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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSEPTEMBER 2,2003 I I I 45:0160 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK , ROLL CALL 1. 1a SIGN REGUlA1lONS MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA and the ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING September 2, 2003 The City Council and Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2003 at 5:00 p.m, in the Conference Room of the City Council Chamber, PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None, STUDY SESSION Donna Butler, Community Development Administrator, explained in detail types of signs and code enforcement problems and/or design issues related to signage which included excessive window signs; non-permitted portable signs and not professionally designed; banners without permits; banners exceeding the approved time period; pennants, flags and other types of attention getting devices; change of copy on a sign without securing design review approval which frequently inciudes excessive non-English translation of the business identification; and, signs whose size and design are inconsistent with building architecture, style, color or material. It was noted that current sign regulations were adopted in the late 1960's and with some exceptions there have been only a few substantive changes since that time, Ms. Buller noted the scope of changes that staff would like to see addressed in a revised zoning ordinance with regard to window, wall, projecting signs, free-standing signs, monument signs, internally illuminated boxed signs, neon signs, marquees, banners, decorative banners, portable signs and sign designs. The proposed changes are set forth in the September 2, 2003 staff report. In addition, the revised code should include specific illustrations that note how signs are measured, examples of sign types and sign heights, With regard to window signs it was noted that the City no longer can legally regulate content of a sign, including English versus non-English language on the sign. Because of that, staff recommended that window signs be eliminated, Currently the City's sign regulations state "no more than 1/3 of the sign area of each sign may contain a non-English translation of the business identification; the remaining sign area identification shall be set forth in the Roman alphabet, English language and inciude Arabic numerals," 1 9/2/03 1b, R-O & R-1 ZONING REGUl.A1lONS (FAA & Desig1 Reve.v) 45:0161 Following presentation staff recommended that the City Council authorize staff to hire a planning consultant to prepare new sign regulations for the City. I Considerable discussion ensued with regard to the use of non-English language on the signs, Some members would like to know how other cities deal with this issue. Arcadia has certain standards that have to be recognized and it is up to the Council to figure out what those standards are and try to implement them. Following discussion, by Council consensus, direction was given to staff to draft a tough but legal sign ordinance. At the direction of the City Council, the Development Services Department conducted a survey of 15 cities with regard to floor area ratio (FAR), lot coverage and architectural design review, Floor area ratios vary from none up to a maximum of 50%. Maximum allowable lot coverage varies from 35% up to a maximum of 60%, Regarding design review, seven (7) of the cities surveyed either had design review procedures or at a minimum, design review standards, Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is generally deflned as the combined gross floor area of all floors in all buildings and structures on a lot including basements, enclosed covered porches and patios, enclosed carports, garages and storage sheds, Some cities exclude basements, garages, unflnished attics, unenclosed porches, decks, balconies and garages and storage sheds from this definition. In other cities the FAR is based not on living area, but rather on the total building envelope area enclosed by the exterior walls. Considerable discussion ensued, Some members felt that Floor Area Ratio is not the I solution to solve construction probiems throughout the City. Design review could be the solution as opposed to FAR, City Manager Kelly noted that the City has no guidelines for design review and any area without an architectural review board would have to establish one. The goal is to achieve a more harmonious design, The City Council could adopt design review for single-family projects as it did for multi-family or commercial/industrials, stay within the general boundaries and define some boundaries tharmost property owners or architects could stay within, In response to a Council question staff noted that the City has very specific design criteria that is handled by City planners. Having design guidelines will assist the planners in being able to comment on designs. There are also two architectural consulting firms available to critique projects. It was noted, if a modification is necessary then the project would be presented to the Planning Commission for consideration. Staff noted, in 2002, sixty-five (65) new single-family dwellings and 282 single-family additions and aiterations were approved, And, based on last years workload there is definitely room to have standards that can apply to single-family dwellings, which will enhance the process and give staff more tools to work with. Considerable discussion ensued. Some members favored citizen's involvement in the design review process and were comfortable with imposing some design review standards similar to current standards for multi-family dwellings. Others felt that staff did a good job on multi-family design review and should be in charge of the single-family design review I process also, 2 9/2/03 I I I " ("j T"j. 45:0162 Following discussion it was MOVED by Council member Marshall, seconded by Councilmember Segal and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to IMPLEMENT design review standards for all single family residential projects that are not currently subject to an Architectural Review Board, similar to current design review for multi-family residential projects, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic Council member Chang None It was MOVED by Council member Chang, seconded by Council member Segal and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to DEFER any discussion about Floor Area Ratio, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Chang, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None None The Cily Council RECESSED at 7:00 p.m. and RECONVENED in the Council Chambers for the Regular Meeting at 7:05 p,m. INVOCATION Reverend Terry Keenan, The Santa Anita Church PLEDGE OF Carol Libby, Centennial Celebration Commissioner ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None 2. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None, ORD. & RES, READ BY TITLE ONLY It was MOVED by Council member Segal, seconded by Councilmember Marshall and CARRIED that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only and that the reading in full be WAIVED. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Chang, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None None PRESENTATIONS 3, CERT, OF Mayor Kovacic presented The Mayor's Certificate of Appreciation to volunteers who helped APPRECIATION with Arcadia's 100th birthday celebration on August 5, 2003. John Reuter, who was dressed (Reuter, Mr. & as Lucky Baldwin; Don and Bonnie Nelson, the publishers of the Cily's book, "Visions of Mrs. Nelson, Arcadia: A Centennial Anthology"; Jeremiah Wang, who assisted with the Historical Museum Wang & Mixer; and, Terry Miller Arcadia's unofficiai, official photographer, Mayor Kovacic also Miller) expressed appreciation to each and every one of the volunteers who helped with various birthday celebration events and made the August 5, 2003 a truly great day in the life of the City. . 3 9/2/03 45:0163 4, OATH OF OFF. The newly appointed Arcadia Beautiful Commission Member, Eileen Hubbard, was not (Hubbard) present this evening, 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS I 5a. ORDINANCE Consideration of the report and recommendation to introduce Ordinance No. 2183 amending NO, 2183 certain sections of the Arcadia Municipal Code relating to speCific Development Services (Development Department fees and adopt Resolutions Nos. 6386, 6387, 6388, 6389, 6390, 6391, and 6392 Svcs, Dept. establishing revised Development Services Department fees for Engineering, Business Fees) License, Architectural Design Review, Administrative Citations, Planning, Building and (INTRODUCED) Outdoor Dining fees, RESOLUTION NOS, 6386, 6387, 6388, 6389,6390, 6391 & 6392 (DSD Fees - Engineering, Bus. Lie., ADR, In reviewing the code, it was noted that several fees including final parcel maps, final maps Admin. and refuse fees were actually listed in the Arcadia Municipal Code. Most of the City's fees Citations, are established by resolution that enables the City Council to amend fees when necessary to Planning, Bldg, cover the costs. of providing the services, In order to allow for these codes to be more easily Outdoor Dining) revised, staff recommended that the code be amended by Ordinance No. 2183 to establish (ADOPTED) these fees by resolution of the City Council, Proposed changes to the fees based on the Cost Allocation Study performed for the City are I set forth in September 2, 2003 staff report, Some fees have been increased; some are proposed to remain the same, while other fees have been decreased. The Development Services Department proposed changes include a fee of $25,00 to cover the processing costs of a new Business License, and an increase to the Administrative Citation Schedule of Fines for certain violations of the Arcadia Municipal Code, The Administrative Services Department has conducted a cost allocation study to review the fees charged by various departments throughout the City. The fees adjustment in the proposed resolutions bear a reasonable relationship to the cost of the respective service or program involved and are not being imposed for general revenue purposes, but instead to partially recover the cost of providing said services, With regard to building fees it was noted that City Council Resolution No, 5952 adopted in 1996, sets forth building fees, The Deveiopment Services Department recommended that a new Resolution No, 6391 be adopted setting forth the building fees, There are no changes to the fees; however, language in the resolution has been revised to reflect changes in the code sections and omissions and clarifications in the fee schedule. In addition, wording has been added to require reimbursement to the City for plan reviews completed on development projects by outside consultants, Mayor Kovacic OPENED the public hearing, No one came forward to address the City Council. It was MOVED by Council member Chang, seconded by Council member Marshall to CLOSE the Public Hearing, It was MOVED by Councilmember Chang, seconded by Council member Segal and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 2183 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTIONS 8020.8,9116.4,9118.4, AND 9295.11 AND ADDING SECTION 6211.2.1.1 TO THE ARCADIA I MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT FEES"; and, 4 9/2103 .~". : : f" !, . ;"': ~t.; ~ r, '.'.' 45:0164 I ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6386 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING CERTAIN FEES RELATING TO ENGINEERING SERVICES"; and, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO, 6387 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA REVISING CERTAIN FEES RELATING TO BANNERS ON POLES AND ESTABLISHING CERTAIN FEES RELATING TO NEW BUSINESS LICENSES"; and, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6388 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN REVIEW FEES"; arid, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO, 6389 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION SCHEDULE OF FINES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE AND DESIGNATING CONTINUING VIOLATIONS SUBJECT TO ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES"; and, I ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6390 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA ESTABLISHING FEES RELATING TO FILING FEES, EXTENSION FEES AND APPEAL FEES FOR GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS, TEXT AMENDMENTS, ZONE CHANGES, VARIANCES, CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS, TENTATIVE MAPS, TENTATIVE PARCEL MAPS, PARCEL MAP WAIVERS, FINAL MAPS, ADMINISTRATIVE MODIFICATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, R-2 AND R-3' MODIFICATIONS, HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION APPEALS, HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS, TEMPORARY BANNER PERMITS, AND COVENANTS AND REPEALING IN ITS ENTIRETY RESOLUTION NO, 5953"; and, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO, 6391entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA SETTING FORTH FEES RELATING TO BUILDING CODE APPEALS, FIRE CODE APPEALS, BUILDING PERMITS, BUILDING PLAN REVIEWS, GRADING PLAN REVIEWS, GRADING PERMITS, PLUMBING PERMITS, PLUMBING PLAN REVIEWS, ELECTRICAL PERMITS, ELECTRICAL PLAN REVIEWS, REFUSE, MECHANICAL PERMITS, MECHANICAL PLAN REVIEWS, RELOCATION AND REMOVAL PERMITS, DEMOLITION PERMITS, REPROOFING PERMITS, SIGN PERMITS, SWIMMING POOL PERMITS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHING AND ALARM PERMITS AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO, 5952 IN ITS ENTIRETY"; and, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO, 6392 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA REVISING THE APPLICATION FEE RELATING TO INCIDENTAL OUTDOOR DINING". AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION I Jim Clouet, South Coast Air Quality Management District, introduced himself as the liaison to the Western San Gabriel Valley cities, Mr, Ciouet explained in detail the agency, its plans and its new initiatives. AQMD is a government agency responsible for leading this region to compliance with state and federal clean air standards, 5, 9/2/03 6, CHANG (ArCadia) 45:0165 J.J. Fan, 1023 Bungalow Place, expressed concerns with regard to a lack of lighting on Live Oak Avenue between Second and Six Avenues. He felt that the poor lighting is extremely hazardous and will result in a tragedy, I MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS Council member Chang referred to an article in the Pasadena Star News on August 15 about Arcadia, titled "Still Gracious After 100 Years., He also referred to an article written by Mayor Kovacic in the "Letters to Editor" section of the Pasadena Star News, which was very well written. He felt the reason that Arcadia is the finest city to live in is, its very good school district, safe community, excellent staff and good redevelopment programs, (Water Dept & Dr, Ch'!ng referred to a letter from an Arcadia resident complimenting Water Department PD Employees) employees, Henry Sornoso and Greg Borrow; and, Police Department employee, Paul Van Oer Hoorn, (Heritage Park) WUO (Cert, Recipients) (Schools) MARSHALL (Miniature Float) (Schools) (Chandler) (Certificates & Proclamations) (Food for Thought) SEGAL (Grand Ball) (Live Oak) Dr, Chang reminded everyone who is eligible, to apply for the first affordable senior housing project in Arcadia. The Heritage Park affordable senior housing project is the first project of its kind that the City has actively participated in. Mayor Pro tern Wuo congratulated the recipients of the Mayor's Certificate's of Appreciation. Mayor Pro tern Wuo urged parents to drive carefully and follow traffic rules around the schools. He wished everyone a great and safe school year, Councilmember Marshall announced that through the generous donations of citizen's, organizations, clubs and businesses in the community she achieved her goal of having a Rose Parade miniature fioat model built She expressed her personal thanks to anyone that contributed. I Ms. Marshall reiterated Mayor Pro tern Wuo's comment with regard to the opening of the schools and she too urged drivers to be careful and follow the rules for the safety of all children, Ms. Marshall expressed condolences to Roger and Jane Chandler on the passing of Roger's mother, Dorothy Chandler. In response to Ms, Marshall's question, City Manager Kelly stated that the certificates and proclamations issue is under study; staff is looking at alternative graphics to present to Council at a future date. Ms. Marshall shared a food for thought "A house is not a home unless it provides food and warmth to the soul as for the body", Council member Segal reminded everyone that the City's Centennial Celebration Grand Ball will be held September 13 at the Arboretum. Council member Segal would like to make a motion to table the meeting with developers of the property off of Live Oak near the Par-3 Golf Course until the City Council resolves the redevelopment issues and considers if that property is an appropriate relocation site for some potential relocatees. Council concurred, I 6 9/2/03 I KOVACIC (Brochure) 7. ROLL CALL 8. 8a, MINUTES (Aug. 19,2003) (APPROVED) ~ ,. ','::l""" 45:0166 Mayor Kovacic encouraged Arcadians to use their combined Recreation Department, Library and Museum brochure as their guide to having a great fall season in Arcadia. THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED TO ACT AS THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PRESENT: ABSENT: Agency Members Chang, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None. CONSENT ITEM It was MOVED by Agency Member Marshall, seconded by Agency Member Segal and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE the Minutes of August 19, 2003 Regular Meeting, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Agency Members Chang, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None None ADJOURNMENT The meeting of the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency ADJOURNED to September 16, 2003 at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers Conference Room, I THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED 9, CONSENT ITEMS 9a. MINUTES APPROVED the Minutes of the August 19, 2003 Regular Meeting. (Aug. 19,2003) 9b. FINAL TR. MAP APPROVED the Final Map of Tract No, 53968 for a six (6) unit residential condominium NO, 53968 project at 1211 South Golden West Avenue. (1211 S. Golden West Ave.) 9c. COMM. ORG. DONATIONS (Summer Reading Prog. - Public Library) I 9d. ACCEPT GRANT (Literacy Materials - Public Library) ACCEPTED the donations from community organizations in support of the Summer Reading Program for children at the Library. APPROVED the receipt of the $1,000 grant funds awarded to the Arcadia Public Library Foundation by the Oak Tree Charitable Foundation for literacy materials at the Library, Council member Chang expressed appreciation to the Oak Tree Charitable Foundation for its donation of the $1,000 grant to the Arcadia Public Library Foundation. 7 9/2/03 ge, CONTRACT CHANGE ORDER (Removal & Replace Trees) 9f. AWARD CONTRACT (Curb, Gutter & Sidewalk Const. - Centennial Way) 45:0167 AUTHORIZED the City Manager to EXECUTE a contract change order in the amount of $50,000 to West Coast Arborists for the replacement and planting of 100 aging and problematic trees. AUTHORIZED the City Manager to enter into a contract with Gentry Brothers, Inc, in the amount of $33,519 for the Construction of Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk on Centennial Way, 9g. CONTINUE See below, EMERGENCY ACTION (Underground Tanks - City Service Ctr. & Fire Stations 105 & 106) 9g, CONTINUE EMERGENCY ACTION (Underground Tanks - City Service Ctr, & Fire Stations 105 & 106) I THE PRECEDING CONSENT ITEMS 9a, b, c, d, e and f APPROVED ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SEGAL,' SECONDED BY COUNCILMEBMER MARSHALL AND I CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Chang, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None None Consideration of the report and recommendation to determine continuation of emergency action with regard to earlier adoption of Resolution No, 6385 which authorized an emergency contract to remove underground tanks and install above ground tanks and/or related facilities at the City Service Center and Fire Stations 105 and 106, In response to a Council question staff noted that the tanks at the service center are fifteen years old and the tanks at fire station 105 three or four years old. It was noted that the underground tanks are steel, double walled and not very thick, The above ground tanks are made out of steel and concrete and lot thicker, It was also noted that it is not a normal practice in bidding a construction project for Public Works to keep the materials that are being replaced and resell them separately. It was MOVED by Councilmember Chang, seconded by Council member Segal and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to DETERMINE continuation of emergency action with regard to Resolution No. 6385 adopted August 19, 2003, which authorized an emergency contract to remove underground tanks and'install above ground tanks and/or related facilities at the City Service Center and Fire Stations 105 and 106. 8 9/2/03 I I I I ADJOURNMENT (In Memory of Rachel Spata) ADJOURNMENT (In Memory of Dorothy Chandler) 45:0168 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Marshall, Segal, Wuo and Kovacic None None Councilmember Segal announced the tragic passing of a seven (7) year old; the daughter and sister of one of the Arcadia High School football players, Her name was Rachel Spata and she was kIlled in a car accident last Wednesday. A memorial service and funeral wIll be held on Thursday morning, And all day Thursday, at the Richter's residence, they wIll be receiving people. This is a very tough time for this family and our condolences go out to them. Mayor Kovacic adjourned the meeting in memory of Dorothy Chandier. "The City of Los Angeles had a Dorothy Chandler, even named a music center after her, but Arcadia also had their own Dorothy Chandler who was just as great and just as gracious. Dorothy Chandler passed away on August 27th at Arcadia Methodist Hospital after living a full and rich life, Born into a farming family in British Columbia, her first adventure took her to Vancouver ,where she worked as a telephone operator. While in Vancouver she married Stanley Chandler and together they embarked on a 54-year journey that began in Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Stan was in the marina section of the Canadian Air Force and the Chandler's took up residence off base where their son Roger was born in 1944. Ucluelet is know known as the whale watching capital of the world, but during the war it was a remote fishing vIllage and Dorothy and Stan traded with local Indians for fish and other supplies, After the war they started building six hundred square feet houses in the Vancouver area and sold them for $1,500 to Canadian Veterans. In February 1950 while in Vancouver they were blessed with a daughter, Gail Louise. Cold winters drove the Chandler's to friendly and warm Temple City, California, Stan continued his construction career and Dorothy was a full time homemaker and a part time cafeteria worker for the San Marino School District. In 1962 the Chandlers moved to Sixth Avenue in Arcadia and later to Norman where they lived for many years, In their retirement Stan and Dorothy lived both in Sierra Vista, Arizona and Santa Barbara, After losing her husband in 1997 Dorothy moved back to Temple City where she became active with trips and events at the Arcadia Community Center, Dorothy frequently accompanied her son Roger, a former City colleague of ours and former Arcadia Mayor to many City events, She was specially fond of attending opening day at Santa Anita. Dorothy was known for telling incredible stories to anyone ready to be entertained, She was a special lady and loved deeply by those who knew her. She loved life, loved her family and friends and had a smiie for everyone. Dorothy is survived by her son Roger and his wife Jane, her daughter Gail and Gail's husband Manuel, grandsons, Gregory, Jeffrey and Damian and granddaughter HIllary. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dorothy's memory to the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum, Post Office Box 60021, Arcadia, California, 91066, ADJOURNMENT At 8:20 p.m. the City Council Regular Meeting ADJOURNED to September 16, 2003 at 5:00 (Sept. 16,2003) 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: ~A.I:tt/1J~ ry A. ovacic: Mayor 9 9/2103