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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 09 04 CC MIN MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING September 04, 2013, 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lozano at 7:05 p.m. INVOCATION The invocation was provided Pastor Dan Reeves. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lozano. ROLL CALL The following Council Members were in attendance: Council Member Marlen Garcia Council Member Susan Rubio Mayor Pro Tem Monica Garcia Mayor Manuel Lozano Council Member Ricardo Pacheco arrived at 7:40 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS Council Member Rubio noted Bob Bimbo, representative of the Historical Society, and asked residents to support the Society. Mayor Lozano asked residents to recognize and give Mr. Bimbo a round of applause. Council Member Rubio commended Rafael Gonzales, who handles the City Library, for his dedication to the community. She also thanked Susan Molina who made a donation to renovate the library. Maria Contreras, City Treasurer, noted that Mr. Bimbo was their advisor. Council Member Garcia pointed out that she represented the City of Baldwin Park last Thursday at the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition Panel. She also noted that the Baldwin Park Pizza Park opened a new location on the corner of Olive and Main Streets. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13 Baldwin Park Pizza Park opened a new location on the corner of Olive and Main Streets. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS • Certificate recognition to the Officers of the Baldwin Park SWAT Team for their Exceptional Service in Keeping Our Streets Safe. Mayor Lozano announced that this recognition would be moved over to another meeting. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano announced that public communications is now open and the limit on each speaker is three (3) minutes. Thomas Kerry noted that men also get beat up by women and asked if Council Member Garcia has anything for men who get beat up. He also noted that Manny Carrillo, Director of Parks and Recreation, had two City cars previously, and asked how long this went on for. He suggested that the City file for Chapter 9 Bankruptcy, but said that it would not because then everyone would find out about money shuffling. He asked the City how it could negotiate with the Police Department if it does not have a budget. He asked Mr. Carrillo how it feels to be a puppet of Council Member Garcia. Art Luna noted that the Police Department has motorcycles and it does not need them, and that if there are extra police cars, they should be sold to make more money. He noted that the City spends money on things it does not need. He stated that Council Members work four years and get a retirement while he had to work for forty-five years to get a retirement, and he stated that many residents do not have air conditioner in their vehicles while Council Members use V-8 vehicles. Lilly Hernandez was asked by Terry Muse to speak on behalf of the youth who are represented by Waste Management. She noted that Waste Management started a scholarship and internship program for the youth and opined that the contract should go forward because they do much for the youth. Rafael Gonzales thanked Council Member Rubio for mentioning the Library, and acknowledged the support that the City of Baldwin Park has given the Library. He noted Mr. Carrillo's and Vijay Singhal's, Chief Executive Officer, work to renovate the library. Council Member Rubio reminded residents that book donations are vital to the library. Liz Montes, teacher for sixteen years, noted that she supports Waste Management because they are excellent in their services. Page 2 of 9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13 Mary Ferrer stated that she supports Waste Management because they provide excellent services. She also noted that the City is trying to find ways to eliminate costs, and that the community was not aware that the City Clerk and City Treasure positions were an honorary title and that these titles should be eliminated because of the financial position of the City. Council Member Rubio stated that she appreciates Ms. Ferrer's comments, but that the City Clerk takes minutes and translates. She noted that the term 'honorary' is not a fair term to use. Magda Torrellas stated that she supports Waste Management because they follow contracts. She highlighted what they do for the community. Alejandra Cervantes stated that as a homeowner and educator, she supports Waste Management because they support learning programs for students. Jose Gonzales, driver of Waste Management, noted that several drivers were present at the meeting to show their support for the contract. He also noted that the company provides trainings, meetings, and workshops to ensure excellence. Doug Corcoran, worker at Waste Management, thanked the residents who took their time to speak on behalf of the company. He also thanked the employees for providing great services, and Mr. Singhal for challenging the company to provide the best services. Dr. Paul Flores thanked the City Council for its service during these difficult times. He testified to the great service that Waste Management provides, and noted their contributions to the parish where he is a pastor. Erik Garcia noted that Mr. John De Leon's statements about the boxing program at a previous meeting were wrong. He also addressed Council Member Garcia's comments about the silent majority at the last meeting and noted that she has never addressed the residents about bankruptcy. Julian Casas, Boxing Coach at Parks and Recreation, noted that he is thankful for the boxing equipment that was bought for the team, but that they took the donation with a grain of salt because the budget mixes the boxing program with the city fleet. He noted that the city fleet pays out to Royal Coaches, who donated the equipment as a campaign tactic. He asked whether the City will be filing bankruptcy soon, and asked the City Council whether Mr. Carrillo's position will be put up to a vote. An unidentified speaker noted that she enjoys Waste Management's services, and that they are very dedicated. Maria Contreras thanked the drivers of Waste Management because they have a difficult job but are always very courteous and dedicated. Page 3of9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13 Bob Bimbo spoke in support of Mr. Carrillo and his work with Parks and Recreation. Paul Cook noted that he is a licensed attorney. He noted that at the last meeting Mayor Lozano stated that he felt for the undocumented people who had their vehicles towed, but that towing is connected to Royal Coaches who gives Council Members and Council Member Garcia's daughter cash contributions. He noted that all five Council Members are Latinos and still tow cars from undocumented workers who in the end loose their cars. He asked Mayor Lozano, Council Member Garcia, and Mayor Pro Tem Garcia to resign. There being no additional speakers Mayor Lozano closed public communications. Mayor Lozano stated that Mr. Cook has a political agenda and asked Mr. Cook to tell him what firm he works for. He noted that anyone could fabricate lies about politicians because they have a First Amendment Right to do so. He declared that he and all of the Council Members represent Hispanics in the City. Council Member Garcia thanked Royal Coaches for their proposal to assist the City with funding. Mr. Singhal noted that the City purchased the boxing equipment and not Royal Coaches. Council Member Garcia noted that it is a crime to take cash contributions from anyone, and that Council Members have not taken cash contributions from anyone. Council Member Rubio noted the rare opportunity to thank the individuals who work with Waste Management. Council Member Pacheco thanked Waste Management. He announced that he has been working with Waste Management on the contract. He outlined some of the issues in the contract that he was involved with. Mayor Pro Tem Garcia thanked Waste Management for its work in the community. She noted the undocumented-friendly towing policy the Council adopted last year, and thanked Mr. Carrillo for his leadership that has brought the City to have award-winning programs. Council Member Garcia thanked Waste Management for their work, and noted that the company has her support. CONSENT CALENDAR (Items 1 through 6) (Item No. 6 was pulled for further discussion.) Page 4 of 9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13 A motion was made by Monica Garcia, seconded by Marten Garcia, and carried (5 — 0) to approve Agenda Item Nos. 1 through 5 on the Consent Calendar. 1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS Staff recommends City Council ratify the attached Warrants and Demands 2. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR CARNIVAL SERVICES — CHRISTIAN AMUSEMENTS. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the attached agreement and authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. 3. AWARD CONTRACT FOR PRINTING OF THE BALDWIN PARK NOW Staff recommends the City Council; 1) Award a contract to Aljon Graphics for the printing of the Baldwin Park NOW in the annual amount of$21,050; and 2) Exclude Notice to Proceed and commence services September 5, 2013; and Authorize the Mayor to execute the attached agreement; and Authorize the Director of Recreation and Community Services to execute any necessary change orders in an amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the original contract. 4. CLAIM REJECTION Staff recommends City Council reject the claim of Myra Smith and direct staff to send the appropriate notice of rejection to Claimant. 5. COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION'S (CHDO'S) AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREEMENT AMENDMENT Staff recommends City Council: 1. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to sign and execute the attached agreement. 2. Replace, in its entirety, the agreement approved on August 21, 2013 with the attached agreement, rendering the prior agreement of no force and effect. 6. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE AN AMENDED AND RESTATED EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT FOR SOLID WASTE HANDLING Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Approve the amended and restated exclusive franchise agreement with Waste Management of San Gabriel / Pomona Valley (WM) for solid waste handling, and; 2. Authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement. Page 5 of 9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13 (Item No. 6 was pulled by Mayor Lozano for further discussion). Council Member Pacheco congratulated Waste Management. Mayor Lozano announced that he signed the agreement. Council Member Garcia noted that she has served on City Council for fourteen years, and has always supported Waste Management. Mayor Lozano proposed that the City reallocate monies from the million dollars available to the following areas: the concerts for the City, the Fourth of July, the City parade, and the swimming, soccer, and boxing programs. Council Member Pacheco noted that the Mayor needed to place that proposal on the next agenda, and asked that out of the million dollars, $500,000.00 be allocated to the Police Department. He also noted that Mayor Lozano was being political by allocating these funds to children's programs. Mayor Lozano stated that he was not being political. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5-0) to approve and authorize the amended and restated exclusive franchise agreement for solid waste handling. REPORTS OF OFFICERS 1. CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 21, 2013. REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICANTS AND CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND/OR REAPPOINTMENTS TO FILL THE JUNE 2012 AND JUNE 2013 SCHEDULE VACANCIES Staff recommends City Council to review the submitted Commission application(s), take nominations and adopt Resolution No. 2013-028 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK APPOINTING INDIVIDUALS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK TO OFFICES NUMBERS 1, 2, AND 3". 2. CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 21, 2013 - CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND/OR REAPPOINTMENTS TO FILL VACANCIES FOR THE HOUSING COMMISSION Staff recommends City Council to review all Commission applications, take nominations and adopt Resolution No. 2013-013 entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK APPOINTING INDIVIDUALS TO THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK TO OFFICE NOS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6," subject to satisfactory backgrounds checks through the Department of Justice, as follows: Page 6 of 9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13 so itei t ri etrtrs 1 June 30, 2014 2 3 4 June 30, 2015 5 Tenant—6 June 30, 2016 Tenant 7 (62+) PENDING APPLICATIONS A motion was made by Marlen Garcia, seconded by Lozano, and carried (5-0), to reappoint David Muse to the Planning Commission, and to appoint Gustavo Huizar and Edwin Borques to fill the vacancies on the Housing Commission. Council Member Pacheco noted that the Mayor was being rude by suggesting appointment of these candidates without allowing him to look into other candidates. He stated that this recommendation is political. Mayor Lozano asked Council Member Pacheco if he read the Item because there are only two candidates available. Council Member Garcia asked if all of the positions are up for reappointment. A motion was made by Marlen Garcia, seconded by Rubio, and carried (5-0) to reappoint positions 1 through 5, and appoint Luis Montano as Tenant-6, CITY COUNCIL / CITY CLERK / CITY TREASURER / STAFF REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS Request by Councilmember Marlen Garcia for discussion & direction to staff on the following: • As October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I would like to request Council's support to hold a City-wide women's purse drive during the month of September with the purpose of presenting the purses collected to shelters that provide services to women, victims of domestic violence. Women who find the strength to leave violent relationships will usually escape from their homes, leaving behind their purses in order to save their life and that of their children. By providing these victims with a purse, it begins to help in the process of building their self-esteem and empowerment. Council Member Garcia noted that ninety percent of domestic abuse victims are women. She spoke of her personal experience with domestic abuse, and the fact that she and other women who are abused forget their purses, which are vital to them, when they are escaping to save their lives. She stated that providing victims with a purse advocates good self-esteem and gives empowerment to them. Page 7 of 9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13 Council Member Rubio noted that she supports the purse drive. A motion was made by Marten Garcia, seconded by Rubio, and carried (5-0), to approve the purse drive for the month of September. Request by Mayor Manuel Lozano for discussion & direction to staff on the following: • Due to the 2008 recession and resulting economic downturn, the State of California and local governments have been impacted by high unemployment rates, decreased sales and property tax revenues, and high rates of home foreclosures. Baldwin Park is no exception to what has transpired on a global, national, state and local level. The effects of the economic downturn, compounded by the State of California's decisions to take millions of dollars from our City AND eliminate the Community Redevelopment Commission, has left the City of Baldwin Park grappling with very difficult financial decisions. In the last fiscal year, the City Council unanimously cut community programs and laid off city employees. At this point in time, the City is considering a proposal from the Sheriffs department as a cost savings measure that could potentially save $3-4 million dollars on an annual basis. Therefore, direct staff to prepare the necessary resolutions and other actions to schedule a special election in 2014 that will allow Baldwin Park residents to vote on public safety priorities. Mayor Lozano read his request and stated that he would like to give direction to Staff to prepare this study. Council Member Pacheco noted that the Sheriff's study would cost $90,000.00. He stated that the City is two years late with the budget, and that he would like to know where the City stands with the budget before the Council considers the proposal from the Sheriff's Department. He clarified that public safety is a priority, but that he would like to know where the City stands with the budget. He noted that many residents support the initiative for the Police Department. Mayor Lozano noted that the entire Council supports the Baldwin Park Police Department, but that he would like for residents to know what the initiative entails. Council Member Pacheco stated that the information the Mayor brings has to be accurate and not just politically driven. Council Member Garcia noted that she would like to request an Item be considered for patrolling in the City. She also asked that an Item be considered to clean up the housing for interns of Kaiser Permanente. Page 8 of 9 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 9/4/13 Mayor Pro Tem Garcia noted that Mayor Lozano is asking that Staff prepare resolutions to schedule a special election in 2014 that would allow Baldwin residents to vote on safety priorities. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Marlen Garcia, and carried (5-0) to direct Staff to prepare the necessary resolutions to schedule a special election in 2014 to allow Baldwin Park residents to vote on public safety initiatives. Council Member Rubio noted that any initiative in the City has to be signed by registered voters of the City, and that although Mayor Lozano noted that the initiative for the Police Department is not from Baldwin City, Baldwin City voters have signed the initiative. Council Member Pacheco noted that if Mayor Lozano truly supported the Police Department, he would not be bringing up the Sheriff's Department. He also noted that Public Works needs to keep up and maintain certain areas of the City such as the monument on Pomona. Mayor Lozano told Council Member Pacheco that during Closed Session, the Council voted to make Closed Session records public. Speaker noted that there is a beehive on the corner of Ramona Boulevard and Foster Avenue, and asked that the City takes care of the problem. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Marlen Garcia, and carried (5-0) to adjourn the City Council meeting at 8:38 p.m. . l,I� M ATTEST: i City lerk h/S t/ Page 9 of 9