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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 07 18 CC MIN MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING • JULY 18, 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 7:05 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 Mayor Pro Tern Susan Rubio Mayor Manuel Lozano • Council Member Ricardo Pacheco arrived at approximately 7:20 p.m. 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. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS & PRESENTATIONS Certificates of Recognition to the LUCHA Foundation recipients of the Oscar Enrique Gomez Memorial Scholarship, Anthony Anguiano, Ana Landeros Lopez, Diana Pena, Jasmine Rios and Sergio Salinas. Councilmember Monica Garcia presented Certificates of Recognition to recipients of the Oscar Enrique Gomez Memorial Scholarship and congratulated each individual. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications at 7:11 p.m. and noted that each speaker is permitted a total of three (3) minutes to speak. Al Contreras, representative with Sister Cities Association, expressed appreciation to the recipients of the scholarship and noted that the Sister Cities Association also was able to award • scholarships this year; noted that fireworks sales this year were down significantly and suggested that sales of fireworks be reduced from a 7-day period to a 4-day period (July 1 — 4) to concentrate the community on safe and sane fireworks. Ken Woods, Baldwin Park resident and business owner, opined that millions of dollars have been collected in incremental tax increases but none of the funds have been used to revitalize • the downtown business district; commented on alleged escalating construction costs for the parking structure; pointed out that two years ago, citizens were told that the City was in good financial shape but now it appears the City is in financial peril; expressed strong objection to Ordinance No. 1290 and the negative effects it is having on the business community. Javier Hernandez, representative of Bike SGV (formerly CyclerTopia), commented on the upcoming bicycle race, hosted by Pride of the Valley; noted that Bike SGV is applying for a Healthy Living grant provided by the L.A. County Department of Public Health and hopes to utilize the funds to move forward with the development of a regional bike plan to include bike lanes and trails throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Veronica Lopez, Baldwin Park resident, spoke in support of retaining the Baldwin Park Police Department; opined that more information needs to be disseminated to the citizens and that Council should be getting out into the community to make sure residents are kept well informed. Mary Heiss, Baldwin Park resident, stated that she supports keeping the Baldwin Park Police Department but opined that officers need to receive sensitivity training; spoke of an incident that occurred at her home and the conduct of police officers that responded to a call. Greg Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, commented on the proposed budget cuts but pointed out that Council is not cutting any expenses on their part; also noted the approval of a construction project by ROEM but that nothing has been done to rescind Ordinance No. 1290; spoke of the downgrading of City Bonds and the responsibility of interest payments that will be due soon, and how such obligations will have an effect of the City's overall budget; opined that • the City is siphoning off Asset Forfeitures money inappropriately for other projects. Joselin Sanchez, representing the Eco-Friendly Forum, asked about responses from the Council to the presentation to was given by the Forum at a previous meeting and noted that a great deal of effort was put into the presentation; noted that the group had several suggestions and asked whether any of the suggestions had been implemented; requested feedback from Council. Mary Ferrer, Baldwin Park resident, expressed concern regarding the City's failing state of financial health; asked what the Police Department is giving up in the budget cuts because it appears that everyone is making cuts but them; would like to know what each department is giving up to insure that the necessary cuts are done across all departments. Herlinda Valdovinos, coordinator for the Baldwin Park Divas Cheer Group, expressed appreciation to Council for permitting the group to participate in the sales of fireworks which raises funds for the team; requested additional information on ways to further promote the cheer group on behalf of the community. Edgar Lopez, representing Juan's Restaurant and Director of the Cactus Faire, invited the Council and community to the Cactus Fair on August 19, 2012. Aman Solomon, representing Southern California Edison, introduced himself as the new liaison between Edison and the City of Baldwin Park; noted his recent meetings with staff and offered open communication with him on any matters involving Edison. • Unidentified citizen, expressed objection to the proposal of contracting with the L.A. County Sheriffs rather than keeping the Police Department; suggested that Council take a pay cut Page 2 of 9 rather than dissolving the Police Department; commented on several incidents where the local police officers responded in a positive and prompt manner where the sheriffs would not. • Seeing no others wishing to speak, Public Communications closed at 7:37 p.m. Mayor Lozano spoke about the economic downturn and the desire to keep the Baldwin Park Police Department, if at all possible; pointed out that some the of actions taken at the Legislature are having tremendous impact on local municipalities; noted that Council has been looking at a wide variety of options and solutions to offset the current economic crunch. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio responded to a comment of the public by pointing out that the City is negotiating with all departments to reduce costs and keep expenses in check, and that it is a collaborative effort by everyone. Councilmember Pacheco pointed out that the Governor's taking the Redevelopment Agencies from local municipalities has had a tremendous effect and has put many entities in a very bad position financially; echoed the comments of Mayor Pro Tern Rubio in that the City is negotiating with labor groups to work towards a fair and reasonable solution. Councilmember Monica Garcia stated that the Police Department represents 70% of the City's budget and that the challenge in cutting the budget lies in balancing the needs of the community with ability to generate revenue to support the budget and the Police Department. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio asked the Police staff to clarify the funding source for overtime paid to • police officers since this is an issue that often times is brought up; Captain Taylor stated that a large portion of the funds come from grant monies, but some is also used from the Asset forfeiture Fund and some from the General Fund. Councilmember Marten Garcia pointed out that any questions about the budget can be answered by looking at the numbers presented; stated that she supports the Police Department just as any other resident would but that reality points to a need to be financially responsible and make the best decision for the community, whether it be maintaining the Police Department or contracting with the Sheriff's Department. CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Pro Tern Rubio requested that Item No. 5 was pulled for the Consent Calendar for further discussion. 1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS Staff recommends City Council ratify the attached Warrants and Demands Register. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0) to ratify the Warrants and Demands Register. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. • Page 3 of 9 2. PROPOSED RECOGNITIONS BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL • Staff recommends the City Council approve the preparation and presentation of the certificates of recognition as outlined in the staff report. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5— 0) to approve the preparation and presentation of the certificates of recognition as outlined in the staff report. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 3. TREASURER'S REPORT: APRIL AND MAY 2012 Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the April and May 2012 Treasurer's Report. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0) to receive and file the April and May 2012 Treasurer's Report. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 4. ANNUAL STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY • Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5— 0) to receive and file the Statement of Investment Policy for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 5. AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT WITH PCL INC TO ADD ALTERNATES #'s 4, 5 ,7 ,11, 12 AT A COST OF $198,200 FOR CONSTRUCTION OF VARIOUS VALUE-ADDED FEATURES TO THE BALDWIN PARK TRANSIT CENTER Staff recommends the City Council 1) Approve a contract amendment with PCL Construction Services Inc. for construction of add alternates #'s 4, 5, 7,11, and 12 at a cost of$198,200; 2) Authorize the Mayor to execute a contract amendment after a review by the City Attorney and after it has been executed by the contractor; 3) Authorize Finance Director to appropriate $198,200 from AQMD AB2766 funds; 4) Direct the Chief Executive Officer or his designee to seek necessary approvals and complete paperwork to use these funds. Mayor Pro Tem Rubio asked for clarification regarding a line item included in the change order and inquired as to whether the item could be brought back for later consideration. • Councilmember Pacheco also inquired about change orders being presented for approval and the available funding to pay for the proposed change orders. Page 4 of 9 Chief Executive Officer Singhal stated that the line item in question by Mayor Pro Tem Rubio could not be brought back at a later time; responded to Councilmember • Pacheco by informing him of the available funds to pay for the proposed change orders. Councilmember Marten Garcia requested and CEO Singhal clarified that the funding for the project is coming from grant monies and not the General Fund. A motion was made by Garcia, seconded by Rubio, and carried (5 —0) to approve a contract amendment with PCL Construction Services Inc. for construction of add alternates#'s 4, 5, 7,11, and 12 at a cost of$198,200; 2) Authorize the Mayor to execute a contract amendment after a review by the City Attorney and after it has been executed by the contractor; 3) Authorize Finance Director to appropriate $198,200 from AQMD AB2766 funds; 4) Direct the Chief Executive Officer or his designee to seek necessary approvals and complete paperwork to use these funds. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 6. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT: MAY 2012 Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the May 2012 Financial Report. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0) to receive and file the May 2012 Financial Report. • AYES: NOES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 7. ESTABLISH APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013 Staff recommends the City Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 2012-028 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, SETTING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013." A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0) to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2012-028 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, SETTING THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION LIMIT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013." AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 8. APPROVAL OF AN ALTERNATIVE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES Staff recommends the City Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 2012-029, • entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN ALTERNATIVE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR PART- TIME EMPLOYEES." Page 5 of 9 A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5— 0) to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2012-029, entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE • CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING AN ALTERNATIVE RETIREMENT SYSTEM FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES." AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 9. AUTHORIZE A TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE AUDIT CONTRACT WITH VASQUEZ AND CO. Staff recommends the City Council authorize a two-year extension of the audit contract with Vasquez and Co. as reflected in the Price Proposal submitted at the time the contract was awarded. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0) to authorize a two-year extension of the audit contract with Vasquez and Co. as reflected in the Price Proposal submitted at the time the contract was awarded. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. PUBLIC HEARING 4111 10. PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 2012-024, ORDERING THE ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITYWIDE PARK MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FY 2012-2013 Staff recommends the City Council hold a public hearing and, after considering testimony, waive further reading, read by title only, and adopt Resolution No. 2012-024 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CITYWIDE PARK MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FY 2012-2013,AND AUTHORIZING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR TO ADD THIS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO THE PROPERTY TAX BILLS." Associate Engineer David Lopez provided a narrative of the proposed Resolution and the purpose of the Assessment District; noted that the assessment presents a small increase in alignment with the Consumer Price index. Mayor Lozano declared the Public Hearing open at 8:24 p.m. and invited those wishing to speak in favor of the proposed Resolution to speak and be heard. Seeing no one wishing to speak in favor of the proposed Resolution, the Mayor invited those wishing to speak in opposition of the Resolution. Seeing no one wishing to speak in opposition of the Resolution, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing closed at 8:25 p.m. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5— 0) to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2012-024 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS ASSOCIATED Page 6 of 9 WITH THE CITYWIDE PARK MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR • FY 2012-2013, AND AUTHORIZING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR TO ADD THIS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO THE PROPERTY TAX BILLS." AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 11. PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION NO. 2012-025, ORDERING THE ASSESSMENTS FOR THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FY 2012-2013 Staff recommends the City Council hold a public hearing ad after considering testimony, waive further reading, read by title only, and adopt Resolution No. 2012-025 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FY 2012-2013, AND AUTHORIZING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR TO ADD THIS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO THE PROPERTY TAX BILLS." Associate Engineer David Lopez provided a narrative of the proposed Resolution and the purpose of the Assessment District; noted that the assessment presents a small increase in alignment with the Consumer Price index. Mayor Lozano declared the Public Hearing open at 8:26 p.m. and invited those • wishing to speak in favor of the proposed Resolution to speak and be heard. Seeing no one wishing to speak in favor of the proposed Resolution, the Mayor invited those wishing to speak in opposition of the Resolution. Seeing no one wishing to speak in opposition of the Resolution, the Mayor declared the Public Hearing closed at 8:27 p.m. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0) to approve and adopt Resolution No. 2012-025 entitled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CITYWIDE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT FOR FY 2012-2013, AND AUTHORIZING THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY ASSESSOR TO ADD THIS SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO THE PROPERTY TAX BILLS." AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Pacheco, Rubio NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. CITY COUNCIL ACTING AS SUCCESSOR AGENCY CONSENT CALENDAR 12. PROPOSED USE OF BOND DEBT SERVICE RESERVES FOR SUCCESSOR AGENCY DEBT SERVICE PAYMENTS • Staff recommends the Successor Agency receive and file this report and direct staff to provide an update to the Oversight Board. Page 7 of 9 A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0) to receive and file this report and direct staff to provide an update to the Oversight • Board. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. REPORTS OF OFFICERS CITY COUNCIL/CITY CLERK/ CITY TREASURER/STAFF REQUESTS & COMMUNICATIONS Request by Mayor Manuel Lozano for discussion and direction to staff on the following: • To consider a quiet zone in the city to avoid the honking by Metrolink trains. Mayor Lozano noted that he has met with Congresswoman Napolitano and directed staff to work with the Congresswoman to proceed with actions needed to implement a Quiet Zone in Baldwin Park. Request by Councilmember Pacheco for discussion and direction to staff on the following: • Discuss the Homeowner Bill of Rights Councilmember Pacheco commented on the Governor's recent approval of a Homeowners Bill of Rights and noted that it was approved as an urgency notice which means it is effective immediately; explained that this new Bill of Rights provides, among • other things, that financial institutions cannot launch a foreclosure on a homeowner who is currently negotiating a modification on their mortgage and requires financial institutions to assign a single point of contact for homeowners to work with during loan modification proceedings; noted that he has directed staff to publish the Homeowners Bill of Rights on the City's website to provide community-wide access. • Apply for the funding announcement from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health regarding the Healthy Eating Active Living Request for Proposals. This proposal, if awarded to the City, will provide at least $500,000 over four years to the healthy city programs. Councilmember Pacheco directed staff to take the lead in applying for the program and identifying those groups and programs that would benefit from the County's program. Request by Councilmember Marlen Garcia for discussion and direction to staff on the following: • To prepare a Resolution of support for Bike San Gabriel Valley to create a Regional Bicycle Master Plan. Councilmember Garcia directed staff to prepare a Resolution or Letter of Support for the Bike SGV and its effort to create a Regional Bicycle Master Plan throughout the San Gabriel Valley, and asked that it be brought back at the next Regular Council Meeting. Councilmember Monica Garcia reported from her attendance at the Independent Cities Association (ICA) Conference, noting that one of the workshops related to Bicycle Master Plans, particularly in the San Gabriel Valley and the South Bay/Long Beach area; also spoke on the topic of Emergency Preparedness which was a prominent subject at the conference. • Mayor Pro Tem Rubio reported out on her recent conference attendance; noted that there was a great deal of discussion on helping homeowners with foreclosure issues; workshops that spoke of Page 8 of 9 how social media can be used as a tool to disseminate information and communicate with the community; some sessions included the process of educating citizens on the election process and • how those who wish to become citizens can achieve that goal; also noted that there are a great number of scholarships available that are not being utilized; directed staff to upload information to the City's website to make it available. Councilmember Pacheco also reported on his attendance at the ICA Convention Seminars, in particular one that pertained to Redevelopment Agencies and how municipalities can move forward after the dismantling of local RDAs; noted that it is not anticipated that the Legislature will be bringing back RDAs anytime soon; also noted his attendance at a seminar hosted by the Special District Association which talked about PERS and how many of the changes will have impact of local agencies; noted that he will provide a comprehensive summary in a written report at a later date. Mayor Lozano asked that Public Works staff conduct a tour of areas in the community where there is graffiti on the sidewalks and take steps to remove the graffiti. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to discuss, and all other matters having been addressed, a motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m. Mayor ATTEST: )fit • l/ 'anuel Lozano, Mayor Alejandra Avil- City Clerk APPROVED: 11r/fr • Page 9 of 9