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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/18/2011 53:0013 CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2011 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Amundson called the meeting to order at 5:30 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) - None CLOSED SESSION a. Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 conference with real property negotiators: Property: 35 West Huntington Drive, 21 Morlan Place, 101 -111 North Santa Anita Avenue, 121 -159 North Santa Anita Avenue Agency Negotiators: City Manager /Agency Executive Director Don Penman, Assistant City Manager /Deputy Executive Director Jason Kruckeberg, Administrative Services Director, Hue Quach and the Economic Development Manager Jerry Schwartz Negotiating Parties: Arcadia Redevelopment Agency and Rusnak/Arcadia (Paul Rusnak). Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment STUDY SESSION PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 minutes per person) - None The City Council recessed to the Council Chambers at 5:40 p.m. due to limited seating for purposes of hearing Study Session Item a. STUDY SESSION With the consensus of the City Council, the Mayor announced a three minute time limit per person for public comments. a. Report, discussion and direction regarding the Coyote Management Program. Linda Garcia, Communications, Marketing and Special Projects Manager reported that the City Council at their meeting on January 4, 2011, directed staff to place the coyote management program on the January 18, 2011 agenda for review and discussion; that the City Council was provided a report outlining the problems of aggressive coyotes in residential areas to date; she explained the concerns raised by the residents which lead the City Council to implement the trapping program; and that the City's position was that the trapping program would be used on a short term basis to deal with the immediate threat of the coyotes; and stated that if the City Council choices to suspend the trapping program, education will continue. fir. 01 -18 -11 1 53:0014 Erica Sawires, Amaris Fransia, Johana Read, Christina Read and Andra Brkic appeared and expressed their strong opposition to the killing of coyotes and urged residents to keep their pets indoors. Charles Carlton appeared and stated that residents should not feed the coyotes and keep their pets indoors and that he is opposed to the killing of the coyotes. Elisabeth Scott, a new resident to Arcadia appeared and stated that she moved to Arcadia because of the wildlife and mountains; and feels that the trapping of coyotes is inhumane. Patricia Huff, an Arcadia resident appeared and commented on the 2011 Arcadia calendar filled with pictures of wildlife and wilderness; and expressed her concerns regarding the trapping of the coyotes. Leslie (did not give last name), an Arcadia resident appeared and thanked the City Council for making the decision to suspend the trapping program; she noted that she is a volunteer docent for the L.A. County Arboretum and educates school age children on the nature and wildlife and urged the City Council to continue educating the public. Pam Olender, an Arcadia resident appeared and commented on the importance of the educational material sent out by the City but felt that educational material should have been sent out before the City decided to take drastic measures; and would like education continued. Officer Hermanitz of the Pasadena Humane Society appeared and thanked the City for considering alternatives and options on living with the wildlife; and offered the support and assistance of the Pasadena Humane Society on continuing education in the City. usi Jessica Cohen, a Glendale resident thanked the City Council for suspending the trapping program; she noted that there must be alternatives to trapping and killing the coyotes; and urged the City Council to consider a more humane way if the matter comes up again. Betty Dong, an Arcadia resident feels that every resident should be made responsible for their behavior; she noted that she recently learned that a neighbor put food out for feral cats which attracts coyotes and wildlife; she suggested that Arcadia send residents a similar informational pamphlet like the City of San Marino on how to deal with the coyotes. Wildlife Specialist Officer Gregory Randall with the City of Los Angeles provided his professional background and 30 year experience with wildlife; he commented on the wildlife program instituted in 2002 and advised that he and another officer designed brochures and two videos to help the public deal with wildlife issues to get away from trapping and killing the coyotes; he strongly encouraged education; he noted that he goes to homes to educate residents on how to make adjustments by removing items that are an attraction source to the coyote, scarce tactics and deterrents; and the use of a paintball gun that was instituted as a deterrent and offered his assistance to the City. Mary Rodriguez, an Arcadia resident appeared and noted that with the removal of all the trees, the coyotes will come; and commented on a roll guard that keeps the coyotes out and pets in. Robert Wayne, an Arcadia resident thanked the City Council for their decision to suspend the trapping program; he commented on precautions that residents living in the foothills must take 01 -18 -11 2 53:0015 regarding mud slides, fires and coyotes; and feels that everyone has a responsibility to help control the situation. Becki Westlain, an Arcadia resident noted that residents living in the affected areas need more education; and suggested that all the ideas be considered in order to resolve the coyote matter. Joanne Susnar, an Arcadia resident stated that residents who live in the foothills make that choice and that includes living and learning how to co -exist with the wildlife; and that residents who cannot accept living with the wildlife, should find somewhere else to live; and reminded residents of things they should do to co -exist with the wildlife. Dr. Rosemarie White representing Project Coyote, a National Non - Profit Charitable Organization who work together to promote educated co- existence between people and coyotes and other animals; she read a statement from the President of Project Coyote who was unable to attend; the statement commended the City for taking proactive action to better educate Arcadia residents on how to reduce negative encounters with coyotes. Randal Massaro, a resident of Victorville stated that Arcadia residents contacted him for his assistance; he commended Mayor Amundson for his attendance at the L.A. County Arboretum forum; he reported that Animal Pest Management Services has a bad reputation; and expressed his appreciation for the action taken by the City to suspend the trapping program. Cameron Stone, an Arcadia resident commented on the Woodlands Projects; and stated that the only letter sent to the County to rethink the Project was from Mr. Penman. In response to Mr. Stone's comment, Mr. Penman responded that both the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem also individually sent letters to the County to postpone the project. John MacDonnell, an Arcadia resident commented on the influx of animals crossing the street from where the trees were removed; he hopes the City Council decides to stop the trapping of the coyotes; he strongly encouraged education; and felt the no feeding the coyote signs were a good idea. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to suspend the coyote trapping program. AYES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Chandler, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None The City Council recessed at 6:20 p.m. back to the Conference Room to resume the Study Session. b. Report, discussion and direction regarding City Council Term Limits. R. W. Thee, an Arcadia resident handed out a prepared statement to the City Council regarding his objection to a change in the current term limits. Jim Helms, an Arcadia resident explained his reasons why the current terms limit should remain in place and objects to a change. L og 01 -18 -11 3 53:0016 Gail Marshal, an Arcadia resident agreed with the comments made by Mr. Helms and would not like to see the current term limit format changed.' Mr. Penman provided a brief report regarding the current term limit process as stated in the City Charter and explained the difference in cost if placed on a general municipal ballot or a special election. It was moved by Council Member Chandler, seconded by Council Member Segal and carried on roll call vote to receive and file the report regarding City Council Term limits and take no action. AYES: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Segal, Harbicht, Kovacic and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None It was the consensus of the City Council that Item d will be discussed prior to Item c which will be discussed at the after the regular meeting. c. Report, discussion and direction regarding All Mail Ballot Elections. City Clerk Jim Barrows provided the staff report regarding the process and cost saving of All Mail Ballot elections as requested by the City Council on June 15, 2010; he reported that no Charter amendment was necessary since only charter cities have the power to conduct All Mail Ballot elections; he stated that the last four elections showed the majority of voters cast their ballots by mail; and he explained the All Mail Ballot election process. He provided statistical information regarding voter turnout, vote by mail and permanent vote by mail history; and indicated that the City would definitely save between 10% and 15% in overall costs for an all mail ballot election, but that actual cost savings could not predicted until an account of all costs was conducted at the end of the election. It was moved by Council Member Segal, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote to bring back a resolution for adoption at the City Council meeting of May 2, 2011 establishing the April 2012 General Municipal Election as an All Mail Ballot election. AYES: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None d. Report, discussion and direction regarding Downtown Arcadia Business Association. Jerry Schwartz, Economic Development Manager reported that the Arcadia Downtown Business Association was initiated by the Chamber of Commerce and held its first meeting in June 2010; that the business leadership in the downtown area took over the Association from the Chamber and established a core group; a Mission Statement and a Board of Directors was established and noted that the Association meets monthly and has had seven meetings to date. He explained that the downtown area will be the location for the Gold Line and Parking structure; and provided an overview of the Associations next steps and options for City Council /Agency Board involvement. 01 -18 -11 4 53:0017 Matt McSweeny, owner of Matt Denny's reported on how the Association was established and their meetings; he noted the map attached to the staff report which represents the business district; he commented on ideas for marketing the area as more businesses come in due to the Gold Line; and briefly explained the reasons why they need some financial assistance from the City /Agency. The City Council directed staff to prepare and bring back a formal staff report to be placed on the agenda with costs for City Council. The Closed Session /Study Session adjourned at 7:05 p.m. to the regular City Council meeting. THE CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADJOURNED TO OPEN SESSION Mayor /Agency Chair Amundson called the regular meeting to order at 7:15 p.m. INVOCATION — Bishop Rick Seely, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Sara Somogyi, Director of Recreation and Community Services ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEMBERS: PRESENT: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson ABSENT: None REPORT FROM CITY ATTORNEY /AGENCY COUNSEL ON CLOSED SESSION ITEM City Attorney Jeffrey Ballinger announced that the City Council and Redevelopment Agency Board did not meet in closed session to discuss the item listed on the posted agenda; there was no new information to discuss. In addition, Mr. Ballinger stated that the City Council /Redevelopment Agency Board met in a Study Session to hear reports from staff regarding items a, b, c, and d listed on the posted agenda; he reported that regarding (a) the Coyote Management Program, the City Council voted (5 -0) to suspend the Coyote Management Program; (b) City Council Term limits, the City Council voted (5- 0) to receive and file the report and take no action; (c) the Downtown Arcadia Business Association, no vote was taken, but by consensus, a staff report will be brought back requesting an appropriation of funds; and (d) the All Mail Ballot Elections will be discussed after the regular open meeting. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM CITY MANAGER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS — City Manager Don Penman responded that there was no supplemental information regarding any agenda items. 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. 01 -18 -11 5 53:0018 PRESENTATION a. Presentation by Trent Lehman of the Ferguson Group regarding Legislative activities in Washington, D.C. (continued to a future meeting) b. Presentation of Certificates of Achievement to the Arcadia High School Cross Country Team. PUBLIC COMMENTS Andrea Sweet, representing the American Cancer Society recognized the Arcadia community for their involvement in the 2010 Arcadia Relay for Life event; she presented certificates to the Arcadia Police Officers' Association and Arcadia Fire Department for their involvement as the top teams for helping raise $115,000 for Relay for Life; and thanked Ken Herman of the Public Works Services Department for his help. Carter Spruill, also representing the American Cancer Society acknowledged and thanked Ken Herman and the Public Works Services Department for all they did to help with the 2010 Relay for Life event; he thanked Sara Somogyi for her involvement in the "Bark for Life" which is a Relay for Life event for dogs on May 27, 2010 at Eisenhower Park; he thanked Santa Anita Park, Pete Siberell and Elizabeth Booth; and challenged the City Council to get a team together; he invited the Mayor to attend to say a few words; he announced that January 27, 2011 is the Kick -Off event at Dave and Busters at 6:00 p.m. for the 2011 Relay for Life event on June 25 -26, 2011; he requested the City Council prepare a City Council resolution proclaiming May as Cancer Awareness Month; and announced that a mini relay for little kids will be on June 3, 2011 at Camino Grove Elementary School. Council Member Segal announced that he is on the board of the California American Cancer rr�i Society; he commented on the importance of Relay for Life; that the American Cancer Society raises $60 plus million a year in the State of California and $32 million a year just on Relay for Life. He explained the importance of the program in the fight against cancer and encouraged everyone to get involved in reaching the goal of alleviating cancer by 2015. Gary Searer, an Arcadia resident appeared and provided a copy of his written statement to the City Council expressing his objection of H.B London, Jr. as the speaker for the Mayor's Community Breakfast and requested the City Council reconsider their decision. Brian Nijan, a community organizer for API Equality L.A. in Los Angeles appeared and also expressed his objections and concerns regarding the speaker for the Mayor's Community Breakfast and requested that the City Council rescind its invitation to H.B London, Jr. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL AND CITY CLERK Council Member Segal congratulated Ken Petty on his retirement and reminded everyone that the Arcadia High School Chinese Association will be having its New Year Celebration on January 29 at the Community Center. Council Member Chandler also congratulated Ken Petty on his retirement. Council Member Harbicht congratulated the Arcadia High School Cross Country Team on their championship. 01 -18 -11 6 53:0019 Mayor Pro Tem Kovacic also congratulated the Arcadia High School Cross Country Team on their championship; he commented on the challenge given to Mayor Amundson to get a team for the 2011 Relay for Life event; he congratulated the City and School District on a successful grand opening of the Dana Gym. City Clerk Barrows also congratulated Ken Petty on his retirement; he commented on the successful grand opening of the Dana Gym; he congratulated the Arcadia High School Music Department on their recent spaghetti dinner and thanked the Arcadia Unified School District Food Services for their hard work. Mayor Amundson commented that the City Council did the right thing when residents came forward and asked for help regarding the coyote problem and instituted the trapping program and feels the City Council made the right decision to suspend the trapping program, and hopes the wildlife education program remains in the budget; he stated the reasons he selected Focus on the Family as speaker for the Mayor's Community Breakfast; and requested City Council support for a future study session within the next 6 weeks to discuss single - family home landscaping, setbacks, neighbor notification and FAR issues in areas of the City not covered by a homeowner association. Council Members Kovacic and Segal supported the Mayor's request. Mr. Penman advised that he will contact Council Members regarding possible study session dates. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ITEMS: a. Approve the Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2010. Recommended Action: Approve CITY COUNCIL ITEMS: b. Approve the Meeting Minutes of December 7, 2010. Recommended Action: Approve c. Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Vargas Olson, Inc. for the renovation of the snack bar and restrooms at the Civic Center Athletic Field in the amount of $79,533. Recommended Action: Approve d. Authorize the City Manager to execute a one (1) year contract extension with Waste Management Curbside LLC for Residential Collection of household hazardous waste in the amount of $20,000. Recommended Action: Approve e. Authorize the City Manager to execute a one (1) year Professional Services Agreement extension with John L. Hunter and Associates, Inc. for administration and monitoring of the Municipal Stormwater (NPDES) and Industrial Waste Programs in the amount of $66,350. Recommended Action: Approve 01 -18 -11 7 53:0020 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, Chandler, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None 2. CITY MANAGER/AGENCY DIRECTOR ITEMS: a. Report, discussion and direction regarding regulations and enforcement procedures for temporary banners and window signs. Recommended Action: Provide direction Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrator reported that at a Study Session on September 21, 2010, the City Council reviewed regulations and enforcement procedures for temporary banners and window signs; he provided an overview of the four preliminary recommendations developed by the City Council; including the eight suggestions received from the Chamber of Commerce. He advised that if the City Council would like to move forward with the original recommendations or incorporate any of the Chamber's suggestions, a text amendment to the Arcadia Municipal Code would be required: It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Chandler and carried on roll call vote directing staff to prepare and bring back an ordinance that (1) continues the single display of temporary banners for a period of thirty (30) continuous days in a calendar year; (2) a five (5) day limit for removal or compliance to be followed by the issuance of a citation if the deadline is not met; (3) continues the use of temporary banners for a period not to exceed sixty (60) cumulative days in a calendar year; and (4) applies the 2/3 -1/3 Roman alphabet ratio requirement. AYES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Chandler, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None b. Report, discussion and direction regarding Tiered Rate Water Study. Recommended Action: Provide direction Tom Tait, Public Works Services Director provided a power point overview of the Water Rate Study Objectives, the Source of Supply Issues, the Financial Plan, and the Proposed Rate Structure; he reported that the primary objective of the Tiered Water Rate Study was to develop a three -tier water rate structure that would ensure the City's financial stability with rates that are fair and equitable among the customers while promoting conservation and compliance for future regulatory requirements to reduce per capita water consumption; that the plan includes the state mandate to conserve 20% per capita water use by 2020; that the study examined historic, current and projected water use by various customer class types; and single - family residential class has the highest water demand at 66% of the total water used, multi - family residents 13% and non - residential groups i.e. commercial, businesses, government agencies or schools account for 21%. He noted that projections show the City's total revenue requirement for fiscal year 2011 -12 is approximately $10.3 million; that in order to sustain operations and adequately maintain the $20 million Emergency Reserve Fund, the City would need to continue to increase rates based on the annual Consumer Price Index; that for purposes of the Tiered Water Rate Study, staff assumed the rates would be increased by 2% over the next four years; he discussed the proposed three tiered water rate 01 -18 -11 8 53:0021 structure; and explained how the proposed rate structure would impact the bi- monthly bills of water customers. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote directing staff to take the necessary steps to implement the tiered water rate structure and approve the proposed Tiered Water Rate Study. AYES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Kovacic, Chandler, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None c. Report, discussion and direction regarding Gold Line Parking Structure/Transit Plaza and Public Improvements. Recommended Action: Provide direction Jason Kruckeberg, Assistant City Manager /Development Services Director reported that on January 27, 2011, the Gold Line will be receiving proposals for the main alignment (tracks, bridges, stations and major infrastructure) for the Gold Line Project; and plans to award a contract in late spring for construction later in the year; he commented on the four parking structures and one surface parking lot and noted that all the parking facilities will be combined into one Scope of Services. He advised that no action was required; that the report was being provided to update the City Council of the progress made to date. Phil Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services /City Engineer discussed the four elements outlined in the staff report; and provided a power point overview of the parking structure, the transit plaza, retail space in the transit plaza and the public parkway project including a rendering of the Arcadia Station and Parking Fagade Treatment Concept. He noted that the City applied for and received a competitive grant from the MTA for improvements related to the project; that the design and construction of the transit plaza will be different from the parking structure since the Authority will have little or no involvement; and advised that additional information will be presented to the City Council at upcoming meetings regarding fagade treatments and costs and the transit plaza process and the potential retail concept. The City Council directed staff to bring back a report regarding the parking structure fagade, provide options and alternatives and anticipated costs. AYES: Council /Agency Member Chandler, Harbicht, Kovacic, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None d. Designation of Foothill Boulevard as a detour route for the closure of the Eastbound 210 Freeway between Baldwin Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue for the construction of the Gold Line Foothill Extension Iconic Freeway Structures. Recommended Action: Approve Phil Wray, Deputy Director of Development Services /City Engineer reported that in June of 2010, the Gold Line Foothill Extension Authority awarded a contract for the construction of the Iconic Freeway Structure to Skanska /AECOM; that construction is scheduled to begin in the spring and will take approximately 18 months to complete and will require the eastbound 210 Freeway lanes to be closed at three different times between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and require a :am detour route around the closure. Mr. Wray explained that the construction team provided several 01 -18 -11 9 53:0022 detour alternatives for the City to review and after considering all possibilities, the Freeway mi l Closure /Detour Committee, made up of Police, Fire, Public Works and Engineering/Traffic representatives recommended using Foothill Boulevard between Baldwin Avenue and Santa Anita as the preferred detour route; and indicated that staff will continue to work with the construction team on the details for the closures. It was moved by Council Member Harbicht, seconded by Council Member Kovacic and carried on roll call vote to approve the designation of Foothill Boulevard as a detour route for the closure of the Eastbound 210 Freeway between Baldwin Avenue and Santa Anita Avenue for the construction of the Gold Line Foothill Extension Iconic Freeway Structures. AYES: Council /Agency Member Harbicht, Kovacic, Chandler, Segal and Amundson NOES: None ABSENT: None ADJOURNMENT The City Council /Redevelopment Agency recessed to the Conference Room at 9:25 p.m. in memory of Bette Storm, former Arcadia City employee and Rex Dondlinger, an Arcadia resident. At 9:45 p.m. the City Council adjourned to Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chamber Conference Room located at 240 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia. ' eter Amundson, Mayor ATTEST: ( l __ ___... _� -,.. Jas H. Barrows, City Clerk J 01 -18 -11 11