HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - February 4, 2002 - CCCITY OF AZUSA
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2002 - 6:30 P.M.
The City Council of the City of Azusa met in regular session at the above date and time in the
Azusa Auditorium.
It was consensus of Council to recess to Closed Session in the Office of the City Manager, to Closed
discuss the following: Session
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - PUBLIC EMPLOYEE REVIEW (Gov. Code Sec.
54957. Title: Water Utility Equipment Operator.
An item of subsequent need arose after the posting of the Agenda regarding the following and
it was moved by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon and
unanimously carried to agendize it as follows:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION (Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9(a)).
Jesse and Lucy Ramos v. City of Azusa, Claim #00-2 and Superior Court of California, County
of Los Angeles, East, Case #KC035101,
An item of subsequent need arose after the posting of the Agenda regarding the following and
it was moved by Councilmember Stanford, seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon and
unanimously carried to agendize it as follows:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Gov. Code Sec. 54956.9
(c))_. One Case - Amicus Brief - Los Angeles County Transportation Authority vs.
Labor/Community Strategy Center, Bus Riders Union, et al.
Councilmembers recessed to Closed Session at 6:31 p.m.
Councilmember reconvened at 7:1 1 p.m.
Items of
Subsequent
Need
Recess
Reconvened
City Attorney Carvalho reported that City Council took action to approve participation in the City Attorney
Amicus Brief as well as request for leave of absence from an employee. Comments
Mayor Madrid called the meeting to order and led in the Salute to the Flag.
INVOCATION was given by Ms. Susan Smith of the Neighborhood Wellness Center
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: HARDISON, STANFORD, ROCHA, CHAGNON,
MADRID
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE
ALSO PRESENT:
City Attorney Martinez, City Manager Cole, Assistant City Manager Person, Captain Garcia of
the Azusa Police Department, Associate Director Recreation and Parks Jacobs, Community
Development Director Bruckner, City Engineer Abbaszadeh, Director of Public Works Nakasone,
City Treasurer Macias, Deputy City Clerk Toscano, City Clerk Mendoza.
Call to Order
Invocation
Roll Call
Also Present
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Pub Part
Ms. Susan Smith of the Neighborhood Wellness Center addressed Council and provided an S. Smith
Independent evaluation of the Center, highlighting certain aspects of the report. She thanked Comments
certain staff members for their aid to her while providing services at the Center.
Reverend Ruben Luciano of the New Testament Christian Church addressed Council requesting R. Luciano
waiver of fees for a Conditional Use Permit in order to continue to conduct church services at Comments
927 W. Foothill Boulevard, Azusa. It was consensus of Councilmembers to refer the matter
to City Manager Cole for study and report back to Council at a later date.
Ms. Lana Grizzell, President of the Miss Azusa Scholarship Program, addressed Council L. Grizzell
' providing information about the program. She advised that all applications for the Scholarship Comments
Program are to be turned in by February 13, 2002; for further information call the Azusa
Chamber of Commerce at 334-1507.
Ms. Annalisa Abbs addressed Council on behalf of student body of Azusa Pacific University to A. Abbs
announce that they will be having two upcoming basketball games on February 5th and 16`h. Comments
She advised that she have 50 free tickets for each game to give away to Azusa residents or
that they may be picked up at the box office with proof of Azusa residency.
Mr. Arthur Nava and Margaret Barcelo addressed Council expressing his concern regarding the A. Nava &
lack of rent control in the City and that his rent has been consistently raised. They were M. Barcelo
referred to the Azusa's Community Mediation Program to seek a solution to problems between Comments
them and their landlord.
Ms. Lisa Harrington and Julie Lavezzari addressed Council providing information regarding the L. Harrington
CommunityAcademy, stating that the new class will begin March 20`h. They thanked Council J. Lavezzari
for allowing the class to continue. They provided details about the program. Comments
SCHEDULED ITEMS
Sched Items
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING - An appeal by Mr. Vincent Margolis, of the Planning Cont. Pub
Commission's denial of a Conditional Use Permit (C-2001-09) to allow -a church (Praise Hrg Praise
Chapel) at 521 North Azusa Avenue. Chapel
Moved by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon and unanimously Continued
carried to continue the Public Hearing to the Council meeting of Monday, February 19, 2002. to 2/19/02
Agreements for non-exclusive official police tow and garage services.
Tow Agmts
Mr. Ramin Arabshahi of Cities tow, addressed Council advising that his company has an Auto R. Arabshahi
Club Franchise and there was an accident that was an auto club call but, his company wasn't Cities Tow
called. He questioned why they weren't called and asked that the other tow companies in Comments
the area respect the franchise. The matter was referred to Captain Garcia of the Azusa Police
Department for handling.
Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon answered questions posed regarding the weekly rotation of the four Discussion
towing companies. The rotation schedule Is as follows: Freeman's, Cities, Johnny's and Tow Agmts
Jan's. It was then moved by Councilmember Stanford, seconded by Councilman Hardison and Approved
unanimously carried to approve the towing service franchise agreements with the four
companies as presented.
REPORTS. UPDATES COUNCIL BUSINESS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS -STAFF
Rpts/Updates
City Manager Cole provided a presentation on the Citizens Congress values, vision and goals. City Mgr
He detailed the history of the Citizens Congress noting that all information gathered from the Comments
community will be taken into consideration when preparing the final general plan.
Rocha
Councilmember Rocha wished his mother a Happy 80`h Birthday. Comment
Councilmember Stanford provided comments about the Mountain Cove project and how it Stanford
was portrayed in the local newspaper. He advised of his trip to Davis, California on Friday, Comments
representing the City's position on the Drive -In Theater with regard to the Conservancy
nomination. He expressed his dismay with the opposition of the City's official position by the
Mayor and the Vice Chairman of the Historical Preservation Commission who did not disclaim
from making the official position, and that APU will have to go through CEQA process.
02/04/02 PAGE TWO
Mayor Madrid reminded all of the Miss Azusa Scholarship Program application deadline on Madrid
February 13`h. She invited all to Congresswoman Hilda Solis first Environmental Justice Comments
Roundtable at Rio Hondo College Training Center on Tuesday, February 19, 2002, from 10:00
A.M. - 4:00 P.M. She also invited all to the Citizens Congress meeting during the month of
February.
SCHEDULED ITEMS (continued) Scheduled
Item
PUBLIC HEARING - to consider adoption of a Tree Preservation Ordinance and to designate Pub Hrg Tree
a City Tree. Preserve Ord
The Mayor declared the Hearing open. The City Clerk read the affidavit of proof of publication Hrg Open
of notice of said Hearing published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on January 25, 2002.
City Engineer Abbaszadeh addressed the issue stating that the City has been seeking the City Engr
designation of Tree City USA" and has met three of the four standards as follows: 1) Comments
Establishment of a Tree Board ( Committee), 2) Arbor Day Observation and Proclamation, and
3) Community Forestry Program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita. He stated
that the fourth requirement is the Tree Preservation Ordinance which is presented for
consideration. He highlighted the proposed ordinance stating that it will ensure and enhance
public health, safety, and welfare through the proper care, maintenance, and preservation of
trees in Azusa. Further it establishes the following: City Management practices when they are
in public right of way, tree care, guidelines for tree removal, general requirements for new sub-
divisions, and list of undesirable trees. He stated that the proposed ordinance was reviewed
by the City's Tree Committee and approved by the City's Park and Recreation Commission.
Further that they suggested adoption of a City Tree and recommended Golden Trumpet Tree.
He then answered questions posed by Councilmembers.
Mrs. Jenny Avila, former Councilmember, addressed the issue stating that when she served J. Avila
on the Council (1986-1990), they designated the palm tree as the City Tree. Staff was Comments
directed to look into the matter.
Councilmembers discussed the issue of a designated tree suggesting a citrus tree. They also Discussion
discussed the undesirable tree list and oak tree removal. Councilmember Rocha asked that
when trees are removed, he suggested that they be replaced by a minimum 24 inch box.
Councilmember Rocha offered an Ordinance entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING 1" Rdg Ord
CHAPTER 16 OF THE AZUSA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD TREE PRESERVATION Tree Prsvtn
REQUIREMENTS. Ordinance
Moved by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Stanford and unanimously Ordinance
carried by roll call to waive further reading and introduce the proposed ordinance. (Note: This introduced
action does not include a City Tree Designation).
PUBLIC HEARING - to consider adoption of the plan for posting "No Parking" signs during Pub Hrg
street sweeping days. "No Parking"
The Mayor declared the Hearing open. The City Clerk read the affidavit of proof of publication Hrg Open
of notice of said Hearing published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on January 25, 2002.
City Engineer Abbaszadeh provided a power point presentation displaying and detailing the City Engr
posting of city streets with "No Parking" signs for street sweeping; he also discussed several Comments
parking issues. He presented a plan which includes: A. Parking which will be prohibited
on one side of the street from 7 am to 3pm, while the other side of the street will be available
for parking. B. Street Sweeping to follow trash pick up days. C. Wherever possible, only
two signs per block will be posted. D, Consists of specific street names and dates for trash
pick-up. He addressed other options for street sweeping hours and posting.
Discussion was held regarding the proposed hiring a contract employee to enforce the signs Discussion
by issuing citations while following the street sweeper; it is being proposed that for the first
two months warnings would be issued. It was suggested that volunteers from the police
department be used to enforce the signs and write tickets or existing City personnel.
02/()4/02 PAGE THREE
Moved by Councilmember Rocha, seconded by Councilmember Stanford and carried to adopt Plan Posting
• the plan for posting "No Parking" signs during street sweeping days as submitted by staff with streets during
the exception of the hiring of a contract employee to enforce signs; staff is to utilize police sweeping
department volunteers instead of contract employee. Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon dissenting. days
The CONSENT CALENDAR consisting of Items V-A through V -H, was approved by motion of Consent Cal
Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon, seconded by Mayor Madrid and unanimously carried with the V-A - V -H
exception of item V -E, which was considered under the Special Call portion of the Agenda. V -E, Spec Ca
A. The Minutes of the regular meeting of January 22, 2002, were approved as written. Min approve
' B. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA, Res. 02-C17.
DECLARING PUBLIC NUISANCE. Pub Nuisance
C. Approval was given to increase the blanket purchase order for Cooperative Personnel Blanket P.O.
Services (CPS) in the amount of $5,000 and amend the Human Resources Department w/CPS
budget.
D. The Contract Amendment with Hamilton, Rabinovitz &Alshuler, Inc., for General Plan Gen Plan Hsg
Housing Policy Consultant services, and budget amendment, was approved. Policy
E. SPECIAL CALL ITEM. Spec Call
F. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ) 2002 AZUSA HIRING Res. 02-C18
PROFESSIONAL IN RELATION TO A PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES Mountain Cv
DISTRICT NO. 2002-1 (MOUNTAIN COVE) 2002 SPECIAL TAX BOND. Consultants
G. Approval was given to amend the 2002-2006 Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) CIP Amend
budget to purchase a paint truck and increase to the purchase order issued to Wondries Wondries
Fleet Group.
H. The following Resolution was adopted and entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA ALLOWING CERTAIN Res. 02-C 19
CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AND SPECIFYING THE FUNDS OUT OF WHICH THE SAME ARE Warrants
TO BE PAID.
SPECIAL CALL ITEM
Special Call
Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon addressed the Human Resources Action Item noting that two Chagnon
employees had merit increases that were due to them April of 2001. She requested a follow questions
up as to why they were ten months late and requested that performance appraisal reviews
be held on a more timely basis.
Moved by Mayor Pro -Tem Chagnon, seconded by Mayor Madrid and unanimously carried to Human Res.
approve the Human Resources Action Items as follows: Action Items
Merit Increase and/or regular appointment: Approved
R. Covarrubias, C. Alvarez, R. Arevalo, M. Shepard, and D. Irish.
New Appointment: M. Bires, Police Officer -Lateral, pending physical results.
Separation: R. Termath, Police Sergeant, effective 1/19/02.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECESSED AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CONVENED AT 8:56 Convene CRA
P.M.
THE CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED AT 8:57 P.M. Cncl reconve
It was consensus of Councilmembers to adjourn to Saturday, at 8:30 a.m. in order to take a Adjourn in
tour of the cities of Riverside and Brea commercial properties, and then adjourn to Monday, memory
February 11, to the Light and Water Conference Room to hold a workshop on the Workplan. Kevin
The meeting was adjourned in memory of Kevin Ramirez who passed away. Ramirez
TIME
ADJOURNMENT: 8:59 P.M.
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CITY CLERK
NEXT RESOLUTION NO. 2002-C20.
NEXT ORDINANCE NO. 2002-03.
02/04/02 PAGE FOUR