HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 7,1992
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY
CLERK
M I NUT E S
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCAOIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING
(Library, Capital Improvement Program, and Planning Commission Interviews)
ROLL CALL
LIBRARY
REFURBISHING
0730 --,0
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APRIL 7, 1992
The City Council met in an adjourned regular meeting at 4:30
p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 1992, in the Conference Room of the
Council Chambers to discuss the refurbishing of the City
Library, the proposed Capital Improvement Program, and to
interview four candidates seeking a seat on the Planning
Commission.
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Ciraulo, Harbicht, Young and Gilb
Councilmember Fasching (Councilm~mber Fasching
arrived at 4:40 p.m.)
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro
Councilmember Young and CARRIED
Fasching until he arrives.
tem Harbicht, seconded by
to EXCUSE Co un c i 1 m e m be r
e
.
Kent Ross, City Librarian, provided a report to the City
Council regarding the proposed renovation of the City Library.
Staff related a brief history of the library project.
Sometime ago the City Council decided to retain an architect
to design plans for a new library which were then submitted
to the State Library Board for grant funding. The concept
behind this, that if the City was awarded funding, then a new
library facility would be constructed; if the funds were not
forthcoming from the State, the Council would have the option
to consider other alternatives or to proceed with construction
of a new building since the initial concept plans were already
completed. Other than that, Council had not decided which way
to proceed.
Councilmember Ciraulo commented that he was not in favor of
spending $6,000,000 to renovate the library. He would be in
favor of a new building, perhaps in five years, after Council
addresses the building needs of the Police Department.
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht felt that in this case of an allocation
of funds, the needs of the library are not as great as the
need for a Police facility. He would be in favor of a modest
refurbishing of the library building for the time being. The
concept of a new building would have to wait. Mayor Pro tem
Harbicht also thought that the theater at the library could
be put to better use to alleviate some of the crowding in the
building. The Community Center could be used for some events
that now are held in the library theater. Some discussion
ensued of an interior reconfiguration of the sections of the
library for better usage of available area. Council directed
several suggestions to the City Librarian. Mr. Ross,' City
Librarian, noted that certain changes would have to be made
to accommodate the handicapped if interior reconstruction were
to occur which may take a lot of space in itself. Staff
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commented that regulations requ~r~ng handicapped access are
now in effect, and must be completed over the next three
years.
Mayor Gilb noted that the library needs some help, but to
spend the funds suggested in the staff report for refurbishing
the library when there is more that needs to be done, because
there is so much that is wrong with the building. Staff
pointed out that Council seems to be moving toward an
alternative that has not been suggested in the report, such
as, no' major remodeling and no new building; but just
necessary improvements to get by for five to seven years, such
as a new roof, carpeting, etcetera. The cost for such would
be a lot less than the proposed $6,000,000.
Councilmember Young added that she' would be in favor of
renovating the library to the point of being usable, but not
ideal, until the City can construct a new building. She is
not in favor of spending huge sums at this time.
Councilmember Fasching asked the question of just how was the
six million cost of refurbishing the library arrived at? The
City Librarian explained the survey he had taken of library
construction and remodeling in nearby cities which produced
the $6,000,000 estimate. Councilmember Fasching commented
that other City needs would take priority over the library
building. The zero growth factor of the City was mentioned.
The present building with an enlargement could handle the
need. If the building were refurbished, it could last from
15-20 years. He is not in favor of minimal' improvements to
the building which would only last a short time. In reading
and researching other library facilities, he believes Arcadia
is very minimal in those services that are offered in other
cities. He is not in favor of giving up the Art and Lecture
room or the stage. Councilmmeber Fasching suggested that
local contractors could better give an estimate of the cost
for an expansion that might be under $6,000,000. He is in
favor of using all the available space for an enlargement; use
the enlarged building, if possible for 20 years; get the plans
for the enlargement and the cost, and if the cost is $5-
6,000,000 the building could be used for the next 20 years
and it would be a first class library. Councilmember Young
concurred.
Councilmember Ciraulo did not agree that the enlargement could
be accomplished for $6,000,000. He is in favor of a minimal
fix-up to get by for five years. Also, to put the library on
a priority list as No.2 after the Police Department building.
The City Librarian noted that the proposed expansion would
last for five years and then the library would again become
cramped for space. If the building enclosed the 9,000
additional square feet in the patio space off of the
children's room, it would be a total size of 38,000 square
feet. This figure does not include the basement or the attic.
The proposed construction for a complete new building would
be 23,000 square feet greater than the existing building. The
interior reconstruction was again discussed with regard to
traffic flow and usage of certain areas. Mayor Pro tem
Harbicht noted that the new community center was constructed
for under $5,000,000. This in contrast to a $6,000,000 figure
for a library remodel project. The Mayor commented that the
cost for a remodel was double per square foot than new
construction. L
It was the consensus of Council that an architect should be
retained to address the matter and come back to Council 'with
some figures. Council agreed that the architect does not have
to be a library specialist, but a structural engineer to
provide a rough estimate of what the cost would be to enlarge
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the building. Then at that point, Council could decide which
direction should be taken.
Councilmember Fasching suggested that a first class architect
is on the Planning Commission and could give Council his
thoughts on the matter with, possibly, no charge to the City,
and an estimate of the cost. Planning Commissioner Amato, an
electrical engineer, who was present in the audience, said he
also would be happy to donate his services. Councilmember
Fasching suggested that he and Mayor Pro tem Harbicht go along
with Commissioners Daggett and Amato to look at the library
building from an architectural and electrical standpoint. The
library discussion ended, and at 5;00 p.m., Council considered
the proposed Capital Improvement Program.
In considering the proposed CIP, Councilmember Young noted
that many items listed in the program in the 1st year were all
checked as being new and not previously programmed, and
questioned why these items were added in 1992-93. Staff
replied that they had just overlooked these items.
Councilmember Fasching suggested, in connection with Capital
Outlay funds for improvements for 5-7 years, Council should
take a closer look at all of City Hall and see what
improvements could be made to several areas.
Mayor Pro tem Harbicht reported that he had visited the
Performing Arts Center in Duarte, a 500 seat auditorium, which
is a very nice facility, adequate in size 'for 95% of the
events that would occur in a community auditorium. This
auditorium was built for $2.3 million dollars, not including
the land costs. It is a nice looking building. Council is
scheduled to visit the site in a few weeks. He would consider
a similar facility in Arcadia at this cost. The auditorium
should be a high priority in Arcadia. Councilmember Fasching
commented the school district should be contacted. Mayor Pro
tem Harbicht felt that the school district would be overjoyed
if the City built an auditorium; the school district should
be involved in the planning; the 1st step would be for Council
to prioritize this as a blue print for the future in the CIP.
He suggested a study session, then have a joint session with
the School Board for their input.
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A brief discussion ensued centered on the number of seats for
an auditorium which would accommodate the high school needs
regarding grade size; the location for an auditorium; the
parking; etcetera. It was the consensus of Council that the
details could be taken up at a joint meeting with the School
Board on May 5 at 6:00 p.m. In answer to Mayor Gilb, Mayor
Pro tem Harbicht commented that, yes, he would consider
closing Campus Drive to construct an auditorium at that site.
Councilmember Young stated, in part, that she has received
comment about the new staff cars that are in the CIP budget,
one car for the car pool at City Hall and a car for the
Recreation Department. She questioned the need for two cars
since the Recreation Department has moved to the new Community
Center site. Staff responded that the pool cars are in very
bad condition and one of them needs to be replaced.
Councilmember Young asked if that particular pool'car could
then go to the Recreation Department. Councilmember Fasching
also brought thrs matter up later on in the meeting. It is
his feeling also that a new car for the Recreation Department
is not needed, also that the pool car at City Hall which is
being replaced could then service the Recreation Department.
With regard to the item for the undergrounding of street
lighting systems, Mayor Pro tem Harbicht asked staff about the
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amount of money that would be paid to the City by the Edison
Company. Staff responded that Edison would pay approximately
$250,000 a year to the City and added that this $250,000 is
only for under grounding overhead utilities not for
lighting. The schedule for undergrounding the utilities is
included in the CIP. Staff verified that the City will not
spend any money other than the funds from the Edison Company
for undergrounding utilities. In response to Council's
question, staff replied that the undergrounding on Second
Avenue from Duarte North to Huntington Drive will cost
approximately $2,000,000 and would not include the
transmission lines.
Mayor Pro tem Harbicht stated that he is not comfortable with
spending $250,000 to install a traffic signal on Santa Clara
and First Avenue. He questions the need for this signal and
whether or not it will alleviate the traffic problem. By
consensus of Council, this item was removed from the CIP.
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Staff explained the need for a new telephone system at City
Hall. Staff proposed to change to a newer Syntrex system
which the Police Department, Recreation and the Fire
Department are now using. The existing equipment at City Hall
will be replaced and updated with Syntrex equipment at a cost
of approximately $50,000. Operationally this system would be
a savings of $10,000 a year, according to staff.
The $650,000 expenditure for a computer aided dispatch system
was discussed at length. Mayor Pro tem Harbicht noted that
he believes that its major function was to generate the
paperwork that eventually accrues for reports to other
agencies. Fire Chief Gardner commented that the 9-1-1 center
is now at the Fire Headquarters. This CIP item is not a new
project, it was in the budget for 1994-95 and has been moved
forward. Staff feels that this item is critical... this is
why they moved it up to FY 1992-93 for one-half of the project
and 1993-94 for the other half. The system will provide all
of the record keeping report programs for both police and fire
and also interface with the 9-1-1 computer which will program
all of the City's emergency responses for police and fire.
Also, it will provide immediate information regarding
equipment that is available; analyze crime patterns; locate
backup units and capture all of the information for analyzing
crime patterns, response time and more. Part of the narcotic
seizure funds will go toward this system. Police Chief
Johnson explained that Arcadia is way behind other cities in
implementing this system and this system will update the City.
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Mayor Pro tem Harbicht questioned the need to upgrade the
Library's computer system since the system is so new. The
City Librarian explained that the original bids were for a
minimal system and "lmost immediately after installation
needed to be upgraded. The equipment no longer handles the
newer software. Staff explained further that computers at
City Hall, which are upgraded, will be moved to the Library
and will save some of the funds for a couple of years.
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In response to Councilmember Fasching regarding the funds for
bullet proof vests in the Police Department's CIP, staff
replied the vests only last for 4-5 years and the Police
Department is in'need of replacing half of them this year and
half next year.
Regarding the air conditioning and heating for City Hall,
Councilmember Fasching noted that the units for the entire
City Hall are 31 years old. The CIP reflects a replacement
for the engineering wing. Staff explained that City Hall has
two systems. The chillers are located at the Police
Department, one of which serves the Engineering wing and the
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City Manager's wing and the other serves the main building.
The decision was made to air condition both wings in FY 1992-
93.
In connection with the traffic signal modification program,
staff reported that the Huntington Drive signals will be done
soon after Huntington Drive is paved. The paving is scheduled
for FY 92-93, 93-94 and 94-95. The synchronization/upgrading
of the signals on Huntington is listed in FY 1994-95.
At 6: 05 P, m. the qP Study Session ended and at 6: 10
Councir. conducted' candidate interviews for a
Commission vacancy.
the City
Planning
Council conducted interviews with four candidates to replace
David Szany on the Planning Commission to June 30, 1992 and
for a full four year term to June 30, 1996. The following
candidates responded to questions from the Council:
1. Richard Bruckner, Community Redevelopment Manager, City
of Anaheim
2. Edward Huang, Senior Planner, City of Los Angeles.
3. Howard Spellman, Converse Consultants and a member of the
State Board of Registration for Geologists
4. Andrew Bard, Bank of California, Managing Public Finance
Department
At the conclusion of the interviews, Council discussed the
potential of each candidate for the City Planning Commission.
Councilmember Young favored Andrew Bard because she believed
he would work well with the other members of the Commission.
Mayor Pro tem Harbicht leaned toward Mr. Bruckner and Mr.
Bard. He also thought Edward Huang to be a fine candidate.
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Councilmember Fasching felt Mr. Huang and Mr. Bruckner to be
his 1st and 2nd choice respectively for the Commission.
Councilmember Ciraulo felt that all four candidates to be
qualified, however, he leaned toward Mr. Bruckner and Mr.
Huang. Mr. Huang he believes is especially qualified and
suggested that this is an opportunity to involve Mr. Huang in
the community. Councilmember Ciraulo's 1st choice would be
Mr. Huang.
Mayor Gilb said he would vote for Mr. Huang or Mr. Bard.
The vote then went as follows:
Mayor Gilb - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mayor Pro tem Harbicht - - - - - - -
Councilmember Ciraulo - - - - - - -
Councilmember Fasching - - - - - - -
Councilmember Young - - - - - - - -
Edward Huang
Richard Bruckner
Edward Huang
Edward Huang
Andrew Bard
By consensus of the City Council Edward Huang was selected as
the appointee to the Planning Commission, which will occur at
the regular meeting this date.
Councilmember Fasching reported that Beth Wells has withdrawn
as a candidate to the Sister City Commission. She would
prefer to be considered for a future appointment to the
Personnel Board.
Mayor GUb commented that the opening on the Sister City
Commission, recently vacated by Lorraine Fricke, expires in
June, 1992. If Mt. Lee is appointed this evening' the
appointment should be to fill out the term of Lorraine Fricke
plus a full term of four years.
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ADJOURNMENT
ATTEST:
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At 6:55 p. m. the City Council ADJOURNED to 7:00 p.m., April
7, 1992, for the Adjourned Regular City Council/Arcadia
Redevelopment Agency meeting in the Conference Room of the
City Hall Council chambers.
~fJj~
. Charles E. Gilb, Mayor
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