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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 04 01 CC MIN SS • MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AND SPECIAL MEETING APRIL 1, 2015, 5:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBER - 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, Baldwin Park, 91706 These meeting minutes are prepared in the order of the agenda and do not necessarily represent the order in which items were heard or discussed. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mayor Lozano at 5:42 p.m. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco Mayor Pro Tem Cruz Baca Mayor Manuel Lozano ABSENT: Councilmember Monica Garcia Councilmember Susan Rubio • RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION Prior to beginning the Open Session/Study Session, Council recessed to Closed Session. Following Closed Session, Council reconvened to conduct the Open Session/Study Session but noted that Closed Session would be reconvened at the conclusion of the Regular City Council Meeting. City Attorney Robert Tafoya read the following statement: The Wayne Manor Adult Center project requires discretionary permits by the City Council or the Planning Commission such as a Conditional Use Permit or some other permit. This project will go to the Planning Commission first for consideration. Because this project may be appealed to the City Council, it is important that the City Councilmembers not make any decisions or form any decisions about this project tonight. In addition, I [City Attorney] would counsel against asking any questions that would suggest that you have formed an opinion about this case. The presentation is for informational purposes only and no comments or decisions should be made as to the final disposition of this project tonight. You may, of course, ask questions and they may be for informational purposes only. I want the public to understand that the Council cannot tell you today whether they are in favor or against the project because they may have to vote on it at some other time. And when that is the case, they can't make up their mind ahead of time. That is illegal and against the law. I have advised them that they cannot do that, nor can they communicate to you today any feelings one way or another. I don't want you to think they are doing that for any other purpose other than, that's the law. • Page 1 of 6 • PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications at 6:20 p.m. Christina Lucero, Baldwin Park resident, expressed empathy to the need for mental health care facilities but objection to the location of the facility being directly adjacent to an elementary school; noted that rules are only effective if residents follow them and that the staff may not be able to handle any situations that get out of hand; opined that vetting and interviewing patients may not be effective in determining whether a person is stable enough for the home since some symptoms may not manifest until later or some underlying illness was not documented; pointed that there are a great number of unknowns and locating this type of facility so near a school present a danger to the children. Joe Poe, Chief of Baldwin Park Unified School District School Police Department, speaking on behalf of the Baldwin Park Unified School District and the School Superintendent, expressed understanding to the need for a facility but pointed out that this is not a reasonable location for such a facility; pointed out that some mental health patients are prone to violent outbursts and other uncontrollable physical confrontations which presents a danger to children; further noted that, because the facility will not be locked (such as locking gates), families living in the vicinity will lose a sense of security. Madalena Ariano, Assistant Superintendent of Baldwin Park Unified School District, speaking on behalf of the School District and the School Superintendent, stated that the District has been contacted by a great number of the students' parents and families living in the surrounding area of De Anza Elementary School, all who have expressed great concern and distress with the proposed Wayne Manor facility being so close to the school; stated that the School District • objects to this project. Ms. Ariano then repeated her testimony, translating to Spanish. Irma Munoz, Baldwin Park resident, represented parents and grandparents of students at De Anza Elementary School and around the community; noted that there are over 600 students at De Anza School, and additional students from the nearby junior high and high school, who all walk to and from school and pass the proposed site; opined that Council is there to insure the security and safety of the community; pointed out that there is an increase in homeless populating areas around the school; requested that the facility be relocated to an area where the children and neighborhood would not be in jeopardy. Angel Gomez, Baldwin Park resident and parent of De Anza students, expressed concerns regarding the construction of the Wayne Manor project;.stated that the location is about 75' from De Anza Elementary School and the community is concerned for the safety of students and of the surrounding neighborhood; stated that local residents met with Mr. Coloma to discuss the project but they were left with many unanswered questions; opined that the neighbors have a sense of apprehension and are not confident that the staff-to-patient ratio nor the level of training for staff members is sufficient; affirmed that the location is too close to schools and residents where many children play; expressed empathy for mentally challenged individuals but asserted that the location is not appropriate for the facility. Tim, Baldwin Park resident and parent of a De Anza student, opined that Mr. Coloma is representing that the facility will be very modern and elegant but in reality, it is simply a mental hospital; further opined out that the proposed fence will not be high enough and that there is a threat that patients will jump the fence and assault children. Kay Batista, former Baldwin Park resident, voiced concern regarding the staff-to-patient ratio • and the quality of staff experience; pointed out that the number of staff members compared to the number of patients will make it difficult to enforce the rules and exampled a situation in Page 2 of 6 • which a patient refuses to take the prescribed medication; also expressed concern regarding the size of the property compared to the number of occupants, and the proposal of having such a facility in an area where there is a high population of young children; opined that Mr. Coloma's credentials are questionable as to his qualification to make sound assessment of patients' mental health and the suitability to reside in a facility that is located so close to a school. Brenda Maziate, Baldwin Park resident, expressed opposition to the project and questioning how residents/patients will be kept away from the school. Thomas Kerri, former Baldwin Park resident, opined that Ronald Reagan should be blamed for the problems with a lack of facilities for those with mental health issues; pointed out that locating the facility in a residential neighborhood and near a school will drive down the property values and result in a decrease in revenue from property taxes; stated that the facility should be located elsewhere, away from schools. Josephine Gonzales, Baldwin Park resident, stated that she does not speak English well and requested to speak in Spanish. A genera/translation: commented on what Mr. Coloma has said but asserted that the home should not be so close to where children walk to school; pointed out that there are children in the neighborhood that range in ages from 3 years old to 12 years old; opined that even when a person is on medication, it does not assure that there will be no danger; referred to the recent event in Germany as an example of when a person with a mental illness goes untreated; voice opposition to having the facility at that location. Perla Diaz, Baldwin Park resident, stated that her is schizophrenic and bipolar so she understands why the community is concerned; noted that she is fearful of her son and to imagine an adult with these mental health disorders is even more intimidating; asserted that the • facility is needed but that locating it so close to a school is not a wise choice. Al Luna, Baldwin Park resident, made a comparison of a recent event in Germany to illustrate what can be perpetrated by a person with an undiagnosed mental health issue; opined that the City is giving everything away and that citizens are not hear; commented on the proposed staffing schedule and the question of credentials. Anielica Leva, Parent of a De Anza student, voiced support for having such a facility in Baldwin Park but opposes locating the facility in a residential neighborhood or near schools; pointed out that a relapse by a resident patient could pose a potential risk; expressed concern regarding the safety of families and children in the vicinity. Greq Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, concurred with other speakers in that the location is not appropriate for such a facility and another location should be sought; commented on the agenda item pertaining to the restoration of City events, pointing out that the City's financial health has not yet recuperated and events should not be restored, or should be done so sparingly, until the City's Reserves and General Fund are recovered; commented on the 2nd Unit Dwellings Code Amendment, noting that it is currently prohibited at a State level and that Los Angeles is now cracking down on this type of development; opined that staff time could be used for other more important issues. Seeing no others wishing to speak, Mayor Lozano closed Public Communications at 6:47 p.m. City Attorney Tafoya stated, as a reminder, that the developer has the right to apply for the permit and that the City cannot make a decision without the application going through the process. • Page 3 of 6 • OPEN SESSION/STUDY SESSION 1. RESTORING CITY EVENTS - Recreation and Community Services This item was pulled from the agenda and will be heard on or after April 15, 2015. 2. WAYNE MANOR ADULT CARE CENTER— Community Development David Coloma, owner/developer, narrated a PowerPoint presentation in English and in Spanish; explained that acceptance to the facility will be limited to those suffering from very specific types of mental illness; noted that the purpose of this facility is to teach residents life skills so that they can live in society; explained that there will be strict "house rules" and those who fail to take their prescribed medication as scheduled, or who fail to behave appropriately, will be reported to their respective treating healthcare professional. Mr. Coloma explained that patients will be referred for interview by local reputable health care facilities; provided assurance that potential residents will be fully vetted and interviewed, and personally selected by Mr. Coloma; illustrated an example of the daily structure of activities for residents'; explained the staffing structure of the facilities, including how work shifts will be handled and noting the qualifications of staff members working during a 24-hour period; noted that he is contracting with local mental health care agencies to assist with patients, including developing workshops, group meetings and similar structured support to residents. • Mr. Coloma then reviewed the intended renovations to the site, including the perimeter fence; stated that residents will be allowed to come and go freely; in response to concerns regarding school children walking to and from school, offered to post staff members in the front to monitor and ensure safety. Mr. Coloma concluded his presentation and offered to answer questions of Council. In response to Mayor Pro Tem Baca's inquiry, Mr. Coloma stated that, as long as the resident is following the house rules, is being respectful to home and community, there is no limitation set; he also confirmed that the home will be a coed facility. In response to Councilmember Pacheco's inquiry, Mr. Coloma confirmed that cameras will be installed throughout the facility and that there will be staff monitoring cameras at all times; noted that, due to advanced technology, response to any issues can be addressed quickly; also explained that some staff members will require licensing and experience requirements while other staff members will require a certain amount of experience, but also that training will be provided to ensure staff is fully educated and responsible. With the conclusion of the presentation, Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications. 3. R-1 2nd DWELLING UNIT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS - Community Development This item was pulled from the agenda and will be heard on or after April 15, 2015. Page 4 of 6 • ADJOURNED OPEN SESSION With the conclusion of the Wayne Manor Adult Care Center presentation, Council adjourned the Open Session/Study Session. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Pacheco, and carried (3 – 0–2, Councilmembers Rubio and Garcia absent) to adjourn the meeting. RECONVENED TO CLOSED SESSION Council reconvened Closed Session at 8:55 p.m. 1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION Pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Case Name: Silva v City of Baldwin Park, Case Number: Claim Nos. 0001-2004- 00050; 00059; and 00061 Case Name: City of Baldwin Park v. City of Irwindale, Case Number: BS152919 Case Name: Eastern Keystone v. City of Baldwin Park, Case Number: BS150623 2. 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): One (1) 3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6: Agency designated representatives: Shannon Yauchzee; Jimmy Gutierrez 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 4. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8 Property: APN #8554-001-913, located generally on Bogart Ave at E Pacific Ave Agency negotiators: Shannon Yauchzee, Robert N. Tafoya, Marc Castagnola Negotiating parties: Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System Authority (LA-RICS) Under negotiation: Terms and price Page 5 of 6 REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION Mayor Lozano stated that no reportable action was taken. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. nuel Lozano, Mayor ATTEST: A„ask — % Alejandra Avil-, City Clerk APPROVED: y/i''1/S • • Page 6 of 6