M I N U T E S

REGULAR MEETING OF THE

WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL

January 16, 2007

Mayor Touhey called to order the regular meeting of the West Covina City Council at 7:10 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue, West Covina.

INVOCATION Andrew G. Pasmant

City Manager

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Lane

 

ROLL CALL Mayor Touhey, Mayor Pro Tem Lane,

Councilmembers Hernandez

Absent Councilmember Herfert

Others Present Pasmant, Alvarez-Glasman, Fields, McIsaac, Durbin, Bachman, McNeill, Yauchzee, Wills, Elliott, Rush

 

REPORTING OUT FROM CLOSED SESSION

City Attorney Alvarez-Glasman reported the following:

The Community Development Commission convened the special meeting at 6:35 p.m. with all members present except Commissioner Herfert. Prior to convening into closed session, all items on the Community Development Commission agenda were announced for inclusion in the closed session discussion.

Conference with Real Property Negotiators — Property: 2538 E. Garvey Avenue — The CDC received testimony from one person. There was no final action taken and there was nothing further to report.

 

CHANGES TO THE AGENDA Mayor Touhey announced that Item C-1 — Investigative Report of Alleged Hostile Work Environment — and Item H-1 — Annual Appointment of City Council Representatives to Other Agencies — would be continued to the following meeting.

City Manager Pasmant announced an addendum to Item G-1 — Authorization for Staff to Proceed with the Annual Independence Day Celebration from June 30 to July 4, 2007 — to correct errors as outlined in the addendum.

PRESENTATIONS Blue Star Video was aired.

ANNOUNCEMENTS City Manager Pasmant announced upcoming City events.

ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

Rob Charles Rob Charles, field representative for Assemblyman Ed Hernandez, announced that on January 20, a local government summit will be held at West Covina City Hall. Their new district office is located at 1521 W. Cameron.

Tyra Mason Tyra Mason, representing the West Covina Chamber of Commerce, promoted the West Covina Farmer’s Market and West Covina businesses.

John Scheuplein John Scheuplein, West Covina resident, commented on the proposed Park and Commercial Crime Team (Item C-3) stating he felt the officers should wear the same uniforms as police officers, and commented on the Investigative Report (Item C-1).

Fred Sykes Fred Sykes, West Covina resident, commented on the work performance of the current graffiti removal contractor and graffiti; the diminishing open space/parks in the community and urged the community to attend the Special meeting on Wednesday, January 17 to discuss Shadow Oak Park.

Joanne Wilner Joanne Wilner, West Covina resident, echoed Mr. Scheuplein’s comments regarding Item C-3; and commented on conditions at Galster Park; the Special Meeting to be held on January 17 regarding Shadow Oak Park; selection of Consultants for Public Works projects; and Fourth of July event.

Mayor Touhey requested the following item be moved forward for consideration — Item G-1 — Authorization for Staff to Proceed with the Annual Independence Day Celebration from June 30 to July 4, 2007 and Item E-1 — Public Hearing regarding 2900-2944 E. Virginia Avenue.

DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT

Authorization for Staff to Proceed with the Annual

G-1 Independence Day Celebration from June 30 to July 4, 2007

July 4 Celebration Community Services Director McNeill presented the staff report requesting Council direction regarding the extension of the 2007 Independent Day Celebration from a three-day to a five-day event. Director McNeill answered questions regarding the funds raised by MDA.

Council ensued in discussion regarding the City’s outlay of cost for the event verses the revenue generated by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Comments included the fact that the Fourth of July event would cost the City substantially a lot more without the partnership with the MDA due to the donations and contributions.

John Hughes, West Covina resident and MDA Fundraising Coordinator, provided a brief background of the event and how it came to the City.

Motion Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Sanderson to approve option #1 which provides for authorization to extend the 2007 Independence Day Celebration from a three-day to a five-day event and direct staff to include an additional appropriation of $25,470 for the 2007 4th of July Event as part of the mid-term budget adjustments in June. Motion carried 4 — 0.

PUBLIC HEARINGS Appeal of Conditional Use Permit No. 06-01

Appeal of Precise Plan No. 06-09

Appeal of Tentative Tract Map No. 65593

Appeal of Variance No. 06-01

Categorical Exemption

Applicant/Appellant: Mark Glieberman (MG Properties)

E-1 Location: 2900-2944 E. Virginia Avenue

Appeal 2900-2944 E. Virginia Mayor Touhey announced the public hearing matter. Assistant City Clerk Rush verified that proper legal notice had been given and Mayor Touhey opened the hearing. Planning Director McIsaac gave a brief overview of the project. The project was previously denied by the Planning Commission due to parking deficiencies, as condominium complexes require slightly more overall parking than apartment complexes. Director McIsaac answered questions regarding parking issues.

Public Testimony Mayor Touhey opened the public testimony portion of the hearing and asked for public comment.

In Favor Mark Gleiberman, applicant, provided a brief background of the project, and highlighted benefits of the conversion from apartments to condominiums including the opportunity of ownership.

Diana Kelly, West Covina resident, spoke in support of the project as it will bring in stable residents with ownership.

Bill Altman, West Covina resident, agreed with the previous speaker stating that ownership will be a benefit to the community.

Karin Armbrust, West Covina resident, supported the project as it will bring in families.

Opposed Joanne Wilner, West Covina resident, opposed the project over concerns with parking issues created by the project.

Lloyd Johnson, West Covina resident, opposed the project and commented on the inadequacy of the parking spots.

Bruce Leinbach, opposed the project due to the issues surrounding parking.

Rebuttal Mark Gleiberman, applicant, stated the conversion will not create a higher demand for parking spaces as the number of units will remain the same.

Close Testimony There being no one else desiring to address the Council, Mayor Touhey closed the public testimony portion of the hearing.

Council discussion It was the Council’s consensus to support the appeal of the applicant as the conversion would not change the number of units or parking spaces from its existing apartment status. The Council did recognize that parking issues in the area also stem from the neighboring complex in which the parking lot is not utilized and patrons park on the street. Council also felt that ownership of the condo complexes was a benefit to the community and the residents in the immediate area were in support.

Mayor Touhey requests that along with approving the appeal, that permit parking for the property on Virginia Ave. in front of the applicants’ property be allotted/restricted to the applicant’s complex.

Assistant City Clerk Rush presented:

Reso No. 2007-1 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-1 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, OVERTURNING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 06-01.

Reso No. 2007-2 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-2 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, OVERTURNING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND APPROVING PRECISE PLAN NO. 06-09

Reso No. 2007-3 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-3 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, OVERTURNING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND APPROVING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 65593

Reso No. 2007-4 RESOLUTION NO. 2007-4 — A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, OVERTURNING THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND APPROVING VARIANCE NO. 06-01

Motion Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Sanderson to approve the appeal with the amendment of requiring permit parking on the street in front of the complex. Motion carried 4 — 0.

 

UPDATES/REPORTS FROM CONSULTANTS

No report for this meeting.

 

ITEMS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETINGS

City Manager’s Office

C-1 Investigative Report of Alleged Hostile Work Environment

Alleged Hostile Work Environment This item is being held over to a subsequent meeting.

 

City/School Liaison Committee — Opening Up School Tracks

C-2 and Fields to the Public

School Tracks and Fields Councilmember Hernandez presented a brief report and the potential and opportunity to expand the partnership of the City with other neighboring school districts for the use of the schools tracks.

Motion Motion by Hernandez and seconded by Lane to direct staff to expand grant search funding for rubberized track improvements and research partnership with Covina-Valley Unified School District, Rowland Unified School District, Baldwin Park Unified School District in opening up school tracks and fields to the public. Motion carried 4 — 0.

 

Councilmember Herfert

C-3 Park and Commercial Crime Team

Park/Commercial Crime Team Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Lane to hold this item over. Motion carried 4-0.

 

CONSENT CALENDAR Councilmember Hernandez requested that Item D-3b — Award of Bid for the Construction of Equestrian Fence (Project No. SP-07116 and Item D-3c — Award of Bid for Fuel Island Canopy Construction (Project No. BP-04301) be pulled for separate discussion.

D-1 City Council Meeting Minutes (receive & file)
    • Special Meeting of October 17, 2006
    • Regular Meeting of October 17, 2006

 

 

D-2 Commission Summary of Actions (receive & file)

Summary of Actions a) Human Resources 08/09/06 & 11/08/06

b) Planning 01/09/07

c) Joint Planning/Community Services 01/09/07

Award of Bid

D-3a Award of Bid for North Azusa Avenue and Vincent Avenue at

Traffic Signal Modifications Rowland Avenue Traffic Signal Modifications (Project Nos. TP-05506 & TP-06503

Recommendation is that the City Council take the following actions:

    1. Appropriate additional Proposition "C" funds in the amount of $18,000 to Project No. TP-06503 (122.85.8635.7800)

    2. Transfer $750,000 of the Azusa Avenue Relinquishment Funds from SP-07102 (215.81.8739.7200) to TP-05506 (215.85.8547.7800)

    3. Transfer $50,000 of CDBG Funds from SP-07102 (131.81.8739.7200) to TP-05506 (131.85.8547.7800)

    4. Transfer $100,190 of Proposition "A" Funds from SP-07102 (121.81.8739.7200) to TP-05506 (121.85.8547.7800)

    5. Accept the bid of CSI Electrical Contractor in the amount of $852,190 as submitted at the bid opening on January 9, 2007, and authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer and City Clerk to execute the contract.

D-3b Award of Bid for the Construction of Equestrian Fence

Equestrian Award of Bid (Project No. SP-07116)

Recommendation is that the City Council take the following actions:

    1. Establish Project No. SP-07116.

    2. Appropriate $100,000 from Fund 125 fund balance (Prop 42) to Project No. SP-07116 (Account No. 125.81.8778.7200)

    3. Accept the bid of Green Giant Landscape, Inc. in the amount of $79,458 as submitted at the bid opening on January 9, 2007 and authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer and City Clerk to execute an agreement with Green Giant Landscape, Inc. of La Habra, California for the work to be done.

D-3c Award of Bid for Fuel Island Canopy Construction

Fuel Island Canopy (Project No. BP-04301)

Recommendation is that the City Council take the following actions:

    1. Accept the bid of Green Giant Landscape in the amount of $63,000 as submitted at the bid opening on December 21, 2006, and authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer and City Clerk to execute the contract to install a new fuel island canopy at the City Maintenance Yard.

    2. Appropriate $13,000 from Proposition A (Fund 121) to complete all required project work.

D-4 City Treasurer’s Report (receive & file)

Treasurer’s Report Report for the Month of November 2006

Miscellaneous — Communications Department

D-5a Amendment to License and Use Agreement with Global Signal

Global Signal Agreement Acquisitions

Recommendation is that the License and Use Agreement authorizing Global Signal Acquisitions III, LLC to maintain and operate a cellular PCS (Personal Communications System) site at Shadow Oak Park be extended for five (5) years, in accordance with terms of the agreement as amended.

Miscellaneous — Police Department

D-5b Police Mobile and Station Computers Replacement — Year 1

Computers Replacement — P.D. Recommendation is that the City Council:

    1. Approve the purchase of forty (40) Optiplex 745 desktop computers for $68,379.90 including tax, directly from Dell, the City’s authorized computer vendor.

    2. Approve the purchase of twenty (20) "Tracer" model Mobile Digital Computers for $106,235.00 including tax, directly from Datalux, the WCSG’s established MDC vendor.

    3. De-obligate the $42,000 appropriation in 116.85.8531.7800 previously budgeted for a 2005-06 CIP project (Traffic Intervention System) lacking full funding.

    4. Appropriate $58,891.29 from the balance of Fund 116 into 116.84.8727.7900, and $19,723.61 from the balance of Fund 117 into 117.84.8727.7900, to cover these purchases, along with the $96,000 already budgeted in 153.84.8727.7900.

Miscellaneous — Public Works Department

D-5c Selection of Consultant for Amar Road and Azusa Avenue

Consultant — Azusa/Amar Inspection Improvements

(Project No. SP-07101 and Federal Project STPL-5259-014)

Recommendation is that the City Council accept the proposal of Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., of Los Angeles, California in an amount not to exceed $125,425 and authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to execute an agreement with said firm for the work to be done.

D-5d Selection of Consultant for California Avenue and Plaza Drive

Consultant — California/Plaza Widening and Traffic Signal Improvement

(Project No. SP-07114 and Federal Project STPL-5259-015

Recommendation is that the City Council accept the proposal from Wildan of City of Industry, California, in an amount not to exceed $40,420 and authorize the Public Works Director and City Engineer to execute an agreement with said Wildan for the work to be done.

Cooperative Agreement with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works for Amar Road Street Improvement

D-5e and Median Landscaping

Agreement with County Recommendation is that the City Council take the following actions:

    1. Establish the Project No. PP-07209.

    2. Authorize the Public Works Director/City Engineer to execute a cooperative agreement with the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works for street and landscape improvement.

D-5f Purchase of Three Pickup Trucks

Purchase of Pickup Trucks Recommendation is that the City Council authorize the purchase of three pickup trucks from the lowest responsible bidder, Villa Ford, for a total cost of $48,998.52, which also includes sales tax and options.

Miscellaneous — Finance

D-5g Purchase of One (1) Ford Expedition for Police Department

Purchase of Ford Expedition Recommendation is that the City Council approve an award of purchase to the lowest responsive bidder, Downtown Ford, for one 2007 Ford Expedition XLT for a total cost of $27,724 including sales tax and standard warranty.

CONSENT CALENDAR ACTION Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Hernandez to approve all items except Item D-3b — Award of Bid for the Construction of Equestrian Fence (Project No. SP-07116) and Item D-3c —Award of Bid for Fuel Island Canopy Construction (Project No. BP-04301) with the record reflecting that Touhey abstained on Item D-5a. Motion carried by 4 — 0.

Item D-3c Award of Bid for Fuel Island Canopy Construction — Public Works Director Yauchzee presented a brief staff report answering questions from Council regarding why a canopy is needed and requested appropriation of funding.

Motion by Sanderson and seconded by lane to approve the staff recommendation. Motion carried 4-0.

Item D-3b Award of Bid for the Construction of Equestrian Fence — Councilmember Hernandez inquired why this item was not included in the budget. Public Works Director Yauchzee responded that this project was originally included with the Holt Avenue construction project as an alternate item. At that time, that bid was higher than expected and direction was to remove it from the project and re-bid.

Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Hernandez to approve staff’s recommendation. Motion carried by 4 — 0.

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS Appeal Hearing

Appeal of Conditional Use Permit No. 06-01

Appeal of Precise Plan No. 06-09

Appeal of Tentative Tract Map No. 65593

Appeal of Variance No. 06-01

Categorical Exemption

Applicant/Appellant: Mark Gleiberman (MG Properties)

E-1 Location: 2900-2944 E. Virginia Avenue

2900-2944 E Virginia This item was brought forward for discussion after Oral

Appeal Hearing Communications due to speakers in the audience.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Mayor Touhey recessed the City Council meeting at 9:14 p. m. to convene the Community Development Commission meeting. The City Council reconvened at 9:15 p.m. with all members present except Councilmember/Commissioner Herfert.

DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS

Community Services Department

Authorization for Staff to Proceed with the Annual

G-1 Independence Day Celebration from June 30 to July 4, 2007

4th of July Celebration This item was brought forward for consideration after Oral Communications.

 

MAYOR’S/COUNCILMEMBERS REPORTS

Annual Appointment of City Council Representatives to Other

H-1 Agencies

This item was held over to a subsequent meeting.

 

AB1234 Report AB1234 Conference and Meeting Report

Mayor Touhey and Councilmember Hernandez gave a brief report on a recent Contract Cities Conference they attended.

 

 

COUNCIL REQUESTS FOR REPORTS, STUDIES OR INVESTIGATIONS

No reports for this meeting.

 

COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS

Mayor Touhey requested to agendize for future consideration an option of offering signing bonuses when hiring lateral police officers and the option of using Housing Set-Aside funds to hire additional police officers.

Councilmember Hernandez requested to agendize a study to provide compensation for police and fire safety personnel salaries at the top quartile of the labor market.

Councilmember Hernandez stated he previously requested an update on the development of two potential fire stations and requested the item still come forward.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT Motion by Sanderson and seconded by Hernandez to adjourn the meeting at 9:39 p.m. in memory of Mrs. Birdie Lee Gates; Father Ray Smith; Joe Tapia, former Irwindale Councilmember; and James Moon, longtime resident. Motion carried 4-0.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted by:

 

 

 

 

_________________________________

Assistant City Clerk Susan Rush

 

 

 

Mayor Michael Touhey