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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPRIL 15,2003 I I I 45:0061 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA and the ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING April 15, 2003 The City Council and Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. 1N\I0001lON Reverend Melissa MacKinnon, Church of the Good Shepherd PLEDGE OF Congressman David Dreier ALLEGIANCE . ROLL CALL 1, 2. WUO (Day at the Races) PRESENT: Council members Chang, Kovacic, Segal, Wuo and Marshall ABSENT: None SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None, AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Sharon Eberhardt, President, Arcadia High School PTSA, commented on the achievements and programs that have taken place at Arcadia High School in the 'What's Right With Arcadia Kids" presentation, Ms, Eberhardt introduced Jennie Sheng and Jimmy Lam, student representatives who highlighted some information from the student's perspective with regard to Arcadia High School programs, classes and clubs. MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS Council member Wuo attended the Arcadia Day at the Races on April 6, 2003. Thirteen hundred Arcadia residents attended this event. On that day the City Council honored the Silver Circle Volunteers who donated 200 or more hours to the City during the calendar year. Mr. Wuo thanked the volunteers for their efforts and contributions to the community. MARSHALL Mayor Marshall reminded everyone that the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast wiii be held Friday, April (Mayor's Prayer 18, 2003 at 7:00 a.m. at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. Breakfast) (Day at the Races) (Easter & Passover) Mayor Marshall expressed appreciation to Santa Anita Race Track for contributing all the tickets for Arcadia residents to attend the Arcadia Day at the Races. It was a very successful event. Mayor Marshall wished everyone a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover. 1 4/15103 3, ROLL CALL 4. 4a. MINUTES (April 1, 2003) (APPROVED) 45:0062 THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED TO ACT AS THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PRESENT: Agency Members Chang, Kovacic, Segal, Wuo and Marshall ABSENT: None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None, CONSENT ITEM It was MOVED by Agency Member Segal, seconded by Agency Member Kovacic and CARRiED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE the Minutes of the April 1 , 2003 Regular Meeting, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Agency Members Chang, Kovacic, Segal, Wuo and Marshall None None ADJOURNMENT The meeting of the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency ADJOURNED to May 6, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. 5, 5a, MINUTES (April 1, 2003) (APPROVED) 6. THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED CONSENT ITEM It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Chang, seconded by Councilmember Segal and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE the Minutes of the April 1 , 2003 Regular Meeting. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Chang, Kovacic, Segal, Wuo and Marshall None None PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING MAYOR GAIL A. MARSHALL Presentation by Congressman David Dreier on behalf of the United States Congress, Presentation by Mayor Pro tem Sheng Chang on behalf of the Senator Feinstein Presentation by Mayor Pro tem Sheng Chang on behalf of the Senator Boxer Presentation by Norma Pontello on behalf of State Senator Marget! Presentation by Pat Myers on behalf of Assemblyman Mountjoy Presentation by Mayor Pro tem Sheng Chang on behalf of Assemblywoman Liu Presentation by Mayor Pro tem Sheng Chang on behalf of Supervisor Antonovich Presentation by Mayor Doug Hayes, City of Sierra Madre Presentation by Dr. Mimi Hennessy, Superintendent, Arcadia Unified School District Presentation by Beth Costanza, Executive Director, Arcadia Chamber of Commerce Presentation by Mayor Pro tem Sheng Chang on behalf of the City of Arcadia 2 4/15/03 I I I 45:0063 REMARKS BY OUTGOING MAYOR GAIL A. MARSHALL I "Well, thank you for all the beautiful certificates, the kind words and thanks to everyone who came this evening. Thank you to Congressman Dreier for taking the time from his busy schedule to be here in-person, It is quite exciting to think I was the first one in twenty-three years that he made to an outgoing Mayor ceremony, I feel quite honored, And Mayor Hayes, that was quite a surprise when he took time out and showed up too, and everybody else who is here, I have made many-many good friends since I've been on Council and I cherish you all, This time I would like to introduce my husband Burt and my sister-in-law Arlene Marshall. I have one son in Ohio and I have another one that's at school taking a big test this evening, so, unfortunately my children are not here and they can catch it on the re-runs. The position of Mayor would be a very difficult position to fulfill without the support and understanding from ones family and I thank my family for blessing me with your support. "It is hard to comprehend that a whole year has passed, it has been a productive year as I reported in the State of the City address at the last meeting. I would like to thank the citizens of Arcadia for allowing me to serve you as Mayor, And, I also want to thank my fellow Councilmen for having faith .in me to represent our beautiful city. In one hundred years Arcadia has had exacliy four female Mayors, They were Fiorella Lauber, Mary Young, Barbara Kuhn and myself. Only Mary Young and I have served more than one term and it is a very great honor to be in this small but elite group of woman. I "If you stop to think about Arcadia, you realize how unique our town is. What we take for granted, people unfamiliar with Arcadia are fascinated by. How many cities have free roaming peacocks. a race track, a mall, an Arboretum, a safe community with beautiful homes, a Class One Fire Department, a new police facility with state of the art technology, a great school system, great senior programs, after school recreation for the youth, and so many caring volunteers. This is truly a City to be proud of, "When we kicked off the Centennial in January, I had a funny thought cross my mind. Later in the year, we will bury a time capsule, for the future officials to open one hundred years from now. I couldn't help but chuckle when I envisioned the looks on the faces when they see the prices of today's necessities. They will more than likely say, "how did they manage with just one high school? You mean a nice car only cost $30 to $40 thousand dollars? How did they survive with just cell phones, digital TV's and lap top computers?" I can only imagine what technology will be in place one hundred years from now. I am sure they will look at us as being quite quaint, not to mention the 2003 hairstyles and fashions. I "This Council has worked very well together, we are a very diverse Council, our backgrounds and personalities are as different as our careers. Gary asked a lot of questions, he needs a vast amount of information before making a decision. Gary also comes up with some very innovative ideas, Being a Lawyer, he has a natural gift of persuasion. Dr. Chang obviously is a doctor, he is the detail guy, he will find a misplaced decimal point that everyone else over looked. Also, he loves to tell you everything that he has done since the last meeting and make sure that congratulations are given to all that deserve such. Mickey is a numbers expert, which goes hand in hand with the CPA occupation: Mickey will sit silenliy by until he thinks enough discussion has taken place and suddenly jump in with a perfectly logical solution, Mickey is very generous with his time and support for many organizations in Arcadia. John is the newest member on Council and he is a very fast learner. Being a realtor, John is very knowledgeable regarding the property ordinances and is always on the lookout for ways to keep Arcadia beautiful. I am obviously a different gender than the men, remember they are from Mars and I am from Venus, I have a medical background and I am a retired business owner. I understand difficulties and obstacles to start and run a business. I am a firm believer in being business friendly. As I said, we are all very different, this makes a very good mix on Council. We may not always agree on 3 4115103 7. 7a. ELECTION OF MAYOR (Chang) ROLL CALL VOTE 7b. ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM (Kovacic) ROLL CALL VOTE 45:0064 everything but one thing is for sure, we all agree not to be disagreeable. This is an important ingredient for a good working Council. Everyone on this Council loves Arcadia and has the same common goal, which is to maintain Arcadia's beauty and protect her high property values. Mix this group with an excellent City Manager, dedicated workers, a good school board, a strong Chamber and great volunteers and positive progress is sure to take place. "I very much enjoyed being Mayor for the past 12 months. Thank you gentleman for your professional cooperation and support as we have continued to improve Arcadia. I look forward to another three years of serving the City of Arcadia and working with my fellow Council members. I cherish each and every certificate given on my behalf this evening and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am anxious to see what progress we will make in the year ahead and I thank you." REORGANIZATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL City Clerk June Alford stated in part that, due to the Mayor's rotation schedule adopted by the City Council at its April 16, 2002 meeting and in conjunction with the Arcadia Centenniai Celebration Year, the City Council shall elect one of its members as Mayor and another member as Mayor Pro tem at the second meeting in April. These persons will serve in these positions through the meeting of July 1, 2003 at which time the City Council will again reorganize and elect a new Mayor and Mayor Pro tem to serve another period of the Centennial Year and so on untii each member of Council serves as Mayor for a set period of the Centennial Year. Therefore, this is the date and time so specified by the rotation schedule for the reorganization of the Council. . I City Clerk June Alford declared the Office of the Mayor of the City of Arcadia to be open and I called for nominations for the period of April 16, 2003 to July 1, 2003, Council member Segal nominated Mayor Pro tem Sheng Chang as Mayor for April 16, 2003 to July 1, 2003, No other names were placed in nomination, For Mavor Pro tem ChanQ as Mavor AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kovacic, Segal, Wuo and Marshall None None Mayor Sheng Chang assumed the Mayor's chair at the Council table. Mayor Chang called for nominations for the Mayor Pro tempore for the period of April 16, 2003 to July 1, 2003, Council member Segal nominated Council member Gary Kovacic as Mayor Pro tempore for the period of April 16, 2003 to July 1, 2003. No other names were placed in nomination. For Council member Kovacic as Mavor Pro tempore AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Kovacic, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Chang None None 4 4115/03 I I I I ,.~ " . 45:0065 8, REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS BY MAYOR CHANG "I just want to mention that all of you came really, for Congressman David Dreier, not for the inauguration of a new Mayor, But, I do see some familiar faces over there, for example former Mayor of Monterey Park Lily Chen and also the Deputy Ambassador from Taiwan, Chung-Chen Kong, all of you are very important persons. I want to thank you for coming. I guess I should read my draft. I want to thank all of you for coming here tonight to witness the reorganization of the Arcadia City Council and the inauguration of the new Mayor, Tonight I am thrilled and humbled to become the first AsianlAmerican and ChineselAmerican Mayor of this great City. My feeling was similar to that in 1994 when I became the first Asian/American and ChineselAmerican City Council and Vice Mayor of Arcadia. As a matter of fact, I've been called the Mayor ever since 1994 by people from China, where they call Vice Mayors, Mayor, and I have gotten some heat because of that. I asked them how to call the real Mayor, the answer is 'real Mayor'. So, tonight I become the real Mayor, "In spite of the change of the Mayorship, its role remains the same, that is to maintain Arcadia a premium City. We take pride in our City because of its safe environment, excellent education system and nice neighborhood. Arcadia has become one of the best cities in the country to live and raise and educate our children. For that we are indebted to all former Mayors and previous City Council's, because of their superior leadership and management. We should also be grateful to excellent City staff and City Manager, Bill Kelly, whom my former City Council colleagues and I appointed to the post in 1994. But, most important of all is that we have the nicest people in the City, We have many volunteers participating in every activity and function of community groups and organizations. They have made Arcadia a superb City, We should maintain Arcadia a very safe City to live by allocating sufficient funds to the Police and Fire Department. The new police department building will be finished in time this summer and within the budget. And, the old fire station at Santa Anita Avenue will soon be remodeled to make an entirely new one. We will continue working with Arcadia School District and implementing the Youth Master Plan as financially allowed. For example, the project of a new Skate Park and refurbished Bonita Park Playground would be completed in three months. We want to ensure that our children have the best environment and atmosphere to study and learn and become good citizens when they grow up. We should maintain our current senior programs such as; Meals on Wheels, the luncheon and many other programs in the Community Center and the transportation program for the medically needy seniors, Use the Community Block Grants to repair the roofs of limited income housings. Ensure the completion of the affordable senior housing project on Live Oak Avenue, It is very important that the City government be responsible and responsive. We are here to offer the best available service to every citizen in Arcadia. "Being an AsianlAmerican I want to suggest the following to my fellow men. 1 - To get more involved in the community activities especially by way of volunteerism and be a good member of the community. 2 - To obtain some degree or input from the neighbors about the design before planning to remodel or construct your house. "My themes for the Arcadia's Centennial are as follows: For the City, it is service and responsibility. For the Arcadians, it is participation and volunteerism and for the community, it is compatible diversity and progressive unity. I want to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous year of 2003, the Arcadia Centennial. "At this point I want to introduce my family, my wife Min. Mey Chang and my three sons, James, Peter and Richard. They are all Arcadia High graduates. I want to thank again all my good friends and supporters who are in the audience seats, I saw several Commissioners here tonight, and thank you again for your support and coming here. God bless you and God bless America. I want you to go to the Community Center for a reception party at 8 o'clock. Thank you again." 5 4115103 45:0066 9. REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS BY MAYOR PRO TEM GARY KOVACIC "Thank you Mr. Mayor. My wife Barb and I just got back from Eugene, Oregon this moming where our son is a senior at the University of Oregon, so I didn't have enough time to write a short speech, so I am going to keep this very short. I "First of all I would like to introduce my wife Barb who is standing in the back. As I said our son is up in Eugene, Oregon, hopefully studying very hard tonight, and our daughter Kelly is a first year teacher, seventh grade teacher down in San Diego teaching inter city kids at a charter school, and we are very proud of both of them obviously. "I want to congratulate Gail on a great year as Mayor, you exhibited a lot of energy of course, hard work, commitment and a genuine love of Arcadia, I congratulate you for that effort. I also want to congratulate our new Mayor, I know you will work hard for all Arcadians and you've taking up the title for the first portion of the Centennial rotation and we expect great things from you and I know that you will lead us through in a strong and productive way, so congratulations. And, to my colleagues Mickey and John, always it is a pleasure working with you and I know we will have a great year coming up. So, I love Arcadia, I love all of you, we are going to continue to have a great Centennial and all of you that are here tonight, tomorrow morning go to City Hall and volunteer to do something. Thank you very much." 10, REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS BY COUNCILMEMBER MICKEY SEGAL "I am sorry to say that there is no one here to introduce tonight. Actually, my wife is at home waiting for my daughter who is arriving from Dallas, I expect she would be there any moment, so, she is flying in for the week and actually she is flying in to attend the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast on Friday morning, which she hasn't missed in the last four of five years and my oldest I son is finishing a baseball game at USC at this moment and my youngest son is at home keeping my wife company. That's the introductions, although none of them are here tonight. "I too want to congratulate Gail on a very successful year and on her leadership and on her hard efforts that she put in this year, It was truly an honor to serve with you, I also want to congratulate Dr. Chang, it is certainiy an honor for all of us to be part of the Iittie history making thing that took place tonight and we are honored to have you as our first Asian/American Mayor. To my fellow Councilmembers who have served so diligently for the year, just one more year to go for some of us and for others three more years to go. And, with that I will turn it back to you Dr. Chang." REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHN WUO "Thank you Mr, Mayor. I would like to introduce my wife Jane; she is silting back there. My daughter Jennifer, she is also there. My oldest son just moved into a new apartment so I hope he is rearranging his furniture and my youngest son is at UCLA, hopefully he is studying hard. "First of all I would like to congratulate Gail for a great year, I think you have done a great job representing our City, I enjoyed working with you, Today marked exactly one year for me as a new Council member for the City of Arcadia. I was sworn in April 16th last year so today is April 15th, that should make it exactly 365 days. I enjoyed working with all the Council, there is a lot to learn and I tried to attend as many activities in the community as I can, The only thing I don't like is that we are restricted by the Brown Act, because I want to find out what happened to everybody's thinking but I can only talk to one other person. It has been fun; I really enjoyed serving the community and be able to help the people, Specially for Dr. Chang, tonight, this is I your night, you have been the first Chinese/American Mayor for the City and it actually comes on the Centennial Year and that is just so perfect fit in there, so, congratulations to you, Also 6 4115103 I I I 45:0067 congratulations to Gary, you have been a long term Arcadian, I think we should call you Mr. Arcadian, because you went to school and lived here for fifty some years. Gary has served the community very well and actually I learned quite a bit from Gary. The one word he always tells me, and I wlli always remember is that, 'be humble', and I will try to continue to be humble, Mickey, I really enjoyed serving with you. Mickey gives some really good advice and he is so good at numbers, Every time that we talked about budget I always looked at Mickey, "I think we have a great mix of members on the Council and everybody comes from different backgrounds and that is why it makes us work well together because everybody has a different opinion. We all contribute, we all make our comments and come to a consensus. I am looking forward to the next few months working with our new Mayor, Dr. Chang and Gary and the rest of the Council. Congratulations again. Thank you." ' REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS BY COUNCILMEMBER GAIL MARSHALL "' want to congratulate you, .it is a pleasure to turn the gavel over to you, not that I am glad to get rid of it, but, I am pleased that I can turn it over and give you a chance. And, you have a terrific Pro tem, so, no problem, he knows what he is doing. "I was sitting here as we all introduced our' spouses or talked about them, and I got thinking, we are all married to our original spouses; now we are either extremely loveable or we have high endurance, 1 haven't figured out which it is, but, that does say something though, I think. "Dr. Chang, I can only say, enjoy your time as Mayor, I certainly did, it is an honor, and as John said we all have to stay humble. Gary's theory, which is true, we are serving the people, they have given us the opportunity, we are not doing them a favor, they are doing us a favor, we have to keep that in mind, I am excited to continue our Centennial Celebration there is still a lot of partying left to do, so, we have that to look forward to, with the citizens and everything. In the words of Mr. Beamer, 'lets Roll', Thank you." ADJOURNMENT (May 6, 2003) At8:10 p.m. the City Council Regular Meeting ADJOURNED to May 6, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Conference Room for a Regular Meeting to conduct the business of the City Council and Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and any Closed Session necessary to discuss personnel, litigation matters or evaluation of properties, ATTEST: ~ 7 4115103