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Home My WebLink About2015 02 04 CC MIN SS MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AND SPECIAL MEETING FEBRUARY 4, 2015, 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:44 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tern Baca. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco Councilmember Susan Rubio Mayor Pro Tern Cruz Baca ABSENT: Mayor Manuel Lozano Councilmember Monica Garcia PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Pro Tem Baca opened Public Communications at 5:45 p.m. Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, expressed his objection to pursuing the Eastern Keystone lawsuit scheduled for discussion this evening in Closed Session; commented on a parcel of property located near his place of business, stating that the property is not vacant and that the owner does not intend to sell the property; commented on the New Release featured on the City's website, noting that all parties should be credited for their efforts; requested that internet service being provided to [specified] elected officials be discontinued; commended the Director of Finance and the Audit company for their work. Art Luna, Baldwin Park resident, opined that meetings do not always start on time and asked why meetings do not start on time; commented on interrupting persons speaking during Public Communications; expressed objection to the newly designated reserved parking in the adjacent garage; opined that the soccer league(s) are not accountable for their use of city property. John Rios, Baldwin Park resident, commented on the Eastern Keystone lawsuit, pointing out that the funds spent to defend the case are a waste; opined that a "buddy system" exists between Montebello Housing and elected officials; noted that Barnes Park had over 200 youngsters playing soccer the previous night and asked whether the teams were paying for the use of city facilities. Seeing no others wishing to speak, Public Communications closed at 5:59 p.m. OPEN SESSION Presentation by Brown Armstrong of the City's Audit, The City Of Baldwin Park Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) For Fiscal Year 2013/14 and associated Audit Reports Connie Perez, representing Brown Armstrong, and Craig Graves, Director of Finance, jointly narrated a PowerPoint presentation and discussed the various steps taken during preparation for, performance of, and summarizing the results of the City's Audit. Following the presentation, Ms. Peres and Mr. Graves offered to answer questions of Council. Page 1 of 4 Mayor Pro Tern Baca expressed appreciation to Ms. Perez and to Brown Armstrong for the comprehensive work performed; expressed a desire to correct deficiencies of the past and strive for improvement in the future. Councilmember Rubio thanked the Audit Committee for its participation in helping to address areas of concern; recognized the importance of collaboration and commended Brown Armstrong for their work. Councilmember Pacheco also commended Brown Armstrong, the Department of Finance and the Audit Committee, noting that it can be very difficult to delve into such a project; also noted and thanked Brown Armstrong for publishing the report in a manner that is understandable to the 'layman.' Consideration of Revisions to Baldwin Park Municipal Codes Pertaining To Billboards Community Development Director Marc Castagnola narrated a PowerPoint presentation in which he explained the City's current Municipal Code, the location and nature of existing billboards, and the restrictions imposed by CalTrans in relation to installation of new billboards. Following the presentation, Director Castagnola responded to questions from Council and discussion ensued. Mayor Pro Tem Baca expressed concern about the vulnerability of graffiti if additional billboards are installed. Councilmember Pacheco asked questions of the Director regarding how CalTrans defines "landscape." Councilmember Rubio expressed her adamant objection to declassification of freeway rights-of-way because of the negative perception of the city without the esthetics of landscape; noted that the city makes a great number of exceptions which is uncalled for. She further commented on the Downtown Plan and suggested that the plan be expanded to encompass the community; also suggested a [term] moratorium on billboards until the matter can be addressed more effectively. Councilmember Rubio asserted that the city seems to be passive and neglected by CalTrans; suggested that staff needs to take a stronger stance with CalTrans. After discussion, Council chose to table this consideration to a future meeting. Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:14 P.M. RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Potential Case(s): Three (3) 2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Case Name: Hadsell v. City of Baldwin Park, Case Number: BC548602 Case Name: Casas v. City of Baldwin Park, Case Number: BS145297 Page 2 of 4 Case Name: Casas v. City of Baldwin Park (BPCCC), Case Number: BS147794 Case Name: Eastern Keystone v. City of Baldwin Park Case Number BS150623 3. REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATIONS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: A portion of APN #8544-022-902; generally known as Morgan Park Agency negotiators: Shannon Yauchzee, Robert N. Tafoya, Craig Graves Negotiating parties: Wireless Capital Partners Under negotiation: Terms and price 4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS 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 CLOSED SESSION RECESSED Council reconvened Open Session at 6:55 P.M. Mayor Pro Tem reported during the Regular City Council Meeting that Closed Session Item Nos. 1 through 3 were not discussed but that Council would be reconvening in Closed Session after the Regular Meeting to discuss those items. CLOSED SESSION RECONVENED Council reconvened to Closed Session at 8:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, motion was made by Baca and seconded by Rubio to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 p.m. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION Mayor Pro Tem Baca supplemented the earlier Closed Session report with the following: Item No. 1: no reportable action was taken. Item No. 2: Case No. BS145297, Council voted (3-0-2, Mayor Lozano and Councilmember Garcia absent) to direct staff to settle the case for the amount of$38,500 and no other reportable action taken; Case No. BS150623, Council voted (3-0-2, Mayor Lozano and Councilmember Garcia absent) that no independent counsel would be retained to defend or advise on this case and no other reportable action was taken; Page 3 of 4 a Case Name: Hadsell v. City of Baldwin Park, Case Number: BC548602 Case Name: Casas v. City of Baldwin Park (BPCCC), Case Number: BS147794 Item No. 3: no reportable action was taken. Item No. 4: Staff received direction to begin negotiations with the Police Officers Association. Manuel Loz= o, Mayor ATTEST: r 4, Aleja .ra Avi4, City Clerk APPROVED: Page 4 of 4