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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 26,1994 I I 36:0264 f?/I(}. '.l-' 0))(,'1;1 u: CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FIL~ IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK ROLL CALL 1. 2. 3. CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS FOR PLANNING COMMISSIONER 01":"0-"0 M I NUT E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING July 26. 1994 The Arcadia City Council met in an Adjourned Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 26, 1994, at 5:15 p.m. in the Conference Room of the City Hall Council Chamber. PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kuhn, Lojeski. Margett, and Young None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None. On July 5, 1994, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2007, increasing the number of Planning Commission members from five to seven. The Council conducted interviews of the following four applicants for the two additional positions on the Planning Commission. Paul Kalemkiarian is self employed. His company, Wine of the Month Club. Inc., is a mail-order business located in Arcadia. Mr. Kalemkiarian stated that he has read the Commissioner's Handbook and he is aware of the commitment that is involved in being on the Planning Commission. He has read minutes from the past several meetings to see how Commissioners have voted, and agrees with the decisions made with regard to their relation to the code and how they fit in with the master plan. Mr. Kalemkiarian has developed properties and dealt with cities, and understands the approach from the standpoint of the developer. He feels that the Planning Commission's job is to deal with facts and make an objective decision, keeping in mind how it will affect the City. Mr. Kalemkiarian believes that something needs to be done to revitalize the downtown area. He thinks the City needs to help by spending some money on developing the buildings. However, with the current recession, it would not be advisable for the City to spend a lot of money on the downtown area and then have no tenants come in who are able to afford to improve the inside of the buildings. William M. Marcussen is a self-employed consultant. He formerly worked for Arco as controller of the corporation, and later as Vice President of Public Relations, retiring in 1985. Mr. Marcussen believes that the Planning Commission should be looking ahead and planning for the future, being proactive rather than reactive. He feels that there is a relationship between the changing needs of the School District and the City, and that the Planning Commission should be looking at that kind of change in the future. Mr. Marcussen has seen published reports and heard some Council discussions, though not recently. with regard to the downtown revitalization plans. He is not in favor of what he has heard, but acknowledges that he may not be fully informed about the project. He believes that placing seven stoplights in one or two blocks on Huntington Drive sounds ponderous, and the parking situation does not seem very flexible. However, he believes that something must be done about Huntington Drive. Mr. Marcussen has extensive travel plans scheduled for August, October, next -1- 7/26/94 4. ORDINANCE NO. 2019 (ADOPTED) 36:0265 February, and the following fall. He recognizes that these plans may prevent him from attending some scheduled meetings of the Planning Commission. Howard "Buzz" Soellman is Vice President/Engineering' Geology Manager with Converse Consultants -in Pasadena. He stated that he is a member of the Association of Engineering Geologists, which meets every second Tuesday, but would be willing to adapt his schedule to attend Planning Commission meetings. Mr. Spellman would like to see controlled growth in the City, and would like to see the redevelopment area receive some improvement. He is in agreement with the way the Planning Commission has minimized "mansionization." while still permitting tastefully designed larger homes. He believes that as long as code requirements are being met, each home must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Spellman's company has been the City's geologist for many years, evaluating reports that the City receives for buildings that are on or near earthquake faul ts. If any conflict of interest situations arose due to his working for Converse Consultants, he would excuse himself from any decision-making process. I Karen Towner is a business owner in the City of Arcadia. In her former position as Vice Chairman of the Port Commission of the City of Ventura she had an opportunity to deal with that city's Planning Commission and the Corps of Engineers in developing a marina, Harbortown Resort, timeshares, restaurants, and a hotel. Employment in private business has given her experience in human resources and dealing with people. In order to be more available to her commitments as wife of the Arcadia Superintendent of Schools, she left a job in Los Angeles and began work as Community Service Director at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia. Mrs. Towner feels it is very important for the City to have a long-term plan. to continue to be a "Community of Homes." and that homes built should be compatible to the rest of the neighborhood. She believes that the City should encourage businesses to come into the community, while being cautious as to the type of businesses. It is her feeling that the Planning Commission, if used correctly, can take a lot of the burden off of the Council, ac ting as a buffer between citizens and the Council. With regard to proposed plans for the downtown area, she was pleased that the Council was willing to look at all of them, possibly combining two different plans. Because only four candidates have been interviewed for the two positions of Planning Commissioner and several other qualified individuals have applied. Council agreed that other candidates should be interviewed. The Acting City Manager, Bill Kelly. will furnish Council with the applications of the candidates who have not yet been interviewed. At their meeting on August 2, Council may designate those whom they wish to interview. In addition, at the August 2 meeting Council may wish to appoint one Commissioner from those interviewed this evening. The Acting City Manager presented and read the title No. 2019: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 2622.2(a) TO MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDING ADMISSION TAX RATES ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS." I of Ordinance THE CITY OF THE ARCADIA FOR OUTDOOR It was MOVED by Councilmember Margett, seconded by Councilmember Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Ordinance No. 2019 be and it is hereby ADOPTED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kuhn, Lojeski, Margett, and Young None None .2- 7/26/94 I I 5. SCHOOL DISTRICT USE OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTY ADJACENT TO HUGO REID PRIMARY SCHOOL 36:0266 The Acting City Manager presented a staff report with regard to the Arcadia School District's use of City-owned property adjacent to District-owned property at Hugo Reid Primary School. The School District is remodeling Hugo Reid Primary School. During construction nine portable buildings must be located on the property to be used for classroom purposes when school begins on september 8. The School District. unknowingly, placed two of these portable classrooms partially pn City property. The City Attorney has advised that Council must give authorization for the buildings to remain where they are by means of a property use agreement. The City will obtain from the School District the appropriate insurance documents to protect the City from potential liability problems in the event of any accidents or injuries. The District has requested that the City permit the buildings to remain through April 1995, at which time construction should be completed. This matter was brought to the attention of Mayor Young by neighbors who called her. Emil Amato, who is employed by Three-DI Construction Management, an agent of the Arcadia Unified School District, stated in part that the neighbors who called Mayor Young were aware that the two units were placed on City property; however, the District did not know the property was not theirs. He stated that the District was also unaware that the a nearby public works station has ammonia in it. The units must be a minimum of 75 feet from the station, and that is an additional reason why they must be relocated. It has been difficult to find another place to put the buildings due to fire code regulations and space limitations. Dr. Terrence Towner, Arcadia Super- intendent of Schools, Joann Steinmeier, School Board member, and Mr. Amato met with residents and teachers to try to come up with a solution to the problem of where to place the buildings. The plan agreed upon consists of trimming trees on School District property and placing the buildings under the trees. Eventually, the two buildings will be disassembled and relocated in two rows along with the other portable buildings. Councilmember Lojeski expressed his opinion that it would be of benefit to both the School District and the Council for the two groups to meet together periodically. Both entities' interests are in the same direction--to create the best community possible. An incident such as this may have been prevented if there had been better communication between the City and the District. Joann Steinmeier. Arcadia School Board member, stated in part that the Superintendent of Schools does not have a problem with taking on the responsibility of liability and a hold-harmless agreement. The Acting City Manager commented that the City Attorney has said that if the Council authorizes the action to go forward, the City Attorney and the District or County Counsel would have to draft the correct instrument. It will not be signed until the City Attorney feels that hold-harmless and liability coverage is adequate. Mr. Amato stated that, for the safety of the children, the existing school facility will be fenced off while construction is taking place. The Acting City Manager stated that Council may make a decision tonight with regard to this matter. Councilmember Margett was concerned that perhaps it would be better to present this information at a regular. televised Council meeting in order to make the community aware of it since there were no residents in attendance at tonight's meeting. Discussion continued with regard to when and how to present this matter for approval. As additional information, Mr. Amato pointed out that a total of four buildings will be placed on City property. with the remainder on School District property. The Acting City Manager suggested that Council could conditionally approve the School District's plan tonight, have the School District prepare the necessary documents for signature, and put an item on the agenda for the August 2 Council meeting as a City Manager announcement so the public is aware of what is happening. Mr. Amato suggested that since the situation already exists where -3- 7/26/94 6. LOJESKI (Medicare supplement) HARGETT (Joint meet- ing, Council and School District) CHANG (Attendance at Conference) 7. ADJOURNMENT ATTEST: 36:0267 two units are on City property and tha~ property is also a public park, portable fencing could be placed around the units to shield them off from the public until a hold-harmless agreement is signed. Mayor Pro tem Chang asked if the public was aware that this matter would be discussed at tonight's Council meeting. The Acting City Manager responded that legally, yes- -this is a noticed City Council meeting, the agenda was published in advance. However, it is not a televised meeting. It was MOVED by Counci1member Margett, seconded by Councilmember Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that this matter be placed on the agenda for the August 2 Council meeting for approval; and that all pertinent documents be presented for approval at that time; that all property owners within 300 feet of said school be noticed by mail and an announcement placed on the cable "Community Bulletin Board." I AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kuhn, Lojeski, Margett and Young None None MATTERS FROM CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Lojeski referred to a medical insurance plan approved by Council at its July 19, 1994, meeting. He inquired about supplemental medical insurance being paid by the City for those who have Medicare as their primary coverage and asked if other cities are doing the same thing. The Acting City Manager stated he will investigate and provide information to Council in a memorandum. Councilmember Margett asked if there were any immediate plans to have a joint meeting between the Council and the School District. Mayor Young answered that she has sent a letter to the President of the School Board but has not yet received a response. Mayor Pro tem Chang announced that he, along with Mayor Young and Councilmember Kuhn, will be attending a conference in Monterey next Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. MATTERS FROM STAFF None. At 7:30 p.m. the Adjourned Regular Meeting ADJOURNED to Tuesday, August 2, 1994, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of the City Hall Council Chambers for a Closed Session, to be followed by a Regular Meeting to conduct the business of the Council and the Redevelopment Agency. I ~r4~a7 Mary. ng, 1 all ~: ",)JPffSl e D. Alford, y Cler~ -4- 7/26/94