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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJUNE 2,1992_2 I I 0/10- ~o OGO:;.q.:J.. 34:0162 =- CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK INVOCATION PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL MINUTE APPROVAL (May 5,1992) (May 12,1992) (May 18,1992) (May 19,1992) (APPROVED) ORD. & RES. READ BY TITLE ONLY HIGHLAND OAKS HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION (Wilderness Park) 07'-/0-10 M I NUT E S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA and the ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING JUNE 2, 1992 The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in a regular session at 7:40 p. m., Tuesday, June 2, 1992 in the Arcadia City Hall Council Chamber. Rev. Ted Chang, Mandarin Baptist Church Councilman Robert Margett PRESENT: Councilmembers Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching ABSENT: Councilman Harbicht On MOTION by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Mayor Pro tern Ciraulo and CARRIED, Councilman Harbicht was EXCUSED. On MOTION by Mayor Pro tern Ciraulo, seconded by Councilman Margett and CARRIED, the minutes of the City Council/School Board Study Session of May 5, 1992, the Study Session of May 12, 1992, the Budget Review of May 18, 1992 and the Regular Meeting of May 19, 1992 were APPROVED. It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Mayor Pro tern Ciraulo and CARRIED that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only and that the reading in full be WAIVED. PRESENTATION Mike Ferguson, 2028 Highland Oaks Avenue, President, Highland Oaks Homeowners' Association stated, in part, that he is present on behalf of the Highland Oaks Homeowners' Association to outline for Council. the problems the neighborhood is encountering with regard to their proximity to Wilderness Park. He referred to a presentation sent to Council earlier. There are many problems associated with traffic, congestion, gangs, graffiti, etc. The neighbors on Highland Oaks Drive and Elkins Avenue are not able to permit their children to go to Wilderness Park or even to play in their own front yards or near the streets on weekends. The Association is asking Council to consider restricting entrance to the park to Arcadia residents, establish a fee for visitors to the park, increase the number of employees so that someone is on duty at all times for surveillance of the park, etc. Mr. Ferguson called attention to Canyon Park in Monrovia which has an 1 6/2/92 34:0L63 entrance fee of one dollar per automobile. At the time of payment of the fee, the visitors are given informative brochures regarding expected conduct by a full time park employee. Monrovia has three full-time park employees in attendance at the park during the hours it is open. These employees have two-way radios so they are in communication with the Fire and Police personnel should they be needed. He would like the City to see Canyon Park as a model for making improvements at Wilderness Park. He further noted that apparently some of the gang members have found Wilderness Park, and consider it to be a secluded and unsupervised area appropriate for their activities. Many such activities are not acceptable in this City. He also referred to signs they have found attached to the City stop signs advertising free barbecues, etc., open to one and all. Mr. Ferguson has noticed that the City employee present at the park now has an I identifiable patch on his shirt stating he is a City employee, and that the City has erected a sign outlining the rules in the Park. However, the lettering on this sign is so small, it is difficult to read. He noted also that the employee who is present during normal working hours is usually in the office area in the back of the nature museum. From this point, this employee is not able to see what activities may be going on in the park. Mr. Ferguson suggested a gated entrance at a high point of the park with high visibility and manned by a City employee. The use of Wilderness Park needs to be controlled. Tom Aiken, 1990 Highland Oaks Drive, stated, in part, that he is a psychologist by training and license, and is an investigator for the Los Angeles County Probation Department. He has testified many times in court as a gang expert. He was understandably upset by the reports he heard about gang graffiti at Wilderness Park. Three things he knows about gangs from his years of work with them are drugs, weapons and trouble. Needless tragedy and confrontation usually follow. Gangs particularly like a secluded locale without any observable source of authority. If a location meets their needs, they may want to "adopt" it, and this is where gang graffiti becomes involved. Some graffiti is nothing more than a signature; other graffiti has a more sinister meaning in that the gang, as far as they are concerned, own that park. If that graffiti is crossed out and other substituted, that is a direct challenge. He feels that the gang graffiti at Wilderness Park should be assessed to learn who is using the park and for what purposes. The Arcadia Police Department could offer some technical assistance in this regard. There needs to be some identifiable authority at Wilderness Park. Patricia Blum, 235 Hillgreen Place, showed Council a sign advertising a free for all barbecue. Such signs were found at fifteen spots up Santa Anita Avenue and Highland Oaks Drive. She would like to encourage Council to consider closing the park with use by residents only on weekends, leaving it I open to others during the week. She thinks the dense traffic and carnival atmosphere these barbecues create will only bring trouble. The park has been, basically, taken over by outsiders. Les Dering, 2138 Highland Oaks Drive, stated, in part, that he is present to lend his support to Mike Ferguson. His house was robbed about a year and a half ago. He thinks part of the problem is that there is no control as to who can come and go into that area. There should be some restrictions. He has also lost a couple of cats recently due to the traffic zooming by his street, especially in the afternoons. He encourages Council to do something to solve these problems. He suggests Council either close the park or restrict its use in some way. 2 6/2/92 I I 1. PUBLIC HEARING TEXT. AMEND. 92-004 (Indoor Swap Meets) (APPROVED) () S-'ii a .6"'- 34:0164 Jeff Howe, 2251 Highland Oaks Drive, stated, in part, that the problems at Wilderness Park have escalated just in the last three months. He has personally seen drug use, drinking of alcohol, urinating into the stream where there are kids playing downstream. He has seen the gang people there. He has taught schools in the inner cities and is familiar with gangs. Mr. Aiken did not mention that there is an initiation with gang members which involves killing someone. Wilderness park is a perfect place for gang activities. He would be in favor of closing the park to everybody except Arcadia residents on the weekends. He is very much concerned about his children, and does not allow them to go to the park. He asks Council to consider this matter carefully. Lael Collins, 409 Fairview Avenue, stated, in part, that she knows that there is a day camp at Wilderness Park sponsored by the Recreation Department. She thinks that it is imperative that Council listen to these people before kids are taken up there for the day camp in two weeks. She thinks everybody who comes into the park should have to sign in and have their license number taken. Jerrv Collins, Recreation Director, stated, in reply to questions from Council that he has been in touch with Monrovia officials about Canyon Park. Originally, the toll booth was put in to control truancy among school children. He inquired if the toll booth helps solve problems. They replied that any park will have problems, but any type of supervision will help. Mr. Collins agrees that surveillance does solve many of the problems. He is greatly concerned about these problems and is willing to do anything that Council thinks will help. One person is up in the park on weekends; two people could be there, with somebody walking the area at all times. These people do have hand held radios to communicate with Fire and Police personnel if necessary. Considerable discussion ensued among the Councilmen regarding means to solve these problems and what can legally be done, and what the costs might be. Mayor Fasching is not aware of any violent situations which have occurred in the park; he does not think gang activies have developed to a crisis stage as yet, but Council should act before such problems develop. He is in favor of more supervision. He favors a permanent location of entrance into the park where cars would have to stop and receive literature stating what activities are allowed. He is also in favor of an entrance fee for non- residents. Councilman Lojeski is not in favor of closing the park to non-residents; perhaps not enforceable; there would be problems, i. e., with Scout activities, etc. Following more discussion, Mayor Fasching stated that this matter will be set for a public hearing in four weeks at the first meeting in July. This Text Amendment was initiated by the City to establish regulations for indoor swap meets. Because of the increasing number of large buildings which are vacant, there is a potential to use the buildings as indoor swap meets. Currently the City has no definition or standards for indoor swap meets. The only criteria is compliance with the retail parking requirements (5 parking spaces for 1,000 square feet of gross floor area). Generally, the parking needs for indoor swap meets are greater than normal retail uses because of the number of vendors per square foot of building. The Planning Commission at its May 12, 1992 meeting voted to recommend approval of Text Amendment 92-004, to amend as set forth in staff report dated June 2, 1992, permitting indoor swap meets in C-2 or less restrictive zones only, with an 3 6/2/92 2. PUBLIC HEARING APPLICATION FOR BINGO GAMES (Vons Employee Association) (APPROVED) 03-' '0-,:;.0 34:0165 approved conditional use permit and by setting forth specific parking standards for indoor swap meets. In reply to questions from Council, staff responded there have been no specific problems. Currently, there is nothing in the Code that would prevent someone from setting up an indoor swap meet. Staff is endeavoring to have this text amendment in place in the event it is needed in the future. The Code does not permit outdoor swap meets or other outdoor sales, with the exception of sidewalk sales, promotional events, etc., on a strictly limited basis requiring special permit by the Business License Office. The term, "indoor swap meet" shall mean separate vendors participating in collective retail sales or exchange of merchandise or food where a common floor area is subdivided into individual spaces with no dividing walls '1 and each individual business, occupant or tenant requires a separate business license. The exceptions are subdivisions whereby the primary occupant or tenant occupies a minimum of 75% of the gross floor area. The City Attorney noted that under this proposal with the conditional use permit, the City can deny a swap meeting. This to be done on a case by case basis. The Planning Commission and Council would then have the opportunity to look at the proposed use, perhaps grant it, condition it or deny it. A total prohibition probably could be sustained if Council wishes that. Mayor Fasching declared the hearing OPEN. No one desiring to be heard, the Public Hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo, seconded~ by Councilman Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht It was then MOVED by Councilman Margett, seconded by Mayor Fasching and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE and FILE the Negative Declaration and find that this Text Amendment will not have a significant effect on the environment, and DIRECT staff to prepare the appropriate ordinance for introduction. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski*, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht * Councilman Lojeski wished to exercise his opinion that whoever might be reviewing potential conditional use permits understand that he is not in favor of any swap meet of any sort. The Vons Employee Association has submitted an application for a Bingo Permit from the City of Arcadia. This is requested so that they can conduct bingo games at their Headquarters Office at 618 Michillinda Avenue. The application is consistent and in compliance with the Arcadia Municipal Code requirements. All the required documentation has been submitted with the application. In reply to questions from staff, Beckv Pike, Business License Officer, responded that the Code allows organizations to conduct bingo games once a week, which would be the maximum number of games allowed. This particular organization is requesting permission for approximately four to six bingo games a year. Presently, there are six permits in existence for various organizations in the City. I Mayor Fasching declared the hearing OPEN. 4 6/2/92 1 I 3. 3a.' SR.CIT.COMSN. (Title III Grant Funds Applica- tion) (APPROVED) 01,';1(}..70 3b. ESTABLISH PART- TIME JOB CLASSIFICATIONS REC.DEPT. (Aquatics Dir., Assist. Swim Coach, Camp Dir., Class Coordinator, Lifeguard, Locker Room Attendant, Sr. Lifeguard, Swim Coach & Swim Instr.) (APPROVED) O~O~ 1 () 34:0166 Patricia Blum, 235 Hillgreen Place, inquired why a retail store like Vons wants a license for bingo games, and where they would be held. Staff replied the games would be for the Vons Employee Benevolent Fund and the games would be held at the Vons Corporate Headquarters in the employee lunch room. Deborah Davis, 1654 Barnard, Clarement, Administrator for Vons Employee Association, 618 Michillinda Avenue, stated, in part, that the purpose of the games is to raise money for the Vons Employee Assistance Program which helps employees which may find themselves in a financial crisis. Probably about 200 people would be in attendance and games would probably be held four times a year. No one else desiring to be heard, the public hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by Councilman Margett, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo and CARRIED. It was then MOVED by Councilmember Margett, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE a Bingo permit to Vons Employee Association to conduct bingo games four times a year at 618 Michillinda Avenue, Arcadia. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: 'Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS For the pas t fourteen years, Arcadia Senior Services have received federal funds under the Older Americans Act to provide social services to older persons in Arcadia and Temple City. With the approval of the City Council, application is made for these funds yearly. It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that staff be AUTHORIZED to write and submit a proposal for funding for the Title III Grant Program in an amount of approximately $100,000 for Arcadia and Temple City services for 1992-93; that fifty percent of the time of the Senior Citizens Supervisor, four percent of the time of the City Treasurer, the value of the office space and the value of the volunteers' time be provided as match; that staff be AUTHORIZED to enter into a contract for the 1992-93 fiscal year; and that the Director of Recreation be AUTHORIZED to sign the application and the contract. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht At its May 14, 1992 meeting, the Personnel Board reviewed and amended the proposed specifications and forwarded its recommendation to the City Council for review and consideration. As part of an ongoing effort to provide a more comprehensive Classification Plan for the Recreation Department, it is proposed that the specifications for the part-time positions of Aquatics Director, Assistant Swim Coach, Camp Director, Lifeguard, Locker Room Attendant, Senior Lifeguard, Swim Coach and Swim Instructor be established. These positions have historically existed in the Department and are generally seasonal in nature. The Class Coordinator position is proposed to be established in the Fiscal Year 1992-93 budget as a part-time position receiving half time benefits, and reporting to the Assistant Director of 5 6/2/92 34:0167 Recreation. The position coordinates the registration of varied recreation classes offered by the department. It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman Margett and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE and establish the classifications of Aquatics Director (Class #5040), Assistant Swim Coach (Contract), Camp Director (Class #5050), Class Coordinator (Class #5031), Lifeguard (Class #5042), Locker Room Attendant (Class #5054), Senior Lifeguard (Class #5041), Swim Coach (Contract), and Swim Instructor (Class #5043). In response to a question from Councilman Margett. Alex McIntvre, Assistant to the City Manager, responded that half time benefits are for those employees of the City who work over twenty hours a week that are entitled to half time '1 benefits. Basically they are entitled to one-half the benefits of a full time employee, including PERS. One position recommended to receive health benefits is that of Class Coordinator. This position is one included in the current budget and, if adopted, will be recruited at the end of June. In response to a question from Councilman Margett, Jerrv Collins, Recreation Director responded that this position will be for an adult who will work twenty hours a week for forty weeks, and forty hours a week for twelve weeks, covering the office and working with the secretary. Since he will be working over 1,000 hours, he will have to be paid part time benefits. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht 4. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Scott Downie, 1104 Rancho Road, would like to inquire what the City Council is doing with regard to the Post Office on Wheeler Avenue where the earthquake damage from last year has yet to be repaired. Staff responded that the City has no authority to require this because it is a Federal building and it is the responsibility of the Federal government to make the repairs. It is their understanding from contact with the Post Master about four weeks ago that the Post Office Department is looking for a temporary site in which to move the Post Office during the repair period. They may have to move the Post Office out of Arcadia because of space requirements, loading dock, etc.; however, they are trying to relocate the post office boxes in Arcadia. Also, he had attended the open house at the Police Department over the weekend. He hopes the upgrading of the Police Department building is moving ~head. The air conditioning was not working, and he particularly noticed that most of the equipment in the Crime Lab looks like it came out of the Dark Ages. The Officers were very courteous and he enjoyed the open house thoroughly. I Lael Collins, 409 Fairview stated, in part, that she also attended the Police Department open house and thought it was fantastic. She thinks we should all be very proud of our Police Department. She is very disturbed about the appearance of the President's Square project -- it is ugly and the developers have been permitted to destroy the trees that were formerly in the parking area. She also referred to the seriousness of the problems with the School District, including the fact that they are changing the elementary school music program and laying off some of the teachers. She presented some information on this matter to the Council. She also referred to the Picnic in the Park to be held at the Arboretum which she notes is to benefit the Arcadia schools 6 6/2/92 1 01<;'0 - ;:'0 /lr~ S~/"''10/.~ 1 34:0168 and the Arboretum. It apparently has been left to the School District to decide what to do with the money. Apparently it will be used to fund scholarships for the after school music program and also for a music program at La Verne University. The parents do not accept this; it has not been approved by the School Board. If the parents buy tickets to the event, they are supporting the very things they are objecting to. It puts the people who planned this in a very bad position. There are serious, serious problems in this community. Mayor Fasching responded that the trees that were cut at President's Square were not trees that the City protects; they had to reconfigure the parking lot to provide additional space. The development was delayed because the Vons organization retained a lease on the market space for a long period of time. With regard to the picnic concert money, the Council has no control over the School Board or School District. The purpose of the concert is to help promote community spirit. Cathrvn Warren, 425 Fairview Avenue, stated, in part, that she is presenting to Council a petition with 936 signatures from parents who are basically unhappy with the School Board. She feels they have the beginnings of a grass roots movement to extend to higher levels of government, and they hope to see the City become involved in these problems, and put pressure on higher government levels to make some changes in how the School Board is funded. Things need to change because the City is looking at serious problems in the educational system. Mayor Fasching reiterated that the City is unable to allocate funds to the School District. The Council shares her views and wants to see improvements. The quality of education in the City affects everyone. Councilman Margett noted that one good way to get feelings known is to think in terms of running people for the Schoo~ Board at election time. He would like to be included in any group that may be formed to discuss government, productivity, improvements, what can be done, etc. Sue Wallace, 9653 Camino Real, stated, in part, that there are several people present who would like to know what the decision is regarding the dogs and the contract with the Pasadena Humane Society. Mayor Fasching noted that the City has had a response from the Pasadena Humane Society that they are not in a position to give the City a proposal until January. The City will contract with the County until such time as the Pasadena Humane Society can present such a proposal. Bruce Wallace, 1560 Hyland Avenue, stated, in part, that he is sorry that the matter of the contract with the Pasadena Humane Society cannot be taken care of tonight. He would like to be informed when this comes up again so he can be present. He will bring any number of people required in addition to those who signed the petition to urge Council to make this very appropriate change. E. T. Snell, Community Activist from Irwindale, stated, in part, that he has been involved in four years of environmental research in Irwindale. Politicians need to be changed. He has been attending Board of Supervisors meetings for the last nine months and speaking about water contamination. The San Gabriel Valley has the most polluted water, in the United States. Mayor Fasching noted that Arcadia has pure water because it is spring water. Mr. Snell referred to the possible inert landfill at the Rodeffer Gravel Pit, and noted that this would be accomplished by NuWay Industries. On behalf of his 7 6/2/92 s. 6. 6a. 6b. MINUTE APPROVAL (May' 19,1992) (APPROVED) 6c. FY 1992-93 AGENCY OBLIGATIONS/ PROGRAMS (Lo./ Mod. Income H'ng Fund - 20% of Tax Increment) V&IO- '5"'0-/711 RESOLUTION NO. ARA-169 (ADOPTED) 34:0169 non-profit corporation he has filed a lawsuit against NuWay Way Industries in 1989 for crushing asbestos floor tile in a rock crusher, thereby polluting the air and the water. Staff noted that NuWay is not involved with the Rodeffer site. Mr. Snell also stated that the quarry owners are digging into the water table. He is present to warn the Council and the citizens of Arcadia about this contamination. Steve McNall, Pasadena Humane Society, 361 South Raymond Avenue, Pasadena, thanked Sue Wallac~ and her friends for inviting him to this meeting. The Pasadena Humane Society did submit something of a proposal to the Council. At this time, the Pasadena Humane Society is undergoing a building project, and they hope to have it completed in September of 1993. By July 1, 1993 they will have a written proposal for Council. They are confident that they will at least be able to meet the same cost factors as County. I CITY COUNCIL RECESSED IN ORDER TO ACT AS THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ,- PRESENT: Agency Members Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching ABSENT: Agency Member Harbicht On MOTION by Member Lojeski, seconded by Member Margett and CARRIED, Member Harbicht was .EXCUSED. On MOTION by Member Lojeski, seconded by Member Margett and CARRIED, the minutes of the meeting of May 19, 1992 were APPROVED. California Assembly Bill AB26S requires that Redevelopment Agencies set aside 20% of their annual tax increment into a Housing Fund for low and moderate income housing (20% is estimated to be $460,000 in FY 1992-93). AB26S permits the Agency to make findings that it is not able to set aside all or part of the 20% into the LowjModerate Income Housing Fund if existing Redevelopment Agency obligations, projects, programs or activities in any fiscal year prior to FY 1996-97 do not permit such. A brief discussion ensued with staff reminding the Agency that State law requires the Agency to set aside 20% of its annual tax increment into the Housing Fund, and every year a deficit is accruing. This will end in 1996-97 when the Agency will 1 no longer be able to defer these funds and will have to set aside the 20% and, in addition, make an effort to repay the deficit. In response to a question from Member Margett, staff stated that the present obligation is approximately $2,100,000; by 1996 it is estimated to be approximately $3,000,000. The Agency determined to discuss this matter at a future Study Session. The Assistant City Manager for Economic Development presented and read the title of Resolution No. ARA-169: "A RESOLUTION OF THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECLARING THAT THE AGENCY IS UNABLE TO SET ASIDE 20% OR LESS OF ITS 1992-93. TAX INCREMENT FOR LOW/MODERATE INCOME HOUSING DUE TO EXISTING AGENCY OBLIGATIONS, PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES". 8 6/2/92 1 1 6d. ADJOURNMENT 7. ROLL CALL 8. 8a. PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED (June 16,1992) 05:?O-';;'~ 8b. FINAL MAP 49686 (Res.Condominium 1115 Arcadia Ave.) 00,-60 (30 8c. SO.CALIF.RTD. CITY SELECTION CMTE. (Fasching & Lojeski - Delegate & Alt.) 0/'>0 . ..2q:;) 8d. ACCEPT. OF PUB. IMPROVEMENTS (Tr. 47234 - Sharon Road) O';"&O-~Q 8e. 8f. TEMP. ST. CLOSURE BLOCK PARTY (Monte Vista Rd. fr.Volante Dr. to Catalpa Rd.) [j; "-<..1 ..30 34:0170 It was MOVED by Member Loj eski, seconded by Member Ciraulo and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No. ARA- 169 be and it is hereby ADOPTED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Members Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Member Harbicht The meeting ADJOURNED to 5:30 p. m., June 16, 1992. CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching Councilman Harbicht CONSENT ITEMS PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED for June 16, 1992 for consideration of appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of MC 92-020, for side and rear yard modifications for a second story addition at 170 Diamond Street (Lily Ping Wang-Vu, property owner) . ACCEPTED Final Map 49686 for a 7-unit residential condominium project at 1115 Arcadia Avenue (Warren Sui-Jung Wang, a general partner in the ownership and development of the site). Approval is on the condition that all outstanding conditions of approval as outlined in report from the Public Works Department dated July 3, 1991 shall be complied with to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works. APPROVED appointment of Mayor Fasching and Councilman Lojeski as Delegate and Alternate to the City Selection Committee of the Southern California Rapid Transit District. ACCEPTED for maintenance all public improvements associated with Tract Map No. 47234, Sharon Road, including street and sewer. Sharon Road is a cul-de-sac street located on the south side of Call ita Street just west of Baldwin Avenue. Considered separately (see below) APPROVED request for.temporary street closure for Fourth of July block party Monte Vista Road from Volante Drive to Catalpa Road - July 4, 1992 from 2:00 p. m. to 10:00 p. m. Permission subject to conditions set forth in staff report from the Public Works Director dated June 2, 1992. ALL OF THE ABOVE CONSENT ITEMS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ITEM Be, WERE APPROVED ON MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM CIRAULO, SECONDED BY COUNCIlliAN HARGETT AND CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht 9 6/2/92 8e. PARKWAY IMPROV. NE CORNER SUNSET BLVD. & MICHILLINDA (Job No. 522) (APPROVED) ()::'I/?) ~'.l \. '\ 9. 9a. ANIMAL CONTROL AGREEMENT (L.A. County) (APPROVED) O<-lrO - 30 10. CLOSED SESSION & I/()- VI) 34:0171 Consideration of recommendation for award of contract for the improvement of parkway at the northeast corner of Sunset Boulevard and Michillinda Avenue - Job No. 522. This item has been withdrawn from the Consent Calendar for discussion by Councilman Lojeski. In reply to a question from Councilman Lojeski, staff responded that the property under consideration is not private property, but is City parkway property, and also that it is the same area where the Public Works Department had planted some trees and shrubs a short time ago. Staff also responded that the proposed contractor, Thomas Equipment Rentals, has been checked and this is a reputable contractor. The work consists of clearing and grubbing, minor grading, construction of concrete block slough wall, installation of monument sign, landscaping and irrigation and appurtenant work. At the December 17, 1991 meeting Council approved appropriation from gas tax funds of $35,000.00 to cover the cost of contract construction, engineering, inspection and contingencies. 1 Discussion ensued regarding the matter of illuminating the monument sign to be erected on this parkway entrance to the City. Since this would require some ongoing maintenance, it was decided that the monument should not be illuminated. It was then MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman Margett and CARRIED, to AWARD contract in the amount of $22,039.00 to Thomas Equipment Rentals for parkway improvements at the northeast corner of Sunset Boulevard and Michillinda Avenue - Job No. 522. The City monument sign to be installed at the parkway is not to be illuminated. Any informalities in the bid or bidding process to be WAIVED; and the Mayor and City Clerk are AUTHORIZED to execute a contract in the form approved by the City Attorney. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht CITY MANAGER At its last meeting, the City Council directed staff to examine the possibilities of changing animal control service providers from Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control (LACACC) to the Pasadena Humane Society (PHS). Pursuant to this request, staff met with the Pasadena Humane Society. PHS will not be able to offer its services or give an estimate of the cost until January I, 1993. The proposed five year agreement with LACACC includes language which would allow the City to terminate the LACACC Service Agreement each July 1st with 30 days written notice. 1 It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo, seconded by Councilman Lojeski and CARRIED to APPROVE the five year Animal Control Agreement with Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control and DIRECT staff to return to the City Council next fiscal year with a comparison report between Pasadena Humane Society and Los Angeles Animal County Care and Control services. CITY ATTORNEY The City Attorney announced that "pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 the Council will go into a CLOSED SESSION at the conclusion of tonight's meeting to discuss recruitment of the Ci ty Manager. Furthermore, pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(bl), the Council will go into a CLOSED SESSION 10 6/2/92 1 1 lOa. RESOLUT10N NO. 5672 (ADOPTEP) tJ .f~.O 1..r.1 lOb. RESOLUTION NO. 5673 (ADOPTED) ().2:!()~ ".0 lOco PROF.SERV. AGREEMENT (Ralph Andersen & Assoc.) (APPROVED) 0/30/..:30 10d. EMERG~AMBULANCE SERVo AGREEMENT (L.A. County) (APPROVED) 10/0- ';;0 Ot.(:~r)-/f) 34:0172 to discuss a situation where, based circumstances, I believe there is litigation". on certain facts amd exposure to pending The City Attorney presented and read the title of Resolution No. 5672: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, SETTING CITY WATER RATES AND FINDING THE RATES WILL NOT EXCEED THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT NECESSARY TO FUND OPERATION OF THE CITY WATER .SYSTEM" . It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman Margett and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No. 5672 be and it is hereby ADOPTED. In reply to questions from Mayor Fasching regarding a complaint from a resident on Pamela Drive about the water pressure in his area, Eldon Davidson, Water Division Manager, said that water pressure in a certain area such as this one could only be increased by the use of a booster pump. This would have to be installed by the resident at a cost of $2500 to $3000. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht The City Attorney presented and read the title of Resolution No. 5673: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. .5241 REGARDING IMPLEMENTATION OF LEAVE POLICIES FOR MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES AND OVERTIME FOR FIRE BATTALION CHIEFS". It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo, seconded by Councilman Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that Resolution No. 5673 be and it is hereby ADOPTED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht The City Attorney presented an Agreement between the City of Arcadia and Ralph Anderse.n and Associates for City Manager recruitment services for a fee of $13,500. It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman Margett and CARRIED, that Professional Service Agreement for Executive Search Services with Ralph Andersen and Associates be APPROVED and that the Mayor be AUTHORIZED to sign this Agreement on behalf of the City. The City Attorney presented an Emergency Ambulance Service Agreement between the City of Arcadia and the County of Los Angeles to be in effect to and including June 30, 1994. Said Agreement to be automatically renewed from year to year without further action by either party unless notice' in writing of a party's intention not to so renew is given to the other party at least one hundred eighty days prior to the next term. It was MOVED by Councilman Margett, seconded by Councilman Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that the Emergency Ambulance Service Agreement with the County of Los Angeles be APPROVED and that the Mayor be AUTHORIZED to sign this Agreement on behalf of the City. 11 6/2/92 10e. CLAIM OF CITY OF SIERRA MADRE - YAZELL (DENIED) /0 <10 ."fCJ 11. PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR 12. CITY CLERK (Arguments for Charter Amendments) MARGETT (P.O. Parking Lot Trees) (Towne Center Bldg. Pipes & Valves) (San Gabriel Valley Water Quality) 34:0173 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Lojeski, Margett and Fasching None Councilman Harbicht On recommendation of the City Attorney, the claim of the City of Sierra Madre - Yazell was DENIED on MOTION by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman Margett and CARRIED. MATTERS FROM STAFF 1 Joe Lopez, Public Works Director, thanked Council for adjourning the last meeting in his son's memory and thanked Council and staff for their support and thoughts and prayers following the recent death of his son, Stephen Lopez. MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS Council received in the pre-meeting a shortened version of the calendar for the election. Reminder that the final date for arguments for Charter Amendments to be filed with the Clerk is June 29, 1992. The trees in the Post Office parking lot which were damaged by frost last year look badly and need to be trimmed. The Towne Center Building on Santa Anita Avenue is apparently being retrofitted with fire sprinklers and the pipes, valves and other hardware are on the sidewalk and are very unsightly. Perhaps they could be screened in some way. Councilman Lojeski explained that the original contractor did not follow the plans, punched holes in the building causing damage to telephone systems, etc. As a result of this, a stop order was issued. A new contractor has taken over and is now trying to correct the project. Staff will report on this. There was a person who talked about water contamination earlier in this meeting. He shares these concerns. He inquired about the quality of water, especially as it relates to landfills. Eldon Davidson, Water Manager stated that about fourteen years ago the EPA conducted a study and in that study identified the San Gabriel Valley as a Superfund cleanup site, mainly because 75 of the 200 wells had been shut down due to contamination from industrial solvents such as PCE and TCE. These solvents had been dumped on the soil forty or fifty years ago by industry, and they made their way into the drinking water supply. Aerial maps have identified such plumes that are above the drinking water standards. These are in the lrwindale, Baldwin Park areas where the main plume is. The City of Arcadia happens to be outside the plume. Arcadia has no wells that have the PCE or TCE in them. The EPA in the valley has been studying this for the last ten years at a cost of approximately 15 million dollars. Only recently has the study been completed. It was determined that there were no funds to do the cleanup. Therefore, three municipal water districts approved a Joint Powers Agreement to try to start up a lead agency to start cleanup projects on the wells. There happened to be a power struggle, during which the agency started to fall apart. That is when Arcadia and other cities in the Valley joined together to try to find another agency to be created by State legislation that would replace the Joint Powers Agency. Senator Russell authored a bill recently 1 12 6/2/92 1 1 (Gang Activity in the San Gabriel Valley) (Police Protection) LOJESKI (Employee Injuries - Workers' Compensation- Sites for Medical Care) (Maintenance for City Properties) (Pawn Shops) 34:0174 that would create a State water agency that would manage the cleanup of the basin. This bill failed to pass by one vote; however Senator Russell has managed to bring it back for another vote. If it passes, it will go on for approval of the Assembly and the Governor. If it fails, it will probably be a long time before any progress on cleanup will be made in the San Gabriel Basin. In reply to Councilman Margett, Mr. Davidson replied that some of the water from the Eaton Canyon spreading basin eventually gets into the ground water table and commingles with the natural water in that basin and eventually a portion of that water may get to some of our wells. Water Quality is tested on an on-going basis at existing operating water wells. Councilman Margett noted that he thought the Independent Cities Association's report on Los Angeles Inter-agency Gang Task Force study is an excellent report. In response to his question, Police Chief Johnson said he has not seen this particular report, but has received and read similar reports. He noted that there are no gangs which originate in Arcadia. The Police Department has presentations for the school students regarding identification of gang attire, etc. In regard to Wilderness Park, that graffiti is not a turf type situation where the gangs try to establish turf, it is tagging. Members of the Arcadia Police Department attend gang meetings for Los Angeles County; the Department has experts on the gang problems and they constantly keep on top of these situations. Also, Arcadia has the benefit of aid from Monrovia which has the Crash Unit which provides identification of each gang member registered in Los Angeles County. He gave a brief report about the' locations and probable numbers of gangs in the San G(lbriel Valley area. Chief Johnson is a Board Member of the Clearing House for Los Angeles County, and also the Los Angeles County Impact-Team, and by October of this year will have computer access to all available gang information. Councilman Margett noted that this information about Police Department activities in this area are of interest to the Council and also to the community. In the wake of the recent riots, he has heard from residents that many are concerned about the ability of the Police Department to protect them, and are thinking about arming themselves to protect their families if necessary; to a degree this may be warranted. Councilman Lojeski called Council's attention to an item which deals with Workers' Compensation claims. He had occasion to visit the facility that was recommended to basically split the Workers' Compensation on-the-job injury cases during the hours from 8:00 a. m. to 10:00 p. m. when employees will go to an Urgent Care facility on Live Oak; after those hours they will go to Methodist Hospital. He would encourage staff to meet again with the Hospital. This is a first-rate medical facility and on-staff doctors. Sometimes seemingly minor injuries can actually require a lot of care. He would like to utilize the services of Methodist Hospital, and would like to see staff communicate with them in this regard. In some cases the City violates its own property maintenance ordinances, i. e. growth of weeds, etc. He would like to see some sort of report come back about how to take care of some of these problem sites, i. e. Second Avenue and Huntington, the former parking lot for the Acapulco Restaurant, etc. In reply to a question from Councilman Lojeski, staff responded that pawn shops are allowable businesses in Arcadia. 13 6/2/92 (Resumes for Commission Membership Consideration) (Nordstrom Store Santa Anita Mall) FASCHING (Maintenance for City Properties) LOJESKI (Sound Wall Cmte. Mtg.) FASCHING (Private House Parties - Serving of Liquor to Minors) (Baldwin Ave. Between Hugo Reid & Htg. Dr. - Possible Zone Chg.) (Announcement of Upcoming Council Agenda Items) (Gas Blowers) 13. ADJOURNMENT (June 16,1992 - 5:30 p.m.) ATTEST: 34:0175 Encouraged staff to start to gather resumes for commission appointments, since some of the present commission members will step down at the end of June. Mayor Fasching noted that forty new resumes haves been received. In the future, the Mayor will sign an acknowledgement letter when such resumes are received. He would like to receive a weekly update on the status of the Nordstrom store in Santa Anita Fashion Park. Mayor Fasching thanked staff for the expedient action on trimming bushes or trees on the streets as requested previously. He would like to consider a program to implement more care and concern from a departmental standpoint for tree and landscape maintenance. Perhaps more time and more manpower are required. 1 Councilman Lojeski noted a scheduled meeting with the Sound Wall Committee on Friday at 9:30. Mayor Fasching expressed concern about serving of alcohol to minors at parties in private homes. In some instances admission is charged for these parties. Police Chief Johnson replied that when they receive information about such a party, they have, in the past, put younger officers into plain clothes and they pay to get in, after which the Police Department collects the money and the beer and closes down the party. The matter is then turned over to the City Attorney. The City Attorney noted that on more than one occasion, as part of the court disposition, the money has been kept and used for public purposes. The person in charge of the party is the one filed on according to Chief Johnson. Mayor Fasching had a call from an owner on Baldwin Avenue between Hugo Reid and Huntington Drive on the west side of'the street requesting that the City consider zoning this area R- 3. It is now R-l zoning, but variances have been granted for the apartment houses. Staff mentioned the possibility of R- 2 zoning there, which would cut down on the density on that street. A report is to come back to Council. When Mayor Fasching was liaison to the Planning Commission last year he noticed that the Planning Director announced at the pre-meeting the items that would be coming up at the next two or four weeks on the agenda, so the members could be aware of these. He feels this might be a good idea for Council meetings, too, so the Members could be aware of upcoming items. He would like to see such a procedure worked out. More and more he hears objections to the gas blowers used by landscape people and gardners creating dust and dirt in the atmosphere as well as noise. The City Attorney will bring to Council copies of previous reports on this subject. 1 At 10:50 p. m. the City Council ADJOURNED to a CLOSED SESSION, RECONVENED and ADJOURNED at 11:40 p. m. to 5:30 p. m., Tuesday, June 16, 1992 in the Conference Room of the Council Chamber for a study session and to conduct the business of the Council and Agency and any CLOSED SESSION necessary to discuss personnel, litigation and evaluation of properties. Mayo 6/2/92