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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMARCH 20,2007 I I I 49:0033 CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2007 CALL TO ORDER The Mayor Chandler called the meeting in order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: ABSENT: Amundson, Segal, Wuo and Chandler Harbicht A motion was made by Council/Agency Member Wuo seconded by Mayor/Agency Chair Chandler, and carried on roll call to excuse Council/Agency Member Harbicht from tonight's meeting. ' STUDY SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes per person) Richard Roche, Director External Affairs with AT&T introduced himself and John Johnston, Government Liaison, Public Works Coordinator with AT&T. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion and direction regarding AT&T's Encroachment permit process for Cable Television. City Manager Bill Kelly gave an overview of the AT&T encroachment permit process for cable television boxes which are proposed to be installed throughout the City in the public right-of- way. Mr. Kelly reminded the City Council that a couple of years ago, there was controversy regarding the installation and look of the cable television boxes installed at that time by Altrio. The City Manager advised that between the FCC and PUC, the City has lost some control over communication equipment. Mr. Kelly indicated that AT&T is now in the same business of the previous cable companies and has proposed to the City the installation of new cable boxes at 40+ different locations throughout the City. The City Manager also advised that staff has visited each location in order to determine compatibility and the FCC and PUC laws, the City cannot orohibit the boxes, Mr. Kelly also advised that in some cases, the new boxes may be installed next to existing boxes or they may be standing alone. Mr. Kelly advised that putting the boxes underground is not an option because of technology and cost. In response to a question by Mayor Chandler regarding graffiti, John Johnston from AT&T responded that there is a special surface applied to the box which allows the graffiti to be wiped off. Mr. Johnston also noted that there will be a graffiti removal hotline for citizens to call. Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Don Penman commented that Edison will be the subcontractor installing the boxes and that the existing boxes will be painted to match the new boxes. Mr. Penman noted that permits will not be granted until the appropriate franchises are secured through the State. In response to a question asked by City Attorney Steve Deitsch, Richard Roche responded that AT&T would be willing to discuss the issue of replacing the current larger boxes if and when smaller boxes become available. 1 03-20-2007 49:0034 Administrative Services Director Tracey Hause gave an overview regarding new cable television I regulations. Ms. Hause advised that the City has the authority to regulate franchise fees in the amount of 5%, including public and education grants, emergency alert requirements, network construction and installation and maintenance in public rights-of way and environmental review. RECONVENE CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING TO OPEN SESSION The Mayor convened the Open Session meeting at 7:00 p.m. INVOCATION Reverend Terry Keenan, The Santa Anita Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Janet Sporleder, Director of Library and Museum Services ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: ABSENT: Chandler, Segal, Amundson and Wuo Harbicht A motion was made by Council/Agency Member Segal seconded by Council/Agency Member Wuo, and carried on roll call to excuse Council/Agency Member Harbicht from tonight's meeting. I REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY/AGENCY COUNSEL ON CLOSED SESSION/STUDY SESSION ITEMS Steve Deitsch, City Attorney, announced that the City Council meet in a Study Session to discuss concerning AT&T's encroachment permit process for the installation of Cable Television boxes within the public right of way in different locations throughout the City. No action was taken. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Council/Agency Member Amundson, seconded by Council/Agency Member Wuo and carried on roll call vote to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. MAYOR CHANDLER'S "2007 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS" Mayor Chandler made his State of the City Address which focused on his theme of "Taking I Care of Business." Mayor Chandler noted the theme is also known as the "Pick 6" and gave an overview of each Pick 6 Project. 1. "Shops at Santa Anita" proposed at the Race Track. 2 03-20-2007 49:0035 I 2. Westfield Expansion Phase II Project. 3. Rusnak Mercedez Benz Dealership Expansion Project. 4. Goldline Extension. 5. Gymnasium at Foothills Middle Schools. 6. Civic Center Plaza. The Mayor announced that the Fire Department Headquarter Station will be completed by the end of the year. He also commented on the ACTION Program which deals with crime prevention, emergency preparedness and fire safety. Mayor Chandler also noted that the City is doing great financially and that there should be a fund balance in the neighborhood of $3 to $3.5 million dollars to carry over into the 2007-2008 fiscal year; he also mentioned the City's Capital Improvement Program which is used to pay for infrastructure projects such as sewers, water, trees and streets; he also announced that the Ruth and Charles Gilb Historical Museum celebrated its 5th anniversary last October and that the museum has had over 15,000 visitors. Mayor Chandler also noted that Measures A and B and the Shops at Santa Anita have a future impact on the revenue of the City. Mayor Chandler announced the Mayor's Community event to be held on Friday, April 13, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. at the Community Center which is a celebration of patriotism and the guest speaker will be Lance Corporal Stephen Sanderson and the cost is $5 per person. The Mayor thanked all the City employees for their service to the community; he also thanked the City volunteers for their dedication to the community and also thanked the City Council and the executive staff for a job well done. I PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes per person) Mary Dougherty congratulated the Mayor and City Council for a great year. Ms. Dougherty appeared regarding the distribution of unsolicited written material by Arcadia First! to those addresses that appear on the refusal registry. (The City Attomey commented that a cease and desist letter has been sent to Arcadia First! which alleges that distributing unsolicited written materials to addresses that appear on the refusal registry is a violation of the Arcadia Municipal Code.) REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK Council Member Wuo congratulated the Mayor on his State of City Address. Council Member Amundson announced that he attended the Planning Commission meeting regarding the "Shops at Santa Anita" and encouraged citizens to get involved. Council Member Amundson suggested that the speaker cards should be shuffled rather than on a first come first basis. Mr. Amundson also commended the Planning Commission on their expertise. I Council Member Segal congratulated the Mayor on his State of the City Address. Mr. Segal commented that the scoreboard at the high school needs to be replaced and that consideration be given to place this item in next year's budget. Mr. Segal advised that it will cost about $20,000 to replace the scoreboard and that the proposal is that the school district would contribute $8,000, the City $8,000 and the booster club will raise $4,000. City Clerk Jim Barrows congratulated the Mayor on his State of the City Address. Mr. Barrows announced that the elementary and middle school kids will participate in a track meet on March 21 at 4:00 p.m. at Salter Stadium. 3 03-20-2007 49:0036 The City Manager announced that item 1 b is moved under Executive Director to be discussed separately. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR I REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS: a. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES. MARCH 6. 2007. Recommended Action: Approve EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: b. REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT WITH TRADEMARK DEVELOPMENT REGARDING DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS. Recommended Action: Approve CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: c. REGULAR MEETING MINUTES. MARCH 6. 2007. Recommended Action: Approve d. ACCEPT $15.000 GIFT FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ARCADIA PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR PROGRAMS AND MATERIALS FOR THE LIBRARY. Recommended Action: Approve I e. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT GROUP FOR TECHNICAL CABLE. VIDEO AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $27.500. Recommended Action: Approve f. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO PURCHASE AGREEMENTS FOR SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,700. Recommended Action: Approve A motion was made by Council/Agency Member Segal, seconded by Council/Agency Member Wuo, and carried on roll call vote to approve the Consent Calendar items 1a. and 1c through f. on the City Council/Agency Consent Calendars. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council/Agency Members Segal, Wuo, Amundson and Chandler None Council/Agency Member Harbicht Consent Calendar 1 b: Deputy Executive Director Don Penman presented the staff report regarding a request for modifications of the Affordable Housing Agreement with Trademark Development regarding disbursement of funds. Mr. Penman noted that the Agency Board approved an Affordable I Housing Agreement with Trademark in June 2006 for the development of 6 affordable moderate housing units on Alta Street. Mr. Penman advised that the Agency provided financial assistance to the project including both land and cash in the amount of $760,000. He noted that the first installment of the Agency assistance was $123,000 which was provided at the close of escrow. 4 03-20-2007 I I I 49:0037 Mr. Penman also noted that the project is currently in its second plan check and it is anticipated that building permits will be issued in the next couple of weeks to start construction. Mr, Penman advised that the current language in the Affordable Housing Agreement provides for an altemating disbursement of Agency and lender funds; however, the construction lender is requiring that the Agency funds be expended first. Mr. Penman advised that this request was standard. Mr. Penman recommended that the Agency Board authorize the Executive Director to execute a change in the Affordable Housing Agreement to provide for the disbursement of Agency Funds first rather than the current language of an alternating disbursement schedule. In response to an inquiry by Agency Member Amundson regarding this item, Mr. Penman confirmed that the payment schedule was originally an altemating one and that the Agency's subordinate position does not weaken our financial position since the Agency already has the money invested. The Agency had to fund this project because the land prices in Arcadia are very high in that its takes a significant public assistance package to make these projects happen. Mr. Penman additionally noted that the units will be available for sale in the moderate income price range by the end of the year. In response to an inquiry by Agency Member Wuo regarding this item, Mr. Penman responded that the construction loan amount with East West Bank is $935,000. A motion was made by Council/Agency Member Segal, seconded by Council/Agency Member Wuo, and carried on roll call vote to approve item 1b and authorize the Executive Director to execute a change in the Affordable Housing Agreement to provide for the disbursement of Agency funds first rather than the current language of an alternating disbursement schedule. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council/Agency Members Segal, Wuo, Amundson and Chandler None Council/Agency Member Harbicht 2. CITY MANAGER a. AUTHORIZE AN APPROPRIATION OF $100.000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND'S UNAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCE FOR COSTS RELATED TO THE MAY 8.2007 SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION. Recommended Action: Approve The City Manager presented the staff report requesting an appropriation of $100,000 from the General Funds Unappropriated Fund Balance for costs related to the May 8, 2007 special municipal election. Mr. Kelly noted that an initiative petition was circulated and filed with the City in November 2006 relating to the property on Huntington and Santa Clara. Mr. Kelly also noted that on November 21, 2006, the City Council adopted a resolution calling for a special election to be held on May 8, 2007. Mr. Kelly noted that no appropriation for this special election was budgeted; therefore, staff is recommending that $100,000 be allocated from the general fund's unappropriated fund balance to cover the cost of the special election. Mayor Chandler commented that this would be the second special election within the last year. Mr. Chandler also noted that the election regarding Measure Nand P cost the taxpayers $75,000 and this election scheduled for May 8,2007 will cost the taxpayers $100,000. A motion was made by Council/Agency Member Chandler, seconded by Council/Agency Member Segal, and carried on roll call vote to authorize an appropriation of $100,000 from the General Fund's Unappropriated Fund Balance for costs related to the May 8, 2007 Special Municipal Election. 5 03-20-2007 49:0038 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council/Agency Members Chandler, Segal Amundson and Wuo None Council/Agency Member Harbicht I b. AUTHORIZE AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE GENERAL FUND'S UNAPPROPRIATED FUND BALANCE OF $25.000 FOR GRAFFITI REMOVAL SERVICES Recommended Action: Approve Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Don Penman presented an overview of the staff report regarding the need for additional funding for graffiti removal services. Mr. Penman advised that there has been a significant increase in graffiti over the past year and staff is seeking an additional appropriation of $25,000 to augment the funds which were previously appropriated in the 2006-2007 budget. Mr. Penman noted the cost for graffiti removal this year will be approximately $61,000. Police Chief Bob Sanderson also provided an overview on the rising increase of graffiti. Chief Sanderson reported graffiti has significantly increased throughout Los Angeles County. The Chief noted that in January and February of 2006, there were 179 calls reported to the graffiti hotline as compared to January and February 2007 when there were 427 calls regarding graffiti removal. Chief Sanderson advised that he has confirmed with the graffiti contractor that there was a significant increase in graffiti in the 24 cities that they currently contract with. The Chief also reported that in Los Angeles County last year, there was over 13 million square feet of graffiti removed or painted over which is 4 million square feet above the previous year and advised that an increase in penalties for graffiti are currently being reviewed by the District Attorney office. I A motion was made by Council/Agency Member Segal, seconded by Council/Agency Member Wuo, and carried on roll call vote to authorize an appropriation from the General Fund's unappropriated fund balance of $25,000 for graffiti removal services. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council/Agency Members Segal, Wuo, Amundson and Chandler None Council Agency Member Harbicht ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. The City Council/Redevelopment Agency adjourned this meeting to April 3, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference Room located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. ATTEST: I 6 03-20-2007