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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 1, 2010STUDY SESSION CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010 CALL TO ORDER — Mayor /Agency Chair Amundson called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson ABSENT: None CLOSED SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes per person) CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6 to confer with labor negotiators. Citv Negotiators: Administrative Services Director Hue Quach and Human Resources Administrator Michael Casalou. Employee Organizations: Arcadia Public Works Employees Association, Arcadia City Employees Association, Arcadia Police Officers' Association, Arcadia Firefighters' Association and unrepresented employees: Department Heads, Division Managers, Supervisors, and Part-time employees. b. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956(a) to confer with legal counsel regarding the case of Westfield, LLC, et al. v. City of Arcadia; Arcadia First! v. City of Arcadia; Real Parties in Interest: Caruso Property Management, Inc., Santa Anita Associates Holding Co., LLC, The Santa Anita Companies, Inc., Santa Anita Commercial Enterprises, Inc. Santa Anita Associates, LLC, Magna Entertainment Corporation, Los Angeles Turf Club, Incorporated, Rick J. Caruso, Caruso Affiliated, Inc. (State of California Court of Appeal Case No. B212865) a. Report, discussion and direction regarding the Proposed 2010 -11 Fiscal Year Budget. Mr. Penman discussed the various options for balancing the budget including what the City Council suggested at the Study Session on May 17, 2010; he noted that the preliminary General Fund Budget was out of balance by $1,069.725 which represented 2.3% of the total operating budget; he discussed the ideas that were discussed at the Budget Study Session which included using interest earnings from some of the unrestricted funds (Capital and Equipment Funds), over funded reserves in the Life Insurance Fund and lowering reserves in the Liability and Workers Compensation Fund and implementing the "960" Plan; and discussed those positions that have been identified as a potential cost savings. He explained that the Life Insurance Fund that was established to self fund a $10,000 death benefit for employees that applied after they retired; he noted that there were still 18 retired employees who were eligible under the program; that the maximum exposure to the City is $190,000 which can be allocated to another fund to further cover the shortfall. He discussed and commented on the various positions that continue to be frozen in the 2010 -11 budget; and provided a summary of potential cuts from all departments. 1 52:0077 06 -01 -10 He further discussed and explained future CIP projects such as the City Hall Project, the Soccer Field and the Stone Pines Projects; he did note that there were about 50 Stone Pine trees that have to come out in the next 2 -3 years because they are in decline and that $450,000 will be needed to complete that project; he discussed and noted that Park Impact money can be used for the Soccer Field Project; and the Dana Gym project. The City Council adjourned back into Study Session at 8:55 p.m. Hue Quach, Administrative Services Director provided a summary of the General Fund including beginning and ending fund balances, estimated revenues, proposed expenditure and revenue sources and general fund expenditure summaries. He noted and discussed a projected increase of approximately 8.7% in sales taxes, 4.9% in Transient Occupancy Tax and an increase in building and development activities, including an increase from $9.1 to $9.3 million dollars which is about 1.7% in property tax money; and provided a summary of all Department General Fund Expenditure increases and decreases. The Study Session recessed at 6:55 p.m. to the Open Meeting and resumed at 8:55 p.m. Mr. Penman discussed and provided an overview of the options for balancing the budget; he further commented and provided additional information, at the request of the City Council, from the reverse priority list and discussed studies to be conducted regarding overtime and potential revenue sources. A motion was made by Council Member Segal, seconded by Council Member Harbicht to approve and implement the "one time" schedule provided at the May 17, 2010 to balance the budget and at a later time will decide which funds will continue to be used. At the request of Council Member Kovacic, Mr. Penman provided an update regarding use and potential costs of the Joint Use Agreement with the School District and discussed the City's and School District use. AYES: Agency Member Segal, Harbicht, Chandler, Kovacic, and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None In response to an inquiry from Council Member Harbicht regarding the $1.5 million dollars in the CIP budget for the City Council Hall project, Mr. Penman responded that there is a design that is done but there is no funding source at the present time; that 30% of the working drawings are done but the project has been placed on hold for the present time. He discussed various upgrades that have to be done to the current City Hall; and discussed the possibility of renting out the current City Hall if and when a new City Hall is built. THE CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADJOURNED TO OPEN SESSION Mayor /Agency Chair Amundson called the regular meeting to order in the Council Chamber at 7:05 P. m. INVOCATION — Reverend Raymond Petzholt, Mandarin Baptist Church PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director 2 52:0078 06 -01 -10 ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council /Agency Member Amundson, Kovacic, Chandler, Harbicht and Segal ABSENT: None REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY /AGENCY COUNSEL ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM 52:0079 City Attorney Steve Deitsch reported that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board met in Closed Session to consider the two (2) items listed on the posted agenda, no reportable action was taken. Mr. Deitsch further reported that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board began a Study Session to hear a report from staff regarding the proposed 2010 -11 Fiscal Year Budget; however, the Study Session was not completed, therefore, the City Council will recess back into Study Session following the Open Session. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS City Manager Don Penman announced the two (2) supplemental items handed out prior to the start of the meeting; he reported that one item relates to Public Hearing Item No. 1.b and (2) a memorandum from the City Attorney regarding the Citywide Lighting District No. 1 which will be discussed 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 Council /Agency Member Chandler, seconded by Council /Agency Member Segal and carried on roll call vote to read all ordinances and resolutions by title only and waive the reading in full. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation of a Certificate to the Arcadia Chinese Association b. Presentation of a Certificate to Arcadia High School Baseball Team 1. PUBLIC HEARING REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS: a. Adopt Resolution No. ARA -232 amending and adopting local guidelines for implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). Recommended Action: Adopt Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director reported that periodically numerous amendments are made to the State's CEQA Guidelines in response to legislation and litigation that has changed or has been reinterpreted; he explained that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is California's most important environmental law; that CEQA requires that all public agencies adopt specific objectives, criteria and procedures for evaluating 3 06 -01 -10 52:0080 environmental impacts of public and private projects; and that local guidelines must be consistent with the guidelines that the State adopts. Mr. Kruckeberg recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. ARA 232 and Resolution No. 6717 amending and adopting local guidelines for implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council /Agency Member Chandler, seconded by Agency Member Harbicht and seeing no further objection, the Agency Chair declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Agency Member Chandler, seconded by Agency Member Harbicht and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. ARA -232 amending and adopting local guidelines for implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). AYES: Agency Member Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: b. Adopt Resolution No. 6717 amending and adopting local guidelines for implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). Recommended Action: Adopt It was moved by Council Member Kovacic, seconded by Council Member Harbicht and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6717 amending and adopting local guidelines for implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.). AYES: Council Member Kovacic, Harbicht, Chandler, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None c. Appeal of Planning Commission Denial of Administrative Single Family Architectural Design Review No. 10 -28 for a new front porch cover and replacement of two patio covers at the rear of the existing single - story, single - family residence at 215 West Naomi Avenue. Recommended Action: Uphold denial Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrator reported that the property owner submitted Administrative Single Family Architectural Design Review for a new 270 square foot front porch cover and replacement of two patio covers at the rear of the existing, single -story, single - family residence; that the Planning Commission denied the applicant's proposal based on the finding that the architectural design of the porch and patio covers are not consistent with the City's Single - Family Architectural Design Review Guidelines; and further reported that the applicant began the work without design review approval and building permits. Mr. Kasama advised that porches and patio covers are typically handled at the administrative level; however, noted that staff referred this design review to the Planning Commission because the proposed improvements were not compatible with the existing structure; he discussed the residence as being 4 06 -01 -10 Mediterranean /California ranch style based on the terracotta, S -tile roof, the off white stucco walls and the wide low profile appearance; he explained the City's Architectural Design Review Guidelines and process, the Single Family Residential Design Guidelines and Architectural Style. He further reported that on April 27, 2010, the Planning Commission agreed with staffs determination that the proposed porch cover and two patio covers were not consistent with the City's Single - Family Architectural Design which was appealed by the homeowner on May 4, 2010. Mayor Amundson opened the public hearing. Fausto G. Pachano, the property owner, appeared and explained his vision for the house once it is completed; he discussed the new plans that depict what the house will look like when it is completed; and requested that the City Council allow him to finish his dream home. Brian Chen, Designer, apologized for beginning construction without the proper permits; he noted that professional plans were prepared and submitted to the City; and that he would like to see the City Council approve the plans. A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Segal, seconded by Council Member Harbicht and seeing no further objection, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed. It was moved by Council Member Segal, seconded by Council Member Harbicht and carried on roll call vote to refer the new plans back to staff for review; and to waive any additional fees. AYES: Council Member Segal, Harbicht, Chandler, Kovacic and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None PUBLIC COMMENTS - None REPORTS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK 52:0081 Council Member Chandler announced that the Arcadia Newsletter which should be arriving in mailboxes soon has an article regarding the Citywide Street Lighting Assessment District which is a very important issue; he noted that if it does not pass, it will create a shortfall in the budget; he encouraged residents to vote yes. Council Member Segal congratulated Mr. Kovacic and the Arcadia Chinese Association on a successful Law Day; and congratulated the Arcadia High School Baseball team. Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic thanked the Arcadia Chinese Association for their help in assisting with Law Day and their community involvement; and encouraged other organizations to get involved in the community. Council Member Harbicht commented and discussed City Council term limits; and advised that in the future, he will be asking that an item regarding City Council term limits be placed on the agenda. City Clerk Barrows had no announcements. Mayor Amundson thanked Supervisor Antonovich for the Memorial Day Celebration at the County Park; he announced that he attended the Memorial Day event at Live Oak Cemetery; he noted that 5 06 -01 -10 General Plan Update Community workshops are coming up and encouraged community participation; and advised that a coyote has been seen in surrounding neighborhoods and advised residents to be careful and be proactive. Mr. Penman discussed potential dates for Planning Commission interviews as discussed by the City Council at the last meeting. After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council that Planning Commissioner interviews will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. and that the two Planning Commissioners who are eligible for reappointment will not be part of the interview process. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with General Pump Company for Preventative Maintenance Services and Repair of City Wells and Pumps in the amount of $300,000. Recommended Action: Approve b. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Catering Systems, Inc. to provide the Senior Meals Program for the 2010 -2011 Fiscal Year in an amount not to exceed $56,000. Recommended Action: Approve c. Approve the Home Improvement Program Guidelines for the Community Development Block Grant Program and authorize the City Manager to approve any future revisions to the Guidelines. Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Council Member Chandler seconded by Council Member Harbicht and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar items 2.a through 2.c. AYES: Council Member Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None 3 CITY MANAGER ITEMS: a. Authorize the City Manager to execute a two (2) year Professional Services Agreement extension with the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA for Animal Control Services in the amount of $71,142 per vear. Recommended Action: Approve Captain Randy Kirby reported that the City's current Professional Services Agreement with the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCE (PHS) for animal control will expire on June 30, 2010; that Pasadena Humane Society requested a renewal fee of $83,576.71 for FY 2010 -2011 which reflects an additional $2,434.27 per year or a 3% increase; that due to the City's budgetary constraints, staff requested PHS provide a list of dog licensing fees from surrounding cities and options for reducing the contract renewal costs; and reported that the survey indicated Arcadia had the lowest dog licensing fees in all categories. He discussed two options for either keeping the same current fee or reducing the annual contract cost by $10,000; Option A: the contract baseline fee will remain at 6 52:0082 06 -01 -10 52:0083 $81,142.44 if the City agrees to increase the annual dog license fees; or (b) PHS will reduce the annual contract by $10,000 or $71,142.00 for two years if the City agrees to increase the annual dog license fees. He advised that even with the fee increases, the amounts are still below surrounding cities; and recommended renewing the Professional Services Agreement for animal control services for the next two years in the amount of $71,142 per year. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht seconded by Council Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to authorize the City Manager to execute a two (2) year Professional Services Agreement extension with the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA for Animal Control Services in the amount of $71,142 per year. AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Kovacic, Chandler, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None b. Adopt Resolution No. 6720 initiating the proceedings for the formation of the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1; and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing with Fiscal Year 2010 -2011. Recommended Action: Adopt Adopt Resolution No. 6721 preliminarily approving the Engineer's Report regarding the formation of the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1; and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing with Fiscal Year 2010 -2011. Recommended Action: Adopt Adopt Resolution No. 6722 declaring its intention to form the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1; and declaring its intention to conduct a property owner balloting on the matter of new assessments related thereto commencing with Fiscal Year 2010 -2011. Recommended Action: Adopt Tom Tait, Public Works Services Director provided a brief summary of the issues surrounding the Citywide Lighting Assessment; he provided a project summary on revisiting the formation of the lighting assessment district; he discussed the process for re- balloting for the Citywide street lighting assessment district based on the City's current contribution of sixty percent (60 %) and using a simple methodology of two -zoned lighting benefit assessment areas: Zone 1 are property owners on major thoroughfares (arterial street lights) and Zone 2 are property owners who are on residential neighborhoods (local street lights); that property owners in Zones 1 and 2 who have sparse lighting will pay twenty percent (20 %) of what the annual rate is for single family property owners and areas in the City that do not have street lighting will not pay for street lighting. He explained that property owners currently pay 40% of the total cost to maintain and repair street lights and the City pays the remaining 60 %; that without a property owner approved extension, the City will lose approximately $420,000 in revenue annually. He noted that the total annual budget for the assessment is $1,071,595 with the City contributing $642,957 (60 %) while property owners will pay the remaining $428,638 (40 %). He also discussed public outreach efforts and proposed annual assessment rates based on single - family properties. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6720, 6721 and 6722 and authorize and direct the City Manager to vote "yes" on the City's ballots for assessments applicable to City owned property; and 7 06 -01 -10 AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Chandler, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None 52:0084 that the City continue the City's long standing policy of the City paying the assessments otherwise due from the Arcadia Unified School District for the proposed Citywide Lighting District No. I. Mr. Deitsch read the following resolutions into the record: Resolution No. 6720 initiating the proceedings for the formation of the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1; and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing with Fiscal Year 2010 -2011; and Resolution No. 6721 preliminarily approving the Engineer's Report regarding the formation of the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1; and the levy and collection of assessments related thereto commencing with Fiscal Year 2010 -2011; and Resolution No. 6722 declaring its intention to form the Arcadia Citywide Lighting District No. 1; and declaring its intention to conduct a property owner balloting on the matter of new assessments related thereto commencing with Fiscal Year 2010 -2011. c. Adopt Resolution No. 6718 setting City Water Rates for Fiscal Year 2010 -2011. Recommended Action: Adopt Adopt Resolution No. 6719 setting City Sewer Rates for Fiscal Year 2010 -2011. Recommended Action: Adopt Tom Tait, Public Works Services Director reported that utility rates fund the operations and maintenance of the water system and the sanitary sewer system; that every year it is necessary to evaluate current utility rates to ensure proper funding to provide quality services to the residents; that as part of the budget process, staff reviewed the Capital Improvement Program, Water Master Plan and Sewer Master Plan and has determined that a 1.3% cost of living adjustment is necessary in order to maintain water services to the residents; that the current water rate is $1.31 and the new rate will be $1.33 which is a $0.02 cent increase; he noted that at the June 12, 2009 meeting, the City Council approved staff's recommendation to automatically adjust water and sewer rates for the next five (5) fiscal years in accordance with the California Consumer Price Index for Los Angeles, Riverside and Orange County areas. It was moved by Council Member Segal seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6718 setting City Water Rates and finding the rates will not exceed the estimated amount necessary to fund operation of the City Water System. AYES: Council Member Segal, Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None It was moved by Council Member Segal, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6719 setting City Sewer Rates and finding the rates will not exceed the estimated amount necessary to fund operation of the City Sewer System. AYES: Council Member Segal, Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic and Amundson 8 06 -01 -10 NOES: None ABSENT: None The City Council recessed at 8:50 p.m. to Study Session ADJOURNMENT The City Council /Redevelopment Agency adjourned at 9:20 p.m. to Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. ATTEST: ames H. Barrows, City Clerk 9 Peter Amundson, Mayor 52:0085 06 -01 -10