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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAUGUST 4,1998 I I I 40:0201 ()I/O.~-U oro <19 & c.'C, CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK ROLL CALL: 1. 2. 2a 0//0. <It) INVOCATION MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 4.1998 PRESENT: Councilmembers Chandler. Harbicht. Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic ABSENT: None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION None CLOSED SESSION Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 to confer with legal counsel regarding the case of M. Rodriguez v. Arcadia et. al. At 6:03 p.m. the City Council RECESSED to the Closed Session which concluded at 6:44 p.m. and RECONVENED the Regular Meeting in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m, Reverend Brenda Peterson. Chaplain, Arcadia Methodist Hospital PLEDGE OF Principal Beverly Klatt, First Avenue Middle School ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Councilmembers Chandler. Harbicht, Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic ABSENT: None 3, Mayor's Youth Service Award (Campbell) PRESENTATIONS Mayor Kovacic presented the August 1998 Mayor's Youth Service Award to Julie Campbell stating, in part, that prior to retiring and moving to Sierra Madre. Mrs. Campbell had a long history with Arcadia and First Avenue Middle School. in particular. As an involved parent she volunteered in the classroom and participated in PT A; and was later employed by the school district as an instructional aid, a health aid and in the library. Mrs. Campbell was much revered by her colleagues and loved by the school children. On behalf of the City Mayor Kovacic congratulated Mrs. Campbell and thanked her for being a responsible role model and supporter of Arcadia youth. 4. Mayor's Senior Mayor Kovacic presented the August 1998 Mayor's Senior Service Award to Bill Siefke Service Award staling, in part. that through his travel agency, Great Westem Tours. Mr. Siefke works on (Siefke) an ongoing basis with the Arcadia Travelers Club helping them with trips and tours tailored to the needs of Arcadia senior citizens. Bill was instrumental in the formation of and continues to be involved with Arcadia Travelers. On behalf of the City Mayor Kovacic thanked Mr. Siefke and commended him for being an involved caring community member. 5. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS None 1 8/4/98 6, ORD. & RES, READ BY TITLE ONLY 7, 7a. CITY WATER SYSTEM - 1998 Public Health Goals Report (RECEIVED & FILED) 087Do1o 40:0202 QUESTIONS FROM CITY COUNCIUREDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Marshall thanked City Manager Kelly and staff for their report and recommendation regarding Agenda Item 11 a. the formation of a Citizen's Financial Advisory Committee. Mrs, Marshall also stated that she felt the committee will be a welcome addition to the City Council enhancing more detailed analysis for budget discussions, She stated she has received comments of overwhelming support for this committee from the taxpayers, Council member Harbicht suggested a change to Consent Agenda Item 1 De, regarding Resolution No. 6067, Section 2; reference to square footage be deleted from the resolution because it was not relevant to Council's findings. It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Chandler seconded by Councilmember Marshall and CARRIED that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only and that the reading in full be WAIVED. PUBLIC HEARINGS Consideration of State-mandated report on Public Health Goals for the City of Arcadia's Water System prepared to conform with SB 1307, The bill also mandates a public hearing regarding said report. Public Health Goals. developed by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) of the U, S, Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) represent non-mandatory goals based solely on public health considerations, and the best available data in scientific literature, Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the Califomia Department of Health Services (CDHS) and the USEPA are the enforceable. safe water standards that water systems must meet. The City of Arcadia's water system complies with all drinking water standards and MCLs required by the CDHS and USEPA, The report contains estimates for the total annual costs for the best available technologies for reducing contaminant levels to the MCL and includes both capital costs spread over 20 years and annual operation and maintenance costs. Mayor Kovacic OPENED the Public Hearing. No one came forward to address the Council either in favor or in opposition to this item. It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Chandler. seconded by Councilmember Harbicht and CARRIED to CLOSE the Public Hearing, It was then MOVED by Councilmember Marshall. seconded by Councilmember Harbicht and CARRIED on a roll call vote as follows to RECEIVE and FILE the 1998 City of Arcadia Public Health Goals Report regarding the City of Arcadia Water System, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Chandler. Harbicht. Marshall. Roncelli and Kovacic None None I I 7b, t) 7 ,,(] . ~'..J 1997-98 Consideration of the 1997.98 Weed Abatement Charge List. On July 21 the Los Angeles WEED County Agricultural Commissioner's Office delivered the list of private properties within I ABATEMENT the City on which the County has abated weeds. rubbish and refuse, Twenty (2) of the CHARGES thirty-five (35) properties listed incurred a minimal charge for inspection only of the (CONFIRMED) property by County personnel. The properties listed on the charge list were posted and 2 8/4/98 I I I 8. 9, MARSHALL (Quote) 40:0203 noticed of the public hearing this date. as required. Mayor Kovacic OPENED the Public Hearing, No one came forward to address Council either in favor or in opposition to this matter. It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tern Chandler. seconded by Councilmember Marshall and CARRIED to CLOSE the Public Hearing, It was then MOVED by Mayor Pro tern Chandler, seconded by Council member Harbicht and CARRIED on a roll call vote as follows to CONFIRM the charge list as submitted; and DIRECT that the County Auditor be instructed to enter the amounts of the assessments against the respective parcels of land as they appear on the current property assessment roll. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Chandler. Harbicht, Marshall. Roncelli and Kovacic None None AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Sherry Wana. 111 W, Foothill Blvd,. expressed concerns regarding recent commercial activities in the City stating. in part, that advertisements for an Arcadia night club raise questions about the type of business actually occurring, Mrs. Wang suggested that, if such advertisements are allowed to continue, unsavory businesses and patrons of such businesses will come to Arcadia and damage the City's image. She also encouraged the City Council to establish a liaison group to assist with review of multi-language business signs. Mayor Kovacic commented on the matter stating that it involves First Amendment rights, and that such issues will be discussed by the City Council in the near future. The City Manager commented that staff is aware of concerns expressed regarding a particular business and will investigate the matter. Fred Jahnke. Arcadia resident. commented about the City's employee vacation buy back program stating. in part, that it has been recommended that the City's policy of allowing its firefighters to work their own vacations should be reviewed, Mr. Jahnke also commented on neighboring cities' employee vacation buy back policies and urged the City Council to further study this program with input from the Human Resources Commission or the proposed Citizen's Financial Advisory Committee. City Manager Kelly stated that staff is finalizing a report on this issue that will be forthcoming to the City Council within the next two weeks, S. H. Wen. 2176 Highland Vista. commented that he has received much input from Arcadians regarding multi-language business signs and types of businesses coming to the City and shared the information with the City Council. Mr. Wen made several suggestions regarding monitoring and reviewing businesses to ensure the retention of Arcadia's image, MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS Councilmember Marshall's quote of the day. "God will not give any soldier ammunition who is not willing to go into battle,. 3 8/4/98 CHANDLER (Firefighter Vacation) RONCELLI (Fire Dept. Issues) (Santa Anita Project) (Race Track Message Board) 40:0204 Mayor Pro tem Chandler provided clarification regarding the consultant's report about firefighters working their own vacation stating. in part, that it is an issue conceming constant manning of the fire department and not related to the vacation buy back concern which is a fringe benefit issue. I Councilmember Roncelli commented. in part. that he hopes the City follows the consultant's recommendations regarding scheduling of firefighters work, hours/days. vacation review and overtime. Councilmember Ronce/li reported he received a letter from a Planning Commissioner regarding study sessions, workshops and public meetings he feels are necessary before public hearings on the Santa Anita Project. Counci1member Roncelli questioned approval of the Santa Anita Race Track message board and its violation of the California Vehicle Code (CVC), Staff COmmented that the sign's approval was processed consistent with City code, CalTrans conducted an investigation regarding the sign's illumination and determined violation of the CVC, The race track has been put on notice to complete corrections for compliance with the CVC, (Work Week) Councilmember Roncelli commented that he had a list of Los Angeles County cities that work five-day weeks every week and would like to review and revisit that issue to provide better service to the citizens of Arcadia, (Weather Station) (Blight) , .(Santa Anita Race Track) (Gas Station) HARB1CHT (Street Sweeping Schedule) KOVACIC . (Signage) (Summer Concerts) Councilmember Roncelli reported that he investigated the possibility of the ,establishment of an Arcadia weather station and found that the National Weather Service will supply equipment if a location, preferably in the southern section of the City. is volunteered, I Mr. Roncelli suggested a method for alleviating blight within the City would be to fonn Property-based Improvement Districts; the concept involves property owners improving their property and businesses, Such improvements have occurred in New York's Times Square and the Los Angeles Gannent District, Councilmember Ro'ncelli commented on a recent Daily Racing Form article regarding the future of the Santa Anita Race Track stating. in part. that he hoped the City would do all that is in its power to keep racing in Arcadia. ,Council member Roncelli requested infonnation regarding the vacant gas station at the corner of Colorado Blvd. and Santa Anita, Staff confirmed that a proposal for a combination gas station/mini-mart may be submitted to the City in the near future. Council member Harbicht requested infonnation be brought back to the Council regarding the possibility of better coordinating the street sweeping schedule with that of trash collection. Two other Councilmembers concurred with Mr, Harbicht's request that the matter be agendizea. Mayor KOvacic requested that when the Council reviews the City's sign regulations that other issues relative to graphics, wordage and symbols also be discussed and other avenues of resolution be investigated, I Mayor Kovacic reminded residents to take advantage of the two summer concert series in Arcadia; at the Community Center on Thursdays and at the Arboretum on Saturdays. 4 8/4/98 I I I 40:0205 (ARA Study Session) Mayor Kovacic announced a City Council/Arcadia Redevelopment Agency study session will be held on August 18th at 5:00 p.m. regarding Agency activities. goals and objectives. 10, CONSENT ITEMS 10a. MINUTES APPROVED the minutes of the July 21. 1998 Regular Meeting. (July 21. 1998) 10b. 0 ?,rO elf) AWARD AWARDED a contract in the amount of $37.500.00 to A & B Electric for the Baldwin CONTRACT - Booster Station Motor Control Center Improvements - W, 0, 563; and AUTHORIZED the (Baldwin City Manager and City Clerk to EXECUTE a contract in a form approved by the City Booster Stn. Attomey, Motor Control Center Improv.) 10c, Oft", 'If) ACCEPT ACCEPTED project for work performed by W. A, Rasic Construction Company for the PROJECT - construction of two (2) 8-inch Pressure Reducing Valves and a 12-inch water line on (Foothill Blvd, Foothill Blvd,; and AUTHORIZED final payment to be made in accordance with the Pressure contract documents subject to a retention of $6.084,00, Valves & 12" Water Line) 10d.01i'j'U-~ I RESOLUTION ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO, 6062 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL NO, 6062 OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA. FINDING THE CITY OF ARCADIA TO BE (Congestion IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (CMP) Mgmt. Prog,) AND ADOPTING THE CMP LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089"; and DIRECTED the City Cler!< to transmit a signed copy of the Resolution to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority by September 1, 1998, 10e,t)J ; ,)..,), RESOLUTION ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO, 6067 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL NO. 6067 OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA. CALIFORNIA. DENYING AN APPEAL AND UPHOLDING (Deny Appeal THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S ACTION IN UPHOLDING THE RANCHO SANTA for Const. - ANITA PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION'S ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD'S 1035 Hampton DENIAL OF A PROPOSED TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AT 1035 Road) HAMPTON ROAD". as amended this date. 10f, 0'1:,;'.'),,:;;) RESOLUTION ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 6069 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL NO, 6069 OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA. CONSENTING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT (County Traffic OF THE PORTION OF THE INTERSECTiON OF TEMPLE CITY BOULEVARD AND Signal Synch. DUARTE ROAD WITHIN SAID CITY AS PART OF THE SYSTEM OF HIGHWAYS OF Proj, - Temple THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES." City Blvd.) THE PRECEDING CONSENT ITEMS 10a, b, c, d, e and f APPROVED ON MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM CHANDLER. SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HARBICHT AND CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS: 5 8/4/98 11. 11a, RESOLUTION NO, 6068 - Eslab. Citizen's Financial Advisory Comte. (ADOPTED) 0101-0 '1.:.:> 40:0206 AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chandler, Harbicht. Marshall. Roncelli and Kovacic None None I CITY MANAGER Consideration of the report and recommendation to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6068 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A CITIZEN'S FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE." At the July 21. 1'998, City Council meeting. staff was directed to prepare a Resolution establishing a Citizen's Financial Advisory Committee and the parameters within which the Committee will function. Further to provide input to the City Council; the time frame in which meetings, reports and the existence of the Committee will occur; staff membership on the Committee; and the residents appointed at the July 21, 1998, City Council meeting to serve on the Committee. It was MOVED by Mayor Kovacic. seconded by Councilmember Marshall and CARRIED on a roll call vote as follows to ADOPT RESOLUTION NO, 6068. Council member Harbicht commented that he is not in favor of the Committee, although not a reflection on the residents selected to serve on the Committee; the stewardship over the citizen's funds is the most important duty the City Council exercises. Mr. Harbicht also stated that the Council sets policy by the way the funds are spent, and he cannot understand why the Council would abdicate that responsibility to a group not elected by the citizens, The City Council was elected to do that job, The City's budget was a major campaign issue during the last election; some Councilmembers have expressed they need help with the budget, if that is so, they should get help. it should not require the fonnalion of a committee, Councilmember Harbicht stated he felt the fonnation of the committee will open the doors for a pOlitical situation and an abdication of Council's responsibility of what they were elected to do, For those reasons, Mr. Harbicht stated he would vote no on the resolution. I Council member Marshall disagreed with Mr. Harbicht stating, in part, that the resolution does not take any policy setting responsibilities away from the City Council; the committee is simply another useful tool to get the job done, Mrs, Marshall also stated that at the federal and state levels there are committees that review budgets prior to adoption. Formation of such a committee was recommended long before the last election and it becoming a political issues is erroneous. Council member Roncelli commented. in part. that he felt the Council would be doing the right thing for the citizens in forming the committee and that the Council would not be giving up any responsibility. Having such a committee will be a way for those on the Council and the citizens to obtain greater knowledge and understanding of the budget, and thus feel better as to how the City's money is spent. Mr. Roncelli also stated that he did not want the committee to get political, felt it would not and that the concept will work making the entire Council happy in the end. Mayor Pro tem Chandler agreed with Council member Harbicht stating. in part. that he still believes the committee is a bad idea and feels it would be abdicating Council's most significant responsibility of determining how the City will spend its money and how the City sets up poiicy for investing its money, Mr. Chandler also stated that there are many I laws and rules goveming City budgets that differ from private industry. He commented that he hoped some good would come from the commitlee, such as clarifying the budget and policy for those needing such explanation. Mayor Pro tem Chandler stated he would vote no on the resolution. 6 8/4/98 I I I 11b. RESOLUTION NO. 6070 - S, G. BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY (ADOPTED) ()ISO -tilt) 40:0207 Mayor Kovacic stated. in part. that he respects all opinions expressed on this issue and that it clearly demonstrated that reasonable minds can differ about important issues. The Mayor did not see formation of the committee as an abdication of Council's job functions; if he did he would not have promoted the idea. Mr. Kovacic stated he felt the resolution builds in enough safeguards to avoid politics, and the City will benefit from the committee. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Marshall. Roncelli and Kovacic Councilmembers Chandler and Harbicht (for reasons so stated) None Consideration of the report and recommendation to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 6070 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA OPPOSING THE SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY PROPOSED PROCEDURE REGARDING EARLY EMPLOYEE SEPARATION." The San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA) is a temporary local authority that is scheduled to be dissolved by a state legislative mandate in the year 2002. The purpose of the WQA is to coordinate and implement ground water clean up programs for the water that is produced out of the main San Gabriel Basin, The City of Arcadia is one of twenty-five (25) member cities that contribute monetarily to the WQA; the City's annual contribution is a little more than $100.000, Because the WQA is scheduled to sunset in 2002, WQA staff and the Board are developing a ramp-down plan to meet the sunset clause, Part of that ramp-down plan is Administrative Procedure No 34 that the WQA Board will be considering for adoption on August 1 0, 1998. This procedure would allow WQA staff members scheduled for ultimate termination to receive a severance package as an incentive to remain with the WQA until their scheduled termination date. Staff's review of the procedure indicated that the incentive package is costly. excessive and inconsistent with conventional compensation for public employee separation, and raises concems of a potential gift of public funds, Councilmember Harbicht, an altemate WQA Board Member, expressed the City's opposition to the proposed procedure via a letter to the WQA Administrative Finance Committee Chairman, Kenneth Manning. dated July 13, 1998, Councilmember Harbicht's letter did not appear to have much of an impact on the committee. The committee met to review the draft procedure; the document will be forwarded in its current form to the WQA Board without a recommendation for discussion and possible adoption on August 10, As a participating member of WQA. having contributed over $750,000.00 staff felt the City is entitled to a voice about adoption of the procedure. Mayor Pro tem Chandler stated he was in agreement with staff's recommendation. Staff clarified that the proposed procedure is an incentive to retain WQA employees until their scheduled termination date and that there are differing opinions on the WQA Board as to the appropriateness of the proposal. Mayor Kovacic commended staff for reviewing the proposed procedure and bringing it to the allention of the City Council. Council member Harbicht pointed out thaI WQA employees are already paid a premium over that which would be paid in a regular agency for the same job because of the sunset factor. Mr. Harbicht felt the proposal if adopted will be ineffectual and that it be appropriate that the City Council oppose it. 7 8/4/98 40:0208 It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Chandler, seconded by Council member Harbicht and I CARRIED on a roll call vote as follows to ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 6070; and DIRECTED staff to prepare a letter for the Mayor's signature to all WQA Board Members with Resolution No. 6070 attached. AYES: , NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chandler, Harbicht. Marshall. Roncelli and Kovacic None None 14c, FY 1999-2001 Consideration of the report and recommendation regarding the Arcadia Transit FY 1999- SHORT RANGE 2001 Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP), an annual document reflecting a two (2) year TRANSIT PLAN transit forecast prepared by staff and submitted to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan (Arcadia Transit) Transportation Authority (LACMTA). Southern California Association of Governments (APPROVED) (SCAG) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for review and approval. o I? i l) . Preparation of the SRTP is required in order to maintain eligibility for federal, state and , . ~'iv local transit grants. The SRTP will serve as Arcadia Transit's FY 1999-2001 Operations Planning and Programming Document and was the result of a process intended to define strategies for meeting local transit needs within Arcadia. The SRTP includes operating budget projections estimating total federal. state and local monies at $1.075,780 for FY 1999 and a capital project justification of $27,500 which include purchase of a non- revenue transit vehicle ($20,000) and purchase of fourteen (14) fare box units for Arcadia Transit vans ($7.500), Also included in the SRTP were projections of $418,000 in Proposition A Local Return monies with the remaining balance of $657,000 derived from federal, state and regional sources. Planning assumptions used to develop the SRTP were derived from federal, state and regional sources and does not obligate those agencies or the City to specific service or funding levels. Staff clarified the proposal for the purchase of a non.revenue transit vehicle as being a vehicle for staff use to supervise the contractor, and would replace the current vehicle (a 1986 Chevy Caprice, former police vehicle with an odometer reading of 156,000 miles), Staff confirmed that public meetings regarding the City's transportation services will include all factions of the City's population. I It was MOVED by Councilmember Harbicht, seconded by Councilmember Marshall and CARRIED on a roll call vote as follows to APPROVE Arcadia Transit's FY 1999-2001 Short Range Transit Plan, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council members Chandler, Harbicht. Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic None None 12. CITY ATTORNEY 12a. ORDINANCE NO, 2090 (AMe) (ADOPTED) Consideration of the report and recommendation to ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 2090 entitled. "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA. CALIFORNIA ADDING SECTIONS 6215,8. 6220.7,2 AND 6220.7,3 TO THE BUSINESSES. PROFESSIONS. TRADES AND OCCUPATIONS SECTION OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE." PI " V ~ "-~~ "" ., , " The purpose of Ordinance No, 2090 was to address the licensing procedures for vendors participating in City approved Farmer's Markets, In April the Arcadia Business Association (ABA) with the assistance of the City held Arcadia's first Farmer's Market. At that time the City did not have any regulations addressing the licensing of the vendors at the market other than a code provision stating that items grown or raised within the City I 8 8/4/98 I I I 40:0209 would be exempt from licensing fees. The Arcadia Municipal Code (AMC) requires all persons conducting business within the City have a business license and does not provide any latitude to provide exemptions to this requirement. In 1996 the City Council amended the code to reduce the business license fee for vendors at special events boutique and craft fairs and temporary retail sales sponsored by organizations. Staff recommended that the Business License Section of the AMC provide for an annual fee for the City-authorized sponsor of the Farmer's market in the amount of $250 and a no-fee Business License for the Certified Producers, In addition staff proposed a fee of $13,20 for food vendors. crafts and miscellaneous participants that do not qualify as certified farmers/producers. All vendors that qualify under the new sections would be subject to approval by the farmer's market management. The business licenses would be issued for the duration of the farmer's market season or annually, as established by the City, It was MOVED by Councilmember Harbicht, seconded by Mayor Pro tem Chandler and CARRIED on a roll call vote as follows to ADOPT ORDINANCE NO, 2090, AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Councilmembers Chandler. Harbicht. Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic None None City Attomey Miller announced the subject of the earlier Closed Session under Government Code Section 54956.9, ADJOi.JRNMENT At 8:15 p,m, the City Council ADJOURNED to 5:00 p,m.. Tuesday. August 18. 1998 in the (Aug, 18, 1998) Conference Room of the Council. Chambers for a Regular Meeting to conduct the business of the Council and Redevelopment Agency and any Closed Session Necessary to discuss personnel, litigation matters or evaluation of properties. ATTEST: h 9 8/4/98