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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013 05 01 CC MIN MINUTES BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING • MAY 1, 2013,7:00 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 7:07 p.m. INVOCATION The invocation was provided by Pastor Jackson. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Lozano. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Marlen Garcia Council Member Ricardo Pacheco Council Member Susan Rubio Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia Mayor Manuel Lozano ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Lozano announced that, as required by Government Code section 54954.3, members of the City Council are also members of the Board of Directors of the Community Development Commission, • 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$75 for attending the CDC meeting, $30 for attending the Housing Authority meeting and $50 for attending the Finance Authority meeting. Mayor Lozano extended condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the recent fertilizer plant explosion in Texas and to those who were injured and who lost loved ones in the Boston Marathon bombing. Councilmember Rubio extended thanks to the Women's Club and to the Sister Cities Organization which are working on providing scholarships to students of Baldwin Park. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS& PRESENTATIONS • Recognition to Macy's, West Covina, for their participation in this year's Bag of Hunger Fundraiser Mayor Lozano, along with Treasurer Maria Contreras, presented Store Manager, John Olstene, with a plaque in recognition of their participation over the past three years to the Bag of Hunger Fundraiser; noted that they have contributed over$15,000 in donated funds over the past three years. • Certificate recognition to Earth Day calendar Winners from"Think Together" After School Program Mayor Lozano presented Certificates of Recognition to student winners of the"Think Together" poster contest in recognition of Earth Day. • Proclamation proclaiming May as Older American's Month Mayor Lozano presented a Proclamation in recognition of Older American's Month - May 2015 • Plaque presentation to Margaret Burnett-Salonisen and Manuel Santillan for being recognized as Seniors of the Year • Mayor Lozano presented plaques to Margaret Burnett-Salonisen and Manuel Santillan in recognition of being selected as"Senior of the Year" in Baldwin Park. • Presentation by American Cancer Society on CPS-3"Cancer Prevention Study—3" Janice Chow-Ng, San Gabriel Valley representative for the American Cancer Society(ACS), announced that the ACS has selected Baldwin Park as one of the communities that will participate in a Cancer Prevention Study; noted that representatives will be on site at the Relay for Life event at Baldwin Park High School, and encouraged everyone to attend. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Lozano opened Public Communications at 7:53 p.m. and noted that each speaker is permitted a total of three(3) minutes to speak. Carolyn Hamilton, representing HUMB, announced that the Annual Lawnmower Exchange, which provides four different locations where a gas-powered lawnmower can be traded in for a tremendously discounted electric lawnmower, will be coming up soon; encouraged everyone to trade in their gas-powered lawnmowers to help cut air pollution. Miguel Wesso, representing Baldwin Park Citizens United, presented a request for Council to sign a Pledge to commit to upholding the wished of the citizens of the community and keep the Baldwin Park Police Department and discard any consideration of contracting law enforcement services with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department. Mr. Flores, announced that two winners of the Mark Daniel Flores Music Scholarships had been selected and that the award event was videoed; requested that the video be agendized for presentation at the next Council meeting. Angela Skidmore, Valley County Water District, extended an invitation to the community to attend the 8th Annual Water Awareness Celebration; noted that there will be raffles, children activities, and demonstrations of drought tolerant plants. Cruz Baca, Baldwin Park resident, asked whether Council would commit to signing the Pledge that was presented by Mr. Wesso; noted that there have been two shootings and the mugging of two women recently in local shopping centers; suggested that Baldwin Park strive to be a model city. Councilmember Rubio expressed support and committed to signing the Pledge presented. Mayor Pro Tern Garcia stated that she would sign a Pledge that says it would protect the City of Baldwin Park and the citizens of Baldwin Park; stated that she would be like to see the Police Officers sign a Pledge as well to accept that they will be stakeholders in the decision as well because it is a two-way street. Councilmember Pacheco stated that he supports the Police Department and pointed out that they are stakeholders; stated that the decision is just as much a decision of the community and that the citizens should be making the decision and letting Council know what they really want; stated that he has signed the Pledge presented by Mr. Wasso. Mario Maciel, Baldwin Park resident, opined that three members of the City Council have already made up their minds to contract with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, disregarding the wishes of the citizens of the community; provided a narrative an article published a periodical of the Los Angeles County Association of Deputies Service which pointed out that contracts for law enforcement services are calculated based on the number of minutes spent in a city, not the services provided nor • the quality of service provided; opined that contracting with the County Sheriff's Department would be detrimental to the safety of the community. Page 2 of 7 Councilmember Rubio commented on the article, pointing out that contracting with the Sheriff's • Department would not only surrender control of law enforcement services but would also surrender control of decisions, turning it over to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Unidentified speaker, Baldwin Park resident, stated that she supports honoring citizens of the community but asked that Council honor her daughter, who passed away; stated that her daughter was selected to go to Washington, D.C., and participate on the committee of"No Child Left Behind;" noted that the local newspaper wrote a tribute to her daughter and asked that Council pay tribute to her as well. Councilmember Rubio asked that Parks and Community Services Manny Carrillo contact the speaker and arrange for her daughter to be honored at one of the Concerts In The Park events rather than a Council meeting. Juan Rios, Baldwin Park resident, noted that a request he made [asking for comparative information as to the cost of funding the Police Department versus the County Sheriff's Department] was supposed to have been responded to in late March, early April, but the information he is asking for has not been provided; stated that the community has been waiting for this information so that they can make an informed decision. Bert Saavedra, Baldwin Park resident, stated that she has been retired for five years and has taken interest in the community; noted that representatives from the EPA met with local seniors in her neighborhood because they were concerned regarding water quality and possible correlation of illnesses with the water quality; expressed concern regarding air quality as well. Greq Tuttle, Baldwin Park business owner, opined that the Council seems to be confused on what the Superior Court injunction is and how it relates to the decision of retaining the County Sheriff's department; opined that they also violated sections of state code, referring specifically to the Brown • Act; stated that the City has been resistant to formally"meet and confer"with labor unions; stated that the City has no right to talk to the County until after they meet and confer with the Police labor organizations. Jessica Wells, representing CalTrans Public Affairs, offered to answer any questions regarding the construction project on the 605 Freeway; stated that the first phase of the overall construction has been to expand the car pool lane from the 605 Freeway to the 57 Freeway and that the work being performed from the 605 to Puente Avenue will be completed at the end of this summer; responded to questions from Council regarding the next two phases of the project. Councilmember Pacheco and City Clerk Avila both commented on the contractor's failure to maintain the areas around the construction zone and asked that CalTrans address the issue; Councilmember Rubio pointed out that many citizens complain about CalTrans being less than responsive to complaints; Mayor Pro Tem Garcia commented on the graffiti being such a problem in that area; asked that CalTrans address this issue and come up with some sort of solution. Seeing no others wishing to speak, Public Communications closed at 8:32 p.m. Councilmember Garcia asked that the breakdown of costs, line item style, be posted to the City's web site which would clearly show the differences in costs between the current funding of the Police Department and the proposal provided by the County Sheriff's Office; stated that the article that was read aloud earlier pertains to unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and that Baldwin Park would have officers specifically allocated for patrol in the City; stated that the proposal promises a 40% increase in police forces to service the City. Councilmember Pacheco, countered some of the comments made by reading from the Court decision • of Case Number 36140802; narrated some of the comments issued by the Judge within the court document; reiterated that the Court granted the injunction filed by the Baldwin Park Police Officers Association; opined that the savings is still not clear and that this is partly to blame because the Page 3 of 7 Finance Director seat is still unfilled; implied that there are many costs that are not being presented and that the lack of accuracy is disconcerting. • Councilmember Rubio stated that the basis of moving to the Sheriff's Department was to save money and that, when asked, the Sheriffs Department clearly responded that they cannot guarantee the cost and therefore cannot guarantee saving to the City; stated that, unless it is presented in writing that the change will result in savings, the proposal should be rejected. Mayor Lozano stated that Council is and has been concerned with the long term vision for Baldwin Park and that this proposal is taken with that in mind; expressed his support for the Police Department but that the future of the City is paramount; voiced support for presenting the decision to the citizens by holding a Special Election with this issue on the ballot. 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 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. APPROVAL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2013 SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Authorize staff to submit an application to the State of California, Department of • Education and participate in the 2013 Summer Lunch Program; and 2) Authorize the Director of Recreation and Community Services to execute all Summer Lunch Program documents, including the agreement with El Monte Union High School District. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0)to: 1) Authorize staff to submit an application to the State of California, Department of Education and participate in the 2013 Summer Lunch Program; and 2) Authorize the Director of Recreation and Community Services to execute all Summer Lunch Program documents, including the agreement with El Monte Union High School District. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 3. AUTHORIZE PROCURING BUS SHELTERS FROM TOLAR FOR THE AMOUNT OF$34,440, FUNDED BY THE FOOTHILL TRANSIT BUS STOP ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Authorize staff to procure bus shelter improvements from Toler in the amount of$34,440; and 2) Authorize the Finance Director to appropriate $34,440 from grant funds for the purchase of these improvements. Page 4 of 7 A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0) to: • 1) Authorize staff to procure bus shelter improvements from Tolar in the amount of $34,440; and 2) Authorize the Finance Director to appropriate $34,440 from grant funds for the purchase of these improvements. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 4. APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR THE TDA SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Staff recommends that the City Council: 1) Approve the design (Plans and Specifications) for the TDA Sidewalk Improvement Project; 2) Authorize staff to advertise the project for construction bids. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5—0)to: 1) Approve the design (Plans and Specifications) for the TDA Sidewalk Improvement Project; 2) Authorize staff to advertise the project for construction bids. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. 5. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH VASQUEZ&COMPANY LLP It is recommended the City Council authorize engaging Vasquez & Company LLP to perform the financial analysis and projections as outlined in the attached engagement letter and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to sign the engagement letter. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5 — 0) to authorize engaging Vasquez & Company LLP to perform the financial analysis and projections as outlined in the attached engagement letter and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to sign the engagement letter. AYES: Lozano, Garcia, Garcia, Rubio, Pacheco NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. Following the vote, Councilmember Pacheco inquired as to whether this contract is necessary given that the City is close to hiring a new Finance Director; City Manager Singhal responded, noting that they are a reputable company and the services will be necessary to perform duties that are time sensitive. • Page 5of7 PUBLIC HEARINGS • 6. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2013-2014 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND THE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN Staff recommends that the City Council conduct the public hearing and, following the public hearing, approve the FY 2013-2014 Annual Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan. Housing Manager Suzie Ruelas provided a brief narrative of the program and offered to respond to questions from Council. Mayor Lozano opened the Public Hearing at 9:08 p.m. and invited those wishing to speak in favor of the item presented. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Lozano invited those wishing to speak in opposition to the item to come forward. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mayor Lozano declared the Public Hearing closed at 9:09 p.m. A motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, and carried (5 — 0) to approve the FY 2013-2014 Annual Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan. CITY COUNCIL/CITY CLERK/CITY TREASURER/STAFF REQUESTS&COMMUNICATIONS Request by Mayor Manuel Lozano and Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco for discussion & direction to staff on the following: • Send letter of support to Assemblymember Roger Hernandez for the City's support of AB 1357 (San Gabriel Valley Emergency Departments and Ambulance Diversion). • Mayor Lozano directed staff to compose and send a letter to Assemblymember Roger Hernandez in support of Assembly Bill 1357, and in support of bringing additional emergency facilities to the area. Request by Councilmember Ricardo Pacheco for discussion & direction to staff on the following: • Send a letter of thanks to Supervisor Molina for awarding a Tree Grant to the City of Baldwin Park. Councilmember Pacheco directed staff to prepare and send a letter of thanks to Supervisor Molina for awarding a Tree Grant to the City; Public Works Director Dan Wall reported that 9 Y. P several trees have already been purchased and planted. Request by Councilmember Marlen Garcia for discussion &direction to staff on the following: • I would like to discuss an article that was featured in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 regarding a study of Cities dealing with bad air quality regarding the poor air quality in the area, its impacts as highlighted in the recently released CalEnviroScreen 1.0, and identify ways to protect and help the residents of the city of Baldwin Park from its adverse effects including lobbying and support for legislation for reduced pollution and cleaner air. Councilmember Garcia read excerpts from the article and suggested that a study be conducted to determine the impact that environmental elements have on residents' health; expressed concern about resident being exposed to poor air and water quality; suggested reaching out to Senate, Assembly and Congressional representatives to seek assistance in mitigating the effects. Councilmember Garcia also asked that students who were identified for awards in recognition of • their active participation in sports while keeping their GPAs at above average levels. Page 6of7 • Request by Mayor Pro Tern Monica Garcia for discussion &direction to staff on the following: • • In light of a recent pollution study which cites Baldwin Park as one of the top communities in Los Angeles County "especially burdened" by cumulative impacts of pollutants due to smog, high- trafficked roadways and freeways, landfills, industrial plants, groundwater, and contaminated waterways- 1) develop proposals to mitigate air pollution, and 2) research grant opportunities to fund proposals. Mayor Pro Tem Garcia discussed some of the findings presented by the recent study and suggested that staff draft proposals that will address air pollution and provide proactive steps to mitigate future pollution; suggested that staff research available grants to identify funds to support the development of such proposals. • Explore the creation of City "buffer zones" along the 10 and 605 freeways, such as at Walnut Creek Park and Barnes Park, in an effort to absorb smog through trees and urban forests/green space. Mayor Pro Tern Garcia suggested that a green beltway be identified and development of urban forests to increase vegetation improve air quality; asked that the environmental studies be kept active and that City staff works proactively to address the current conditions and move towards in the future. improving conditions • Revisit the idea to work with neighboring jurisdictions such as the cities of El Monte and Irwindale, 9 9 J and Los Angeles County to create a green beltway and urban forest along Arrow Highway adjacent to Santa Fe Dam, connecting to easements along the 605 freeway which were recently vacated by a nursery. Due to time constraints, this item was not address during the meeting. • Work with Caltrans to identify parcels along local freeways (such as Dalewood Street near Bess • Avenue) that can be considered for the development of urban forests/green space. Due to time constraints, this item was not addressed during the meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to discuss, a motion was made by Lozano, seconded by Garcia, to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 p.m. Mayon ity ATTEST: - /f • Manuel Lozano, Mayor it A ejandra vila, City erk APPROVED: -7 // S'//,- • Page 7 of 7