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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJULY 1,2004 I I I 1. ROLL CALL 2. 3. 4. MOllON 460104 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. 1 7/1/2004 ROLL CALL 460105 AYES: NOES: Council Members Chandler, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None. I 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. I 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. 2 7/1/2004 I I I MOllON ROLL CALL MOllON ROLL CALL RECESS RECONVENE c. 46.0106 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. 3 7/1/2004 MallON ROLL CALL 46:0107 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. I 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 I 4 7/1/2004 I I I MOTION ROLL CALL MOTION ROLL CALL d. 46:0108 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. 5 7/1/2004 46:0109 2. Code Enforcement Volunteers I 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. I I 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. I 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 6 7/1/2004 I 1 I ADJOURNMENT (to July 6/ 2004/ 5:00 p.m.) A1TE5T: 46'0110 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. ~~.~hU~ Ga ovacic, 'Mayor 7 7/1/2004