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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - September 2, 2003 - RACITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 — 9:43 P.M. The Board of Directors of the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Azusa met In regular session at the above date. Chairperson Madrid called the meeting to order. ROLL CALL PRESENT: DIRECTORS: HARDISON, STANFORD, CHAGNON, ROCHA, MADRID ABSENT: DIRECTORS: NONE ALSO PRESENT: General Counsel Carvalho, Executive Director Cole, City Department Heads, Deputy Secretary Toscano, Secretary Mendoza. Call to Order Roll Call Also Present Jnt CncKRA THE CITY COUNCIL CONVENED JOINTLY WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AT Convene jntly 8:58 P.M. TO CONDUCT THE FOLLOWING JOINT PUBLIC HEARING: W/CRA City Attorney Carvalho responded to Councilmember Stanford's question Stanford ✓i` recommending that Councllmember Stanford recuse himself from staff presentation Ch due to a conflict of Interest with regard to Azusa Pacific University as he receives a agnon source of income through his wife's employment. Councilmember Chagnon also Abstained from reclused herself due to a conflict of interest based on information previously provided. proceedings Both stepped down from the dais. CONTINUED IOINT PUBLIC HEARING - on the amendment to the Central Business District and West End Redevelopment Projects and the proposed amendment to the joint Pub Hrg Implementation Plan for the Projects. CRAAmend Economic/Redevelopment Director Hennessey addressed the Issue providing a power point presentation on a brief overview of the process of amending the plan amendment, things that have been done and things that will be done In the future. He stated that the public hearing will be closed tonight and will be continued to the meeting of September 15'h, where they will respond to public testimony and the plan amendment will be presented and if approved will have first reading of an ordinance and will have second reading at the meeting of October 6`h. He referred to a map that provided a graphic display of the changes that will be going on; he used the map to describe the changes to the properties that will added to the project area with and without the power of eminent domain. He stated that Redevelopment doesn't raise taxes or change zoning or change general plan, doesn't allow eminent domain on residential properties and doesn't allow eminent domain on all commercial properties. He stated that the plan that they are proposing allows eminent domain on seven specific commercial sites that are on several different parcels. He stated that many public agencies have the power of eminent domain, such as the State, School Districts, etc. and are used frequently, sometimes abused; laws have been amended and Improved to protect the property owners. He stated that eminent domain is used as a last resort and very expensive to use, but, it Is sometimes necessary In order to prevent one property owner from preventing an entire project to go forward. He stated that eminent domain cannot be used by staff but by the City Council or Redevelopment Agency Board by a super majority vote. Further, that property owners who sell due to eminent domain receive greater benefits than other property owners. CBD & West End Redevelop Projects Dir CRA Hennessey Comments He detailed what redevelopme does and has done for the com Ity. He responded to question from Ma-WMadrid regarding the voting processating that the voting to institute the project area with eminent domain could be approved by a simple majority of the Council, but, to use the power of eminent domain to acquire a piece of property take 4/5 vote of the Council. Mr. Jim Yenyo, owner of Wimpy's Pawn Shop addressed the issue stating that he has never been in negotiations with the City, never provided any serious offers for his J• Yenyo property, he has only spoke to former Redevelopment Director John Andrews. He Comments stated that he has never had any serious conversations with the City regarding the purchase of his property. He noted his opposition to eminent domain. Mr. John Lambrecht of Cardinal Church Furniture voiced his opinion against eminent domain. Mark Dickerson of Azusa Pacific University addressed the Issue stating that all the rules stated with regard to eminent domain do not apply to the property owned by APU and he requested that their property be removed from the redevelopment plan. He spoke about certain language to make clear that having men's dorms separate from women's dorms or married student dorms separate from single student dorms will not be considered inappropriate discrimination under the terms of the redevelopment plan, further he talked about language to make it clear that that kind of housing would not be considered inappropriate within the project boundaries. Moved by Mayor Pro -Tem Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Hardison and unanimously carried to close the Public Hearing. J. Lambrecht M. Dickerson Comments Mayor Madrid announced that there was a letter received by LA County stating that the Hrg closed area of 9th and Azusa does not meet the definition of "blight" and that it will be included as part of the public record. Mayor City Manager Cole stated that there will be a report in two weeks and will go over the Comments legal requirements and either approve, change, or reject the amendment as submitted. Mayor Madrid asked that an updated map be provided to her, and a document that City Mgr matches property addresses with descriptions of summary of blighted condition areas Comments and anything else she needed to review. Mr. Hennessey responded stating that staff is preparing documents that are highlighted for Council and will also include reaction to all public testimony heard. Mayor Comments City Attorney Carvalho asked Council to consider the Azusa Pacific University's request to be removed from the Redevelopment Plan area and there was no motion to grant the request. Further staff advised that they would deal with that issue separately and administratively. Moved by Councilmember Stanford, seconded by Councilmember Hardison and City Attorney unanimously carried to continue Public Hearing to the meeting of September 15, 2003. Comments The CONSENT CALENDAR consisting of items VIII -A through VIII -C, were approved by motion of Director Stanford, seconded by Director Rocha and unanimously carried. Director Chagnon abstained from Item Vlll-A, as she was not present at that meeting. Jnt Pub Hrg Continued 9/15 A. Minutes of the regular meeting of August 4, 2003, were approved as written. Consent Cal. B. Agency Treasurer's Report as of July 31, 2003, was received and filed. Approved C. The following Resolutions were adopted and entitled: Min approved A RESOLUTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS TO BE PAID OUT OF REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FUNDS. It was consensujof the Redevelopment Agency Boardmembers to adjourn 9:44 P SECRETARY NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 03-1131 NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 03 -ROI I. 09/02/03 PAGE TWO Res. Nos. 03-1129 8.30 Warrants Adjourn