarte Road to Foothill Boulevard, with the exception of locations near Arcadia High School, Bonita Park -3- 6/14/94 4. ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY - PROPERTY USE/ DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES O~ '-IO-~;o .' 5. CLOSED SESSION 0110- '-/0 -. ADJOURNMENT ATTEST: 36:0197 School, and Holy Angels School, and to put one or two banners on Baldwin Avenue, subj ect to compliance with the provisions in Ordinance No. 2004. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang. Kuhn. Lojeski, and Young None Councilmember Margett The Assistant Community Development Director/Economic Development. Peter Kinnahan, presented a detailed review of the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency's current financial condition and a summary of possible Agency projects and programs. The details of said report are set forth in the June 10, 1994 staff report. He stated, in part, that some of the information is of a confidential nature and must be discussed in closed session. I Councilmember Lojeski commented that it does not seem to be a good idea to reveal at a public meeting the figure of $13 per square foot as an estimated land value for property on the southwest corner of Huntington Drive and Second Avenue. He pointed out that at one time the value had been placed at $18 per square foot. A developer might be encouraged to make an offer. believing that the land will be sold at that price without negotiation. Mr. Kinnahan explained that every year a figure must be put in the budget as to what the Agency's revenues are estimated to be. One of the revenues is potential land sale proceeds, and so a realistic figure must be provided. In the late '80's and early '90's land value was higher and therefore the figure was higher than $13, Another piece of land owned by the Agency on First Avenue. set aside for a possible light rail site, was not included in the estimated land sale proceeds. For clarification of land sale proceeds, Councilmember Lojeski suggested that all of the properties owned by the Agency and their land value should be reflected on the report. Councilmember Lojeski and Mayor Young suggested also adding the category of City-owned properties which are in the Redevelopment area. Discussion continued regarding the Agency's financial report. The Assistant Community Development Director/Economic Development then reviewed the Agency's list of 19 possible projects and programs, and their estimated cost range. Councilmember Lojeski pointed out that some of the projects on the list are old interests, those of previous Councils' preference. The Acting City Manager suggested that more time than is available tonight should be set aside to discuss the projects and their priorities, A study session is scheduled for June 28, if needed. to finalize the budget. It was decided to continue discussion of the Agency's projects and programs to that date. A Closed Session was held pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 for conference with labor negotiators Dan Cassidy and/or Gary Rogers, and the City Attorney regarding unrepresented employees including City management officials. AFSCME Local 2264, the Arcadia Firefighters Association, and the Arcadia Police Relief Association. I At 7:05 p.m. the City Council entered a CLOSED SESSION, ~ and ADJOURNED at 7:17 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. June 21, 1994. in the City Hall Council Chambers for a Regular Meeting to conduct the business of the Council and the Redevelopment Agency, and any Closed Session necessary to discuss personnel. litigation matters or evaluation of properties. ?2lef4?.f:d//(f' J~~'~~\ -4- 6/14/94