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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 18,2001 I I I ,43:0013 e)11;i I"~ (1: t ,I :11 I' f 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 e 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, 1 ~/15/f}t ~. . _ i!l 43:0014 ;~: 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 .' . 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. ~ -, -t-' 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. ' ' .' " .' .. 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? ";', 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. , ;-. ' ., , .- ~'... Develooment Issues" I I '. '. 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 fl,. 2 1/18/01 4.3:00'15 I voice of residents is being he:lrd ~y CounGiI. , 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. ) 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. I 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, . I 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 :~ 1/13/01 \, ~ ~ \..: .' I ~ '.~ " \". . ,., '\'\ '.. , 43:0016 , 'communication between the two cultural. groups. The Newsletter or a'web site could also be utilized. People'do not know what is going on: " ". '. ' 7 1"0 :.;.. ~. . if 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, - " . I 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. ; , ~. . ., 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, , ' . " ~. ,..... " 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? -'. .. .~' ~ , ~r . ; . '... 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, . '+. ,:,,:'ti... ~ .:. . "0.1- '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, I 4' 1/18/01 I I I .,1, f ~ .. r' '. ; If. .' if I ~ ~ ; ~ .,,; J\','n': . 'i P . f.... . 43:0017 - '?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.' .. 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. to 1/13/01 . ...... ~ 43:0018 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? ' I,tt 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. ' .i' . 1 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. , , " 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, ' '. 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. ' . ,I 6', 1/18/01 ,I I I ~'ST: _/~~ "--' 'ne D, Alford, CiW~ A')JOURNMENT (Jan. 30,2001) ';'.."'f....-:~."l"V ::: " I t' \\"'111'.1"1(<"1'''- '" II 43:0019 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. ~--- Ga 7' 1/13,01