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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 15, 200951:0132 CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2009 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wuo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council/Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht and Wuo ABSENT: Council/Agency Member Kovacic (arrived at 6:15 p.m.) It was moved by Council/Agency Member Amundson, seconded by Council/Agency Member Chandler to excuse Council/Agency Member Kovacic. CLOSED SESSION/STUDY SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes per person) - None STUDY SESSION a. Report, discussion and direction regarding: (1) Sister City Program; (2) City/School District State Reform Committee; (3) historical preservation ordinance; (4) neighborhood notification for single family construction; and (5) request from City of Sierra Madre for study of public safety services. City Manager Don Penman provided a brief report on each Study Session item listed on the agenda in order to clarify whether the City Council would like bring back any item for further discussion and direction at a future City Council meeting. It was the consensus of the City Council that no further action was required regarding Item Nos. 1 (Sister City Program), No. 3 (Historical Preservation Ordinance), No. 4 (neighborhood notification for single family construction) and No. 5 (request from the City of Sierra Madre for a study of public safety services). Regarding Item No. 2 (City/School District State Reform Committee), the City Council directed the City Manager to contact the School District to schedule a future City Council/School Board joint meeting for further discussion. CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 a conference with real property negotiators: Property: 400 Rolyn Place Agency Negotiators: Agency Executive Director, Development Services Director and the Economic Development Manager Negotiating Parties: Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and John H. Hibbert, Jr. and Carol H. Hibbert, Living Trust. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING TO OPEN SESSION boo Mayor Wuo called the City Council meeting to order in the Council Chamber at 7:00 p.m. 09-15-2009 51:0133 INVOCATION - Reverend Raymond Petzholt, Mandarin Baptist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Jason Kruckeberg, Development Services Director ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council/Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic and Wuo ABSENT: None REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY/AGENCY COUNSEL ON STUDY SESSION/CLOSED SESSION ITEMS City Attorney Steve Deitsch reported that the City Council/Redevelopment Agency met in closed session to consider the one (1) item listed on the posted agenda, no reportable action was taken. It was the consensus of the City Council that no further action was required regarding Item Nos. 1 (Sister City Program), No. 3 (Historical Preservation Ordinance), No. 4 (neighborhood notification for single family construction) and No. 5 (request from the City of Sierra Madre for a study of public safety services). Regarding Item No. 2 (City/School District State Reform Committee), the City Council directed the City Manager to contact the School District to schedule a future City Council/School Board joint meeting for further discussion. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM THE CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Mr. Penman stated that he distributed a supplemental staff report regarding the budget which will be discussed further under City Manager Reports. MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem/Vice Chair Amundson seconded by Council/Agency Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation to winners and sponsors of Arcadia's Got Talent Competition held on September 12, 2009. 1. PUBLIC HEARING REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS: a. Architectural Design Review for a 9.811 square foot office building to be located at 468 East Santa Clara Street in the Central Redevelopment Project Area. Applicant and developer - Hale Corporation. Recommended Action: Approve 09-15-2009 2 51:0134 Jason Kruckeberg, Development Service Director provided background information regarding the applicant Hale Corporation; he reported that in 2001, the Redevelopment Agency approved an Owner Participation Agreement with the Fifth Avenue Group LLP to develop two large office buildings near the intersection of Fifth and Santa Clara Street 51 N. Fifth Street and 488 E. Santa Clara Avenue); that as a partner in the development of the two buildings, the Agency was able to eliminate blight and generate attractive new buildings that have yielded tax increment and brought in several hundred new employees; and also mentioned that the buildings are fully occupied. Jerry Schwartz, Economic Development Manager provided a slide presentation of the proposed project building at 468 East Santa Clara Street; he reported that the proposed project is in the Central Redevelopment Project Area and subject to design review by the Redevelopment Agency; he commented on the architectural design and landscaping of the proposed office building; he noted this is a private project and no assistance from the Agency is being requested; he stated that the project would require removal of parking in the off-street lot that has been provided for the 488 East Santa Clara building and reported on the parking analysis and parking utilization survey prepared by Linscott Law & Greenspan for the existing two office building and the impact of the proposed project and; that the proposed project would require a parking modification. He noted that the proposed project qualifies under Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act as a Class 3 Categorical Exemption since it is a new construction in an urbanized area of a small office building. Agency Chair Wuo opened the public hearing. Glenn Wiseman, owner of 51 North Fifth Avenue appeared and requested a continuance until the parking modification request is reviewed. Dick Hale, Developer of the proposed project and part owner of the building appeared and discussed the parking situation on the property; and noted that the architectural design of the proposed building will be similar to the two existing buildings. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Agency Member Harbicht seconded by Agency Member Chandler and seeing no further objection, Agency Chair Wuo declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Agency Member Harbicht seconded by Agency Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to approve Architectural Design Review for a 9,811 square foot office building at 468 East Santa Clara Street in the Central Redevelopment Project Area. AYES: Council/Agency Member Harbicht, Chandler, Amundson, Kovacic and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: b. Adopt Resolution No. 6694 approving the use of Community Development Block Grant - Recovery (CDBG-R) Funds for Low/Moderate Income Single-Family Residential Rehabilitation. Recommended Action: Adopt 09-15-2009 51:0135 Jason Kruckeberg, Development Services Director reported that the City of Arcadia will receive approximately $120,195 in Community Development Block Grant-Recovery (CDBG-R) funds to be used on an expedited basis on activities eligible under the CDBG program to stimulate the economy; he further reported that HUD placed an emphasis on projects that modernize the Nation's infrastructure, improve energy efficiency and conservation, expand educational opportunities, improve access to health care and provide employment. He further reported that at the July 7, 2009 meeting, the City Council approved a project for the rehabilitation or energy efficiency retrofitting of the Naomi Gardens or Heritage Park senior citizen residential developments; and advised that both corporate management companies have declined to participate. He stated that because a replacement project must be submitted to the Community Development Commission as soon as possible, he recommended that CDBG-R funds be used to expand the current $12,000 maximum grant program for low/moderate income single-family home improvements and that the home improvement program have energy efficiency improvements as its second priority after basic health and safety improvements. He did explain that there is no fiscal impact to the City's General Fund to implement the project and all funds, including the administrative allowance will come from the grant. Mayor Wuo opened the public hearing. No one appeared to provide testimony. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Harbicht seconded by Council Member Chandler and seeing no further objection, Mayor Wuo declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6694 approving the use of Community Development Block Grant - Recovery (CDBG-R) Funds for Low/Moderate Income Single-Family Residential Rehabilitation. AYES: Council/Agency Member Chandler, Kovacic, Amundson, Harbicht, and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS Amy Stone, Highland Oaks Elementary School PTA President and students appeared and presented home made cookies to the City Council; and shared their definition of the word "TREAT" as Teamwork, Reaching out, Evidence of growth, Art education and Thank You. Mark Rodighiero appeared and spoke in support of the proposed approval and waiver of a dance studio at 210 North First Avenue which will be discussed later under City Manager reports. Joseph Shiuan, Arcadia resident and candidate for Recreation and Parks Commission appeared and introduced himself. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR. CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK Council Member Kovacic presented another Fire Department patch he received from Malaysia and encouraged residents to pick up patches during their travels and present them to the Fire or ..r Police Department; he encouraged residents to attend the Arcadia Chinese Association Moon 09-15-2009 4 51:0136 Festival Fundraising Gala on October 3rd at the Arcadia Community Center; and commented on a great presentation by the PTA president. Mayor Pro Tern Amundson announced that he attended the 20th anniversary of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Hospital; he commented on the neighborhood notification for single family construction that was discussed in the study session and asked City Manager Don Penman to comment on the rights of the homeowners; and commented on the Stars and Stripes event held on September 12th and asked for residents for feedback. In response to Council Member Amundson's question regarding the rights of homeowners, City Manager Don Penman responded that residents should contact City offices in order to receive information regarding proposed projects in their neighborhood. Council Member Chandler had nothing to report. Council Member Harbicht commented on the number visitors who visit the Library, he noted that Library volunteers contributed over 15,000 hours during the year; and commented on the supplemental staff report provided by the City Manager regarding the decline in sales tax. City Clerk Barrows thanked City staff who participated and helped organize the Stars and Stripes Community event; he commented on the importance of PTA presentations at City Council meetings and the importance for the City Council to be informed of all the positive things that are going on in the schools. Mayor Wuo thanked all firefighters working to gain control of the Station Fire; he commented on the Stars and Stripes event and thanked staff for a great event; he also thanked all the contestants who participated in "Arcadia's Got Talent" contest and encouraged feedback from the residents; and announced the Taste of Arcadia event and encouraged everyone to attend. 2. CITY CLERK'S REPORTS a. Appointment to Recreation and Parks Commission. Recommended Action: Make appointment City Clerk Jim Barrows presented the staff report regarding the vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission due to the resignation of Mr. Cook who resigned on August 3, 2009. Council Member Harbicht nominated Joseph Shiuan to fill the unexpired term on the Recreation and Parks Commission ending June 30, 2011. Seeing no other nominations, it was the consensus of the City Council to appoint Joseph Shiuan to the Recreation and Parks Commission to fill the unexpired term ending June 30, 2011. AYES: Council/Agency Member Harbicht, Chandler, Amundson, Kovacic and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None 09-15-2009 51:0137 3. CONSENT CALENDAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS: a, Approve the Meeting Minutes of September 1, 2009. Recommended Action: Approve Approve an appropriation in the amount of $100,000 from Redevelopment Agency funds for the payment of administrative related costs regarding the Fire Station #105 Project. Recommended Action: Approve CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: C. Approve the Meeting Minutes of September 1. 2009. Recommended Action: Approve d. Adopt Resolution No. 6693 amending Resolution No. 6670 setting forth legally enforceable speed limits on Duarte Road. Recommended Action: Adopt e. Authorize the City Manager to execute a one (1) year contract extension with Traffic Operations, Inc. for street striping and pavement marking services in the amount of $73,470. Recommended Action: Approve f. Accept all work performed by Roy Allan Slurry Seal. Inc. for the 2008-2009 now Annual Slurry Seal Project as complete and authorize the final payment to be made in accordance with the contract documents. Recommended Action: Approve g. Award a purchase order to McPeek's Dodge of Anaheim for two (2) 2010 Dodge Charger Patrol Units and one (1) 2010 Dodge Charger Command vehicle in the amount of $84,199. Recommended Action: Approve h. Authorize the City Manager to use $2,800 from the Historical Museum's Gilb Memorial Fund for the payment of one-half of the architectural fees for the proposed Museum Education Center. Recommended Action: Approve i. Approve purchase of computer equipment and related peripherals in accordance to the City's Computer Replacement Program. Recommended Action: Approve Council Member Harbicht requested that Consent Items 3.b and 3.i be separately discussed. It was moved by Council/Agency Member Kovacic and seconded by Council/Agency Member Harbicht and carried on roll call vote to approve City Council Consent items 3.a and 3.c through 3.h. 09-15-2009 51:0138 AYES: Council/Agency Member Kovacic, Harbicht, Amundson, Chandler and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None At the request of Council/Agency Member Harbicht regarding Consent Item 3.b. regarding the appropriation of $100,000 from the unreserved fund balance to pay administrative costs related to Fire Station 105, Mr. Penman explained that the City has not yet accepted the project because they are still some outstanding issues with the contractor on the project; the City still holds 5% of the project retention to cover costs the City incurred as a result of the project being completed several months behind schedule; he further explained that there are expenses the City must pay to cover administrative expenses incurred to date including project coordination and legal services and possibly other expenses for resolution of the dispute and project closeout. He stated that the Agency has sufficient unrestricted reserves to pay for the various administrative expenses including $18,000 that has not been paid to the project coordinator. At the recommendation of Council Member Harbicht, the City Council agreed that this item be scheduled for a future closed session and also place on the same agenda for open discussion. It was moved by Council/Agency Member Harbicht and seconded by Council/Agency Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to schedule a future closed session on October 20, 2009 and place on the same agenda for open discussion. AYES: Council/Agency Member Harbicht, Kovacic, Amundson, Chandler, and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None In response to a question by Council/Agency Member Harbicht regarding the purchase of computer equipment, Administrative Services Director Hue Quach explained that the old computers are sent to the Library for public use and all other parts that cannot be used are sent to auction. It was moved by Council/Agency Member Chandler and seconded by Council/Agency Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 3.i. AYES: Council/Agency Member Chandler, Kovacic, Amundson, Harbicht, and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None 4. CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR a. Approve a waiver of Arcadia Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 172 to permit a dance studio at 210 North First Avenue. Recommended Action: Approve Jerry Schwartz, Economic Development Director provided a report regarding an application to operate a ballroom dance studio at 210 North First Avenue; he explained that the application for the ballroom dance studio requires a waiver from Arcadia Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 172; he further explained that ARA Resolution No. 172 was adopted to promote high quality development and design in the redevelopment project area to discourage incompatible and non- harmonious land uses and projects and describes "dance studios/halls" as an inappropriate use; that the Redevelopment Agency Board must consider a waiver to allow the ballroom dance 09-15-2009 7 51:0139 studio that would otherwise not be permitted in the Central Redevelopment Project Area. He noted that the dance studio would also require a Conditional Use Permit and parking modification which would be considered at a future Planning Commission meeting if approved. It was moved by Council/Agency Member Harbicht seconded by Council/Agency Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to approve a waiver of Arcadia Redevelopment Agency Resolution No. 172 to permit a dance studio at 210 North First Avenue. AYES: Council/Agency Member Harbicht, Chandler, Amundson, Kovacic, and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None b. Award a purchase order to South Coast Fire Equipment Inc. for the purchase of one (1) Pierce 100-foot tractor-drawn aerial ladder for the Fire Department in the amount not to exceed $915.666. Recommended Action: Approve Fire Chief Tony Trabbie presented the staff report regarding the purchase of a 100 foot tractor drawn aerial ladder; he explained the importance of an aerial ladder and why the current frontline aerial ladder is due for replacement; and noted the exclusive safety features the new vehicle will have. He advised that sufficient funds have been appropriated in the City's Equipment Replacement fund to cover the cost; staff studied and applied for various federal grants to reduce the impact to the City's fund and is currently awaiting award notifications. He also explained the sole source purchase from South Coast Fire Equipment is in the best interest of the City for various safety, reliability and financial reasons; and noted that if not purchased by October 1, 2009, the cost will increase 3% which will save the City $27,470. Mr. Penman advised that the City Council previously approved the allocation of a portion of Agency's land sale proceeds to the Equipment Fund in order to cover the purchase cost of the 100 foot tractor drawn aerial ladder for the Fire Department. It was moved by Council/Agency Member Harbicht, seconded by Council/Agency Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to award a purchase order to South Coast Fire Equipment Inc. for the purchase of one (1) Pierce 100-foot tractor-drawn aerial ladder for the Fire Department in the amount not to exceed $915,666. AYES: Council/Agency Member Harbicht, Chandler, Amundson, Kovacic and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: None C. Report, discussion and direction regarding an update of the 2009-2010 Fiscal Year Budget. Recommended Action: Receive and Provide Direction City Manager Don Penman provided a summary of the revenue shortfall during fiscal year 2008- 2009 and explained the alternatives implemented to mitigate the expected deficit to the General Fund. He commented on the supplemental information regarding the budget; the Second Quarter Sales Tax allocation for each city in the Los Angeles County and Sale tax in-lieu payments and adjustments for cities in Los Angeles County for Fiscal Year 2009-2010; that Arcadia will receive almost $700,000 less from the sales tax in lieu in Fiscal Year 2009-2010; that the sales tax in-lieu was part of the agreement the State essentially imposed on local 09-15-2009 51:0140 government several years ago where they keep one-quarter of the sales tax and instead pay the cities with property tax money. Mr. Quach, Administrative Service Director reported that the City's major revenue sources were mixed as some of the more "economically" sensitive sources had further decreases than projected at mid-year; he reported on the revenues that had additional reductions i.e. Sales Tax, Transient Occupancy Tax, Plan Check and Building Permit fees and Utility User's Tax; and reported on the few major revenue sources that were not adversely affected i.e. Property Tax, Motor Vehicle License Fee, Franchise Fee, Business License Tax and Ambulance Charges. He explained that information complied by the State shows that at the end of Fiscal Year 2009- 2010 the City could face a potential budget deficit of $1.4 million dollars which could be off-set with the recent increase in fees, reducing the shortfall to about $1.1 million dollars. Following discussion it was the consensus of the City Council to schedule a study session at a future date to consider various options and review alternatives prepared by staff. d. Report and update regarding Dana Middle School Joint Use Gymnasium Project. Recommended Action: Receive and file Sara Somogyi, Director of Recreation and Community Services provided an update regarding the Joint Use Gymnasium Project at Dana Middle School and explained the State grant process. She reported that in January 2009, the design of the gymnasium was approved by the State Architect and the School District is waiting for the State to confirm that the project has received the funding; she explained that if the project receives the funding, the State will contribute up to 50% percent of the approved project cost not to exceed one million five hundred thousand ($1,500.000) for building construction which the City and School District will equally share the remaining costs. She advised that the School District wants to move forward in bidding the project and feel that the current bidding market would be favorable and would most likely come in under the engineers estimate. Mr. Penman reported that he contacted the State and was advised that the project will be receiving its apportionment and the grant application was approved prior to the State freezing various funds. ADJOURNMENT The City Council/Redevelopment Agency meeting adjourned in memory of Arcadia resident Tim "Ske" Selinske and Virginia Auriemma at 9:40 p.m. to Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. j Johy(Wuo, Mayor ATTEST: James H. Barrows, City Clerk 09-15-2009 9