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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - February 20, 1996 - CC11 CITY OF AZUSA MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 20, 1996 - 7:30 P.M. The City Council of the City of Azusa met in regular session at the above date and time in the Civic Auditorium. Mayor Alexander called the meeting to order and led in the flag salute. INVOCATION was given by Finance Director Craig. PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MADRID, HARDISON, NARANJO, BEEBE, ALEXANDER ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE City Attorney Deitsch, City Administrator Garcia, Chief of Police Broderick, Director of Finance Craig, Accounting Services Supervisor Brisco, Community Development Director Bruckner, Utilities Director Hsu, Director of Community Services Guarrera, Superintendent of Public Works Pedroza, City Librarian Maghsoudi, City Treasurer Talley, City Clerk Solis, Deputy City Clerk Toscano. Call to Order Invocation Roll Call Also Present Ceremonial The entire Council presented the Government Finance Officer's Association, Award GFOA Award of Financial Reporting Achievement to Accounting Services Supervisor Steve Brisco. S. Brisco The entire Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to Miss Leah Fernandez, Cert of Recog. Miss Little Philippines Universe, 1995-96. L. Fernandez Mrs. June Hart, addressed Council stating that Miss Azusa and her Court were unable J. Hart comments to attend tonight's meeting and advised that they will be attending another Council Miss Azusa meeting for introduction at a later date. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Pub Participation Mr. Jerry Rocha, President of the Azusa American Little League, addressed Council J. Rocha, Azusa advising that they had paid their deposit for the installation of lighting at the baseball American Little field at Zacatecas Park. He solicited support from the residents and businesses of League Azusa in order to help pay for the project. He advised all persons interested in making a donation to call (818) 969-1150. Mr. Art Morales addressed Council offering congratulations to Miss Little Philippines, A. Morales Leah Fernandez and also advised that Don Carmen Mosqueda, who was a former comments honored citizen of the City, was laid to rest this date. Don Carmen Mosqueda was born July 16, 1892 in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. He In memory lived in Azusa over half a century, was a business owner and once Honored Citizen at of Don Carmen Golden Days. He passed away on February 12, 1996, at the age of 103. Mosqueda r -j Mr. Gerald Hobbs addressed Council stating that he had recently submitted a tort G. Hobbs claim to the City and was not provided the option to be heard before Council, he then comments requested a copy of all tort claims for the seven years. Mr. Ron Legault addressed Council providing his views on proposition 199, new R. Legault eateries in the City, the Azusa Gazette, and other items of concern. comments 'Ms. Eli Lobaco addressed Council regarding the issue of Manresa Retreat, she E. Labaco provided a brief history of the retreat and requested that Council consider alternatives continents to demolishing the property. Mayor Alexander responded advising of the City's options regarding the retreat and Mayor also advised that the City does not own the property. comments Mr. David Moritz, Chairman of the Planning Commission, addressed Council Chairman P.C. providing an update on Planning Commission activities stating that current housing D. Moritz projects consisted of the Van Daele, Mirador, Foothill Village and Azusa Heritage; update on Ping there were ten variances in 1995, fifteen Conditional Use Permits and one Zone Comm. Change. He stated that a major focus was on beer and wine sales and that the alcohol over concentration study had been a helpful tool in assessing the potential impacts of each application, further, that the new Zoning Code is still in process and the development of the Monrovia Nursery Project is pending. He named all members of the Planning Commission, Don Flowers, Dixon James, James Grosser, Calixto Munoz and two new Planning Commissioners Arturo Martinez and Albert Prado and advised that the new review process for members has brought very qualified members to the Commission. Madrid Councilmember Madrid questioned the process for the new Zoning Code stating that comments she is interested in having input from other people in the City such as, construction workers, landlords, etc. Beebe Councilmember Beebe advised that names have been submitted for the working group comments for the revision of the Zoning Code and requested that a copy of the list be submitted to Councilmembers. Madrid Councilmember Madrid announced that she had the opportunity to represent the City comments at the meeting with Senator Diane Feinstein, as Vice Chairperson of the San Gabriel Valley Cities and Commerce Consortium. Hardison Councilmember Hardison wished the former Mayor of Azusa Jens Solem well as he comments is recovering from bypass surgery at Inter -Community Hospital. He also requested a report regarding Cable Television. Beebe Councilmember Beebe reminded all candidates for the March 26th election that the comments City does have an Ordinance No. 2302, governing temporary signs and also announced the Hazardous Waste Roundup to be held on Saturday, February 24, 1996 at 4900 ' Rivergrade Road in Irwindale, and provided the toll free number: 1-800-552-5218. Consent Cal. The CONSENT CALENDAR consisting of Items 1 through 11 was approved by Appvd G-3, motion of Councilmember Naranjo, seconded by Mayor Alexander and unanimously G-5, & carried by roll call vote, with the exception of items G-3, G-5, and G-9 which were G-9 Spec Call considered under the Special Call portion of the Agenda. Min appvd 1. The Minutes of the regular meeting of February 5, 1996, were approved as written. 02/20/96 PAGE TWO I I 2. Bid opening was held in the Office of the City Clerk on February 12, 1996, for Purchase of 7. Agreement with the Azusa Unified School District to establish working Agmt w/AUSD procedures between the City of Azusa Head Start for Special Education, was Special Education approved and its execution was authorized. 8. The City anticipates, with regret, the retirement in May 1996 of Purchasing PERS Svs Officer, John P. Donnelly. He has been with the City since September 1985. In Credit ' terms of the City's contract with the State of California Public Employees' J. Donnelly Retirement System, Government Code Section 20818 and the contract provide that, in an effort to encourage retirement from government, the City may award two additional years of service credit to eligible employees. The cost for the above employee would be $20,450.36. The two additional years of service credit will be granted by resolution at the meeting of March 4, 1996. 9. SPECIAL CALL ITEM. Spec Call 10. Letter of Intent to collaborate with the Azusa Unified School District for a Health Lit of Intent Start Grant was approved and its execution was authorized. AUSD/Grant 11. Resolution authorizing payment of warrants by the City was adopted and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. 96-C20 ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE warrants FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID. SPECIAL• CALL ITEMS Special Call Items 'Councilmember Madrid voiced her objection to the pool of candidates that were used Madrid oppose when selecting Special Counsel to handle the Monrovia Nursery Project. Special Counsel Moved by Councilmember Beebe, seconded by Mayor Alexander and carried by roll Lit Agmt w/ call that the letter agreement with Kane, Ballmer and Berkman be approved and its Kane, Ballet, & execution authorized. Councilmember Madrid dissenting. Berkman/spec cnsl Councilman Hardison expressed concerns regarding plans & specifications for Hardison concerns Gladstone Water Utility Division Maintenance Yard, due to lack of the plans and plans & specs specifications in the agenda packet. Further, that he would like to view the documents Gladstone Water before he takes action on them. Util Maint Yard 02/20/96 PAGE THREE water meters in two sizes. Three bids were received. The purchase of 3,600 water meters three -quarter -inch meters was awarded to Marden Susco, low bidder, in the Marden Susco, amount of $163,440.00, and the purchase of 600 one -inch meters was awarded & Badger Meters to Badger Meters, low bidder, in the amount of $46,380.00. 3. SPECIAL CALL ITEM. ' 4. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. 96-C19 DECLARING THAT WEEDS GROWING UPON AND IN FRONT OF, AND Weed Abatement BRUSH, RUBBISH, REFUSE, AND DIRT UPON AND IN FRONT OF CERTAIN PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THE CITY ARE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, AND DECLARING ITS INTENTION TO PROVIDE FOR THE ABATEMENT THEREOF 5. SPECIAL CALL ITEM. Spec Call 6. Request to present appreciation plaques to large sponsors of the 1996 Azusa Rose Appreciation Float Committee at the March 4th Council meeting was approved and request to Plaques to hold a reception on that same date from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., prior to meeting, Rose Float was approved. sponsors 7. Agreement with the Azusa Unified School District to establish working Agmt w/AUSD procedures between the City of Azusa Head Start for Special Education, was Special Education approved and its execution was authorized. 8. The City anticipates, with regret, the retirement in May 1996 of Purchasing PERS Svs Officer, John P. Donnelly. He has been with the City since September 1985. In Credit ' terms of the City's contract with the State of California Public Employees' J. Donnelly Retirement System, Government Code Section 20818 and the contract provide that, in an effort to encourage retirement from government, the City may award two additional years of service credit to eligible employees. The cost for the above employee would be $20,450.36. The two additional years of service credit will be granted by resolution at the meeting of March 4, 1996. 9. SPECIAL CALL ITEM. Spec Call 10. Letter of Intent to collaborate with the Azusa Unified School District for a Health Lit of Intent Start Grant was approved and its execution was authorized. AUSD/Grant 11. Resolution authorizing payment of warrants by the City was adopted and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. 96-C20 ALLOWING CERTAIN CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE warrants FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE TO BE PAID. SPECIAL• CALL ITEMS Special Call Items 'Councilmember Madrid voiced her objection to the pool of candidates that were used Madrid oppose when selecting Special Counsel to handle the Monrovia Nursery Project. Special Counsel Moved by Councilmember Beebe, seconded by Mayor Alexander and carried by roll Lit Agmt w/ call that the letter agreement with Kane, Ballmer and Berkman be approved and its Kane, Ballet, & execution authorized. Councilmember Madrid dissenting. Berkman/spec cnsl Councilman Hardison expressed concerns regarding plans & specifications for Hardison concerns Gladstone Water Utility Division Maintenance Yard, due to lack of the plans and plans & specs specifications in the agenda packet. Further, that he would like to view the documents Gladstone Water before he takes action on them. Util Maint Yard 02/20/96 PAGE THREE 1 Utilities Director Hsu responded stating that due to the large volume of paperwork and Utilities Dir cost of reproduction a full set was available for inspection in the Light & Water response Administration Facility. Councilmember Beebe requested that in the future, staff provide a summary document Beebe/rqst for of the project highlighting key areas. summary doc 'Moved by Councilmember Hardison, seconded by Councilmember Beebe and Plans & Specs unanimously carried by roll call that approval of plans and specifications and Wtr Util Div authorization to bid Gladstone Water Utility Division Maintenance Yard be continued Maint Yard to the next Council meeting of March 4, 1996. cont to 3/4 1 Councilmember Madrid addressed Human Resources Action Items and congratulated Congrats to employees listed for step increase and promotional appointments. It was then moved City employees by Councilmember Madrid, seconded by Councilmember Beebe and unanimously carried by roll call to approve Human Resources Action Items. 9. Human Resources Action Items were approved as follows: EMPLOYEE STEP RECOMMENDATIONS: INCREASE/REGULAR L. Barton -Garcia, Sr Ofs Spec. M. Bertlesen, Police Officer P. Hoh, Police Officer N. Bui, Engr Associate K. Godbey, Water Util Wkr I/II None. Rglr Appt. Step 2 Step 2 Step 4 Step 3 APPOINTMENT 01/01/96 02/27/96 02/13/96 02/01/96 01/19/96 L. Barton -Garcia, Senior Office Specialist, effective July 1, 1995. K. Mingle, Library Assistant III, effective January 19, 1996. None. None. THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CONVENED Cncl/CRA convene JOINTLY AT 5:25 P.M. jointly CONTINUED JOINT PUBLIC HEARING - on a proposed Lease Agreement with Cont Jnt Pub Hrg Ron Seidner and a proposed first amendment to Owner Participation Agreement by and Seidner/Bert's among Ron Seidner, Ed Seidner and Seidner Enterprises, Inc., dba Bert's Motorcycles operating in the West End Redevelopment Project Area. Moved by Councilmember/Director Hardison, seconded by Mayor/Chairman Cont to 3/4/96 Alexander and unanimously carried by roll call that the Joint Public Hearing be continued to the meeting of March 4, 1996. 02/20/96 PAGE FOUR I 17 I Finance Director Craig addressed Council presenting the Mid -Fiscal -Year Financial Status Report. He stated that Council had previously established $2,500,000 as the minimum reserve level for the City's General Operations Fund, but reductions in assessed property value by major landholders and declining sales tax base and reduced purchasing power in the community caused a serious decline in the revenue flow to the General Fund. He stated that the reserve balance as of July 1, 1995, had a funding gap which was restored by the following steps: 1) halting all expenditures for unfilled positions/capital outlay, 2) negotiated with miscellaneous employees to forego cost of living increases, 3) entered phase II of the Shop Azusa Program, 4) met with L.A. County Fire to find a way to include fire fee on property tax bill at no increase to the community and 5) asked the community to pay the entire fire fee for this fiscal year. He detailed the General Fund estimated projection of funding gap for FY 1995-96 and also the General Fund estimated budget adjustment at Mid -Year for FY 1995-96, which restored the reserve balance and established the minimum of $2,500,000. This ending fund balance provided for "mandatory" accounting reserves as well as "thawing" the "frozen" appropriations for the Emergency Services Coordinator and the Senior Plan Examiner positions, for police capital equipment, and for the construction of the new Azusa Public Safety Center. He then addressed the Mid -Year -Financial Review for the Redevelopment Agency. He stated that the Agency is experiencing a serious loss of tax revenues, due to downward reassessments of properties in Azusa. He proposed that certain project be reduced by June 30, 1996, and displayed slides presenting all current redevelopment projects and the proposed reductions totaling $1,322,300. He stated that in May he would be returning with a plan to complete the new goals • for redevelopment which are: developing the Krems property, a Town Center, refurbishment of Azusa Avenue, participation in a stadium or sports and cultural complex and occupation of the auto dealership on Azusa Avenue near the freeway. He advised that the Shop Azusa Program was very successful and over 350 people participated. Finance Dir presentation Mid -Year Review Redevelopment Mid -Year Review AGENCY PUBLIC HEARING - on proposed Resolution approving appropriation CRA Pub Hrg amendments for Fiscal Year 1995-96. Approp Amendmts The Chairman declared the Hearing open. The Secretary read the affidavit of proof Hrg open of publication of notice of said Hearing published in the Los Angeles Times on February 10, 1996. Mr. Art Morales addressed the Hearing expressing his views on the distribution of the A. Morales agenda packet for public view. He was advised that a packet is left at the City Library comments as well as the Police Department for public view. Mr. Ron Legault questioned the status of the Country Inn Cafe. City Administrator R. Legault advised that there has been changes in that project and the item will be coming back comments with amendments some time in the future. Moved by Director Naranjo, seconded by Chairman Alexander and unanimously Hrg clsd carried by roll call to close the Hearing. Mayor Alexander offered a Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA Res. 96-C21 APPROVING APPROPRIATION AMENDMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995-96 Appropriation PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-450 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE. Amendments Moved by Mayor Alexander, seconded by Councilmember Naranjo to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council 02/20/96 PAGE FIVE 1� I I C AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: HARDISON, MADRID, NARANJO, BEEBE, ALEXANDER NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE Moved by Director Beebe, seconded by Director Hardison and carried by roll call to Agency Mid -Year accept the Redevelopment Agency Mid -Year Review, but that $50,000 be reduced from Review approved the Freeway Reader Board Project instead of the Krems property project. Chairman Alexander abstaining. Director Beebe offered a Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT Res. 96-R9 AGENCY OF THE CITY OF AZUSA APPROVING APPROPRIATION Appropriation AMENDMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1995-96 PURSUANT TO SECTION 2-450 Amendments OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE. Moved by Director Beebe, seconded by Director Hardison to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Agency: AYES: DIRECTORS: HARDISON, MADRID, NARANJO, BEEBE NOES: DIRECTORS: NONE ABSENT: DIRECTORS: NONE ABSTAIN: DIRECTORS: ALEXANDER THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY Convene as CRA CONVENED AT 9:13 P.M. THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED AT 9:14 P.M. Cncl reconvened THE CITY COUNCIL DID NOT CONVENE AS THE INDUSTRIAL. IDA No bus. DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AS NO BUSINESS WAS NECESSARY TO BE TRANSACTED. THE CITY COUNCIL DID NOT CONVENE AS THE AZUSA PUBLIC APFA No bus. FINANCING AUTHORITY AS NO BUSINESS WAS NECESSARY TO BE TRANSACTED. After Council comments, Councilmember Naranjo offered a Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA DENYING THE PUBLIC NUISANCE APPEAL OF PROGRESSIVE BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION AND APPROVING AN ORDER FOR ABATEMENT OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1830 N. AZUSA AND SAN GABRIEL CANYON ROAD (ASSESSOR NO. 8684-023-003) PURSUANT TO SECTION 14-418 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE (CASE NO. 95 -H -1122-C) Moved by Councilmember Naranjo, seconded by Mayor Alexander to waive further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: 02/20/96 PAGE SIX HARDISON, MADRID, NARANJO, ALEXANDER BEEBE NONE Ord/Spec Resos Res. 96-C22 Denying appeal Progressive Buddhist I I I Councilmember Naranjo offered a Resolution entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA DENYING Res. 96-C23 AN APPEAL BY GHASSAN DURR OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION Denying Appeal DECISION TO DENY CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. C-95-11 AND PRECISE Ghasson Durr PLAN OF DESIGN P-95-86. Moved by Councilmember Naranjo, seconded by Councilmember Beebe to waive 'further reading and adopt. Resolution passed and adopted by the following vote of the Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: HARDISON, MADRID, NARANJO, BEEBE NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ALEXANDER ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE �16061_31 oil) Sched Items INFORMAL HEARING - on appeal by the California Province of the Society of Informal Hrg Jesus, from Staff's Determination that the Demolition of the Manresa Retreat House is Demo Manresa subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. Retreat Community Development Director Bruckner addressed the Hearing stating that the issue Com Dev Dir is regarding the property at 801 East Foothill known as the Manresa Retreat House, comments consisting of ten acres of property surrounded by Monrovia Nursery project. Monrovia Nursery has expressed interest in purchasing the vacant property, to demolish the buildings, and include in its project development. The question is whether the demolition is subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). He stated that staff has determined that the demolition may have a significant effect on the 'environment, and that an EIR would be appropriate. He detailed the levels of CEQA review, Categorical Exemption, Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and advised that under the Azusa Municipal Code it provides for discretion in issuing such a permit. He recommended that Council uphold Staffs determination that an EIR be prepared. A wide-ranging discussion was held between Council, staff, John Dee, Attorney for Discussion Manresa, and Jeanette McKenna, regarding the merits of the property's historical value and several other options available for determination of value. Earl Knudson, Ted Garcia, Sue Young, and Art Morales voiced their opposition to the Opposition demolition of Manresa Retreat, and the City Clerk read a letter from Lorraine Iverson to demolition expressing her opposition. Moved by Councilmember Naranjo, seconded by Mayor Alexander and unanimously Hrg continued carried by roll call vote that the item be continued to the meeting of March 4, 1996. to 3/4/96 REVOCATION HEARING - on Business License of "Tacos Mejia", a mobile catering Revocation truck, License No. 16304. Hrg Tacos Mejia Director of Finance Craig addressed the Hearing advising that when catering trucks are issued a business license there are certain regulations they are to follow and Tacos Mejia has violated those regulations by selling in the public right of away. He advised that Mr. Mejia was sent a notice of the Hearing, but is not in attendance. Community Improvement Official Cawte addressed the Hearing stating that Mr. Mejia was issued a business license on December 21, 1995, and the applicant was advised of the restrictions of no parking on public right of way and no parking on private property in excess of thirty minutes within a two hour period. He advised that since the notice of revocation was sent, return receipt requested, he has not seen Mr. Mejia's catering truck in the City. 02/20/96 PAGE SEVEN Dir of Finance continents Com Imp Ofcr Cawte comments 1 Moved by Councilmember Beebe, seconded by Councilmember Hardison and carried Business License by roll call to revoke Business License of Mr. Gustavo Mejia, dba "Tacos Mejia", Tacos Mejia License No. 16304. Councilmember Madrid dissenting. revoked OTHER BUSINESS/CITY COUNCIL Oth Bus/Cncl Moved by Councilmember Naranjo, seconded by Mayor Alexander and unanimously Proc Women's carried by roll call that a proclamation be prepared for Women's History Month, and History Month 'that the Mayor attend the luncheon sponsored by Citrus College on March 13, 1996, representing the City. It was consensus of Councilmembers that discussion regarding the Miss Azusa Pageant Miss Azusa be continued to the meeting of March 4, 1996. Pageant cont 3/4 Moved by Councilmember Hardison, seconded by Mayor Alexander and unanimously Proc Margaret Hall carried by roll call that a proclamation be prepared for Margaret Hall for chairing the 1996 Rose Float Committee. Discussion was held regarding the elimination of direct election of Mayor and reverting Discussion rotation to selection by the City Council. It was consensus of Council that staff survey other of Mayor position cities in order to get an idea how the method of rotation will be handled. The item will be scheduled for the meeting of March 16, 1996. Moved by Councilmember Beebe, seconded by Mayor Alexander and unanimously Adjourned to carried by roll call to adjourn to Monday, March 4, 1996, at 6:30 p.m. in order to hold 3/4/96 6:30 pm the Rose Float Reception. TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 11:30 P.M. 1 CITY CLERK/ / I� NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 96-C24. NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 96-01. 02/20/96 PAGE EIGHT 1