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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 7,1992 I I 0110 -~-o 04'0 7'1 ::z c.<:... 34:0083 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 c:t.paAtfOA 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 1 4/7/92 34:0084 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 2 4,17 /92 I .. , I I I CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM () 3;).0 -.3 0 AUDITORIUM STAFF CARS UNDERGROUND UTILITIES 34:0084a 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. .. , 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 3 4/7/92 TRF.SIGNAL (1st " Sanca Clara) TELEPHONE SYSTEM (City Hall) COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH SYSTEM LIBRARY COMPUTER SYSTEM PD VESTS A/C-HEATING (City Hall) 34:0084b 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. I 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. .- , 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. I 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 4 4/7/92 I I TRF. SIGNAL MOD.PROG. PLNG.COMSN. CANDIDATES INTERVIEWS () (.) 0 - 0::;-0 SISTER CITY COMSN. 01;).0 - cO 34:0084c 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. .. ! 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. 5 4/7/92 ADJOURNMENT ATTEST: J Alford, 34:0084d 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 J 6 4/7/92 I, .. f I ,