HomeMy WebLinkAboutOCTOBER 6,1998
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CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ARE AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPE RECORDED AND ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF
THE CITY CLERK
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA
and the
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
October 6, 1998
The October 6, 1998 Regular Meeting of the City Council and the Arcadia
Redevelopment Agency scheduled this date at 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the
City Council Chambers, was canceled due to lack of a quorum.
There being no Councilmembers present, at 6:15 p.m. the City Clerk RECESSED the
6:00 p.m. meeting to 1:00 p.m. this date in the City Council Chambers, at which time the
Regular Meeting of the City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency
RECONVENED.
INVOCATION Reverend Thomas Shriver, Emmanuel Assembly of God, Police.Department Chaplain
PLEDGE OF Jim Barrows
ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:
3.
MAYOR'S
SR. AWARD
(Williams)
4.
YOUTH
SERVICE
AWARD
(Giangrande)
5.
ARCADIA SR.
SOFTBALL
TEAM
(The Golden
Arches)
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Council members Chandler, Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic
Council member Harbicht
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Chandler, seconded by Councilmember Roncelli and
CARRIED to EXCUSE the absence of Councilmember Harbicht.
PRESENT A TrONS
Mayor Kovacic presented the October, 1998 Mayor's Senior Service Award to Kay
Williams in recognition of her many years of community service as a volunteer. Ms.
Williams is a charter volunteer at the Arcadia Community Center serving at the
information counter, issuing Arcadia Transit identification cards, class registration and
special programs. With sincere appreciation Mayor Kovacic thanked Ms. Williams for
making the Arcadia Senior Citizen's program the best in San Gabriel Valley.
Mayor Kovacic presented the October, 1998 Youth Service Award to Mrs. Mel
Giangrande and noted that Mrs. Giangrande is the epitome of an involved, concemed
and active parent and spends much of her time volunteering at Longley Way School.
Mayor Kovacic highlighted the many activities Mrs. Giangrande has been involved in at
Longley Way. The Mayor noted that involvement of Arcadia residents is one of the
primary reasons Arcadia is such a great place 10 live and commended Mrs. Giangrande
for her dedication to the City in making Arcadia a better environment for Arcadia's youth.
After discovering a mutual interest In softball, Senior Cilizen's groups from the cilies of
Arcadia, Cernlos, Duarte, Commerce and Pico Rivera formed a softball league. At the
end of the second season of league play. the Arcadia "Golden Arches" won first place as
league champions.
10/6/98
6.
7.
ORD. & RES.
READ BY
TITLE ONLY
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Mayor Kovacic and Mayor Pro tem Chandler called each member of the team forward to I
receive congratulations for their successful season and the Mayor's Certificate of
Commendation.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
QUESTIONS FROM CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGARDING
AGENDA ITEMS
None
It was MOVED by Councilmember Marshall, seconded by Council member Roncelli and
CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that ordinances and resolutions be read by title only
and that the reading in full be WAIVED.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chandler, Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic
None
Councilmember Harbicht
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Garland Roberson, Sullivan's Paint, 134 East Huntington Drive, updated the Council on
the Saturday Farmer's Market on First Avenue in the downtown area; also, the holiday
tree lighting program. Mr. Roberson noted new business' are now coming into the
downtown area that appreciate the exposure which the Market provides. Currently there
are only two vacant business spaces on First Avenue. Mr. Roberson noted also that
because of the efforts of Vince McKasey, who upgraded the former Better Gardens
building on Huntington Drive, the buildings are beginning to rent. Matt Denny's Ale
House will soon occupy the former Better Gardens site. Mr. Roberson announced the
Arcadia Business Association (ABA) has hired a director, Mr. Lyn Ramsey, to help
manage the association. This was made possible due to the income from the Market.
Mr. Ramsey will help promote the Farmers Market as well as business for the downtown
area. The ABA is encouraging City service organizations, schools and other civic charity
organizations to put their projects on First Avenue in conjunction with the merchants and
vendors at the Farmers Market.
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Lyn Ramsey, presented a brief description of his business experience, noting that his
business activity has been mostly civic for many years. The ABA recruited him to this
full-time position to increase commerce growth on First Avenue, which he believes has
great potential for attracting foot traffic and community based organizations that would
like to have events for raising funds in conjunction with the Farmer's Market. His efforts
will be directed to creating commerce partnerships among retailers and the business'
that bring employment and growth to the City of Arcadia.
Mr. Ramsey announced an October activity, the First Avenue Middle School fund
raiser... "The Spartan Saturday Sale", coming this Saturday, all donations should be
directed to a Mrs. Velasquez, who IS overseeing the management of this activity in
conjunctIOn with the Farmer's Market Merchants in the downtown area are contributing
to this event also. Mr. Ramsey announced also the ABA is planning a grand Halloween
finale on October 24th. Flyers will soon be available.
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Ruth Johnson, a longtime Arcadia resident. stated in part her horrific experience living
next door to an unflllished construction project for the last fourteen months. Ms.
Johnson reported various infractions committed by the construction company, such as,
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9.
MARSHALL
(Speakers)
(fown Forum)
(Recipients of
Mayor's
Awards)
(PTA Member-
ship Drive)
(Red Ribbon
Week)
(Live Oak Ave.
Rehab.)
(Lucky Baldwin
Relative)
(Bus Lic.
Officer Pike)
(Quote)
40:0248
no dumpsters on the project site., debris left lying everywhere. This was eventually
corrected. The current problem is construction scaffolding, which extends four feet over
her fence into her trees, which the builder refuses to remove and City staff are unable to
compel compliance from the builder. In response to Mayor Kovacic, the City Manager
noted he plans to meet with the City Attorney and appropriate staff to discuss what can
be done. The Mayor requested that the Director of Economic Services meet this date
with Ms. Johnson to obtain additional information and look into this matter.
Fave Stabler, 34 East Huntington Drive, stated in part, that because of the difficulties
she has had in finding a retail tenant for her Huntington Drive property, she is requesting
a hardship exemption from the Commercial Business District (CBD) regulations, which is
on the agenda this date. Ms. Stabler noted, although this property has been recentty
rented. she received a shorter lease and lower rent, which she feels was due to a general
lack of confidence in the commercial viability of the downtown area. Ms. Stabler urged
Council approval of an amendment to the CBD zoning regulations.
MATTERS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
Councilmember Marshall thanked the speakers who addressed the City Council at the
time for public comment.
Mrs. Marshall congratulated Mayor KovacIc for a good job as Master of Ceremony at the
City's firsl Town Forum. The Forum was extremely informative, it was a positive
evening.
Councilmember Marshall expressed congratulations to all the recipients of the Mayor's
awards this evening.
Mrs. Marshall announced the Parent Teacher's Association (PT A) is having its annual
membership drive and would like everyone to know that they do not have to have
children in school to become a member. Please contact a local school for membership
information.
Councilmember Marshall announced that October 25th through the 31 st is Red Ribbon
Week. The National PT A will be placing red ribbons on trees and poles to remind
children to stay off of illegal substances. Red Ribbon Week supports the City's DAR.E.
Program concerning drugs.
The City will begin a street rehabilitation project on Live Oak Avenue from EI Monte to
Weiland Avenue and First Avenue, and Colorado to Foothill Boulevard. This is a
complete street resurfacing project paid for by State Gas Tax monies. The project is
scheduled to begin in mid-October and should lake approximately one month to
complete. Affected residents will soon receive Information on this project from the City.
Councilmember Marshall related that she was introduced to a descendant of the Lucky
Baldwin family white attending a wedding in Michigan. Ms. Lila Baldwin appeared to be
unaware of the history of Lucky BaldWin. Mrs Marshall looks fOlward to entertaining Ms
Baldwin at the City's Centennial Celebration In 2003
Mrs. Marshall noted the favorable comments from a new business owner in the City who
received the assistance of the Business License Officer, Becky Pike. Mrs. Marshall
thanked Mrs. Pike for her service to thiS person.
Councilmember Marshall's quote of the evening: "It is easy to take liberty for granted
when you have never had it taken from you." (Dick Cheney)
o
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1016198
CHANDLER
(Operation
Fire Safe)
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Mayor Pro tem Chandler announced the Arcadia Fire Department will join with the Los
Angeles County Fire Department in promoting Operation Fire Safe, which is a four week
program dedicated to fire prevention home safety. Radio Shack is donating free smoke
detectors to the public which may be obtained at Arcadia Fire Station No.1.
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(Unwanted At the "What's Brewing With the Mayor" session at the Community Center. Mr. Chandler
business flyers) talked with a resident who suggested unwanted business flyers can be thwarted by
putting the residents address on the City's "No Solicitation" list for non-distribution.
Mayor Pro tem Chandler also suggested residents mount a sign at their home that states
"No Solicitors". Business' distributing unwanted flyers door-to-door must have a City
permit to do so. The Police Department will assist residents in stopping the distribution
of these materials upon receipt of a telephone call to the Department on the business
line when the distribution is in progress, if this is an ongoing problem.
RONCELLI
(Fall Clean-up
Week)
(Mayor's
Awards)
(1stQtr.
Budget Rev.)
(Tennis Court
Nets)
(Sign age -
Extended Stay
Hotel)
(License for
Home Bus.)
(Arcadia
Trivia)
KOVACIC
(Meth. Hosp.
Tower)
Councilmember Roncelli announced that Newco Waste Systems and the City have
scheduled a "Fall Clean-Up Week" which will occur within the City October 26 through
October 30th. The pick-up of miscellaneous items will occur on the residents regular
trash pick-up day.
. Council member Roncelli congratulated all the recipients of the Mayor's Awards this
evenmg.
Mr. Roncelli noted that since the fiscal year first quarter has passed, he is very interested
in seeing the budget review for this period of time. The City Manager reported the
budget report will be coming to Council on October 20th.
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Councilmember Roncelli reported the nets at the tennis courts located at the corner of
Baldwin and Orange Grove Avenues are in a state of disrepair... he would like this
problem corrected. The Director of Recreation will look into this matter.
Mr. Roncelli noted that the Extended Stay Hotel, which has been in business for a
number of months, still does not have signage up. Arcadia hotels are competing for
business with hotels in other cilies... he would like to see something done about the
signage for this hotel. Staff reported that one sign for the group of Arcadia hotels is in
process.
Councilmember Roncelli inquired aboul the license for home businesses. It has been
reported that business is bemg conducted from homes within the City with a lot of activity
at the site. Is a business license needed? And, what can a neighbor near such activity
do about this if it is a problem? Staff will provide information 10 Council on home
businesses within a week.
There are thirteen cities In the Uniled States named Arcadia. This past week
Councilmember Roncelli lelephoned each of these cities requesting population numbers
and other information. As a matter of triVia. the combined population of all of these
cities is less than one-half of the population of Arcadia, California.
Mayor Kovacic congratulated the Arcadia Methodist Hospital on the dedication of the
llEiw Berger Tower state-of-the-art addillon to the hospital. The new tower IS a symbol of
the hospitals commitment to Arcadia and the City's commitment to the hospital. He
believes the new tower may not have been built without the tremendous time, money
and effort by a number of Arcadians, In particular, co-chairmen of the fund raising
campaign, Bill Davila and Roger Stangland. who did an excellent job.
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(Farmers Mkt.) The Mayor encouraged community support of the Farmers Market in downtown Arcadia,
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(Arc. Pub!. Lib.
Foundation)
(Town Forum)
10.
ROLL CALL
10a.
MINUTES
(Sept. 1, 1998)
40:0250
noting he had visited the Market recently. The Market is attended by a cross-section of
Arcadia... and is an exciting event. II will continue to operate if residents take time to
support it.
Mayor Kovacic congratulated the Arcadia Public Library for its Arcadia history collection.
The Library Foundation has published a brochure about the collection with a number of
historic documents which date back to 1903. TIle collection is located at the Library in
the Arcadia History Room. Access to it is accomplished by appointment only, through
the Library Reference Information Services desk.
The Mayor thanked Council member Marshall for her kind remarks about the recent Town
Forum. The Mayor noted the Forum brought the City together in a positive and
productive forum to discuss issues that are facing the City. Mayor Kovacic referenced
an article in the Pasadena Star News which reported "a shoving match at the (Pasadena)
city hall between a City official and a developer." Further, there was a shooting at the
Riverside City Hall this date at a city council meeting. The Mayor of Riverside and two
council members were wounded along with two police officers. The pOlice caught the
suspect. These events raise some issues: 1) We are lucky to live in a City like Arcadia
where we can have a Town Forum and talk about important issues... controversial
issues, at a level that produces constructive talk and not acrimony; and, 2) we have to
keep looking at the three prongs that hold this City together: the City Council, City
employees, and the residents of the City. The Mayor noted that we have to continue to
treat each other with respect and cooperation, so that we put Arcadia first as far as
where we are going.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED TO ACT AS THE
ARCADIA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
PRESENT:
ABSENT:
Agency Members Chandler, Marshall. Roncelli and Kovacic
Agency Member Harbicht
It was MOVED by Agency Member Chandler, seconded by Member Roncelli and
CARRIED to EXCUSE the absence of Member Harbicht.
It was MOVED by Agency Member Chandler, seconded by Member Marshall and
CARRIED on roll call vote as follows to APPROVE the Minutes of the September 1,
1998 Regular Meeting.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Agency Members Chandler. Marshall. Roncelli and Kovacic
None
Agency Member Harbicht
ADJOURNMENT The meeting of the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency ADJOURNED to 6:00 p.m. October
20. 1998.
11
THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED
CONSENT ITEMS
11a
MINUTES
(Sept 1 &
Sept. 15. 1998)
110. .:J $-vtJ. $- ~
FINAL PARCEL APPROVED
MAP NO 24950
APPROVED the MlI1utes of the Seplember 1 and September 15. 1998 Regular
Meetings.
Final Parcel Map No. 2~950 (TPM 98-001) for a three-unit residential
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(TPM 98-001 - condominium project at 165-167 Bonita Street. provided that before th.e final map is
165-167 Bonita) recorded all outstanding conditions of approval shall be complied with to the satisfaction
of the City Engineer.
11c. 01-60 _50
FINAL MAP OF APPROVED the Final Map of Tract No. 52401 for a five-unit residential condominium
TR 52401 project at 49-53 EI Dorado Street, provided that before the final map is recorded all
(49-53 EI Dorado) outstanding conditions of approval shall be complied with to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer.
110. 0 !,-{10..... ()
FINAL MAP OF APPROVED the Final Map of Tract No. 52368 for a seven-unit residential condominium
TR 52368 project at 211 S. Fifth Avenue, provided that before the final map is recorded all
(211 S. 5th) outstanding conditions of approval shall be complied with to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer.
O/!.-O - -/0
11e. 0 O;-~.j," 0 "i(l
ST. CLOSURE APPROVED the closure of City streets as specified in the October 6, 1998 staff report
FESTIVAL OF for the Arcadia High School Music Club's 45th Annual Festival of Bands to be held on
BANDS (Nov. 21 Saturday, November 21, 1998. The Police Department budget allows for an expenditure
MUSIC Club) of $5,000 to cover police overtime expenses for this activity.
111 ] Ii ,'0 "<',~
RESOLUTION ADOPTED Resolution No. 6077, entitled. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
NO. 6077 OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA. APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF THE
(Transportation TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT CLAIM FORM TO RECEIVE FUNDS FOR
Dev. Act Claim THE OPERATIONS OF ARCADIA TRANSIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998-1999."
re Arc. Transit
FY 1998-99)
119. O.<t'fO
AWARD
CONTRACT
& APPROP.
FUNDS
(FD Computer
Network)
iO
AWARDED a 538,924.69 contract to Artex-The Network Solution for the purchase of a
new computer network for the Fire Department and, APPROPRIATED 51,632.50 from
the Equipment Replacement Fund for completion of the project.
11h. ::).:1.IO-..(v
RESOLUTION ADOPTED Resolution No. 6018, RATIFYING the proposed agreement with the APOA
NO. 6078 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA,
(Estbl. Compo & CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION AND RELATED BENEFITS FOR
Benefit rates PD THE POSITIONS OF POLICE SERGEANT, POLICE AGENT AND POLICE OFFICER
~~.~:,g~~;A FOR THE FISCAL YEARS 1997.98 .AND 1998-99 (ARCADIA POLICE OFFICER
FY 199~-98 &) ASSOCIATION)"; AUTHORIZED the City Manager to EXECUTE the Memorandum of
98-99) Understanding (MOUl outlining the terms and conditions of settlement. and make the
necessary budget adjustments to implement the contract.
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AWARD AWARDED a contract in the amount of S194.000.00 10 Rokni Electric Co., for the
CONTRACT construction/installation of a 300 KW diesel generator at City Hall, and relocation of the
(300 KW Diesel 75 KW diesel generator from City Hall to Fire Station No 3 and the Orange Grove
~:nerator & Emergency Response Facility: WAIVED all formalities In the bid and bidding process;
G locate 75CKW AUTHORIZED the City Manager and City Clerk to EXECUTE a contract In a form
enerator, lty . I
Hall to 0 G. approved by the City Attorney.
Emerg. Response
Facility)
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EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZED the City Manager to EXTEND the term of the Employment Agreement
AGREEMENT between the City of Arcadia and Interim Fire Chief, James Reed, to include the period of
(Interim Fife October 20, 1998 through December 31, 1998, subject to approval as to form by the City
Chief Reed - Attorney.
Extended Oct.
20 to Dec. 31,
1998)
ALL OF THE PRECEDING CONSENT ITEMS 11 a, b, c. d, e, f, g, h, i and j
APPROVED ON MOTION BY MAYOR PRO TEM CHANDLER, SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER MARSHALL AND CARRIED ON ROLL CALL VOTE AS FOLLOWS:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Council members Chandler, Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic
None
Councilmember Harbicht
12.
CITY MANAGER
12a. O~,/)O _ ~O
CODE Consideration of the report on City Code Enforcement Procedures. The purpose of code
ENFORCEMENT enforcement is to ensure that residential, commercial and industrial neighborhoods are
PROCEDURES properly maintained and that the overall character and image of the City is sustained.
(;I~~~~~~~~ Code enforcement means enforcement of provisions of the Arcadia Municipal Code and
related statutes within the jurisdiction of the Cily. It does not refer to enforcement of the
State Penal Code.
Code enforcement entails:
1 - Enforcement of land use restrictions including property maintenance requirements.
2 - Enforcement of fire and building code provisions. This is generally enforced by the
Fire Department and Building Services with assistance of the City's Code Services
Officer.
3 - Animal related. enforcement activities are provided by the Pasadena Humane
Society within the contract with the City.
4 - Miscellaneous code enforcement is also provided by the Police Department.
There are various municipal code violations that are enforced by the Police Department
that can result in citations or filing of formal criminal complaints through the City
Attorney's office, such as. parking in residential areas on unpaved surfaces, selling
without a license, etcetera.
The City currently has one (1) Code Services Officer (CSO) who spends approximately
55% of her time conducting field inspections and processing complaints for residentiat as
well as commercial/industrial properties. The residential inspections include:
- Lack of landscape maintenance
- Inoperable vehicles
- Stagnant pool water
- Illegal garage conversions
- Illegal guest house conversions
- Dilapidated building exteriors
- Visible trash containers
- Accumulation of excessive debris, junk. etcetera
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- Home Occupation violations
- Renter complaints
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The violations in the commercial and industrials of the City primarily include inspections
for sign violations, illegal outside displays and illegal storage and lack of maintenance.
Resolving complaints often involves coordinating efforts with other City departments,
divisions and outside agencies including the County Health Department, and outside
contractors.
In addition to general property maintenance issues, the Code Services Officer is
responsible for the Graffiti Removal Program. This includes contacting the City's graffiti
removal company and conducting inspections both bet ore and after to ensure proper
removal.
Recently the City's one Code Services Officer and the new Assistant Planner have
teamed together to address signage code violations throughout the City's commercial
districts.
The October 6, 1998 staff report detailed the tYPical steps in processing complaints
received by the Code Services Officer and other procedures for extended non-
compliance and criminal complaints. The City's citation program is relatively new.
Twenty-three citations have been issued, four have gone onto collection or are pending
action by the City Atlorney. A total of $1,116.56 has been collected to-date.
In the ensuing discussion staff responded to Council's concerns regarding various signs
illegally posted in the City right-of-way. In reference to signs posted on private I
properties, usually vacant, advertising computer sales and political signs, staff reported
letters were mailed to the owners of such properties requesting permission for the City
go onto the property to remove these signs... only two responses were received.
Further, the companies that are paid to post such signs have been contacted for
violations. It was noted the Arcadia Municipal Code does allow posting of political signs
on residential private property with the permission of the property owner. Signs posted
on telephone poles, fences, traffic signals or medians are illegal and can be removed by
the police department, citizens may do so also. Signs for yard sales are not allo\',led on
any public property. One such sign may be placed upon the premises where the yard
sale is held for not more than two days before the sale and removed on the day the sale
ends.
A brief discussion centered on service providers at private homes who may not have an
Arcadia business license, such as gardeners, painters, pool maintenance services. tree
trimmers, roofers and plumbers. Staff noted a vehicle sticker is issued for such services
at the time the business license is issued and code enforcement look for these stickers
when in the field. Councilmember Roncelli commented he would like enforcement to
occur for all those who do not have a business license. Mayor Kovacic suggested
property owners utilizing such services ask ttle provider for proof of a business license.
Mr. Penman noted. upon issuing a business license for these type of services, the City
requires evidence of worker's compensation II1surance also.. this is protection for the
property owner In case of accident
The discussion turned to the use of volunteers or "bounty hunters" to police compliance
With City regulations regarding business licenses The City Manager noted staff is
working on the "bounty hunter" concept tor Iicensll1g gardeners and pool maintenance I
services This report is due In January. The volunteer program is in process also.
Staff further explained the difficulties experienced III monitoring the construction site
reported by Ms. Johnson. Many effons have Deen made by the City's building inspectors
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in trips to this site to bring it Into voluntary compliance Staff has also had much
difficulty in contacting the developer by telephone to clean up the site.
It was the consensus of Council that everyone has a reasonable period of time to reach
compliance; once that is over it is the City's goal to aggressively pursue code
enforcement.
Following conclusion of the discussion, Mayor Pro tem Chandler MOVED to RECEIVE
and FILE the report presented by the Development Services Director and Community
Development Administrator, seconded by Councilmember Roncelli and CARRIED on roll
call vote as follows:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chandler, Marshall, Roncelli and Kovacic
None
Councilmember Harbicht
12b. ()6 <jo_.2.!,-
AMEND CBD Community Development Administrator Donna Butler presented the staff report
REGULATIONS requesting City Council direction regarding proposed changes to the CBD (Central
(Hard~hlp Ex- Business District) regulations to allow hardship exemptions to Section 9264.7 stating: "In
~~~~ns~D order to maintain an active pedestrian environment within the downtown only specified
(REPT ~O retail commercial businesses and financial institutions shall be allowed within the front
PLNC; COMSN one-third of the ground floor for structures fronting on Huntington Drive and First
& COUNCIL Avenue." The only exception is "Where a structure has been specifically designed.
AGENDA constructed and maintained to serve office-type uses and where, because of limited
MARCH, 1999) pedestnan access, the structure would not properly service retail-type uses, then office
and business service uses may occupy the ground floor, including the front one-third of
the structure".
Ms. Butler stated in part, that on August 12, 1998, the City Council received a letter from
John Howell, representing Faye Stabler, the owner of the property at 34 East Huntington
Drive, requesting that Council initiate a text amendment that would provide a "hardship
exemption". Mr. Howell commented in his letter that the building at 34 East Huntington
Drive was not "retail in character, has proven unrentable to retail users, and cannot
reasonably be converted to retail space".
This issue has come up for discussion several tllnes, Ihe last of which was March 11.
1998, the City Council held a public hearing to consider Text Amendment 98-001. The
City Council, in their deliberation, noted that individual situations may result in hardship
and determ1l1ed that revisiting this matter in a year for modification to the retail or
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requirements or adding a hardship clause may be
necessary and helpful.
In the discussion Councilmember Roncelli expressed concern that the area had other
vacant properties that are in tne CBD zone, for instance the Foulger Ford site would be
under the same regulation 10 have the flfst floor a retail use. Staff noted the Foulger
Ford property IS zoned C-2. the CBD bound3ry stalis from the southside of Santa Ctara,
down to Alta Street: the westerly boundary IS Morlan Place and Huntington Drive: the
easterly, Second Avenue.
In reference to a potential application submitted by a properiy owner for a text
amendment, Council member Roncelll expressed Concern about the fifteen hundred
dollar (51,500) fee for dOing so Staff explained the fee IS a one time fee for a text
amendment, once that is established In Ihe code and a hardship clause is created, the
city can either process the hardship application Without fees, or charge a small amount
9
10/6/98
13.
13a.
ORDINANCE
NO. 2091
(Pk'ng/Pnvate
Prop Signs)
(INTRODUCED)
o '>"''!i,)" 'I..
OS''ic,' .. 5"0
KOVACIC
(In Honor of
Lovendge, Beaty
& Pearson)
40:0255
for processing.
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In reference to a hardship exemption to tile CBD regulations, Mayor Kovacic stated in
part that he did not have a problem with restnctions, if it is a reasonable restriction, As
far as the priority of this mailer he is open to discussion. The Mayor commented that
this subject matter is more of a personal hardship and he is in favor of not changing the
current code but to allow owners to apply for an exemption if they meet certain criteria.
Ms. Butler responded to a question from Mayor Kovacic stating, in part, that any change
to the code would require a text amendment. The text amendment procedures provide
for a public hearing before both the Planning Commission and the City Council. The text
amendment process takes approximately 14 weeks, (including the 31-day period for the
ordinance to become effective).
Mayor Pro tem Chandler commented that, by keeping in mind the time period for
processing a text amendment, it is better to wait and revisit the issue next March, as
previously determined at the March 17th, 1998 Council meeting.
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Chandler, seconded by Councilmember Marshall and
CARRIED on a roll call vote as follows to RECEIVE AND FILE the report, and the
request presented by Mr. Howell, attorney for Mrs. Stabler, owner of the property at 34
East Huntington Drive, requesting that the Central Business District (CBD) zone be
amended to inciude a "hardship exemption" to permit uses other than retail businesses
within the front one-third of a building along Huntington Drive. The report and staff
recommendation to be forwarded to the Planning Commission for their advice and place
this request from Mr. Howell, representing Faye Stabler, on the calendar in March, 1999 I
for further Council discussion.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chandler, Marshal" Roncelli and Kovacic
None
Councilmember Harbichl
CITY ATTORNEY
California Vehicle Code Section 22658 was amended relating to the size of signs posted
on private property. Under the law, the owner or person in lawful possession of private
property may cause the removal of a vehicle parked on private property if a specified
sign of a size specified by ordinance is posted Therefore, Arcadia Municipal Code
Section 3240 must be amended to be consistent with the Vehicle Code to enable the
police to tow violator vehicles.
It was MOVED by Mayor Pro tem Chandler, seconded by Councilmember Marshall and
CARRIED on roll call vote as follows that ORDINANCE NO 2091 entitled: "AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING SECTION 3240 OF THE ARCADIA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
PARKING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY (SIGNS)", be and it IS hereby INTRODUCED.
AYES.
NOES
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Chandler. M8rshall. Roncelli and Kovacic
None
Councllmember Harblcht
I
Mayor KovaCIC announced he would adjourn IlIe meeting. 'In honor of the Mayor of the
City of Riverside, Ronald Lovefldge, and Riverside Councdmembers, Chuck Beaty and
Laura Pearson who were wounded today We send them our best wishes and prayers
for a speedy recovery."
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10/6/98
I
I
I
ADJOURNMENT
(Oct. 20, 1998)
ATTEST:
40:0256
At 9:10 p.m. the City Council ADJOURNED to Tuesday, October 20, 1998 at 6:00 p.m.
in the Conference Room of the Council Chambers for a Regular Meeting to conduct the
business of the City Council and the Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and any Closed
Session necessary to discuss personnel, litigation matters or evaluation of properties.
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10/6/98