Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 18,1992 I I ,)11(,1- .$-0 .) ~ / 'ii'I.:( G-, 34-: 0261 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK ROLL CALL NORTH S.G.V./ SAN BERNARDINO CO. TRANSIT PREL PLNG. STDY . RPT. 0'3.$0 <):i.-' TELECASTING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS o 'fjlf) . ~() KIN UTE S CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA and the ARCADIA REDEVELOPKENT AGENCY ADJOURNED REGULAR KEETING AUGUST 18, 1992 The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in an Adjourned Regular Keeting at 6:37 p. m., Tuesday, August 18, 1992, in the Conference Room of the City Council chambers. PRESENT: Councilmen Ciraulo, Harbicht, Margett and Fasching Councilman Lojeski (Arrived at 6:39 p.m.) ABSENT: " On MOTION by Mayor Fasching, second by Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo and CARRIED, Councilman Lojeski was EKCUSED. The final report of the Preliminary Planning Study Along the Northern San Gabriel-San Bernardino Valley Transportation Corridor was presented to the Council. The August 18, 1992 staff report sets forth the background of the City's participation in this study and the funding thereof. The cities of Monrovia, Duarte and Arcadia are hosting a meeting on Thursday, August 20th at the Duarte City Hall to discuss the report and future plans. Kayor Fasching will attend as well as Councilman Margett and possibly Councilman Harbicht and Kayor Pro tem Ciraulo. Mayor Fasching reported that he and the Assistant to the City Manager, Alex McIntyre, met with Tom Prevette, General Manager of Cablevision, to discuss telecasting the City Council meetings. The main purpose of the meeting the Mayor stated, was to secure information related to the costs involved to the City and to the cable company, and a time schedule for implementing the project if 'Council determines to telecast the meetings. Mayor Fasching learned that at the time the original ,contract was executed between the City and Cab1evision about seven (7) years ago, there was a stipulation to that contract that Cab1evision would furnish the City with equipment worth $100,000, and provide a studio to the City for public access telecasting. The City has never utilized the equipment or the studio. and sometime in the past one or two years Cablevision was. permitted to cease maintenance of a studio for Arcadia public access. Recently, Mr. Prevette was advised that Council wished to begin telecasting the council meetings, however before production can commence Cablevision would have to lay cable into the council chambers to get the signal out, check the lighting, and complete other minor tasks, according to Mayor Fasching. The cost for that initial phase of the program would be $5,000 to $7,000; and a mobile van production unit would be provided outside the chambers to cablecast the meetings. Further, two tripod cameras would be used initially and Cablevision would absorb the cost involved. 1 8/ l8/92 34:0262 Mayor Fasching described Monrovia's telecasting process; Monrovia has permanent-p1acement-cameras and mounts which are set-up the night of their telecast; monitors for, each councilmember; and a 21 or 25 inch monitor for the audience; four students operate the cameras and the control panel at each meeting at an average cost of $6 to $7 per hour to each student, for a total cost of $100 for each telecast. The cost of installing a sophisticated system such as Monrovia's could cost from $40,000 to $50,000. Mayor Fasching noted that Mr. Prevette agreed that Cab1evision would absorb this cost also and the Mayor felt this was only right since Cablevision has not "done anything for us in the last seven years which they had anticipated doing". In reference to Monrovia, it was noted that they had formed a "television commission" of volunteers who coordinate programs through the Monorvia public I access channel, which is something Arcadia should consider also. The difference between public access and local access was explained: local access is controlled by the cable company, which means they will televise under local access such events as high school football games in the City; and other special events which would be of interest to Arcadia residents. There would be no charge to the City. Public access would not be controlled by the cable company. At the present time Cablevision has approximately one-half of the households in the City.undar subscription. Mayor Fasching felt if and when local access cable is implemented, and with publicity in the City Newsletter, cable company business could increase by as much as 20% for the basic cable access cost of $19.00 per month. The local access channel could provide a sales tool for the cable company. Mayor Fasching noted that Mr. Prevette's August 18th letter to the City did not actually state that Cablevision would pay for permanent remote controlled production to telecast Council meetings, however, at the meeting Mr. Prevette did agree "to do it at their cost and put it in his budget". In response to Councilman Margett regarding policy and guidelines for a "television commission", Mayor Fasching commented that the commission would function as any of the other City commissions. The Mayor went on to say that Cablevision will have a new studio early next year which Arcadia would share with Monrovia ... the time schedule for telecasts would have to be worked out. Further, tonight he is informing Council that this opportunity is available, and all the ramifications of telecasting the City Council meetings, and the public and local access, are not clear as yet as to who would have access and so forth. This report to the Council is for the purpose of input from the Council to determine if this project should proceed. Although there is a basic conflict in what Mr. Prevette stated at the meeting, and what has been stated in his letter, and the question of who finances the move from temporary production facilities to a permanent remote controlled capacity, including equipment, remains to be resolved, these things will be taken up with the cable company. I Councilman Lojeski remembered that seven years ago or whenever the contract was executed with Cab1evision, the cable company talked about televising the council meetings and that a community access type of channel would be utilized at no cost to the City. Further, he is "a little amazed that eventually, to secure the installation, this cost will amount to $40,000 or $50,000". Also, as he understands it, at that earlier time there was a full production studio in Sierra Madre at the school district office. The Assistant to the City Manager clarified that the owners of the cable company seven years ago were Daniels and Associates. Further, staff does not know if any equipment was actually purchased by the cable company, 8/18/92 2 I I STATE BUDGET rJ 3 ~ ,; - 'f '- NSP 34:0263 however, the City did not spend funds to purchase the equipment. Mayor Fasching noted that as a condition of the franchise contract, the cable company was responsible for the cost of the equipment which was listed in the franchise agreement. The Assistant to the City Manager noted that Cablevision still proposes to pay for the cablecast of the meetings, although, they intend to use the two-tripod approach and not the system that Monrovia is currently using. Arcadia would need to supply paid or volunteer crews to man the cameras and audio boards. Councilman Margett stated in part that he.likes the idea of televising the Council meetings, also of exploring the possibility of moving ahead with the project. Mayor Fasching stated in part that Council could move ahead in the next 90 days (or 60 days) on the initial phase in the form of a mobile van production unit and the return line which will originate from the council chambers ... which will not be a cost to the City. However, before a permanent telecasting system could be installed, Cablevision would have to agree to finance it. A commitment from them would be required in regard to the costs; who will pay proposed costs; and the time period before start-up .. 60 or 90 days? A brief discussion focused on Cab1evision's exclusive cable rights in Arcadia. Coun~ilman Harbicht did not think this was true, and stated that other companies have the right to come into the City with cable television service, although no other company has done this. Staff noted that Cablevision has been granted a franchise in the City. . Mayor Fasching commented that the telephone company no doubt will enter into cab1ecasting in the next few years. Councilman Harbicht commented that cable-less cable television is coming, which will offer competition because the fixed costs will not be the same as current cable costs. Mayor Fasching commented that he would like a general consensus from the Council that the proposed initial start-up plan be implemented. Councilman Lojeski stated that he is interested in telecasting the council meetings. It is a way of communicating with the citizens of Arcadia. Mayor Pro tem Ciraulo said that he is not all that crazy about telecasting Council meetings. He would prefer to have more people come to the council chamber and express their views. If the meetings are televised people will stay home. Further, he would be interested to know if a survey has been conducted of how many people watch the televised council meetings in Sierra Madre or Monrovia. Councilman Harbicht said he did not care one way or the other' ... there are advantages and disadvantages to telecasting the meetings. Council has to recognize that someone has to pay for the project. He would like to see more facts and figures and then come to grips with it before making a decision. Mayor Fasching said facts and figures will be provided and the question of televising council meetings, and of public and local access, will be placed on a future agenda and a vote taken at that time. The Finance Director reported the latest information received from Sacramento regarding the State budget crisis is that Governor Wilson has put together a package that would reduce property tax revenues to cities by $200,000,000, and reduce revenue to redevelopment agencies by $100,000,000. This cut would amount to approximately $420,000 per year to Arcadia. It is his understanding that the reduction would only be for one year. As far as redevelopment cuts, the state is talking 8/18/92 3 PURCHASE OF SAFETY BOOTS () .3.D r.l - ~-Cl NSP LANDSCAPING NW, SW COR. HTG. & 2ND .~) ~ " ~ j .. -/' ti-I ~ e... 1..{ ~ LEAF BLOWERS MONUMENT LIGHTING (Sunset & Mlchillinda) DEPUTY LORD MAYOR OF NEWCASTLE (Illness) SOLICITATION (Rose Hills) PEACOCK CONTROL () '-II tP - :j () 34:0264 about taking half of the set-aside 20%. In reality this would cost the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency 10% of the tax increment revenue and those monies would not need to be replaced later for low-and-moderate-income housing set-aside monies. This figure amounts to $230,000. The Finance Director noted also that the City would not receive funds from the tax on cigarettes this year. Also at this point in time, because of the non-adopted budget at the state level, the Finance Department has not addressed the $420,000 worth of lost revenues to the City as far as the City's budget goes. There are still many rumors coming out of Sacramento regarding the , proposed revenue cuts to cities. Staff clarified the cost of boots for safety employees at approximately $85 per pair for 55 employees, for a total cost of $4700. This was agreed to when Council met with AFSCME representatives. Further, boot replacement may occur annually, according to staff. The Public Works Director commented that this item may be put in the annual operating budget as a separate line item for Council's consideration. I A discussion ensued of various landscaping plans for the vacant Redevelopment Agency properties at the NW & SW corner of Huntington and Second Avenue, also the SW corner of St. Joseph and First Avenue. Councilman Margett has recommended a berm approach which would be attractive. Staff expressed concern that vehicles could drive over a berm and deposit hazardous materials on the site. The current fence makes this possibility very difficult to accomplish. The procedures for removing even a small amount of contaminated soil are very lengthy and expensive at approximately $6,000 per truck load even for a small amount of contaminated soil. Based on his contracting experience, Councilman Margett noted that finding soil contamination at these sites is very remote. If contamination is found, other than years and years of hazardous waste dumping, the soil can usually be treated. In a brief discussion of the use of leaf blowers in the City by gardeners, and complaints of residents, Council determined to put the consideration of this issue off to a later date since so many other issues are under consideration at this time. Council considered lighting for the newly installed monument and landscaping at the corner of Sunset and Michillinda. This item was on the consent calendar at a previous meeting when the contact was awarded. At that time the lighting of the sign was removed from the contract by Council consent. After discussion the Council determined to individually look at the site, then place the item on the consent calendar to add the lighting of the monument and landscaping and vote on this matter at the September 1, 1992 City Council meeting. Councilman Harbicht reported that Don Getties, Deputy Lord Mayor of Newcastle, South Wales, Australia, is undergoing surgery for stomach cancer today, and suggested that Council send a card wishing him well. Council concurred. The Sister City Commission will be notified of his condition also. I In reference to a request from Rose Hills Cemetery to solicit business door-to-door within the City, Mayor Fasching noted this may be a legal matter and Council will seek direction from the City Attorney after he returns from vacation. Mayor Fasching reported that in conversation with Mr. John Provine of the Arboretum, he learned that Arboretum staff build peacock traps and furnish them to residents upon request. Mr. Provine indicated the Arboretum would be willing to work with the City in the matter of peacock control. Mayor 8/18/92 4 I I 34:0265 Fasching suggested the City purchase ten traps, donate them to the Arboretum, and let the Arboretum handle the requests from residents for the traps, which would be returned to the Arboretum after Animal Control picks up the trap and peafowl. This plan would remove the responsibility of the trap requests from the City staff. CITY HALL REMODEL CONCEPT PLANS 07.,,) ,.'! rJ. Mayor Fasching reported that Planning Commissioner Bob Daggett has prepared a preliminary outline of space assignments within City Hall. Mr. Daggett's plan reconfigured the space needs of each City department. Along with interior plans an exterior change concept has been prepared also, one of which is an atrium area with a glass roof between the two City Hall buildings with trees and plants ... Mr. Daggett will present this concept at the 6:30 pre-meeting on September 1st. Further, Commissioner Daggett estimates the cost of this concept, including interior decorating, at around $1,000,000. Mayor Fasching added, if Council approves this concept then the same procedure could be followed as that of the current Library expansion project. ADJOURNMENT The City Council Adjourned Regular meeting ADJOURNED sine die at 7:31 p. m. ATTEST: 8"" ,J ~~~ Ju P. Alford, City erk \ 8/18/92 5