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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/20/2015MINUTES OF THE ARCADIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015 Pursuant to the adjournment of the January 6, 2015, Regular Meeting of the City Council, the Chief Deputy City Clerk appeared at the time and place of adjournment at 6:00 p.m. and announced that no quorum was present until 6:30 p.m. CALL TO ORDER — Mayor Wuo called the Study Session to order at 6:30 p.m. RROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Beck, Chandler, Tay, Kovacic, and Wuo PUBLIC COMMENTS John Wang, an Arcadia resident appeared and addressed an issue he is having with the Arcadia Police Department. STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion and direction regarding signage /lettering /art concepts for the Gold Line Bridge at Huntington Drive and Second Avenue. Deputy Development Services Director /City Engineer Wray provided the City Council with samples of the signage /lettering /art concept for the Gold Line Bridge at Huntington Drive and Second Avenue. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, and carried on roll call vote to approve the green with gold trim Arcadia lettering with the Route 66 logo on each side of the lettering, on both sides of the bridge; and staff will continue to work with the contractor on the final colors for the bridge itself. AYES: Council Member Chandler, Kovacic, Beck, Tay, and Wuo NOES: None The Study Session ended at 6:43 p.m. CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wuo called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. INVOCATION - Reverend Joshua Clough, Church of the Good Shepherd PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Boy Scout Troop 111 ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Beck, Chandler, Tay, Kovacic, and Wuo Page 1 of 9 REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY ON STUDY SESSION ITEM City Attorney Deitsch reported that a Study Session was conducted to hear a report, discuss and provide direction regarding signage /lettering /art concepts for the Gold Line Bridge at Huntington Drive and Second Avenue; and on motion by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, the City Council unanimously (5 -0) approved the green with gold trim Arcadia lettering with the Route 66 logo on each side of the lettering, on both sides of the bridge. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Lazzaretto advised that last Friday after the agenda was posted, the City Council received supplemental information regarding Public Hearing items 1.b and 1.c from the law firm of Chatten -Brown & Carstens LLP, on behalf of Appellant April A. Verlato; including three additional petitions in opposition of the projects, one letter in support of the projects and approximately 125 signatures in favor of the projects. 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. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of Certificate of Commendation to Arcadia High School Marching Band for winning their first SCSBOA field show in school history. b. Presentation of a Life Saving Award to Officer Walter Ashby. C. Presentation of Proclamation to the Foothill Unity Center in celebration of its 35`h Year Anniversary. d. Presentation of Certificate of Commendation to Arcadia High School Girls Cross Country Team for finishing 6th in the state for their division. e. Presentation of Certificate of Commendation to Phillip Rocha of the Arcadia High School Boys Cross Country Team for winning Division I individual state title. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Statement of Obiectives and Proiects for the planned Use of Communit Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Fiscal Year 2015 -16; and Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission. Recommended Action: Approve Community Development Administrator Kasama presented the staff report. Mayor Wuo opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Page 2 of 9 A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, and seeing no further objection, Mayor Wuo declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on roll call vote to approve a Statement of Objectives and Projects for the planning Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Fiscal Year 2015 -16; and Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission. AYES: Council Member Chandler, Tay, Beck, Kovacic, and Wuo NOES: None Appeal of the Planning Commission decision to overturn the Highlands Homeowners' Association's Architectural Review Board denial and approve the design plans, an oak tree encroachment permit, and front yard setback modifications for a new one -story residence at 29 E. Orange Grove Avenue. Recommended Action: Deny Appeal and Uphold the Planning Commission Decision Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director Kruckeberg addressed several documents received by the City after the agenda was posted regarding Public Hearing item 1.b and 1.c; he recommended that after testimony is received and heard the City Council should continue the public hearing to the next regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 7:00 p.m. and direct the City Attorney to prepare for City Council consideration a document addressing the issues raised by appellant's attorney in her letter dated January 14, 2015, and to limit public comment at the continued public hearing to the matters addressed in the City Attorney's document. Community Development Administrator Kasama and Assistant Planner Jordan Chamberlin, presented the staff report. Mayor Wuo reminded the audience of the decorum of the meeting, and announced that regarding comments, the Appellant and Applicant will have 5 minutes to speak, and other speakers will have 3 minutes each. Mayor Wuo opened the public hearing. April Verlato, the Appellant, appeared and identified what in her opinion is harmonious and compatible, mentioned the criteria in Resolution No. 6770; and discussed mass, scale, height, length and width, architectural style, open green space, privacy issues, and obstruction of views related to the project. Jason Grohs, the Applicant from Mur -Sol Development, appeared and discussed the concept behind the design of the project; he stated that the project was originally a two -story home and explained why it is now being proposed as a one -story home to fit into the neighborhood. Josh Grohs, the Applicant from Mur -Sol Development, appeared and explained that he met with the Highlands Architectural Review Board but was not given any guidance as to what was acceptable, only that the project was unacceptable. Page 3 of 9 John Chavez, an Arcadia resident appeared and indicated that he agreed with April Verlato's comments about democracy; and agrees with development in the City, and that he is in favor of the project. David Arvisu, a Member of the Highlands Architectural Review Board appeared on behalf of several residents in the Highlands who represent "Save the Highlands "; he discussed ethics, the importance of public perception, what it means to be trustworthy, disqualification rules, conflicts of interest, Statement of Economic Interests that the City Council must fill out annually, and commented on the right thing to do. Mike McKay, an Arcadia resident appeared and explained why he is in support of the project; he commented on the Highlands Homeowner Association and Architectural Review Board, and noted that the current Architectural Review Board process is broken. Tim Burch, an Arcadia resident appeared and commented on the typical style and average size of homes in the Highlands. Shelly Chu, an Arcadia resident appeared and commented on harmonious and compatible development in the neighborhood, and urged the City Council to "Save the Highlands." Marianne Tandon, an Arcadia resident appeared and discussed the compatibility of homes in the Highlands. Jean (inaudible), an Arcadia resident appeared and commented on the uniqueness of the homes in the Highlands; she indicated that she went door to door and gathered signatures from residents who are against the large homes being built; and urged the City Council to put a stop to the building of large homes. John Frick, an Arcadia resident appeared and noted that Homeowner Associations and Architectural Review Boards operate under the authority of the City; he commented on the de novo process; and urged the City Council to focus their attention back on the decision made by the Architectural Review Board. John Uniack, Chair of the Highlands Architectural Review Board, appeared and commented on the City's General Plan; he referenced the land -use policy map which designates the Highlands area as "very low density residential ", and provided the definition for very low density residential; he stated that the Architectural Review Board recognizes the very low density designation and denied the project based on incompatible mass and scale, which is a direct result of excessive bedrooms and excess population; he urged the City Council to uphold the Architectural Review Board's findings and to follow the very low density residential designation in the Arcadia General Plan, and explained that if the project is approved, it would be a rejection of the General Plan. April Verlato, the Applicant, rebutted by saying that they did not meet with Mur -Sol outside of the hearing process for the Orange Grove project; and explained the Highlands Architectural Review Board's process for approving plans. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic, and seeing no further objection, Mayor Wuo declared the public hearing closed. Page 4 of 9 Due to additional speakers, Council Member Chandler rescinded his motion to close the public hearing. Bruce McCallum, an Arcadia resident, appeared and spoke in favor of the Planning Commission's decision; he indicated that most of the residents in the Highlands are in favor of the project; he commented on property values, and requested the City Council retract the authority it gave to the Highlands Architectural Review Board. Roger Nemrava, an Arcadia resident, appeared and noted that he disagreed with Mr. McCallum's comments that most residents are in favor of the project, since he personally canvassed the area with petitions and most residents are against this type of development. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic, and seeing no further objection, Mayor Wuo declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on roll call vote, to continue and reopen the public hearing to the next regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 7:00 p.m. and direct the City Attorney to prepare for City Council consideration a document addressing the issues raised by appellant's attorney in her letter dated January 14, 2015, and to limit public comment at the continued public hearing to the matters addressed in the City Attorney's document. AYES: Council Member Chandler, Tay, Beck, Kovacic, and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None C. Appeal of the Planning Commission decision to overturn the Highlands Homeowners' Association's Architectural Review Board denial and approve the design plans and an oak tree encroachment permit for a new two -story residence at 1600 Highland Oaks Drive. Recommended Action: Deny Appeal and Uphold the Planning Commission Decision Community Development Manager Kasama and Associate Planner Li presented the staff report. Mayor Wuo opened the public hearing. April Verlato, the Appellant and resident of the Highland Oaks area, appeared and spoke about the quality of schools in the Highlands; she noted that property values would diminish in the Highlands if views are not protected; she explained that the Architectural Review Board's denial of the project was based on mass, scale and obstruction of views; the 425 signatures gathered that are against the project because the project is not harmonious and compatible; and urged the City Council to side with the residents, not the developers. Todd Bowden, the Applicant, appeared and discussed the concerns made by the Highlands Architectural Review Board and the concessions made by the architect and designer; he provided a chronological explanation of events and iterations between the architect and the Architectural Review Board; and urged the City Council to deny the appeal of the Highlands Architectural Review Board. Page 5 of 9 John (inaudible), an Arcadia resident, appeared and commented on the quality of life in the Highlands; he commented on the scale and proportion of the proposed home not being harmonious and compatible to other homes in the neighborhood. Peggy Allison, of Allison Realtors appeared and discussed property values and development in Arcadia; and urged the City Council to approve the project. Mayor Wuo called a recess at 9:35 p.m. The City Council reconvened at 9:45 p.m. City Attorney Deitsch reminded the audience why they were in attendance and the importance of staying focused on the land use matter; he explained to the audience the intent of the meeting, and advised them not to make it a personality issue, and explained the Brown Act process which governs the conduct of the meeting. (inaudible) a resident on Highland Vista Drive appeared and explained what makes Highland Oaks an attractive neighborhood; and also the long term interests of Highland Oaks residents and the City. Pam Dellon, a realtor appeared and spoke about the quality of life in the Highland Oaks area; and on sales in Arcadia. Chris Seymour, an Arcadia resident, appeared and expressed his specific concerns regarding the obstruction of views and privacy issues; what size of a home does to the overall community; and hopes the City Council does not approve the project. Karin Hanson, an Arcadia resident, appeared and noted that she has a large home being built next door to her and her view is obstructed; she discussed the obstruction of views in the area; and urged the City Council to consider views when making their decision. Robert Tong, a resident of the Highlands, appeared and explained that he and his family are in agreement with the decision of the Architectural Review Board. Darin Gruber, an Arcadia resident, appeared and explained why he is in favor of the two projects; and noted that the Chair of the Highlands Architectural Review Board currently has a nonconforming driveway on his property. David Arvisu, a member of the Highlands Architectural Review Board, appeared and explained that the project was denied because it is not harmonious and compatible with the area as required by Resolution No. 6770. John Uniack, Chair of the Highlands Architectural Review Board, appeared and noted that he has a nonconforming driveway on his property and is currently dealing with the Planning Division to correct the deficiency; he commented on density, and design guidelines, and read an excerpt ( #16) from his Declaration. Keith Kato, an Arcadia resident, appeared and explained why he purchased his home in Arcadia; he discussed the size of homes and lots and does not feel that the homes being proposed meet the definition of a mansion type style home; he feels that the Architectural Review Board should help manage compatibility in the neighborhood; and expressed his concerns about the impact the Architectural Review Board is having in the Highlands Oak area and property values. Page 6of9 John MacDonnell, an Arcadia resident, appeared and talked about craftsman /ranch style homes and conformity with the hillside; and that he is not opposed to development; and urged the City Council to follow the rules. Hector Amezquita, of Sanyao International, appeared and commented on the specifics of the project and the concerns of the residents and feels that proposed home is in compliance. April Verlato, the Appellant, rebutted that the Architectural Review Board could have met earlier on the project, but that Mr. Bowden was not available for several weeks; she noted her neighbor did not move because the existing house was dilapidated, and explained the reason why her neighbor sold to a developer; she noted that Resolution No. 6770 does not address setbacks, and explained the purpose of Resolution No. 6770. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Tay, and carried on roll call vote to continue and reopen the public hearing to the next regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 7:00 p.m. and direct the City Attorney to prepare for City Council consideration a document addressing the issues raised by appellant's attorney in her letter dated January 14, 2015, and to limit public comment at the continued public hearing to the matters addressed in the City Attorney's document. AYES: Council Member Chandler, Tay, Beck, Kovacic, and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None Mayor Wuo thanked the speakers for attending the meeting and providing their input. 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 [AB 1234]) Council Member Chandler had no comments. Council Member Beck commented on the sale of the 100 to 1 Club and indicated that some of the artifacts will be donated to the Museum to be preserved. Council Member Tay reported on the various meetings he attended, and announced that on Thursday, the Chamber of Commerce will be having its Annual Planning Conference and City Manager Lazzaretto will be giving a State of the City Address, and next Thursday is "Coffee with the Cops" at the Westfield Shopping Mall in the center court and invited everyone to attend. Mayor Pro Kovacic thanked the Mayor for his presentations; he also reported that on Thursday, the Chamber of Commerce will be having its Annual Planning Conference and City Manager Lazzaretto will be giving a State of the City Address, and that a panel of former Mayor's will be in attendance to talk about life in Arcadia and invited everyone to attend; he announced that the Library Board of Trustees is conducting a survey on the services at the Library, and on Saturday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m. at the Museum there will be a public community forum to discuss library services; he commented on tonight's public hearings and felt that it was healthy for Arcadia to have these types of meetings where the community gets involved; he talked about renderings vs. elevations and wondered what other cities do, if other cities give staff models of a project in order to get a better perceptive about what a project is actually going to look like. Page 7 of 9 City Clerk Glasco noted that last Thursday the Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce gave the Women's Club President a certificate naming the Arcadia Women's Club as an Arcadia Business Icon; he noted that last year the Women's Club celebrated its 100'" birthday and mentioned several of their accomplishments; he announced the Historical Society official moved their offices behind the Arcadia Congregational Church; and noted that on January 29 at 5:30 p.m. the Historical Society will be hosting a program on the History of Chinese Immigrants and early Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley by Gene Moy, President of the Chinese Historical Society of California. Mayor Wuo wished everyone a Happy New Year; he also agreed with Mayor Pro Tern Kovacic about the hearings tonight and commented that after the recess he felt the meeting went more smoothly; he congratulated all the recipients who were recognized with certificates and also congratulated Foothill Unity Center for all they have done for the community in the last 35 years. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR C. Special Meeting Minutes of December 9, 2014, Regular Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2014 and Special Meeting Minutes of January 6, 2015. Recommended Action: Approve d. Resolution No. 7056 authorizing submittal of the Fiscal Year 2014 -15 Transportation Development Act - Article 4 Claim Forms to Receive Capital and Operating Funds for Arcadia Transit. Recommended Action: Adopt e. Purchase Order with Haaker Equipment Company for one 2015 Elgin CNG Crosswind Street Sweeper in the amount of $315,010. Recommended Action: Approve Contract with Advanced Industrial Services, Inc. for the Canyon and Orange Grove Reservoir Roof Repairs in the amount of $162,400. Recommended Action: Approve 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.d. AYES: Council Member Tay, Chandler, Kovacic, Tay, Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None Page 8 of 9 ADJOURNMENT The City Council adjourned this meeting in memory of former City Traffic Engineer Ed Cline, Joe Ramsey, and longtime resident Pat Lachelt at 10:59 p.m. to Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference Room. A ATTEST: qtyCI r o.. Page 9 of 9 of the City of Arcadia