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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 08 29 CC MIN SS2001 08 29 CC MIN SS;¢f4ªM2001 08 29 CC MINZFäZHt 2001 CC MIN 08-29-2001HoESTHER SNYDER COMMUNITY CENTER AUGUST 29, 2001 4100 BALDWIN PARK BLVD. WEDNESDAY BALDWIN PARK, CA 91706 7:00 P.M. The CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING COMMISSION, PERSONNEL COMMISSION, PLANNING COMMISSION and RECREATION/COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION of the City of Baldwin Park met in a SPECIAL SESSION at the above time and place. ROLL CALL Present: Councilmembers: Marlen Garcia, Bill Van Cleave, Ricardo Pacheco, Mayor Pro- Tern Linda Gair, and Mayor Manuel Lozano Housing Commissioners: Marionette Savage, Sally Weick, Gloria Gonzalez, Margarita Vargas and Oscar Marin Personnel Commissioners: Efren Rivera Planning Commissioners: Ed Huetinck, Mila Alba, Sergio Corona, and Chair Conrado Magdaleno Recreation/Community Services Commissioners: Ramona DeLaTorre, Martha Reyes, Irma Tarango, Rita P. Vasquez, and Lisa Feng Cheng Also Present: Dayle Keller, Chief Executive Officer; Arnold Alvarez-Glasman, City Attorney; Mark Kling, Chief of Police; Jose Sanchez, Finance Director; Shafique Nayier, Public Works Director; Rick Forintos, Community Development Director; Manny Carrillo, Recreation/Community Services Director; Maria A. Contreras, City Treasurer; and Rosemary M. Ramirez, Chief Deputy City Clerk Absent: Kathryn Tizcareno, City Clerk; Personnel Commissioners: Trina DePedro, Gerald Dahlen, Ronald Palacios, and Son Lieu; Planning Commissioner: Teresa Villegas; Recreation/Community Services Commissioners Rafael Garcia, Adriana Banuelos, and Janet Hurtado. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Commissioner Reyes thanked the Council for their support of the recreation activities, specifically the Camp Everest event. She stated that the children had a wonderful time participating in all the different activities and as always; the camp crew did a fantastic job. CITY COUNCIL AND CITY DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION ON ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND GOALS, WHICH HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF Chief Executive Officer Keller presented the Council and Commissioners with a brief overview of the City's goals. She stated that economic development is a high priority. This includes bringing in new revenues, new jobs and creating shopping opportunities for residents. Other areas of focus are improving the aesthetics of the City, its infrastructure, freeway corridor beautification, code BIB] 37643-U01 2001-U02 08-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO8621-U03 DO8534-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 11/14/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 2001 08 29 CC MIN SS;¢f4ªM2001 08 29 CC MINZFäZHt 2001 CC MIN 08-29-2001HoSpecial Joint Meeting August 29, 2001 Page 2 enforcement, and the downtown business district revitalization. The City Council also supports education within the community and is committed to working with the School District on areas of mutual interest to both agencies. Staff is currently working with Mount San Antonio College in an effort to provide classes within the community. In addition, staff has also focused on law enforcement, recreation & community services, and the street fair. These activities have been either implemented or enhanced not only at the direction of the City Council, but also with the support and a very active participation of the City Council. A member from each department will present a brief overview of the goals that have been established and/or accomplished. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER / PERSONNEL / TRANSIT Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer Bouton stated that the goals established for the Chief Executive Officer include the goals of the Personnel Department and the Transit Division. Those goals are as follows: In regards to the Chief Executive Officer's office, staff is working on improving public information services. Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer Bouton stated that she has been appointed as the City's Public Information Officer. She will be attending training for media relations as part of her assignment. In addition staff is working on improving the NOW publication by including more department information, adding more pictures and vibrant colors. The goal is to make sure that the city's messages are communicated effectively to the public. Staff is also reviewing the Adelphia Cable Franchise Agreement, which is due to expire December, 2001. The review process includes obtaining input from departments and community members, of their preference as to what they would like to see in the new Cable Franchise Agreement. Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer Bouton continued by stating that the Personnel Department is focusing on retaining City Staff. In addition, the goals established for the Personnel Department are as follows: Provide customer service training to all city employees; Purchase of Life Scan equipment to expedite the hiring process; Training community members to get city jobs; Decrease/eliminate language barrier issues; Implement an Employee of the Month" program and provide incentives for good employees; Change structure of the Good Morning Baldwin Park sessions to include motivational speakers and a professional development program; and create an internal employee newsletter. Lastly, in regards to the transit program, the City is implementing an expanded bus service along Frazier Avenue. The expanded service is scheduled to begin September 4, 2001. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Director Forintos discussed the goals of the Community Development Department as follows: One of the goals was to add one Code Enforcement Officer to staff. This goal has already been met. The additional staff will enable us to provide around the clock service. A Code Enforcement Officer will be on duty everyday, weekends included. We are also looking at hiring two Building Inspectors. One position has been filled and we expect the second position to be filled very soon. One of our more complex and sensitive issues is the Design Review Guidelines for the City. This project will include guidelines for home colors, canopies and fences. Some other areas of focus BIB] 37643-U01 2001-U02 08-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO8621-U03 DO8534-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 11/14/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 2001 08 29 CC MIN SS;¢f4ªM2001 08 29 CC MINZFäZHt 2001 CC MIN 08-29-2001HoSpecial Joint Meeting August 29, 2001 Page 3 include: Securing grant funds for the Maine Avenue improvements; Tie improvements to Business Improvement District; Identify mixed-use development possibilities; Develop ideas to improve Auction Street; Arrow Highway developments; Downtown Clean-up/business beautification; Billboard Advertising Policy; add Associate redevelopment Program Manager position; Market the Park and Ride and the red brick building"; and develop a plan for use and market the existing auditorium which is located on city hall premises. FINANCE / INFORMATION SERVICES / SUPPORT SERVICES DEPARTMENT Finance Director Sanchez stated that the Finance Department is an internal support department that provides behind the scenes" services to departments in terms of payroll, accounts payable, and business licenses. The department also develops the financial information that departments use at the beginning of the Fiscal Year and continuing through the budget process. We have been focusing on developing a budget in a timely manner that provides us with a spending plan for the upcoming Fiscal Year. The department ascertains that the records are current and maintained so that when we deliberate over the budget and make recommendation to the Council, we have sound data on which those recommendations are made. The Information Services Department maintains the computer and network system over the LAN system. It is the goal of this department to improve the City's website, our anticipated goal is to have the site up and running by January 2002. This will provide access to the City's organizational structure by department, it will provide information with respect to City Council actions, and various kinds of information as it pertains to the city. The Supports Service Department provides reproduction services to departments, processes incoming and outgoing mail, maintains office equipment, document imaging, and provides a small inventory of office supplies. In addition, one of the goals identified for the Finance Department is to update and maintain the city's phone directory, the directory was updated by July 2001 and the plan is to maintain it by updating it every 60 days. POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief of Police Kling reported the goals for the Police Department as follows: Filling vacant positions is a priority. In April 2001, the department had 15 vacancies. There are presently two 2) vacancies left; Upgrading technology within the police station and computers in police cars; Establish a traffic bureau that includes 1 supervisor and 4 motor officers this will increase the amount enforcement with pedestrian violations and motorist who are failing to yield to pedestrians. It will also provide additional enforcement of speeding motorists); Expand volunteer program; Increase civilian support staff; integrate volunteers and civilians to work with sworn staff; re- examine service delivery; improve customer service; re-evaluate jail operations/need; Develop/re- evaluate Mission Statement; React better to increased property crimes; Develop Pop Teams; Implement Domestic Violence Program; Work with the Baldwin Park Unified School District for Active Shooter training; Implement a Juveniles at Risk JAR) program; Study traffic fatalities; Provide a language training program; Expand existing cadet program; Expand HOST program; Work with CHOICES on Domestic Violence Program; Review work schedules; and implement a Gang Intervention Program. BIB] 37643-U01 2001-U02 08-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO8621-U03 DO8534-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 11/14/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 2001 08 29 CC MIN SS;¢f4ªM2001 08 29 CC MINZFäZHt 2001 CC MIN 08-29-2001HoSpecial Joint Meeting August 29, 2001 Page 4 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Director Naiyer reported the goals for the Public Works Department as follows: Study traffic fatalities for proper street design; Install more bus shelters and provide lighting to existing and new shelters; Work with state agencies on Freeway Corridor Beautification; Clean up Caltrans lot adjacent to freeway; Expand the Adopt a Freeway program to city streets; Re-evaluate signalization at westbound 1-10 and Puente Avenue; Identify and repair out of service street lights; Continue working on building teen center and skate park; Work with School District on possible soccer field at Jones School; Add air conditioning to Community Center gymnasium; Improve temperature in Community Center swimming pool; and perform in-house park assessment. RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Director Carrillo reported the goals of the Recreation and Community Services Department as follows: Develop joint projects with the School District Staff is currently operating a year around sports program at 13 elementary sites and 4 Junior High School sites; Enhance the summer lunch program, aquatics program, latch key program, and implement a summer program at Santa Fe School; Maintain recreation rules of behavior; Expand computer programs; Provide activities at other city parks; Implement a parks need assessments program; Implement a Snow Fest in December, 2001; Continue working on the planning process for the teen center and skate park; Use volunteers for city programs; Add air conditioning to Community Center Gymnasium; Improve temperature in Community Center swimming pool; Add Recreation Mobile; and increase swimming programs. Another goal is the soccer field improvements and expansion project. We have recently received $190,000 in funding from Senator Gloria Romero and Assemblyman Ed Chavez. We will be working closely with the School District to develop a Jones Junior High School Sports Complex. COMMISSION INPUT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS) Planning Commissioner Huetinck inquired about the proposed plans to remove the medians and sycamore trees) on Maine Avenue. Director Forintos responded stating that at this time, discussion is underway for the improvements to the downtown business district. Since there are no plans approved at this time, Director Forintos could not provide an answer however; he stated that an urban designer would be conducting a study to evaluate that area. Councilmember Van Cleave supports the widening of Maine Street, stating that widening of that street would provide an opportunity for the businesses in that area to prosper. In response to Planning Commissioner Huetinck, Director Sanchez explained that the city currently has 196 full-time, permanent employees. This figure does not include part-time employees. Recreation & Community Services Commissioner DeLaTorre asked Director Shafique to look into a lighting problem on Frasier and Waco Streets. Many residents walk in the evening and it is very dark in that vicinity Director Naiyer will look into this matter. BIB] 37643-U01 2001-U02 08-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO8621-U03 DO8534-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 11/14/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 2001 08 29 CC MIN SS;¢f4ªM2001 08 29 CC MINZFäZHt 2001 CC MIN 08-29-2001HoSpecial Joint Meeting August 29, 2001 Page 5 In response to Planning Commissioner Huetinck's inquiry, Director Naiyer explained that the city is energy conscientious. Most recently, the city changed the type of lenses on the streetlights. This will save approximately 50%. In addition, staff is also replacing old generators, air conditioners, changing lights and other equipment. Since these projects have been recently started but there is not yet a cost/energy savings analysis available. Councilmember Pacheco also responded stating that a couple of years ago Honeywell performed a conservation study and provided recommendations on cost saving efforts, which were implemented by city staff. A report is available in Director Naiyer's office for review. In addition, the city is also exploring the idea of producing its own utility, however, with the recent developments that have occurred regarding lower electrical rates and more access to power sources, it might be better to wait on this matter. In response to Housing Commissioner Vargas' comments, Director Carrillo apologized to her for the situation she experienced with the swim instructor and informed her that if this occurred in the future, to immediately report the situation to him or his staff. In regards to the sign-up process, Director Carrillo stated that they have tried different times and places and Saturday sign-up seems to work best for the majority of the parents. The first day of registration is for residents only. Staff does check identification and residency is verified prior to accepting the application. Recreation/Community Services Commissioner Chen asked if a name has been selected for, the upcoming Baldwin Park Winter Fest scheduled to take place in December 2001. She suggested using the name of Winter Wonder Land." Director Carrillo stated that several names are being considered. Dr. Susan Parks, Baldwin Park Unified School District Superintendent asked if anything could be done about the quality of service and the location of Baldwin Park Post Office. Mayor Pro Tern Gair stated that in the past, attempts have been made to relocate the Post Office, however, the post office is not interested in relocating. She suggested forming a committee and first, attempts to address the customer service issues. Councilmember Pacheco, Dr. Parks and Gary Parks volunteered to serve on this committee. She also suggested that an aggressive letter writing campaign be initiated of letters addressed to the post office indicating the lack of customer service satisfaction. Planning Commissioner Mila Alba thanked the City Council and Commissioners for all their hard work and dedication to the City of Baldwin Park. She also expressed her dismay with the behavior of a Councilmember at the August 15, 2001 City Council meeting. Councilmember Van Cleave responded by stating that the remarks were not targeted at Commissioner Alba or any other commissioner. He asked Commissioner Alba not to take it personally. Housing Commissioner Savage inquired as to why the Section 8 program that allows individuals on Section 8 to purchase residential property was not being offered in the City of Baldwin Park. Interim Housing Manager Baker explained that there is program that allows home ownership to Section 8 participants, however that program is not required to be implemented. This program could be implemented however; the regulation agency would have to conduct a feasibility study to see if such a program is feasible in the area. One of the problems with" implementing such a program is that the vouchers are funded by the federal government on an annual basis only, yet mortgages are thirty years long. In addition, there is a time frame on how long an individual may BIB] 37643-U01 2001-U02 08-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO8621-U03 DO8534-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 11/14/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05 2001 08 29 CC MIN SS;¢f4ªM2001 08 29 CC MINZFäZHt 2001 CC MIN 08-29-2001HoSpecial Joint Meeting August 29, 2001 Page 6 receive subsidy. As such, lenders have been reluctant in most market places, to make thirty-year mortgages based on a one-year subsidy payment that has no lending product to back it up. Fanny Mae is currently trying to design a loan program that will match with the Section 8 Program. Baldwin Park will be undertaking a Feasibility Study for Section 8 and we are hoping that the Fanny Mae loan program will be available at that time. Director Forintos stated that there is another program in the works called the Rent to Own Program." In response to Housing Commissioner Vargas' inquiry regarding a recent article of the city's non- compliance with the HUD standards, Director Forintos responded by stating that staff is working on the Housing Element. Recreation & Community Services Commissioner Reyes thanked the City Council for having this meeting. CLOSING REMARKS BY MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Pacheco thanked staff for putting this meeting together. He also thanked the Commissioners for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with the City Council. These meetings are intended to keep Commission members informed on City matters and allow Commissioners the opportunity to express their concerns. ADJOURNMENT There being no further matters for discussion; the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Approved by the Council at their meeting held October 17, 2001. Rosemary MTRamirez, CMC Chief Deputy^City Clerk BIB] 37643-U01 2001-U02 08-U02 29-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 SS-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO8621-U03 DO8534-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 11/14/2001-U04 ADMIN-U04 CITY-U05 COUNCIL-U05 MINUTES-U05