HomeMy WebLinkAboutJANUARY 30,2001
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CIT'I COUNCIL i'HOCEF:i)II,:r;s A"E TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE 01"
.;.~;;: CITY CLERK
MINUTES
CITY' OF I\F:CAOIA cr:-y COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
'Jnd the
ARC4D:A UNIFiED SCHClOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
ADJOURNED REGULAR (JOINT) MEETING
,January 30, 2001
The Arcadia City Council/Redevelopment Agency and the Arcadia Unified School District.
Board of Education met on Tuesday January 30,2001 at 6:00 p.m., in an Adjourned Reguier
(Joint) Meeting at the Arcadia Community Center. . .
1.
TIm .Joint Meetiny was called to order by School Board President, Joann Sleinmeier.
ROLL CALL
Pi'-ESENT: Councilrnembers Chandler, Chang, Marshall. Segal and Kovac:ic
School Board Members Dougherty, Gibson, McClain, Rorno and Steil1meier
AGSENT: None
Others present:
William R. Kelly, City Manager
Mimi Hennessy, Superintendent of the Arcadia Unified School District
David Hinig, Chief of Police
Don Penman, Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director
Jerome Collins, Recreation and Community Services Director
Other School District &taff
3.
TI~1E RESERVEO FOR THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE TO ADDRESS THE CITY COlJr~CIU
f~EDE\jELOPMENT AGENCY OR BOARD OF EDUCATION
No one cc::me forwarJ
4.
YOUTIi MASTER TI16 Yuuth Ma,ter Plan was originally developed in 1997. It is currently being updated as a
P'.AN joint ~roject by the City and the District. Two of the major efforts that have been jointly
012...0-1:5' fund3:J 3r,d suppcrred by the Council and the School Board are the Youth Services
SUP'>lvisnr :;md tile YOllth Education Support Officer, which is in its first year.
PoiicD Chiof Hir.i9 ;.>resented a report of the progress of the Youth Education Support Officer
?rO!Jram (Y.E.S.; and Toni Cayior, the Y.E.S. Officer. He spoke of the significent success of
the prc,gi'am Oil the Arcadia High School campus, and the positive impact Officer Caylor has
hed or> slude"ts and staff since she has been on-site. Officer Caylor came into the program
in ,luno of 2000, a'1d worker! on campus throughout the summer to set the foundation for
ar;tl\'lly in Ill... ["Ii semester. Cilief Hinig noted the program is going exceptionally well, and it
is uis'l heipf~ll;'at Officer Cayior brings her experience as a former teacher to this pro!)ram
nr:d co;-nrnur.icatrlS witl; ;ile ~tudents very effectively as counselor and law.enforcamen~.
Cl1;cf Hini~J cor,lmentod. the pr3sellce of Officer Caylor has clearly produced a decreas~ in
th8 num:'wr of ;ncltjents on ~2mpus from external as well as inter.12I'i:lfluences. He noted
that b; is vcry pioo;(Jd with II-,e Y.E.S. p;ogram and urged that it continue to be funded.
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SKATEBOARD
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Principal Martin Plourde, Arcadia High School, indicated that having a police officer on
campus has had a positive effect on the behavior of the students: Mr. Plourde presented
statistics for certain problematic areas of campus life, noting the de'crease in such problems
since Officer Caylor's involvement with the students, such as, off-campus incidents, period
cuts, campus fights, drug/alcohol use and possession. He en\~isions the on-site officer's
position on campus evolving over time with increased teacher-to-bfficer contacts, as well as
using the officer more and more in the classroom to make educational pres,entations.
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In response to questions of hours spent on campus, Chief Hinig reported that Officer Caylor
works a four-day, 10 hour schedule. The hours may be flexible depending upon nighttime
school activities. Other officers are assigned to the campus when Officer Caylor is off duty.
The Recreation and Parks Commission considers it a top priority to construct a skateboard
park in the City of Arcadia. In an effort to address this priority, an informal, no-cost
asses~ment was performed by Steve Rose of Purkiss Rose and Associates, to determine if
the City has a site compatibie for such use. Of several park sites visited (Newcastle,
Eisenhower and Bonita), Mr. Rose identified Bonita Park as a feasible location.
According to research information provided by Purkiss Rose-RSI, since the 1950's
skateboarding has deveioped into the 6th largest participant sport in the United States. It is
estimated there are over fen million skateboarders in the United States, with an average age
of 13.8 years. Due to property damage and potential hazards to pedestrians, there has been
a trend nation-wide, including Arcadia, to ban skateboards in public places and commercial
areas, prompting many communities to provide appropriate facilities similar to those provided
for'tennls, basketball, baseball and soccer. In 1997 the California legislature .passed
Assembly Bill 1296 giving cities and public entities limited protection from lawsuits brought as
a result of skateboard related injuries, or damages occurring on public property from persons
14 years or older. According to the 1988 U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, I
technological developments in safety equipment and skateboard design have greatly reduced
the number and severity of skateboard injuries which has lessened the liability exposure.
The design and construction of a skateboard park involves considerably more than location,
size and funding... issues such as fences vs. open, staff vs. unsupervised, portable ramps
vs. permanent, fee vs. free, skateboard vs. in-line, BMX, etcetera; maintenance; enforcement
of equipment regulations; liability issues; and, impacts on adjacent neighbors have to be
addressed.
In most all cities contacted by staff, it was apparent that input from the'skaters themselves
was critical throughout the design, planning and construction process. Some communities
continue this involvement by having skaters monitor and "police" their facility. Other staff are
assigned to monitor the facility, or the police department has incorporated periodic drive-bys
into their patrol schedules. Location, design and related issues are crucial to success or
failure, according to staff.
Considerable discussion ensued related to the Bonita Park site for a skateboard park, and
funding. City Manager Kelly noted, at this point in time there is a possibility of using State
Park Bond Funds for the majority of the construction. Concerns were expressed regarding
liability issues, injuries and accessibility to Bonita Park for emergency vehicles and access to
telephones; the potentiai intrusion of a skateboard facility projecting far out into the grassy
areas where band practice occurs. Some felt that the area would be too small for such use.
City staff commented there may be competing' activities, assuming the skateboard park is
used all y<;lar round, these issues would have to be worked out. Currently Bonita Park is used
as a playground, youth hut, baseball games and the access gate at one end of the property is
in constant use.
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5.
TRAFFIC
SAFETY
COMMITTEE
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School Board Member McClain commented that the Bonita Park Site should be more than
adequate for a skateboard park. He has visited parks in other cities which were very actively
used, with no safety issues. The police drive-by observation of the park would be adequate
also.
School Superintendent Hennessey stated ill part, the School District's current use of the
Bonita Park School site encompasses a variety of programs for pre-school aged children to
adults, from 7:00 a,m. to 8:00 p.m. In addition, a portion of the site is leased to the
Serpendipity Pre-school and Day-care program. Ms. Hennessey further noted, the primary
reason the District would have concerns about a skateboard park at the adjacent City Park
would be if it impinges on the District's Bonita Park School site. However, if such a park is
neighbor to Bonita School she does not think noise from a skateboard park would be more
bothersome than a baseball game. City Manager Kelly noted a landscaped wall could be
constructed to filter such noise, .
The possibility of a skateboard park joint venture of Arcadia and Sierra Madre or Monrovia
was briefly mentioned, since these two cities are also exploring this type of recreation.
Board Member McClain noted that he believes it is important when, in discussion of design,
the subject of usage be included, such as in-line or skateboard; dividing uses between these
two activities.., input from users is needed for clarification.
In September, 1999 the City and School District formed a committee for the purpose of
promoting safety around City schools as it relates to traffic, pedestrian movement and public
transit. The Committee visits each schooi in the District, reviews vehicular and pedestrian
patterns and movements and recommends changes that would improve overall safety around
the schools. Regular members of the Committee include the City Traffic Engineer, Police
Department Operations Captain and School District Director of Maintenance, Operations and
Transportation. At each school, the principal and a member(s) of the PTA also participate as
well as others that may be involved at the local school level in student safety. Other ad hoc
participants can include the City Street Superintendent, a Police Department Traffic Officer
and the City Transportation Services Officer. The Committee reports to the Assistant
Superintendent of Schools for Business Services and' the Assistant City
ManagerlDevelopment Services Director.
Last fiscal year the Committee visited each school within the Arcadia Unified School District,
some more than once. As a result, a number of changes and improvements were made at
each of the schools to improve the safety of students before and after school hours. The
January 30, 2000 staff report lists some of these improvements in detail. In addition, staff
has coordinated Arcadia Transit operations to provide convenient and safe bus stops for
each school. Also, the Police Department has directed traffic and law enforcement as
requested, and developed a "decoy" program involving use of a parked patrol vehicle around
schools. Further, with the assistance of Arcadia High School students, a video was produced
promoting school safety which has been shown on the local cable channel and at all schools,
and during certain school events.
This cooperative program has been a great success and will continue as an on-going effort to
promote school safety.
A discussion ensued relative to the Traffic Committee and parent participation. The
Committee was set-up to coordinate communication between parents and staff to jointly
review problems of traffic and transportation. School Principals are the chief spoke persons
for the Committee to the parents... a parent can contact the school principal regarding a
traffic area or concern. The principal is in charge of passing this concern or suggestion along
co the Traffic Committee for consideration.
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The matter of school bus transportation was considered which, since that passage of
Proposition 13, the District charges for transporting students to and from school. It was noted I
the District cannot compet~ with the City's dial-a-ride program, which transports riders door-
to-door. Very few students walk or ride bikes to school:.. parents are concerned about safely
issues. The Traffic Committee has considered various creative proposals to encourage
students to ride school busses, walk or bike to school without much success to-date,
although it was noted that Arcadia schools provide parents with maps of safe routes to
school, where crossing guards are on duty and traffic signals en route, to encourage parents
to use these safe routes.
6.
COMMUNITY Historically the community has periodically considered various means of establishing an
CULTURAL auditorium within City boundaries. Many years ago $100,000 was raised to that end. The
ARTS CENTER/ January 30, 2001 staff report sets forth the needs that a community auditorium would serve
AUDITORIUM for the City as well as the School District. Currently there is no auditorium in the City that
accommodates more than 330 people. The School District is in need of a performing arts
o 7 ~ b - 3.3 venue that would accommodate 1,200 to 1,500 people. The District currently rents the San
Gabriel Civic or Citrus College auditorium for programs. Transportation to and from these
venues is paid for out of interest earned in the Auditorium Fund. District staff noted that its
instrumental music program has outgrown the recently buill music building at the High School
and has no classroom space large enough to fully accommodate the entire band or
orchestra.
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The staff report noted the most cost effective location for a performing arts center/auditorium
would be the area between the District office and the High School administration building.
Further, the site is adjacent to substantial parking facilities and centrally located in the
community.
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The potential source of funds to construct a community cultural arts center/auditorium could
be: a DistricUCity "good faith" effort; Federal grants; State School Building funds; Fundraising
gifts; and, a bond.
Considerable discussion ensuad. City Manager Kelly commented that staff has estimated
the cost of an auditorium would be in the range of $5 to $12 million depending upon the use,
configuration and location of the facility. Mr. Kelly stated in part that, between the City, the
Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and the School District possibly $2 to $4 million could be
raised for the project. This amount, along with Federal funds and other sources could
accomplish construction of the facility.
In the discussion it was noted, the auditorium is a perceived community need... it will have to
be tested to determine what does the community think about it; what part of the community
would want and use it; what will it cost and where will it be located. School District
Superintendent Hennessey felt the most obvious location ,for the facility would be the Library
lawn, which is existing City property that is already approved for school use. Superintendent
Hennessey pointed out the next step is to get some actual data back from the community.
Ms. Hennessey noted that she and Mr. Kelly are proposing that the City and District consider
conducting a formal poll by a professional group that can determine what the community as a
whole would want and support, and until these issues are known it does not make sense to
continue. What Mr. Kelly and Ms. Hennessey are proposing, they believe, would cost
somewhere between $12 and $20,000 for consultant to do a real survey depending upon
some variables in what they are asked to do. .
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Council and School Board Members spent a consider<lble amount of time in an exchange oi
thoughts as to how the survey questionnaire should be presented to the community; an I
auditorium; a multi-faceted facility encompassing an' auditorium, art gallery, classrooms, a
dining facility; a pElrforr~i~o arts center; and the funding for such a facility; aiso, if the City and
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the District put up a certain amount of money for the project would the citizen vote for a bond
issue? Mr. Kelly noted a consultant would help define the survey questions.
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With respect to a bond issue, Councilmember Marshall said she would not support this, other
Councilmembers felt that a bond issue wouid not be necessary because there are other
potential funds available... foundations, Federal and State grants for example. On going
maintenance costs for such a facility was another concern expressed by some.
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The subject of a limeline for the survey to, be conducted and submission of applications for
Federal and State funds by the City's lobbyists was raised... the City Manager noted these
things take considerable time, however, foundation fund raising could take a couple of years
aiso. .. . .
The possibility of Mr. Stronach's proposal (owner of Santa Anita Race Track) to construct an
arena at the track that the City/School District could use for a certain amount of days each
year, was presented, and briefly discussed.
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School Board Member Dougherty, in reference to an auditorium, felt that there needs to be
sorne staff analysis of such a facility... what goes into an auditorium... the staging and
dressing room areas... basic things, perhaps a community committee could be formed to put
together some ideas, and then a pollster could be retained. Mayor Kovacic noted that the
School District is in a better position to analyze the performing arts aspect of the proposed
facility. He noted also that Arcadia is a unique community with a 35% or 40% Asian
population, a pollster should take this into consideration also.
While several Council Members believed that a majority of the community would be in favor
of a community auditorium or cultural arts center, Councilmember Chandler expressed
concerns relative to priorities. School District funds could be better used to improve current
facilities, and City facilities, in particular Fire Station No.1, will have to be replaced because it
is not up to earthquake standards and cannot house large fire rigs. It Is his opinion that an
auditorium is a School Board issue, and if constructed on School District property, the
maintenance of such a building should be theirs also. Councilmember Chandler asked if an
auditorium is the District's first priority. This, in reference to condition$ that need to be
cleaned up at Arcadia High School. With respect to the City's priorities he does not believe
an auditorium is the City's first priority either. .
At the conclusion of the discussion relative to an auditorium/cultural arts center, School Board
President Steinmeier noted Council had a majority in support of a survey to poll the
cornmunity.
7.
'ITEMS FOR The following items were mentioned' for discussion at the next Joint City Council/School
FUTURE JOINT Board Meeting, to be scheduled in six months: Update on the auditorium issue; trash and
MTG. recycling collection issues; an update on the skateboard park with Ms. Jessica Anderson in
DISCUSSIONS attendance; safety emergency issues; school zone overlay for business development; and,
City/School District processes and programs that could be joint ventures.
Mayor Kovacic presented a cobalt blue mug with the City's in'scription to each Member of the
School Board. '
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ADJOURNMENT
(Feb. 6, 2001)
ATTEST:
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At 8:47p.m. the Adjourned Regular Joint Meeting of the Arcadia City Council and the
Governing Board of the Arcadia Unified School District ADJOURNED. The City Council to
Tuesday, February 6, 2001, for a regular meeting at 4:30 p.m. in the Administrative
Conference Room at the Arcadia City Hall.
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CJlme D. Alfor~~::~~Y/Clerk)
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