HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 1,2004
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CITY COUNOL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA and the ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNOl.jREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2004
MINUTES
Copies of the City Council/Redevelopment Agency proceedings
are on file in the office of the City Clerk
The City Council/Redevelopment Agency met in a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 1,
2004, 8:00 a.m. In the City Council Chamber Conference Room pursuant to the
previously adjourned Joint Meeting.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Council/Agency Members Chandler, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic
ABSENT: None.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Bill Kelly, City Manager, had no items to report at this time.
TIME RESERVED FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE WHO WISH TO ADDRESS
THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (FIVE MINUTE TIME UMIT
PER PERSON)
There were no members of the public who elected to speak at this time.
REPORT, DISCUSSION AND/OR DIRECTION:
Mr. Kelly stated that the City Council had requested a Special Meeting for
"brainstorming" on a vanety of City-wide Issues.
a. November Ballot Issues
1. League/Governor Initiatives
(Local Taxpayers and Public Safety Protection Act)
Mr. Kelly stated that the CounCil currently has a policy of not taking pOSitions on
initiatives; the Local Taxpayers and Public Safety Protection Act qualified for the
November ballot.
Mayor Kovacic asked the Council if they would like to keep the current policy or
evaluate each issue on a case-by-case basis; the Council Members responded that they
would take positions only when there was a unanimous vote of support or opposition
on a particular issue.
It was moved by Council Member Segal and seconded by Council Member Marshall, to
amend the City CounCil's policy on taking positions on initiatives so that the CounCil, by
unanimous vote only, may support or oppose a position on a particular imtiatlve. The
CounCil deferred a position on the League or Governor's initiative until a State budget is
in place.
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AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Chandler, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic
None.
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2.
Lo!; Angeles County Public Safety and Homeland Security Sales Tax Initiative
Mr. Kelly provided overview information on the proposed Los Angeles County Public
Safety and Homeland Security Sales Tax Initiative; he reported that if the initiative
passes, the City of Arcadia would receive approximately two (2) million dollars annually
for Police Services; the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors is currently evaluating a draft
of the proposed initiative, since it did not receive enough signatures to qualify for the
November ballot.
3. Slot Machine Initiative
Mr. Kelly provided the Council with an update on the various proposed slot machine and
Indian gaming Initiatives; the Council reported that they do not want to place this item
on the agenda for a City position.
b.
Major Capital Projects
1.
Mr. Kelly provided an update on several City-wide Capital Projects; the cost to renovate
Fire Station 106 and make it Fire Headquarters was getting very expensive due to
original design of the bUilding; a decision was made to renovate Station 105, by
relocating staff and apparatus temporarily, and rebuilding an expanded headquarters on
the same site.
In response to a question from Council Member Marshall, David Lugo, Fire Chief, I
responded that the decision to rebuild Station 105 was the correct solution based on the
analysis of the capacities of Station 105 and 106.
2. Civic Center (City Hall and Multi-Purpose Facility)
Mr. Kelly provided an update on the proposed Civic Center project, which included visual
representations and models of a proposed City Hall and Multi-purpose faCility; he noted
that construction was constrained on thiS property because of the existing police
headquarters and Council Chamber facilities, in addition, an underground flood channel
that runs diagonally through the property.
Mr. Kelly described alternatives for the new facilities which could include formal entry
ways and arterials for pedestrian movement and the preservation of large amounts of
green space.
In response to a question from Mayor Kovacic, Mr. Kelly elaborated on the seating and
physical layout of the proposed indoor and outdoor amphitheatre.
In response to a question from Council Member Marshall, Mr. Kelly described the impact
the new facilities may have on parking at the Civic Center facility; he noted that parking
may be added behind the existing City Hall facility once construction is complete;
racetrack parking may also be used for many events.
Mr. Kelly reported that staff will move into the site planning and spatial analysis phase of
the project this fiscal year and Will return to Council with an update in the spring.
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In response to a question from Mayor Kovacic, Mr. Kelly noted that naming rights for
rooms and/or bUildings would apply to the new facility if a Significant contribution to
the project was made.
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RECONVENE
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It was moved by Council Member Chandler and seconded by Council Member Marshall,
to approve, in concept, the site plan for the CIVIC Center and multi-purpose facl]ity.
AYES:
NOES:
Council/Agency Members Chandler, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic
None.
City Council Policies/Procedures/Programs
1.
Protocol and Procedures/Certificates/Proclamations
Mr. Kelly, City Manager, reported that the current Council policy for certificates and
proclamation states that all requests must have final approval of the City Manager.
Council Member Wuo noted that he receives many requests from organizations within
and outside the Arcadia area; these requests are most often made for "goodwill"
purposes; he is in favor of changing the policy, however, he agrees that certificates and
proclamations should not be awarded haphazardly so as to lose their meaning.
Per City Council direction, Mr. Kelly, City Manager will amend the current administrative
policy on certificates and proclamations and bring them to the Council on a future
meeting agenda for formal approval.
2.
Boards and Commissions - Activities/Uaisons
Mr. Kelly described the Boards and Commission's liaison role which is to give the various
Board and or Commission a chance to hear from the Council regarding upcoming events;
Mr. Kelly reiterated that the Council liaison cannot participate in Board and/or
Commission proceedings.
The City Council and staff discussed the various components of the liaison role including
attendance of the liaison at the Board and Commission meetings, the independence of
the Boards and Commissions to make decisions, and the placement of the liaison report
on the agenda.
It was moved by Council Member Segal and seconded by Council Member Marshall, to
amend the City Council liaison policy so that the liaison attends meetings on an "as
needed" basis and directed staff to bring this item back on a future Council meeting
agenda for formal approval.
AYES:
NOES:
Council/Agency Members Chandler, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic
None.
3. Agenda Format/Reorganization
The Council discussed various options for changing the order of business for official City
Council/Redevelopment Agency meetings, consideration was given to allowing members
of the public who are not speaking on a public hearing topic to speak prior to the start of
the public hearing; this action would be at the Mayor's discretion by polling to audience
and handling the issue on a meeting-by-meeting baSIS.
At 9:30 a.m. the Council recessed for a fifteen (15) minute break.
At 9:45 a.m. the Council reconvened the meeting.
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4. Mayor's Prayer Breakfast
Mr. Kelly provided an update on alternatives for the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast event, in
light of the various issues that have recently arisen due to the religious nature of the
event; City Council and staff discussed changing the event to an event primarily
sponsored by the Interfaith Council, the City's role in the event, and the name of the
event, and the date to which the event could be moved.
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Council Member Marshall noted that the community event is a success because of the
City's leadership role; she expressed concern over another organization's ability to
achieve the scale to which the event has grown without the City's assistance.
Mayor Kovacic and the members of the City Council suggested that he and CounCil
Member Marshall, along with Mr. Kelly, arrange a meeting with the Interfaith Action
Group to discuss the various alternatives for next year's event.
5. Street Name Changes - Names/Locations/Procedures/Policies
Mr. Kelly, City Manager, provided an overview of the street name change issues including
recent suggestion to name Arcadia streets after famous race horses, changing the name
of EI Monte Avenue to "Seablscuit," and the various Issues involved in initiating a street
name change including the impacts on residents and business owners.
Council Member Marshall noted that there are precedents for street name changes; she
reported that Santa Anita racetrack has committed to pay for signage (approximately
$5,000) in regard to changing EI Monte to Seabiscuit; she endorses the name change so
that the City can take advantage of the racetrack's popularity increase after the success I
of the Sea biscUit movie; she also noted that Arcadia should capitalize on the popularity of
the racetrack as other Cities do not have the same advantages.
Council Member Segal noted that if an overwhelming majority of residents and
businesses on the street would like the name change, then he would not oppose the
process; he also noted that If there is no gain by the City and there is not an
overwhelming support for the project, he would oppose it.
Council Member Wuo stated that he is not in favor of the renaming EI Monte as the
change would be a tremendous burden on property owners as well as the City.
Council Member Chandler noted that he is not in favor of committing City staff to the
work associated with the name change in light of current budget issues.
It was moved by Council Member Marshall and seconded by Council Member Segal, as
related to the proposed street name change from EI Monte Avenue to "Sea biscuit", that
staff determine affected properties (addresses, abutting properties, properties on
intersection streets, commercial, industrial or other nearby uses and adjacent
jurisdictions), send notices to affected properties of the "intent to change street name"
with a request for comments, specify in the notices that the City will not be providing
any reimbursement for personal costs Incurred by property owners due to the street
name change, review the comments and evaluate opposition, and determine the fiscal
impact to the City in terms of signs, maps, and various documents.
AYES:
NOES:
Council Members Marshall, Segal, and Kovacic
Chandler, Wuo
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MOTION
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MOTION
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6.
City Seal Modifications
Mr. Kelly, City Manager, requested input from the City Council regarding the current City
Seal; he noted that the offiCial Seal has changed several times over the years.
The City Council initiated discussion on various issues surrounding the City Seal, including
incorporating different elements into the graphic design, changing the City flag, ensuring
that the City's history IS reflected in the Seal's graphic design, and Incorporating the
state's name, "California", into the Seal.
It was moved by Council Member Marshall and seconded by Council Member Segal, to
incorporate the word "California" into the graphic design of the Arcadia City Seal and to
bring this Item back on a future Council agenda for formal review, discussion and
direction.
AYES:
NOES:
Council! Agency Members Marshall, Segal, Wuo, and Kovacic
Chandler
7. Horse 'Walk of Fame" Concept
Mr. Kelly provided an update related to the proposed Horse "Walk of Fame" project for
the downtown area and requested direction from Council.
Council Member Marshall noted that she is in support of the project; it would serve as
marketing for the downtown area.
Mayor Kovacic and Council Member Segal stated that they would favor the racetrack and
the Chamber of Commerce taking the lead on this project rather than commit the City
during the current budget situation.
8.
July 4/ 2005 Events
Mr. Kelly requested that the City Council provide direction on conducting a city-wide
Fourth of July event in 2005; the Council and staff discussed various options and issues
related to hosting an event including location, the impact on Lucky Baldwin Day, the use
of the High School stadium for a firework show, and costs and ticket fees for the event.
It was moved by Council Member Chandler and seconded by CounCil Member Segal to
conduct a city-wide Fourth of July Celebration in July 200S, which would replace the
Lucky Baldwin Day events in 2004 and 2005.
AYES:
NOES:
Council/Agency Members Chandler, Marshall, Segal, Wuo, and Kovacic
None.
Development Issues
1.
Single Family Design Review
Mr. Kelly provided the City Council with an update on the single family home design
review issue; he stated that he IS seeking direction from the Council regarding
establishing architectural guidelines to assist staff with the design review process,
especially in areas of the City not covered by homeowners associations; Upon the
direction of the CounCil, staff Will work on a draft policy and bring it to the Planning
CommiSSion and the public for their input; ultimately the draft policy will be brought to
the Council for their input.
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2.
Code Enforcement Volunteers
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Mr. Kelly, City Manager, provided the Council with information regarding the
Implementation of the Code Enforcement volunteer program; the program will begin
with two (2) volunteers who will assist with processing paperwork and learn about the
code enforcement system; after discussion on the item, the Council agreed to staff's
proposal for the volunteer program.
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RECESS
At 11:40 a.m. the Council recessed for a break.
RECONVENE
At 11:47 a.m. the Council reconvened the meeting.
3.
Redevelopment Land Use Issue
Mr. Kelly provided the Council With information on various redevelopment land use
issues Including downtown parking and the creation of parking district, grant programs
and forgivable loans for businesses to expand, and the code enforcement process.
Council Member Chandler noted that he considers the downtown area a success since
there is a limited number of vacancies and it is a blight-free zone.
e. Transportation Priorities and Funding
The City Council and City staff engaged in a discussion regarding transportation
priorities and funding for projects; Mr. Penman requested direction from the Council
regarding setting aside funding for a proposed Gold Line Project grade separation at
Santa Anita Avenue.
Council Member Segal stated that he does not want to defer street maintenance or
reduce eXisting transportation projects just to use that money for other projects, as the
general fund will be adversely impacted by such action.
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Mayor Kovacic suggested that setting aSide funds may provide the Incentive for Arcadia
residents to vote for an assessment for future transportation projects such as the grade
separation at Santa Anita.
Mayor Kovacic inquired if bus shelters could be constructed by those who are looking for
an "Eagle Scout" project.
Mr. Penman noted that there are specific "right of way" and Americans With Disability
Act (ADA) requirements for bus shelters.
MOTION
A minute motion was made, moved by Council Member Segal and seconded by Council
Member Marshall to place one-half (1/2) of the interest from the Capital Construction
and Equipment reserve fund accounts into an unreserved fund account for the Gold
Line Grade Separation.
ROLL CALL
AYES:
NOES:
CouncIl! Agency Members Chandler, Marshall, Segal, Wu6, and Kovacic
None.
f. Police Department Programs and Services
Mr. Kelly provided the Council With information related to the Police Department's I
Programs and Services as related to the current budget; in light of the increase in crime
related issues and the Police Department's established strategic plan staff is in the
process of reallocating officers as per the current budget situation; a proposed shift is to
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ADJOURNMENT
(to July 6/ 2004/
5:00 p.m.)
A1TE5T:
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eliminate the DARE program; officers are currently reallocated to programs with a
higher priority; the school district is aware of thiS shift in program policy; the Arcadia
Police Department will continue to provide community outreach through the schools.
In response to a question from Mayor Kovaclc, David Hmig, Police Chief responded that
DARE is a specific curriculum and that the Police Department is continuing with the
community outreach components of the program without using additional resources to
teach the specific curriculum; he noted that there is no quantifiable evidence that the
DARE program specifically reduces children's involvement with drugs; the most
important component of the program is the relationship building with the pollce, which
will continue as part of the Police Department's strategic plan,
Noting no additional business, at 1:10 p.m. the City Council/Redevelopment Agency
adjourned its Special Meeting to the July 6, 2004 Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m.,
Development Services Department Conference Room.
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Ga ovacic, 'Mayor
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