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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 12 03 CC MIN SS MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AND SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2014, 6:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. by Mayor Lozano. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmember Cruz Baca Councilmember Monica Garcia Councilmember Susan Rubio Mayor Manuel Lozano Mayor Pro Tem Ricardo Pacheco PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications at 6:10 p.m. Resident of Vineland Ave., Baldwin Park, expressed gratitude for the Council's support in deterring the commercial project by rejecting proposal; noted that there is are at least ten residential care facilities in Baldwin Park and there is a halfway house located just down the street from the proposed project site; pointed out that the facility would create a negative effect with the increase in traffic, parking problems, bright lighting, noise from sirens; expressed the commitment of the surrounding residents to do whatever they can to help the city fight and win [the pending litigation]. Resident of Vineland Ave., Baldwin Park, opined that the project does not provide any benefit to the citizens; pointed out that a facility at this same location created problems with traffic, parking and a criminal element; offered assistance in supporting the fight against the project. Resident of Vineland Ave., Baldwin Park, commented on the petition circulated in the area; noted that it is disappointed that it had to come to this [litigation] but that residents will continue to fight; opined that the area is not suitable for this type of facility, particularly because there is an elementary school just down the street and that the negative impact of the project will destroy the community feel. Resident of Vineland Ave., Baldwin Park, supported the comments of his father who spoke previously; stated that it is obvious that none of the residents want this to go forth and that he will continue to be the most vocal in opposing this project; inquired with the City Attorney about the requirements of a Conditional Use Permit as it seems the developers are trying to buy their way in; also asked the City Attorney whether, when the case has been adjudicated and should the city win, does the developer have to pay the City's legal fees and attorneys' costs; volunteered to provide whatever assistance may be useful in fighting the project. City Attorney Tafoya noted that many of the questions asked here will be addressed at the community meeting scheduled for December 15th Page 1 of 3 Terry Muse, Vineland Ave. resident, pointed out that the property has been blighted for many, many years and residents do not trust that the project will be a benefit to the community; also pointed out that the building is aged and suffers from structural damage from a fire, likely has asbestos and lead paint; questions why the property is not being used to develop more homes or some other use that would benefit the community. Christina Rodriquez, Vineland Ave. resident, pointed out that she has lived in her home since 1967 and that she fears that the increase in traffic, noise and pollution will taint the neighborhood; stated that she supports the other residents in opposing the project. Olivia Sasueta, a resident living on Stitchman for 35 years, opined that the traffic is already too busy and that she is concerned when walking with her grandchildren; stated that she does not feel the facility is right [for that area]. Walter Jovell, a resident living on Stitchman, wanted to add that the property has never been cared for properly and that the facility does not belong there [in that neighborhood]; opined that it doesn't make sense for two similar facilities to be so close together; echoed the comments of other residents in that it presents a risk to the elementary school. Javier Ramon, resident on Stitchman, expressed appreciation for Council's support in fighting the project and affirmed his commitment to fighting it as well; provided a suggested alternate location for the facility; expressed hopes that the City Attorney will identify case law to support a decision in favor of Baldwin Park. Mike Duran, a resident on Vineland Ave., stated that, as a pastor, he would prefer that the property be used for a housing development; echoed the feelings of other residents who have spoken previously. Unidentified resident on Stitchman, having lived the same neighborhood for her entire life, expressed her gratitude to Council for fighting against the development and her opposition to the project. Mayor Lozano pointed out that the courts will make the final decision but that Council will do everything in their power to battle the project and receive a favorable ruling in litigation. City Attorney Tafoya restated the date and time of the community meeting and asked that residents bring their questions to that meeting where the Council can answer questions more specifically. Seeing no others wishing to speak, Mayor Lozano closed Public Communications at 6:33 p.m. OPEN SESSION There being no items for consideration in Open Session, Mayor Lozano recessed Open Session to Closed Session at 6:33 p.m. Page 2 of 3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 1. REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: A portion of APN #8554-005-900; generally known as Hilda L. Solis Park Agency negotiators: Shannon Yauchzee, Robert N. Tafoya, Craig Graves Negotiating parties: SBA COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION Under negotiation: Terms and price 2. 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) 3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9: Name of Case: Eastern Keystone v. City of Baldwin Park Case Number: BS150623 4. 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 Director; Human Resource Manager; Police Chief; Finance Director; Public Works Director; Recreation and Community Services Director ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, motion was made by Ma or ozano econded by Councilmember Baca, to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Lea Mayor ATTEST: .&A ` - City Cle APPROVED: J +*4+L1 1, 2015 Page 3 of 3