HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 18,2001
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CITY COUNC,!. i"ROCEEDINGS ARi: TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE iN TH::: OFFIGE OF
THE CITY CLERi(
MINUTES
CITY CCUNCIL OF THE CI rv OF ARCADIA
SPECIAL MEETING
(TOWN FORUM)
January 18, 2001
Tht> City Council of the City of Arcadia met In a Special Meeting on Thursday, January 18,
2001 at 7:00 p.m, in the Council Chambers for the purpose of conducting a Town Forum to
consider the following items:
1, Community discussion of City policies, procedure.s, programs and projects; and,
2. Discus3ion of malters of general interest to the community,
ROll CAL~
PRESENT:
/IBSENT:
Councilmembers Chandler, Chang, Marshall, Segal and Kovacic
None
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At '(:04 p.m. tho City Council RECESSED and the following Town Forum Panel of residents
and City staff was seated at the Council table, Mayor Kovacic served as moderator of this,
the third Town Forum:
Of 10. 7 0/ Jerry Selmer, Chairman, library Board of Trustee, forty-one year resident of Arcadia.
Delphina Yuen, President of the Arcadia High School Associated ~tudent Body, now a
Senior, has attended Arcadia Schools 3ince kindergarten.
.Richard Bruckner, five-year member of the Planning Commission, Arcadia resident for
approximately fifteen years, Member of the Work Force Investment Board.
gen~j3ioia, lieutenant, Arcadia Police Department, employee since 1 979, born and raised in
Arcadia and current resident.
j3eth Costanza, Executive Director, Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, former lw'mty.ei9~t year
t'esident of Arcadia and thirty-year busir.ess owner.
~.ilL~l1Y. Arcadia City Manager, seven years. grew up in Arcadia.
Q.~vid Lee, eleven-year resident, currently Vice.President of the Arcadia Olinese A3sociation,
Iji~e-Plesident of Arcadia High Schonl Chinese Parents Booster Club.
QLl'etsr Youno, dental practice in Arcadi", resident of City, Vice-President of the Arcadia
Chamber of Commerce, year 2000 Chairman of the Multi-cultural Committee.
9hris Mead, Member of the Arcadia Recreation Commission, long.term resident of the City,
3..:lively involved as a parent volunteer.
,JI", Rom,Q, Vice-Presi~ent of the Arcadia Unified School District Board, eigilteen-year
msident of the City, Member of Arcadia Educational Foundation, YMCA Boord. and coach of
the Arcadia High School Constitutional Team.
in :esponse to Mqor Kovacic's question of "What is good or uniqua at-out Arcadia, and what
are the things that makil A~.;adia a special community", the panei responded: the City library
IS a cultural and eaucalionai treasurer visited by 43,000 patrons each month; the fantastic
3chool District; Arcadia is veiy clean c.nd beautiful, and a safe City 'n which to live; the
"itizens are involved and well inlcrr,led about community issues: the City provir.es fine
sorvices te its residents; p'operty ','9lues are maintained: fine r.eighbo'hovos and safe
:;treets; the ',ol~nteers involved in the community; the mar.y com:nunity events :or which to
~,,: involved; the many projects wil:,in :he ~olice department: positive police involvement with
tno City yuuth. such 8i' ;he DArtE ~rcgr<,m, the GREAT rJrogram in :h6 middle schools
and, the Y.E.S, Officer at Ihe High Schoc.l: exciting development in the C:t:, in particular,
:~'jW t',otnls, new ,hopping centers, new office IJuildings under C0i1S1ru(:t:on, private schools,
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organizations and service clubs, non-profits that are on the move; the quality and positive
image of the City... appearance, educational programs, and public safety; Arcadia is a great
'City to raise a 'family; the School District does a wonderful job; City Hall and the Council
Members put the welfare of the residents as their first priority; the'City is very balanced... with
commercial and residential areas; it is a great community for children to grow up in; the City
is a great place to do business; an active Chamber of Commerce, which is approaching 800
members; Arcadia is a community that works together; volunteering: fund raising efforts that
benefit Neadia schools; a multi-cultural community; a community of beautiful homes; a sense'
of community; the educational system prepares students for college.
~ . Thouahts on Volunteerism
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Panel Member Selmer suggested that volunteer opportunities in the City could be
publicized...residents miss having a City newsletter which was discontinued several years
ago due to cuts in the City budget. Mr. Selmer felt the City newsletter was a wonderful
means of communicating with City: residents. People do not know what volunteer
opportunities are available, Panelist Costanza agreed that she misses the City Newsletter
also.
Panel Member Romo noted there are many volunteer activities within the School District for
.' which residents do not necessarily have to have children in the city, to participate.
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Panelist Gioia noted the Police Department currently has approximately 100 volunteers who
are involved in many areas such as, crime analysis, computer support, translations, etcetera,
Patrol Services is a more recent volunteer program which provides white patrol vehicles for
the volunteers to make house checks for out-of-town residents and business checks on
weekends. Lt. Gioia believes that letting the volunteers know that they are appreciated
encourages the volunteer and helps to get the word out to others,
Panel Member lee stated in part, the volunteer philosophy is not part of the Chinese life
experience. They simply have never been trained to do such work. As a youth, his parents
directed him to.., "do nothing, but study hard"... The Chinese community still needs to do a
lot of work on this issue. He and others try hard to tell the Chinese community to come out
and volunteer. ' '
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Hioh Prooertv Values
What maintains high property values and should there be certain policies that should be
followed in order to keep those values as high as possible?
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Panelist Bruckner believes the key to maintaining property vaiues is the school system. Also,
attention to quality design as new commercial projects come into the City is important and will
add to the quality of life in the City.
Panelist Kelly commented, the physical image of the City is important.., trees, streets, parks
and public buildings, etcetera.., and the attitude of the residents... the need to advertise
Arcadia. Further, schools and public safe,ty are critical to the image of Arcadia.
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Develooment Issues"
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'. '. Panel Member Bruckner stated in part, that this is an important time in the deveiopment of
;'," '. Arcadia:.. Santa Anita Race Track is ,coming to the City with plans to develop its land and
Westfield ShoppingTown Mall has filed revitalization and enlargement plans. These are two
landmark developments... Tile City always has to be vigilant about good design and perhaps I
-"~ .' open the process up to public forums for these two large developments that will reflect the
I: image of Arcadia, Panel Member Mead agreed and mentioned that she appreciates that the
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voice of residents is being he:lrd ~y CounGiI.
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Panelist Romo urged Arc2cians to attend ihe Council and SGhocl Bomd rTll?et'ngs to ~ddress
these boards and to keap informed.
Fublic Safetv
P3nelist Gioia believes the Police Department is doing a fine joll and is striving for community
oriented policing.
Panelist Young, noted the muiti-cultural makeup cf Arcadia and stated in part, the Asian
community needs to be involved,and better express themselves about conditicns, Ho ~otr,d
also the health-care providers need to step out and express themselves also.
Panel Member Yuen commented with regard to public safety, that she feels very safe at tile
High School with the Y.E.S, Officer on campus, Panelist Romo noted that having a Y.E.S,
Officer on campus has had a very positive effect on school safety.
Asian Involvement in CIN Activities and Communication
Panelist Costanza advised that the Chamber of Commerce Intercultural Com mille.;
encourages participation from the cQmrr:unity in its activities, Dr. Young has been Ch<l'rman
and Kurt King is the current Chairman of the Committee.
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Panelist Young commented the City cculd be more proactive in employing Asians in City
government. If the City were open (0 employing Asians this would bring Asian volunteers in
also.
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Panelist lee noted. ever since he has been involved in the City he has appreciated those who
have made him feel welcome. He commented also that Asian people hesitate to volunteer
because they do not know what they are getting into, The Mayor commented, this feeling is
cross-cultural. Panelist Romo noted the primary catalyst for his involvement in City malleI'S
was through activities that his children were engaged in, such as sports, music, or other
activities related to the scheol Systflrt1.
Mayor Kovacic opened th,J Towr. ['arum for pu!Jlic comment.
Vincent Folev, expressed his opinion that there is always something for a voiunteer to dc...
he does not have to know any particular thing.
Tonv Henrich, twenty-six year resident of the City, President of the Rancho Santfl Anita
Residents' Association, corr.mented. the secret to volunteerism starts with a vision, a good
board of people surroundiny you, and then you ask people to have fun. Mr. Henrich
suggested the City reestablish or reconfirm a vision statement and possibly have an
architectural style such as other cities.., their own individual, unique harmony. Further, Mr.
Henrich believes that Arcadia ~er~ds an annual event, something to pull tho City together 85 <>
community and could bring r:eople from around the United States. .
A gentleman stepped up to address Ihe Panel a,ld stated in part that the Arcadia High Sc:-,ool
Chinese Booster Club Geiievos that one of tht'!ir jobs is to recruit volunteers, especially new
immigrants. Th'lY tell them that it i3 okay if they do not speak English. He noted the Chinese
Booster Club appreciates the p"tience and understanding that Arcadia residp.nts show to
those who do not speak very go~d r::n9li~h, .
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John_ Chu, nine-year resident of Arcadia, stated in part that Ar"adia l1e:ed~ ,>o:ter
Gommunicfllion between tile Ci~/ !.tr.d it.; residents. Volunteers could bo lJ"ecl to enh,'r.ce
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'communication between the two cultural. groups. The Newsletter or a'web site could also be
utilized. People'do not know what is going on: " ". '. '
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Christy Oster, 20-year resident, Baldwin Stocker PTA Presiden't, suggesied that someone in
the Asian community could volunteer to be a coordinator to encourage Asian volunteerism
within'the community. The PTA has found this to be a very successful program within
Baldwin Stocker School. Ms. Oster commented that as a group; Asian parents have been
very willing to help. . " ",' ,
Annie Yuen, a school parent and Arcadia resident, spoke of active, civic-minded students and
children who are being trained to volunteer to improve the City, Mrs. Yuen stated that she
sees'ttiis in the High School.., she is proud of these students, '
Fritz Gottfeld, 1526 Rodeo Road, expressed concern about unsafe traffic conditions on
Rodeo"Road at 'Orange Grove due to a fence and bushes that obscure oncoming traffic,
There has been several close collisions at that corner, Mr. Gottfeld suggested the City make
this corner a four-way stop or install a traffic light. Further, at the approach on south Baldwin
Avenue to the westbound 210 freeway, the pavement striping is confusing. He has missed
several collisions because of these traffic lanes, Something should be done about this
dangero'us area. ' Mr. Gottfeld further noted that Rodeo, Road north of Orange Grove is
: unlighted. The area is unsafe for walking in the evening. P6 t.
The City Manager explained the process to light streets and control traffic, '
Sam Alexander, 38-year resident, recommended that the Asian people get involved in
Arcadia..: register to vote, then vote on issues, Mr, Alexander reported how difficult it is to
become acquainted with his Asian neighbors, - " .
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A young man (High School student) came forWard to address comments to the Poiice
. Department regarding the departments motto of "Safety and Service", He agreed Arcadia is
a safe community, however, it is his opinion, the service is only extended to white male
adults, He beiieves that High School students are pulled over by the police for no reason,
- _ just to be interrogated and then they are late to class, The police do this to Asian students...
, which is unfair. He would like the City to address some of these issues such as age profiling,
in particular.
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1 ' Panelist Gioia pointed out, the Vehicle Code contains many reasons why police officers pull
'drivers over. They do not look for a reason or an excuse:- However, the police do focus
- 'attention on areas where there are problems, The drop-off and pick-up times at City schools
are inherent traffic problems because of parking, congestion, jay-walking and double parking
issues,
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Referencing a question received by mail, Mayor Kovacic read a letter questioning the City's
redevelopment program which the writer felt, from a community perspective, is a failure and
has done Iittie to enhance the quality of life in Arcadia, Further, the writer mentioned the City
'of; San-Marino, which does not welcome commercial ventures.' The 'residents pay for
services received, What could Arcadia residents do to keep the City a community of homes?
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Panelist Kelly, City Manager, explained the purpose of redevelopment.., to'remove blight. He
further noted the run-down areas of Huntington Drive and First Avenue before redevelopment
was implemented. The residents of' San Marino voted to tax themselves for services
provided, while Arcadia is a mixed community of more commercial areas than other cities,
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'Panel Member Costanza commented that Huntington Drive and First 'Avenue were much
more appealing 'and interesting after'redevelopment occurred, The Chamber is working
, continually to encourage businesses ,to locate in the downtown area,
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'?o;l&list Youn!] noted the Arcadia Business Associatioil in the downtowrI ar9a also works to
prc.,mr,te that area, He felt that it Vl2S urlfortunate that the "Farmer!; Market" was closed down
because it '/ties ve~ helpful to the area, The A8A would like to see this event reinstated,
in reference to the relationship betwe&n Arcadia youth and the police, "anelist Yuen noted
that students are generolly a little afraid of the police. However, she believes the police are
doing their job. Traffic problems cccur around <,II of the Arcadia schocls in the morning and
aftsr ~chool.'
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Panelist Meud noted, at the time Arcadia schools were placed irl the City, the City did not
envision the future number of students or the traffic problems. In addition, Mrs. Mead
Ieported an incident in which her daughter waE: protected by the police from a potential
problem.
Crystal (indecipherable), eight-year resident, commented on housing and development in the
City, in particular, large homes replacing smaller houses in her area, and multi-family units
replacing single-family homes. She questioned the construction of such housing and the
impact the large homes might have on the properly value of smaller homes in the area.
Panelist Bruckner, Planning Commissioner, brieny explained the efforts of tile Commission to
evaluate the zoning codes regarding, what ~Ias been called "mansionization" of the City. The
Commission adcpted certain regulations to modify what could be built in singleufamily
neighborhoods, The Commission then recommended the modifications to the City Council
and thev were adopted. The modifications relate to the relationship of the house. and the
height of the house, to the street and the side yard setbacks, The Commission believes they
struck a reasonable balance between the development community and neighborhood
proteclion. The modifications can be seen as newer projects are constructed,
Josephine Tung, Sister City Commissioner, came to the United States approximately 30..
years ago, stated in part that she looks to various people who voiunteer for the Music Club as
role models and friends. Mrs, Tung has found volunteerlsm to be fun.
Lynne Mack, 50-year resident, directed her comments to Panelist David lee, and suggested
!.hat persons in the Chinese Association set time aside to teach English to other members of
their association who are not proficient, and do not feel comfortable, with the Engiish
language. Further, Ms, Mack commented, somo Arcadia residents feel that commercial
signage is dividing the community, and referenced an establishment on Baldwin Avenue with
signage in the Chinese language, Non-Asian residents do not feel comfortable in these
business establishments because they feel that they are not welcome, that could be the
reverse also with all English signage, Ms. Mack noted.
At the request of the Mayor, Panelist Selmer addressed this matter. Library Board Member,
John Fung, advised the Board that many of the Chinese immigrants do not feel comfortable
using English, and proposed that the Library sponsor an 'English As a Second language"
(ESL) tutoring program at the Library, The program was initiated, a class meets on Monday
'mornings at the Library with volunteers serling as tutors. Mr. Selmer commented, the high
point o.f his week is helping the Asian peopie improve their English language skills. John
:=lJng, he noted, believes, these students are learning abnut the American culture as weli as
EnGlish language skills, '
Panelist Peter 'foL'ng. commented, with respect to. volunteerism, that it takes time for "n
i\sian p'"rsrm who. has 110 concept of volunteer ism at all... it is not rp.ally fDir to expect them to
wme Ol.l onrJ just start working in the community, The Chir.ese or(lani:!3tions are trying hard
to. do their P"lt. It takes time.
i\ gentlemen resident of the lower R'1Il::ho Area. a 29-year err,ployee of los Angeles County,
$lnled in part. his main concern is noise emanating f~om the 210 Freeway between 4:00 a.m.
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and 8:00 a,m. and vehicles that seem to be exceeding the speed limit on Colorado Street'
between Michillinda Avenue and Baldwin Avenue, which is posted at 45 mph. People in the
Lower Rancho deserve to sleep in peace. He inquired if the speed limit on Colorado Street
could be reduced? '
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Larry Wilson, 30-year resident, representing all five of the homeowner associations north of
Huntington Drive, spoke to the issue of the dramatic increase in freeway noise. Mr. Wilson
commented, when the Route 30 Freeway interconnects with the 215 Fr~eway, then to the
210, which construction will occur in 18 to 24 months, the residents of the homeowner
associations can expect a tremendous increase in traffic, in particular, truck traffic caused by
trucks coming through Arcadia and other cities from eastern states 24-hours a day, seven
days a week, last year the Governor released $226 million for some 63 projects in the state,
42 of which are in los Angeles County, all projects with a four-year time limit for completion.
Another round of soundwall construction will follow. Current soundwall construction projects
have to have a 'Scope Summary Report', which Arcadia has completed two other times....
Mayor Kovacic requested the City Manager update'the Panel on this issue. City Manager
Kelly noted the City Council has agreed to pay for a portion of a soundwall from Fifth Avenue
to second Avenue in the City. A soundwall westerly from Second Avenue is not listed on the
state map as priority. To obtain funding from the state requires significant funds from the
City.., The City Manager further noted other difficulties encountered in this matter,
Mr. Wilson reiterated the request from the homeowner's associations is to get a 'Scope
Summary Report', which is absolutely essential before any other steps are taken. Funding
for soundwalls is another matter. Mr. Kelly commented he would contact Mr, Wilson to
deve,lop a strategy for this issue.
Steven lee, Arcadia High School Senior, stated in part that, Baldwin Stocker Park is a sad
sight with school portable classrooms and a day care center located on grassy areas of the
park resulting in a lack of green park areas, He does nut feel that this park fulfills its purpose
of making this area more attractive and increasing property values. Mr. lee suggested this
park be revitalized to fulfill its original purpose,
John Ma, 123 EI 'Dorado Street, representing the 'Say No To The Crematory Committee',
stated in part that the Committee recommends that the City not allow any crematories to
locate within the City. There are no large pieces of vacant land for such use... this type of
facility should be built in the deSert. A crematory would affect the residents quality of life and
destroy property values, its impact on the community would be serious and downgrade the
City image. Health and pollution would be concerns also. '
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For the record, Mayor Kovacic referred to a resident's letter reflecting signage concerns and
indicating that the letter writer feels like a foreigner in her own home town.
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City Manager Kelly explained, the City sign code stipulates trye mixture of 'graphics' on
signage is currently 2/3rd English and 1/3rd other languages. The signs need to be 2/3rds
English from'a public safety, marketing point of view, All signs go through a design review
process. Staff attempts to work with the business people on this issue so that they
understand the regulations, '
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Panelist Bruckner commented, the Planning Commission was advised by the City Attorney
that there are constitutional questions of how much regulation the City can have over
sign age. ' .
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'ne D, Alford, CiW~
A')JOURNMENT
(Jan. 30,2001)
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CloGinQ Comments - !l.rcadii,'s Future - Pan'll Members
Jerry Selmer commented, with the diversity in thfl City, the future is bright. library services
will be even better after a Libf'ory study is completed by a consultant.
Delphina Yuen urged the public to participate' in the many volunteer activities in the
community and School District.
Richard Bruckner echoed Ms. Yuen's comments and added the City is at a crossroad wi\h
some very large projects soon to come to the community. World-class projects demand
world-class architecture, he noted, live Oak and las Tunas improvements will be a
challenge also,
Lt. Gene Gioia commented that communication is the key... High School students need to
relate their feeling about the police to the Police Department.
Beth Costanza.., the Chamber of Commerce always welcome volunteers. The Multi-cultural
Committee really works to enlarge these opportunities. She will help the City with a City
Newsletter if it is again implemented,
City Manager Kelly - The residents should participate in volunteer opportunities within the
City, School District and the Chamber of Commerce. Community input is vital to City
government.
David lee thanked the panel for opening its arms to new Asian immigrants, The Asians are
learning;- please be patient with them as young Americans.
Dr. Peter Young - Communication and cultural issues come hand-in-hand... the Forum is an
opportunity for people of different cultures to come together and relate to each other. The
School District has had success in this matter with the Inter-Cultural Committee, Dr. Young
felt that a chat-room on a website would be helpful to the Asian and American cultures for
information.
Ghris Mead commented that the universal theme of those who have chosen Arcadia as home
is the type of community it is, Ms. Mead noted the difficulties faced by those who are new to
a country.
Jim Romo believes the forum is a real service to the City and community at-large, ,The
biggest challenge the community faces, he believes, is the increasing diversity in the City and
in the School District, in particular. The District has made a special effort to attack that issue
and talk about diversity, tolerance of different cultures and different races... an effort in those
matters goes hoth ways, He believes that Arcadia's future is very bright
Mayor Kovacic expressed appreciation to the Panel, City staff, the Arcadia High School PTA
and the audience and noted the Town Forum would be broadcast on Channel 20 through
February,
At 9:00 p.m" the City Council RECONVENED and it was MOVED by Mayor Pro t"m 3egal,
seconded by Councilmember Chandler and CARREID to ADJOURN the Special MeeFng of
the City Counc:il to Tuesday, January 30, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. for an Adjourned Regulsr (Joint)
Meeting of the City Council and thlJ Arcadia Unified School District Governing board at the
Arcadia Community Center.
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