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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDECEMBER 2,2003 I I I 45:0220 CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK ROLL CALL 1, 1a <XDE ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS INVOCATION MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA and the ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING December 2,2003 The City Council and Arcadia Redevelopment Agency met in a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 2,2003 at 6:00 p,m, in the Council Chambers Conference Room, PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kovacic, Marshall, Segal and Wuo None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None, STUDY SESSION City Manager Kelly presented an overview of the City's Code Enforcement Program, The City received more than 4,400 complaints of violations last year, Of these, 71 percent were on residential properties, and 22 percent on commercial properties, The residential complaints tend to be related to landscaping and other issues such as trash cans left on the street. The commercial complaints centered on saie banners, real estate open house signs and cleanup issues, A discussion of banner and sign issues ensued, With regard to garage sale signs it was noted that residents who come to City Hall for yard sale permits are informed about sign regulations, however, people who hold sales without a permit tend to put up signs that do not meet City codes, The Council did not support the idea of forbidding the use of banners, II was suggested that, for enforcement purposes only, language be added to the banners stating City approval of the banner and the time limit that the banner can be displayed, Following discussion, the City Council authorized the City Manager to begin recruiting volunteers to assist with the code enforcement program and also to consider the addition of a third code enforcement officer, The volunteers would handle more routine matters, freeing up time for the code enforcement officials, The Council also agreed that enforcement could be toughened up and businesses need to be informed about City code requirements, The City Council RECESSED at 7:05 p,m" and RECONVENED in the Council Chambers for the Regular Meeting at 7:15 p,m, Reverend Sid Sybenga, Hope Community Church of Arcadia PLEDGE OF Rowena Weiler ALLEGIANCE 1 12/2/03 ROLL CALL 2, ORD, & RES, READ BY TITLE ONLY 3, CITIZEN OF THE MONTH AWARD (Weiler) 4, CITIZEN dF THE MONTH AWARD (Liu) 5, 45:0221 PRESENT: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kovacic, Marshall, Segal and Wuo None I SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None, It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Segal, seconded by Council member Marshall and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only and that the reading in full be WAIVED, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kovacic, Marshall, Segal and Wuo None None PRESENTATIONS Mayor Wuo presented the December, 2003 Citizen of the Month Award to Rowena Weiler, a 50 year resident of Arcadia, who has spent forty-two (42) very productive years in education and is currently jreasurer of the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the Retired Teachers Association and president of the Arcadia Coordinating Council. Rowena's other activities included: board member, secretary of the Arcadia Historical Commission; program chair for the Arcadia Association of University Women; membership in the Pasadena College Women Association; and, a PEO member, a group that provides scholarships for women, Mayor Wuo presented the December, 2003 Citizen of the Month Award to Shelley Liu, a fairly rece,nt addition to the community, who gives of herself to improve and enhance the community, Shelley recently worked in Relay for Life, an event that raised in excess of $43,000 for cancer research, She also serves as president of the Chinese American Insurance Professional Association and as vice president of the Alhambra Branch of the Lion's Club, I PUBLIC HEARING 5a, ORDINANCE Text Amendment (TA 2003-003) was initiated by the Development Services Department NO,2185 proposing changes to the Conditional Use Permit Section of the Arcadia Municipal Code to TA 2003-003 revise the zones in which churches are allowed subject to the conditional use permit (Church uses) process, The proposed changes would allow churches in the R-O, R-1, R-2, R-3 and CoO (INTRODUCED) zones subject to the Conditional Use Permit Process, In addition, a definition of church is being added to Chapter 2, Part 2 Definitions, The Planning Commission at its October 28, 2003 meeting voted 4 to 0 with one member absent to recommend approval of Text Amendment 2003-003, Currently churches are allowed in all zones subject to the conditional use permit process, There are twenty-six (26) churches in the City, three (3) of these churches are located in commercial zones, the remaining churches are all located in residential zones, The conditional use permit process allows the City to address such issues as noise, traffic, circulation, parking and compatibility impacts as they relate to the size and location of assembly uses including churches, I 2 12/2/03 I I I 6, CHANG (Award Recipients & Agent Smith) (Library) (Arcadia Interfaith) 45:0222 Some of the reasons to restrict churches to the residential and professional office zones are that "store fronf churches in commercial zones change the character of commercial areas, Churches do not create pedestrian and vehicular traffic flows that are normally associated with other commercial activity and generally do not provide the synergy that retailers or other commercial uses desire, In addition, viable commercial areas help support a healthy tax base for the 'community, and churches are tax-exempt. In order to maintain viable commercial and manufacturing districts, it is the opinion of the Development Services Department that limiting churches to the R-O, R-1, R-2, R-3 and CoO zones with an approved conditional use permit is appropriate, Mayor Wuo OPENED the Public Hearing, No one came forward to address the City Council. It was MOVED by Council member Kovacic, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Segal and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to CLOSE the Public Hearing, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kovacic, Marshall, Segal and Wuo None None In response to a Council question City Attorney Deitsch stated in part that the proposed added definition to the code will not allow a church to have a sports facility or gymnasium unless it is attached to an educational facility, In addition, he suggested an amendment to Section 5" 9220,16,1, to read as follows: "and non-church related goods, residential uses (other than as permitted hereinabove), or sports and/or entertainment facilities when not used for church purposes or when rented out for revenue purposes," It was MOVED by Council member Marshall, seconded by Council member Segal and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO, 2185 entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE BY DELETING SECTION 9275,1,8 AND BY AMENDING SECTION 9275,1.43 AND DIVISION 9, CHAPTER 2, PART 2 PERTAINING TO CHURCH USES," with revisions as stated by the City Attorney, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Chang, Kovacic, Marshall, Segal and Wuo None ' None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None, MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS Council member Chang expressed congratulations to recipients of the Citizen of the Month Awards, He also congratulated Agent Bruce Smith for being selected as the "2003 Officer of the Year" Dr, Chang referred to a letter from an Arcadia High School student expressing appreciation to the Arcadia Public Library for offering various programs, Dr. Chang was proud to be a Council member when the library's renovation project was approved in 1994, Dr, Chang attended the Arcadia Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service, November 24, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, He expressed appreciation to the Interfaith group for 3 12/2/03 (Sister City & Certificates) KOVACIC (Award Recipients) (Events ) (Gambling) (Gold Line Phase II) (Restaurant Grade Signs) MARSHALL (Award Recipients) (Holiday Home Decoration Award) 45:0223 all they have done for the community, Dr. Chang would like an item on a future agenda with regard to establishment of a sister city relationShip with another city, He also suggested that the Council revisit the issuing of certificates policy, The three votes needed to place these items in a future agenda were not forthcoming, I It was noted that at a previous meeting the City Council decided to retain the existing policy with regard to the award of certificates and proclamations, Coulicilmember Kovacic congratulated the recipients of the Mayor's Citizen of the Month Awards, Rowena Weiler and Shelley Liu, Mr. Kovacic has known Rowena Weiler for a long time; her husband was one of his high school teachers, He noted that it was nice to see old friends from the Church of the Good Shepherd and a testament to Rowena's active role in Arcadia, Mr. Kovacic feels that both the Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service and the Intercultural Dinner hosted by the Arcadia Unified School District and the Chamber of Commerce were testaments to the sense of community that all are trying to preserve and enhance in Arcadia, He encouraged all of the faith groups to join in, because it is a wonderful way to foster that sense of community, Mr. Kovacic would like an item on a future agenda with regard to a proposed initiative concerning slot machines on race track property, which may not effect a lot of communities in California but it certainly will affect Arcadia, Council concurred, Mr, Kovacic noted that the City is working hard with the Gold Line Phase II JPA to create a strategy to expedite the completion of Phase II of the Gold Line, He also noted that the City of South Pasadena requested that the communities along the Phase II route re-think whatever position they may have taken on the extension of the 71 O-Freeway, I City Manager Kelly noted that the City Council adopted a resolution supporting the 710- Freeway connection in 1989, To bring this item back to the Council, staff needs to talk to the City of South Pasadena representative to understand fully what their intentions are, Mr, Kelly also noted that the City received a request from the Joint Powers Authority, Executive Director, to place a resolution on the next agenda in support of Assemblywoman Carol Liu's proposed bill, suggesting reorganization of the JPA, In response to Councilmember Kovacic's question, City Manager Kelly stated that the posting of restaurant grade signs is mandatory, however, the Los Angeles County Health Department is still in the process of grading restaurants, If a facility has been visited and graded by a county representative, they are required by law to post the grade in the front window, Councilmember Marshall congratulated the recipients of the Citizen of the Month Awards, Ms, Marshall announced that the Arcadia Holiday Snow Festival will be held on December 10, 2003 from 3:30 p,m, to 6:00 p,m, in the parking lot of Westfield ShoppingTown, north of the Fire Station, She also noted that the judging for the Holiday Home Decoration Awards will be December 11th through 15th, Ms, Marshall encouraged residents to have their holiday lights on from 6:00 p,m, to 10:00 p,m, I 4 12/2/03 I I I i'~ '. 45:0224 (Time Capsule) Ms, Marshall noted that one of the final Centennial Celebration activities is the official sealing of the City's Time Capsule, The Time Capsule is designed to hold memorabilia from the 2003 Birthday Celebrations for the next one hundred years, (Holiday Lights) Councilmember Marshall reminded everyone to take down their holiday lights display after the holiday is over, and not to exceed the 90 day limitation, (City's 100th Birthday Exhibit) (Recycling) (Food for Thought) SEGAL (Award Recipients) (White Christmas) (Holiday Season) "Petals Peacocks and Princesses", a temporary exhibition featuring photographs and memorabilia from Arcadia's many years of participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade will be held at the Gilb Historical Museum from December 13 through February 2004, Councilmember Marshall encouraged everyone to read and pay attention to the article in City's Newsletter with regard to disposal and recycling, It contains very important information on what can and cannot be placed in recycling bins, She also reminded everyone that the holiday tree-recycling program will begin December 26th through January 16th, Waste Management will pick up and recycle Christmas trees on regularly scheduled trash pick-up days, Ms, Marshall shared a food for thought, "if you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." Mayor Pro tern Segal congratulated the Mayor's Citizen of the Month Awards recipients, Mr. Segal encouraged interested residents to get involved with the Arcadia Thrift and Welfare Shop White Christmas Program in distributing the donated items to needy families on December 13th, Mr. Segal encouraged everyone to take a moment, find a reason to help others, and do something special for somebody who is less fortunate, WUO Mayor Wuo encouraged everyone to support the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce by (Christmas attending the Annual Chamber Christmas Mixer, December 10th at the Frontrunner Mixer-Ch/Com,) Restaurant, Santa Anita Race Track, (Events) (Liaison) 7, 7a, RESOLUTION NO, 6404 (Calling a Gen, Muni. Election 4/13/2004) Mayor Wuo encouraged everyone to attend the various holiday events: The Holiday Home Tour, sponsored by the Auxiliary of the Methodist Hospital on December 12; The Third Annual Family Ornament Workshop, sponsored by the Historical Museum Commission on December 13th; and, Family Night, sponsored by the Arcadia Public Library on December 4th, Mayor Wuo appointed Council member Gail Marshall to replace Council member Kovacic as a liaison to the Library Board, This change because of Councilmember Kovacic's involvement in the Gold Line Authority and the conflict of meeting dates, CITY CLERK The City Clerk presented for adoption and read the title of RESOLUTION NO, 6404: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, CALLING AND GIVING NOTICE OF THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS OF SAID CITY AS REQUIRED BY THE 5 12/2/03 (ADOPTED) 7b, RESOLUTION NO, 6405 (Candidate Statements) (ADOPTED) 7c, RESOLUTION NO, 6406 (LA County Registrar/Rec, Elect. Svcs, (ADOPTED) 7d, RESOLUTION NO, 6407 (Election Canvass) (ADOPTED) 8, ROLL CALL 9, 9a, MINUTES (Nov, 18, 2003) 45:0225 PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CHARTER." The City Clerk presented for adoption and read the title of RESOLUTION NO, 6405: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATE STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE ELECTORATE AND THE COSTS THEREOF FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2004." The City Clerk presented for adoption and read the title of RESOLUTION NO, 6406: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO PERMIT THE REGISTRAR-RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY TO RENDER SPECIFIED SERVICES TO THE CITY RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN SAID CITY ON APRIL 13, 2004." The City Clerk presented for adoption and read the title of RESOLUTION NO, 6407: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE CANVASS OF THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON APRIL 13,2004, TO BE MADE BY THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA." It was MOVED by Council member Kovacic, seconded by Council member Chang and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that RESOLUTIONS NO, 6404, 6405, 6406 and 6407 be and they are hereby ADOPTED, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kovacic, Marshall, Segal and Wuo None None THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED TO ACT AS THE ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY PRESENT: Agency Members Chang, Kovacic, Marshall, Segal and Wuo ABSENT: None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None, CONSENT ITEM It was MOVED by Agency Member Chang, seconded by Agency Member Kovacic and CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE the Minutes of the November 18,2003 Regular Meeting, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Agency Members Chang, Kovacic, Marshall, Segal and Wuo None None 6 12/2/03 I I I ADJOURNMENT I 10, lOa, MINUTES (Nov, 18,2003) lOb, CONTINUE EMERGENCY ACTION (Underground Tanks - City Service Ctr, & Fire Stations 105 & 106) 10c, RESOLUTION NO, 6403 (Leave Donations) I 10d, RESOLUTION NO, 6408 (Conflict of Interest Code) 10e, DONATION (Software) 45:0226 The meeting of the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency ADJOURNED to December 16, 2003 at 6:00 p,m" in the Council Chambers Conference Room, THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED CONSENT ITEMS APPROVED the Minutes of the November 18, 2003 Regular Meeting, DETERMINATION to CONTINUE emergency action with regard to Resolution No, 6385, adopted August 19, 2003, authorizing 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, ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO, 6403 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO, 5068 REGARDING LEAVE DONATIONS - CATASTROPHIC INJURY/ILLNESS/DISABILITY." ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO, 6408 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AND ADOPTING AN AMENDED APPENDIX TO THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE PURSUANT TO THE POLITICAL REFORM ACT OF 1974," Council member Kovacic stated that the proposed resolution will expand the City's Conflict of Interest Code to include members of the Homeowners Association's Architectural Review Board's, The board members are some of the hardest working volunteers, doing a thankless task without any compensation and without any staff support by the City, He would like to see that the City Attorney and the planners conduct occasional meetings with the ARB members in order for them to get a clear lesson about what the law requires and get some assistance in rendering a very important service, ACCEPTED the donation of software from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation United States Library Program (estimated fair market value: $9,189,00) 1 Of, ACCEPT WORK (Arc, Library Phase I Interior Renov,) Council member Kovacic would like the City Council to consider including the Arcadia Public Library Renovation Phase II in next years Capital Improvement Program budget. Phase II involves a teen center and enlarging an area for an international language section, I ACCEPTED all work performed by K & S Design Inc, for the Arcadia Library-Phase I Interior Renovation Project as complete; and, AUTHORIZED final payment to be made in accordance with contract document. 7 12/2/03 10g, CLASS SPECIFICA liON (Police Lieutenant - Librarian 1/11) 10h, PROF, SVCS, AGREEMENT (National Legislative Advocacy) 45:0227 APPROVED the revised class specifications for Police Lieutenant, and revised and new class specifications and compensation levels for Librarian 1/11. I AUTHORIZED the City Manager to EXECUTE a Professional Services Agreement with The Ferguson Group to represent the City of Arcadia on legislative issues and revenue opportunities, subject to review and approval by the City Attorney, for a twelve (12) month period, effective December 19, 2003, 101. EQUIP, AWARDED the purchase of 100 personal alarm dosimeters to Arrow Tech, in the amount of PURCHASE $30,310, for the Fire Department. to enhance counter terrorism capability in accordance with (Personal Alarm Homeland Security efforts, Dosimeters) 11, 11a, VEHICLE LICENSE FEE BACKFILL THE PRECEDING CONSENT ITEMS 10a, b, c, d, e, f, g, hand i APPROVED ON MOTION BY COUNCILMEMBER SEGAL SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER MARSHALL, AND CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chang, Kovacic, Marshall, Segal and Wuo None None I CITY MANAGER City Manager Kelly presented an overview and update on the Vehicle License Fee reduction and its impact on local governments, stating in part that the Governor Schwarzenegger has fulfilled his campaign promise to roll back the Vehicle License Fee by two-thirds, As a result the DMV is only collecting the base amount of VLF, 'an approximate 70% overall reduction in revenues to cities, unless the Legislature and Governor fund the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) backfill, It the Vehicle License Fee (VLF) is not backfilled, the City of Arcadia would lose from $2 to $3 million annually from the General Fund which could eventually lead to a layoff of 50-60 employees, On November 24, Senator Jim Brulte introduced legislation (SBX51) that is designed to keep the other part of the Governor's Vehicle License Fee (VLF) promise, to hold cities and counties harmless from the reduction, In addition, the League of California Cities has joined forces with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) to sponsor a bailot initiative in November 2004, entitled the Local Taxpayers and Public Safety Protection Act, to put voters in charge of whether local tax dollars should be used to fund state services, It was noted that the City will continue to lobby its local legislators, Senator Bob Margett and Assemblywoman Carol Liu, and will use every Council meeting as a forum to acquaint the public and ask the citizens to push the Legislature to find resolution to bring back some positive bases to allow cities to operate without having the state take funds, It was also I noted that the financial picture will be clearer in 30-60 days, when the City does its mid-year budget review, . 8 12/2/03 I I I 45:0228 ADJOURNMENT At 8:45 p,m, the City Council Regular Meeting ADJOURNED to December 16, 2003 at 6:00 (Dee, 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, J n Wuo, Mayor ATTEST: 9 12/2/03