HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 4,1992_2
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY
CLERK
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
MINUTE
APPROVAL
(July 21,1992)
(APPROVED)
ORD. & RES,
READ BY
TITLE ONLY
SANTA ANITA
LITTLE LEAGUE
DISTRICT 17
TOURNAMENT
CHAMPIONS
OUTGOING
PARKING DIST.
COMMISSIONER
(Johns)
M I NUT E S
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 4, 1992
The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in
a regular meeting at 7:45 p. m., Tuesday, August 4, 1992 in
the Arcadia City Hall Council Chamber.
Paul Clark, Minister in Training, The Santa Anita Church
Public Works Director Joseph Lopez
PRESENT:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett and
Fasching
None
ABSENT:
The City Attorney announced that, "the City Council met in
CLOSED SESSION this evening pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(a) to discuss the existing litigation designated as
the claim of D. McArthur".,
On MOTION by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman
Harbicht and CARRIED, the minutes of the study session,
adjourned and regular meetings of July 21,1992 were APPROVED.
It was MOVED by Councilman Harbicht, seconded by
Councilman Margett and CARRIED that Ordinances and
Resolutions be read by title only and that the reading
in full be WAIVED.
PRESENTATIONS
Councilman Lojeski introduced the team members, coaches and
manager of the Santa Anita 'Little League. This team is the
District 17 Tournament Champion with a season record of 23
wins and 0 losses. Arcadia is very proud of this Little
League Team. In the twenty-eight year history of the League
Tournament this is the first team to have a totally undefeated
season. Mayor Fasching presented to each team member, coach,
and the manager, an official City pin, the Mayor's Certificate
of Commendation in recognition and appreciation of outstanding
achievement.
On behalf of the Ci ty Council, Mayor Fasching presented a
plaque expressing appreciation for distinguished service and
accomplishments during his term on the Commission to Jeff
Johns, outgoing member of the Parking District Commission.
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8/4/92
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1.
PUBLIC HEARING
WILDERNESS PARK
(Report to
Council
8-18-92)
(APPROVED)
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34:0241
Consideration of a request from the Highland Oaks Homeowners
Association, in particular Mr. Michael Ferguson, President of
said Association, to increase security at Wilderness Park,
improve signage, restrict usage of the park to Arcadia
residents and/or charge an entrance fee to non-residents and
incre~se staff visibility within the park. The July 7, 1992
staff report sets forth in detail the policy now in use for
this area and stated in part that Wilderness Park currently
receives more supervision than any other park in the City,
The park is opened Monday through Friday at 7: 30 a. m. by
Public Works personnel. A Recreation Department employee
staffs'the Nature Center from 9:00 a. m. to 4:30 p. m, An
afternoon park attendant begins cleanup work at 4:00 p. m. and
also helps out with afternoon nature classes and patrols the
park grounds. Said attendant locks up the park at 9:00 p, m.
On weekends two Wilderness Park attendants work split-shifts,
The morning attendant is on duty from 7:00 a. m. to 2:30 p.m.
The afternoon attendant is on duty from 1:00 p. m. to 9:30
p.m. These attendants assist persons who have reservations
for the kitchen and shelter area. The morning attendant also
teaches nature classes, performs light maintenance, patrols
the park and other cleanup functions. The afternoon
attendant is responsible for cleaning the kitchen, shelter
areas and the Nature Center. He locks up Wilderness,
Eisenhower and Newcastle Parks at 9:00 p.m., which is closing
time during the summer months.
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The July 7, 1992, staff report offered four (4) alternatives
to the issue of possible improper or illegal activities at
Wilderness Park, The report related that these same problems
and complaints are common to every park within the City.
Alternative 1 -,One additional attendant on weekends to patrol
and distribute information on regulations and answer visitor
questions, at a cost 'of $7,000 per year for one City employee;
or $17,500 for weekend private security.
Alternative 2 - One additional parking attendant on weekends
only, at $7,000 per year with an additional $3,000 in the
first year for a control booth. Other funding alternatives
are set forth in the staff report.
Alternative 3 One additional patrol attendant and one
weekend only parking lot attendant at a cost of $14,000 per
year and $3,000 for the control booth with no entrance fees.
Or a different combination which would cost $7,000 per year
with an additional $3,000 cost in the first year for the
control booth, and an entrance fee of $2.00 per vehicle to
off-set cost of toll-booth attendant.
Alternative 4 - Close Wilderness Park on weekends at a cost
savings of $11,000 per year. Staff does not recommend this
alternative.
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Mayor Fasching declared ,the hearing OPEN.
Mike Fer~uson, 2028 Highland Oaks Drive, President, Highland
Oaks Homeowners Association, stated in part, with respect to
Wilderness Park, that the Homeowners Association has requested
that he bring the Association's request for a safer and more
professionally run park to the Council. The streets leading
to the park, according to Mr. Ferguson, are not as safe as
they should be, especially for the children, due to the type
of people using the park. As a concerned father of a 10-year
old, he does not let his child go to the park on weekends
because the park is unsupervised. The HOA has four particular
areas of concern that they wish to present to the Council for
action:
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No. 1 - They request that two uniformed people equipped with
two-way radios be on duty at the park on weekends.
No. 2 - That the personnel in the Nature Center be placed in
the general park areas. Mr. Ferguson believes the way to
supervise the park is to have the park personnel out among
park users observing the activity.
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No. 3 - An information structure placed at the lower section
of the ravine where the bridge is located, This would avert
a backup of cars as they enter the park. The park personnel
at this structure could distribute literature explaining park
rules and what is expected of park users. The public could
also be informed of fire conditions, wildlife and dangerous
snakes and other situations. Also, this kind of a
procedure would create an atmosphere where the park users
would know that the park is supervised and professionally
managed. Mr. Ferguson noted that Monrovia's Canyon Park has
such a program. They have a uniformed full-time employee
identified with a tan shirt and several badges who also wears
a hat similar to the Highway Patrol, The Homeowners
Association desires to have a similar professionally run
Wilderness Park by following the same procedures as Canyon
Park. Monrovia's system has proven to be successful.
No. 4 - Regarding an entrance fee, the Association asks that
a fee structure be established at Wilderness Park, however,
they would like to postpone implementation of a fee for 30
days and see how their other three recommendations work out
... to see if a fee, in fact, is necessary. ~f so, the fees
could off-set the costs of building a structure and additional
personnel. Canyon Park, Mr. Ferguson noted, charges $1 per
car, seven day? a week; Lacey Park in San Marino charges $3
per person on weekends. Mr. Ferguson requested that Council
take action on the first three proposals at this meeting and
then wait 30 days so that conditions at the park could be
monitored before considering an entrance fee.
Referring to an August 3rd article in the Star-Tribune
newspaper, Mr. Ferguson complimented Catherine Crawley for her
article which summarized the efforts of the Highland Oaks
Homeowners Association for the last two years in regard to
this situation at Wilderness Park.
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Ron Peterson, 9857 Callita Street, stated in part that he has
been a resident of Arcadia for 31 years. Two and one-half
years ago he retired from AT&T; one of his passions is
running. He runs at Wilderness Park every day on the 8 or 12
mile trail by the wash. After running, he walks through the
park to cool down. He spends about two hours in the park each
morning and has seen many changes over the last two and one-
half years that have been very distressing to him, and these
problems are getting worse. Almost every day he sees people
using narcotics and alcohol; he also sees sexual acts taking
place; bow and arrow hunters poaching deer and shooting the
squirrels; at the little dam he sees graffiti and nude
pictures. Mr. Peterson related that in the evening he returns
to the park to collect snakes, such as rattlesnakes. These
he removes from the park and on 'weekends he relocates the
snakes to an experimental forest above Azusa Canyon, With his
running and picking up trash and snakes at Wilderness Park,
he is at the park daily for four hours. In response to
Council, Mr. Peterson commented that the narcotic usage and
other problem activities he has observed are mostly on week
days, although, these things do occur on weekends also. Mr.
Peterson, in reference to park personnel, commented that he
often talks with park employee, Joe Drew, while at the park
and has on many occasions asked park personnel to call the
police because of certain incidents taking place. As to the
ethnic origin of those engaging in these illegal acts, Mr,
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Peterson stated the majority are 1-atinos, some of whom are
young people under the age of 21, Mr. Peterson stated also
that the activities he described occur also during the summer
months while the day camps are in session. Further. these
activities occur less on weekends because family-oriented
people use the park and people using drugs and bows and arrows
and such do not come when there are so many people around.
The offenders frequent the out-of-the-way areas of the park.
Mel Cohen, 2282 Highland Vista Drive, stated in part that his
home overlooks the entire park. He is usually at home on
weekends and can attest to a different type of people using
the park on weekends these days. He walks his dogs into the
park on Sundays between the hours of 8 and 9:30 a.m.. and "we
have a different type of element that has discovered 1
Wilderness Park, It is not a favorable type of group coming
in there". He cited noise from boom boxes and motorcycles.
He asked Council to address the major changes that have
occurred since he first moved to this area in 1987 ... there
has to be more supervision in the park ... there is congestion
on weekends. He has noticed there have been many times when
people have managed to enter the park after the gate has been
closed and participate in illicit or illegal activities.
Further, whether this is a result of the article appearing in
the Los Angeles Magazine that Wilderness Park is the best kept
secret, he cannot say, but he believes it would be a deterrent
for some form of authority to be visible and seen throughout
the park, especially on weekends.
Tom Aiken, 1990 Highland Oaks Drive, stated in part that he
had previously spoken to the Council of what he sees to be a
potential for problems at Wilderness Park of gang activity and
some of the experiences he has had in his line of work with
gangs and gang activity. He was a little surprised at Mr.
Woolard's comments that were very brief and basically said
that the staff report indicated that Wilderness Park presents
no problems compared with enforcement in other City parks.
He wonders what this means. How may arrests are there in the
other parks it sounds like there is no enforcement
problem. Homeowners in this area have stepped forward and
related that there are things going on down there at
Wilderness Park that the City doesn't seem to be aware of.
Obviously, if the City is not aware of them, then there is not
an enforcement issue. Mr. Aiken suggested that this matter
should be looked at a little more thoroughly and the City
should perhaps do some field interviews and some field
interrogation and check with people down there in the park and
see what is going on.
Mr. Woolard responded that it would be easier for him to
explain his comments if Mr.: Aiken had read the staff report,
however, as he previously stated, "the enforcement problems
at Wilderness Park have not been any different or more unique 1
than any park in town. There are probably liquor violations
at Wilderness Park. They occur at the County Park which we
police, they occur at Eisenhower Park. Other types of
problems occur at all of the City's facilities. Based upon
the Police Department's records, there has been nothing
unusual about Wilderness Park".
Mr. Aiken asked if Wilderness Park is patrolled with the same
frequency as the other parks or do the police just go up there
on weekends? He runs the loop around Arcadia Park every day
and sees the police routinely drive through the park or in the
parking lot. If the police are not routinely patrolling
Wilderness Park, then they are not going to find any probiems.
Raluh Bicker, 101 White Oak Drive, a 25-year resident of
Arcadia and Chairman of the Architectural Review Board in the
Highlands. Mr. Bicker is semi-retired, he works in his yard
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frequently and has noticed more and more over the last two
years that people are using the park who are not Arcadia
residents. This is evident from their appearance and their
vehicles. He frequently walks through the park and has
observed many of the same situations others have mentioned
this evening. Additional effort is needed on the part of the
City "because regardless of what staff may tell the Council,
he does not think they are telling them the whole picture".
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Jeff Howe, 2251 North Highland Oaks Drive, stated in part that
his home is situated across from the entrance to Wilderness
Park. He has lived there for five years and has seen a
dramatic increase in the last year and a half of the type of
people that are there to use the park to do things for which
the park was not meant to be used. He and the other speakers
are asking for assurance for their security, for themselves
and their children, at the park. They want to make sure no
one starts a fire in the park or that their children are not
mistreated or hurt at this park, they feel they have the right
to ask for this and it should be granted. Further, he has
also seen a dramatic increase in narcotic violations in the
last two years. A person has to go to Wilderness Park and
walk around and see what is going on down there. The police
do not see these things because they are not visible from an
automobile.
Seeing no one else come forward to speak, it was MOVED by
Councilman Margett, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo and
CARRIED that the public hearing be CLOSED.
In the following discussion, Councilman Harbicht stated that
there is no question that there are incidents taking place in
this park. He has a problem with the anecdotal evidence that
has been presented, which really is not evidence. The Council
has information from the Police Department which indicates
that in a little over a three year period there. were six
incidents a year at Wilderness Park. Basically, the same
numbers as the other City parks. Some people are going to do
things that they should not do wherever there are public
places and people gather. It is happening everywhere. He is
not convinced, looking at the evidence from the Police
Department and listening to the comments just now, that there
really is any difference at Wilderness Park than anywhere else
in the City. He does not know how Council can justify
increasing the staffing at this park over the staffing at the
other parks.
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Councilman Margett did not agree with Councilman Harbicht, and
stated in part, that Wilderness Park is unique... it is a
wilderness area. There are po deer coming down into the other
parks and being poached. On the occasions that he has visited
Wilderness Park he has seen people in secluded areas, People
can hide in this park and they cannot in other recreational
areas in the City. He jogs at Arcadia Park and Bonita and
sees the police patrolling in the morning. He believes a high
visibility is needed at Wilderness. He does not think it is
too much to ask the City to put forth a bigger, more
efficacious effort to be able to cope with some of the
problems as the people have so testified. These people are
seeing these things and they are all saying the same thing.
Councilman Margett believes that Council should take some
steps to make the patrol at Yilderness more visible, also
highly visible personnel in semi-uniform, something that would
indicate some type of quasi-pol ice-type uniform with a two-
way radio to communicate with the Police Department. He does
not know at this point whether or not the kiosk and this
expense should be undertaken. He would be willing to spend
those monies later on but something like a podium or an
umbrella and personnel handing literature to visitors to start
off with would be justified. Council and staff have to take
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a look at this park and reevaluate how it is being
administered and what the personnel are doing up there. He
does not believe that the residents in the area feel that the
personnel are doing their job. As to fees, this might be
something that Council should look at another time. He would
like to implement only the suggestions he has mentioned a step
at a time, and hold in abeyance doing anything else until such
time that Council feels the impact, and see if the problems
are cleaned up that the residents have' reported to Council.
Councilman Lojeski stated in,part that he recently visited
Canyon Park in Monrovia, which is different and unique from
other parks in the area as is Wilderness Park. It is
different because of its secluded areas '" where supervision
may be lacking. If persons were of a mind to do some of those
things mentioned by the area residents, this park lends itself
to this because of its out-of-the-way nature. Council can
correct the supervision problems and create a higher
visibility of those people that have authority in the park.
He would personally like to see additional supervision on the
weekends when there are crowds of people. He would like to
see the entire staff at the park in uniform, both male and
female, including staff in the Nature Center, so that visitors
could know there are authoritative figures they could approach
if they had problems or questions. The personnel should have
high visibility and carry two-way-radios. Councilman Lojeski
was impressed with the signage at Canyon Park which stressed
three key elements: 1 - No alcoholic beverages; 2 - The
potential for fire hazard; and 3 - The danger of animals in
the area, in particular, rattlesnakes. Monrovia's signs were
routed-out signs in fluorescent yellow paint ... the signs
just "jumped out" at you... very simple to read. He would
like to see this type of signage at Wilderness Park placed in
the traffic pattern. Park personnel should move around the
park more and be highly visible. The employees should layout
the park and determine what areas should be patrolled more
often. If they see visitors engaging in activities that are
of a deleterious purpose to the facility or other visitors,
then maybe staff should ask them to move on to another
facility elsewhere. Changes have occurred socially in the
City and in our culture. Circumstances exist that have never
existed in the past. Council should be on top of these
matters and try the best that they can to preserve some sort
of quality of life for those people that enjoy the park,
whether or not they live next to the park or live across town,
or come in from another city to enjoy the park. Wilderness
Park is there to enjoy for its nature and its beauty.
Councilman Lojeski also mentioned to staff that the railing
on the bridge is loose and should be attended to.
Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo stated in part that he agrees with the
majority of comments he has heard this evening. Rather than
wait for the gangs to get a toehold in this park, and before
the graffiti gets wild, or some terrible accident occurs,
Council should do something now. This subject has been
studied for two years now He agrees with Councilman
Lojeski that the signage should be improved. He is also in
agreement with the idea of increased visibility of staff as
authoritative persons, and also additional staffing. The
uniform idea is good and will hold down some of the more
illegal activities. He also agrees that,the fee charge and
booth proposal be put on hold, Councilman Margett's idea of
a table and an umbrella and staff to distribute rules and
regulations for the park as visitors enter is good. But
definitely a much greater increase of visibility throughout
the area ... If this involves two or three extra people during
the week or on weekends, he is in favor of that, Whatever is
done, it should be fast ... summer is half over and Council
has been talking about this long enough it has been
studied to death. All of Council have visited Wilderness Park
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34:0245
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several times in the past couple of months and action is
needed now,
Mayor Fasching stated in part that he agrees 100% that, "Let's
get it going and do something instead of talking about it.,."
Wilderness Park is a unique park, there are not many cities
that have what could be called a "wilderness park"
Monovia has one. This is 1992, and residents have come to
Council with their concerns and complaints. He believes these
concerns are legitimate. His feeling is that the City needs
an administrative policy that relates only to Wildernesss
Park. 'This park has many secluded areas which make it unique
compared to other parks. An administrative policy should deal
with the type of supervision needed at this park; the number
of people needed to supervise; and where they are to be
located; the hours they are going to spend there. Council
should plan for the future of Wilderness Park and make it
safer and a better park for the people of Arcadia. Mayor
Fasching commented that a previous staff report had the
estimated cost to construct a kiosk at the entrance to the
parking lot at $3,000. He would prefer to spend these funds
and have the kiosk staffed with uniformed personnel on busy
days and weekends when large crowds are expected. This person
should be friendly and hand out flyers of the park rules and
regulations and directions to different areas located within
the park that they can enjoy and to help visitors
understand what is allowed and what is not allowed, As for
charging an admission's fee, he would prefer to wait and see
the results of the other changes prior to this.consideration.
MOTION
Councilman Margett 'then MOVED to INSTRUCT staff to devise new
administrative regulations for Wilderness Park; Park employees
are to be more:visible, and wear uniforms; supply employees
with literature and radios; improve the signage; provide
employee training, if necessary; install a portable kiosk; a
fee schedule to be evaluated within 60 days after
implementation of the above; and REQUEST that staff provide
the Council with a report and costs of the above at the next
Council meeting in two weeks, August 18, 1992, seconded by
Councilman Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows:
Before the roll call a discussion ensued of the time required
to provide a report to Council. Councilman Margett suggested
two weeks. The Acting City Manager felt that two weeks was
not enough time. Thirty days was mentioned by Mayor Fasching
also as time Co allow for a report .., but not to try to
implement new policy. The vote on the motion would mean that
the Council approves those items in the motion, then staff
will come back to Council to implement and review the changes
.., and also the motion incQrporates the expenditure of funds
for the changes such as . the kiosk, uniforms and extra
personnel, although the amount of funds is undetermined at
this time. Mr. Woolard commented that if Council is talking
about hiring three people, radios, and a kiosk, the cost could
amount to $100,000. Mayor Fasching suggested that Council
utilize the present staff, work with the Recreation Director,
and look at the overall plan, and then consider how many
additional personnel will be needed ... part-time personnel
on weekends could be used. Councilman Margett commented that
he believes that the Recreation Director will know what the
Council wants ." what Council would like to do is deliver a
high level of service to Wilderness Park, incorporating the
concerns that are in the motion and do these things without
spending $150,000 ... but as conservatively as possible .,.
this was the purpose of including the training of employees
in the motion. Further, it could be that the current
employees at Wilderness Park may have a different job title
or different responsibilities, but he does not want the
current employees up there and also three other people.
Considerable discussion ensued centered on current procedures
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ROLL CALL
2.
PUBLIC HEARING
WEED ABATEMENT
CHGS. ON
PRIVATE PROP.
(1991-92
Weed
Abatement
Program)
(APPROVED)
o'-l<lO-~o
/'1''1), Cf.:J..
34:0247
at the park, staff, uniforms, personnel hours, and the need
for extra staff on duty on weekdays, rather than weekends, as
Mr. Peterson had suggested, because of the illicit and illegal
activities he has observed, Councilman Margett said he would
like staff to check out this situation and get back to
Council, this in reference to Mr. Peterson's testimony.
Perhaps, a weekday person is needed more so than a weekend
person. Staff should consider this when evaluating additional
personnel needs. In response to Councilman Harbicht, staff
replied that both Newcastle and Eisenhower Parks do not have
staff on duty during weekdays or weekends. A Public Works
maintenance person splits his time between those two parks. . .
mowing grass mostly.
The discussion then focused on the motion, whether it was for
a staff report, which would include costs, or is it a motion
requiring no action by Council, as suggested by Councilman
Harbicht, because there was not a dollar figure incorporated
into the motion. In order to move on, Councilman Lojeski
asked the Recreation Director, Mr. Collins, if it would be
possible for Mr. Collins to return to Council in two weeks,
August 18, with the figures on the program Council had just
outlined, such as the weekend employee (to start with);
uniforms, signage, and higher visibility (although this would
not be a cost). The Public Works Department will provide the
figures for the portable kiosk. Mr, Collins responded that
he would have this information in two weeks. After a question
and answer period with the Recreation Director regarding staff
hours while actually on duty at the Park during the day,
except maintenance, personnel and persons required to comply
with a court action, Mayor Fasching commented that he
believes two staff personnel are really needed in this park
at all times, and possibly three on holidays, weekends or busy
days. to cover the kiosk and patrol the park. One person
Monday through Friday in the Nature Center office is not
enough. Mr. Collins stated that he will provide Council with
a report that will give them all the costs for a full-time
person during the week and an additional person on weekends.
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AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Loj eski, Margett and Fasching
Councilman Harbicht
None
Consideration of public protest to weed abatement charges on
private property (1991-92 Weed Abatement Program). The Los
Angeles County Agricultural Commission has submitted a list
of charges in connection with the cost of abating weeds on
each separate lot or parcel ,of land as listed. The addresses
have been inserted. The list has been posted as required and
is now before Council to hear any objections to the charges.
Mayor Fasching declared ,the hearing OPEN.
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No one desiring to be heard, the hearing was CLOSED on MOTION
by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman Harbicht and
CARRIED.
It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Mayor Pro tern
Ciraulo and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to CONFIRM
the list as submitted and DIRECT that the County Auditor be
instructed to enter the amounts of the assessments against
the respective parcels of land as they appear on the current
assessment roll.
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
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8/4/92
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3.
PUBLIC HEARING
VARIANCE FROM
BLDG. CODE RE.
SECURITY GRATES
& BARS
(25 S. First
Ave.)
(DENIED)
o c;'d-.0-70
34:0248
The Planning Department has received a request from Daniel
Manning for a building code variance to keep the security
grates and security bars which were illegally installed at the
Santa Anita Loan and Jewelry Company, more commonly known as
the Pawn Shop at 25 South First Avenue. The Arcadia Municipal
Code prohibits the installation of security bars, panels,
sliding metal grates, or similar security devices on the
exterior of any commerci~l or industrial building. Security
devices are permitted on the interior of a commercial or
industrial building provided that the entire building is
equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. The subject
property is located within the Redevelopment Area. The Agency
staff reviewed the requested building code variance and
commented that the exterior security bars are an inappropriate
improvement within the Redevelopment Project Area and contrary
to the goals and objectives of the Redevelopment Plan, The
Planning Department concurs with the Redevelopment staff
findings that installation of security grates and bars on the
exterior of a building is an inappropriate improvement. In
addition, that exterior security devices do have a negative
aesthetic effect on the community. It is the Planning
Department's opinion that Mr. Manning has not shown causes as
to why a building code variance should be granted, and the
reason cited for good safe security be accomplished by other
means such as security bars installed on the inside of the
building.
Mayor Fasching declared the hearing OPEN.
Dennis Mannin~, P.O. Box 2106, Pomona, CA, 91706 stated, in
part, that he feels professional thieves could see his
building and, Knowing there is no security, possibly rob his
store. He feels without outside security, he has no chance
to prevent such break- ins. The adj acent banks have been
robbed several times; the jewelry store on the corner has been
robbed; and the bank up the street has been robbed. He feels
he will be robbed, too. He has lots of inventory that belongs
to other people, and is there only on loan. He has cash,
jewelry, guns, etc. that need to be protected, and he does not
feel these items can be protected with security only on the
inside of the building. He thinks the security bars are a
great deterent. He has security on the inside that is
monitored. He is only trying to secure his property and his
customers' property.
Councilman Harbicht noted that one of the requirements for a
variance is that there are conditions present at his property
which are unique in that zone. Why would this property have
more need for outside security than the bank next door? Mr.
Manning replied that the bank has more security than his
fifty-year old building. This is the only pawn shop in the
City, and he does not feel the security problem is understood.
Councilman Harbicht noted outside security is not allowed for
jewelry stores, gun stores, etc.
David C. Cross, 2385 Hill Drive, Los Angeles, CA, stated, in
part, that he is the owner of the subject property. He has
just listened to discussions over an hour about the need for
security at one park in this City. We have a new business
that has a need for special security. Council's consideration
for security at Wilderness Park was excellent. He would like
Council to consider that Mr. Manning has spent a tremendous
amount of mOl)ey improving the property and developing a
business in our City. We have a serious problem with
vacancies in our community; driving business away. As the
owner of the property, he is pleased with the appearance and
the tasteful manner with which these bars have been installed.
He, personally, in the last year, has been in the Building
9
8/4/92
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()y/O - '-10
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o '-IIO~ ':If)
34:0249
Department and pulled over twenty-five permits on that
property, and spent a lot of effort and dollars to improve it.
He is very pleased with Mr. Manning as a tenant. He requests
that Council seriously consider this request for a variance.
In response to a question from Councilman Margett, Mr. Cross
said he did not do Mr. Manning's tenant improvements, Also,
he would object to having the security bar inside the
building, rather than on the outside. Displays in the windows
would be vunerable to someone breaking the glass and reaching
through,
Bill Connollv, 815 E. Camino Real, Arcadia, past president of
the Downtown Business Association, stated, in part, that at
that time it was the feeling of the DBA that the grills on 1
the outside were detrimental, and lowered the value of the
area where they were located. The DBA did not initiate the
ban on the grates and bars, but the Associacion did support
it. He had owned a shop close to the one under discussion in
which he sold Indian art. He never had any problem with
people breaking through the windows; although thieves came in
through the roof four different times.
No one else desiring to be heard, the hearing was CLOSED on
MOTION by Councilman Harbicht, seconded by Mayor Pro tem
Ciraulo and CARRIED.
Councilman Harbicht stated that he can see no justification
for granting a zone variance to this particular business.
Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo agreed that these security bars have a
negative aesthetic effect on the community.
It was then MOVED by Councilman Harbicht, seconded by
Councilman Margett and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows
to DENY the building code variance application, and require
that the grates be moved from the front of the building and
the bars be removed from the back of the building, and if they
are reinstalled, that they be reinstalled to Code, following
the requirments of the Fire Department.
Mayor Fasching stated that the City has jewelry stores and
other business with the same exposure to crime. Mr. Connolly
stated that the had operated his business for years without
anyone breaking in through the windows. However, that
possibility does exist. In reply to his question, Mr. Manning
stated that the cage effect near the door has been removed.
Mayor Fasching said this action does not mean that Council is
not glad Mr. Manning is here, and that they wish Mr. Manning
well in his new business in the City.
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
I
NOES:
ABSENT:
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Scott Downie, 1104 Rancho Road, stated, in part, that he is
appreciative of Council's effort to control the peafowl. He
was impressed with the earlier discussion on the Wilderness
Park, He suggested that a off-duty police car be parked in
the area in the interim. He feels that, in view of the recent
letter from past mayors, etc., that the City needs to have
Council meetings telecast. He referred to a discussion with
one of his neighbors who was very concerned about the
the City as a result of this letter. He urged the Council to
move forward with the telecasts of the Council meetings.
Melodv Wall, 451 Harvard Drive, presented a petition
containing 342 signatures of residents who are against the
10
8/4/92
,.,
34:0250
I
trapping and relocation of the peacocks. She has lived in
Arcadia for thirteen years. She is attending this meeting
with her neighbors who, like herself, reside in the areas east
and west of the Arboretum. They are a small sample of the
many residents in the Lower Rancho, the Village and the
College areas who wish to see the peacock ruling reversed.
They want to voice this request because they, more than
anyone, have experienced living with the peafowl. They are
against trapping them. There are two sides in the peafowl
issue, and the media always portrays them as a nuisance;
always the residents with complaints are heard loud and clear,
But there are many residents who value the birds, and she
would like to see these residents considered. For thirteen
years her family has lived in the first block east of the
Arboretum where peafowl grace the neighborhood, She has seen
many neighbors marvel at the beauty of these special birds;
parents and grandparents show their children the majesty of
the peafowl; a special moment is shared when a peahen is seen
with her chicks. It is a valuable learning experience to see
the tiny chicks nestle under their mother's wings, She feels
Arcadia is lucky to have such close interaction with one of
God's most beautiful creations. The peafowl are a treasure
that she, along wi th others, want to keep them in her
neighborhood. We are blessed and very fortunate to have this
unique experience. Too often we take things for granted and
she, for one, is speaking out for the protection of these
beautiful birds.
The majority of the voting residents were never informed of
this issue; they are disturbed and concerned that the elected
officials make such a decision as a result of 142 complaints.
The 342 signatures on the petition come from residents who
live with the highest percentage of peacocks. In other words,
a good number of residents who are directly affected by this
decision want to be heard also, and want the peacocks to stay
in their neighborhoods. She has learned that the Arboretum
has already trapped 72 peafowl this year, While getting these
signatures, a good 90% of the people agreed that there are
far fewer peafowl now than at any time in the recent past.
There is a great concern from the Arcadia residents as to what
is going on. Learning purely by accident that more trapping
is planned, makes the situation worse. Before we spend the
City's money on an outside group to trap the birds, why don't
we spend some money on an expert to give us an accurate
census. In Flintridge - La Canada, where trapping has gone
on extensively, there remain a mere 30 - 40 peafowl. We
should never see that occur in Arcadia for this bird is our
City's heritage.
I
The article in the June 28 Tribune stated that traffic
accidents caused by peafowl:are on the increase. No name was
given for that statement. When she called the Police station,
she was informed that there were no accidents on record caused
by the peafowl. After talking with a great many residents,
the consensus was that ,there is no reason for the City to
spend money on a trapping project that is not even wanted by
a large number of the residents. She stated that the voting
residents of Arcadia request an agenda date when extensive
information, facts and documentation may be presented. They
look forward to further consideration regarding this 'issue.
Mayor Fasching noted that Mrs. Wall's comments will go into
tonight's Council minutes. Her statement as well as the
petition will be considered. A public hearing will be placed
on the September 1, 1992 Council agenda.
In response to a question from Councilman Margett, Mrs. Wall
noted that she had read the June 28 article in the Tribune,
and learned through a telephone call to the City Hall that
the recommendations had been made and that' staff had been
11
8/4/92
,',
'.
directed to work out details for trapping, egg bounty, etc.
She came to this meeting to make her statements before the
details were worked out and approved. Councilmember Harbicht
stated that it had been the consensus of the City Council that
staff be directed to prepare a report with a specific proposal
on peacock population control guidelines, with a report from
the City Attorney regarding potential legal problems the City
might encounter, and suggestions as to how such problems might
be mitigated with regard to both segments of the program and
how to notify the public. This is now agendized for the
September 1, 1992 meeting, That report will be available and
an opportunuty provided for anyone who wishes to speak on the
issue. Mayor Fasching noted that the report is available to
the residents,
f:J <.( (C) - '10
/VSP
Vincent Folev, 320 Cambridge Drive, stated, in part, that he
is speaking tonight on behalf of the constituency that,
although it makes a lot of noise, can not come to this meeting
and speak for itself -- the peafowl. The peafowl do not want
to leave Arcadia because they like it here, and many of the
residents like them to be here. He has never considered
himself to be an activist and does not even like the
connotation, but when it comes to the peafowl, that is hitting
close to home. He understands from the City Manager's staff
that a report was prepared and given to the City Council. By
their own admission, that report was prepared only based on
the complaints on all negative aspects of the peafowl. No
positive input about the peafowl residency in Arcadia was
sought nor received. That report was previously given to
Council, and it was his understanding that the matter was to
be resolved at the August 18 meeting where that report as to
the abatement process would be presented to this Council. He
heard Mr. Downie just thank the Council for its action to
eliminate the peafowl. We know from the Arboretum that
peafowl have already been trapped and relocated, so some
program evidently is going on. He thinks the Council needs
to be aware that there are a lot of residents who are very
happy with the peafowl. He does not like the fact that they
leave their calling cards on the house; he does not like the
squirrel that lives in 'his oak tree dropping acorns on the
lawn; he does not like the possums in his back yard eating his
oranges; he does not like the mocking birds dive bombing his
cat. But, if he really does not like all these things, he can
move. He prefers to stay in Arcadia, because he thinks these
things are terrific.
According to the newspaper. the only areas in the last ten
years where problems with peafowl have been reported are
Arcadia and Palos Verdes. He would venture to say that 99% of
the people in Los Angeles County would love to have our kind
of problem. The peafowl were brought to Arcadia in 1890; so
they predate most of us. They have been here a long time, and
he does not want to see them go, A lot of Arcadia residents
are very happy with the ,peafowl.
Mayor Fasching noted that he had expected to see a resolution
concerning this matter on tonight's agenda. He recalled that
at a previous meeting, Councilman Harbicht had started to make
a motion and Mayor Fasching had requested that it be in two
parts. It had been proposed that the abatement plan be
brought to the August 18 meeting. Mayor Fasching noted there
had been two proposals, but neither had been accepted. One
of the proposals had been that traps would be provided to
private property owners who would then trap the peafowl
themselves. The public hearing will be held September 1, 1992.
Mr. Folev suggested that Mr. Downie might plant peacock-proof
flowers in his yard.
12
8/4/92
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34:0251
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0'110- YO
N',P
() <110- '10
tV!. i>
()'1/(J -10
lII.5p
34:0252
Scott Downie, 1104 Rancho Road, inquired of the City Attorney
if there are currently any ordinances available which protect
peafowl. The City Attorney said there may be some State
statutes. He is researching this. Councilman Harbicht:
replied there is no City ordinance affecting the peacocks in
any way. Mr, Downie said his inclination would be to
immediately get a dozen traps and trap as many as he can
before the public hearing.
Jeff Beckman, 1661 Santa Anita Avenue, stated, in part, that
he has lived in Arcadia for twenty-eight years, growing up
behind't:he Arboretum. He has become very accustomed to living
wi th the peacocks. He can remember no occas ion where peacocks
posed a problem to the neighbors or the neighborhood. Most
people remark about how beautiful and exciting the peacocks
are, and how different it is to have them roam through the
community. Now it seems that the birds are threatened. They
were brought here by Lucky Baldwin and have been here a
hundred years. He does not see any point to removing them,
Apparent:ly some have already been moved without the consent
of the citizens. He does not understand why, when these
matters come up, the citizens find out at the last minute,
after something has already been passed or is in the works.
Why can these items not be placed on a newslett:er on t:ime?
Rumors are that: there is a big problem in the Upper Rancho.
This past weekend, he drove around the Upper Rancho; he found
four peacocks. He has a hard time believing that: four
peacocks can pose such a problem to the community, when
probably 99% of the peacocks reside in the Lo~er Rancho area.
He would like to know just what: is being done at this present
time. Mayor Fasching replied that the Arboretum wants to
reduce t:he peacock population t:o one peacock per acre. It is
his understandIng that the Arboretum pays their employees one
dollar for each peacock they can capture and relocat:e. Mr.
Beckman noted that the peacock is depicted on t:he City's flag,
the City's lett:erhead, etc. The peacocks have a right to be
here. When people look to buy a home in Arcadia, they see the
peacocks around the neighborhoods. If they feel this is such
a problem, they should buy homes elsewhere.
Ann Beckman, 950 Monte Verde Drive, stated, in part, that she
talked to Mrs. Provine at the Arboretum who said that: 64
peafowl have been trapped and relocated in Sant:a Barbara. She
also found that some woman in the Upper Rancho called and said
that eight peacocks were disturbing them, and that if the
Arboretum did not trap them, her husband was going to shoot
them. Therefore, the eight peacocks were trapped; that makes
72 that are gone. Also, the ones that were trapped at the
Arboretum were females, so that means a lot: of babies are
gone. She and her husband are very upset about: this, and they
want Council to think about, this before any action is taken.
This affects us all. In the Lower Rancho, they like the
peacocks and want them. If the Upper Rancho does not want
them, send them to those who do. Mayor Fasching noted that
the Arboretum is County propert:y.
Fritz Beckman, 950 Monte Verde Drive, stated, in part, that
he is retired, and he goes around Monte Verde and Paloma and
he is very familiar with the area, having lived there for
twenty years. Peacocks are beautiful, and apparent:ly they
just took them for granted. Now with this coming up and
people complaining, he wonders if this can be taken away from
the residents, If people haven't lived around the peafowl,
they don't: realize how much enjoyment they bring. He thinks
that if it gets to the point where the people in the Upper
Rancho don't want the peacocks, then bring them down to the
area where people like them. The peacocks are a treasure to
this City. The children love them. The peacocks are the best
public relations that this City has. For a lot of people, this
is an emotional thing.
13
8/4/92
,',
0'-110 - 'It)
N5P
5.
5a.
PUBLIC HEARING
SCHEDULED
(Aug. 18,1992)
[J<;b'O., ~.5-
5b.
ANIMAL CONTROL
ACCOUNT -
1991-92 &
1992-93
APPROPRIATION
o '110 - ~ 0
5c.
EQUIP.PURCH.
PARAMEDIC
AMBULANCE
(Fire Dept.)
t:J,.3 '10 --;-; '()
1-0
5d.
SALARY APPROP.
HALF-TIME, TEMP.
LIB.TECH.II
(Library)
O.3~O-~
/9''1:).- 93
5e.
12' R!W
DEDICATION
ACCEPT. (407 S.
Second Av.)
(TPM 91-004)
(PM 22974)
o sf,Q >:'0
5f.
CONTRACT AWARD
CONST.RELIEF
SEWERS (Htg.Dr.
fr.Gateway Dr.
to Fifth Av. &
on Duarte Rd.fr.
Fifth to Fourth)
(Job No. 507)
/)'/1.";-- ~Q
34:0253
Sandv Snider, 312 1/2 Primrose, Alhambra, stated, in part,
that she is employed at the Arboretum, and, although she is
not representing the Arboretum, she would like to say there
is no bounty for Arboretum employees to trap the peacocks.
The Arboretum has relocated some of the birds, at the request
of people who wanted peacocks -~ some in Santa Barbara and
some in the San Diego back country. The birds have been
relocated from the front of the Arboretum basically because
there had been a problem with children getting their hands
pecked while trying to feed the peacocks. There is no policy
or intention of getting rid of them other than from around the
coffee shop area where the children congregate.
Mayor Fasching thanked the participants and reiterated there
is to be a public hearing on the peacock matter September 1,
1992.
I
CONSENT ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED for August 18, 1992 for consideration
of an appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of MP 92-003,
for setback and building height modifications to construct a
two-story 6,248 square-foot single-family dwelling with
attached garage at 16 W. Lemon Avenue (Harry Wu, property
owner).
APPROVED an additional appropriation from the General Fund
Reserves of $8,,000 to satisfy the 1991-92 Animal Control bill;
and an additional $20,000 to the Animal Control account for
1992-93. This to more accurately budget funds for Animal
Control services.
APPROVED bid from Arata Equipment Company and AUTHORIZED
purchase of a paramedic ambulance in the amount of $76,039.
The Fire Department has been scheduled to purchase a new
paramedic ambulance in the 1992-93 Capital Improvement Program
to replace a 1984 unit.
APPROVED appropriation in the amount of $1830. for salary for
half-time Library Technician II. This to be half-time
replacement for a full time Library Technician II who will be
taking eight weeks of sick leave.
I
ACCEPTED twelve feet (12') dedication on Second Avenue for
public right-of-way purposes, This dedication is a condition
of approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. 91-004 (Parcel Map No.
22974), 407 South Second Avenue for one lot condominium
purposes.
AWARDED contract in the amount of $72,533,00 to Beecher
Construction Company for construction of relief sewers on
Huntington Drive from Gateway Drive to Fifth Avenue and on
Durate Road from Fifth Avenue to Fourth Avenue - Job No. 507.
14
8/4/92
,',
I
I
5g.
WORK ACCEPTED
(Install. Bus
Benches, Trash
Concainers -
Job No. 661)
Oq',;2o".;)V
5h.'
CONTRACT AWARD
PUBLIC WORKS
(Lighting Prog.
Nos. 4 & 5 -
Jobs Nos. 506
& 521)
Oq.'lO ~'IO
6.
6a.
PROPERTY
ANNEXATION
(Area Bordered
by Boley St. on
North, Longden
Av. on south,
Prop. Along
Doolittle Av.
on the east &
City Boundary
on the west)
(DENIED)
()<;;'fO ..uJ
34:0254
All informalities in the bid or bidding process to be WAIVED;
and the Mayor and City Clerk are AUTHORIZED to execute a
contract in a form approved by the City Attorney.
ACCEPTED project and AUTHORIZED final payment in the amount
of $118,454.00 to Vido Samarzich, Inc., contractor for subject
project. The work consisted of removal of existing bus
benches and installation of 16 concrete pads, 95 benches and
73 exposed aggregate waste containers at various locations.
This project was funded entirely by Propositon "A" Funds. Ten
percent (10%) retention payment becomes due and payable 15
days after the recordation of Council acceptance, and will
only be released by the Director of Public Works on completion
of all corrections of record.
Mayor Fasching noted that this project has made a big
improvmeent to the appearance of the City and bus stops.
They are first class benches and trash receptacles.
AWARDED contract for Lighting Programs Nos. 4 and 5 in the
amount of $49,520 to AAA Electrical Services; any
informalities in the bid or bidding process to be WAIVED; the
Mayor and City Clerk are AUTHORIZED to execute a contract in
a form approved by the City Attorney.
ALL OF THE ABOVE CONSENT ITEMS WERE APPROVED ON MOTION BY
COUNCIU1AN LOJ:ESKI, SECONDED BY COUNCIU1AN HARBICHT AND
CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Lokeski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
CITY MANAGER
Consideration of a request and petition from Annette E.
Phillips, 827 East Longden Avenue, requesting that the City
of Arcadia consider annexation of the area bordered by Boley
Street on the north, Longden Avenue on the south, the
properties along the east side of Doolittle Avenue on the east
and the City boundary on the west. There are 75 homes within
this area and Ms. Phillips has secured the signatures of
owners of 37 residences.
Councilman Harbicht noted that his impression is that
annexation of residential properties involves costs to the
City that far exceed the income that the City gets from the
annexation. The Assistant Planning Director agreed with this,
however this might be a logical annexation according to the
map. A report will be required with regard to the sewer
system, as well as reports from Public Works, Fire Department,
etc. In response to a question from Councilman Harbicht, the
Assistant Planning Director stated the time required to come
back with a final consolidated report would be of the order
of two months. Field work by the Fire Department is involved,
as well as the reports from other Departments. It is a major
commitment to do this study, The lots in this area are sub-
standard; they do not meet the City's criteria; it will be
necessary to check the sewer system, water system, etc.
Councilman Harbicht noted that he suspected that when this
report is finally completed, Council will take a look at it
15
8/4/92
,',
"
7.
la.
ORDINANCE
NO. 1974
(ADOPTED)
o ,J~fJ -.20
7b.
ORDINANCE
NO. 1975
(ADOPTED)
7c.
ORDINANCE
NO. 1976
(ADOPTED)
( ().J 0 ,<-If)
34:0255
and decide not to annex the properties in question.
Therefore, he questions utilizing all the staff time involved
in preparing such a report. Following considerable discussion
among Councilmen, it was the consensus that past experience
has shown that the cost and disadvantages of such annexations
outweigh the advantages to the City of Arcadia.
It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman
Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to DENY the
request for annexation of the property bordered by Boley
Street on the north, Longden Avenue on the south, the
properties along Doolittle Avenue on the east and the City
boundary on the west,
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
1
NOES:
ABSENT:
Staff is to notify Mrs. Annette E. Phillips of Council's
decision.
CITY ATTORNEY
The City Attorney presented and read the title of Ordinance
No, 1974: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 4216.2.2.16,
4216.2.2.18, 4216.2,4, 4216.2.5, 4216.3.1.4 AND ADDING
SECTIONS 4216.1.9 AND 4216.1.10 OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE
REGARDING BINGO GAMES".
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo, seconded by Councilman
Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that
Ordinance No. 1974 be and it is hereby ADOPTED.
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
. The City Attorney presented and read the title of Ordinance
No. 1975: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE BY
REPEALING SECTIONS 4231.9 AND 4231.10 REGARDING OCCUPANCY OF
PRIVATE ROOM RENTALS".
It was MOVED by Councilman Margett, seconded by Councilman
Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that
Ordinance No. 1975 be and it is hereby ADOPTED.
t
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
I
NOES:
ABSENT:
The City Attorney presented and read the title of Ordinance
No. 1976: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE BY
ADDING A SECTION 1701 TO CHAPTER 7 OF ARTICLE I EXEMPTING THE
SEPTEMBER 15, 1992 SPECIAL ELECTION FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF
STATE ELECTIONS CODE SECTIONS REGARDING MAILED BALLOT
PRECINCTS". This Ordinance will become effective immediately
upon adoption.
It was MOVED by Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Councilman
Margett and CARRIED on roll call vote as follow that Ordinance
No. 1976 be and it is hereby ADOPTED.
16
8/4/92
,',
I
I
7d.
ORDINANCE
NO. 1977
(ADOPTED)
o 3so~ .,,~-
7e.
RESOLUTION
NO. 5684
(ADOPTED)
~r(o C) - 410
7f.
CLAIM OF
D.McARTHUR
(DENIED)
10 '-10 - '10
8.
CITY ATTORNEY
34:0256
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Lojeski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
The City Attorney presented and read the title of Ordinance
No. 1977: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, AMENDING SECTION 6411.5 OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE
PROHIBITING GAME MACHINES IN LIQUOR STORES".
It was MOVED by Councilman Harbicht, seconded by Councilman
Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that
Ordinance No. 1977 be and it is hereby ADOPTED.
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
The City Attorney presented and read the title of Resolution
No. 5684: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING IT TO BE OF URGENT NECESSITY
FOR THE PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY THAT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL
MAINTENANCE CONTRACTOR BE SELECTED THROUGH REQUEST FOR
PROPOSALS AND AUTHORIZING SUCH A PROCEDURE (FOUR VOTES
REQUIRED)".
In response to a question from Councilman Margett, the Public
Works Director replied that they would like to proceed with
a request for, proposals, rather than the actual bidding
process. Price is a consideration, but there are other
factors to be considered such as the quality of service,
responsiveness, etc. Currently the City is on a month-to-
month basis and the contract has expired; therefore the
urgency. The current contractor will be solicited for a
quotation, There are only three or four companies qualified
to do this work.
It was MOVED by Councilman Margett, seconded by Councilman
Harbicht and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that
Resolution No. 5684 be and it is hereby ADOPTED.
AYES: '
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
On recommendation of the City Attorney, the claim of D.
McArthur was DENIED on MOTION by Councilman Harbicht, seconded
by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo and CARRIED on roll call vote as
follows:
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
MATTERS FROM STAFF
At the recommendation of the City Attorney, it was MOVED by
Councilman Lojeski, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo and
CARRIED that the need to take action on this item concerning
the computer cabling contract arose after the agenda had been
posted,
17
8/4/92
".
CONTRACT AWARD
CITY HALL
(Computer
Cabling
Contract -
S & J Sales)
o 3 '-10 /()
ACTING CITY
MANAGER
(Zone Chg.
Request - W.
Side Baldwin
North of
Huntington)
9.
CITY CLERK
(Michillinda &
Sunset Land-
scaping &
Monument)
06 <10, ./{}
11/.$ P
LOJESKI
(Redevelopment
Area
Expansion)
CIRAULO
(Gun Store -
Live Oak Av.)
HARBICHT
(Chairman Nat'l
Law Enforcement
Explorer Comte.-
Chief Neal
JOhnson)
{;'1iD-'Is:'''
COUNCILMEN
(Htg. Dr. &
Second' Ave.
NW & SW
Corners -
Improvement of
Appearance)
34:0257
It was then MOVED by Councilman Harbicht, seconded by
Councilman Lojeski and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows
the computer cabling contract be AWARDED to S & J Sales for
$23,877.91.
In reply to questions from Mayor Fasching, the Finance
Director stated that this cabling will be installed in the
upper City Hall. This new cabling is to be installed because
of the replacement of the City's Hewlett Packard computer
system.. There will be a hub where all the cabling ties in,
with a single cable link to the system itself. The PC's and
the peripherals in that area have to be tied into the main
frame. This will involve a panel in the upper City Hall into
which all the equipment will tie; therefore if any of the
offices or the computer should be moved in the future, there
would be minor or ~o problems.
I
AYES:
Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Loj eski, Margett and
Fasching
None
None
NOES:
ABSENT:
Inquiry was made by the Acting City Manager regarding
Council's direction concerning the request by a property owner
to consider a zone change of the properties on the west side
of Baldwin. It was the consensus of Council that this matter
will be considered at the next Council meeting.
MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
The City Clerk stated that the City monument and the
landscaping at the corner of Michillinda and Sunset are
beautiful and make a huge difference in that area.
Councilman Lojeski requested a report from the Assistant City
Manager for Economic Development with definitive facts and
costs on possibilities of expanding the Redevelopment area.
He is specifically interested in the area on First Avenue
between Alta Street and Duarte Road.
Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo has noticed that there is a gun store
on Live Oak Avenue. He hates to see this type of store coming
in around the fringes of the City. In response to his
question, staff replied such a store is permitted in the City
and would be in the category of retail sales,
I
Councilman Harbicht announced that it has come to his
attention that Arcadia Police Chief Neal Johnson has been
installed as the Chairman of the National Law Enforcement
Committee, responsible for the administration of 42,000
Explorer Scouts throughout the United States. Chief Johnson
initiated Explorer Post 101 in Arcadia in 1968, and now he
has ascended to the highest post in the whole organization.
This brings a great deal of credit to the City of Arcadia, and
we are all very proud of Chief Johnson.
Considerable discussion ensued among Councilmen as to ways and
means of improving the appearance of the City properties on
the northwest and southwest corners of Huntington Drive and
068'0 - '7.l/V R
z. L( to
NSf'
18
8/4/92
"
I
1
FASCHING
(City
Manager
Resignation)
0(.10-.30
IIIsP
LOJESKI
(In Memory of
Helen Mary
Pellegrino)
34:0258
Second Avenue. Councilman Margett and the Public Works
Director reviewed Councilman Margett's previous suggestions
of building a berm on the properties, planting flowers or
shrubs of some type, and installing an irrigation system. The
cost of these improvements was estimated to be of the order
of $18,000 plus on-going maintenance costs of approximately
$300 a month for the northwest corner, and $200 a month for
the southwest corner, This work could be accomplished by City
crews, however they would have to be reassigned from other
maintenance projects. In reply to a question from Councilman
Margett, the Assistant City Manager for Economic Development
said he did not feel these improvements would have any effect
on the marketability of the two sites. The Assistant City
Manager for Economic Development also noted that he would be
concerned about the possibility of the dumping of hazardous
materials on these sites if the rented construction fence were
to be removed, even though it is unsightly, If such dumping
should occur, it could be very costly to the City. Mayor
,Fasching noted that he has seen fencing with green plastic
"'. webbing woven through the links of the fence. Such fencing
would serve the purpose of blocking the view of the vacant
land.
Mayor Fasching referred to a study session he had attended at
the League of California Cities conference. This study
session explored the relationship between a city council and
their city manager; termination of city managers, resignation
of city managers, tenure expectancy of city managers, etc.
Mayor Fasching referred to the letters received by Council,
as well as articles printed in the Star-Tribune requesting
explanations concerning the departure of former City Manager,
George Watts. These letters and articles have reached a
considerable nUmber of people in the community. The key
question has been that of why the City Manager resigned. One
letter noted that Council made a resignation package for Mr.
Watts, retained him as a consultant on a salary with the City,
but that Mr. Watts had never been back to City Hall for any
reason. Actually, Mr. Watts has been back to City Hall on one
occasion. At that time, Mr. Watts made it a point to inform
the City Attorney that'he would not anticipate nor condone
anything said about his not being with the City anymore.
Also, if anything were said he would sue the City or perhaps
Councilmembers individually. Mayor Fasching said he wonders
why the writers of the letters and articles have not come to
a Council meeting to ask for an explanation face-to-face with
the Council. Political considerations aside, reasons for an
individual's resignation or acceptance of such resignation are
usually not discussed; it would benefit no one. Mayor
Fasching stated that he would hope that the residents would
understand that Council ,had its reasons, which were felt to
be sound. Council was elected to represent the City and given
the right to act as it did without violating the City Charter,
and that is what was done. This Council is looking forward
to a new City Manager, and to the programs it would like to
get underway for the City,
"I would like to adjourn tonight's meeting in memory of a
long-time friend, both of Arcadia and a very personal friend
of mine - - Helen Mary Pellegrino. She was a long time
resident of Arcadia. Helen passed away on July 19, 1992 at
the age of 78. Services were held July 22 at Holy Angels
Church. She was actively involved in the Italian Catholic
Federation of Holy Angels Parish for the past twenty-five
years. The official notices in the newspaper, I think,
summarized in a few short sentences really what Helen was all
about. Many of us sitting at the Council Table had occasion
through the years to meet Helen. Her family will always
treasure her deep and abiding love. Wherever she went, she
gave a small piece of her happiness and hope back to someone
19
8/4/92
,..
"
10.
ADJOURNMENT
(Aug.ll,1992 -
6:00 p.m.)
AfTEST:
J
Alford,
34:0259
who may have misplaced their own. She was preceded in death
by her son, Donald, former Arcadia Mayor and Councilman. She
is survived by her husband, Donald Joseph, four children, one
brother, and one sister, fourteen grandchildren, and fourteen
great grandchildren. I would like to formally adjourn
tonight's meeting in memory of Helen Mary Pellegrino."
At 11:10 p. m. the meeting ADJOURNED to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday,
August II, 1992 in the Conference Room of the Council Chamber
to conduct the business of the Council and Redevelopment
Agency, and any CLOSED SESSION necessary to discuss personnel,
litigation and evaluation of properties.
asching, Hayor
20
8/4/92
,',
1