Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 6,1993_2 1 I OliO ....10 35:00740'-/0(; r', c.c CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK INVOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL MINUTE APPROVAL (Mar.16,1993) (Mar.23,1993) (APPROVED) ORD. & RES. READ BY TITLE ONLY PROCLAMATION "CONTACT PASADENA" PROCLAMATION (Wilsterman) 1. o <{:; ij . -, t) N -r MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGUIAR MEETING APRIL 6, 1993 The Arcadia City Council met in a regular meeting at 7:45 p,m" Tuesday April 6, 1993 in the Conference Room of the City Hall Council Chambers. City Clerk June D. Alford City Attorney Michael Miller PRESENT: Councilmen Ciraulo. Harbicht. Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None ABSENT: On MOTION by Councilman Loj eski, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo and CARRIED, the minutes of the adjourned and regular meetings of March 16, 1993 and the work session of March 23, 1993 were APPROVED. It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo, seconded by Councilman Margett, and CARRIED that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only and that the reading in full be WAIVED. Mayor Fasching read a proclamation commending the twenty year anniversary of "Contact Pasadena", and declaring the week of March 21 - 27, 1993 to be "Contact pasadena" week. This is a crisis intervention help line serving the community twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Last year volunteers responded to over 256,000 calls from persons who were under stress. in need of emergency food, or in need of information or referral to other community agencies. The volunteers at Contact Pasadena show a genuine desire to help build the community environment with fewer social and economic dislocations. Mayor Fasching presented the proclamation to Mrs. Geri Powell. Mayor Fasching read a special proclamation declaring April 6, 1993 to be Don Wilsterman Day, and commending Police Officer Don Wilsterman for his thirty-seven years of service to the City of Arcadia. Officer Wilsterman has been the expert on fingerprint examination, evidence organization, lab work, and official Police and City photographer for most of his career. Don was named Employee of the Year in 1982, and Officer of the year in 1992, Officer wilsterman is retiring in May of this year. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Duke Alan Swafford, S & B Investments, 26 1/2 E. Huntington Drive. stated, in part, that he has been putting up with the graffiti problem on his property for a long time. He spent $2800 on a decorative wrought iron fence around his property and the business next door. His building has three very high glass panels. This past Friday nightl Saturday morning someone etched graffiti with a glass cutter into one of his windows. It will cost $8500 to replace the glass. Recently he lost his next door 1 4/6/93 2. 2a. LV. OF ABSENCE o ;l"H) .')\ wlo PAY - (Leticia Corrall,P.D., Rosemarie O'Sullivan, Recreation) (APPROVED) 2b. AMENDED CITY CHARTER PRINTING COSTS ( CONTINUED TO APRIL 20, 1993) 10 "10 -.3 0 35:0075 tenant because someone shot out that tenant's front glass windows. The replacement cost $5800, The firs t week in November that tenant received $185,000 worth of hunting and archery equipment, The next morning it had all been stolen. The loss of this tenant has already cost Mr, Swafford $10,000 in rental fees. He has called every department in the City, The Chief of Police tells him that they have patrols in that area, However, there are drunks laying in the alley, sexual paraphernalia in the parking lot, even though it is fenced, and he has to keep his front door locked twenty-four hours a day because he cannot subject his clientele to abuse from undesirable persons wandering in and out. He was present to ask Council what he can do? He would like some kind of response to tell him how to cope with these problems. Mayor Fasching responded that the Police Department has increased 1 patrols in that area; if a police officer had seen vandalism. that officer would certainly have stopped it and apprehended the person involved. The Mayor mentioned that he too has encountered such problems at his business. This is a situation that all cities are experiencing. The Police Department is doing the best it can to control these problems and does a better job than is done is most cities. Councilman Harbicht noted that the Council shares Mr. Swafford's frustration. The graffiti problem is a cancer on our society that is growing by leaps and bounds. Latest estimates indicate that over a billion dollars is being spent in the United States on graffiti removal, and one can see how much is still evident. The total amount of damage is incredible. He doesn't know what the answer is. The City of Arcadia is doing everything it can. The City spent over $60.000 last year removing graffiti from public and private property. Crai2 Bushey, 215 West Pamela Road. stated, in part. that he is present to notify the Council that the High School Girls' Soccer teams have won both the league and the CIF championships. These girls on the team are fine ambassadors for the City. The girls' sports at the high school do not receive the monitory support that the, football team receives. Mr. Bushey requested that Council donate $2,000 to the soccer team to purchase CIF championship rings. There are nineteen team members, which would amount to $110 per girl to go toward the purchase of the rings. Mayor Fasching responded that this will be taken up for discussion later in this meeting. CONSENT ITEMS On MOTION by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo, seconded by Councilman Harbicht and CARRIED, an extended leave of absence without pay, April 9. 1993 through July 22, 1993 for Leticia Corral. Police Clerk, Police Department, and extended leave of absence without pay, May 17,1993 through July 20,1993 for Rosemarie O'Sullivan, Senior Services Supervisor, Recreation Department were APPROVED. I Consideration of request by the City Clerk for authorization to transfer $2,117.68 from the General Fund to General City Account Number 001-400-1701-7200 for reproduction of 2,000 copies of the amended City Charter. Councilman Lojeski questioned the need for as many as 2,000 copies of the City Charter, and if there would be further changes or additions to the Charter within the next year or two. In reply to questions from Council, the City Attorney stated that there should be no State mandated changes in the near future. Mayor Fasching noted that Council might 2 4/6/93 1 I 35:0076 review the Charter for possible additional changes. It was the consensus of Council to CONTINUE this consent item to the April 20, 1993 Council meeting to allow the City Clerk time to provide Council information of the cost to reproduce 1.000 copies of the Charter. 2c. Cq.:J() "Ii) CONTRACT AWARD It was MOVED by Councilman Harbicht. seconded by Councilman (Norman Ave. Margett and CARRIED. to AWARD the contract in the amount of Drainage $27.931.00 to Thomas Equipment Rentals for the Norman Avenue Improvements - Drainage Improvements - Job No. 671. Any informalities in the Job No. 671) bid or bidding process are WAIVED, and the Mayor and City Clerk (AWARDED) are AUTHORIZED to execute a contract in the form approved by the City Attorney. 2d. DESIGN REVIEW (Nordstrom Bldg. - Santa Anita Fashion Park - 400 S.Baldwin Ave.) (APPROVED) (J') fS - "0 2e. AFFA RETIREE HEALTH INS. BUY-UP PROG. MOU (APPROVED) ,)" 'iJ (.Jcl../v Q r~'- Consideration of design review of the proposed Nordstrom building at 400 South Baldwin Avenue - Santa Anita Fashion Park Mall expansion. Councilman Lojeski noted that, in view of the magnitude of this project and the considerable investment in the project on the part of the City, as well as the general interest of the residents of the City in Nordstrom's new store, he would appreciate more detailed renderings of the design, perhaps 8" x 10" glosses. Chuck McKenzie, Nordstrom Store Planning, Seattle. stated that he is sorry that color renderings and more complete information detailing what is under way with the new store were not distributed. This coming week he will provide more information as to what it is going to look like. The Hahn Company is doing the current work at the site. Nordstrom is excited about gecting under way with the new store, and plan to advertise soon for bids for the building shell through their general contractor, Bayley Construction Company of Santa Ana. They plan to advertise for bids for interior construction in July, 1993, and expect to open August 26, 1994. They have enjoyed a good relationship with the City staff, and working in a community that is receptive to the new store. Nordstrom is looking forward to being a part of this communi ty. Mayor Fasching said he is impressed by the way things are going with the construction. Mike Crei~hton. Callison Partnership, Ltd., Seatcle, in response to questions from Councilman Margett, briefly described the proposed designs for the oucside entries and the mall entries to Nordstrom's new store. The designs will fit in harmoniously with the present Arcadia Fashion Park. He also mentioned that they are putting together new concepts for the interior look of the departments. A similar concept is to be used for the remodeled Nordstrom store in Glendale. It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman Margett and CARRIED to APPROVE che exterior elevations for the proposed Nordstrom Building at 400 Souch Baldwin Avenue, and FIND that the proposal is in compliance with the City's Architectural Design Review (ADR) criteria. It was MOVED by Councilman Harbicht, seconded by Councilman Margett and CARRIED, to APPROVE che modification to the Memorandum of Understanding with che Arcadia Firefighters Association reducing the age 55 buy-up condition for retiree health insurance to age 50. This to resolve inconsistencies between the Firefighters Association buy-up benefit with that of the AFSCME and APRA-represented employees. 3 4/6/93 3. 3a. GRAFFI TI REMOVAL PROGRAM (Report & Reconnnenda- tion - Received and Filed) o),).,o-S.'O 3b. CONSTRUCTION SITE MAINTENANCE (STAFF REPORT REC'D) 0"',:, 0, ... 0 35:0077 CITY MANAGER Review of the status of the graffiti removal program and consideration of extending Graffiti Removal, Inc.'s contract to include public property. The Assistant Planning Director presented a report outlining the increasingly expensive problem of graffiti removal in the City. Calls and reports about graffiti are forwarded to the City's Code Enforcement Officer, The Code Enforcement Officer inspects each incident on private property and requests written authorization from the owner or tenant to allow the City's contractor to remove the graffiti. After this, the Code Enforcement Officer notifies Graffiti Removal, Inc. to proceed with removal. If graffiti is on public property, the Code Enforcement Officer reports the problem to the Public Works Department for abatement. The possibility of extending Graffiti Removal, Inc.'s contract to include public property perhaps should be considered because, with the increase in the amount of graffiti to be cleaned, Public Works personnel are increasingly being removed from their day-to-day jobs for the cleaning. The City has no jurisdiction for graffiti removal on freeway walls. or property owned by other governmental agencies. When the City receives calls or City personnel observe graffiti on other public facilities and buildings, the appropriate agencies are notified of the location. Graffiti is becoming a very serious problem. The May I, 1993 City Newsletter will have an article specifically addressing the City's graffiti removal program. I Some discussion ensued regarding efforts by other jurisdictions to restrict availability of spray paint and marking pens, A few years ago, consideration was given to an ordinance to restrict the availability of such in Arcadia. Originally this was thought to be preempted by the State statues. The California Supreme Court ruled against this, and now cities can pass this kind of legislation. Also, the Council had some practical concerns about such an ordinance. Council received the staff report, and the City Attorney will provide additional information for consideration at a later date. Consideration of report in response to the City Council's inquiry concerning maintenance of construction sites. The Council has expressed concern regarding the length of time taken to complete some jobs and the maintenance of job sites. A survey of nine cities indicated that none have a maximum time limit for completion. Beverly Hills has requirements to keep the property in a neat manner; Whittier requires chain link fencing of the property. The remaining seven cities have no requirements; however four of the cities indicated that building inspectors handle clean-up complaints. Arcadia's building inspectors and code enforcement officers try to ensure continued maintenance of construction sites. In addition, the City has filed nuisance abatements against property, and has had private companies clean up the property at the property owner's expense. There have been a few incidents of construction sites left in an uncompleted state for a considerable period of time, but in most cases the contractors complete the work in a timely manner. In situations where contractors run out of financing, there is no practical way for the City to ensure the timely completion of the project. Wi th regard to the maintenance of the property, currently the building inspectors are advising developers/contractors that no inspections will be done until the site has been cleaned up (this does not include removal of scrap piles but removal of all other trash and debris). I 4 4/6/93 1 I 4. 4a. RESOLUTION NO. 5718 (ADOPTED) O~.,;-... ):'0 4b. RESOLUTION NO. 5719 (ADOPTED) ()C(f; () -6 0 4c. RESOLUTION NO. 5720 (ADOPTED) ()%D J) 4d. CITY MGR. PERFORMANCE EVALUAITON & DEF. SALARY INCREASE (ADPPROVED) O:J..">'v ';0 013 J _'"' 0 35:0078 CITY ATTORNEY The City Attorney presented and read the title of Resolution No. 5718: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA. CALIFORNIA DECLARING THE CITY'S INTENTION TO VACATE AND ABANDON PARCELS ONE (1) AND (2), PORTIONS OF GREENFIELD AVENUE; DIREGTING THE CLERK OF THE COUNCIL TO FILE SAID MAP IN HER OFFICE SHOWING SAID PORTIONS: SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON FOR MAY 4. 1993: AND DIRECTING NOTICE THEREOF TO BE POSTED AND PUBLISHED". It was MOVED by Mayor pro tem Ciraulo, seconded by Councilman Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No. 5718 be and it is hereby ADOPTED, AYES: Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett and Fasching None None NOES: ABSENT: The City Attorney presented and read the title of Resolution No. 5719: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA. CONSENTING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PORTIONS OF LAS TUNAS DRIVE WITHIN SAID CITY AS PART OF THE SYSTEM OF HIGHWAYS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES". It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No, 5719 be and it is hereby ADOPTED. AYES: Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski. Margett and Fasching None None NOES: ABSENT: The City Attorney presented and read the title of Resolution No, 5720: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA. CALIFORNIA, CONSENTING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PORTION OF LIVE OAl< AVENUE/ARROW HIGHWAY FROM SANTA ANITA AVENUE TO SAN DIMAS CANYON ROAD WITHIN SAID CITY AS A PART OF THE SYSTEM OF HIGHWAYS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES". It was MOVED by Councilman Harbicht. seconded by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No. 5720 be and it is hereby ADOPTED. AYES: Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett' and Fasching None None NOES: ABSENT: Pursuant to direction of the City Council, upon satisfactory performance evaluation, a salary adjustment of five percent (5%) for the City Manager shall be implemented. To assure consistency with other possible salary deferrals for City staff. the City Manager requested a six (6) month deferral of this approved increase to his salary. It was MOVED by Councilman Margett, seconded by Councilman Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to AFFIRM the City Manager's satisfactory performance evaluation; and AUTHORIZE a five percent (5%) increase to his current salary to be effective on January 1. 1994, with DIRECTION to adjust' the appropriate resolution ~xhibits and salary schedules to reflect this adjustment. 5 4/6/93 5. o<!?O-"-s- POLICE CHIEF JOHNSON (Contingency Plans for City Protection) 6. LOJESKI (Tin Sheds Design Rev. Santa Anita N. Of Colorado) (Review of !) ,; ~ rl d >- Bus. Lie. Procedure r/$ r for Entertainment Type Activities) (R V Parking Control) t)~ ',<(1, '15" rI.1" -r CIRAULO (R V Parking Control) HARBICHT (R V Parking Control) MARGETT (R V Parking Control FASCHING CIRAULO (R V Parking Control) 35:0079 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski. Margett and Fasching Councilman Harbicht None MATTERS FROM STAFF Police Chief Neal Johnson read a statement to the effect that the Arcadia Police Department assures the community that contingency plans to protect the City and its residents are in place in the event there should be any civil disturbance when the verdict is delivered on the Rodney King case. This notice has been distributed City-wide and, will be printed in the local newspapers. MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS I Councilman Lojeski recalled a design review for tin sheds on Santa Anita Avenue north of Colorado. He would like to know what happened to that project. Staff will check on this, In response to Councilman Lojeski's question, staff reviewed the Business License Department's procedure for review of entertainment type activities. Councilman Lojeski appreciates seeing advance copies of such reviews in the Newsletter. In the past he has seen advertisements for various types of activities only after they had been processed by the Business License Department, 1. e., the new Mystery Cafe at the... Embassy Suites which was advertised in the Chamber of Commerce Newsletter before Council was aware of it. In some instances, he would like to have the opportunity to make some comments on such reviews. Councilman Lojeski inquired if Council would be interested in consideration of a time limit for parking motor homes and other types of recreational vehicles including boats on residential property. Perhaps there should be a maximum amount of time allowed for such vehicles to be parked in front yards. Councilman Lojeski has even seen one motor home on blocks. He wonders if this is safe, and also if such an arrangement may be being used as a more or less permanent domicile. He noted that Arcadia is a city of homes; not a city of motor homes and boats. Mayor Pro tern Ciraulo agreed. He would like staff to come back to Council with a recommendation for a time limit for motor homes, recreational vehicles and boats to be allowed to be parked on properties within sight of the street. Staff will come back to Council with a report and recommendation. Councilman Harbicht noted this matter had come before the Duarte Council when he was a member of that body. That Council directed staff to enforce an ordinance prohibiting storage of RV vehicles for more than a set number of days. There was a tremendous negative response from the citizens. He warns Council that consideration of imposing restrictions on RV vehicles will undoubtedly result in late night sessions and hard feelings. I Councilman Margett said he recalled this matter of parking of RV vehicles being raised previously. Staff responded this was 12 - 15 years ago, and it did result in residents filling the Council Chamber. The item was eventually tabled. Mayor Fasching and Mayor Pro tern Ciraulo would like to look into this matter not necessarily to take any action. Mayor Fasching also expressed ,concern about motor homes on blocks and if such homes are being used as permanent residences. Staff replied motor homes as permanent residences are not permitted in the City. Also City regulations control the number of such vehicles that would be visible from the street. Mayor Fasching 6 4/6/93 1 1 MARGETT (Undocumented Persons in So. Calif. ) 10';-() t( (1 NJ. r FASCHING (Undocumented Persons) 35:0080 would also like to hear what neighbors of such properties might have to say, Councilman Margett discussed several Senate Bills which are concerned with undocumented aliens in the Southern California area. The numbers brought out in these documents are appalling, Runaway costs for education, workers' compensation expenses I health care, etc. for 300.000 poor immigrants who are undocumented persons in this area are costing the County $947.000.000 per year. Such persons contribute approximately $139.000,000 - a difference of $808.000,000. Health care and education costs cause the biggest impact. Councilman Margett feels that Council should let the legislators know that we are cognizant of these problems. These numbers are mind boggling and will eventually break the state and the county. Along with other levels of local government, Arcadia is fighting the budget .., situation with the state taking sales and property tax monies. Councilman Margett would like to see this item placed on the agenda and to solicit comments. He would like to see Assemblyman Mountjoy backed up with some sort of City resolution to help the work he is trying to do. The legislators need our support. Mayor Fasching agreed that the problem needs to be addressed. He suggested the matter be placed on the agenda for the next Council meeting. Councilman Harbicht would like to see a resolution brought back to Council also. (Business Lic. Mayor Fasching referred to a flyer concerning western dancing at Reviews - Santa Anita. He had no knowledge of this previously. He agreed Entertainment with Councilman Lojeski that he liked to receive notices of such Activities) matters before the Business License Department 'review. u.;L~ \.-) ... .J \,- "'~ .' (Orange Grove Avenue Improvement) c:)-.,.., If! N~ . HARBICHT (Or ange Grove Avenue Improvement) OI'S', 7,; tJ",,' FASCHING (Orange Grove Avenue Improvement) (P. D. Evidence Technician) Mayor Fasching stated. in part, that the Orange Grove Avenue improvement project keeps going back and forth, and now Sierra Madre wants to keep an unsafe dip in the street and put in a couple of stop signs. The street is abominable. Arcadia residents along the street were happy with the plan that the City had worked out. Council has tried to work with Sierra Madre. Apparently it is their feeling that the dip keeps traffic moving slowly, but it is a detriment to anybody traveling on the street. In nine years nothing has been accomplished. Apparently it is to be on the Sierra Madre Council agenda for further discussion on April 13. Councilman Harbicht mentioned that when Councilman Lojeski left the Council three years ago, he said he regretted that the improvement of Orange Grove Avenue was still not finished. With regard to the dip in the street -- leaving a dangerous condition so that people have to go slower is not the way to do street improvement planning. Also, using token stop signs as a kind of ransom, more or less, is-not the way stop signs should go in. The question of whether or not a stop sign is warranted at a certain spot is something that has been studied by traffic engineers and valid standards have been set. The placement of stop signs should be a totally separate matter. The issue here is how to make this street safe. , M~yor Fasching referred to the months and months of time spent on the design of that street to maintain the rural setting. And now we are wasting a lot of time over the unsafe dip in the street and stop signs. Mayor Fasching referred to a Police Department recommendation to replace a sworn police officer with a regular employee who will handle and store evidence. This will save many thousands of dollars and is a good idea. 7 4/6/93 FASCHING (Arcadia County Park) ()' '" ~ '-10 w,~ I' (Girls Soccer Team Rings) Of,... ,; ':SO FASCHING (In Memory of Kathleen Dale Harbicht) 7. ADJOURNMENT (Apr.12,1993 - 5:30 p.m.) ATTEST: 35:0081 Mayor Fasching said he had received a telephone call from a reporter from the Los Angeles Times inquiring about a rumor that there is a possibility that Los Angeles County may close the Arcadia Park, This was the first time he had heard about this possibility. Staff reported that sometimes discussion of potential budget cuts create rumors before the cuts are even considered. Staff has heard nothing further at this point. The comment was from a newspaper article; there has apparently been no discussion from County staff. The comment was made that Arcadia staff might be more cost efficient in maintinaing the park with the help of revenues from the golf course. Council would hate to see the park abandoned and fenced off. It was the consensus of Council that the City could not contribute toward the rings for the Girls Soccer team. as suggested earlier in this meeting by Mr. Bushey. I "I would like to adjourn tonight's meeting in memory of Kathleen Dale Harbicht. Mrs. Harbicht was born in Ontario. Canada in 1914 and passed away March 28. 1993. An active civic leader, Dale was an honorary life member and past president of the Duarte Women's Club; past president of the PTA; member of the Duarte Library and Planning Commissions and past president of the Monrovia Guild of Children's Hospital. She was also active in the League of Women Voters, Red Cross and long-time Member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Monrovia. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert Harbicht; sons, Bob (Patsy) Harbicht and John (Carrie) Harbicht; daughter Carol (Kent) Giboney; brother, Jack (Ruth) McAlary; sister, Jane (Bob) Meyer; eight grandchildren: and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Thursday, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Monrovia. Bob, on behalf of myself and the Council, I would like to extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother". The City Council ADJOURNED at 9:43 p. m. to Monday, April 12, 1993 at 5:30 p. m. in the Conference Room of the Council Chambers for an Adjourned Regular Meeting (Special Work Session) to conduct the business of the Council and any Closed Session necessary to discuss personnel, litigation matters and evaluation of properties. Mayor I '~f~'~~~' '.! 8 4/6/93