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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 02, 2010CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2010 52:0015 CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Wuo called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council /Agency Member Amundson, Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic and Wuo ABSENT: None CLOSED SESSION /STUDY SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes per person) — None CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b)(1) to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation — one (1) case. b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) conference with real property negotiators: STUDY SESSION Property: 21 Morlan Place Agency Negotiators: City Manager /Agency Executive Director, Development Services Director /Deputy Executive Director and the Economic Development Manager Negotiating Parties: Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and Rusnak/Arcadia Mercedes Benz. Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment a. Report, discussion and direction regarding the proposed Low Income Senior Housing Project at 16 Campus Drive. Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director discussed a proposed 43 unit project for low and very low income senior citizens at 16 Campus Drive which would be known as "Campus Commons Senior Apartments "; he reported that the Agency has set aside funds for low and moderate income housing; that according to the development team, the total estimated project cost is $12,359,466 and would include a $6.9 million dollar deferred loan from the Agency's low /mod housing fund; that the project is being proposed by Davila Properties, who developed the Heritage Park senior housing project on Live Oak. Mr. Kruckeberg reported that at the beginning of fiscal year 2009 -10, the Agency had $5.1 million dollars in the affordable housing fund; that up to 34% of the Agency's current and future affordable housing funds can be spent for additional senior housing. He noted that the proposed project would be a four story, 43 unit senior citizen apartment project on a 23,000 square foot site, three levels of residential units over a parking level for a total height of 46 feet and each unit will range from 625 and 777 square feet and a community room; and discussed site planning issues, density, height, parking and the funding. Mr. Kruckeberg noted that the project will assist the City in meeting its affordable housing goals and objectives in accordance with the City's Housing Element. 1 02 -02 -10 52:0016 It was the consensus of the City Council that staff make contact the Arcadia Unified School District regarding the proposed project and bring this matter back on March 2, 2010 with additional information. b. Report, discussion and direction regarding Redevelopment Bond Reauthorization and Santa Anita Avenue Grade Separation. Jim Fabian of Fieldman Rolapp & Associates discussed options for refunding the 2001 Tax Allocation Bonds and issuing New 2010 Taxable Tax Allocation Bonds; he provided a review of the 2001 Tax Allocation Bonds; and discussed the Agency's capacity to issue additional bonds in today's market; the use of bond proceeds; the need to fund Housing Fund cumulative obligation; the use of bond proceeds; and subordination of statutory pass -thru payments. With the consensus of the City Council, Council Member Harbicht suggested that a future study be scheduled regarding how much the City owes the housing fund, how much income is coming in to the City, and a list of other projects the City might consider doing with Agency funds. Jim Fabian, Fieldman Rolapp & Associates reported that in 2006 the voters of Arcadia approved an $8 million dollar general obligation bond authorization to help fund the Gold Line extension project; the estimated cost of the project is $13 million dollars; $6.1 million dollars is in transportation funds are available for the project; that the Gold Line Construction Authority will be responsible for the construction of the grade separation; and the $13 million dollar estimate includes 35% soft costs with a 2011 start date and a 2013 completion date. He explained that when the voters approved the authorization they assumed a no more than a $6.97 levy per $100,000 of assessed valuation; he discussed the $8 million dollars in net bond proceeds, the 30 year final maturity, the cost to issue and the proposed general obligation bond sizing and bond timing. The City Council reconvened at 8:30 p.m. to Study Session. c. Report, discussion and direction regarding the assessment methodology and annual rate for the re- balloting of the Citywide Street Lighting Assessment District. Tom Tait, Public Works Services Director provided an update of the assessment methodology and annual rate for the re- balloting of the Citywide Street Lighting Assessment District; he reported that the Street Lighting Maintenance District will expire on June 30, 2010 which will obligate the City to fund all street lighting costs in the amount of $980,725 beginning in fiscal year 2010/11; he discussed the proposed annual assessment rate based on a single - family property, including the total annual budget, the City /District Budget 50/50 contribution and the 60/40 contribution; he provided an update regarding the public outreach strategy; he advised that staff is currently seeking Request for Proposals from qualified consultants to provide public outreach and communication strategy to improve the City's chances of a successful measure for the July 2010 ballot; and that staff will seek City Council approval at the March 2, 2010 meeting to award a contract to the most qualified consultant. He provided background information regarding the November 2008 ballot proceeding and discussed the proposed new methodology and assessment rates for fiscal year 2010/11. It was the consensus of the City Council that a 60/40 cost sharing split with the City paying 60% of the total lighting cost ($619,635) and 40% paid by the District $413.090) for annual street lighting assessment rate for fiscal year 2010/11. 2 02 -02 -10 52:0017 Mr. Penman noted that no direction is needed at this time; that in the event the Gold Line moves forward the City needs to move ahead. RECONVENE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING TO OPEN SESSION Mayor Wuo called the regular meeting to order in the Council Chamber at 7:00 p.m. INVOCATION — Mayor John Wuo PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Hue Quach, Administrative 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 ITEMS City Attorney Steve Deitsch reported that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board met in Closed Session to discuss the two (2) items listed on the posted agenda regarding anticipated litigation and real property negotiations, no reportable action was taken. Mr. Deitsch further reported that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency met in a Study Session to consider the items on the posted agenda; he reported that Item a. dealt with a report, discussion and the provisions of direction to staff regarding a proposed Low Income Senior Housing Project at 16 Campus Drive, staff was directed to look into the matter further and report back to the Redevelopment Agency Board and to also confer with the Arcadia Unified School District about the proposed project. Regarding Item b., a report, discussion and direction regarding two possible financings which the Redevelopment Agency can undertake regarding a tax allocation bond issue and a general obligation bond issue for the Santa Anita Avenue Grade Separation project which was previously approved by the voters; the Redevelopment Agency Board regarding the tax allocation bond issue directed staff to conduct further analysis and report back to the Agency Board; and regarding the grade separation bond issue, the City Council directed staff to also do further analysis. Regarding Item c. under the Study Session agenda regarding a proposed report, discussion and direction regarding the assessment methodology and annual rate for the re- balloting of the Citywide Street Lighting Assessment District; he reported that there was insufficient time to consider the item; the City Council recessed the Special Meeting until after the open session. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Don Penman announced that there were no supplemental reports regarding agenda items. 3 02 -02 -10 MOTION TO READ ALL ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE THE READING IN FULL A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem /Agency 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. Council Member Chandler announced that he is the Vice - Chairman of the Foothill Transit Executive Board and needs to be excused to attend and make a presentation at the West Covina City Council meeting regarding a regional park and ride lot. At 7:10 p.m., Council Member Chandler excused himself from the City Council meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS Kathy Yamane PTA President of First Avenue Middle School appeared and presented slides of First Avenue Middle School; and explained the renovations and construction going on at First Avenue Middle School with Measure 1 money. Shong -Ching Tong appeared and spoke regarding an incident he encountered with the Arcadia Police Department; and commented on the City Council election on April 13 Paul Cheng, Arcadia resident appeared and thanked Council Member Amundson for always following up with the constituents; he discussed the traffic congestion at the schools and suggested a tied system for dropping off and picking up kids in order to eliminate traffic; and commented on the need for Chinese volunteers in the community who speak Chinese and other languages. REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK 52:0018 Council Member Harbicht thanked and recognized Target stores for their $27,000 donation, $22,000 to Recreation to fund the summer concerts and $5,000 to the Library to be used to promote early childhood literacy; he commented on the World Guinness Book jump rope competition at Dana Middle School; and thanked everyone who participated. Council Member Kovacic also commented on the jump rope competition; he thanked the City for allowing the U.S. Constitution Team to use the Council Chambers to practice on Monday evenings and announced that the team is currently on their way to Sacramento for State Finals. Mayor Pro Tem Amundson commented on the great relationship between the School District and the City; the jump rope competition at Dana Middle School; he encouraged everyone to get ready and be prepared in the event of an emergency; he announced the ACTION Guide Book which gives tips on how to be prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster; and announced a community meeting regarding the adoption of a Mitigation Hazard Plan. City Clerk Barrows announced the names of those individuals who were recognized and received an Honorary Service Award by the Arcadia Council PTA; and thanked them for all their service to the schools and children in the community. Mayor Wuo commented on the jump rope competition at Dana Middle School and invited them to a future City Council meeting to be recognized; he announced and congratulated Mary Hansen who recently celebrated her 85 Birthday; he commented on 3 robberies at the 99 4 02 -02 -10 1. CONSENT CALENDAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS: 52:0019 Ranch Market that involved women getting their purses snatched from their arms; he reminded everyone to be alert and be aware of your surroundings; he announced that Mirai Nagasu, a 16 year old Arcadia resident recently won a silver medal in the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championship and is on her way to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada; and also read a biography of her accomplishments. a. Approve the Meeting Minutes of January 6, 2010 (Special) and January 19, 2010. Recommended Action: Approve b. Accept all work performed by Panorama General Engineering for the paving of the lot at 21 Morlan Place as complete and authorize the final payment to be made in accordance with the contract documents. Recommended Action: Approve c. Approve appropriation of $25,000 from Arcadia Redevelopment Agency Affordable Housing reserves to fund asbestos and lead paint abatement, demolition and site clearance, and planning work related to 15 Lucille Street. Recommended Action: Approve CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: d. Approve the Meeting Minutes of January 6, 2010 (Special) and January 19, 2010. Recommended Action: Approve e. Accept grants from Target for Recreation and Community Services Department and Arcadia Public Library Programs in the amount of $27,000. Recommended Action: Accept the grants It was moved by Council /Agency Member Harbicht seconded by Council /Agency Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar items 1.a through 1.e. AYES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Kovacic, Amundson and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: Council Member Chandler 2. CITY MANAGER ITEMS: a. Approve Federal Legislative Advocacy Priorities for 2010. Recommended Action: Approve Linda Garcia, Communications, Marketing and Special Projects Manager reported that every year staff presents to the City Council a list of federal lobbying priorities for 2010 which The Ferguson Group will focus on in the next legislative session; she noted that The Ferguson Group has assisted the City for more than a decade in obtaining millions of dollars for local City projects and advocate on behalf of the City on legislative matters that are important to the 5 02 -02 -10 Arcadia community. She further noted that staff recently met with The Ferguson Group to review several projects and alternatives for approaching the City's funding requests so they meet federal criteria; that besides the on going water and transportation projects, she provided a brief summary of the projects discussed i.e. construction of a new City Hall, a Joint Emergency Preparedness Training Facility or a Museum Education Center, the purchase of a Reverse 911 Computer Software System, an upgrade of police radio equipment, purchase of a police logistical vehicle, installation of fiber optics connection at City facilities and funding for the on- line tutoring program at the Library; she provided a brief summary of the three areas the City will focus on in the coming year i.e. water projects, transportation and the installation of fiber optic connections. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to authorize staff to direct The Ferguson Group to work on behalf of the City to seek funding for the projects referenced in the staff report and further authorize staff to submit any documents or application forms for federal funding that may be needed for each project. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: b. Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Kovacic, Amundson and Wuo None Council Member Chandler Accept $64,197 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Justice Assistance Grant and $16.309 from the Justice Assistance Grant 2009 and authorize the expenditure of funds to purchase various equipment for the Police Department. Recommended Action: Approve Police Chief Sanderson reported that the Federal Recovery Act, the City of Arcadia was selected by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance to receive grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $64,197 and $16,309 from the JAG 2009. He noted that the money will be used to purchase a firearms simulation system, surveillance equipment and optical sights and accessories to be added onto the M16 rifles; and also explained the purpose and reasoning for each purchase. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to accept $64,197 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Justice Assistance Grant and $16,309 from the Justice Assistance Grant 2009 and authorize the expenditure of funds to purchase various equipment for the Police Department. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Council /Agency Member Harbicht. None Council Member Chandler 6 Kovacic, Amundson and Wuo 52:0020 c. Introduce Ordinance No. 2270 amending Sections 3214.1.1 and 3214.1.2 of the Arcadia Municipal Code relating to the Uniform Traffic Ordinance concerning Early Morning Parking Prohibited. Recommended Action: Introduce Police Chief Sanderson reported that on December 15, 2009, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2265 amending the overnight parking restrictions from 3:00 a.m. through 5:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. through 5:30 a.m for vehicles under 6,000 pounds; that two additional sections 02 -02 -10 AYES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Amundson, Kovacic and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: Council Member Chandler 52:0021 of the Municipal Code relating to overnight night parking restrictions must be amended to reflect the changes for vehicles exceeding a maximum gross weight limit of 6,000 pounds and parking on public lots. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Amundson and carried on roll call vote to Introduce Ordinance No. 2270 amending Sections 3214.1.1 and 3214.1.2 of the Arcadia Municipal Code relating to the Uniform Traffic Ordinance concerning Early Morning Parking Prohibited. Council Member Kovacic advised that at the last City Council meeting, he announced a potential conflict of interest as a board member of the Historical Society and that City Attorney Ballinger advised that he in fact had a conflict of interest. City Attorney Deitsch confirmed that Council Member Kovacic in fact had a conflict of interest and must excuse himself from discussion on City Manager Item d. d. Accept the Historical Museum Commission's recommendation to authorize the City Manager to use $2,650 from the Historical Museum's Gilb Memorial Fund for payment for additional architectural services and approve contribution levels for naming rights for the Museum Education Center. (Continued from January 19, 2010) Recommended Action: Approve Carolyn Garner - Reagan, Library and Museum Services Director provided background information relating to a request from the Historical Museum Commission for payment relating to additional architectural services; she reported that on September 15, 2009, the City Council approved payment of $2,800 to Robert Daggett for half the costs of architectural fees for the proposed Museum Education Center; she noted that since that time, additional schematic design costs have been incurred; that the Historical Museum Commission recommends to the City Council that the City Manager authorize the additional payment of $2,650 be paid from the Historical Museum's Gilb Memorial Fund for half the payment of the additional architectural fees incurred for the Museum Education Center and she also discussed the Historical Museum Commission's recommendation that naming rights be permitted for a donation of 50% or more of the estimated cost of the entire building and explained the process of a similar level of donation which will permit naming rights for each of the three individual classrooms. It was moved by Council Member Amundson seconded by Council Member Harbicht and carried on roll call vote to authorize the City Manager to use $2,650 from the Historical Museum's Gilb Memorial Fund for the payment of one -half of the additional architectural fees for the Museum Education Center; and that a letter be sent to the Historical Museum Commission indicating that any future costs should be paid from private fundraising activities. AYES: Council /Agency Member Amundson, Harbicht and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: Council Member Chandler ABSTAIN: Council Member Kovacic 7 02 -02 -10 It was moved by Council Member Harbicht seconded by Council Member Amundson and carried on roll call vote to approve the Historical Museum Commission's recommendation regarding naming rights of the Museum Education Center. AYES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Amundson and Wuo NOES: None ABSENT: Council Member Chandler ABSTAIN: Council Member Kovacic At 8:30 p.m., the Mayor announced that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency will reconvene to the earlier Study Session in the Council Conference Room. ADJOURNMENT The City Council /Redevelopment Agency adjourned this meeting at 9:10 p.m. to Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber Conference Room located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. ATTEST: James H. Barrows, City Clerk 8 52:0022 02 -02 -10