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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 11 07 CC MIN MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2012, 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lozano at 7:05 p.m. INVOCATION The invocation was provided by Councilmember Pacheco. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lozano. ROLL CALL Council Member Marlen Garcia Council Member Monica Garcia Council Member Ricardo Pacheco Mayor Pro Tern Susan Rubio Mayor Manuel Lozano ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Rubio spoke of the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and the many individuals and families that were adversely affected; noted that many in the community have asked how they can help, whether by contribution on money or goods; asked that everyone keep the survivors in their thoughts and prayers. Treasurer Marie Contreras requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of former City employee Larry Dominguez, whose birthday would have been celebrated on this day. Mayor Lozano extended sympathy to the family of a former City employee, Jim Dart, and asked that the meeting be adjourned in his memory as well. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS Proclamation for Library's 100 Year Anniversary—September 8, 2014 Mayor Pro Tem Rubio presented a Proclamation to Rafael Gonzalez, President of the Friends of the Library, in recognition of the 100th Year Anniversary of the Baldwin Park Library and expressed great appreciation for the services and cultural value of the Library. Certificates of Recognition to the participants who successfully completed the Pregnancy Prevention Program, "Baby Think It Over" Councilmember Marlen Garcia presented Certificates of Recognition to Noeli Campos, Ycenia De Luera, Victoria Gomez, Alicia Gavara, Saraen Munoz, Stephanie Zapara and Melissa Para, as successful participants in the "Baby Think It Over" program and for their commitment to being responsible young adults who recognize the tremendous responsibility of becoming a parent. Plaque presentation to Leocadio Barajas, Baldwin Park resident, celebrating his 102nd birthday. Mayor Lozano presented a plaque in recognition and celebration of the 102nd birthday of long-time Baldwin Park resident, Leocadio Barajas. The entire room sang"Happy Birthday" to Mr. Barajas. Mr. Barajas declared his secret to longevity is"yard work." City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 Mayor Lozano stated that Margarita Vargas volunteered to translate for those wishing to speak in their native language of Spanish and do not speak fluent English. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano announced Public Communications as open at 7:25 p.m. and announced that speakers are allowed three (3) minutes for each speaker. Ken Woods, Baldwin Park resident, declared that he is exercising his First Amendment rights to comment on Councilmember conduct at the previous Council meeting; stated that,while he did not always agree with the opinions of Council, he always respected the elected positions of Council until now; commented on his displeasure with the Mayor's statements at a previous meeting; further commented on Councilmembers Pacheco and Marlen Garcia. Bill Root, President of the Baldwin Park Police Officers Association, provided responding comments to statements made; BPPOA has been out of contract for over three years; negotiations are ongoing; BPPOA is open to cooperation and transparent negotiations; police officers are committed to continuing to provide safety and law enforcement services. Samantha McGott, Baldwin Park resident, unhappy that Council provided recognition to City employees who had passed away but nothing about the deaths of three young men in the community over the past five months; noted that the members of the Zepeda family and Reyes family feel that there has been no significant action from law enforcement in relation to these two deaths; asked that Council provide information to the families as to what progress has been made or what steps will be taken. Bernardo Vasquez, Baldwin Park business owner, stated that there is an attorney that is allegedly suing local small businesses under the premise that they do not have handicap access and that they are not in compliance with ADA requirements; noted that he and his brother, who is also a local business owner, did some research on the plaintiff/attorney and have found that this individual has hit 288 businesses throughout the San Gabriel Valley with similar suits; he and other small businesses are seeking assistance with fighting off the bullying of this attorney; noted that there are no violation of ordinances and, in some instances, the attorney is citing a lack of handicapped parking when, in fact, parking for the businesses is by city/public parking. Bob Machuca, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation, presented a plaque to Council in recognition of the City of Baldwin Park being selected as one of the ten finalists in the"Most Business Friendly City" in Los Angeles County; announced that, as one of the ten selected, the final decision will be announced this evening at an event hosted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; wished the City good luck in the running. Veronica Munaz, Baldwin Park resident, stated that she is the mother of Guillermo Reyes, the young man that was murdered on June 23, 2012; stated that it has been four months and law enforcement officers have not yet reported the homicide to Los Angeles County Headquarters; stated that her other son was murdered the previous Friday (November 2); noted that the Zepeda family also suffered the loss of a son; stated that no information has been provided to either of the families; opined that it appears nothing is being done and police officers were not forthcoming with the information and notice of the death of her son; feels the death of her two sons is not being handled properly. Arturo Luna, Baldwin Park resident, opined that comments made by one of the Councilmembers was inappropriate; expressed displeasure with the excessive amount of time it takes for sheriffs to respond to call for assistance while local police respond promptly; stated that there are a great number of dump trucks and other unsightly vehicles parking on the street in his neighborhood; suggested that they be required to park in their own driveways and should be required to cover the vehicles with a tarp or some other type of concealment; opined that Council positions are part time and should not be provided a pension; stated that inspectors should be making more site visits to make sure new Page 2 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 construction and additions are done properly; opined that the County Sheriffs Department is not run properly and objects to the proposal that Baldwin Park will contract with the County for law enforcement services; stated that the Council is there to serve the community. Hector Seia, brother of Guillermo"Ger" Reyes and Estebon "Steven" Reyes, noted that he recalls a telephone call from the Mayor but that the family was told that there would be a follow up call but not was ever received; stated that officers never came to the family's home to obtain or provide any information; inquired what is being done by law enforcement and who will be in charge of making sure progress is made in the case; pointed out that two brothers were murdered in the same manner but the same people in the same city; reiterated his request for answers. Adrian Ariella, Baldwin Park resident, expressed a desire to see more police presence in the city; pointed out that he grew up in Baldwin Park and the recent acts have instilled fear in the community; noted that more needs to be done to protect the community; stated that several crosswalk lights have been installed but that there are still a number of areas that need to have crosswalk lights installed; noted that there is also several areas in the city where street lights are not working, are dim, or where no lights exist at all; suggested that this represents a safety hazard and asked that Council look into addressing this matter. Mrs. Hvce, Baldwin Park resident, commented on public safety and damaged sidewalks in front of City Hall, stating that it represents a safety hazard; expressed support for the Baldwin Park Police Department and recognized one officer for his efforts in apprehending an individual who was debunking senior citizens. Rosaldo Gamboa, Baldwin Park resident, [translated from Spanish by City Clerk Avila]"I'm just here to tell you from the bottom of my heart to tell you to look for a way to keep the police department here." Terri Muse, Waste Management, Inc., provided an updated, noting that the Azusa Materials Recycling and Transfer Station received the go ahead from Superior Court and that the Environmental Impact Report(EIR)was accepted so the facility is expected to open in the third quarter of 2013; also noted that November 15th is"America Recycles" Day and let everyone know that Waste Management has partnered with the School District to hold a "recycled art" contest; announced that Waste Management has approved the negotiation with the City to provide a Senior Discount Program. Dennis Sanders, Baldwin Park resident, expressed support for maintaining the Baldwin Park Police Department rather than contracting with the County Sheriff's Department; pointed out that the local officers know the community better and are familiar with its residents. Elizabeth Solis, Baldwin Park resident, spoke of her concern regarding the police department and the proposal to contract with the County Sheriff's Department; pointed out that local law enforcement is familiar with the community and the challenges everyone faces; supports keeping law enforcement in house. John Rios, Baldwin Park resident, expressed appreciation to Council for attempting to work with members of the community but also reminded them that Council is there to serve the constituency; commented on the Baldwin Park Police Department and the professionalism of the police officers; noted that response time by Baldwin Park law enforcement is much shorter than that of the Sheriffs Department; expressed support for keeping the Baldwin Park Police Department. Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, expressed objection to alleged conduct of Councilmembers at a previous meeting; opined that rules of decorum were violated and that an apology is in order; spoke to allegation of verbal attacks and bullying by members of Council amongst themselves; commented on problems with mold in the City Hall building; expressed general objection to the proposal of having the County Sheriffs Department take over law enforcement in the city. Page 3 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 Margaret, Baldwin Park resident, expressed support for keeping Baldwin Park Police Department intact and keeping the city safe. Eliseo Pacheco, Baldwin Park resident, stated that the people of Baldwin Park do not want the County Sheriffs to take over law enforcement and that doing so is not in the city's best interest; alleged that only three councilmembers want the Sheriff's contract to move forward; also alleged that financial projections were misrepresented in order to promote the proposed contracting with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department; noted that County Sheriffs are well known for misconduct and that the so called "savings" by eliminating the police department is false. Miguel Weisel, Baldwin Park resident, stated that he supports the Baldwin Park Police Department; noted that he was told that the only way that the police department could continue to operate would be to raise taxes and he believes this to be untrue; asked that other options be explored in the interest of the community; reiterated that keeping the police department locally is very important to the community. Isela Benevides, Baldwin Park resident, commended the Baldwin Park Police Department for their presence in her neighborhood and expressed her support for keeping the police department; feels that the County Sheriffs Department would not be a good choice for the community. Jay Rodriquez, Baldwin Park resident, expressed concern regarding the poor reputation of the County Sheriffs Officers and that the community is much better off with its own officers; stated the officers work with the community well and expressed his support for keeping the Baldwin Park Police Department. Margarita Hernandez, Baldwin Park resident, opined that the police department provides the best service to the community and asked that Council keep the police department. Seeing no others wishing to speak, Mayor Lozano closed Public Communications at 8:20 p.m. Mayor Lozano spoke of the comments by community members and Ms. Munaz, the mother of the two young men who were killed; restated his condolences; stated that, while the Baldwin Park Police Department is involved in the investigation of homicides, the County Sheriff's Department is also required to be involved; requested that Chief Hadsell provide whatever information is available at this point. Chief Hadsell stated that she could not provide any information at this time but assured Ms. Munaz that the Baldwin Park Police Department is working jointly with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and that a thorough investigation is being conducted; stated the Lt. Reynoso will contact the Sheriff and will then call her to provide any additional information that may be available; extended condolences from the Police Department. Councilmember Marten Garcia stated that a gathering that occurred on October 17, 2012, was not a [Council] meeting because the meeting had been cancelled; referred to this evening's meeting at which all five Councilmembers attend [not just two] represents an official meeting of Council; stated that allegations that she has attempted to prevent certain individuals from attending this Council meeting is untrue; further commented and provided rebuttal against false allegations and manipulation of published media made against her. Councilmember Pacheco commented on Councilmember Garcia's statements regarding the referenced meeting of October 171h and stated that the meeting was cancelled but that some discussions still took place; commented on her behavior at the unofficial gathering; reiterated that he is does not support dismantling the police department and will continue working to keep the Baldwin Park Police Department. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio commented on the October 171h gathering, concurring that a meeting was scheduled but had been cancelled; noted that she had received complaints from her constituents and, upon arriving at the event, she too made it clear to all that were present that the gathering was not an Page 4 of 11 ■ City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 official meeting of the Council and that no decisions or business would be conducted at that time; also commented on Councilmember Garcia's behavior at the gathering. Councilmember Monica Garcia thanked those in attendance for coming to the meeting to express their feelings about the proposed move to contract with the County Sheriffs Department; expressed an opposing opinion to the comments made about the October 171h gathering and voiced her objection to the way in which things transpired. Councilmember Monica Garcia then provided an narration of communication which proposed cancellation of the October 171h meeting and went on to explain that the topic of discussion (whether to contract with the County Sheriff for law enforcement) had already been covered in previous meeting; provided a narrative of communication pertaining to the comparison of values between keeping the police department or contracting with the County; explained that the economic downturn has had a tremendous impact on the City and that it is a major factor in considering the decision to be made by Council; suggested the information summary sheets be provided at each Council meeting to keep the community informed and up-to-date on what has transpired and what decisions are yet to be made; encouraged 1 everyone in attendance to stay at this meeting because Council would be deliberating the options available to them; affirmed her commitment to the community. Councilmember Pacheco commented on the correspondence that Councilmember Monica Garcia had just narrated; stated that he was told that the meeting was cancelled because there were no important topics to discuss; opined that there are a wide variety of important issues and topics for discussion and that the meeting should not have been cancelled; pointed out that the salaries and benefits provided to members of the police department are within the same range as other communities; suggested that negotiation with the Police Officers Association is a viable option and that the budget should be examined more closely; noted that the start-up costs associated with contracting with the Sheriff's Department and the costs associated with exiting pay for existing employees may outweigh the practicality of outsourcing law enforcement services. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio, speaking on her own behalf only, asked the City Attorney to determine whether she had broken the law based on her and Councilmember Pacheco being present at the Council Chambers at the same time with members of the public present. City Attorney Pannone made the determination that, because only two Councilmembers were present, which does not meet the requirement of a quorum, the event did not constitute a meeting under California law. Councilmember Pacheco added that when Councilmember Marlen Garcia appeared at the location Mayor Pro Tem Rubio excused herself and left the room. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio asserted that her position regarding whether to contract with the County Sheriff has been misunderstood and that she has made it clear that she wants to slow down the process, obtain more information and get answers to her questions before she will commit to a decision. Councilmember Monica Garcia asked the City Attorney to make a legal determination, given that the October 171h meeting was cancelled, proposing that there were two Councilmembers present at the time, if a third Councilmember appeared, and subsequently a fourth Councilmember appeared, and subsequently a fifth Councilmember appeared, would the gathering be in violation of the law. City Attorney Pannone affirmed that the appearance of the third, fourth, and/or fifth Councilmember would constitute a violation of law and, in fact, each Councilmember, respectively, would be in violation. Mayor Lozano thanked each of the Councilmembers for supporting the police department and acknowledged the support of the community for the police department as well; pointed out that he and Councilmember Pacheco have been the most active in supporting the police department; expressed his commitment to being objective in the decisions he makes on behalf of the community, even on the tough Page 5 of 11 • City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 decisions; noted that many of the surrounding cities have made drastic cutbacks in their staff, law enforcement personnel and services, and that it is the goal of the City Council to examine all the facts, weigh all the options, and make the decisions that are in the best interest of the community. Mayor Pro Tern Rubio and Councilmember Pacheco both stressed that the salaries represented by the State Controllers does not necessarily represent the salary of Baldwin Park police officers and should not be taken out of context. Councilmember Pacheco also commented on rumors and miscommunication of information and commented on big picture availability of funds to include all sources. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Lozano pulled Item No. 5 from the Consent Calendar and directed that it be heard as a Public Hearing item. No other items were pulled from the Consent Calendar. 1. CLAIM REJECTION Staff recommends City Council reject the claims of Carmen Romo, Mario Romero, Phillip Bennett, Gloria Pereira, David Saenz, and Delfum Lopes et. al. and direct staff to send the appropriate notice of rejection to claimants. Motion was made by Councilmember Monica Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Pacheco, carried (5-0) to reject the claims of Carmen Romo, Mario Romero, Phillip Bennett, Gloria Pereira, David Saenz, and Delfum Lopes et. al. and direct staff to send the appropriate notice of rejection to claimants.. AYES: Garcia, Garcia, Mayor Lozano, Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tern Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 2. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS Staff recommends City Council ratify the attached Warrants and Demands. Motion was made by Councilmember Monica Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Pacheco, carried (5-0) to ratify the attached Warrants and Demands. AYES: Garcia, Garcia, Mayor Lozano, Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tem Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 3. PROPOSED RECOGNITIONS BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL Staff recommends the City Council approve the preparation and presentation of the Certificates of Recognition and Proclamations as outlined in the staff report. Motion was made by Councilmember Monica Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Pacheco, carried (5-0) to approve the preparation and presentation of the Certificates of Recognition and Proclamations as outlined in the staff report. AYES: Garcia, Garcia, Mayor Lozano, Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tern Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Page 6 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 4. SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 1352, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK ADDING CHAPTER 126 TO THE BALDWIN PARK MUNICIPAL CODE ESTABLISHING NEW REGULATIONS REQUIRING REFUSE RECEPTACLES AT THE THERMINUS OF DRIVE THROUGH EATING FACILITIES Staff recommends that the City Council waive further reading, read by title only and adopt on second reading Ordinance 1352: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK ADDING CHAPTER 126 TO THE BALDWIN PARK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO TRASH RECEPTACLES AT DRIVE-THROUGH EATING FACILITIES (APPLICANT: CITY OF BALDWIN PARK)." Motion was made by Councilmember Monica Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Pacheco, carried (5-0) to approve and adopt Ordinance 1352. AYES: Garcia, Garcia, Mayor Lozano, Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tem Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 5. AMEMDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR CLOVERLEAF DEVELOPMENT REGARDING INDEMNIFICATION BY THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve the amendment to the subject development agreement to allow the SBA to be excluded from the indemnification obligations contained in that development agreement. This item was taken separately by request of Mayor Lozano. See Council Actions Below. 6. ADVISEMENT OF STAFF APPOINTMENT TO THE OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR THE DISSLOVED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK It is recommended that the Mayor appoints, Assistant Accounting Manager, Rose Tam for interim staffing and support of the Oversight Board. Motion was made by Councilmember Monica Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Pacheco, carried (5-0) to authorize the Mayor to appoint Assistant Accounting Manager, Rose Tam, for interim staffing and support of the Oversight Committee. AYES: Garcia, Garcia, Mayor Lozano, Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tem Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Page 7 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 7. APPOVAL OF A MOU WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY MTA TO RECEIVE FUNDS FOR TRANSIT SERVICES NTD REPORTING It is recommended that the City Council approve the attached MOU with the Los Angeles County MTA and authorize the Mayor to execute said agreement. Motion was made by Councilmember Monica Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Pacheco, carried (5-0) to approve the attached MOU with the Los Angeles County MTA and authorize the Mayor to execute said agreement. AYES: Garcia, Garcia, Mayor Lozano, Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tem Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 8. AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE DESIGN OF THE BARNES PARK IMPROVEMENTS It is recommended that the City Council approve the Request for Proposals and direct staff to advertise. Motion was made by Councilmember Monica Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Pacheco, carried (5-0)to approve the Request for Proposals and direct staff to advertise AYES: Garcia, Garcia, Mayor Lozano, Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tem Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5 TO BE HEARD SEPERATELY AS A PUBLIC HEARING ITEM. 5. AMEMDMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR CLOVERLEAF DEVELOPMENT REGARDING INDEMNIFICATION BY THE UNITED STATES SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve the amendment to the subject development agreement to allow the SBA to be excluded from the indemnification obligations contained in that development agreement. Mayor Lozano request that this Consent Calendar item (listed above)be taken separately for discussion and Public Hearing. Marc Castagnola, Community Development Manager, provided a brief history and summary of the proposed amendment. Mayor Lozano opened the Public Hearing at 9:21 p.m. Mayor Lozano invited anyone wishing to comment in support of the item to come forward. Seeing no one come forward, Mayor Lozano invited anyone wishing to comment in opposition of the item to come forward. Seeing no one wishing to speak, the Mayor closed the Public Hearing at 9:22 p.m. Mayor Lozano invited comments from Councilmembers but received none. Page 8 of 11 ■ City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 Motion was made by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Councilmember Pacheco, carried (5-0) to approve the amendment to the subject development agreement to allow the SBA to be excluded from the indemnification obligations contained in that development agreement. AYES: Garcia, Garcia, Mayor Lozano, Pacheco, Mayor Pro Tem Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. REPORTS OF OFFICERS 9. 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. Lorena Quijano, Finance Director, narrated a PowerPoint presentation and explained the various components and options available to Council; she asserted that this presentation is for discussion only and is not for the purpose of making a decision of any taxes. She explained that the only action sought from Council is direction to staff. Director Quijano explained some of the requirements and constraints to the use of Public Safety taxes; explained that a measure would have to be placed on the ballot for voter approval; outlined the various types of tax that could be considered. Councilmember Pacheco, referring to the Staff Report provided, asked that a net figure be provided with all revenue, grants, forfeiture funds, and other fee generating programs were deducted; called out several line items that do not appear to be police service related and requested that those items be removed from the bottom line figure as well; identified additional line items and considerations that he would like to have removed from the bottom line figure to see the net figure. Councilmember Monica Garcia restated her objection to the imposition of additional taxes, noted that an increase in property tax, sales tax or any other kind of tax would all negatively impact the city given the current economy; pointed out that elimination of the some of the identified funds would not have impact since the monies would have to come from other sources. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio expressed her objection to spending funds to negotiate with the Sheriff, and also impose a Public Safety tax; suggested that additional information be published in the NOW to and that a web link be established on the City web site to allow citizens to post comments; stated that the community should be given the opportunity to choose a plan of action; reiterated her previous statements that C.D.B.G. funds could be diverted from outside programs to help support the costs. Mayor Lozano requested that this item be brought back at a future meeting with information to address the questions and concerns of Council; Councilmember Pacheco and Mayor Pro Tem Rubio concurred. Councilmember Pacheco suggested that negotiations with the Sheriff be suspended until the actions discussed, referring to identification of additional funding sources, increase of taxes, and negotiations with the Police Officers Association are more fully vetted; Mayor Pro Tem Rubio concurred. Mayor Lozano stated that the process [of considering the Sheriff's Department] is already in motion and that direction has been given to staff to bring this matter back at a future meeting with additional information. Motion was made by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Councilmember Pacheco, carried (5-0)to have the matter of the Analysis of Public Safety Tax Options be brought back at a future meeting. Page 9 of 11 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 CITY COUNCIL/CITY CLERK/CITY TREASURER/STAFF REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS Councilmember Pacheco directed staff to: investigate the complaints of local business owners that an attorney is filing vexatious law suits, citing ADA violations; investigate large trucks parked along Puente Avenue that are advertising junk hauling and other services, noting that the vehicles are blocking the line of sight for vehicles wishing to turn onto Puente; dispatch code enforcement to check on vehicles and RVs parked in the WalMart parking lot that may be in violation; dispatch Code Enforcement to investigate reports of a person or persons living in a green van parked at the corner of Pacific and Puente; dispatch workers to address complaints of street lights being out and possibly establishing a monthly round to look for street light problems; do a site check of the sidewalks on Ramona Avenue, noting that an elderly woman had complained about the poor condition of the sidewalks. Request by Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco for discussion and direction to staff on the following: • To explore making access to the below available through a web resource. o SB 863- Worker's Compensation Councilmember Pacheco directed staff to investigate available grant funds realized by the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 863 relating to Workers' Compensation. o The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency $64 Million in Grant Funding for Brownfields Projects Councilmember Pacheco directed staff to investigate available EPA Brownfields Project grant funds, noted that this funding could pay for environmental studies and mitigation of environmental issues associated with vacant land that could otherwise be used for other purposes. o The $10 Million in Environmental Enhancement & Mitigation Grants that are now available Councilmember Pacheco noted that this grant ties in with the grant funding referenced above [Brownfields Projects] and directed staff to investigate application for these grant funds as well since they tie into the same type of projects (environmental enhancement and mitigation). Councilmember Pacheco asked Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Singhal to provide a timeline in which he might expect a response to the requested items. CEO Singhal stated that there is no staff currently available to take on the requested tasks above but that he would review current staff assignments. If necessary, the matter of adding staff would be brought back before Council at a later date. Councilmember Pacheco also asked that the discussion of a Director of Public Works be brought back as he has a recommendation on this matter. CEO Singhal informed the Councilmember that the item could not be discussed in Open Session but could be brought back for discussion in next Closed Session meeting. Request by Mayor Pro Tem Susan Rubio for discussion &direction to staff on the following: Page 10 of 11 ■ City Council Regular Meeting Minutes 11/7/12 • Create a "Sandy Storm Relief Center"in several parts of the city,so that it's convenient for residents to donate food, clothing, baby necessities, etc. & coordinate with Red Cross to ensure storm victims receive donations. Mayor Pro Tern Rubio directed staff to establish locations throughout the city where citizens can drop off donations of food, clothing and other items to provide to victims of Hurricane Sandy. • Create "Sandy Storm Relief Fund" & link to our website to allow for monetary contributions. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio also requested that staff establish a web link on the City's web site where citizens can make monetary donations as a relief fund for victims of the storm. Councilmember Monica Garcia reported on the recent COG meeting that she attended; noted that the decision was made to terminate the contract with Nick Conway and will be moving forward without Mr. Conway serving as the Executive Director. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Rubio, and carried (5-0)to adjourn the meeting at 9:56 p.m. Manue zo ano, Mayor ATTEST: Alejandr- A i ' ity Clerk " APPROVED: NLaI&L Lf ADIS Page 11 of 11