HomeMy WebLinkAboutMAY 4,1993_2
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY
CLERK
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
MINUTE
APPROVAL
(Apr.12,1993)
(Apr.13,1993)
(Apr.20,1993)
(APPROVED)
ORD. & RES.
READ BY
TITLE ONLY
CORDOBA
CORPORATION
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FOOTHILL
FEDERAL
CREDIT
UNION
M I N UT E S
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
May 4, 1993
The City Council met in a regular meeting at 7:40 p.m., Tuesday,
May 4, 1993 in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Rev. Mary Reninger, The Santa Anita Church
Kelly LaCroix
PRESENT:
Councilmembers Fasching,
Margett and Ciraulo
None
Harbicht, Loj eski,
ABSENT:
On MOTION by Mayor Pro tern Loj eski, seconded by Councilmember
Margett and CARRIED, the minutes of the April 12, 1993 and April
13, 1993 Work Sessions and the adjourned and regular meetings of
April 20, 1993 were APPROVED.
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tern Lojeski, seconded by Councilmember
Fasching and CARRIED that ordinances and resolutions be read by
title only and that the reading in full be WAIVED.
PRESENTATIONS
Ms. Genoveva Arellano, Proj ect Manager of Cordoba Corporation for
San Gabriel Valley Association of Cities and coordinator with
SCAG on this project was present to explain their objectives. She
also explained the policy area that will be covered as part of
the scope of work. This will include transportation, air
quality, housing, finance, economic development and growth
management. These are all part of the areas that are identified
by the San Gabriel Valley Association of Cities, and given to
them as their charge as they begin the planning project. The
group will be working directly with staff. Arcadia staff member
Jim Kasama is a member of the Technical Committee of the San
Gabriel Valley Association of Cities, and therefore the City of
Arcadia will be directly represented and involved as this process
moves forward. This will be about a three month project, and she
will be happy to come back to the Council for updates and
additional information that Council may want.
A Proclamation was read by Mayor Ciraulo in honor of the 35th
anniversary of the Foothill Federal Credit Union which has
served the financial needs of thousands of Arcadians in the past
35 years. Foothill Federal Credit Union today provides added
employee benefits to more than 2,300 employees of 60 employers
in the City of Arcadia: Mayor Ciraulo proclaimed the month of
May 1993 to be Foothill Federal Credit Union month, and presented
the proclamation to Michael Gomez, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Foothill Federal Credit Union,
1
5/4/93
1-
PUBLIC HEARING
UNIFORM
TRANSIENT
OCCUPANCY
TAX
INCREASE
(APPROVED)
0.3 sD - "0
35:0101
Consideration of an increase in the Uniform Transient Occupancy
Tax. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is imposed for the privilege
of occupying a room or rooms in a hotel, inn, motel, tourist home
or other lodging facility unless such occupancy is for a period
of more than 30 days. The City currently imposes an 8% tax rate
for Transient Occupancy. It is estimated that the current year's
revenue from this source will amount to approximately $700,000.
The Transient Occupancy Tax for the City of Arcadia was first
imposed in 1965 and was established at 4%, In 1968, the rate was
increased to 5%, and on July 1, 1986 increased to the current
rate of 8%. A survey of Transient Occupancy Tax rates of other
similar communities and surrounding cities indicates that
Arcadia's rate of 8% is less than the majority of cities. A 2%
increase in transient occupancy tax would generate an additional
$140,000 annually to the City. Mayor Ciraulo declared the public
hearing OPEN.
I
Dick Stanford, Santa Anita Inn, stated, in part, that managers
and owners of all six hotels and motels in Arcadia oppose
increasing the Transient Occupancy Tax. That includes Motel 6
and Best Western. The representatives of these hotels and motels
feel they are paying more than their share of taxes, considering
the transit occupancy tax, property tax and sales tax. This
increase will hurt their business, which is already down, They
feel this is not the time to raise taxes. Also, none of this tax
money goes to a visitors or convention bureau which might help
the local hotel business. The Chamber of Commerce is not able
to specifically aid the hotel business. In reply to questions
from Council, a program to attract tourism could be put together
if Council should earmark some funds for such a.program.
Stil! Hedlund, 229 North Magnolia, General Manager, Embassy Suites
Hotel, 211 East Huntington, Arcadia, stated, in part, that he is
opposed to the 2% increase in the occupancy tax because he feels
that it will negatively impact the hotel business. Pasadena is
the nearest competitor for the hotel business, 60% of Pasadena's
occupancy tax is allocated toward funding of their Visitors
Bureau, Civic Auditorium and Convention Center. They have a
strong marketing staff to bring business into the City of
Pasadena. Arcadia hotels receive no benefit from this and it is
a real battle for market share with the Pasadena hotels. The
competition has grown in the recent years. A small difference
in cost can mean losing a major account. He feels that 10% is
excessive when compared with across-the-county as well as across-
the-state occupancy tax rates. Occupancy taxes were originated
in 1964 and were allocated almost exclusively originally for the
promotion of tourism. For that reason, the hotels supported the
tax. The tax exemption for State and Federal employees is a
benefit for the hotels. Without that exemption, Arcadia would
most certainly lose the State employee business for the hotels.
Carol Morrison, General Manager, Marriott Residence Inn, 321
Huntington Drive, stated, in part, that she reiterates the
previous statements. She would like to add that Residence Inn
has been open for over four years. 1993 represents special
opportunities and challenges with regard to the business climate.
To demonstrate some of the loss they have sustained in comparison
with last year, they are 13% off the same month last year.
She is present to ask Council to consider the timing of this tax
increase with regard to the negative impact on Residence Inn,
Residence Inn has had quite a lot of government business as a
result of the civil unrest in Los Angeles and also because of the
earthquake. That disaster-related business accounted for 35% of
their top twenty account business, That will not repeat this
year. Residence Inn has the challenge of somehow replacing that
business. She is present to ask Council to consider absolutely
no tax increase.
I
Debbie Gudmundson, General Manager, Hampton Inn, 311 East
Huntington Drive, home address, 34 East Bonita, stated, in part,
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that she could not go to her clients and say she needs to
increase their rates because her revenues are down. She has to
compete with the hotels in Monrovia. Being across the border and
having that 2% leverage is a good selling point. Their occupancy
rate is down 8% from the prior year. Last month they were down
10% to budget. Things are not getting any better. She opposes
anything that will take away the competitive advantage.
Lael Collins, 409 Fairview Avenue, stated, in part, that it is
her understanding that the goal of the downtown revitalization
program is to encourage business to come to Arcadia and establish
a sense of community. It is important to show that the City cares
about the businesses that are already here who want to stay here
and grow. She suggests Council think about this. It would be
a mistake to do something that would hurt our own businesses.
I
Carol Beaslev, Director of Sales, Embassy Suites, 211 East
Huntington Drive, stated, in part, that she is highly opposed to
this increase. They use the tax rate very frequently as a
selling technique, especially to corporate companies. 2%
difference in tax rate makes a big difference to companies.
Marva Lean, 2598 Caliente Lados Circle, Duarte, stated, in part,
that she depends on the hotels for her business because she
prepares gift baskets for their guests. If this tax is
increased, the hotels will not have an edge. She has begun to
realize when she is a hotel guest that different cities have
different tax rates and takes that into consideration. Other
hotel guests probably do the same.
No one else desiring to be heard,
MOTION by Councilmember Margett,
Fasching and CARRIED.
the hearing was CLOSED on
seconded by Councilmember
Councilmember Margett stated, in part, that he has never approved
of the transient occupancy tax, and he has not altered his
position, especially not in a poor economy. Testimony tonight
substantiates his position. He would like to see the hotels in
Arcadia be able to keep their competitive advantage.
Councilmember Fasching noted the City would like to avoid
additional taxes and raise revenues by bringing additional
businesses into the City. With regard to tourist bureau-type
activities, Arcadia has a number of major attractions in itself,
i. e., a major race track, the Arboretum, golf course, a premier
shopping mall, etc., all of which draw people to Arcadia. Also,
the downtown revitalization project will provide a major stimulus
for the hotels, Councilmember Harbicht agreed with Councilmember
Margett that raising this tax is not the proper approach. The
hotel business is down; there is no justification for raising
their taxes. A good portion of the business of these hotels
comes from large contracts which they have to negotiate with
various companies. Council should look at the competitive
aspect of the hotel businesses in the City. He will not support
this tax increase.
I
Mayor Pro tern Lojeski stated, in part, that he did not believe
that the hotels in Arcadia.lost any competitive edge when the tax
rate was increased in the past. The attendance at the Santa
Anita Race Track probably has the most viable effect on the
occupancy rates. He would rather see a 2% rise in the transit
occupancy tax than to have to remove City services in the Fire
Department, Public Works Department, etc. He would not be in
opposition to this tax increase, Councilmember Fasching noted
that being in business himself, he understands business problems.
However, City employees have deferred their pay increases to help
this City. Other employees will come forward tonight to tell
Council that they will' defer their salary increases for six
months or a year to help the City. The City will have to go into
its reserves for the second time to offset budget cuts by the
State. Mayor Ciraulo noted that the City has taken significant
3
5/4/93
ORDINANCE
NO. 1988
(INTRODUCED)
" 3 Ai .110
2.
PUBLIC
HEARING
VACATION OF
PORTIONS OF
GREENFIELD
AVE.
(Parcels 1
and 2)
(APPROVED)
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35: 0103
steps to cut expenses, and is anticipating using reserve funds.
The City is spending a great deal of money trying to get the Blue
Line to come through Arcadia. If this happens, it will greatly
benefit the hotels in this City. The City does not advertise for
convention business, because there is no convention center. This
City also spends a great deal of money to maintain the best
Police, Fire and Public Works Departments to keep the City safe
and clean, Those things go a long way to making people want to
stay in the City of Arcadia as opposed to other, less desirable
areas.
The City Attorney presented for introduction and read the title
of Ordinance No. 1988: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2662 OF THE ARCADIA
MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCREASE THE UNIFORM OCCUPANCY TAX FROM 8% to
10%",
I
It was MOVED by Councilmember Fasching, seconded by Mayor Pro tern
Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Ordinance
No. 1988 be and it is hereby INTRODUCED.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Fasching, Lojeski and Ciraulo
Councilmembers Harbicht and Margett
None
On April 6, 1993 the City Council adopted Resolution No. 5718
declaring the City's intention to vacate and abandon Parcels One
(1) and Two (2), portions of Greenfield Avenue north of Live Oak
Avenue and setting May 4, 1993 as the date for public hearing.
The required notices of the proposed street vacation were
published and posted in accordance with Part 3 of Division 9 of
the California Streets and Highways Code. The appropriate
utility companies were notified of the intent to vacate. None
of the utility companies required any Reservations of Easements.
In reply to a question from Councilmember Harbicht, staff
responded that when these parcels are abandoned, they then revert
to becoming the property of the adjoining property owners.
Mayor Ciraulo declared the public hearing OPEN,
No one desiring to be heard, the public hearing was CLOSED on
MOTION by Mayor Pro tern Lojeski, seconded by Councilmember
Harbicht and CARRIED,
It was MOVED by Councilmember Margett, seconded by Councilmember
Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution
No. 5724: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE VACATION AND ABANDONMENT OF
PARCELS ONE (1) AND TWO (2), PORTIONS OF GREENFIELD AVENUE NORTH
OF LIVE OAK AVENUE" be ADOPTED.
AYES:
Councilmembers Fasching, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett and
Ciraulo
None
None
I
NOES:
ABSENT:
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Ken Marsten, Arcadia Fire Department, President, Arcadia Fire
Association, International Firefighters' Association, Local 3440,
stated, in part, that the Association has come here this evening,
in iight of the current economic recession facing the City of
Arcadia. The Firefighters' Association, in an effort to assist
the City through its economic difficulty, would like to offer to
defer their contractual raises for fiscal year 1993.94, The
Arcadia Firefighters' Association realizes that the erosion of
the City's tax base caused by the loss of business, and the
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5/4/93
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D'1111 ,n
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4.
5.
5a.
ROLL CALL
5
HAYES & CO.
EXCLUSIVE
COMM. R.E.
BROKEHAGE
CONTRACT
(6 Month
Extension)
(APPROVED)
0(, : U - ~
35:0104
State's raid on local taxes and fees has left the City with a
shortfall of $2.8 million dollars for the coming fiscal year.
The Firefighters' Association also realizes that using reserves
to balance the budget will fix the problem for this year, but
would only impact the City residents and employees in the coming
years. The Association feels that the current Councilmembers and
the Manager are working toward a correct answer '" a balance of
fiscal responsibility within our government and an increase in
the tax base of new business. The Firefighters' Association
looks forward to being able to assist the City. The Association
appreciates the positive relationship between the Council, the
City Manager and the Arcadia Firefighters' Association. In the
spirit of cooperation and trust, the Arcadia Firefighters'
Association comes forward with this offer for you this evening.
Also, I would like to say, that I think, sir, that the Council
and the City Manager need to balance between the employees, the
business of the City and the taxpayers the responsibility of the
services that you request and desire.
Terrv LaCroix, representing the Public Works Union which is the
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees,
Local 2264. "We have come to recognize the financial hardship
with which the City is confronted in the coming year. In the
'pirit of developing a better employee-employer partnership, the
'embership of AFSCME, Local 2264, have voted to defer their
agreed upon salary increases for a period of six months. We
believe this action will help the City move forward to resolve
its financial problems, As always, the Public Works employees
stand ready to assist, and they look forward to a long and
productive relationship with the City Council and the City
Manager. Thank you, very much."
Mayor Ciraulo and the Councilmembers accepted the offers to defer
salary increases, and expressed their appreciation to the
employees for their generosity and in coming forward to help the
City in this budget crisis. They also extended congratulations
and best wishes to all the members of the Associations.
CITY COUNCIL RECESSED IN ORDER TO ACT AS THE
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
PRESENT:
Harbicht,
Loj eski,
ABSENT:
Agency
Margett
None
Members Fasching,
and Ciraulo
Consideration of request for six month extension of the Exclusive
Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Contract (Hayes & Company)
It was MOVED by Member Fasching, seconded by Member Margett
and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE a six month
extension to the Exclusive Commercial Real Estate Brokerage
Contract with Hayes and Company, subject to approval by Agency
General Counsel as to form.
!/,' ,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Agency Members
Ciraulo
None
None
Fasching, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett and
It was staff's opinion that, recognizing the state of the real
estate market at this time, Dave Powell and the people at Hayes
have done a fine job for the City. It is possible it will be
necessary that staff will come back and request another six month
extension in the future. Hayes & Company have done an
outstanding job.
5
5/4/93
5c.
ADJOURNMENT
6.
7.
r II... ,'j };)
7a.
ALTERNATE
DIRECTOR
COUNTY
SAN" ITATI ON
DISTRICT
BD. OF DIR.
( Fasching)
If) ,?)
7b.
TEMPORARY
EVIDENCE
TECHNICIAN
POLICE DEPT.
(Wils terman)
7c.
7d.
() i ;,! . () NATURAL GAS
PURCHASE
( Calif.
Utility
Rate
Benefit
Assoc.)
7c.
DESIGN
REVIEW
ROBIN SONS-
MAY DEPT.
STORE
(400 S.
Baldwin Av.)
(APPROVED)
J"-h .;,;j
35:0105
The meeting ADJOURNED to 5:30 p. m., May 11, 1993.
CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED
CONSENT ITEMS
APPROVED appointment of Councilmember Fasching as Alternate
Director to the Los Angeles County Sanitation District Board of
Directors.
I
APPROVED the appointment of retiree Police Officer Donald
Wilsterman to a temporary Evidence Technician position in the
Police Department until a permanent appointment is made. Mr,
Wilsterman will work approximately 20 hours per week from May 3,
1993 through approximately August 20, 1993 at an hourly wage of
$23.48.
Considered separately (see page 7)
AWARDED contract for the purchase of natural gas to The
California Utility Rate Benefit Association (CURB). The annual
cost of natural gas for the City of Arcadia is about $40,000. The
purchase through an aggregator would net a 20%-27% decrease or
$8,000 - $10,000 annual savings, The fee paid to CURB is 20% of
the monthly savings (1,600 - $2,916). Purchasing natural gas
through the aggregator will allow for the same product with the
same service for less cost.
IT WAS MOVED BY COUNCIUlEMBER HARBICHT, SECONDED BY COUNCIUlEMBER
FASCHING AND CARRIED THAT ITEMS 7a, 7b, and 7d AROVE BE APPROVED.
The architectural firm of Abrahamian Pagliassotti & Tanaka
submitted for Council's review and approval the proposed building
elevations for the expansion of Robinsons-May department store
at 400 South Baldwin Avenue. The proposed addition will
duplicate the existing building's design, color, materials and
landscaping. Although the addition will extend approximately
77'-0. to the east, the new easterly elevation will be identical
to that which exists.
I
Roy Tanaka, 3701 Mountain View Avenue, Los Angeles, representing
Abrahamian Pagliassotti & Tanaka, explained the 30,000 sq. ft.
expansion to the existing Robinsons-May Department Store. The
colors and materials are to be the same as far as possible, The
envelope is projected for completion by November of this year,
with the interior portion projected for completion in the early
part of next year,
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Lojeski, seconded by Councilmember
Hargett and CARRIED to.APPROVE the Design of the proposed two.
story addition to the existing Robinsons-May building at 400
South Baldwin Avenue; and il@ that the proposal is in
compliance with ADR criteria.
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5/4/93
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8a.
PRESENTATION
BUDGET
INFORMATION
(FY 1993-94)
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35:0106
CITY MANAGER
Before beginning the budget presentation, the City Manager
acknowledged the various City departments and individuals who
have volunteered to cooperate with the City Council by deferring
salary increases this year, in efforts to solve the problems
resulting from the City's budget deficit.
The Finance Director estimated revenues and proposed expenditures
and made a presentation which included a General Fund five year
projection. He recalled that in the previous year Council
adopted the City's budget in June. Three or four months later
when the State budget was adopted, a significant amount of
anticipated tax funds were taken from the City by the State to
help balance its budget. In anticipation of the probable
reoccurrence of the loss of certain tax monies, the Finance
Department is projecting a $2.3 million dollar shortfall in this
coming fiscal year 1993-94.
Considerable discussion ensued among Councilmembers, the City
Manager, Finance Director, and City Department Directors
regarding means of attaining additional revenues for the City,
and means of reducing expenditures in an effort to reduce the
deficit facing the City in fiscal year 1993-94. Increasing the
Transient Occupancy Tax from 8% to 10% which will generate
approximately $140,000 in additional revenue. Another
possibility is the requirement for horse trainers to have City
business licenses which would produce $6,000 in revenue. There
have been discussions with the City of Monrovia with regard to
providing a fire dispatch system for that City, This service
will provide an additional $60,000 annually for Arcadia. The
reimbursement of the cost of fire hydrant maintenance from the
Water Department to the General Fund will place an additional
$60,000 in the General Fund. The effort to cover the expected
shortfall also includes the use of $1,000,000 reserve funds,
The discussion regarding reduction of expenditures included the
City employees' voluntary salary deferrals which amount to
approximately $446,600. The Finance Director stated that he has
been in contact with the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
management. They will provide a report regarding a funding
extension of Arcadia's unfunded actuarial liability which could
amount to a saving in this fiscal year of $300,000. After
considerable discussion with the Public Works Director. it was
the consensus of Council to eliminate temporary summer employees
in the Public Works Department, resulting in a savings of
$15,500. It was also the consensus of Council that the street
sweeping schedule of six times per week in the commercial areas
be reduced to twice a week at a savings of $60,000, Reduction
of race track traffic control by the Police Department will
result in savings of $82,000, This is feasible due to the fact
that race track attendance is down, Elimination of one staff
position in the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency Department will save
$62,000.
Councilmember Harbicht requested that staff return with detailed
information regarding current vacant positions, and whether or
not there are plans to fill them; the possible impact of
encouraging early retirements; and the possibility of making
changes in the deductibles in the current health and accident
insurance for employees. Staff will also return with further
information regarding alternative work schedules, the feasibility
of such changes, and the possible savings to the City.
MATTERS FROM STAFF
7
5/4/93
9a
CITY
ATTORNEY
CLOSED SESSION
() lIt} - '10
10.
MARGETT
(Trees at
Curbside)
(Deferred
Salary
Increase)
0,2,30-"'0
HARBICHT
(1994
Health
Fair)
, ~, (.~
, /\
, ,\f
(Ambulance
Charges)
LOJESKI
(Arcadia
High
School
Advanced
Placement
Team)
..~ '".~; t?
(Auto-
Detailing
in Parking
Lots)
35:0107
The City Attorney announced that, "Pursuant to Govenunent Code
Section 54956.9 (a), at the conclusion of the meeting this
evening, Council will adjourn to a Closed Session to consider the
litigation of Yazell and Clavey versus the City of Arcadia".
MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
In reference to trees planted in City parkway space,
Councilmember Margett stated in part, the treatment and/or
removal of such trees when problems develop is getting to be a
tremendous cost to this City. He wonders if the City should be
looking at some sort of a program whereby these trees are put at
a safe distance from the curb rather than around the curbline.
I
Councilmember Margett expressed his congratulations to employees
of the Finance Department who have notified Council of their
decision to defer their July I, 1993 salary increases. Mayor
Ciraulo suggested an official letter be sent to all of the
employees who have volunteered to defer their salary increases.
Staff commented that there will be an opportunity at the City
employee's picnic to recognize the sacrifice and cooperation of
all of the employees, and maybe some other things that Council
would want to do to show appreciation that would be appropriate.
Staff will contact each Councilmember for their preference as to
the means of recognizing these employees,
In response to Councilmember Harbicht, staff reported the Health
Fair Committee had requested use of the Community Center facility
to hold a Health Fair on either January 13 or 20th, 1994, from
10:00 a. m. to 6:00 p. m. This year the "Fair" was held at the
Arcadia High School, sponsored by the Methodist Hospital, the
School District and the City. City policy for use of the Center
states that week days from 8:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m. shall be
reserved for senior citizen activities. Staff presented the
request for this use to the Senior Citizen Commission.
Subsequently the Commission denied the request as inappropriate,
according to staff. The Health Fair Committee has not as yet
been informed of the Commission's decision. Councilmember
Harbicht advised staff that, if the Committee still has an
interest in holding this activity at the Community Center, the
request should be presented to the City Council for a decision,
since policy has been set for the Center and Council should be
the entity to address that.
Councilmember Harbicht noted that the Senior Citizen Commission
reported that the City is charging much more for ambulance
service to the hospital than private ambulance services charge.
Staff advised that Fire Chief Gardner will address this issue at
the June meeting of the Senior Citizen Commission,
Following a brief discussion, Council determined to invite the
Arcadia High School advanced placement government class team to
the May 18th Council meeting to present certificates of
commendation to the 29 team members in honor of their winning
first place in the "We the People .,. The Citizen and the
Constitution" competition at Washington, D.C. The Arcadia team
competed with 47 other teams to win the three-day nationwide
competition.
I
Mayor Pro tem Lojeski reported seeing persons doing auto detail
work on cars parked in the Parking District 11 lot and also in
the Town Centre parking lot. Councilmember Harbicht noted that
some private parking lots for workers in large office buildings
in other cities allow this service to take place. He does not
object to this work being done in a private lot if the person
doing the work has a business license. However, he would not
like this to occur in the City's public parking lots, or
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5/4/93
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LOJESKI
(Cable
Casting
Council
Meetings)
(2 ~((/ "
A.'),..,.l
(Smoke-Free
Mall)
0<16,)-"1('
f\1 , I'
(Admission's
Tax SART
Activities)
Or.
AJ ',.
FASCHING
(Proclamation
Forms &
City
Certificates)
CIRAULO
(Bond
Financing)
c) ..... .~, "
N ,/,
35:0108
mechanical work taking place in public or private lots. The City
Attorney will look into the situation and the existing Code
provisions.
Mayor Pro tern Lojeski reported that the televised City Council
meetings are of a really poor quality and are an embarrassment.
Staff has informed CableVision's general manager of Council's
dissatisfaction with the cable casts, and clearly informed him
of the days and time at which the replay should occur. Mayor
Ciraulo commented that perhaps Council should look for another
company to tape the Council meetings and inquired if that would
be possible; also, when would the six month agreement with
CableVision expire for taping the Council meetings. The
franchise agreement with CableVision was briefly discussed also.
A communication was received from the general manager of Santa
Anita Fashion Park Mall requesting the City's support in making
the mall the first smoke-free shopping center in San Gabriel
Valley. The general manager requested that Council issue a
proclamation to that effect. Mayor Ciraulo suggested each
Councilmember meet with the City Manager to express his views
regarding this request.
In reference to the City Attorney's memorandum regarding an
admission's tax for events other than racing, considerable
discussion ensued. The Arcadia Municipal Code provides for an
admission's tax which reflects the rates in effect since at least
1978. The "Big Hoss Saloon" is scheduled to open at Santa Anita
Race Track with a temporary entertainment permit, according to
staff. There was some question as to whether or not an
admission's tax was being charged for this activity. The City
Attorney noted that he had suggested in his memorandum to the
Council that staff review this tax in the AMC in terms of its
structure and the amount involved, and check with other cities
for their policy and structure. Mayor Pro tern Lojeski requested
that staff provide Council with further information and a report.
Councilmember Fasching presented samples of City proclamation
forms and the Mayor's certificates which had recently been
designed by Celia Kalm and others. The old forms, Councilmember
Fasching noted, are plain and outdated in design. The newer
design is more representative of the City of Arcadia. The new
forms will be placed in the City Manager's office for Council's
comments and recommendations.
Mayor Ciraulo stated in part, that several letters had been
received from Arcadia citizens concerning the potential bond
financing of City projects. The Mayor asked Council how they
wished to approach answering these letters, Mayor Pro tern
Lojeski commented that his answer to this concern of bond
financing remains the same as his comments at the last Council
meeting; Council is just going over material, they are learning
and listening, keeping their eyes and ears open, and at this
point there is no contemplation and no decision has been made
regarding bond financing. Further, the comments from the writers
of these letters are appreciated. Councilmember Margett agreed
that any time a citizen makes an effort to communicate with the
City Council, or any government, there should be some response.
~n this particular instance, it is his opinion that this is an
.organized campaign by a group, within the community, and that is
fine, this is how political actions work. Councilmember Margett
noted the difficulties Council has had in communicating to the
public what Council is doing within the community; how Council.
is doing it; and different techniques to be able to present back
to the people, and communicate with them, The cable casting of
the Council meetings is really the only viable means of
communicating which is available in the community. Everything
with regard to how this government functions is important and
the people should know about it, Mayor Ciraulo commented that
9
5/4/93
ll.
ADJOURNMENT
(May 11,1993-
5:30 p.m.)
ATTEST:
Alford,
35:0109
a letter will be drafted in regard to the bond financing option,
to be sent to those who expressed their concerns.
At 11:20 p. m. the Council entered a CLOSED SESSION, RECONVENED
and ADJOURNED at 12:01 a. m. to Tuesday, May 11, 1993 at 5:30 p.
m. in the Conference Room of the Council Chambers for an
Adjourned Regular Meeting (Work Session) to conduct the business
of the Council and any Closed Session necessary to discuss
personnel, litigation matters and evaluation of properties.
J
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5/4/93
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