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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2a - Special Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2014, Regular Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2014 and Special Meeting Minutes of January 6, 2015CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2014 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wuo called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced that all City Council Members were present. PUBLIC COMMENTS Caroline Blake, an Arcadia resident, appeared and questioned whether the City Council had considered a moratorium on building permits; she expressed concern about the water drought and the overbuilding of large residential structures; and suggested that a design review committee be formed outside of the Planning Division process and should include an architectural historian and a City arborist. April Verlato, an Arcadia resident and Member of the Highlands Homeowner Association Architectural Review Board, appeared and requested the City Council place a moratorium on construction until an environmental impact report and historical survey is completed. STUDY SESSION a. Discussion regarding development and design review in the community. City Manager Lazzaretto discussed and commented on the December 3, 2014, Los Angeles Times article and asked how the City Council would like to respond; he pointed out that the City has in fact been proactive in dealing with development and expressed how people overlook the good things about the City; and suggested that the City do more public outreach on things that make Arcadia a fantastic City. Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic felt that the City should identify what is challenging in a City, including what is good, and issues concerning single - family development should be addressed; he also felt the City should publicize what is good about Arcadia and not respond or be reactive to negative comments, but be proactive to promote the City so that it is attractive to reaching out to all kinds of people to move here; he indicated that he is in favor of size restrictions for single - family residential development and is open to discussing a moratorium and agrees with hiring a public relations firm to highlight the positive things about the City. Council Member Beck responded to Caroline Blake and April Verlato that the night before the article, the City had a Special Meeting regarding historic preservation and creating an ordinance identifying buildings that should be preserved; he addressed the Highland Oaks area that they can preserve the look of certain streets in the neighborhood through historic preservation; that there may be a moratorium occurring without the City actually implementing one because developers are putting homes back on the market that they bought to develop; he noted real estate prices are dropping and 12 -09 -14 homes are not selling. He indicated that the City Council is in the process of evaluating what can be done regarding budgeting water per household; he noted that he agrees with Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic that the article should be addressed and that there are several great things to publicize about Arcadia that can be done through a public relations firm. City Manager Lazzaretto added that over the years, building activity has slowed down somewhat compared to where it was this time last year. Council Member Tay commented that reporters only focus on the negative things; he noted that according to the 2010 Census, there are a total of 20,686 homes in the City and 1,094 of those homes are vacant. Council Member Chandler noted the highlights of the City; he also noted that the land boom is primarily why the media has focused on the City, that regardless of the public's different opinions, residential development has been completed within the building code requirements; that a moratorium on building permits is not the answer to the current residential development issues, and regarding water supply, the City has plenty of water with 13 water wells. Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic added that he would push for more reasonable size restrictions for single - family development and a more aggressive design review process in South Arcadia; he indicated that he is more concerned about what can be done about newly built vacant homes in the City and that devices should be used to make the City more attractive to potential residents and businesses. Council Member Beck clarified that the City has front yard setbacks and disagrees with Council Member Chandler regarding water supply, noting that it doesn't matter how many wells the City has, but how much water is in those wells; he also noted that there is a water problem that the City is currently dealing with; and agrees with Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic that there is an issue with newly built vacant homes. Mayor Wuo noted that something positive should be done to highlight Arcadia; he noted that he moved to the City over 30 years ago and is proud to live in Arcadia; he discussed the wonderful things about the City, and suggested that a public relations firm should be used to highlight the positive things about the City and doesn't believe that City Council should respond to every inaccurate article written about the City, and indicated that a moratorium is not the answer. Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic suggested that staff provide a brief status about the Zoning Code update. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic's request, Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director Kruckeberg indicated that the Zoning Code update is a citywide process to look at the development code and various standards in the code for residential and commercial development; he further indicated that it is an opportunity to 12 -09 -14 look at all code standards and will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council for comment and approval. It was the consensus of the City Council to hire a public relations firm to highlight the positive things that Arcadia has to offer. Mayor Wuo adjourned the Special Meeting at 6:06 p.m. Lisa Mussenden Chief Deputy City Clerk /Records Manager 12 -09 -14 MINUTES OF THE ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2014 CALL TO ORDER — Mayor Wuo called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Beck, Chandler, Tay, Kovacic and Wuo ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS — No one appeared. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion, and direction concerning status of Walbern Development's proposal for a project in the City's downtown parking lot. City Manager Lazzaretto and Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director Kruckeberg provided the City Council with a brief update on the development of the City's downtown parking lot project. Matt Waken of Waken Development LLC appeared and requested a 90 day extension and explained the reason for the request. A motion was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic to grant an extension to the exclusive negotiation period of 120 days. The Study Session ended at 6:20 p.m. CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) to confer with legal counsel regarding the initiation of litigation — one (1) potential case. The Closed Session ended at 6:50 p.m. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wuo called the meeting to order at INVOCATION - Reverend Thomas Shriver, Police Department Chaplain PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Beck, Chandler, Tay, Kovacic and Wuo ABSENT: None 12 -16 -14 REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY ON STUDY SESSION AND CLOSED SESSION ITEM City Attorney Deitsch reported that a Study Session was conducted to hear a report, discuss and provide direction regarding the status of the proposed Walbern Development project in the City's downtown parking lot; and that on motion by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, the City Council unanimously (5 -0) voted to grant an extension to the exclusive negotiation period of 120 days to the Developer in order to produce a possible project for that area. City Attorney Deitsch also reported that a Closed Session was conducted to consider the one item listed on the posted agenda under Closed Session regarding potential litigation under Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4), no reportable action was taken. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto advised that Officer Ashby is out of the state and requested that the presentation be pulled from the agenda until Officer Ashby returns. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay, to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Appeal of the Planning Commission's decision to uphold the Highlands Homeowners' Association's Architectural Review Board denial of the design concept plans for a new residence at 211 Monte Place. Recommended Action: Deny Appeal Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director Kruckeberg and Community Development Administrator Kasama presented the staff report. Mayor Wuo opened the public hearing. Kurt Von Hatten, applicant and project designer of KVH Design Group appeared and addressed the existing retaining wall in the backyard, and the design concept plans for the proposed new residence at 211 Monte Place. Mr. Von Hatten also responded to various questions raised by Council Member Beck and Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic. April Verlato, Highlands Homeowners' Association Architectural Review Board Member, appeared and discussed the misrepresentations made to the City by the applicant on the project; she advised that she did not vote on this item but was present at ARB meeting; she discussed the criteria established by Resolution No. 6770 relating to size and compatibility and CEQA violations. Carl Sigalos, resident on Canyon Road, appeared and expressed his concerns regarding the traffic and impact on the neighborhood; and feels that a bad precedent will be set. 12 -16 -14 Susan Ligon, resident on Canyon Road, appeared and indicated that the home is a rebuild and not a tear down; that the developer will build maximum square footage so that it can be resold; she expressed her opposition of the proposed new residence; and also feels that a precedent will be set. Dave Arvisu, Highlands Homeowners' Association Architectural Review Board Member, appeared and explained the reasons why size and mass matters and explained why the project was denied by the Architectural Review Board; and commended the Planning Commission for realizing that size and mass does matter. David Ligon, a resident on Canyon Road, appeared and explained why he is opposed to the design of the proposed new residence; he doesn't feel that the size and mass goes with the neighborhood; and hopes the City Council denies the project. John Frame, a resident on Monte Place, appeared and explained why the proposed new residence would not fit in the neighborhood, including privacy issues. John Uniack, Chair of the Highlands Homeowners' Association Architectural Review Board, appeared and explained that he met with the applicant and discussed size and mass; he further explained why the proposed new residence does not look like a contemporary ranch style home compared to others in the area; and advised the City Council that there were not looking at same drawing that was presented to the Architectural Review Board. Tim Birch, a resident in the Highlands Homeowners' Association, area appeared and explained that the new residence appears to be out of place for the neighborhood; and urged the City Council to respect the process, and if changes need to be made to the drawings he feels the City Council should send back through the Architectural Review Board process. John Fick, a resident in the Highlands Homeowners' Association area, appeared and expressed his concerns with the process; and expressed concerns that the City Council looks at these matters as new and questioned the relationship between the City and the Architectural Review Board. Ms. Frame, a resident on Monte Place, appeared and explained that she has talked to some neighbors and they also do not agree with the size and mass of the new home being proposed. Kurt Von Hatten, applicant and project designer of KVH Design Group, confirmed that the drawing he provided the City Council was a sample of changes that can be made regarding size and mass. In response to a question raised by Council Member Chandler regarding the Sycamore tree, Mr. Von Hatten responded that the existing Sycamore tree will not be removed from the property. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, and seeing no further objections, Mayor Wuo declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on roll call vote to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission's decision to deny the proposed plans. AYES: Council Member Kovacic, Tay, Beck, Chandler and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None 12 -16 -14 b. Call up /appeal of the Planning Commission's conditional approval of Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 14 -07 (72892), Modification No. MC 14 -04, and Architectural Design Review No. ADR 14 -06 with a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a new 3,995 square -foot, two - story, Art -Deco style office building at 130 S. First Avenue. Recommended Action: Affirm Planning Commission Decision Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director and Associate Planner Schwehr presented the staff report. Mayor Wuo opened the public hearing. Ben Woo, designer of the project, appeared and explained the architectural style of the proposed office building, and the concept of the Art Deco design. Ron Milich, owner of office building on First Avenue, appeared and discussed the common wall between his property and the property office building and addressed the parking problems on First Avenue. Ed Echert, Engineer on the project, appeared and explained that the common wall the previous speaker commented on will not be removed, but that a new wall will be built right next to it for the new building. Terry Zoelercross, owner of property at the corner of Alta and First Avenue, appeared and addressed the severe parking issues; she asked about redevelopment in the City and thought there was not going to be any other office building allowed in the downtown area. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay, and seeing no further objections, Mayor Wuo declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, seconded by Council Member Chandler, and carried on roll call vote to affirm the Planning Commission decision to approve Tentative Parcel Map No. TPM 14 -07 (72892), Modification No. MC 14 -04, and Architectural Design Review No. ADR 14 -06 with a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for a new 3,995 square -foot, two - story, Art -Deco style office building at 130 S. First Avenue; and to return to staff to refine the design. AYES: Council Member Kovacic, Chandler, Beck, Tay and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS - No one appeared. REPORTS FROM MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK (including reports from the City Council related to meetings attended at City, expense CAB 1234]) Mayor Pro Kovacic wished everyone a Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays; and congratulated the Arcadia High School Constitution Team for winning the first round of competitions. Council Member Tay announced the various meetings he attended; he congratulated the City on receiving an energy efficient award; he announced the Holiday Market this weekend; he noted that he attended the holiday employee event and congratulated those employees who served the City 12 -16 -14 for 30 and 40 years, and thanked them for their years of service; and wished everyone Happy Holidays. Council Member Beck requested the support of two City Council Member votes that a policy regarding the naming of City facilities be brought back to the City for discussion and consideration at a future study session (Council Member Tay and Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic concurred); and wished everyone Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. Council Member Chandler reminded residents to be careful with packages being left at the front door and reminded everyone of the "See Something, Say Something" motto; and wished everyone Happy Holidays. City Clerk Glasco reminded residents that the VIPS (Volunteers In Patrol Services) are available for extra patrol and can be requested when on vacation; and wished everyone Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a prosperous Happy New Year. Mayor Wuo wished everyone a Happy Holidays 2. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Reaular Meetina Minutes of December 2. 2014. Recommended Action: Approve b. Accept a gift of $3,000 from the Arcadia Museum Foundation for programs at the Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage. Recommended Action: Approve Final Tract Map No. 72434 for a 12 -unit residential condominium subdivision at 919- 923 Fairview Avenue. Recommended Action: Approve Site License Agreement with Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA -RICS) for installation of a cell tower at the Arcadia Police Department. Recommended Action: Approve e. Purchase of computers, monitors, software, and related peripherals from Dell Computer Corporation in accordance with the City's Computer Replacement Program Recommended Action: Approve Contract with Ferreira Construction Co., Inc., dba Ferreira Coastal Construction Co. for the fiber optics project in the amount of $259,812. Recommended Action: Approve Contract with Mariposa Landscape, Inc. for Landscape Maintenance Services in an amount not to exceed $472,560. Recommended Action: Approve Contract with GMC Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $506,373 for Phase Two of the Huntington Drive Capacity Improvements protect. Recommended Action: Approve 12 -16 -14 Professional Services Agreement with Cannon Corporation for the design of the Huntington Drive Sewer Capacity Improvement Project in the amount of $28,340. Recommended Action: Approve Professional Services Agreement with Tierra West Advisors, Inc. for Economic Development Consulting services in an amount not to exceed $30,000. Recommended Action: Approve k. Professional Services Agreement for on -call environmental consulting services with LSA Associates, Inc., BonTerra Psomas, and PMC. Recommended Action: Approve Council Member Beck requested Consent Calendar Item 2.j be pulled for further discussion and will abstain from voting on Consent Calendar Item 2.j because Mr. Noriega is an acquaintance of his and is his neighbor. It was moved by Council Member Tay, seconded by Council Member Chandler, and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 2.a through 2.i and 2.k. AYES: Council Member Tay, Chandler, Beck, Kovacic and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Council Member Beck (Consent Calendar Item 2.g) In response to Council Member Beck's inquiry of waiting for the City to hire an Economic Development Manager before spending money on a development consulting services, City Manager Lazzaretto and Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director explained the reasons for moving forward with the economic development consulting services now. Council Member Beck indicated that he would like to wait until the City hires an Economic Development Manager to get input of an economic development consulting services. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Items 2.j. AYES: Council Member Chandler, Kovacic, Tay and Wuo NOES: Council Member Beck ABSENT: None 3. CITY MANAGER a. Cancellation of the January 6, 2015, Regular City Council Meeting. Recommended Action: Approve City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on roll call vote to cancel the regular City Council meeting of January 6, 2015. AYES: Council Member Chandler, Tay, Beck, Kovacic and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None 12 -16 -14 b. Donation of $12,500 to the Arcadia Unified School District for Arcadia High School Baseball Field improvements and equipment. Recommended Action: Approve City Manager Lazzaretto presented the staff report. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Beck and carried on roll call vote to approve the donation of $12,500 to the Arcadia Unified School District for Arcadia High School Baseball field improvements and equipment. AYES: Council Member Chandler, Beck, Kovacic, Tay and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned this meeting at 9:20 p.m. to Tuesday, January 20, 2015, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference Room. Lisa Mussenden Chief Deputy City Clerk /Records Manager 12 -16 -14 MINUTES OF THE ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2015 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wuo called the Special Meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. in the Council Chamber Conference Room. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Wuo PUBLIC COMMENTS - No one appeared STUDY SESSION a. Set a public hearing date of January 20, 2015, for an appeal of the Planning Commission decision to overturn the Highlands Homeowners' Association's Architectural Review Board denial of the design plans for a new, one -story residence at 29 E. Orange Grove Avenue. Recommended Action: Set Hearing Date of January 20, 2015 City Manager Lazzaretto and Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director Kruckeberg provided the staff report. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, seconded by Council Member Chandler, and carried on roll call vote to set a public hearing date of January 20, 2015, for the appeal of the Planning Commission decision to overturn the Highlands Homeowners' Association's Architectural Review Board denial of the design plans for a new, one -story residence at 29 E. Orange Grove Avenue. AYES: Council Member Kovacic, Chandler, Tay and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: Council Member Beck It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay to excuse Council Member Beck from this Special Meeting. b. Set a public hearing date of January 20, 2015, for an appeal of the Planning Commission decision to overturn the Highlands Homeowners' Association's Architectural Review Board denial of the design plans for a new, two -story residence at 1600 Highland Oaks Drive. Recommended Action: Set Hearing Date of January 20, 2015 City Manager Lazzaretto and Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director Kruckeberg provided the staff report. It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, seconded by Council Member Chandler, and carried on roll call vote to set a public hearing date of January 20, 2015, for the appeal of the Planning Commission decision to overturn the Highlands Homeowners' Association's Architectural Review Board denial of the design plans for a new, two -story residence at 1600 Highland Oaks Drive. AYES: Council Member Kovacic, Chandler, Tay and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: Council Member Beck 01 -06 -15 This Special Meeting adjourned at 8:05 a.m. Lisa Mussenden Chief Deputy City Clerk /Records Manager 01 -06 -15