HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 17,1991_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
(Dec.3,1991)
(APPROVED)
ORD, & RES.
READ BY
TITLE ONLY
l.
PUBLIC HEARING
T. A. 91-005
(Oak Tree
Preservation)
(APPROVED WITH
REVISIONS)
OS'r50 - 6~'
o '-I.J(). MJ
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 17, 1991
The City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in
a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 17, 1991 in
the Arcadia City Hall Council Chamber,
Pastor Lawrence Rae, Arcadia Christian Fellowship
Forrest Besocke, Scout Leader, Arcadia Troop 125,
Boy Scouts of America
Mayor Gilb welcomed the Scouts who were present in the
audience.
PRESENT: Councilmembers Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young
and Gilb
ABSENT: None
On MOTION by Councilmember Young, seconded by Mayor Pro tern
Harbicht and CARRIED, the minutes of the adjourned and
regular meetings of December 3, 1991 were APPROVED.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Ciraulo, seconded by Council-
member Young and CARRIED, that Ordinances and Resolutions
be read by title only and that the reading in full be
WAIVED.
After consideration of ~ & 91-005, the City Council at its
November 5, 1991 meeting directed staff to revise the proposed
tree preservation ordinance and address only oak tree
preservation. A summary of the revisions to the ordinance
and the standards for granting or denying tree permits is set
forth in detail in staff report dated December 17, 1991, In
reply to a question from Mayor Gilb, staff responded that the
proposal which is before Council includes new enforcement
provisions which include a number of enforcement mechanisms
proposed, i. e, criminal provisions which means violators would
be subject to the maximum penalty which can be imposed by the
Arcadia Municipal Code and Charter which is a $500 fine and/or
six months in jail, and each separate day of violation can be
deemed to be a separate offence. Also, there could be a
separate violation for each tree cut down. Further,
provis ions have been added in order to impose additional
penalties, i.e., the payment of a fine or replacement of the
oak tree which was removed; planting new trees in some
quantity which would be appropriate to the situation and in
a location on the site which would be appropriate. Also,
there will be a procedure establishing the value of the trees
that may have been illegally removed, and also provisions to
suspend any City permits which may be issued on the property,
pending resolution of the issue. In reply to a question from
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Councilmember Ciraulo, staff explained the penalty under the
moratorium would remain a $500 fine and/or six months in jail.
Mayor Gilb declared the hearing OPEN.
H. R. Stoke, 1040 Hampton Road, stated, in part, that he has
attempted to work with the Planning Director to create an
ordinance that is meaningful and in the best interests of the
City. He feels that the proposed text amendment is more of
a negotiating permit than a preservation ordinance. This
proposed text amendment says nothing about damaging oak trees;
and it says if a resident wants to remove a tree, he can make
an application and give reasons why it should be done rather
than not done. In the previous ordinance there was a specific
exception when an owner was able to take economic advantage
of his property. He feels the revised ordinance does not have
an exception, and there are no standards. There is the
elimination of the homeowners association as an organization
which has control. This ordinance will not preserve for the
people of Arcadia the oak trees in the area as was hoped.
The homeowner associations should have the responsibility to
make rules and regulations and to see that they are carried
out, This ordinance will eliminate the authority of the
associations. Mr. Stoke had questions also about the
technical issues; the pruning, the situation when there is
construction, etc. However, he is pleased to note that in
this draft, the ordinance applies to a tree, rather than to
a piece of property. Further, the $500 fine is not adequate,
Mr, Stoke requested, if Council concurs, that the City
Attorney be asked to meet with members of the various
homeowners' associations who were previously involved, and who
gave their ideas in writing to the Planning Directo~ and draw
an alternative ordinance with minimal standards for Council's
consideration; an ordinance that has some real definition;
some standards; and some teeth in it.
Mayor Gilb noted that he feels that if an area has an
Architectural Review Board, a tree should not be removed
without the permission of that Board. Permission from the
Planning Director should be required for removal of a tree in
areas without Architectural Review Boards. That should solve
the problem of taking down a tree right now without having
more meetings before anything is done. The amount of the fine
is $500, which is set by the City Charter. The Mayor was not
sure what could be done when an oak tree is damaged. Mr.
Stoke noted that on page 6 of the draft, the Planning Director
made a good effort in solving the problem of damage to the
tree with the provision for the planting of additional trees.
Mayor Gilb felt the fine should be in addition to replacement
of the trees. Mayor Pro tern Harbicht commented that a
provision overlooked in the ordinance is in the section of Oak
Tree Protection Regulations. One of the points should be: "no
person should cause damage to an oak tree as defined in this
ordinance". The point is made that the ordinance defines what
the damage is, but never speaks to it. Councilmember Young
agreed that something should be on the books as quickly as
possible; it can always be changed if necessary. Mayor Gilb
reiterated that he feels that the Architectural Review Boards
and the various property owners associations should have the
responsibility to approve taking down an oak tree as a
starting point. This should be in this ordinance as well as
in the moratorium. Also, some thought should be given to
making some changes in the City Charter.
James T. Rostron, 422 Monte Vista Drive, Chairman,
Architectural Review Board, Rancho Santa Anita Residents'
Association, stated, in part, that he has been associated with
the Architectural Review Board for twenty-five years. With
respect to this proposed ordinance, his homeowners'
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association does not have any provision with respect to
approval or disapproval for the removal or trimming or taking
any action with regard to trees. They do not feel they are
expert arborists, and think it wise for the Planning
Department to hire the necessary experts with respect to tree
removal reports, trimming, etc., without referring such
questions to the association. Mr. Rostron supports the
general principles of maintaining the quality of the area, and
trees are very important. He would like to see action taken
on this matter as soon as possible without delay or further
meetings. Changes can be made at a later time, if there are
unworkable provisions.
1
The Public Hearing was CLOSED on MOTION by Councilmember
Fasching, seconded by Councilmember Young and CARRIED,
1
In reply to a question from Councilmember Ciraulo, Mayor Gilb
replied Council could approve the ordinance incorporating the
changes agreed upon, i. e" where there are property owners'
associations, the Architectural Review Boards will give
permission to remove trees if necessary. The Planning
Director noted that staff felt that when a tree is diseased
or hazardous, and if there is a report from a certified
arborist, there would be no need to go through an association.
That process would be cut out in that instance, In reply to
a question from Mayor Gilb, staff replied that most of the
major tree trimming companies retain the services of a
certified arborist. With regard to removal of healthy trees,
in the proposal under consideration, staff recommended that
the associations review and comment; and not that they have
the right of approval to require relocation of trees or other
conditions. Their comments would be received by the City, and
when the matter is reviewed by the Modification Committee,
which would be reviewing 'the requests, such comments would be
taken into consideration. As written in this proposed
ordinance, it does not give the associations authority to
impose conditions on tree removal. The Planning Director
stated, in part, that he believes Mr. Stoke would like the
HOA's to have the authority to review and impose conditions.
Mr. Stoke stated that the authority under the design overlay
Resolution No. 5288 is far more protective of the associations
and the areas than this proposed ordinance. Councilmember
Fasching stated that, in the interest of staff time as well
as association time, that the association comments, and in the
case of diseased trees, the arborist' s report be presented
firstly to the association and than submitted to staff with
comments. Then Council could be certain that the Association
was aware that the removal of a tree was going to occur.
Mayor Gilb liked the idea of review and comments from the
Architectural Review Boards. Staff noted that a problem with
this is that, under the existing provisions, matters going to
the associations have up to thirty days for action. The
problem of diseased or hazardous trees should be dealt with
immediately, If it does go to the association, there should
be some time period for action, perhaps five days.
Councilmembers Fasching and Ciraulo would like to see as much
input as possible from the homeowner associations.
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht asked why an Architectural Review Board
review for a diseased tree should be a requirement. If an
expert, defined as a certified arborist, has looked at the
tree and his recommendation is that this tree must come out -
- it cannot be saved -- this is the kind of report the City
is looking for and what the homeowner would be expected to
bring to City Hall. Why does architectural review come into
the situation? Why ask laymen to pass on this? Councilmember
Fasching agreed. Councilmember Young agreed, but both thought
it to be a matter of communication, Councilmember Fasching
said he had no problem with informing the associations that
a permit has been granted. It will be a matter of policy
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33:0346
that when a permit allowing removal of a diseased tree is
issued, a letter or a copy of the permit will be sent to the
association.
MOTION
At this point Councilmember Ciraulo MOVED to APPROVE Text
Amendment 91-005 and to incorporate the policy under
discussion into the text amendment to inform the affected
homeowners' association when a permit has been issued by the
City for removal of a diseased or hazardous oak tree; a copy
of the permit to be transmitted to the association.
Staff then had a question of the procedure regarding removal
of healthy oak trees, Does Council want the property owner
to first go to the homeowners' association for review and
approval before coming to the City? Mayor Gilb asked if they 1
wouldn't have to do that anyway if the homeowner was
remodeling or enlarging his home, and if there was a tree in
the way this would be noted on the plans and the association
would have to give permission to remove or not remove the
tree. Councilmember Young noted, if a person just wanted to
remove a tree they might not go the association for approval.
They might just take the tree down. Mayor Gilb commented that
if an Architectural Review Board gives what the homeowner may
consider an unreasonable decision, the homeowner can come to
City Hall to discuss this with someone. Staff noted that any
decision of the associations can be appealed to the Planning
Commission and ultimately to the City Council. Mayor Pro tem
Harbicht stated that if a person is in an area with an ARB,
then they are required to present the construction plans to
that Board prior to presenting them to the City, When
submitted to the City, the comments of the ARB will be
included and it then goes to the Modification Committee, which
is a negotiating type of Committee. He thinks that is
adequate, and will give the ARB adequate opportunity to
comment and to have a part in the decision.
SECOND
Mayor Gilb commented that Council seemed to be in agreement
and then asked for a SECOND to Councilmember Ciraulo's MOTION,
Councilmember Young responded and SECONDED the MOTION.
In reply to a question from Councilmember Fasching, Mayor Pro
tern Harbicht explained this procedure is a matter for ARB
review and comment, not for approval. Councilmember Fasching
stated that Architectural Review Boards should be allowed to
approve or disapprove.
It was the consensus of Council that the public hearing be
REOPENED.
James T. Rostron, 422 Monte Vista, stated, in part, that he
wanted to make it clear that he has attended a number of
meetings in which this matter has been discussed. He has not
seen the final draft of the ordinance. His comments were
based on the original ordinance with those suggested changes
to be made.
I
Councilmember Ciraulo asked if the action that has just taken
place incorporates most of Mr, Stoke's concern? To which Mr.
Stoke responded "no" I and stated, in part, that Resolution
5288 gives authority to the homeowner associations to approve
or disapprove. The language of the resolution says that no
tree shall be cut or removed except under certain
circumstances -- an entirely different approach. He will not
join with the Planning Director in the Director's suggestion.
He would like the ordinance to indicate Architectural Review
Board approval, not comment. That authority should remain
with the homeowner associations under Resolution 5288 as
adopted by the Council. If a homeowner is not satisfied with
the ARB's decision they can appeal it.
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MOTION
MOTION
2.
PULIC HEARING
(Extension of
Moratorium on
Removal of Oak
Trees Within
the City to
April 17, 1992)
(APPROVED)
OC/30 - {,O
33:0347
Councilmember Ciraulo then stated that he would like to
incorporate Homeowner Associations, Architectural Review
Boards "approval or disapproval" into the MOTION instead of
"comment", as stated by Mayor Pro tern Harbicht.
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht requested that Councilmember Ciraulo
make a separate motion that Council incorporate into the
proposed text amendment that it be changed to include ARB
"approval" rather than "comment".
It was MOVED by Councilmember Ciraulo, seconded by
Councilmember Young and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows
to incorporate into Text Amendment 91-005 the wording that
the Homeowners' Associations, Architectural Review Boards have
the authority to "approve or disapprove'~ rather than "comment"
on, the request of a homeowner to remove an oak tree or trees
from the homeowner's property.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Ciraulo,
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht
None
Fasching, Young and Gilb
Mayor Gilb then stated that the original MOTION was to approve
the text amendment with changes. Councilmember Ciraulo agreed
and the entire motion is as follows:
It was MOVED by Councilmember, Ciraulo, seconded by
Councilmember Young and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows
to APPROVE Text Amendment 91-005 with changes to incorporate
into the ordinance City policy that the affected homeowners'
association be informed when the City issues a permit for
removal of a diseased or hazardous oak tree; a copy of which
to be transmitted to the association; and that wording in Text
Amendment 91-005 be changed to include Architectural Review
Board approval rather than comment for removal of healthy oak
trees; APPROVE and FILE the Negative Declaration and find that
the text amendment will not have a significant effect on the
environment and DIRECT staff to prepare the appropriate
ordinance with changes, for introduction.
AYES:
Councilmembers
Gilb
None
None
Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young and
NOES:
ABSENT:
On July 2, 1991 the City Council adopted a 45 day moratorium
on the removal and destruction of all oak trees and certain
indigenous trees. This moratorium was extended for five
months (Ordinance No. 1949) by the Council on August 5 to
allow staff additional time to draft a tree preservation
ordinance. This moratorium will expire on January 5, 1992.
On November 5, 1991 the Council held a public hearing and
considered T. A . 91-005 and directed staff to revise the
proposed ordinance to pro tee t oak trees only. The revised
ordinance is under consideration this date. Staff recommends
the moratorium be extended for a maximum of four months to
April 17, 1992 to allow time for adoption of the new oak tree
ordinance.
Mayor Gilb declared the hearing OPEN.
No one desiring to be heard, the
MOTION by Councilmember Young,
Harbicht and CARRIED.
public hearing was CLOSED on
seconded by Mayor Pro tern
It was MOVED by Councilmember Ciraulo, seconded by
Councilmember Young and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows
5
12/17/91
URGENCY
ORDINANCE
NO. 1961
(ADOPTED)
0'-/)(1- .f()
3.
4.
5.
5a.
ROLL CALL
5b.
MINUTE APPROVAL
(Dec. 3,1991)
(APPROVED)
5c.
ADJOURNMENT
6.
7.
7a.
PUBLIC HEARING
SCHEDULED
(Jan. 7,1992)
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7b.
PUBLIC HEARING
SCHEDULED
(Jan. 7,1992)
o,n~O, ..2.~
7c.
PUBLIC HEARING
SCHEDULED
(Jan. 7,1992)
.)51 C-6~
.1 -r" r,-
;;,:- ..... \} ~ .:; So
33:0348
that Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 1961 be and it is hereby
ADOPTED.
The Planning Director presented and read in its entirety
Ordinance' No. 1961: "AN INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, IMPOSING AND
EXTENDING A MORATORIUM ON OAK TREE REMOVAL AND DESTRUCTION IN
THE CITY OF ARCADIA AND PROHIBITING SUCH ACTION, SUBJECT TO
CERTAIN SPECIFICATIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATION
REQUIREMENTS (FOUR VOTES REQUIRED)"
AYES:
Councilmembers
Gilb
None
None
Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young and
NOES:
ABSENT:
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None
CITY COUNCIL RECESSED IN ORDER TO ACT AS THE
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
PRESENT: Agency Members Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young
and Gilb
ABSENT: None
On MOTION by Member Young, seconded by Member Harbicht and
CARRIED, the minutes of the meeting of December 3, 1991 were
APPROVED.
The meeting ADJOURNED to 6:30 p.m., January 7, 1992.
CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED
CONSENT ITEMS
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED for January 7, 1992 for consideration
of an appeal of the Planning Commission's denial of MP 91-006,
upholding the Highland Homeowner's Association's Architectural
Review Board's approval of a second floor addition at 2050
Vista Avenue (Norma Iovine and Mrs, Gina Putkoski Chodos,
appellants, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cooley, owners).
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED for January 7, 1992 for consideration
of an appeal of the Planning Coinmission's denial of MP 91-008,
for the design of certain elements of a front yard landscaping
project at 284 Arbolada Drive which were not consistent with
the plans approved under Application MC 91-005 (Dr. and Mrs.
Dale, property owners/appellants).
PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED for January 7, 1992 for consideration
of Text Amendment 91-006, amending Section 9273.1.10 of
Division 3 in the S-l Special Use Zone relating to horse
racing live and via satellite (Los Angeles Turf Club, Inc.,
applicant).
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I,
7d.
EQUIP. PURCH.
(7 Police
Patrol
Vehicles)
OJ .10'J 0
7e.
EQUIP. PURCH.
(Truck Mounted
10 ton, 46 ft.
Boom Crane -
Water Div.)
OJ </0 -;iO
{"JI;;.
7f.
ADVERTISE FOR
BIDS (Parkway
Improv. & Lands-
caping - NE
Corner Sunset &
Michillinda to
Balboa Dr.)
()qfiJ - :'-0
7g.
WORK ACCEPTED
(12" Waterline
Replacement,
Fire Hydra.nts &
Serv.Laterals -
Live Oak Av.-
W.O. 690)
tJCm::. ,qO
7h.
SETTLEMENT
RATIFICAION
(Soffa)
(RATIFIED)
IO'lO_tojO
33:0349
WAIVED non-compliance with the specific bid process of the
City of Arcadia and AUTHORIZED purchase of seven police patrol
vehicles from Maurice J. Sopp and Sons Chevrolet in the total
amount of $98,598.43. Said award based upon the Los Angeles
County Contract T-377. Funds for this purchase are budgeted
in account 619 400 2107 8701, Equipment Replacement Fund FY
91-92 in the amount of $125,825.00 (appropriation also
includes necessary accessories. sirens, light bars, etc.).
APPROVED contract for the purchase of one truck mounted 10
ton, 46 foot boom crane to Great Pacific Equipment of Anaheim,
CA,in the amount of $74,704.41. Funds for this purchase were
approved by the City Council October 22, 1991. An
appropriation in the amount of $75,000.00 was approved from
the Water Equipment Replacement fund.
APPROVED appropriation of $35,000 from Gas Tax funds for the
construction of parkway improvements and landscaping on Sunset
Boulevard from Michillinda Avenue to Balboa Drive; AUTHORIZED
City staff to proceed with preparation of project plans and
specifications; and AUTHORIZED the City Clerk to advertise for
. bids.
Councilmember Fasching noted that he had visited the mini park
on Winnie Way. It is a beautiful job and the nearby residents
are very happy about it. This is going to do the'same for the
Michillinda-Sunset site.
ACCEPTED project and AUTHORIZED final payment to Robert Brkich
Construction Corp. for 12" waterline replacement, fire
hydrants and service laterals in Live Oak Avenue from Baldwin
Avenue to El Monte Avenue - W. O. 690. Ten percent (10%)
retention payment becomes due and payable 35 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. The final contract amount of
$256,325,75 was funded from the Water Facilities Replacement
Fund.
ALL OF THE ABOVE CONSENT ITEMS WERE APPROVED ON MOTION BY
MAYOR PRO TEM HARBICHT, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER YOUNG AND
CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
AYES:
Councilmembers
Gilb
None
None
Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young and
NOES:
ABSENT:
This item was withdrawn from the Consent Calendar at the
request of Mayor Pro tem Harbicht. This matter involves a
lawsuit and was discussed in Executive Session. At that time
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht was opposed and intends to vote against
it.
It was MOVED by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember
Ciraulo and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that the
personal injury settlement, Soffa v. Arcadia, in the amount
of $20,000 be RATIFIED: and AUTHORIZE payment upon plaintiff's
execution of the appropriate release documents,
7
12/17/91
8.
8a.
ORDINANCE
NO. 1960
(INTRODUCED)
() ~f'O. 76
8b.
RESOLUTION
NO. 5638
(ADOPTED)
tJf;O it)
8c.
RESOLUTION
NO. 5639
(ADOPTED)
)oIdl ,,10
9.
MCINTYRE
(Christmas
Tree
Recycling)
08~o. 6c
NSP
33:0350
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Ciraulo,
Mayor Pro tern Harbicht
None
Fasching, Young and Gilb
CITY ATTORNEY
The City Manager presented for introduction and read the title
of Ordinance No. 1960: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF ARCADIA APPROVING ZONE CHANGE Z-9l-0l0, CHANGING
THE EXISTING ZONING OF R-l 7,500 TO R-l 10,000 FOR CERTAIN
PROPERTIES LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST PORTION OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA".
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem
Councilmember Fasching and CARRIED
follows that Ordinance No. 1960
INTRODUCED .'
I
Harbicht,
on roll
be and
seconded by
call vote as
it is hereby
AYES:
Councilmembers
Gilb
None
None
Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young and
NOES:
ABSENT:
The City Manager presented and read the title of Resolution
No. 5638: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING PHASE II AND CONTINUING PHASE
I OF THE MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION PLAN PURSUANT TO
ORDINANCE NO. 1930 AND RESTORING THE 10% VOLUNTARY WATER
CONSERVATION GOAL PURSUANT TO RESOLUTION NO. 5435".
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro
Councilmember Young and CARRIED
that Resolution No. 5638 be and
tern Harbicht, seconded by
on roll call vote as follows
it is hereby ADOPTED,
AYES:
Councilmembers
Gilb
None
None
Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young and
NOES:
ABSENT:
The City Manager presented and read the title of Resolution
No. 5639: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE CITY'S INTENT TO ADOPT AN
ALTERNATIVE RETIREMENT PLAN".
It was MOVED by Councilmember Young, seconded by Councilmember
Ciraulo and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that
Resolution No. 5639 be and it is hereby ADOPTED.
In reply to a question from Mayor Pro tem Harbicht, staff I
explained that this is a retirement plan available only to
part-time employees. It, is basically a deferred compensation
plan where the employee puts a portion of his salary in such
a plan (401 K). The employee is required to contribute 7.5%;
the City does not have to contribute any matching funds; upon
leaving the City, the employee may remove the funds without
penalty.
AYES:
Councilmembers
Gilb
None
None
Ciraulo, Fasching, Harbicht, Young and
NOES:
ABSENT:
MATTERS FROM STAFF
Alex McIntvre, Assistant to the City Manager, stated, in part,
that the Los Angeles County Sanitation District has approved
8
12/17/91
1
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10.
33:0351
the City of Arcadia as a participant in the Christmas tree
recycling program this year. All Christmas trees will be
collected separately and recycled and used as compost, mulch
and landfill cover at the Puente Hills Landfill. Newco and
the City are working out the details.
MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
SEASONS GREETINGS Wished a Merry Christmas to everyone and thanked the Mayor for
CITY CLERK the lovely luncheon on Friday.
GILB
YOUNG
CIRAULO
FASCHING
HARBICHT
(Arcadia
Investment
Procedures)
Study Session
Jan.7,1992
(6:30 p.m.)
HARBICHT
(Library
Renovation)
o 730 ~'/()
N~P
Council/Library
Bd.Joint Mtg.
Jan.16,1992
(6:00 p.m.)
You're certainly welcome
Merry Christmas everyone and thanks to the Mayor.
Ditto.
Merry Christmas
He had read an article about a financial advisor to a certain
City who stole the entire investment fund. From time to time
he has read about cities who have managed to lose some of the
taxpayers' money through imprudent investments. He is not
suggesting in any way that Arcadia is in any danger, However,
it does bring home the fact that one of the most important
functions Council has is to watch over those funds and make
sure that they are invested properly. He' realizes that
Council receives reports on investments, a copy of investment
policy and a rundown on what the investment are, He would
find it valuable to meet early before some Council meeting and
have the City Treasurer walk Council through the investment
procedure. He feels it to be part of his duty to understand
it better than he does at the present. Mayor Gilb and
Councilmember Young said they read the reports and had no
trouble understanding them. Councilmember Fasching agreed
that such a meeting would be informative. He also said perhaps
the Treasurer could give his thoughts about what is going on
and what the future might bring.
It was the consensus of Council that the meeting tonight
adjourn to 6:30 p, m" January 7, 1992 at which time the City
Treasurer will present a review of the City's investment
policy.
With regard to the Library, it now appears that Arcadia is not
going to get the funds from the State grant to build a new
Library, for which the City applied. There was some division
on the Council at the time as to whether they wanted to
receive those funds. However, Council still needs to address
the needs of the City Library and what can and should be done
within the City's means. 40,000 people a month use the
Library; it is the most used facility in this entire City.
Something needs to be done to make this a first class Library
again. He is not suggesting that the City tear it down and
build a new Library. He suggests that perhaps the Library
Board and Council might have a joint meeting in January with
the first half hour of that meeting consisting of a tour of
the Library led by the Librarian pointing out' some of the
inadequacies and problems. This might generate some ideas for
improvement. Mayor Gilb thought it to be a good idea.
However, if such a meeting is to be a Council meeting, the
public would have to be notified. January 16, 1992 is the
regular meeting date of the Library Board. The Library Board
meeting would be opened and the first item on the agenda could
be a tour of the Library. Mayor Pro tem Harbicht noted that
he sees this as an educational matter, not only for Council,
9
12/17/91
HARBICHT
(Traffic
Signals)
()?60~ tJo
NoS P
GILB
(Stop Signs -
First Av. &
Santa Clara
St.)
ovl10- go
w.sP
MAYOR GILB
(In Memory of
Roy Coats)
33:0352
but also for the Library Board Trustees. No action will be
taken; no business will be conducted; Council will just take
the tour and adjourn.
Sometime back Council had agreed to cooperate with the county
to coordinate traffic signals through several cities in an
effort to move traffic faster, particularly along Foothill
Blvd., and in some ways relinquished some control of our
signals during the construction period. This is certainly a
worthy goal, and we should be thinking about this in terms of
the signals within the City, as well as part of this
cooperative effort. In reply to a question from Mayor Pro
tern Harbicht, staff explained that when the signals were first
put in place and synchronized, most of them were based on a
ninety second cycle, and that was the most appropriate at the
time and may still be the most appropriate, Recently, staff
submitted a report to the City Manager on the signal
synchronization, explaining basically how it works. To revamp
the system would take quite a study to look at what kind of
cycles might be more desirable. In order to maintain
synchronization, they have to be on the same ninety second
time cycle. Mayor Pro tern Harbicht gave a number of examples
of signals he feels are phased improperly. If one of the
purposes of the signals is to move traffic through the City
efficiently, that is not being accomplished. Councilmember
Fasching agreed. Mayor Gilb noted special difficulty at the
intersection of Santa Anita and Foothill Blvd., which is not
synchronized with the signal at First Avenue and Foothill
Blvd. Staff explained that not all signals in the City are
synchronized. They could be looked at individually or the
entire system could be studied, The latter would take a
considerable period of time and a consultant probably would
be needed. Mayor Pro tern Harbicht said that he thought if a
consultant is required, it might be money well spent. In
response to his question, staff replied they do have records
on all the signals. Staff also noted that traffic has
increased over a period of time, but that some of these
problems could be attributed simply to old equipment, Most
of the problems that have been reported have been corrected.
In reply to a question from Councilmember Young, staff stated
that the Foothill Blvd. signals have not been synchronized
yet. After considerable discussion, staff was DIRECTED to
bring a report to Council and recommendations with regard to
the City's traffic signal system,
1
He has had three or four calls about the stop signs on First
Avenue and Santa Clara Street. The problem being that the
stop signs on First Avenue north and southbound are further
back from the intersection than the signs on Santa Clara
Street, If four cars stop at the same time, and one car moves
into the intersection, the cars that are on Santa Clara Street
will get to the intersection before the First Avenue cars
because the First Avenue cars have further to go. Staff
responded this situation is caused by the railroad crossing
at that site.
I
I am sorry to have to adjourn the meeting in memory of several
citizens of the community who passed away this last couple of
weeks.
"First, Roy Coats, who was a long time resident of Arcadia,
died very unexpectedly, working in his garden, of a heart
attack on December 7, 1991 at the age of sixty-four, He
graduated from the University of Washington. For the past
nine years, he was President of the Citizens Bank of Pasadena.
He was active in many organizations, including, last year, he
was President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association,
10
12/17/91
1
I,
(In Memory of
Leann San
Miguel)
(In Memory of
Mildred Saelid
Wallace)
11.
ADJOURNMENT
(Jan.7,1992
6:30 p.m.)
ATTEST:
33:0353
the Pasadena Lions Club, University Club and Annandale Golf
Club, He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; three sons and
three grandchildren."
"Leann San Miguel passed away on December 4, 1991 at the age
of fifty-seven. She was a resident of San Clemente when she
passed away, but she was a long time resident of Arcadia. In
addition to being a homemaker, Leann was a Past President of
the California Chapter of the P.E.G.; a Member of the Board
of Directors of Arcadia Methodist Hospital; and an active
Member of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Services were held
last week at the Church of the Good Shepherd. She is survived
by her husband, Robert; her Mother, Ann Verdugo (which is an
old time name in the State of California); one sister; three
daughters; .and six grandchildren, Former Pastor Jim McCormick
flew in from Mississippi to conduct the services."
"And also I would like to include Mildred Saelid Wallace, who
passed away December II, 1991. She was the beloved mother of
Jack Saelid, widow of Tom Wallace. She was a teacher of
Spanish language in the Pasadena Public Schools for many
years. She devoted her life to the education of young people.
She was a Member of the P.E.O, She is survived by her son,
Jack; daughter-in-law, Barbara; grandchildren, Lisa and
Jeffrey; step-grandchildren, Tom and George Wallace. A
memorial service will be held this Thursday at 10:30 a. m.,
in the Barnard Chapel of the Arcadia Presbyterian Church."
."1 would like to close the meeting in memory of Roy Coats,
Leann San Miguel and Mildred Saelid Wallace."
At 9:00 p. m. the meeting ADJOURNED to 6:30 p. m., Tuesday,
January 7, 1992, in the Conference Room of the Council
Chambers to conduct the business of the Council and Agency and
any CLOSED SESSION necessary to discuss personnel, litigation
and evaluation of properties.
Charles E. Gilb, Mayor
J
11
12/17/91