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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 01 07 CC MIN MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 7, 2015, 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 7:10 p.m. INVOCATION The invocation was provided by Councilmember Pacheco. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lozano. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Monica Garcia Council Member Ricardo Pacheco Council Member Susan Rubio Mayor Pro Tem Cruz Baca Mayor Manuel Lozano REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION Mayor Lozano stated that, by a vote of 4-0-1 (Councilmember Garcia was absent), Council authorized the law firm of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent the City of Baldwin Park on potential legal action against the City of Irwindale, as referenced on Item No. 2 of the Closed Session Agenda. There was no other action taken on the remainder of items discussed in Closed Session. Following this report, Closed Session was adjourned. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Baca requested that the meeting be closed in memory of long-time Baldwin Park resident Alice Esquivel, who passed recently after succumbing to Alzheimer's disease. Councilmember Pacheco asked that the community keep in mind the Conseco family, with prayers going to Jorge Conseco's wife who is hospitalized with heart problems; informed everyone that St. John's the Baptist Church is hosting its fundraising Fashion Show again and encouraged attendance; expressed appreciation to the Baldwin Park Police Department and the wonderful turn-out at the Baldwin Park Police Association's holiday event; Treasurer Contreras extended appreciation to the Baldwin Park Police Department for their time and efforts with the toy drive; mentioned that Macy's felt the event was very successful and is looking forward to participation next year Clerk Avila also commented on the great success of the holiday events and the tireless efforts of the Baldwin Park Police Department. Mayor Pro Tem Baca echoed the comments of other Councilmembers, thanking the Recreation and Community Services staff for their work in putting together the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Christmas Baskets for needy families, and all who coordinated Breakfast with Santa, which was a tremendous success. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications at 7:14 p.m. and noted that each speaker is permitted a total of three (3) minutes to speak. Al Luna, Baldwin Park resident, inquired about the meeting minutes on the agenda which were from 2013; expressed hope that the community would be prosperous; commended Council on its performance last year and expressed encouragement for a more successful year in 2015. John Kerri, stated that his brother belongs to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFS) membership and that the VFW is suffering severe financial hardship; said that he hopes to put the word out to encourage the community to provide assistance; made note of the upcoming election year and expressed concern regarding campaign contributions and alleged deception associated with it; commented on the head of the youth soccer league and the purported falsification of financial records. Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, commented on the overdue meeting minutes, stating that they are being done correctly and staff is trying to bring the records up to date; noted that there has been no report from Closed Session on the StitchmanNineland matter; stated that he intends to pursue the matter with the youth soccer league and plans to meeting with the school district; asserted that allowing the youth soccer league to use the fields free of charge must stop and that all other organizations (churches, non-profit groups and organizations, etc.) are paying for the use of the parks; opined that the youth soccer league should not allowed to use the fields for free because they have friends on the Council; acknowledged that the youth soccer league had previously been billed for lighting but that they were slow to pay, and during 2014 they were never billed at all; stated that everyone should be paying their share and that the City is missing on the revenue because of"buddy deals." Margarita Vargas, Baldwin Park resident, opined that the City Treasurer should be making monthly reports to provide citizens with the cash flow status of City's funds; stated that she is aware that the information is available as public records but that she wishes it to be provided each month. John Rios, Baldwin Park resident, stated that he had canvassed surrounding cities and spoke to representatives from the National and American little league baseball groups, asking about who is allowed to play on the teams and whether they pay for the use of facilities; pointed out that National pays for the field covers and for use of the fields. Magda Torrellas, Housing Commissioner, commented on the increase in vacant store fronts in the city; suggested that a `food court' be created in the city to include Italian, sushi and other cuisine; noted that there has been an increase of refuse being left on the side of the road and sidewalks, and is asking that Code Enforcement step in; introduced a new Baldwin Park resident, Tony Nguen, a decorated Iraqi veteran and accomplished student at Citrus College. Page 2 of 6 Tony Nguen, new resident in Baldwin Park, expressed interest in City matters and getting involved in the community. Terri Muse, Waste Management, Inc., announced that there was, erroneously, a $5 administrative fee added to the billing on commercial accounts; stated that this was a mistake and a credit will be issued in the next billing cycle; recognized employees at Waste Management who volunteered to adopt two families over the holidays; stated that there was a tremendous outpour by workers who contributed money, food and staples, clothing and toys; noted that she attended the Baldwin Park Business Association luncheon and expressed gratitude to Council and Police representatives who support the association. Seeing no others wishing to speak, Public Communications closed at 7:34 p.m. Treasurer Contreras announced that she had previously been providing an oral report of the City's finances but this practice was eliminated and the Warrants and Demands item was added to the Consent Calendar. Councilmember Rubio suggested that the financial reports provided to the Council could also be provided on the City's website as an additional resource for the community to obtain the City's financial information. Mayor Pro Tern Baca pointed out that the City has an Audit Committee and the group will be holding a meeting in the near future; suggested and encouraged that those who are interested to attend the meetings; noted that the meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. Councilmember Rubio noted that members of the Audit Committee include members of the business community as well as City representatives. Councilmember Garcia recognized Ms. Vargas' request and suggested that a `short version' of the finance report be developed and reported out by the City Treasurer; also suggested that any briefs or reports from the Auditors be provided. Mr. Graves, Director of Finance, informed Councilmember Garcia that the audit has been completed and that the results of the audit will be reported at the next Audit Committee meeting in January, and then will be presented to Council at its first meeting in February. Mayor Pro Tem Baca expressed appreciation to Mr. Graves and his staff for all their hard work in meeting the deadlines and needs to complete the audit. Councilmember Pacheco commented on the minutes presented from 2013 and pointed out that predecessor management had directed that meeting minutes no longer be prepared in hard copy; noted that, with the change in management and staff, the outstanding minutes are being prepared and brought up to date; pointed out that the City has taken actions to support a broad number of youth leagues in the city and not just the youth soccer league; stated that the youth soccer league use facilities both on school district property and city property; went on to say that he would like staff to pursue the possibility of continuing to hold the Street Fairs throughout the upcoming year; announced various upcoming events including wrestling events, the Lunar New Year Celebration, and the senior center valentine's dance. Councilmember Garcia suggested that Council consider restoring some of the other programs and activities that were held prior to the economic crash, including the July 4th fireworks display and the annual parade. Page 3 of 6 Mayor Pro Tem Baca expressed support for re-launching the annual parade but suggested that it be incorporating it with the holiday events as a compliment to the tree lighting event and the Police Department's toy drive. Councilmember Pacheco suggested that a workshop be held at which all of these ideas and more could be discussed, and support was echoed by Councilmember Rubio. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS Staff recommends City Council ratify the attached Warrants and Demands Register. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5—0) to ratify the Warrants and Demands Register. AYES: Lozano, Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 2. CLAIMS REJECTION Staff recommends City Council reject the following claims and direct staff to send the appropriate notice of rejection to claimants: Geico Indemnity a/s/o D. Burley Claimant alleges damages caused to vehicle Rodriguez, Edgar Claimant alleges improper impound of vehicle Zambruno, Marisa Claimant alleges improper impound of vehicle A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5—0) to reject the following claims and direct staff to send the appropriate notice of rejection to claimants. AYES: Lozano, Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES Receive and file: A. Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2013, for the Regular Meeting of the City Council. B. Amended Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2014, for the Regular Meeting of the City Council. C. Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2014, for the Study Session and Special Meeting, Regular Meeting, Housing Authority and Finance Authority meetings of the City Council. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5—0) to receive and file the minutes. AYES: Lozano, Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Page 4 of 6 CONDUCT A SECOND READING, BY TITLE ONLY AND WAIVE FURTHER 4. , READING, AND FOLLOWING SUCH READING, ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 1367, ENTITLED "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AMENDING THE VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AT SECTION 150.250 ET SEQ. OF THE BALDWIN PARK MUNICIPAL CODE." Staff recommends that Council conduct a second reading, by title only, and waive further reading, and following such reading, adopt Ordinance No. 1367, entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AMENDING THE VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AT SECTION 150.250 ET SEQ. OF THE BALDWIN PARK MUNICIPAL CODE." A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (5 —0) to conduct a second reading, by title only, and waive further reading, and following such reading, adopt Ordinance No. 1367, entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AMENDING THE VACANT AND ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AT SECTION 150.250 ET SEQ. OF THE BALDWIN PARK MUNICIPAL CODE.". AYES: Lozano, Baca, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. REPORTS OF OFFICERS None. CITY COUNCIL /CITY CLERK/CITY TREASURER/ STAFF REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS MAYOR PRO TEM BACA - Request that the next Council meeting include a presentation to recognize Rosie Breceda, 35-year business owner of Pen Mar Beauty Salon; - Requested that an invitation to apply for the position of Personnel Commissioner be posted, noting that there are currently three openings that need to be filled; - Requested that Code Enforcement look into designating parking on Badillo Street as a "permit parking only." - Requested that staff look into the current ordinance to determine whether it specifies that applicants [for a permit to sell fireworks] stand must have a bank account establish in Baldwin Park; requested, if that is the case, that an amendment to the ordinance be prepared and presented to Council for approval. Page 5 of 6 COUNCILMEMBER PACHECO - Requested that staff make a field visit to Able's Transmission Shop to determine whether some street lighting could be installed in his area to deter graffiti and unlawful activities in the area. MAYOR LOZANO - Inquired as to the status of the redesign of Main Street and the surrounding area, noting that residents on California Street are requesting a stop sign be installed. o Mr. Wall, Director of Public Works, stated that he would direct staff to place a traffic counter to determine whether traffic patterns in the area would warrant installation of a stop sign. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to discuss, and all other matters having been addressed, a motion was made by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Baca, to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. ATTEST: 1G / Manuel S ano, Mayo/ Alejand a Avila, City Clerk APPROVED: 2,9//5" Page 6 of 6