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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 09 19 CC MIN2007 09 19 CC MINHÄ—@¸—ÔÙXþMINUTES CITY OF BALDWIN PARK WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER CITY COUNCIL k 19, 2007 7:00 p.m. COUNCIL CHAMBERS 14403 E. Pacific Avenue Baldwin Park Manuel Lozano, Mayor Marlen Garcia, Mayor Pro Tern Members: Anthony J. Bejarano, David J. Olivas, Ricardo Pacheco Maria Contreras, City Treasurer Susan Rubio, City Clerk The CITY COUNCIL of the City of Baldwin Park met in REGULAR SESSION at the above time and place. CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL Present: Councilmember Bejarano, Council Member Pacheco, Council Member Olivas, Mayor Pro Tern Garcia, Mayor Lozano. Absent: None. Also Present: Vijay Singhal, Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Scher, City Attorney, Manuel Carrillo Jr., Director of Recreation & Community Services, William Galvez, Public Works Director, Chief Lopez, Marie Contreras, City Treasurer, Susan Rubio, City Clerk, Rosemary Gutierrez, Chief Deputy City Clerk. ANNOUNCEMENTS The Council closed the meeting in memory of Ella Touhey, the mother of West Covina Councilmember Mike Touhey and the son of Gloria Fierro, Baldwin Park Women's Club president. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS Joshua Hendricks, Baldwin Park Police Department addressed the Council on the issue of safety in the community, as well as staffing for the Police Department. Detective Mark Adams, Baldwin Park Police Department addressed the Council on the issue of crime rates in the City and several positions within the Department that have been frozen since last year. Detective Adams requested that the Council take a proactive approach to ensure the safety of the residents in the community. He cahllenged the Council to offer the Police Officers' Association what is comparable to other cities and prove their commitment to public safety. Yolanda Serna, Assemblymember Hernandez office thanked Council and staff for the grand opening event of the newly-renovated Senior Center. Ms. Serna also Page 1 of 8 BIB] 40819-U01 2007-U02 09-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112898-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 09 19 CC MINHÄ—@¸—ÔÙXþshared that she was there to voice support for AB 1634, the Healthy Pet Act, and provided an information letter to Council. Bill Hernandez, President of the Baldwin Park Chamber of Commerce acknowledged Chamber member Margaret Salonsen of the Baldwin Park Women's Club. He also announced that the Chamber was looking into conducting a gang-prevention program. Linda Moncada, Relay for Life committee chair, presented the Council with a certificate of appreciation for their efforts to raise money for the Relay for Life event in the City of Baldwin Park. She also announced the next dates for the Relay for Life and invited the Council to attend. AB 1634 Campaign Manager Healthy Pets Act) provided an informational report to the Council. Thomas Carey, Baldwin Park resident, addressed the Council on the issue of street vendors and other miscellaneous matters. Robert Felino, Baldwin Park resident, commented on the statements of the Police Officers that previously addressed the Council and on crime in his neighborhood. Jorge Mesa, Baldwin Park, addressed the Council on the issue of redevelopment in the downtown and voiced his concern about the lack of information being provided to the community. James Dresher, Maine Street, presented the Council with a petition, signed by the Downtown Business Owners, requesting that the downtown development be stopped because the business owners and residents were not adequately informed about the project. Stated that all of the information received was after the fact. He further stated that the criteria for the selection process of the project is unclear. He requested that the Council consider the people's interest first. Cesar Santillian, Baldwin Park resident and business owner commented that the City spent $2.5 million for recreation but no money for police officers. He requested that the City Council cease its plans on the Downtown Develoopment plan and declared his support for the Police Officers. Councilmember Bejarano responded to the comments regarding the crime statistics in the City of Baldwin Park, stating that Wikipedia is a website that anyone can contribute to and the information on it appeared to have been changed. He further stated that crime has gone down in the City. He also commented on the funding for the Arts and Recreation Center and that the Police Department funding is higher than any other expense the City has. Further, the Police Department works very hard and there are admirable people on staff. Paying the officers what they deserve and what the City can afford are two different things. In response to redevelopment, Councilmember Bejarano stated that there have been public meetings that were not well attended, and the RFP was a public Page 2 of 8 BIB] 40819-U01 2007-U02 09-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112898-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 09 19 CC MINHÄ—@¸—ÔÙXþrecord that is open for review. The City is not hiding anything. James Park, Hans Beauty Supply, addressed the Council on the solicitation ordinance and requested that an ordinance be re-written so that it is constitutional and cannot be challenged. Sinmon Guiliken, Business Owner, commented on the day laborer issue and the recently repealed ordinance. He also stated that he was a photographer in the City and had not seen pictures of Councilmember Bejarano. Greg Tuttle, business owner, referred to Councilmember Bejarano's comment that having a Police Department is a luxury. He also expressed concern with proposed downtown redevelopment project. Cecelia Reid addressed the Council in support of Baldwin Park property owners and the Downtown business association. She stated that businesses are coming together to say that they are not happy with what is going on. Leander Tyberg, owner of Primestar Development, commented on his business's desire to be part of the Baldwin Park community and that they were currently in escrow to buy the vacant Albertsons facility. He requested that the City reconsider its rejection of the business. Maria Cash, Baldwin Park resident, addressed the Council on the issue of the redevelopment of the downtown, where she is also a business owner. Antonio Jaurequi, Maine Ave., addressed the Council about the lack of information regarding the downtown development project. He inquired as to how new tenants could be pre-approved and the City rejected their offers to invest in Baldwin Park. Magda Torrellas, Baldwin Park resident, spoke in support of the Police Department. Chris Kuberry, Vice President of the Police Officers Association responded to the comments of Councilmember Bejarano and stated that dismissing the issues of negotiations as irresponsible. Edie Guerra, Gema Jewelery, Maine Avenue, requested clarity on the Council's rejection of the proposed tenant for the now-vacant Albertson's facility. Accurate information should have been communicated to prospective new business owners. Maria Campos, Pacific Avenue, informed the Council about a visit to her residence by a Baldwin Park Code Enforcement Officer Marie Gallo and alleged intimidation. She requested that staff contact the property owner, as she is only the tenant. Ofelia Landa, Pacific Avenue #B, expressed concerns about inspection procedures and requested assistance with the citations that were issued. Carlos Osorio, Ramona Blvd. Business Owner stated that he was not contacted Page 3 of 8 BIB] 40819-U01 2007-U02 09-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112898-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 09 19 CC MINHÄ—@¸—ÔÙXþby the development company. He expressed his opposition to the proposed downtown project. Mayor Lozano apologized to all of the business owners if they, in fact, were not notified. As the elected officials in the City, the Council answers to the 80,000 residents and businesses. Baldwin Park must be prepared for the future. In reference to negotiations, the matter is confidential at this point. The Council is hopeful that the negotiations will be favorably resolved. City Attorney Scher confirmed that the redevelopment is in fact a complex project. She gave an overview of the whole process: City was incorporated in 1956; city adopts a zoning ordinance that establishes basic rules. Those rules remain in effect in spite of the fact or during the whole time that we go through redevelopment process. The issue that was raised by the gentleman from Beverly Hills, stated that the agency has chosen to approve the preapproved tenants. That does not stop that business owner; they can come in under the existing zoning; they will not get redevelopment money but they can put their business in. That doesn't stop that as long as they meet the zoning codes. We now have the basic laws which are the zoning laws which allow to take a part of the existing property taxes and put that money back into the community in order to encourage to develop new property. The Walmart was built that way and so was the IHop. The CRA looked at those areas and saw 30-40 different lots some of which were delapilated and said we need to put money into these properties to get developer interested in property. Agency went out and solicited for request for proposals; We have a redevelopment plan in place which if all is in place, will help developer come in and build something. There was an RFP and Bisno responded. We currently have an exclusive development agreement. This is an agreement that says for a certain period of time we will negotiate with business. Attorney Pannone commented that this time next year there would be an EIR before the Council. There is still one year's worth of work before there is an actual plan in place. Councilmember Olivas stated that his full time job is a redevelopment and city attorney. Has not seen anything that city has done that is out of the ordinary. This is the beginning of a process. An agreement has not been solidified with the developer. City has followed the letter of the law. City is changing style as they progress. City is trying to be more transparent. Councilmember Pacheco commented that he was glad to see everyone here. Redevelopment has been good for the city. Use redevelopment resources to revitalize former Von's location adjacent to the freeway. This process is the beginning. We want input from all as to how we can succeed in making bp a better place to live and work. Process is not transparent. We will ensure that process is transparent. Direct staff to ensure that as many people are informed as needed. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion: Approve CONSENT CALENDAR Page 4 of 8 BIB] 40819-U01 2007-U02 09-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112898-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 09 19 CC MINHÄ—@¸—ÔÙXþMoved by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Garcia. 1. WARRANTS AND DEMANDS City Council received and filed the report. 2. MINUTES City Council approved the minutes of the July 18, 2007 Regular), August 15, 2007 Regular & Special) and August 28, 2007 Special). 3. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT AUGUST 2007 City Council received and filed the report. 4. PROPOSED RECOGNITIONS BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 2007 SEPTEMBER 18, 2007 City Council approved the preparation and presentation of the plaques and certificates as outlined in the staff report. 5. CLAIM REJECTION City Council rejected the claim of Jason MacDonald and directed staff to send the appropriate notices of rejection to the claimant. 6. PROPOSED FACILITY RENTAL FEE INCREASES FOR ARTS AND RECREATION CENTER AND JULIA MCNEILL SENIOR CENTER City Council waived further reading, read by title only and adopted Resolution No. 2007-051 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2006-031 SETTING FEES FOR ISSUANCE, PROCESSING AND FILING OF VARIOUS CITY SERVICES AND PERMITS IN THE CITY, SPECIFICALLY THOSE RELATING TO COMMUNITY CENTER/RECREATION FEES". 7. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL CONCERNING COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND SUPPORT FOR ON-LINE POLICE REPORTING City Council 1) approved the Request for Proposal regarding an online reporting and hosting system; and 2) authorized the Finance Department to make a budget amendment in the amount not to exceed $22,000 from Trust Account 150.00.2159 and to appropriate those funds to the General Fund cost center 100.25.5000; and 3) directed police staff to bring any recommendations for awards of contract to the City Council for final approval. 8. AGREEMENT WITH AMERICAN FORENSIC NURSES, INC. City Council approved the agreement between the City of Baldwin Park and American Forensic Nurses, Inc. for the withdrawal of blood for investigative purposes and authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement. Page 5 of 8 BIB] 40819-U01 2007-U02 09-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112898-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 09 19 CC MINHÄ—@¸—ÔÙXþ9. AUTHORIZATION TO UTILIZE ASSET FORFEITURE FUNDS TO PURCHASE A SWAT ARMORED VEHICLE, RELATED POLICE RADIO EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING City Council 1) waived formal bidding procedures and authorized staff to utilize the GSA pricing agreement; 2) approved the purchase of the SWAT armored vehicle BearCat) from Lenco Company along with related police radio equipment and training; 3) authorized the Chief of Police, in conjunction with the Finance Department, complete a budget appropriation from the Federal Asset Forfeiture Reserve Fund 112.00.4210) in the amount of a. $245,113.49 to Fleet Services 130.58.5745), b) $5,202.30 to Materials & Supplies 100.23.5210) and c) $1,137 to Training 150.00.2183). 10. RIGHT-OF-WAY USE AGREEMENT WITH NEXTG City Council approved the Right-of-Way Agreement with NextG and authorized the Mayor to execute the Agreement. 11. 2nd READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1309 City Council waived further reading, read by title only and adopted on second reading Ordinance No. 1309 entitled, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 1302 AND BALDWIN PARK MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 97.135 THROUGH 97.138 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL SOLICITATION". 12. LOAN FROM GENERAL FUND TO CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT PROJECT AREA City Council approved a loan in the amount of $300,000 from the General Fund to the Central Business District's Redevelopment Project Area Fund. 13. CASH FLOW PROJECTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008 City Council received and filed the report. 14. PRELIMINARY YEAR END REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 City Council received and filed the report. 15. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A MASTER AGREEMENT AND PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTS FOR STATE-FUNDED TRANSIT PROJECTS City Council waived further reading, read by title only and adopted Resolution No. 2007-056 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A MASTER AGREEMENT AND PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTS FOR STATE- FUNDED TRANSIT PROJECTS". REPORTS OF OFFICERS Page 6 of 8 BIB] 40819-U01 2007-U02 09-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112898-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 09 19 CC MINHÄ—@¸—ÔÙXþ16. RESOLUTIONS AFFIRMING THE RESULTS OF THE PROJECT AREA COMMITTEE ELECTIONS CBD & SIERRA VISTA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA CEO Singhal advised Council that notification had been sent to people in the project areas and tht staff ensured that the public was well-informed. Acting Redevelopment Manager Picazo reported to the Council that 23,500 mailings were sent out; six 6) public notices were published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and a total of twenty-two 22) meetings were held from March through September for public outreach. City Attorney Pannone confirmed that all procedures related to the PAC Committees were legally followed. Motion: a a Moved by a, seconded by a. 17. CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENTS TO FILL THE VACANCIES ON THE HOUSING AND THE PERSONNEL COMMISSIONS Motion: Staff recommends City Council Waive further reading, read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 2007-057 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2006-027 APPOINTING AN INDIVIDUAL TO THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, SPECIFICALLY: NORA AGUILA TO OFFICE NO. 6 Tenant) FOR A TERM EXPIRING JUNE 30, 2009; and waive further reading, read by title only and adopt Resolution No. 2007-058 entitled, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2006-028 APPOINTING INDIVIDUALS TO THE PERSONNEL COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BALDWIN PARK, SPECIFICALLY: JOHN BENJAMIN LIRA TO OFFICE NO.4 FOR A TERM EXPIRING JUNE 30, 2009; and NABIL Y. SAMUEL TO OFFICE NO. 5 FOR A TERM EXPIRING JUNE 30, 2009". Moved by Mayor Lozano, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia. * Request by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia for discussion on the following: a) Request for Council support to direct staff to research recently approved State budget key item that provides $6.5 million for three-year competitive grants available to cities and community-based organizations to assist with local anti- gang programs that focus on gang prevention, intervention, re-entry education, job training and skill development, and family and community services Mayor Pro Tern Garcia commented that the State had recently passed the budget and that grants had become available for specific projects. She requested Council support to direct staff to pursue these grant opportunities. There were no objections. * Request by Councilmember Bejarano for discussion on the following: Page 7 of 8 BIB] 40819-U01 2007-U02 09-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112898-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04 2007 09 19 CC MINHÄ—@¸—ÔÙXþa) Request for discussion and direction regarding serving beer and wine at private functions at the Arts & Recreation Center Councilmember Bejarano requested that a report be brought before the Council at the next meeting to consider allowing alcohol at the Arts & Recreation Center. There were no objections. He also requested that a Public Safety ballot initiative be considered to increase funding to the Police Department. ADJOURNMENT There being no other matters for discussion the meeting was adjourned in memory of Ella Touhey and the son of Baldwin Park Women's Club President, Gloria Fierro, at 9:30 p.m. Approved as presented by the Council at their meeting held October 17, 2007. lta ij. A0 aura M. Nieto Deputy City Clerk Page 8 of 8 BIB] 40819-U01 2007-U02 09-U02 19-U02 CC-U02 MIN-U02 LI1-U03 FO8420-U03 FO112462-U03 DO112898-U03 C4-U03 MINUTES1-U03 2/4/2008-U04 ROBIN-U04