HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 16, 2010 52:0181
CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2010
CALL TO ORDER Mayor /Agency Chair Amundson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION — Reverend Terry Keenan, The Santa Anita Church
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager /Development Services
Director
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson
ABSENT: None
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - None
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 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. Proclamation honoring Arcadia Festival of Bands Month.
b. Presentation by Dr. Russell Maatz of Arcadia Methodist Hospital regarding the Arcadia Fire
Department Paramedic Program.
1. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Adoption of the General Plan Update, Final Environmental Impact Report, Proposed
Zoning Code Amendments and New Official Zoning Map for the City of Arcadia.
Adopt Resolution No. 6715 certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH
#2009081034) adopting Environmental Findings pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act, adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program,
adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations and adopting the proposed General
Plan Update.
Recommended Action: Adopt
Introduce Ordinance No. 2272 repealing and replacing various Sections of Article IX of
the Arcadia Municipal Code to enact the 2010 General Plan Update Project and
establish new zoning designations for Downtown Mixed Use (DMU), Mixed Use (MU),
and Restricted Multi - Family (R -3 -R).
Recommended Action: Introduce
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Introduce Ordinance No. 2273 amending various Sections of Article IX of the Arcadia
Municipal Code to enact the 2010 General Plan Update Project and address new local and
state regulations and standards.
Recommended Action: Introduce
Introduce Ordinance No. 2274 certifying the 2010 Zoning Map as the Official Zoning
Map of the City of Arcadia.
Recommended Action: Introduce
Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director introduced the
consultants, City staff and the General Plan Advisory Committee who were crucial in the
General Plan Update process and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication.
Lisa Flores, Senior Planner presented a power point presentation explaining what is a General
Plan; she further explained that the proposed General Plan Update is a long term plan that
defines how the City should look and function in the next 25 years; she noted that the proposed
General Plan contains eight elements, seven elements are required by the state and one
optional element. She explained that the zoning code amendments are organized into two
sections which consist of three text amendments which are new zoning regulations and
designations and thirteen text amendments amending the existing regulations and the zoning
map which will be updated to be parcel specific and to ensure that it correspond with the draft
General Plan. She commented and explained the different levels of community and public
outreach and participation; and noted that the proposed General Plan Update reflects the
collective vision of residents, business owners, stakeholders, community groups, City staff and
leaders and was developed by considering balanced growth, development, connectivity,
neighborhood character, schools, cultural diversity, environmental sustainability, City services,
changing housing needs, economic health and preservation of special assets.
Mr. Kruckeberg commented on each of the eight components of the proposed General Plan
Update project which included Land Use and Community Design, Economic Development
(Optional), Circulation and Infrastructure, Housing, Resource Sustainability, Parks, Recreation
and Community Resources, Safety and Noise, and the Implementation Plan. He discussed the
Draft Environmental Impact Report and the impacts and the Mitigation and Monitoring Program.
Mayor Amundson opened the public hearing.
Henry Nunez, 128 E. Huntington Drive, appeared and thanked staff and the General Plan
Advisory Committee for their hard work on the proposed General Plan Update; and discussed
his concerns regarding the proposed General Plan not addressing the growth of the City in the
next 25 years.
A motion to close the public hearing was made by Council Member Chandler, seconded by
Council Member Harbicht and seeing no further objection, Mayor Amundson declared the public
hearing closed.
Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic thanked Mr. Nunez for his comments and concems and also his role in
the General Plan Update; and shared his comments regarding the proposed General Plan
update; he added that staff and the GPAC has done an excellent job and feels that this is a
great step in the right direction.
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In response to comments made by Mr. Nunez, Council Member Chandler responded that he is
not involved in SCAG and he is not the Chairman; and stated that he is the Chairman of the
Foothill Transit Authority.
In response to an inquiry by Mayor Amundson regarding Live Oak, Mr. Kruckeberg that staff has
spoken to many property owners along Live Oak and they were excited about the potential for
some of the additional development incentives.
In response to an inquiry made by Mayor Amundson regarding policies limiting the size of a
home, Mrs. Flores responded that the City has policies and guidelines in effect that regulate the
size of a home and is also in the proposed General Plan Update.
Council Member Segal noted that he was not involved in the proposed General Plan Update
until he was reelected and feels it is a step forward in the right direction; and he commended
staff on their work and feels that the end product makes big strides in trying to deal with the
future.
Council Member Harbicht stated that he is very happy with what has been done with the
General Plan; he commended staff and the citizens who donated their time to get this project
accomplished; and commented on the 30% growth a speaker suggested and noted that he does
not want to see another 20,000 people living in Arcadia.
Mr. Kruckeberg noted that for the record, the City received a no comment letter, although 2 %2
months late, from the California Energy Commission dated November 9, 2010; and also
commented that regarding growth, if Arcadia was totally built out over that 30 year period, it
would be 12 %.
It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried
on roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 6715 certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report
(SCH #2009081034), adopting Environmental Findings pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act, adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, adopting a Statement of
Overriding Considerations and adopting the proposed General Plan Update.
AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Chandler, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
It was moved by Council Member Segal, seconded by Council Member Harbicht and carried on
roll call vote to introduce Ordinance No. 2272 repealing and replacing various Sections of Article
IX of the Arcadia Municipal Code to enact the 2010 General Plan Update Project and establish
new zoning designations for Downtown Mixed Use (DMU), Mixed Use (MU), and Restricted
Multi- Family (R -3 -R).
AYES: Council Member Segal, Harbicht, Chandler, Kovacic, and Amundson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Segal and carried on
roll call vote to introduce Ordinance No. 2273 amending various Sections of Article IX of the
Arcadia Municipal Code to enact the 2010 General Plan Update Project and address new local
and state regulations and standards.
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AYES: Council Member Chandler, Segal, Harbicht, Kovacic and Amundson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
It was moved by Council Member Kovacic, seconded by Council Member Segal and carried on
roll call vote to introduce Ordinance No. 2274 certifying the 2010 Zoning Map as the Official
Zoning Map of the City of Arcadia.
AYES: Council Member Kovacic, Segal, Chandler, Harbicht and Amundson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Segal and carried on
roll call vote to incorporate the edits and modifications to the General Plan documents as shown
in Exhibits Al through A4 in the staff report dated November 16, 2010.
AYES: Council Member Harbicht, Segal, Chandler, Kovacic and Amundson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Mayor Amundson thanked the GPAC and staff for all their hours of hard work and dedication
over the past 2 1/2 year on the General Plan Update.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
John MacDonnell, an Arcadia resident appeared and thanked the City Council Members who
approved the Christmas tree lot; he announced that Uncle Buck's Christmas tree lot will be
opening at the corner of Second Avenue and Duarte Road; he asked if the Gold Line parking
structure is limited to a two -story structure or is there options to add additional stories.
Mr. Kruckeberg responded that there are options to add additional parking levels; that 800
parking spaces are approved in the EIR which would make it a four -story structure with a deck
for a total of five levels.
Mr. MacDonnell noted that at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Santa Anita Avenue
where there are now two turning lanes in each direction, he would like to request that
consideration be given to paint directional signs on the street so that drivers know where they
need to turn from.
Mr. Penman responded that staff is currently looking into putting directional stripping at that
intersection.
Bonnie Barron appeared and invited everyone to attend the Los Angeles County Arboretum on
November 30th for a free community educational presentation regarding "Coyotes in our Midst"
and how communities can co -exist with wildlife; and commented on the program and speakers.
Caleb Choi, Sarah Lee, Thomas Kil and Julie Kim appeared and introduced themselves as the
United Nation Global Debate Group which consists of 5 young students who are visiting major
cities interviewing businesses and residents regarding migration and diversity issues.
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REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK
Council Member Harbicht commented on receiving a letter from Reverend Philip Wood, Church
of the Good Shepherd regarding a letter send to all faith community leaders in Arcadia by Mayor
Amundson urging the ministers to encourage their congregations to vote a certain way on two
ballot measures on the November ballot; he felt that advocating on any election matter using
taxpayer funds is inappropriate; he also felt that the City should not be taking a stance on state
issues that do not affect the City; and also noted that he and Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic were
against the City supporting a resolution regarding Proposition 19 when brought before the City
Council. He congratulated Mickey and Lee Segal for receiving the Spirit of Philanthropy
Inspiration Award and Tina and Rick Caruso for receiving the Philanthropist of the Year Award;
he echoed Dr. Maatz comments on public officers' safety and firefighters and paramedics in
Arcadia; and he complimented Development Services staff on a great job on the General Plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic also congratulated Mickey and Lee Segal for receiving the Spirit of
Philanthropy Inspiration Award; he thanked the UN Global Debate Team for appearing and
addressing the City Council and wished them good luck; he thanked Mr. MacDonnell for his
comments and also felt the two left turning lanes on Huntington Drive and Holly Avenue are very
confusing; he announced that on November 22nd the Interfaith Action Group will be having their
annual community Thanksgiving Service at the Church of the Good Shepherd and he wished
everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Council Member Segal thanked Dr. Maatz and all the Methodist Hospital physicians and
employees for supporting and raising funds during the hospital's building campaign; he noted
that $1 million dollars was raised by the employees and $2 million was raised by the doctors; he
reminded and encouraged everyone to attend the Festival of Bands on Saturday; he wished
everyone a Happy Thanksgiving; he thanked Council Member Harbicht and Mayor Pro Tem
Kovacic for acknowledging the award he and Lee received which was a surprise; he thanked
Mr. Penman for attending and wished Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic a Happy Birthday.
Council Member Chandler also wished Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic a Happy Birthday; he
congratulated Mickey and Lee Segal for the Philanthropist Award they received; he thanked Dr.
Maatz for his presentation and good words about Arcadia police and fire personnel; he
reminded everyone if they have old paint or cans of oil, they should contact the City for
information on how to safely dispose of the hazardous waste; he also commented on the letter
sent out by Mayor Amundson; and wished everyone a Happy and safe Thanksgiving.
Mayor Amundson announced that he has discussed the matter with Mr. Penman and he will
personally be paying for any costs incurred by the City and apologized if his efforts were
misunderstood; he noted a residential burglary report in the police blog and encouraged
everyone to be extra careful during the holiday season and to report any suspicious activities in
their community; he invited everyone to attend the "Senior Fraud Workshop" at the Community
Center on December 7th; he announced that Council Member Segal will join him in a meeting
with the auditors regarding the City's recent audit; and requested support of the City Council for
a future study session regarding the formation of an Arcadia Downtown Business District,
Council Member Segal and Council Member Harbicht concurred.
Mr. Penman announced that the study session will be scheduled in January; that information will
be gathered from other downtown associations and presented to the City Council; including
whether redevelopment monies can be used and how assistance can be provided.
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City Clerk Barrows commented on the accomplishments and achievements of the Arcadia High
School Band and provided some history of the Festival of Band Review which has been around
57 years; and invited everyone to attend the Arcadia High School Football game on Friday
night.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS:
a. Approve the Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2010, October 5, 2010, October 19,
2010 and Special Meeting of October 27, 2010.
Recommended Action: Approve
b. Approve a one -year extension in the amount of $65,000 to the Professional Services
Agreement between the City of Arcadia and The Ferguson Group for Federal Legislative
Advocacy Services.
Recommended Action: Approve
c. Authorize the Executive Director to appropriate $30,000 from Arcadia Redevelopment
Agency affordable housing reserves to fund tenant relocation, asbestos and lead paint
removal, demolition and site clearance related to 19 Lucile Street.
Recommended Action: Approve
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS:
d. Approve the Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2010, October 5, 2010, October 19,
2010 and Special Meeting of October 27, 2010.
Recommended Action: Approve
e. Approve a one -year extension in the amount of $65,000 to the Professional Services
Agreement between the City of Arcadia and The Ferguson Group for Federal Legislative
Advocacy Services.
Recommended Action: Approve
f. Award a purchase order contract to Park West Landscape, Inc. to install synthetic turf at
the Civic Center Athletic Field in the amount of $433,920.13.
Recommended Action: Approve
g. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Stetson
Engineers, Inc. to prepare the 2010 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) Update in
the amount of $21,500.
Recommended Action: Approve
h. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with
American Micro Imaging, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $42,127.00 for Laserfiche
software and hardware support, maintenance and additional licenses; and appropriate
additional funds in the amount of $11,000 from the General Fund.
Recommended Action: Approve
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Council Member Harbicht pulled Consent Calendar item 2.f for separate discussion.
It was moved by Council /Agency Member Chandler, seconded by Council /Agency Member
Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar items 2.a through 2.e and 2.g
and 2.h.
AYES: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Kovacic, Harbicht, Segal and Amundson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
In response to an inquiry by Council Member Harbicht regarding Consent Item 2.f, Mr. Penman
responded that the original estimate was close to $1.5 million, that the total is now about $1
million with a savings of about $500,000; that a majority of the funds for the installation of the
synthetic turf at the Civic Center Athletic Field project are provided from grants including
$88,000 from the Upper District due to water savings.
It was moved by Council /Agency Member Harbicht, seconded by Council /Agency Member
Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar item 2.f.
AYES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Kovacic, Chandler, Segal and Amundson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
3. CITY MANAGER/AGENCY DIRECTOR ITEMS:
a. Report, discussion and direction regarding the installation of left turn lanes and the
removal of on- street parking on Second Avenue at Foothill Boulevard.
Recommended Action: Provide Direction
Philip Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services /City Engineer discussed the
recommendation of the City's Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) regarding traffic safety
improvements to the intersection of Second Avenue and Foothill Boulevard that had generated
property owner opposition; he discussed the concerns of the neighboring businesses and their
objections; he provided four recommendations to pursue to improve the traffic flow and
pedestrian safety in that area. Mr. Wray commented on an accident in January involving a
vehicle making a left hand turn and three middle school aged pedestrians; that staff was asked
to reevaluate options and make recommendations to include additional measures for
consideration; he advised that eleven measures were considered by the TAC and are
recommending the top four which would give the greatest impact on both pedestrian and traffic
movement with minimal cost to the City. Mr. Wray noted that various traffic control guidelines
were reviewed and he met with the property owners; and briefly discussed staff's proposal to (1)
paint the area inside the crosswalk lines with a contrasting pattern (completed); (2) install new
pedestrian crossing warning signs; (3) install pedestrian countdown timers; and (4) paint the
crosswalks yellow to indicate a school area crossing. He also noted that the four recommended
measures are included in this year's budget and there would be no additional fiscal impact to
the City.
Larry Metz, an Arcadia resident appeared and feels that the left lane turn pocket will not help the
traffic problem on Second Avenue and Foothill Boulevard; and expressed his concern regarding
the elimination of the parking spaces which will cause parking in front of his property.
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Christina Karacias, owner of Pacos Restaurant in Arcadia appeared and suggested the City
Council focus on the safety of pedestrians by adding a flashing yellow light at the Second
Avenue and Foothill Boulevard intersection before removing parking; and asked that the City
Council consider other options first because they rely on the parking on Second Avenue.
Ronalyn Raymundo, owner of Dental office on West Foothill Boulevard appeared and
expressed her concerns regarding the elimination of the parking spaces on Second Avenue and
asked the City Council to utilize all measures before removing the parking spaces. She
suggested a crossing guard, pedestrian countdown timers and change traffic signal to split
phasing on Second Avenue.
Dr. Tom Segura appeared and expressed concern with regard to child safety; he asked staff to
first consider other options such as yellow lights and crossing guards before removing parking
spaces on Second Avenue; and suggested installing a no left turn sign during the school peak
hours, school zone signs and thanked Mr. Wray for spending time with them and listening to
their concerns.
John Mac Donnell appeared and explained why there are accidents in the areas of First and
Fifth Avenue; he noted that all the accidents occurred in the early morning when the sunlight
was reflecting on dirty windshields; he felt this was important for City Council to know all the
facts before making any decision.
It was moved by Council /Agency Member Segal, seconded by Council /Agency Member
Chandler and carried on roll call vote to approve staff recommendations Nos. 1 through 4 and
further study the impacts of No. 8 to change the traffic signal phasing to split the phasing on
Second Avenue and bring back for City Council discussion at a future meeting.
AYES: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
b. Request for direction regarding City funding improvements to the Colorado Boulevard
Railroad Bridge as part of the Gold Line Foothill Extension.
Recommended Action: Provide Direction
Philip Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services /City Engineer reported that since staff
came before the City Council with recommendations for betterments there have been some
changes to the Gold Line that are significant for Arcadia; the Gold Line Foothill Extension
through Arcadia was originally planned to reuse the existing Colorado Boulevard Railroad
Bridge for one set of tracks and construct a second bridge adjacent to it to accommodate the
second set of tracks; that since then, it has been determined that the existing bridge and
abutments need to be removed due to poor condition and one new bridge be constructed to
accommodate both tracks; that the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority
(Authority) has prepared a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report to address the bridge
replacement and is currently making plans to change the bid documents. Mr. Wray explained
that the Authority offered the City the opportunity to request upgrades or improvements to the
bridge above the baseline design; that staff has identified two upgrades worthy of consideration
and staff recommends that the City Council consider: 1) widening of the abutments to allow
sidewalk under the bridge, which in that case the bridge would need to be lengthened by
approximately seven (7) feet and the cost to lengthen the bridge by seven feet and construct
sidewalk is $100,000; and 2) add a concrete decorative feature to the bridge to give it a more
attractive appearance and it's own identity with the estimated cost of $200,000.
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Mr. Wray further noted that the total cost of the proposed two upgrades is $300,000 which could
be paid for out of the savings on the Santa Anita Avenue Grade Separation; that staff is still
working with the Authority to determine a final cost for the grade separation; that the latest
estimate indicates a total cost to the City of just over $12 million leaving almost a $2 million
savings. He added that the only other commitment to date on the grade separation savings is
the $120,000 authorize by the City Council for upgrades to the Station; that these funds may
also be needed for improvements or upgrades to the parking structure and transit plaza; that at
this point, no costs have been discussed for these elements.
It was moved by Council /Agency Member Segal, seconded by Council /Agency Member
Chandler and carried on roll call vote to approve the lengthening of the bridge and moving the
abutments further apart to allow for sidewalks between the abutments and the street (and not to
proceed with a decorative railroad barrier).
AYES: Council /Agency Member Segal, Chandler, Kovacic and Amundson
NOES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht
ABSENT: None
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council /Redevelopment Agency adjourned in memory of long time Arcadia residents
Robert Allen Meldahl and Shirley Golliher at 10:15 p.m. to Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 6:00
p.m. in City Council Chamber located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia.
Peter Amundson, Mayor
ATTEST:
James H. Barrows, City Clerk
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