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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 09 17 CC MIN SS MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AND SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 17, 2014, 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Lozano. ROLL CALL Board Member Cruz Baca Board Member Monica Garcia Board Member Susan Rubio Vice Chair Ricardo Pacheco Chair Manuel Lozano PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS None. STUDY SESSION /OPEN SESSION 1. SIGN ORDINANCE IN REGARDS TO NEW TEMPORARY SIGNS AND BANNERS. Amy Harbin, City Planner, narrated a PowerPoint in which the existing Sign Ordinance and proposed changes were compared for Council's consideration. Discussion ensued regarding the current [non-digital] signage sizes, fees, and timeline restrictions. A variety of suggestions were entertained, including a suggestion that grand openings have their own set of parameters in order to support local business; a comparison of the fee structures and restriction of other local municipalities should be done; consideration might be given to a 2-tier system in which temporary signage would have lower fees and time restriction as compared to more permanent, long-term signage; a concern was expressed regarding clutter in the windows of local businesses, noting that esthetics should be taken into consideration, and that lowering the fees may only exacerbate excessive signs in windows. Following discussion, Council directed staff to develop revisions to the Sign Ordinance which take into account the issues and concerns raised in this Study Session and return with a revised proposal for consideration at a future Study Session. 2. AMENDMENT TO ALLOW DIGITAL SIGNS. Amy Harbin, City Planner, narrated a PowerPoint which presented current digital signage use parameters and offering points for discussion for addressing the use, zoning restrictions and related parameters which would be incorporated, by amendment, into the existing Sign Ordinance. Page 1 Staff was asked to provide clarification of the existing regulations and whether the restrictions are by Ordinance or by Zoning requirements. Staff explained that the size of signage is relevant to the size of the property and is designated in the zoning requirements for the property. Discussion ensued and an inquiry was made as to whether permit parameters for digital signs could be handled similar to that of land use permits, wherein applications would be handled as discretionary or conditional use permits, requiring approval by a design review committee, lot size and number of signs would be regulated, "action" signs would have restrictions on hours of operation, and lumen (brightness) of signs would be regulated to mitigate impact on surrounding residential areas. Council directed staff to further research and develop proposed language that could be incorporated into an amendment to the Sign Ordinance, and bring this item back for Council consideration at a future date. 3. PRESENTATION ON CALIFORNIA CONSULTING (GRANT WRITING). Steve Samuelian, owner and founder of California Consulting, LLC, gave an oral presentation to Council, explaining that the company specializes in seeking out relevant funding sources (available grants) and writing grant applications on behalf of municipalities. He provided a brief history and noted that, since its establishment in 2004, the company has grown to become the largest grant writing company in California. Mr. Samuelian explained that the company staff is trained to seek out grant funds from both public and private sources, depending on the type of funding an entity is looking for and explained that the client is kept informed by providing status reports on the 1st of each month. When asked about the company's fee structure, how payment for services is executed and what the company's staff capability is (number of actual grant writers), Mr. Samuelian noted that the company has four offices with a total of 24 staff members, 18 of which are dedicated grant writers. He stated that there is a flat monthly rate ($5,000) regardless of the number of grant applications produced. Mr. Samuelian noted that the average number of grants the company writes in a given period varies but that the company writes an average of ten grants per week, translating to about five per year per agency. Council asked that staff prepare a report which would review and compare the current company that the City is using with the services offered by California Consulting, LLC, to determine the best value with consideration to using both companies, as needed. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 Name of Case: Richard Villines v. City of Baldwin Park Case Number: WC Claim No. 10-109536 Page 2 Name of Case: Randy Morris v. City of Baldwin Park Case Number: WC Claim No. 12-114424 5. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9. Potential Case(s): one (1) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m. Mayor ATTEST: .L City Cle APPROVED: /0/15 //7 Page 3