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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 11 21 CC MIN MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2012, 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 These minutes are presented in Agenda order. Various announcements or discussions may have occurred before or after the title under which they are presented. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lozano at 7:00 p.m. INVOCATION The invocation was provided. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lozano. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Marlen Garcia Council Member Monica Garcia Council Member Ricardo Pacheco Mayor Pro Tem Susan Rubio Mayor Manuel Lozano ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Lozano 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. Mayor Lozano expressed condolences to the family and friends of Mary Doza, a long-time resident and active member of the community of Baldwin Park, who passed recently. As a 10- year member of the Baldwin Park Women's Club, she received honors of the "Kindest Angel" award in 2003 and the "Women of the Year" award in 2006. She will be missed by all. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio echoed the remarks of Mayor Lozano and recalled that pictures of Ms. Doza were taken at a "Friends of the Library" meeting, at which she was honored, and asked that Director Carrillo provide a copy of the photo which will be hung at the Women's Club to honor her. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio expressed appreciation to the men and women in the United States Armed Forces and noted that the recent Veteran's Day celebration was successful and enjoyed a great turnout; noted that the Parks and Community Services staff did a tremendous job in coordinating and executing the event. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS There were no presentations made at this meeting. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications at 7:04 p.m. and noted that each speaker is permitted a total of three (3) minutes to speak. Ken Woods, resident and business owner in Baldwin Park, expressed disappointment at the recent relocation of Dream Closets to South El Monte, noting that the owner said that he was tired of being hassled by the City; mentioned that the owner, in an act of appreciation, passed out turkeys to his business neighbors. Alturo Luna, Baldwin Park resident, opined that the proposed Safety Tax is just another way to collect money from its residents, who already pay a tremendous amount of taxes to all levels og government agencies; suggested that the City seek other methods of generating revenue; stated that retirement for part-time employees should be eliminated and that many in the community are on a fixed income or work two jobs; alleged that the City is not noticing proposed changes sufficiently. Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, asked whether the drug test had been performed; noted that he had provided a copy of a newspaper article, published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, to Councilmember Marlen Garcia; read excerpts from the article; brought attention to an OSHA form that he had prepared, citing roof leaks and mold in City buildings, and the letter he submitted to the Finance Director, seeking revisions to City financial statements that he believes provide false information; opined that the City is claiming lack of funds but pointed out instances in which significant funds were being allocated. Terry Muse, representative of Waste Management, Inc., reminded everyone that, due to the Thanksgiving holiday, garbage pick-up services would be delayed by one day (deferred to the day after Thanksgiving); extended good wishes for the holiday season. John Rios, resident of Baldwin Park, suggested that the decision of whether the City chooses to contract with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department or maintain the Baldwin Park Police Department should be brought to a vote of the people; opined that some councilmembers neglect the citizens and do not make visits to neighborhoods and community schools except during election season. Miguel Jueso, Baldwin Park resident, stated that a councilmember had indicated that community opinions were sought and found to support contracting with the L.A. Sheriff's Department but that he found that, in speaking to his neighbors, none support the change; pointed out that many of the neighbors and members of his church had no knowledge of the proposed change Seeing no others wishing to speak, the Mayor declared Public Communications closed at 7:18 p.m. Page 2 of 6 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS Staff recommends City Council ratify the attached Warrants and Demands Register. A motion was made by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried (5—0) to ratify the Warrants and Demands Register. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 2. TREASURER'S REPORT: SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2012 Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the September and October 2012 Treasurer's Report. A motion was made by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, and carried (5 —0) to receive and file the September and October 2012 Treasurer's Report. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. REPORTS OF OFFICERS 3. ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC SAFETY TAX OPTIONS Staff recommends that the City Council provide direction regarding the timing, type and amount of the proposed Public Safety Tax. Finance Director Quijano stated that the report and presentation had previously been presented to Council at the meetings of October 3rd and November 7th so she offered to answer any questions of council. Mayor Lozano stated that this item was agendized for consideration at his request; pointed out that, with the recent passing of Proposition 30 which would impose a state-wide tax, he supports of the concerns of citizens in the community and does not support the proposed Public Safety Tax. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio stated that she had previously requested that the consideration of contracting out law enforcement services and of a Public Safety Tax be taken at a slower pace so that information could be disseminated and the community could be educated on what the proposed changes mean to them both financially and the effects of changing the delivery of law enforcement services. Mayor Lozano noted that he plans to direct staff to include the information in the Baldwin Park NOW newsletter and supports taking more time to inform the community; stated that all five members of the City Council support the Baldwin Park Police Department and regardless of the decision made, he will not commit to anything that will result in the City going bankrupt. Page 3 of 6 Councilmember Marlen Garcia expressed concern regarding the various sources of tax demands on the average citizen and noted that many families in the community have been hit hard by the economic downturn; stated that she, too, does not support the Public Safety Tax. Mayor Pro Tern Rubio restated her desire to have a letter to go to each household of Baldwin Park notifying them of the proposed changes; expressed concern regarding reports that many Baldwin Park police officers are already applying to the Sheriff's Department and that this move puts unnecessary pressure on police officers and is premature since no firm decisions have been made. Councilmember Pacheco stated that he does not support the proposed tax and feels that additional examination of the budget is needed; stated that he strongly supports doing a value- based comparison to evaluate the available options; noted that many of the current police officers have a long and in-depth knowledge of the city and that represents a great value to the community; pointed out that negotiations with the Police Union has not been concluded so any decision would be premature. Councilmember Monica Garcia stated that she supports many of the comments made here and that she does not support any tax increases but also noted that the City of Montebello has been faced with budget problems because such a large portion of their General Fund is appropriated to pay for police and fire department personnel while the same portion of the General Fund pays for police services alone. Having it made clear that Council does not wish to pursue this matter further, a motion was made by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Councilmember Monica Garcia, and carried (5—0) to reject the proposed Public Safety Tax. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Following the vote, Mayor Pro Tern Rubio requested that one or more study sessions be held to focus some much needed attention to the current and future budget issues. CITY COUNCIL /CITY CLERK/CITY TREASURER/ STAFF REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS Request by Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco for discussion and direction to staff on the following: • Resolution in Support of the Trust Act. Councilmember Pacheco requested that this item be held over to the next meeting. Request by Councilmember Monica Garcia for discussion and direction to staff on the following: • In an effort to keep residents informed of City Council Budgetary challenges and decisions, specifically related to public safety, create an e-mail list of residents who prefer to receive information via e-mail. Create a portal that residents can access on the City's website. Page 4 of 6 Councilmember Monica Garcia directed staff to develop an e-mail list for dissemination of Council agendas and related information, and use this as an opportunity to send the Baldwin Park NOW electronically as well. • Plan for next job fair that is inclusive to all residents and targets veterans. Councilmember Garcia directed staff to make a point of targeting veterans at the next job fair since there are a great number of veterans returning home who are seeking employment and have valuable skills. • Meet with City of El Monte officials and understand the partnership between public, private and non-profit entities which will result in a 40 unit housing development for Veterans. Explore opportunities to create housing for Veterans in Baldwin Park. Councilmember Garcia directed staff to facilitate a meeting [on a future date to be determined] with the City of El Monte in order to glean information and gain an understanding of how the public— private - non-profit partnership was developed and inquire as to the degree of success; explore opportunities to possibly enter into a similar arrangement in order to create new housing for veterans. Request by Mayor Manuel Lozano for discussion and direction to staff on the following: • Send the Baldwin Park NOW newsletter more frequently to homes to keep the residents informed about city's fiscal issues and the Sheriff's phase II Study and Process. Councilmember Pacheco pointed out that publication and dissemination of the NOW was originally suspended due to funding constraints and asked about the funding resources and possible cost saving measures that could be taken to publish the newsletter without putting a financial strain on City funds. Further, he asked that articles that appear in the NOW be authored in a manner which does not imply that all councilmembers support or object to a particular issue. Councilmember Monica Garcia asked that the information pertaining to the proposed L.A. County Sheriff's Department be presented fully and clearly so that the citizens understand the facts of the matter. She further requested that the information be presented in a non-partisan way. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio pointed out that, because the matter is still being studies and firm terms and costs have not been established, it would not be prudent to publish very specific information when there is no way to declare such information as fact. Councilmember Pacheco echoed the thoughts of Mayor Pro Tem Rubio, stating that all of the costs and comparisons have not been established and should not be published until the information is confirmed and unbiased.. Mayor Lozano asserted that publication of the importance that is available would begin the process of informing the community of what is being considered and the types of data being used to analyze the options. Councilmember Marlen Garcia stated that all of the information had previously been presented and the community had an opportunity to attend; suggested that a portal be provided on the City's website that will allow interested parties to view a video of the presentation made by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Page 5 of 6 Mayor Pro Tem Rubio and Councilmember Pacheco further asserted their concern with regard to the potential content of any articles presented in the NOW with regard to the proposed contract L.A. County Sheriff's Department being considered. Following discussion, a motion was made by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Councilmember Marlen Garcia, and carried (5—0) to resume publication of the Baldwin Park NOW newsletter and the begin with publishing information and announcements regarding the County Sheriff's Contract and the Baldwin Park Police Department. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Mayor Pro Tern Rubio announced that the City's Tree Lighting Ceremony would take place on December 6, 2012, at 6:00 p.m., at the Esther Snyder Community Center and invited the citizens of Baldwin Park to come join the celebration. Mayor Lozano remarked on an assertion made during Public Communications, rejecting the statement regarding the annual compensation of Chief Executive Officer Singhal and the ranking of his salary on a pay scale statewide. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to discuss, and all other matters having been addressed, a motion was made by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Councilmember Marlen Garcia, to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m. M or ATTEST: 1 / g.. / M- ano, Mayor Je Alejandra Avil=, City Clerk APPROVED: • //8/4--- Page 6 of 6