HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 10,1993
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY C(
CLERK
ROLL CALL
1.
PRESENTA-
TION BY
NEWCO
WASTE SYS,
o ~~ () * f> (;
M I NUT E S
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING (WORK SESSION)
August 10, 1993
The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in an
Adjourned Regular Meeting (Work Session) on Tuesday, August lO,
1993, at 5:30 p,m, in the Council Chambers Conference Room,
PRESENT:
Councilmembers Fasching, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett, and
Ciraulo
None
ABSENT:
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None,
Bernie Nash, General Manager of Newco Waste Systems, distributed a
report for the Council to review, He explained that Newco Waste
Systems took over Best Disposal Company in 1990, supplying waste
disposal service to residences in Arcadia but not to commercial
establishments, He noted that Newco's prices are lower than those
of other companies servicing 22 other cities in the San Gabriel
Valley, and that only two of those cities are incorporating a
surcharge with regard to AB 939--the cities of Arcadia and Temple
City. Mr. Nash stated that Newco would like a two-year or five-year
extension to their contract with the City of Arcadia, which expires
in February of 1994. During the extension period they would retain
their current rate, There was a discussion of Newco's costs and
revenues, with Mr. Nash answering questions from Councilmembers,
Mr, Nash assured the Council that Newco could retain their current
rate for a two-year extension,
Councilmember Harbicht commented that he would like to see a report
done'which would show Newco's income, including recycling value, and
what the projected costs are, including sorting costs and perhaps a
projection on pickup costs, He feels this report should be done on
both a six-month basis and a twelve-month basis, so that Council has
all the facts and figures in front of them. He also asked that, for
Council's clarification, staff go through the Newco report and
prepare a critique on the monthly rates with regard to comparisons
shown, Staff has not yet seen the report referred to, but it was
acknowledged that Newco' s rates are some of the lowest in the
Valley, based on staff's survey done about six months ago,
The City of Arcadia has the opportunity to participate in a multi-
jurisdictional exclusive residential refuse and recycling agreement
with the Cities of Sierra Madre, Monrovia, and Duarte, Staff
explained that the larger population base of four cities rather than
one makes it possible to retain a quality hauler at lower rates, It
is understood that although the cities would seek proposals as a
group, individual contracts would be signed. Councilmember Harbicht
inquired as to what would happen if one of the cities decided to
withdraw from the agreement; would that change the rates presented
in a proposal? He is not sure that there is a big advantage to
joining with three other cities in obtaining a proposal for refuse
service, due to the possible complications and problems that could
arise.
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35:0214
In response to a question by Councilmember Margett asking what is
the economy of the savings in a multi-jurisdictional agreement,
staff explained that in packaging several cities together as one,
there is a savings realized due to the larger population; trucks go
through cities which are geographically contiguous; the hauler gets
a better price on the purchase of refuse containers; and all of
these things can add up to a savings to customers, Councilmember
Margett suggested there comes a point where a better cost will not
be effected, The City Manager answered that that question has not
yet been considered. The main question asked has been. does the
City save money by going to an open competitive process over a
larger base, Councilmember Fasching pointed out that if Newco Waste
continues its current rates for a two.year extension, that alone
will save customers some money, He is concerned primarily with
price and service; and if the Cicy is satisfied with the service and
is given a good price, he does not see any reason to join a 1
consortium, Mayor Ciraulo sugbested that perhaps the only reason to
do so would be to test the market, to see if even better service
could be obtained,
Councilmember Harbicht summarized that the two issues before the
Council are, first, should the City go out for an RFP or renegotiate
with the present hauler, The second issue is, if the City goes out
for an RFP, should it do so with a group of cities or individually
as has always been done in the past, He again questioned the
advantage of joining with other city governments for a refuse
hauling service, Councilmember Fasching feels that if the City and
residents are satisfied with the service provided by Newco, and
since Newco is willing to continue its same rates for a two-year
extension of its contract, he sees no reason not to grant the
extension, The City Manager recommended that, before a decision is
made on such a major contract, staff look at the numbers and
evaluate them,
At this point in the discussion. the City Attorney brought to
Council's attention the fact that on tonight's agenda this item is
shown as a presentation by Newco Waste Systems, The Brown Act
requires that if any action is to be taken at a Council meeting, the
agenda item should specifically state, so that the public is aware
of what the Council would be acting on. Councilmember Fasching
suggested that staff bring back a report verifying the rates shown
on'the Newco report. He is not interested in joining with other
cities in waste hauling, but he would like to have a staff report to,
review at a future Council meeting, By consensus, Council agreed
that this be done.
2.
UPDATE ON See page no. 3.
WILDERNESS
PARK
CONCERT
EVENT AT
SANTA
ANITA
RACE TRACK
(}'f' ..,'J
Mr, Alec Engle of the Santa Anita Corporation made a presentation to
Council regarding Los Bukis, a group of Hispanic entertainers who
would like to perform a concert at the Santa Anita Race Track on
October 2, Expected attendance could be approximately 25,000, Craig
Dato of Santa Anita's Marketing Department explained that they
are trying some new advertising and promotional efforts in order to
attract a younger crowd, "college students and young professionals,
With that in mind, a jazz festival will be offered on Memorial Day
weekend, They also have targeted the country music listeners, The
Big Hoss Dance Saloon started this year at Santa Anita has been a
big success, Another group that it is felt has been under-
represented at Santa Anita is the Hispanic population, Mr, Dato
distributed to Council a study which shows the Hispanic population
in Los Angeles County is growing, and is now at 18-20 percent at
Santa Anita Race Track. It is anticipated that this group of
entertainers will attract a crowd of not only Hispanic people, but
those who have never attended other events at Santa Anita Race
Track,
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A tape of the group's music was played for the Council, Mr, Engle
explained that the performance would begin at 4 p,m, and end between
midnight and l2: 30 a, m, There will be dancing, and food and
beverages will be sold, An admission fee of $20 per person would be
charged, Mayor Pro tem Lojeski was concerned that there be no "hard
rock" type of music, which would upset many Arcadia residents,
Councilmember Margett pointed out the recent concert at Santa Fe Dam
during which there was a problem with crowd control, Mr, Engle
stated that differences such as the location of the event, the fact
that they had a "heavy-metal" act, and a lack of security
contributed to the problems with the crowd at the Santa Fe Dam
event.
The City Attorney mentioned that an admission tax will apply for
this event, a business license and an entertainment permit must be
obtained, and the Police Department will have an opportunity for
input during this process, Mayor Ciraulo would like to see this
event be tried, Councilmember Fasching requested some time to think
about this, as he is not yet ready to say yes or no to the event,
Mayor Ciraulo explained that this is already a permitted function
which does not require formal Council approval, and this was only
being presented this evening as a courtesy to the Council, to get
Council's reaction. Mayor Pro tem Lojeski felt that as long as the
concerns of the Council are understood and if all requirements are
complied with, he does not foresee any problem.
2,
UPDATE
ON
WILDERNESS
PARK
07..1t)
The Director of Recreation presented a report from the Recreation
Department, a report from the Police Department, and a letter from
the Highlands Homeowners Association with regard to Wilderness Park,
He reported that on weekdays when summer camps are conducted,
no problems have been encountered, There has been some drinking
, ,
I observed on weekdays during the evening, which has been curtailed by
efforts of the Police Department. However, on weekends this summer
the park has been very overcrowded. There have been no major
incidents, but the increased use of the park is a concern to the
Recreation Department, the Police Department, and the neighbors,
The Recreation Director offered three considerations to handle this
overcrowding. The first would be to close the park on weekends,
since most overcrowding occurs at this time. There would be a cost
savings to the City of approximately $12,000, The second
consideration would be to continue to have the Recreation Department
and Police Department deal with the crowds as best they can. A
third consideration would be to charge an entrance fee in hopes of
cutting down the crowds, If a fee were implemented, it is
recommended that an additional park attendant be hired on weekends
to collect fees, at a cost of about $6,000, which would be offset by
a revenue of approximately $6,000. There would be an estimated cost
of $2,200 for a kiosk,
It is the recommendation of the Arcadia Police Department to close
on weekends. The Highlands Homeowners Association would also like
to have the park closed on weekends, In answer to a question from
Councilmember Harbicht regarding a comparison of weekend attendance
at Wilderness Park and Eisenhower Park, the Recreation Director
stated that attendance is much higher at Wilderness Park, especially
this summer, There are occasional large weekend crowds at
Eisenhower Park at those times when there are special events, but
not consistently as at Wilderness Park. The Recreation Director
estimated there may be as many as 300 to 400 people at Wilderness
Park on a Saturday or Sunday, whereas most weekends at Eisenhower
Park there are under lOO people.
Mayor Ciraulo commented that it seems Wilderness Park is becoming
overused on weekends, and that the park was not intended for such
large crowds, nor can the neighborhood handle the traffic, In
response to a question from Councilmember Margett as to how many
weekend users of the park are City residents, the Recreation
Director estimated that figure may be as low as 10 or l5 percent,
He also mentioned that the majority of the users of Eisenhower Park
are not Arcadia residents, Mayor Ciraulo stated residents have said
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35:0216
they avoid Wilderness Park on weekends due to the problem of
overcrowding, Mayor Pro tern Lojeski suggested that perhaps many
people come to Arcadia parks because they offer a safer environment
than parks in their own communities,
Mayor Pro tem Lojeski requested that Captain Hinig expand on the
Police Department's recommendation that Wilderness Park be closed to
the public on weekends, Captain Hinig stated that one of the
factors that has led to the overcrowding of Arcadia parks in general
is that they are very safe; and Wilderness Park has the added
attraction of being similar to a mountain resort area,
Unfortunately, its popularity has grown so much that it impacts on
the people who live in the area, There is also the problem of
people leaving the confines of the park and moving into areas not
inrended for the public, which presents the possibility of injury to
visitors and also increases the risk 0: fire hazard,
Councilmember Harbicht asked if the O'f~"~se of the park has led to
an increase in the crime rate. Captain ~inig answered, no, there
are simply too many people in an area c~at was designed to hold a
maximum of l50 people, Also, this overcr,"wding has impacted on area
residents more so than attendance at other City parks affects those
nearby residents.
_..i. ;:;
Councilmember Fasching noted that, given the uniqueness and location
of Wilderness Park, it might be called, instead, Wilderness Nature
Center. Council could take steps to ensure its preservation as a
nature center, such as closures, availability to residents and
groups. and possibly an admission fee, Councilmember Margett
concurred, and recalled that some organizations have, in the past,
expressed interest in running Wilderness Park as an educational
nature center. He feels that may be more in keeping with what the
Council and the community desires, Councilmember Fasching stated
that if Council is in agreement, he would like to have park
operation remain as it is until a program is developed to convert
Wilderness Park to Wilderness Nature Center, and then have the plan
presented at a public hearing. Mayor Pro tem Lojeski asked how long
it would take staff to come back with a program to leave the park
open to the public during the week, and have it open on weekends
only to Arcadia residents and groups on a reservation basis, The
Recreation Director estimated something could be put together in a
month.
Mayor Ciraulo asked for comments from members of the Highlands
Homeowners Association who were in the audience. Mr. Craig
Bonholtzer expressed agreement that Wilderness Park is not a typical
park, nor was it originally intended to be used as such. It was
designed for use by Arcadia residents, or by organizations who
wanted to meet up there, or for use by people who wanted to go there
to study the animal and plant life. Jim Thomas, President of the
Highlands Homeowners Association, agreed with the recommendations
that the park be closed on weekends to the public, but would like to
see it open to Arcadia residents on weekends, Jeff Howe commented
that along with the increase in the number of people going to the
park, there has also been an increase in gang activity, Planning
Commissioner Emil Amato would like to see the park open only to
Arcadia organizations on weekends,
It was decided that the closure-reservation plan would be placed on
the agenda for the September 7 Council meeting, Councilmember
Fasching suggested that the Highlands Homeowners Association send a
letter to its members advising them that this matter will be heard
at the Council meeting of September 7, and that prior to the
formalization of any action the park will be closed on weekends.
Mayor Pro tem Lojeski suggested that the park remain open until the
September 7 meeting. at which time the public will be able to
comment before a course of action is decided by the Council. A
discussion followed regarding whether or not to close the park on
weekends before the September 7 Council meeting, and how this
information would be communicated to residents. Council also
addressed the point of why this matter was being deliberated in a
study session rather than a regular Council meeting,
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USE OF
COMMUNITY
CENTER
07 jiJ . :,J{;
3,
UPDATE ON
LIBRARY
EXPANSION
In..,,).. '}()
35:0217
Councilmember Margett noted that if the park were to be closed on
weekends, it would not impact heavily on Arcadia residents, since
the majority o'f users are not from Arcadia, Councilmember Harbicht
felt that any decision on closing the park should be one reached at
a regular Council meeting, Councilmember Fasching preferred to
close the park until the September 7 Council meeting, on an
emergency basis,
It was MOVED by Mayor Ciraulo, seconded by Councilmember Fasching,
and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to close Wilderness Park
immediately on weekends to the general public, but to honor any
reservations which have been made or requests by non-profit Arcadia
organizations who would like to use the park,
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Fasching, Margett, and Ciraulo
Councilmembers Harbicht and Lojeski
None
Councilmember Fasching again requested that, if possible, the
Highlands Homeowners Association advise their members of the weekend
closure.
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Lojeski, seconded by Mayor Ciraulo,
and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to DIRECT staff to prepare
a report in the form of a public hearing for the first Council
meeting in September regarding the contemplated closure of the park
on weekends to the public,
AYES:
Councilmembers Fasching, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett, and
Ciraulo
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
The Recreation Director presented requests from two organizations to
deviate from current policy regarding use of the Community Center,
The first was a request from the Arcadia Board of Realtors for a
reduction in the regular fee of $600 for their upcoming fundraiser.
The City Attorney cautioned that if the Council is being asked to
make a decision on this request, the item should be placed on the
agenda of the next Council meeting. Councilmember Fasching remarked
that, considering the expenses associated with operating the
Community Center, he does not feel the City should lower fees for
fund-raising activities, Councilmember Harbicht inquired as to why
organizations are charged an extra fee of $200 for fundraisers, and
a brief discussion of this matter followed,
The second request was from the Arcadia Chinese Association, which,
in the past was denied a waiver of the fee; they are again request-
ing a waiver for an upcoming event. It was the direction of Council
that the existing policy be maintained but that it be reviewed by
Council at a later date, and that the Arcadia Board of Realtors and
the Chinese Association be advised of this decision, Councilmember
Fasching suggested that at the same time, perhaps Council could
review the costs and income associated with the Community Center,
The City Librarian introduced Richard Nardini and Chris Anbrisino of
Charles Walton Associates, who presented schematic drawings and
information with regard to costs associated with the Library
expansion, Mr, Nardini explained the "Design Camp" process, after
which his firm started developing some designs and putting costs to
them, When costs went beyond the budgeted amount, the project was
reanalyzed with regard to requirements of future needs, If
population growth rates remain constant, the proposed Library
building would be functional until at least the year 2005; and
considering the extra space in the basement. the life of the
building could be extended 30 years, The square footage to be added
is about l2,l82 square feet, down from the original l5,OOO square
feet,
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4.
SOUTHWEST
MUS EUM
~:"I\" '/il
5,
CLOSED
SESSION
(Gov't.
Code See,
54956,8)
0/1) -1 "
35:0218
Mr, Ambrisino reviewed some of the work to be done as part of the
Library expansion, which includes seismic upgrading, providing a
fire sprinkler system, and installing access for the handicapped,
Shelving for books has been increased 27 percent, there will be a
new audio~visual department, and an equipment room has been
developed which will provide access to computerized information,
The current Library has approximately l75 seats; the new facility
will have 30l seats, There will be a Friends Book Store, an art
room, group study rooms, and a room for the local history
collection, Because of budget limitations, no exterior elevations
have been done, but the cost presented by the architects provides
for an attractive building, possibly brick and stucco,
Mayor Pro tem Lojeski asked if it would be possible to add more
square footage in 15 or 20 years, if it were necessary, Mr, Nardini
explained that a separate building would have to be added, because I
adding another expansion to the Library would bring it to more than
36,000 square feet. If more than 36,000 square feet, the building
must be of fire-rated construction, meaning the infrastructure would
have to be constructed of fireproof materials, I t would add
approximately another $500,000 to the cost, most of it to bring the
existing building from a non-fire-rated to a fire-rated status.
Councilmember Harbicht commented that more than half the money to be
spent on this expansion is to bring the existing building up to
current standards. He also noted that future advances such as
information on laser disks may dramatically reduce the amount of
space needed for storage, ensuring that the building should be
functional for more than another 15 years.
Referring to the architect's report on costs, Mayor Pro tem Lojeski
asked questions and was given clarification regarding the 8 percent
contingency figure, the 4% construction management figure, the
bidding expenses, and the construction quality control testing,
Councilmember Margett asked the architects if there was any
consideration given to building a new Library and how that expense
would compare with expansion, and was told that it would be more
costly. Councilmember Fasching was concerned as to where the City
would get the funds to pay for the Library expansion. It was the
understanding of the City Librarian that part of the money would be
coming from the Capital Improvement Fund and part from the
Facilities Construction Fund.
Council directed the City Manager to bring a report back at a
regular Council meeting showing costs, an analysis by the Finance
Director as to the status of the Capital Improvement and Facilities
Construction Funds, and that the Capital Improvement Program be
amended to include the Library expansion,
The City Manager reviewed a report prepared by staff regarding a
Request for Proposal received from the Southwest Museum located in
Highland Park, The museum, which houses a collection of American
Indian artifacts, has outgrown its current facility and is seeking
a new location. It was felt that the County Park in Arcadia might
be a suitable place for the museum, After a discussion of the
advantages and drawbacks of having such a facility in Arcadia, it
was the consensus of Council that there was no interest in bringing
this museum to the City,
1
The City Attorney announced that, "We're going to have a Closed
Session now under the listed Government Code Section to discuss with
Mr, Williams, our negotiator, certain price and terms and land
acquisition aspects to the property at the northeast corner of Second
and Santa Clara to the 210 Freeway, This concerns ongoing
negotiations with representatives of Costco, Western Security Bank,
Emkay Development Company, and the Los Angeles County Public Works
Department. Thank you."
At 8:30 p,m, the City Council ENTERED the CLOSED SESSION, ADJOURNED
and RECONVENED the regular meeting to continue the regular agenda,
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I
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6,
LOJESKI
(City
Codesl
Armory
Property)
HARGETT
(Redev,
Projects)
FASCHING
(Concert
at San~a
Anita)
35:0219
ITEMS FROM COUNCILMEM8ERS
Mayor Pro tem Lojeski asked staff about the application of City codes
to the growing of certain vegetable products in front yard areas, and
raised an inquiry about Library use of armory property,
Councilmember Margett expressed a general concern for Council backing
of redevelopment projects, Councilmember Harbicht stressed the need
to gather all information and move step by step towards any final
action.
Councilmember Fasching raised some general concerns regarding the
presentation by Santa Anita officials regarding a potential concert
at Santa Anita, A brief general discussion occurred and staff
addressed questions on entertainment permits and zoning,
ADJOURNMENT At 9:55 p,m, the City Council ADJOURNED to 7:00 p,m, on Tuesday,
August l7, 1993, in the Conference Room of the City Hall Council
Chambers, for an Adjourned 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,
ATTEST:
Jos
Ju
.7.
8/l0/93