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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973 10 29 CC MIN1973 10 29 CC MIN(ÌìÓÁpe 0'-iJ5; UNOFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE BALDWIN PARK CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION AT MORGAN PARK ASSEMBLY HALL) 14255 EAST RAMONA. The City Council and the Planning Commission of the City of Baldwin Park met in adjourned joint session at the above place at 7:30 p.m. Councilman Blewett led the Flag Salute COUNCILMEN BLEWETT, HAMILTON, MC CARON AND MAYOR KING PLANNING COMMISSIONERS WITTIG. LARSON, BARNETT, ELKO, MARENO. SMITH & WYATT Roll Call: Present: COUNCILMAN GREGORY Absent: Also Present: CITY MANAGER MOCALIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR GORDON, CITY TREASURER CALE, DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. JAMES L. SEXTON AND CITY CLERK BALKUS DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS PERRY. CITY ATTORNEY FLANDRICK, CHIEF OF POLICE ADAMS AND FINANCE DIRECTOR DUNCAN Also Absent: OCTOBER 29, 1973 7:30 P.M. FLAG SALUTE ROLL CALL 00- COUNCILMAN GREGORY'S ABSENCE EXCUSED. M/S/C: BLEWETT/ HAMILTON. 00- Ptanning Director Gordon stated that the Council has been concerned about the City that business in the community is far below average, revenue is not what it should be, lack of opportunity to buy and not an average of jobs. Because of this, the City Council has tried to devise a method to take some of the tax burden off home owners. Council authorized a Reconnaisance Study to survey the City and give us an idea of what has to take place to improve the City. Four major findings from the survey indicate CRA will give the City a chance for major business. Outside business is taking from Baldwin Park, Shopping Mails in West Covina, Industry and Cerritos. They iave a11 used CRA. To protect present business, it appears we would have to use CRA. If we do want a major business development, we will have to use CRA and it would probably be adjacent to San Bernardino Freeway. The Planning Commission asked that the consultant present pros and ccns regarding the use of CRA and the alternatives. He introduced Mr. David Peterson, former!v with Development Research Association. City Clerk Balkus adminisU.pd oath to all in the audience desiring to speak. QO- Mr. Petp*"so)t presented dc i,1ine for discussion of a Com- munity Redevelopment A^enc. i laoorated on each item. He stated that CRA development Tr- combination of torts and techniques. Copy of outline in official files). ABSENCE EXCUSED COUNCILMAN GREGORY PLAN. DIR. RE BUS. RECON. & CRA MR. PETERSON BIB] 37658-U01 1973-U02 10-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9836-U03 DO9865-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/5/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1973 10 29 CC MIN(ÌìÓÁpeCOOc'^W Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Baldwin Park City Council and Planning Commission October 29. 1973 Page 2 Mayor King thanked Mr. Peterson and stated that more out- lines will be available at City Hall. He asked the aud- ience for their comments limiting the time to 4 minutes each If possible. Mrs. Slater asked who Mr. Peterson was working for as she understood he was representing Development Research Associates. Mr. Peterson said he was originally with Development Research Associates but is now working for himself and he was given authorization by the president of Develop- ment Research Associates to continue to represent the firm on the Baldwin Park Reconnaisance Study. Mr. Ed Lowers asked why we needed this hearing. If the majority was against the proposal. This is the fourth time and he hoped It was the last time; Mayor King said this was not a hearing, but just to get more Infor- mation. Mrs. Zook asked whether a project had to have definite boundaries. As.all of Baldwin Park is a blighted area and public hearings are held, boundaries can be set any- where. Mr. Peterson stated that the project had to have definite boundaries, in theory the agency has the power to go any- where In the City as long as there are definite boundaries The Council or the Planning Commission can designate any marketable area as long as It fits the criteria. Mrs. Zook stated that this would mean anywhere in Baldwin Park and she read the following from the City Manager's letter of February 23. 1971: A blighted area is characterized by a prevalence of depreciated values, impaired investments, and social and economic maladjustment to such an extent that the capacity to pay taxes is reduced and tax receipts are Inadequate for the cost of pubtijc services rendered," Mr. Peterson explained that development would focus on an area that is Inexpensive and where it is feasible, that more than one project could be pursued as long as bonds are sold. Mrs. Slater said she had an article regarding 12 pro- jects in City of Industry, in five years they still haven't done anything. Mr. Peterson remarked he thought that was a mis-state- ment, that there is a public information document. Councilman Blewett said the City could put a CRA any- where it wanted to. There is certain criteria for putting in a park air4 would need more public approval. Mrs. Slater stated Buroank haj weTI over 90% at a meeting and all disaoproved, but they still proceeded. Mr. Blewett said that Burbank now has a new council. REQUEST FOR DISCUSSION DISCUSSION BIB] 37658-U01 1973-U02 10-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9836-U03 DO9865-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/5/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1973 10 29 CC MIN(ÌìÓÁpeAdjourned Regular Meeting of the Baldwin Park City Council and Planning Commission Mr. T. E. Carpenter said the City Attorney had stated that there is no limit to the boundaries once CRA is installed. He also asked for the Phase 3 report which was promised. Mr. Peterson said this was the report and if additional copies were required, they would be supplied. Mr. Carpenter asked Mr. Peterson to define cities which he considered a success as of today in their redevelop- ment programs; the ones that are paying off without costing the taxpayer a dime* and have not become a means of moving people out of their homes and taking over their property, business, etc. Mr. Peterson cited Culver City, City of Industry, West Beach in Long Beach» Anne Street in Los Angeles and a number of projects which are non-federal. Mr. Middleton wanted to know if CRA would be given the same consideration as the Charter and would Council put this to a vote. The people have been informed that It will come before them as it should. Mayor King stated that if the Council decides to go along with it, then the people w111 know about It and It win go to a vote. Councilman McCaron said it appears that everyone Is against this and they are trying to draw conclusions. Mr. Peterson was asked to make a report as to what we can do to improve the City and relieve the burden on the taxpayer. This is a portion of his presentation as to what steps to take to improve the business dis- trict. If CRA is the answer in bringing income in to Improve the C1ty» it should be considered. He, for one, would not be for promoting anything unless he was sure It was right. The Agency would have to carry its own burden with revenue accrued from the development itself. He stated he did not understand the objections at this point as there have been no specifics brought out. This is a suggested method for us to pursue. Mr. James Q. Gibson said that the expression so far has been against CRA and there are some reasons. Mr. Peterson gave a good report. If it is so attractive, why not pri- vate investors? He mentioned there is a low density area along the San Bernardino Freeway but why try to develop this property when we don*t have a market for It. On CRA developments, who is going to make the money? The taxpayer win pay for it. Mr. Peterson stated that a problem along the freeway Is land assembly; one or two parcels is not enough to justify investment of capital. An increased parcel size would be more attractive. Public improvement, street improvements could be handled by General Obligation Bonds. Councilman Hamilton stated there are too many empty build- ings in Baldwin Par!, and he would welcome competition which brings oeople in. Baldwin Park has deteriorated in the iast iG yea s. There is no easy solution and he does not agree with all c-' A. It is hard to get over 30 property owners together. The Council is trying to eliminate this &'ituatiun and decide what we are going to do to help and improve Baldwin Park. While h.' e is a difference of opinion on any controversial item, he would insist that It go to a vote of the people. He asked that the people help the Council decide what is to be done. BIB] 37658-U01 1973-U02 10-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9836-U03 DO9865-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/5/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1973 10 29 CC MIN(ÌìÓÁperoe-CbO Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Baldwin Park City Council and Planning Commission October 29, 1973 Page 4 Mr. Waldo stated It was a good report, but nothing new. The CRA Ordinance has had first reading. CRA should be put on the ballot and If the people want the City to stay as It Is, they should have that right. Mayor King said there was no opposition on the first reading of the ordinance, but there would not be a second reading and CRA would go to a vote of the people. Planning Chairman W1tt1g stated the Planning Commission asked for this meeting so that they could be Informed and discuss the pros and cons of'CRA. Then 1t"w0u1d be possible for them to make a decision and make a reconnnendatlon to Council. He would tike the people to te11 what they should look fori^This meeting was for comments and Information. i! In answer to Mr. Wlllls, Mayor King stated that news releases and a publication about the meeting had appeared in the newspapers. Mrs. Cote said she was on the committee appointed to study redevelopment In October, 1971. They recommended a Business Reconnaisance Study for development of the area and Cat Poly made a study also. The connittee was not disbanded, but was to be reactivated after the study. This Is a rehash" of the same thing. Mayor King said If they take further action, then the committee will be reactivated. Councilman Blewett said this was the Business Recon- naisance Study they recommended to see if It 16 feasible. We want to know what the people want. Mrs. Cote said they should follow through and put It to a vote. Mrs. Zook stated she did not want to keep Baldwin Park down and asked if it is true that with CRA the people's rights are gone 30 days after second reading of the ordinance and there Is nothing the people can do. CRA would apply anywhere in the City. Recall is possible. Mayor King said there would be public hearings on any project. i i Mr. W1tt1g and Mr. Peterson said the safeguard is a financial responsibility check. Mr. Richard Townsend, San Gabriel, commented that $4.000 has been spent for a one-sided study. He suggested that $4,000 be made available to the taxpayer group to have an objective report. Also, get tapes from Arcadia's last two public hearings on CRA. Eugene Jacobs gave them a snow job". Remember how long before you will come out even. There should be a complete financial report from beginning to end to see If it Is successful. Has it lowered the taxes of the City? How much tax Is it bringing in now? You could have a program without CRA. An example of CRA is Rosemead's Edison Building* Baldwin Park's taxes are helping to pay for this, Mayor King said he appreciated Mr. Townsend coming and that his comments would be considered If there is a time when we are implementing a project. BIB] 37658-U01 1973-U02 10-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9836-U03 DO9865-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/5/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1973 10 29 CC MIN(ÌìÓÁpeAdjourned Regular Meeting of the Baldwin Park City Council and Planning Commission October 29, 1973 Page 5 Mrs. Slater stated Councilman McCaron had said he had heard no concrete objections. She had read an article by the County Auditor-Controller stating there has been a toss on assessed valuation to the County on secured tax roll of $92,641,996 and unsecured tax roll of $11,240,830. The County will have to raise tax rates by two cents. Councilman McCaron said that everything is relative and that it is important to listen and learn If It is good or not. If It is not good, he would not have anything to do with it. Mr. Peterson, in answer to Mrs. Slater, stated that in his original report he said the feasibility of a regional shopping center was not for Baldwin Park", Mr. Littlejohn said if you don't have any traffic you don't have any business. The trend for the past 25 years has been toward large shopping centers. Baldwin Park only has one small one. He has had his property up for sale for three years and finally has an offer for an industry which he hopes w111 bring revenue to Baldwin Park. When the City was incorporated we had a chance at the rock quarries, but people didn't want them. If we had taken them then, we wouldn't have the raceway to contend with now and we would have revenue. The City needs revenue of some sort and financing is rough now. He suggested that everyone listen and help the Council make up their minds as to what is best for Baldwin Park. Mr. Moreno stated 1n reference to the gentleman from San Gabriel,"the hurrier I go, the behinder I get'. The cities that hav.e gone CRA West Covlna, Gtendale, Pasadena, Burbank) are running hard to stay where they are. We spend out of town and and aren't able to get even, as we don't have anything here. The City of West Covina is getting a check from the State of California on Sales Tax Revenue from your dollars and my dollars spent in West Covina, in the amount of $95,000. It appears there are no alternatives to CRA. therefore we asked for pros and cons. Mr. Peterson explained to Mrs. Lenora Woodside that most of the development we would solicit would be industry, some hotels or motels, but no shopping center. Mrs. Woodside stated that a shopping center along the freeway would kill business in downtown Baldwin Park. Mr. Ahlers said if CRA should happen to come in, it would be voted by the people and we would have to pay someone to run It. Then we would have to make a survey where we would want the land. After the land, what are we going to do with it? Why some outside man to tell the people in our town what we need? After you find out from him, 1t is up to CRA to come in and do it. Councilman Slewett said part of what he said was right. It would go to the people for a vote and BIB] 37658-U01 1973-U02 10-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9836-U03 DO9865-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/5/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1973 10 29 CC MIN(ÌìÓÁpeAdjourned Regular Meeting of the Baldwin Park City Council and Planning Commission 000606^ then Council would look for a project area. The area should be a minimum residential area. There would be several parcels involved. We shouldn't take a parcel unless we know what we are going to do with it. Mr. Ahlers said they would have to find out what type of business will work and bring in revenue and then find somebody to finance it. This takes time. The land could set there from now til dooms day! Mr. Blewett said Baldwin Park had to find the solution. He attended a council meeting at West Covina and they are now in the process of redevelopment which is going to be on the border of our City. The effect on Baldwin Park with a regional shopping center sitting on our Eastern border will be devastating. This is why we need to hear from the people. We are concerned about our community and the economy. Mr. Middleton stated he just wanted to make sure that three councilmen will say that it would definitely go to a vote of the people before CRA is instituted in our City. The citizens will make up their own minds. Councilman Blewett stated we are premature as we would have to have a specific project as we are talking about the economic life and survival of our community. Planning Commissioner Moreno asked whether CRA could be formed for one area only and then terminate. Mayor King said once the agency is formed, it is formed. Public hearings must be held on each particular project area. Mr. Peterson said that Council could direct that there be just one area, but once the agency is created, it covers all. Mr. Waldo asked if you designated an area, would it be worked as an assessment tax so that the people who lived in that area could vote. Can you legally set it up? Mr. Peterson said this was not possible. Mr. T. E. Carpenter referred to Mr. Peterson's report and how it came about. The Council appointed a com- mittee to study and determine what we needed. They recommended CRA. He did not feel this was a good report. He felt that the Director of Industrial Develop- ment should be getting business for the City. Councilman Hamilton said tha the City of Montebello had CRA and had never used it. Two owners held out on the Puente Avenue Development and asked $75,000 fo^ property worth $20,000. If we had had CRA, the City would have had the development. Mr. Parenteau said the advantage of having CRA is that it is there if you need it. Middleton questioned listening with open minds as anning Commssiu Sdiri CRA was the way to go. October 29. 1973 Page 6 BIB] 37658-U01 1973-U02 10-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9836-U03 DO9865-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/5/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1973 10 29 CC MIN(ÌìÓÁpeCOoOGJ Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Baldwin Park City October 29, 1973 Council and Planning Commission Page 7 Planning Commission Chairman Wttttg said of all the tools presented. CRA was presented as the most impor- tant tool, therefore they asked for the report. No one Is sold on CRA. Commissioner Moreno agreed. Mayor King said he didn't think everyone fully under- stands CRA and it's something the people themselves will decide if they want it. Mrs. Gibson stated it is not fair to have just one side. We should have meeting to hear someone on the other side. Mrs. Asquith said this is a generation on wheels. No one is going off the freeway to go to downtown Baldwin Park. Why isn't something done without CRA? Mr. Robert McNeil said we do need improvements and guidelines. People are afraid of eminent domain. We have a lot to learn, both good and bad about CRA. We should concentrate on industrial land if we can't compete with the other shopping areas. At 10:05, Commissioner Moreno left the meeting. Mr. Littlejohn said in alt fairness to the Council, Mr. Sexton and Mr. Gordon they haven't been idle and should be given credit for working diligently to improve Baldwin Park and constantly looking for ways to do it. Mayor King thanked Mr. Littlejohn stating that it is easy to criticize when you don't have all the details and it is difficult to be constructive. Mr. Zook said he felt the personnel has worked hard for CRA for two years. Approximately two years ago the Improvement Association introduced a resolution asking for balanced sales promotional reapportionment. Little towns offered to help us. Why should we have to fight CRA? Irwindale is making money and other towns are making money. Can't State Legislature do something? City Manager Mocalis stated that sometime ago, the City Council asked him to pursue the change of reap- portionment of sales tax. They were unable to get legislature support from League of California Cities. Then he pursued judicial relief, tried to get a change in legislation. 75 cities have agreed to join with us. A legal agreement will go out to the cities to pursue a constitutional test as to the validity of the act. The suit will cost $30,000. He hopes to rally support throughout the County and the State. Mr. Carpenter asked Mr. Peterson what the financial standing of CRA was in other cities. Mr. Peterson said most of them are in the process of paying off their bonds now. At 10:20 p.m., Commissioner Moreno returned to the meeting. BIB] 37658-U01 1973-U02 10-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9836-U03 DO9865-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/5/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06 1973 10 29 CC MIN(ÌìÓÁpeLC06064 Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Baldwin Park City Council and Planning Commission October 29, 1973 Page 8 Mrs. Slater said the CRA Is usually the Council and they want to know a11 there Is to know about CRA. If before the agency Is formed the Council would define area and put It to a vote of the people that this would be the only area, and then the agency would be abandoned when project Is completed, perhaps the people would agree to that. Mr. Peterson said this would require a change 1n the law. Councilman Btewett said this would not be an unreason- able change 1n the law. Mrs. Slater said 1f this were possible to change, then she would go along with the win of the people. Mr. Carpenter stated he had been a steady attendee to the Council and Planning Commission meetings. He did not say that they are not working or doing their job, but that they would have to work harder to bring In private Industry. We are the Hub" of San Gabriel Valley. If you need more help, then hire someone, but do it; Fill up the empty stores and help the little man. Councilman Hamilton agreed that they are trying to do this. The Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Sexton's office have been diligently working on this. It is not an easy job. The stores are run down. The landlords won't even paint stores or replace light bulbs. Mrs. Gibson felt that the Planning Commission puts too many restrictions on the businessman. It keeps individuals out. Mayor King thanked Mr. Peterson for his presentation and thanked the audience for their attention and comments. ADJOURNED PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AT 10:30 P.M. M/S/C: LARSON/BURNETT ADJOURNED COUNCIL MEETING AT 10:30 P.M. M/S/C: BLEWETT/KING APPROVED; November 21 1973 Date of Distribution to City Council and Planning Commission: November 16, 1973 Date of istributlon to Departments: November 16, 1973 BIB] 37658-U01 1973-U02 10-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO9591-U03 FO9836-U03 DO9865-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/5/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 SESSION-U05 CITY-U06 COUNCIL-U06