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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 11 19 CC MIN MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 19, 2014, 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco at 7:03 p.m. INVOCATION The invocation was provided by Pastor Jackson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Baca. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Cruz Baca Council Member Monica Garcia Council Member Susan Rubio Mayor Pro Tern Ricardo Pacheco MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Manuel Lozano [excused] REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco stated that staff received direction but that no reportable action was taken on items discussed during Closed Session. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco announced, as required by Government Code section 54954.3, that members of the City Council are also members of the Board of Directors of the Housing Authority and Finance Authority, which are concurrently convening with the City Council this evening and each Council Member is paid an additional stipend of $30 for attending the Housing Authority meeting and $50 for attending the Finance Authority meeting. Councilmember Garcia requested that the meeting be closed in memory of Ernesto Salinas, who passed recently; he and his wife reigned as Senior Center King and Queen during 1998- 1 1999, and he was very active with the Senior Center; Council extended condolences to his family. Councilmember Garcia also extended thanks to those who donated purses and toiletries during the Annual Purse Drive to support victims of domestic violence; noted that Baldwin Park collected 25 purses and overall efforts brought in a total of 300 purses. Councilmember Baca asked that the meeting be closed in memory of Consuelo Guerrero, who passed on November 13, 2014, at the age of 94; noted that she had been a resident in the San Gabriel Valley for many years and extended condolences to her family and friends. Councilmember Baca also expressed appreciation to the Baldwin Park Police Department for their personal contribution and hosting of the Pride Platoon, a local youth program; noted that she had attended the graduation ceremony and was very impressed. Councilmember Rubio expressed appreciation to Parks and Community Services staff for helping make the Veterans Day event on November 11, 2014, a tremendous success; extended an invitation and reminded everyone of the upcoming Tree Lighting Ceremony which will be held on December 4, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. and Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 6. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS Presentation to Richard and Josephine Rivera in Recognition of being selected as Senior Center King and Queen for 2014. Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco recognized Senior Center King, Richard Rivera, and Senior Center Queen, Josephine Rivera, and presented each of them with an inscribed plaque to commemorate their reign of 2014. Presentation of Certificates to Recognition to the Mojica Judo Club Coaches and Players in recognition of their Successful 2014 Fall Tournament. Councilmember Baca presented Certificates of Recognition to members of the Mojica Judo Club in recognition of their success in the 2014 Fall Tournament. She provided a brief history of the Club and the success it has seen in recent years. Selected members of the Club spoke of their experiences and how participation has provided great satisfaction and reward. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Pro Tem opened Public Communications at 7:38 p.m. and noted that each speaker is permitted a total of three (3) minutes to speak. Louie Aquinaga, representative of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Board, noted that the recent approval of a municipal water bond will bring in $80 million dollars which will be earmarked for water clean-up efforts in the San Gabriel Valley; expressed support for the proposed Bicycle Route Master Plan which will be heard by Council at this meeting. Omar Hernandez, on behalf of the City of South El Monte and the SR 60 Coalition, sought a written letter of support for the group's request for removal of an easement through property owned by the Army Corp of Engineers; stated that surrounding communities have been supportive. Rafael Gonzalez, Manager of the Baldwin Park Library, thanked Councilmembers and citizens of the community for their attendance of the grand re-opening of the library after its recent refurbishment; encouraged everyone to stop by the library and see all the positive changes that have been made. Thomas Kerri, resident of San Bernardino, noted that his brother, who lives in West Covina, had recently taken ill; expressed appreciation to a couple of Baldwin Park Good Samaritans who helped him push his vehicle off the road when it broke down; also thanked Neil, one of the men at the auto repair shop, who let him stay the night on the couch that day. Page 2 of 9 Ken Woods, Baldwin Park resident, expressed gratitude in advance for Council's rescinding of Ordinance 1290 (Public Hearing Item No. 10). Al Luna, local resident, thanked Council for doing their best for Baldwin Park; stated that additional revenue is the answer to funding the needs of the City rather than taxing local residents; encouraged Council to stand up to State agencies more often, referring specifically to problems with graffiti on CalTrans projects. Jose Mondares, a local homeowner, expressed concern regarding a letter he received in the mail regarding a zoning change in his area. After briefly explaining the content of the letter, he was deferred to speaking during the Public Hearing portion of the meeting. Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, expressed appreciation to Amy Harbin, City Planner, and the new members of Council for moving forward with removing the restrictions of Ordinance 1290; expressed appreciation also to Ms. Harbin, Councilmember Rubio, and Chief Executive Officer Shannon Yauchzee, for their hard work and dedication during discussions pertaining to the Olive Pit project. An unidentified speaker, representing a group of community bicyclists, commented on the hard work of local municipalities that helped realize the Bicycle Master Plan which is being heard by Council this evening. Laura Santos, a local resident and bicycle enthusiast, pointed out that a large number of local residents enjoy riding bicycles and many commute to work on bikes; encourage Council to continue its efforts to identify and build more bicycle paths along waterways. Edgar Via, a local high school student, expressed support for the Bicycle Master Plan, noting that it insures safety for riders and it promotes health and fitness; pointed out that it is also a primary mode of transportation for many locals. Anita Diaz, Housing Commissioner and local resident, spoke of the positive impact that the Bicycle Master Plan will have on the community as it will encourage a fun and healthy recreational activity, will foster family unification, and that it is great exercise. A.J. Mada, with the California Center for Public Health Advocacy and the Healthy Eating -Active Cities Campaign, spoke in support of the Bicycle Master Plan, noting that Council has been very progressive in its efforts and he looks forward to more bike- and environmentally-friendly efforts. Rachel, a bicycle enthusiast, expressed support for the Bicycle Master Plan, noting that, because her vehicle recently broke down, her primary mode of transportation has been on foot or by bicycle; encouraged Council to continue to pursue efforts to make bicycle riding in the community safer. Andra Martinez, a life-long resident, spoke of how bike-friendly the community where she attended college was and that Baldwin Park it is not currently a bike-friendly community; opined that this Bicycle Master Plan is greatly needed; commented on the many benefits of riding bicycles. Maria Svpen, representing Multicultural Communities for Mobility, extended thanks to Council and to all who made the master plan possible; pointed out that this project will move the Baldwin Park one step closer to linking all of the surrounding communities and will help promote a healthy lifestyle both physically and environmentally. Page 3 of 9 Mr. Rios, a local resident, commented on tardiness of the Mayor and Council to meetings, noting that some members are frequently tardy to meetings and, subsequently, the meetings start late; pointed out that, being elected officials, Council should be mindful of their conduct; expressed admiration of Amy Harbin and Shannon Yauchzee on their ability to keep cool heads during the heated discussions that occurred in a recent meeting. Seeing no others wishing to speak, Pro Tern Pacheco closed Public Communications at 8:12 p.m. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco requested that Item No. 4 be pulled from the Agenda and brought back at a future meeting. Councilmember Baca requested that Item No. 5 be held for further discussion. Following this request, Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco made motion, which was seconded by Councilmember Rubio, to approve all remaining items on the Consent Calendar (Items 1 — 3 and 6 —8). 1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS Staff recommends City Council ratify the attached Warrants and Demands Register. A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Rubio, and carried (4 — 0— 1; Mayor Lozano Absent)to ratify the Warrants and Demands Register. AYES: Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: Lozano. ABSTAIN: None. 2. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Receive and file: Meeting Minutes of October 29, 2014, for the Study Session and Special Meeting of the City Council. Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2014, for the Study Session/Open Session and Regular Meeting of the City Council. A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Rubio, and carried (4—0— 1; Mayor Lozano Absent) to receive and file the minutes. AYES: Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: Lozano. ABSTAIN: None. 3. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-043, ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK ADOPTING THE "SAN GABRIEL VALLEY REGIONAL BICYCLE MASTER PLAN SERVES AS A GUIDE TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF A COMPREHENSIVE BICYCLE NETWORK AND SET OF PROGRAMS WITHIN THE CITIES OF BALDWIN PARK, EL MONTE, MONTEREY PARK, SAN GABRIEL, AND SOUTH EL MONTE." Page 4 of 9 Staff recommends that Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 2014-043, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK ADOPTING THE "SAN GABRIEL VALLEY REGIONAL BICYCLE MASTER PLAN SERVES AS A GUIDE TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF A COMPREHENSIVE BICYCLE NETWORK AND SET OF PROGRAMS WITHIN THE CITIES OF BALDWIN PARK, EL MONTE, MONTEREY PARK, SAN GABRIEL, AND SOUTH EL MONTE." Councilmember Baca requested this item be taken separately for clarification. Daniel Wall, Director of Public Works, gave a brief overview of the nature of the agreement, explaining that the County of Los Angeles applied for and received federal grant funds for the maintenance of bridges within the City and the actual work will be performed by the County on behalf of the City. Following this clarification, Council proceeded with its decision as follows: A motion was made by Baca, seconded by Rubio, and carried (4 — 0 — 1; Mayor Lozano Absent) to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2014-043, entitled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK ADOPTING THE "SAN GABRIEL VALLEY REGIONAL BICYCLE MASTER PLAN SERVES AS A GUIDE TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF A COMPREHENSIVE BICYCLE NETWORK AND SET OF PROGRAMS WITHIN THE CITIES OF BALDWIN PARK, EL MONTE, MONTEREY PARK, SAN GABRIEL, AND SOUTH EL MONTE.". AYES: Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: Lozano. ABSTAIN: None. 4. APPROVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE MAINE AVENUE COMPLETE STREETS DESIGN AGREEMENT. Staff recommends that Council approve an additional $214,354 in design work with Stantec Consulting Services for the preparation of construction plans and specifications for the Maine Avenue Complete Streets Project; and authorize the Director of Finance to make appropriate transfers and fund adjustments. Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco requested this item be pulled from the Agenda and brought back at a future meeting. 5. APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO PERFORM PREVENTATIVE BRIDGE MAINTENANCE WORK ON BRIDGES WITHIN BALDWIN PARK. It is recommended that Council: 1. Approve the Agreement with the County of Los Angeles to perform preventative maintenance work on the City's bridges; and 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute the attached Agreement; and Page 5 of 9 3. Authorize the Director of Finance to make appropriate transfers, fund adjustments, and encumber the $96,000 in Gas Tax Local Return funds. A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Rubio, and carried (4—0— 1; Mayor Lozano Absent) to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Preventative Bridge Maintenance Agreement with the County of Los Angeles, and authorize the Director of Finance to make appropriate transfers and fund adjustments. AYES: Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: Lozano. ABSTAIN: None. 6. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-044, ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, CASTING VOTE FOR MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER LUIS "LOUIE" A. AGUIFIAGA TO REPRESENT CITIES WITHOUT PRESCRIPTIVE WATER PUMPING RIGHTS ON THE BOARD OF THE SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY." Staff recommends that Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 2014-044, ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, CASTING VOTE FOR MAYOR/COUNCILMEMBER LUIS "LOUIE" A. AGUIIVAGA TO REPRESENT CITIES WITHOUT PRESCRIPTIVE WATER PUMPING RIGHTS ON THE BOARD OF THE SAN GABRIEL BASIN WATER QUALITY AUTHORITY." A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Rubio, and carried (4 — 0 — 1; Mayor Lozano Absent) to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2014-044, Entitled "A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Baldwin Park, California, Casting Vote For Mayor/Councilmember Luis "Louie" A. Aguinaga To Represent Cities Without Prescriptive Water Pumping Rights On The Board Of The San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority." AYES: Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: Lozano. ABSTAIN: None. 7. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-045, ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK ADOPTING THE "RAMONA-MAINE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT NON-MOTORIZED ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN" TO SERVE AS A GUIDE IN SUPPORT OF THE CITY'S GENERAL PLAN ADOPTED IN 2002." Staff recommends that Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 2014-045, entitled: "A Resolution of the City of Baldwin Park adopting the "Ramona-Maine Central Business District Non-motorized Active Transportation Plan" to serve as a guide in support of the City's General Plan adopted in 2002." A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Rubio, and carried (4— 0— 1; Mayor Lozano Absent) to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2014-045, entitled: "A Resolution of the City of Baldwin Park adopting the "Ramona-Maine Central Page 6 of 9 Business District Non-motorized Active Transportation Plan" to serve as a guide in support of the City's General Plan adopted in 2002." AYES: Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: Lozano. ABSTAIN: None. 8. APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2014-046, ENTITLED "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO ACCEPT, ON BEHALF OF SAID DISTRICT, THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF THE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS KNOWN AS MISCELLANEOUS TRANSFER DRAIN NO. 603 IN THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK FOR FUTURE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND IMPROVEMENT, AND AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE THEREOF." Staff recommends that Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 2014-046 entitled: "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO ACCEPT, ON BEHALF OF SAID DISTRICT, THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE OF THE STORM DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS KNOWN AS MISCELLANEOUS TRANSFER DRAIN NO. 603 IN THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK FOR FUTURE OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND IMPROVEMENT, AND AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER AND CONVEYANCE THEREOF." A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Baca, and carried (4 — 0 — 1; Mayor Lozano Absent) to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2014-046 entitled: "A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Baldwin Park, California, Requesting The Board Of Supervisors Of The Los Angeles County Flood Control District Of The State Of California To Accept, On Behalf Of Said District, The Transfer And Conveyance Of The Storm Drain Improvements Known As Miscellaneous Transfer Drain No. 603 In The City Of Baldwin Park For Future Operation, Maintenance, Repair, And Improvement, And Authorize The Transfer And Conveyance Thereof." AYES: Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: Lozano. ABSTAIN: None.. 9. APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT WITH TAFOYA & GARCIA LLP AND ROBERT N. TAFOYA, CLARIFYING THAT THE LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE THE SUCCESSOR AND HOUSING SUCCESSOR AGENCIES Staff recommends that City Council approve the Amendment to the Agreement with Tafoya & Garcia LLP and Robert Tafoya, which clarifies the terms of the Agreement to provide that legal services rendered shall include the Successor and Housing Successor Agencies, and authorize the Mayor to sign the Amendment. A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Baca, and carried (4—0— 1; Mayor Lozano Absent) to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Amendment to the Agreement with Tafoya & Garcia LLP and Robert Tafoya. Page 7 of 9 AYES: Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: Lozano. ABSTAIN: None. PUBLIC HEARING 10. A REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL CODE ELIMINATING SUBCHAPTER 153.115 FROM THE CITY'S MUNICIPAL CODE WHICH SETS FORTH USE REGULATIONS CONTAINED IN TABLE 153.115.030 AND APPLIES TO PROPERTIES THAT HAVE UNDERLYING ZONING DESIGNATIONS: I-C (INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL); C-1 (NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL) AND C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL). (LOCATION: ALL PROPERTIES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AREA AND SUBAREAS 2 AND 3 OF THE SIERRA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AREA; APPLICANT CITY OF BALDWIN PARK; CASE NUMBER: AZC-177) Staff recommends that Council conduct a public hearing and, following the public hearing: 1. Approve and Adopt Resolution 2014-041, entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Baldwin Park Approving and Adopting the Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact for an Amendment to the City's Municipal Code Eliminating Section 153.115 relating to the Downtown Overlay (Locations: All Properties Within the Boundaries of the Central Business District Redevelopment Plan Area and Subareas 2 and 3 of the Sierra Vista Redevelopment Plan Area; Applicant: City of Baldwin Park; Case Number AZC-177);" and 2. Introduce for the First Reading, by Title Only and Waive Further Reading, Ordinance 1366, entitled "An Ordinance of City Council of the City of Baldwin Park Eliminating Subchapter 153.115 in the Baldwin Park Municipal Code relating to the Downtown Overlay. Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco declared the Public Hearing open at 8:26 p.m. and invited those wishing to speak in opposition to the proposed amendment. A local resident spoke regarding a letter that he and some other homeowners had received; expressed distress and concern that this change would affect the zoning in adjacent residential areas and the fear that the homeowners would lose their homes because of this zoning change. Ms. Harbin explained the nature and meaning of the correspondence, noting that notification is required by law; assured the concerned homeowners that there is no danger of losing their homes and that this change would not affect them in any way. [Note that, after explanation was provided, the speaker was not in opposition to the proposed Ordinance change.] Following the last speaker in opposition, Mayor Pro Tem Pacheco invited those wishing to speak in favor of the proposed amendment. Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, voiced support for the elimination of Ordinance 1290 and opined that the change has driven out rather than drew in new businesses; pointed out the importance of 'anchor stores' and how 1290 backfired and proved to be a deterrent for large chain stores. Page 8 of 9 Ken Woods, local resident and Planning Commissioner, expressed support for this Resolution and rescinding Ordinance 1290; opined that Baldwin Park is a "blue collar town and needs blue collar businesses;" stated that starting and making a business successful can be tough and being picky about new businesses is not helping the community. Seeing no one else wishing to speak on this item, Mayor Pro Tern Pacheco declared the Public Hearing closed at 8:36 p.m. A motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Rubio, and carried (4—0— 1; Mayor Lozano Absent) to: 1. Approve and Adopt Resolution 2014-041, entitled "A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Baldwin Park Approving and Adopting the Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact for an Amendment to the City's Municipal Code Eliminating Section 153.115 relating to the Downtown Overlay (Locations: All Properties Within the Boundaries of the Central Business District Redevelopment Plan Area and Subareas 2 and 3 of the Sierra Vista Redevelopment Plan Area; Applicant: City of Baldwin Park; Case NumberAZC-177);" and 2. Introduce for the First Reading, by Title Only and Waive Further Reading, Ordinance 1366, entitled "An Ordinance of City Council of the City of Baldwin Park Eliminating Subchapter 153.115 in the Baldwin Park Municipal Code relating to the Downtown Overlay. AYES: Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: Lozano. ABSTAIN: None. REPORTS OF OFFICERS None. CITY COUNCIL /CITY CLERK/CITY TREASURER/STAFF REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS None. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to discuss, and all other matters having been addressed, a motion was made by Pacheco, seconded by Garcia, to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Mayor ATTEST: / �`/ "^'� • = • zano, Mayor ,�. A JAY Alejan. a -:City Clerk APPROVED: 12 '.7 I 14 Page 9 of 9