The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2014 10 01 CC MIN SS MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AND SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2014, 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. by Mayor Lozano. ROLL CALL Councilmember Cruz Baca Councilmember Susan Rubio Mayor Manuel Lozano Mayor Pro Tern Ricardo Pacheco arrived at 5:56 p.m. Councilmember Monica Garcia arrived at 5:59 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications at 6:00 p.m. Ken Woods, resident, opined that there are two more projects and is concerned that parking will be reduced and that the new projects will not generate revenue via property taxes; feels that local residents end up having to make up the difference through prorated tax increases. Alfonso Contreras, resident, echoed the views of Mr. Woods and stated that he believes the exiting building, which had served as a power station, is a historical site and cannot be taken down; suggested that any development should work to incorporate the exiting building and that less density On the number of housing units) should be considered. Greg Tuttle, noted that the Montebello Housing project is said to be considered for negotiations already and that Council should wait to entertain any more developments; Aurora Group prepared designs and should be given a chance to present what they have developed; consider that there could be better used as commercial rather than residential; expressed concern regarding increased traffic congestion. Mr. Luna, resident, implied that taxes because city will go bankrupt; stated that 10 years of taxes and cut in half at the end of the 10 years — instead giving property tax free; citizens are tired of paying taxes while city is being given away; inferred that taxes are being paid by residents but not new businesses; suggested that taxes be paid for 10 years, then cut taxes in half Baldwin Park resident echoed the views of other speakers, opining that the city is being given away and tax revenue is being circumvented; suggested that the citizens be allowed to vote on the matter; noted as a reminder that next year is an election year. Page 1 of 3 Baldwin Park resident stated that she feels there is nothing wrong with developing to provide more residential areas and that additional housing is needed; pointed out that the value of real property in California needs to be taken into consideration and that the density of units should be reconsidered; suggested that, if developers cannot be financially profitable with a reduced number of units, they need to sharpen their pencils and be more cost conscious; also suggested that, instead of having businesses located next to the Metrolink station, the City needs to address the noise caused by the trains; suggested that the City purchase a bond for that purpose, pointing out that eliminating the excessive noise of the trains would increase property values and would make living close to and using the Metrolink more attractive to people. Mayor Lorenzo called for additional comments. Seeing no one else wishing to speak, the Mayor declared the Public Communications closed at 6:14 p.m. Mayor Lorenzo noted that Council had directed Staff to work with Congresswoman Napolitano to identify potential funding for that purpose; noted that the matter had previously been brought to the attention of the federal government, who has jurisdiction, but without any significant results. STUDY SESSION /OPEN SESSION 1. PRESENTATION BY CITY VENTURES OF THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS: Ryan Aye, Vice President of Land Acquisitions for City Ventures and Joe McClyde, Senior Associate with Katalyst, Inc., narrated a PowerPoint presentation outlining conceptual development plans for the city properties identified as The Depot [two properties located generally on Badillo Street and Ramona Boulevard on the northeast and northwest corners], and Baldwin Park Station [located general on Downing Avenue between Pacific Avenue and Ramona Boulevard]. Mr. Aye started with the comments that City Ventures is a for-profit company and that there is no intent to seek subsidies and that fair market value will be paid for the land proposed for development. Mr. Aye provided a historic background of City Ventures (CV) and Katalyst, and spoke about some of the projects previously developed in other communities, some of which were identified as Transit Oriented Developments (TOD), as is proposed for the properties in Baldwin Park; noted that CV builds Green Key homes, many of which include solar technology and are pre-wired for electric car charging. Mr. McClyde spoke about the optional layouts of the proposed development options and spoke about the proposed utilization of shipping containers as the framework for each unit's structure. Council presented questions regarding the shipping containers and their potential use; expressed concern regarding the esthetics of using that type of construction medium. Having concluded the presentation, Mayor Lozano announced the Study Session concluded and Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:28 p.m. Page 2 of 3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATIONS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: Agency designated representatives: Shannon Yauchzee; Robert N. Tafoya Employee Organizations: General Unit of Maintenance Employees, SEIU Local 721; Police Officer Association; Professional and Technical Employees Association; Clerical Employees Association; Police Management Employees Association; Classified Confidential Employees Association; Classified Management Employees Association Unrepresented Employee(s): City Planner; Housing Authority Manager, Community Development Manager 2. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: Ramona Boulevard and Badillo Street, APN #8437-013-905 Agency negotiators: Shannon Yauchzee, Robert N. Tafoya, Marc Castagnola Negotiating parties: Montebello Housing Development Corporation Under negotiation: Price and Terms 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: Potential Case(s): Two (2) 4. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: Name of Case: Hadsell v. City of Baldwin Park Case Number: BC548602 Name of Case: Casas v. City of Baldwin Park Case Number: BS147794 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, motion was made by Lozano .nde. :y Garcia, to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m. �I 1 -jam ATTEST: I / r Or Atedi City lerk APPROVED: 8/5//X Page 3 of 3