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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - August 12, 1989 - CCCITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 31, 1989 - 7:30 P.M. The City Council and the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Azusa met in adjourned regular session at the above date and time in the Civic Auditorium. Mayor/Chairman Moses called the meeting to order, and led in Call to order the salute to the Flag. Invocation was given by Geoff Craig, Director of Finance. Invocation ROLL CALL Roll Call PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS: AVILA, STEMRICH, NARANJO, LATTA, MOSES ABSENT COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS: NONE ALSO PRESENT Also Present ,_.City Attorney/General Counsel Thorson, Assistant City 'Attorney/General Counsel Hanna, City Administrator/Executive Director Fuentes, Assistant City Administrator Diaz, Finance Director Craig, Director of Community Development Bruckner, Director of Public Works DeLoach, Utilities Director Hsu, Director of Community Services Guarrera, Redevelopment Director Steel, City Librarian Alaniz, Police Captain Broderick, Business License Officer Allen, Administrative Assistant Sperl, City Treasurer Talley, City Clerk/Secretary Solis, Deputy City Clerk/Secretary Lara. Discussion was held regarding issues relating to the Homeless proposed homeless shelter in the City, as planned by Los Shelter Angeles County. City Administrator and Community discussion Development Director Bruckner addressed the concerns the city has in using the National Guard Armory as a shelter for the homeless in inclement weather. Mr. Murray Hirota addressed this issue and stated that he Comments was against using the Armory for a shelter as it was in a M. Hirota residential area next to Memorial Park. Mr. Daniel Naranjo also advised that he did not feel the Armory was an appropriate place for such a shelter. General discussion was held and it was felt that the County acted hastily in deciding to use the Armory for a shelter and that the County has a low image of the city. The City is not opposed to the homeless, but there are concerns that have to be addressed. Further, that if the citizens are opposed to the use of the Armory for a shelter, they should write to the County and voice their objections. Councilman Latta asked for a show of hands from the audience of those citizens who were in favor of converting the 'Armory into a shelter and not one hand was raised. ,Mrs. Gayle Avakian stated that she did not want the Armory used as a shelter, but that consideration should be given to help the homeless in some manner. Comments D. Naranjo Gen'l disc Comments G. Avakian General discussion ensued regarding concerns and other methods of helping the homeless through the Salvation Army and Sunddown Program, and shelters in Pasadena and Whittier, and also that concerned citizens could write their letters of protest and submit them to the City for inclusion with the City's letter of protest to the County. Councilman Latta then offered an Ordinance entitled: ,AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ESTABLISHING A MORATORIUM WITHIN THE CITY OF AZUSA RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ANY PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY EMERGENCY SHELTERS FOR THE HOMELESS. Moved by Councilman Latta, seconded by Councilman Stemrich and unanimously carried by roll call to waive further reading and adopt the Ordinance. Ordinance passed and adopted by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA, STEMRICH, NARANJO, LATTA MOSES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Urg Ord #2411 moratorium relating to emergency shelters Mayor Moses then welcomed Inez Gutierrez, School Board Welcome to Member, and Judy Harper, Chamber of Commerce member, to the I. Gutierrez meeting. & J. Harper PUBLIC HEARING - to receive and consider all evidence and Pub Hrg recv reports relative to the proposed Community Maintenance and evidence re: Fire Safety Assessment Districts. in the Azusa Herald on August 16th prop. fees The Mayor declared the Hearing open. The City Clerk read Hrg opened affidavit of proof of publication of notice of said Hearing, published in the Azusa Herald on August 16th and ,the 23rd, 1989. The City Clerk further advised that twenty-four (24) letters Protest had been received regarding the proposed assessment fees. Letters Deputy City Clerk and City Attorney went through the letters received to ascertain how many protests were received for each (24) assessment fee, and the following count presented: FIRE ASSESSMENT: 20 COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE: 19 (ONE LETTER DISALLOWED ON EACH) Slide presentation was made by staff members and Slide pre - explanations given with regard to the proposed assessment sentation districts. Council discussion was held regarding redevelopment projects Discussion in the City; what neighboring cities have accomplished; how re: redeve- much money has been expended to assist redevelopment lopment projects in the city; that Azusa is not a low income city, but a city with pride, and how much sales tax will be generated by the new projects coming in. 'Community Development Director Bruckner reported on the Engineer's Engineer's report relating to the assessment districts and rpts the costs that would be assessed residences and businesses. He further advised that proposed fees were assessments and not taxes. It was consensus of the Council/Agency to recess for ten Recess minutes. TIME OF RECESS: 9:32 P.M. 08/31/89 PAGE TWO THE CITY COUNCIL/REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RECONVENED AT 9:43 P.M. The Mayor announced that testimony could be given at this time concerning the Fire Safety Assessment District. Mr. Don Clark addressed this item, stating that he was not opposed to the assessment, however, felt that there should be a time limit specified for the assessment fees and that lspecific projects should be outlined and then accomplished. He also stated that he was very impressed by the presentation made by staff. Mr. Michael Castaneda addressed this item and stated that the proposed fees would hurt senior citizens and the young people just starting out. He further stated that as President of the Helping Hand and speaking for the membership of that organization the proposed property tax was ludicrous. Reconvened Testimony fire fee D. Clark M. Castaneda Mr. Michael Snyder addressed the Council and stated that M. Snyder there should be more creative methods used to augment the budget. That whether it was called an assessment or not, it was still a tax. Ms. Joanne Lively addressed the issue stating that she was J. Lively -not opposed to the fees. The City needs money to operate and that all residents should help; further that new businesses should be solicited. Mr. Louis Zamora addressed this issue and stated that the present contract, as it is written, with the Los Angeles .,"County Fire Department should be renegotiated as it is a Itetriment to the City. r. Art West addressed this issue stating that the landfill tax should be raised as well as the quarry tax and then there would be no need for assessment fees. Ms. Catherine Barthelmess addressed this issue and stated that the assessment fees were unwarranted; that the residents should be allowed to vote on these issues, and that it should be placed on the ballot. Mr. John Dangleis addressed this issue and stated that it was obvious that the City needed the revenues, but felt that the reasons given for the sad state of affairs were not accurate. He stated that too many employees had been hired and subsequent employee raises, etc., were the major causes for the need of revenues. General discussion was held between Council and Mr. Dangleis regarding the City Fire contract; possibility of saving half of the fees received from the assessment to fund the City's own Fire Department; the 10% escalating clause on this assessment; and the issue of the City not having para -medics when it merged with the County for their services. ire Chief Jones addressed this issue and answered questions f the City Administrator and Council. Mr. Armando Camarena addressed the issue stating that the salaries Mr. Dangleis alluded to were necessary as in 1981 and 1982, the City lost a great many police officers as the salaries were not comparable to other cities. He felt that the Blue Ribbon Committee did a good job, and that the fees should be passed for at least a one year period. 08/31/89 PAGE THREE L. Zamora A. West C. Barthelmes J. Dangleis Gen'l disc Comments Fire Chief A. Camarena Mr. Murray Hirota addressed this issue and stated that all cities have assessment fees and that Azusa -i§ behind the times in assessing their citizens. That citizens should have pride in their community. The cost of para -medics cannot be measured in money alone, because when they are needed they are priceless. General Council discussion ensued regarding people on fixed incomes, life support systems, senior citizens, etc. .Director of Utilities Hsu responded to questions raised by the Council. Mr. Wesley Kloepfer addressed the issue and advised that staff had done an excellent job in portraying the need for revenues. He had no objection, however, did not like the manner in which it would be paid. He felt that the fire fees should be included with the property tax bill and compiled through assessed valuation of the property. M. Hirota Gen'l disc W. Kloepfer Mr. Art Morales addressed this issue and stated that the A. Morales Mayor voted earlier in the year to raise water rates and did not understand why the Mayor was opposed to the fees that were being proposed for adoption this evening. General Council discussion ensued regarding the merits of Gen'l disc the proposed fees, the state of the budget and the city's infrastructure. Mr. Oscar Zamora addressed the Council and stated that he 0. Zamora was in favor of the fees, however, he hoped that the elderly on fixed incomes could have some consideration. Mr. Ted Garcia addressed the Council and stated that he was T. Garcia very impressed with the presentation, however, everything seemed so negative, with the exception of the Price Club. He felt that the new developments coming into the City would help financially and wondered if the City needed the proposed assessments. Mrs. Suzie Galletta addressed this issue stating that the S. Galletta Blue Ribbon Committee worked very hard on the revenue issues and felt that the fee was a nominal price to pay for the services received from the Fire Department and para -medics. City Administrator stated that he was very proud of the Comments staff of the City who spent many hours working on these Cty Admin issues. They had many obstacles and problems and solved and wanted to publicly commend them. ,them, There being no other testimony, it was moved by Councilman Hrg closed Latta, seconded by Councilman Naranjo and unanimously carried by roll call to close the Hearing. General discussion ensued regarding number of Police and Gen'l disc Fire personnel needed per capita; and that the City of Azusa does not meet the requirements in the Police Department; that of the speakers present tonight, most were in favor of the fees; that the Blue Ribbon Committee did a 08/31/89 PAGE FOUR Mrs. Alma Herzog addressed the Council and stated that she A. Herzog was on a fixed income and did not know how she could possibly pay these additional fees. She discussed other problems regarding the landfill and rock companies, which were not germane to the issue at hand. 'new Mr. Doug Robbins addressed the issue and stated that he was to the community and that he was in favor of the fees. D. Robbins Mrs. Praxedes Running addressed the issue and stated that P. Running the citizens should be allowed to vote on the proposed fees. Mr. Oscar Zamora addressed the Council and stated that he 0. Zamora was in favor of the fees, however, he hoped that the elderly on fixed incomes could have some consideration. Mr. Ted Garcia addressed the Council and stated that he was T. Garcia very impressed with the presentation, however, everything seemed so negative, with the exception of the Price Club. He felt that the new developments coming into the City would help financially and wondered if the City needed the proposed assessments. Mrs. Suzie Galletta addressed this issue stating that the S. Galletta Blue Ribbon Committee worked very hard on the revenue issues and felt that the fee was a nominal price to pay for the services received from the Fire Department and para -medics. City Administrator stated that he was very proud of the Comments staff of the City who spent many hours working on these Cty Admin issues. They had many obstacles and problems and solved and wanted to publicly commend them. ,them, There being no other testimony, it was moved by Councilman Hrg closed Latta, seconded by Councilman Naranjo and unanimously carried by roll call to close the Hearing. General discussion ensued regarding number of Police and Gen'l disc Fire personnel needed per capita; and that the City of Azusa does not meet the requirements in the Police Department; that of the speakers present tonight, most were in favor of the fees; that the Blue Ribbon Committee did a 08/31/89 PAGE FOUR great job; that many positions have been cut from the budget in order to keep a balanced budget; monies are needed for the city's infrastructure, and that redevelopment monies have been exhausted. Moved by Mayor Moses that the proposed assessment fees be Fees to be placed on the ballot for the voters to decide. Motion died put on ballot for the lack of a second. (died) Staff, employees, and the Blue Ribbon Committee were thanked Thanks to for attending the meeting and for the many hours that were staff, emps spent in presenting and solving the revenue issues. & Blue Ribb. Comm. Councilman Latta then offered a resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. #8700 CONFIRMING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT DATED AUGUST 7, 1989, AND fire assess. ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF A CITYWIDE FIRE fee SUPPRESSION BENEFIT ASSESSMENT ON THE UTILITY ROLL TO FUND FIRE SUPPRESSION SERVICES TO THE CITY. Moved by Councilman Latta, seconded by Councilman Naranjo to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA, STEMRICH, NARANJO, LATTA NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MOSES ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE The Mayor announced that the Public Hearing was now open Pub Hrg comm regarding the community maintenance fee. The City Clerk maint fee read the affidavit of proof of publication of notice of said opened hearing published in the Azusa Herald on August 16th and _ 23rd, 1989. 'Staff had no other testimony to present, as the slide No further presentation and the engineer's reports as previously cited staff testi- contained all pertinent information regarding the community mony maintenance fee. There being no public testimony, it was moved by Councilman No pub testi- Stemrich, seconded by Councilman Naranjo and unanimously mony & hrg carried by roll call to close the hearing. closed Councilman Naranjo offered a resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA CONFIRMING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT DATED AUGUST 7, 1989, AND THE IMPROVEMENTS, PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, ESTIMATE, DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT CONTAINED IN THAT REPORT; ORDERING THE FORMATION OF CITY OF AZUSA LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 (COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE FEE) AND THE LEVY AND COLLECTION ON THE UTILITY ROLL OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THAT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT TO FUND SUCH IMPROVEMENTS FOR FY 1989-90. Moved by Councilman Naranjo, seconded by Councilman Latta to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: YES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA, STEMRICH, NARANJO, LATTA OES: COUNCILMEMBERS: MOSES ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Mayor Moses offered an Ordinance entitled: Res. #8701 comm maint fee AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Ord. #2412 (ADDING SECTION 3.08.080 TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE) PROVIDING landfill FOR SANITARY LANDFILL AND DISPOSAL FACILITY CHARGES FOR charges ROADWAY AND RELATED MAINTENANCE AND FACILITY REPLACEMENT OR EXPANSION. 08/31/89 PAGE FIVE Discussion was held prior to acting on this ordinance Gen'l disc regarding the possible closure of the landfill and problems that will occur regarding trash disposal; possibly increasing the fees at a later date, and if so, another ordinance could be presented. It was then moved by Mayor Moses, seconded by Councilman Ord adopted Latta to waive further reading and adopt. Ordinance passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: AVILA, STEMRICH, NARANJO, LATTA MOSES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Councilman Naranjo offered an Ordinance entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA 1st rdg Ord AMENDING TITLE 5 (BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS), bus lic fees CHAPTERS 5.04, 5.08, 5.12, 5.16 AND 5.10 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO REPEAL, AMEND AND ADD SECTIONS REGARDING BUSINESS LICENSE TAXES. Moved by Councilman Naranjo, and. unanimously carried by reading. seconded by Councilman Latta roll call to waive further Mr. Gerry Delgado, representing Wynn oil Company, addressed Comments on this Ordinance and advised that he felt that the Ordinance Ord by Wynn had too many discrepancies and inconsistentcies and felt Oil rep that it needed more refinement prior to adoption. adopt. It was consensus of the Council that Mr. Delgado discuss his Rfrd to with staff and if inconsistencies are present they staff ,problems will be rectified. Moved by Councilman Latta, seconded by Councilman Naranjo Ord intro - and carried by roll call to introduce the Ordinance and duced place it upon its first reading. Mayor Moses dissenting. COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS: Moved by Councilwoman Avila, seconded by Councilman Stemrich MOU w/rock and -unanimously carried by roll call to postpone Agenda item companies dealing with the memorandum of understanding between the cont to 9/18 City and the rock companies, to meeting of September 18, intg 1989. Councilman/Director Naranjo offered a resolution entitled: A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. #8702 AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF (Cncl) #619 THE CITY OF AZUSA TO RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION ON AUGUST 31, (CRA) Closed 1989, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION Session 54957 AND MAKING FINDINGS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9 (c). Moved by Councilman/Director Naranjo, seconded by Councilman/Director Latta to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council/Agency: YES: COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS: AVILA, STEMRICH, NARANJO, LATTA, MOSES NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS/DIRECTORS: NONE TIME OF RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION: 11:42 P.M. THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RECONVENED AT Reconvened 12:03 A.M. 08/31/89 PAGE SIX Moved by Councilman/Director Naranjo, seconded Mayor/Chairman Moses and unanimously carried to adjourn. TIME OF AWOURNMENT: 12:04 A.M. NEXT RESOLUTION NO. NEXT ORDINANCE NO. NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 1 f 08/31/89 (COUNCIL) 8703 (COUNCIL) 2413 (AGENCY) 620 PAGE SEVEN by Adjourn