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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003 08 20 CC MIN2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE COUNCIL CHAMBER AUGUST 20, 2003 14403 E. PACIFIC AVENUE WEDNESDAY BALDWIN PARK, CA 91706 7:00 P.M. The CITY COUNCIL of the City of Baldwin Park met in REGULAR SESSION at the above time and place. ROLL CALL Present: Coundlmember Marlen Garcia, David Olivas, Ricardo Pacheco, Mayor Pro-Tern Bill Van Cleave, and Mayor Manuel Lozano Also Present: Dayle Keller, Chief Executive Officer; Michael Karger, City Attorney; Mark Kling. Chief of Police; Jose Sanchez, Finance Director; Shafique Naiyer, Public Works Director; Meledo Picazo, Interim Community Development Director; Manny Carrillo, Recreation and Community Services Director; Dolores Gonzalez-Hayes, Housing Director; Kathryn Tizcareno, City Clerk arrived at 7:15 p.m.); Maria A. Contreras, City Treasurer; Rosemary M. Ramirez. Chief Deputy City Clerk; and Kathleen Sessman, Deputy City Clerk ANNOUNCEMENTS DIGNITARIES FROM TOTOTLAN, JALISCO ACKNOWLEDGED Mayor Lozano acknowledged the Chief of Police of Tototlan, Manuel Macias and his guest where were in the audience. PROCLAMATIONS, PRESENTATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS Director Carrillo introduced Helen Hernandez, newly appointed Teen Center & Skate Park Supervisor. CITY COUNCIL EXPENDITURES Councilmember Pacheco responded to the recent article in the San Gabriel Valley article regarding city council expenses. Councilmember Pacheco read the following statement for the record: Recently there has been an article and editorial written by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that accuses me of pick pocketing" taxpayer's dollars for my personal self-interest. These accusations are false and misleading and are not in the best interest of informing the public. Rather, the position taken by the Tribune serves to discredit my efforts at promoting fiscal accountability by professional staff and elected officials. I have always supported public policies and actions that promote fiscal accountability. Furthermore, I have been a strong advocate of projects and programs that aim to improve the quality of life for residents throughout the City of Baldwin Park. As a result of these negative articles and editorials, I have asked the Chief Executive Officer to clarify and properly inform the newspaper about Council/Agency Expense Reimbursement policy which approved by the City Council on June 26, 2002. The Tribune is well aware that I did not flagrantly abuse the above referenced policy and should properly inform the public of the facts that are public record. BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 2 The facts are the following: 1) There is an existing" policy that holds elected officials accountable to the taxpayer; 2) I have followed all Federal, State, and local laws while reporting reimbursable" expenses. At no time have I misled the public regarding this issue and the City Council approved all expenditures and voted to approve the existing reimbursement policy; 3) I exceeded the $5,000 limit for meetings and conferences by a mere $101.92 not the thousands of dollars that I have been accused of; 4) I have not charged the city for any person job search or for working" at home!; 5) All expenditures made on behalf of the City Council have been paid from previously budgeted line items with specific approval from the Chief Executive Officer; 6) The City Council approved $26,000 for communications training for all council members. I have been a firm believer that a pro-active city council should be fully informed and educated to all the issues and avail them to educational and training opportunities that will help them become successful advocates for our city's needs. With the City Council's approval, I have participated in educational and training opportunities that I believe prepares me to serve the best interest of the taxpayer. Because of this training, I was also able to take a leadership role and effectively lobby federal, state, and local agencies to fund millions of dollars for desperately needed community improvements. Some of these improvements are as follows: 1) The new Teen Center and Skate Park Over $1 million in federal and state funds); 2) Barnes Park Improvements Over $2 million in grants for new lighting, new recreation center, tot lots and sound wall); 3) Sports Fields Improvements More than $500,000 in grants to community based sports programs for bleechers, backstop fencing, asphalt parking lots. and field lighting); 4) Public Works Over $5 Million in street improvement projects, $2 million in storm drain projects); and 5) Freeway Off Ramp Improvements Over $3.5 million in state funds to landscape and beautify entrances to our city). My educational and professional background, as well as, the above referenced training opportunities has enabled me to fully develop my abilities to become a better-informed community leader. I am self-employed in a business that allows me to dedicate an extraordinary amount of time to community service. I have been able to withstand this character assassination because of the love and support of my family and community supporters. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I plan on continuing to work towards realizing our" community agenda and invite any interested person to dedicate themselves to the following worthwhile projects: 1) Establishing the Baldwin Park Volunteer Program; 2) Establishing a local Job Training, Career and Education Center; and 3) Kicking off Baldwin Park Sparkle", a citywide beautification Project. Interested persons may contact me at City Hall at 626) 813-5201" Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave spoke in support of Councilmember Pacheco. He expressed disappointment that inaccurate information had been given to the media and that this article was printed portraying Councilmember Pacheco in a negative manner. He further stated that he feels that this documentation that was provided to the Tribune should have been reviewed by each member of the Council prior to disseminating it to the media. Mayor Lozano stated that expenditure records for each Council member are public record and are available from the Finance Department by contacting the City Clerk's Department. BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 3 Councilmember Pacheco agreed with Mayor Lozano stating that as public officials, expenditures are public information, however he feels that the article should have reported accurate and not for the purpose of misinforming the public. Councilmember Olivas stated that some of the material released was in fact inaccurate for example, some of former Council Member Gair's expenditures were inadvertently reported on his expenditure report and said report had to be revised three times. Councilmember Olivas requested that in the future, the information provided to the public be correct and that the information be translated into everyday, layman's term language. He suggested that a policy be considered in the future. DIVERSE ENTERTAINMENT AT CONCERT SERIES Councilmember Olivas stated that the City has coordinated a great summer concert series this year, with a variety of performers consisting of pre-concert entertainment that has brought diversity to the City of Baldwin Park. Some of the diverse pre-concert entertainment includes performances by a ballet folklorico, a Chinese performance, Giovani, the classical pianist and a West African group that will perform this Thursday. He commended staff for their efforts in coordinating these events. Mayor Lozano wished to clarify that in the past, the City continued to provide diversity through its concert series program. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Natalia Porche, of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, introduced herself as the representative and liaison to the City of Baldwin Park. Ms. Porche looks forward to working with the Council and staff on issues of mutual concern. Virginia Johnson, resident of South Gate, urged the City Council that the application of former South Gate Community Development Director Oliver Mujika not be considered for the Community Development Director position in Baldwin Park. Ms. Johnson alleged that Mr. Mujika was terminated from the City of South Gate for inappropriate behavior unbecoming of a city official. The following individuals spoke in opposition to the recent Tribune articles regarding Councilmember Pacheco's expenditures and in favor of Councilmember Pacheco: Oscar Sanchez, Robert Sandoval and Eva Villegas. Speakers urged the Council to work together for the benefit of the people of the City. Al Contreras, resident, requested that the Council maintain a decorum in the conduct of its meeting and that the agenda outline be followed. Roy Tess, resident, requested that the vicinity of Cesar Chavez Lane be regularly maintained by the street sweeper. Mr. Tess also stated that the senior Tuesday bingo games have recently experienced a very low turn out. He feels that this may be possibly due to the large tour busses that park on public parking in front of the center. He suggested that this matter be looked into in an effort to prohibit parking of these types of busses in the future. BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 4 Mr. Raul Martinez, resident, spoke in opposition to comments made earlier by Councilmember Pacheco regarding his City Council expenditures, stating that he questions Councilmember Pacheco's leadership role as it related to the Mid San Gabriel Valley Consortium and his hiring of friends and un-qualified personnel. Mr. Eliseo Pacheco, resident, inquired as to whether each speaker is being timed for their full 5 minutes of speaking time. Upon question by Mayor Lozano, Chief Deputy City Clerk Ramirez confirmed that each speaker was being timed for a period of 5 minutes each. Dan Trunco, resident, spoke about council expenditures, stating his displeasure, if in fact; Councilmember Pacheco exceeded his budget by $12,000. He requested that all Councilmembers who have any outstanding debts due to the City, even if it is for missed conferences, pay off those debts. Councilmember Olivas responded that he as soon as he finds out if the organizations for which the conferences were missed, are going to refund the registration fees, he will immediately refund any unpaid amount. Ms. Priscilla Poppick, resident, stated that the Council had approved Councilmember Pacheco expenditures, therefore, she does not see an issue with this matter. Councilmember Pacheco rebutted the comments made by speaker Raul Martinez, stating that during his tenure on the Mid San Gabriel Valley Consortium, he, by himself as a Board Member did not have hiring authority at his sole discretion, the board, as a whole, made those types of decisions. CONSENT CALENDAR APPROVED Mayor Lozano requested that the following item be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion: 1) Item 1-D ORDINANCE 1213 AMENDING CHAPTER 93 OF THE BALDWIN PARK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO FIREWORKS Councilmember Pacheco requested that the following item be removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion: 1) Item 1-G APPROVAL OF FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 53610 LOCATION 3722- 3738 MERGED AVENUE; APPLICANT: D.C. CORP. A motion was made approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. A-K with the exception of item Nos. D & G) as presented, and as follows: MOTION: Councilmember Garcia SECOND: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave Carried MINUTES The minutes of May 28, 2003 Regular), and July 16, 2003 Special), were approved as presented. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS Report was received and filed. BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 5 CLAIM REJECTION JOSEFINA TALABIS 06.30.03) The City Council rejected the claim of Josefina Talabis 06.30.03) and directed staff to send the appropriate notice of rejection to claimant. PROPOSED RECOGNITIONS BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PERIOD OF AUGUST 21, 2003 TO SEPTEMBER 3, 2003 Report was received and filed. RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF REMOTE CONTROLLED LOCOMOTIVES BY RAILROADS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS Further reading was waived, read by title only and Resolution No. 2003-057 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, RELATING TO OPERATION OF REMOTE CONTROLLED LOCOMOTIVES BY RAILROADS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS," was adopted. APPROVAL OF A COOPERATION AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AND THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK IN RELATION TO THE OWNER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH LAIDLAW BALDWIN PARK REALTY ASSOCIATES, LLC Related Item CRA Agenda Item 1-C) The City Council and Agency Board approved a Cooperation Agreement by and between the City of Baldwin Park and the Redevelopment Agency in relation to the Owner Participation Agreement with Laidlaw Baldwin Park Realty Associates, LLC. TRACKING OF AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS Report was received and filed. TREASURER'S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JULY, 2003 Report was received and filed. RESOLUTION AMENDING SIGNATURE AUTHORITY AT THE CITY'S LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND Further reading was waived, read by title only and Resolution No. 2003-015 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AUTHORIZING INVESTMENT OF MONIES IN THE LOCAL AGENCY INVESTMENT FUND LAIF," was adopted. CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS REMOVED FOR DISCUSSION ORDINANCE 1213 AMENDING CHAPTER 93 OF THE BALDWIN PARK MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO FIREWORKS BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 6 City Attorney Karger noted that a revised Ordinance was distributed to the Council for adoption. The revision applies to Section 1 which should read, Subsection a) of Section 93.03 rather than it was originally presented. A motion was made to waive further reading, read by title only and adopt on second reading, Ordinance No. 1213 entitled, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 93 OF THE BALDWIN PARK MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO FIREWORKS SALES AND PERMITS." MOTION: Mayor Lozano SECOND: Councilmember Garcia NOES: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave and Councilmember Pacheco Carried APPROVAL OF FINAL TRACT MAP NO. 53610 LOCATION: 3722-3738 MERGED AVENUE D.C. CORPORATION Councilmember Pacheco expressed his opposition to this project due to the density of said project. A motion was made to approve Final Tract Map No. 53610. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave SECOND: Councilmember Garcia NOES: Councilmember Pacheco Carried PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, WHICH WILL INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO ADDING DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, LOCATION CRITERIA, DESIGN STANDARDS, REGULATIONS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PLACEMENT OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES; APPLICANT: CITY OF BALDWIN PARK; CASE NO.: AZC-149 Mayor Lozano declared the public hearing OPEN for public participation. There was no one wishing to speak, therefore Mayor Lozano declared the public hearing CLOSED. A motion was made to approve the Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact and introduce for first reading, Ordinance No. 1212 entitled, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 153 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE ADDING SECTION 153.112 RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, WHICH WILL INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO ADDING DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES, LOCATION CRITERIA, DESIGN STANDARDS, REGULATIONS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PLACEMENT OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES; APPLICANT: CITY OF BALDWIN PARK; CASE NO.: AZC-149." MOTION: Mayor Lozano SECOND: Councilmember Garcia Carried RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY'S 2003 CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION REPORT Mayor Lozano declared the public hearing OPEN for public participation. There was no one wishing to speak, therefore Mayor Lozano declared the public hearing CLOSED. BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 7 A motion was made to waive further reading, read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 2003-039 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, FINDING THE CITY TO BE IN CONFORMANCE WITH THE CONGESTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM CMP) AND ADOPTING THE CMP LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION REPORT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65089." MOTION: Mayor Lozano SECOND: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave Carried PUBLIC HEARING FOR ADOPTION OF ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003-04 Continued from July 30, 2003) Mayor Lozano declared the public hearing OPEN for public participation. There was no one wishing to speak, therefore Mayor Lozano declared the public hearing CLOSED. Director Sanchez stated that the Council has held several budget workshops and as a result of those workshops, the budget is now presented to the Council for formal adoption. Mayor Lozano announced that this budget will be adopted without a deficit. Other cities are struggling and despite of state's cutbacks of over $900,000, the City of Baldwin Park is progressing well and has been able to maintain the same level of service as in the past. He further stated that working for the people of the City of Baldwin Park is a priority and while the Council may have some disagreements, its objective is to continue working for the benefit of the people. Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave noted that one reason the budget is being adopted after its due date is due to the pending decision of the state's cuts and the effects those cuts will have on the City's general fund and CRA accounts. Councilmember Pacheco stated that since his tenure on the City Council, this Council has worked hard to make certain that the city maintains a balanced budget. He further stated that when he first became elected to the Council, the City was experiencing a significant deficit. He continued by stating that one aspect of assisting to balance the budget is staff's ability to secure grants and other funding sources for various projects. Councilmember Garcia echoed the comments her Council colleagues. She stated that through hard work and team effort, the Council has successfully come out of the 2.1 million dollar deficit that was in place in 2001. Councilmember Garcia commended staff and this council for their hard work. Councilmember Olivas recalls the city having a tremendous deficit and is proud to approve a budget with a modest surplus especially in the face of the state's budget cuts. After discussion, a motion was made to waive further reading, read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 2003-056 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2003 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2004." MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave SECOND: Councilmember Garcia Carried REPORTS OF OFFICERS BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page8 SELECTION OF GRAPHICS FOR THE NEW BALDWIN PARK TRANSIT BUSES At the request of Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer Bouton, a motion was made to continue this matter to September 3, 2003. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave SECOND: Councilmember Garcia Carried REVIEW OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK'S PROPOSED CULTURE, EDUCATION AND DIVERSITY PROGRAM FOR CITY EVENTS AND PUBLICATIONS Recreation and Community Services Director Carrillo presented the report as follows: At their July 16, 2003 meeting, the City Council directed staff to develop a policy that would promote the incorporation of programs that provide cultural, educational or diversity enhancements for the community at City special events and in the NOW. In response to that request, staff has developed a policy which defines the goal of this program and describes examples of programs that can be presented to the public. In keeping with the Council's goals, staff has begun the process of identifying programming and articles that are within the parameters of said policy. Councilmember Garcia recommended that the proposed policy be shared with the Baldwin Park Unified School District. There were no objections. A motion was made to approve the policy as presented for immediate implementation. MOTION: Councilmember Olivas SECOND: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave Carried LETTER RECEIVED FROM THEVER & ASSOCIATES DATED JULY 22, 2003 Chief Executive Officer Keller presented the report as follows: A letter dated July 22, 2003 from Shan K. Thever, Senior Partner of Thever and Associates, was placed under the communications section of the July 30th agenda for Council direction. During discussion of the item, the City Council expressed a desire to have additional information from Mr. Thever as to the additional assignments he wanted his firm to receive from the City. In addition, it was requested that Mr. Thever attend he August 20th meeting to personally address the City Council regarding this issue. Mr. Shan Thever introduced himself and indicated his willingness to answer any questions the Council may have. After a brief discussion, a motion was made to reject the request of Mr. Thever of providing all litigation services for the City and that the original Agreement approved May 28, 2003 remain in effect as approved, for the handling of designated litigation. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave SECOND: Mayor Lozano Carried RECONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP) FOR THE DESIGN AND INSPECTION OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE PROPOSED FY 2003-04 BUDGET BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 9 Public Works Director Naiyer presented the report as follows: On July 16, 2003, the City Council approved the request for proposals along with option #2, which directed staff to send out the Request for Proposal to various firms for each project separately. Subsequent to the July 16th Council meeting, Councilmember Pacheco expressed a desire to place this matter on the July 30th Council agenda for reconsideration. Upon question by Councilmember Pacheco, Director Naiyer indicated that a significant savings could be realized if Council selected Option 3, which essentially combines all projects together so that only one firm can provide services for all projects. A motion was made by Councilmember Pacheco to approve the Request for Proposals and select Option #3, which combines all projects together so that only one firm can provided services for all projects. Councilmember Olivas expressed his support of this concept provided, that if the Council deeps it appropriate to carve out a portion of the project services, it has the sole discretion to do so. Councilmember Pacheco amended his motion to Pacheco to approve the Request for Proposals and select Option #3, which combines all projects together so that only one firm can provided services for all projects; and, should the Council deeps it appropriate to carve out a portion of the project services, it has the sole discretion to do so. MOTION: Councilmember Pacheco SECOND: Councilmember Olivas NOES: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave Carried REVIEW OF ALL COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS AND CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS AND/OR REAPPOINTMENTS TO THE HOUSING, PERSONNEL. PLANNING AND RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSIONS At the request of Councilmember Olivas, this matter was continued to September 3, 2003. MOTION: Councilmember Olivas SECOND: Councilmember Pacheco Carried UPDATE OF CORAK STREET NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE VILLA RAMONA RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT At the July 30, 2003 City Council meeting, Councilmember Pacheco requested staff to bring for discussion, the potential inclusion of a block wall in conjunction with the neighborhood improvements in relation to the Villa Ramona project. At a prior City Council meeting, a resident inquired on the status of the proposed improvements and stated that a wall was promised along the alley off Corak Street. However, based upon documentation in terms of the neighborhood improvements, a block wall along this alley segment was not part of the project. The potential block wall location is along the sough side of the alley between Corak Street and Earl Avenue for a length of about 400 feet. Currently, there is a chain link fence that runs along the sough side of this segment of the alley. If included as part of the improvements, the potential cost to install this block wall along the alley would be in the range of about $28,000 to $30,000. BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 10 At this time, staff cannot determine whether there will be remaining funds from the $200,000 allocated for those offsite improvements identified in the project survey. This will be determined when staff completes the compilation of resident responses to the City's request in that they accept or decline the improvements. Interim Director Picazo recommended that Council authorize staff to complete the tally of total improvements and costs and bring back at the September 3, 2003 Council meeting. A motion was made to continue this matter to September 3, 2003, for the purpose of allowing staff to complete the tally of total improvements and costs and for further discussion for the potential inclusion of a wall in this project. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave SECOND: Mayor Lozano Carried PROPOSED RESOLUTION CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FY 2003-04 Due to the fact that during the public hearing portion of this meeting, the Council approved the 2003-04 Annual Operating Budget, the proposed resolution to continue appropriations was not required, therefore, no action was taken on this matter and the resolution was not approved. STATUS REPORT ON THE CONTRACT FOR THE BALDWIN PARK TRANSIT SERVICES AND REVIEW OF OPTIONS FOR CONTINUING OPERATIONS Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer Bouton presented the report as follows: At the request of Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave, a rider-ship report has been prepared and is distributed to the Council at the dais this evening. She further stated that the purpose of this report is to provide Council with the status on the contract for Baldwin Park Transit Services and review options for the continued operations of the service. In June 2002, staff received a proposal from Southland Transit with several scenarios to further extend their Agreement with the City. After several discussions with Southland Transit, staff negotiated an Agreement that was to be for five years at fixed-route rates beginning at $34.31 in the first year and ending in $37.74 in the fifth year. Along with these prices that represent an overall 11% increase spread over five years, Southland Transit Inc., also agreed to retrofit one of the transit vehicles that were being replaced with the new buses into a recreation mobile and provided that vehicle to the City. Southland Transit would also provide the necessary driver training to Recreation Department staff that would be assigned to the vehicle. Although this proposal presented an advantageous Agreement for the City, staff decided to wait to make a final recommendation to the City Council until the City took delivery of the new buses due o the fact that the new buses would change the contract responsibilities of the contractor, as they would be responsible for vehicles owned by the City. Southland Transit agreed to operate in accordance with the agreement that was in place while the bus purchase solicitation was completed and the buses were built and delivered. Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer Bouton continued by stating that with the delivery of the new buses quickly approaching, staff is now prepared to recommend a contract extension to the Council. Staff has again met with Southland Transit and determined that their extension proposal submitted one year ago is still valid. BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 11 If the Council would prefer to open the operation on transit services to other entities, staff recommends that the Council contract with a transit consultant to assist with the project. Based on informal bids staff received to complete this process, the lowest qualified consultant, Moore and Associates, would cost $7,500. In either case, staff recommends that the Council approve an Agreement extending operations with Southland Transit. Staff is recommending that the Council either approve Agreement #1 providing for the contract extension for the operation of transit services through June 30, 2007, or, approve Agreement #2 providing for a six-month extension of services to allow for the solicitation of bids for the operation of services and authorize staff to enter into a contract with Moore and Associates for the management of the solicitation process. Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer Bouton introduced Mr. Dave Daily, Chief Operating Officer for Southland Transit, who is available to answer any questions the Council may have. The Council each commented on the superior serviced provided by Southland Transit and thanked Mr. Daily for their continued services to the City of Baldwin Park. A motion was made to approve Agreement #1 with Southland Transit Inc. providing for the contract extension for the operation of transit services through June 30, 2007. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave SECOND: Councilmember Olivas Carried COUNCIL / STAFF REQUESTS AND COMMUNICATIONS REQUEST BY MAYOR LOZANO FOR DISCUSSION ON THE CREATION OF A PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE BALDWIN PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ADDRESS QUALITY OF LIFE AND VARIOUS OTHER ISSUES IN THE CITY Mayor Lozano requested to defer this matter to the meeting in which the supplemental requests will be considered, noting that a supplemental request for additional gang task officers will be considered by the Council at that time. There were no objections. REQUEST BY MAYOR LOZANO FOR DISCUSSION ON CREATING A POLICY RELATING TO CITY COUNCIL EXPENSES Mayor Lozano requested to implement a clear, concise policy that establishes expense amounts and accounts that could be easily understood by the public. Mayor Lozano also requested to bring back for Council reconsideration, the supplemental expenditure report that allows Council Members to submit for reimbursable costs associated with use of private vehicle, home for Council business etc. Councilmember Pacheco recommended that a policy be implemented that outlines all of council expenses, including attorney's fees, computer use etc. Councilmember Garcia wished to clarify the information that was reported in the Tribune which noted that her expenses were $7,160.14 when in fact her expenditures were $4,788.43, which is under the $5,000 appropriated for meetings and conferences. BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE 2003 08 20 CC MIN(ÌìbE City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 13 cars, and the arrest of one of the most vicious criminals in this region. He feels that given the COMNET experience, it is clear that the Council can do more if the Council approves this program and discusses the additional resources for the Police Department at the next meeting. Councilmember Olivas proposes that Project Bridge serve as the organizational impetus to integrate the many community groups, concerned parents, and prevention programs. The City currently has many of these programs in place however, this proposal will help coordinate all of those programs. Councilmember Olivas requested Council support to approve in concept and move forward with the Project Bridge Program. Mayor Lozano expressed concern that Councilmember Olivas proposal would be a duplication of efforts and programs that are already in place. After lengthy discussion, a motion was made to approve in concept, the Project Bridge program and to review this item as a supplemental request. MOTION: Councilmember Olivas SECOND: Councilmember Pacheco Carried REQUEST BY COUNCILMEMBER OLIVAS FOR DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF INSTITUTING A PROGRAM OF TOWING VEHICLES OF INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING IN EITHER SOLICITATION OR ACTS OF PROSTITUTION At the request of Councilmember Olivas, the Council by consensus, authorized that the matter of implementing a program that allows for the towing of vehicle of individuals participating in either solicitation or acts of prostitution, be deferred to the Chief of Police for handling and brought back to the Council for review. COUNCIL COMMENTS Mayor Pro Tern Van Cleave requested that the Council review Chief Executive Officer Keller's agreement as soon as possible. Councilmember Olivas stated that his six-month tenure as a council member was soon approaching. He further stated that he is having an excellent time and has already proposed almost everything he had promised during his campaign. He continued by stating that his recent proposals do not necessarily mean that the existing policies do not work, but rather it is good policy to bring in new ideas. ADJOURNMENT There being no further matters for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 9:58 p.m. Approved as presented by the Council at their meeting held September 17, 2003. BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06 City Council Minutes August 20, 2003 Page 12 Councilmember Garcia further stated that some of the conferences attended by Council Members are in fact resources for seeking additional revenues, for example grants, for the City. Councilmember Garcia requested that staff prepare and distribute monthly reports to the Council on expenses. Councilmember Pacheco agrees that the information as reported by the Tribune was inaccurate. He suggested that the Council send a letter to the Tribune Editor with a request to retract the article as written. Chief Executive Officer Keller stated that there was not an error with respect to total dollars and even the list given to the reporter came directly from the Finance records, and those were all very accurate. There was however, a miscommunication about what those figures were being compared to and the miscommunication was that everything needed to be compared to $5,000 however, that amount is the amount for meeting and conferences only. Indeed, the totals that were given to the press included amounts for things other than conferences that was the mix-up. It was not an error but rather a communication issue. Chief Executive Officer Keller continued by stating that the City should have provided a lot more information. REQUEST BY COUNCILMEMBER OLIVAS POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION ON ESTABLISHING POLICY ON CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCES AND TRAVEL At the request of Councilmember Olivas and by Council consensus, Councilmember Garcia's previous request, directing staff to provide a report, on a monthly basis, of the expenses incurred and issue a warning if members are reaching or getting close to their limitation of $5,000, was approved. It was further agreed that said policy should not be interpreted to mean that the Council cannot exceed the appropriated amount, however he/she may request council approval for additional appropriation of funds. Councilmember Olivas further requested that if a member misses a conference of which staff is unable to obtain a refund for, then that the council member be held accountable for reimbursement of those funds to the City. This item was deferred to a later date. Councilmember Olivas stated for the record, that if a refund were not issued the City for the conferences he has missed, he would be refunding the city the entire amounts charged to the City. REQUEST BY COUNCILMEMBER OLIVAS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON INCREASING RESOURCES TO THE BALDWIN PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT GANG TASK FORCE Councilmember Olivas stated that as policy makers and leaders of the community, many of the programs that are in place concerning gangs do exist however, as policy makers, Councilmember Olivas feels that there needs to be an overarching policy that guides staff and provides a forum for different departments to share resources and that is why he is proposing for council consideration and approval, a program known as Project Bridge, which is building resources and intervention and deterrence for gang engagement. Councilmember Olivas further commented on the recent successful COMNET program which produced numerous gang related arrests, impounding of weapons, drug paraphernalia, stolen BIB] 37895-U01 2003-U02 08-U02 20-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO16119-U03 DO27295-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 10/1/2003-U04 ROBIN-U04 REGULAR-U05 CC-U06